^^. :^ o\ iT* ^ W"^ .♦*. '^^d^ :^ .* .iV-^. *, . aV^ •h.. '. •- %<^' • - .0 >°-n^. • ^°^ "^ -^ •'' n^ ... ^ •-*» aT %• * ;.* y"^. I- \' .^°^ •. ; ^0. :^^ ^o. ^:^T^* .0^ "^. -^r^-^ .^^" '^o^ ^:^ Our Presidents' Mothers, Wives AND Daughters AND Some Washington Sermons [THIRD EDITION REV. Thomas Nelson Haskell, A. M., L. H. D. Author of Various L>iterary, Civil and Religious Works; former Pastor in Washing-ton and Boston, University Professor and Founder of Colorado CoUeg-e. (ALL RIGHTS RESERVED) DENVER Carson Harper Company 1901 E\1L ^,-X^' "'-/■' ..U^^wC- V u-^ .■^ APR 1 9 1940 r Oq ^ PREFACE Some Previous Opinions of the Press ''Professor Thomas N. Haskell has had published in a neat volume his poems entitled "The Wives of Our Presidents" and some "Washington Sermons," delivered at the National Capitol immediately pre- ceding and during the period of the Civil war. "The Presidential Sketches" celebrate in stately verse the characteristics of the women who have presided in the "White House," from Martha Washington to Mrs. McKinley, and due homage is paid to the splen- did womanhood that has found a home in the official residence of the nation. The sermons include his first address in the Federal City on "Duty and. In- terest (May II, 1854) ; a "Discourse on Immortality and Its Issues," before President Pierce : "The His- tory of the Bible and Its Influence on Civilization," delivered the night before Buchanan's inaugural, and "God, Providence and the President's Oath." on the eve of Lincoln's first inauguration. Two of the most noted sermons are "The American Soldier's Mission," preached to the "Massachusetts First," just prior to its departure for Washington; and on "Lincoln's Assassination," delivered to the bereft congregation, while the martyr's body was borne west for burial. These addresses reflect the vigorous patriotism and intense national spirit of the time, and suggest the very direct influence the pulpit exer- cised on the thought of that day. The volume is fully illustrated, well printed and bound, and its con- tents will add to Professor Haskell's reputation as an author and a master of a chaste English style." — Rocky Mountain Nezvs (March, igoi.) "The absorbing interest of the American people in the daily life, habits and personality of our Pres- dents, yields occasionally to the popular love and admiration for the Presidents' Wives, 'the first ladies of the land.' This is as it should be ; for most of the presidents have ascribed their success and honors to the influence of wives that inspire and mothers that ennoble. Rev. Dr. Haskell, of Denver, has contributed to literature a valuable book containing poems on our Presidents' Mothers, Wives and Daugh- ters, illustrated with likenesses, and Sermons on questions of great personal and public import, de- livered at various times by the author while a pastor in Washington and Boston. The Poems treat the happy and distinctive phases of the historic female characters described, and there is, sometimes swing- ing, sometimes stately, rythm to the verse which at- tracts and holds attention. The entire work is inter- esting reading." — Denver Times (May, 1901). "Our Presidents' Mothers, Wives and Daughters," by the Rev. Thomas Nelson Haskell, A. M., L. H. D. (sometime of Washington and Boston, now of Denver), has been exhausted in the first edition and will soon be reissued. Dr. Haskell is very happy in his chosen vehicle of verse for these sketches ; and his book — which also contains "Some Washington Sermons" — is a unique and choice contribution to American literature. Many of his poems are notable for their beauty, and the sermons are mines of thought." — Denver Post (May, iQOi). Rev. Dr. Haskell has brought out another issue of his "Washington Sermons and Presidential Women." The book is neatly bound and printed, and has gone quickly into the third edition, indicat- ing its deserved popularity. Professor Haskell is master of a pure and vigorous style, and his poetry has won favorable comment from critics on both sides of the Atlantic. His sketches of the Presidents' Wives and Mothers are in metrical form and are admirable condensations of the personal character- istics of these devoted women, from Mary Wash- ington to Mrs. McKinley. His Washington Sermons represent the cream of his thought during his pastor- ates at the Nation's Capital and in Boston, and are studious and scholarly efforts that make exceedingly interesting reading. His famous reply to Redpath's Eulogy of Jefferson Davis is also included, and the volume contains the author's affecting correspond- ence with Secreary Long about Ensign Bagley of North Carolina, the first victim of our Spanish war. — Denver Republican (June, 1901). Special Correspondence Dknver. Colo., June 30. Tgoo. Rev. Dr. Haskell: Dear Professor — At a recent meeting of "The Colorado Poets and Authors' Club," a committee was appointed to wait upon you with the request that you publish your" new books, especially the epic on the Race Problem, entitled "The Dark Secret/' under our auspices. The manuscript read before us was ornate, eloquent and instructive, and we greatly desire its early gift to the reading public. Hoping you will accede to our earnest wishes in this regard, I am, very respectfully, Ida L. Gregory, President Poets and .lutliors' Club. To the Honored President and Committee of the Poets and Authors' Club, Denver: Dear Friends — Your united oral and written re- quest has my grateful regard. My book on the Race Question, should not be published till the South African war is over ; I therefore submit now for your patronage my small rythmic manual on "The Mothers, Wives and Daughters of our Presidents," devoting a compact page to each. Their half-toned likenesses have been copied chiefly from Mrs. Hal- loway's excellent work on the "Women of the White House," and will be useful to all concerned. Re- spectfully yours, T. N. Haskell, L. H. D. Denver, July 4, igoo. Our Presideutj' A\otbers By th^ir A*\2ii^er> /Szirp^s Mother of George Washington Mary Ball Mother of John Adams Susanna Boylston Mother of Thomas Jefferson Jane Randolph Mother of James Madison Nellie Conway Mother of James Monroe Kliza Jones Mother of John Quincy Adams .... Abigail Smith Mother of Andrew Jackson . . Elizabeth Hutchinson Mother of Martin Van Buren Maria Hoes Mother of Wm. H. Harrison .... Elizabeth Bassett Mother of John Tyler Mary Armistead Mother of James K. Polk Jane Knox Mother of Zachary Taylor Sarah Strother Mother of Millard Filmore Phoebe Millard Mother of Franklin Pierce Anna Kendrick Mother of James Buchanan Elizabeth Speer Mother of Abraham Lincoln Nancy Hanks Mother of Andrew Johnson .... Mary McDonough Mother of Ulyses S. Grant Hannah Simpson Mother of Rutherford B. Hayes . . Sophia Burchard Mother of James A. Garfield Eliza Ballou Mother of Chester A. Arthur Malvina Stone Mother of Grover Cleveland Anna Neil Mother of Benjamin Harrison .... Elizabeth Irwin Mother of Wm McKinley . Nancy Campbell Allison Our Presidents' Wives, MOTHERS AND DAUGHTERS. PREFATORY NOTICE. Our Presidents' Wives, Mothers and Daughters have (save one) been Bible-reading women, from their youth up; and so their excellence and strength of character have been superior and uniform. In portraying them in verse (to avoid imitating others) I have conformed the pages to my book on " Bible Women," and written for both common and cultivated people, trying to teach alike ethic truth and esthetic taste, so as to enter- tain, instruct and elevate the diversity of readers. In politics the book is absolutely impartial; in religion it is uasectarian, in all things fair. It goes forth now in the hope to help make American home-life happier, purer, nobler, because of the notable examples it gives at the head of the Nation, and the humble habitations whence thej' emerged into usefulness and honor. While the "poetical exaggerations" may be consid- ered too eulogistic generally, the tendency of these sketches will be to awaken a wider sympathy of society for the women provi- dentially exalted to high stations from among us and to increase our respect for all our own Christian people, especially if they be poor yet pious and patriotic. Mary Washington was hoeing in her garden in homespun, with a straw hat on, when LaFayette called to bid her farewell, and she received him without chang- ing her raiment. Nancy lyincoln and Eliza Garfield were peers in poverty, piety and virtue, and the number of widows' children elevated to Presidential office is indeed wonderful. As the Sign- ers of "The Declaration of Independence," the " Framers of the American Constitution," and the men so far chosen as our Chief Magistrates, have been remarkably providential, so have their wives been divinely ordained and worthy; and if my readers will study their long line of succession as reverently as I have, I am sure they will arise from their reading the richer in personal ambition to be useful and resigned to the wise purposes of the world's Overruler. All women can't be Wives of Presidents; but they can fill some .sphere — as humble yet as great as that of the Widow Gar- field in her cabin at the edge of her little cornfield. Then let no poor widow, or sorely-oppressed woman give up to despair in this day of great from small things. Remember how poor was the earth's infant Redeemer, and let the Mothers, Wives and Daughters of the great American Presidents inspire you hence- forth to thank God and take courage. Our Christian people are kings and priests unto God. There are none wiser or greater the world over. God bless the Christian Mothers, Wives and Daughters of America, T. N. H. Denver, April, 1892. X o z ^ ll "MARY, MOTHER OF WASHINGTON." [Washington's Mother may well lead the long- list of Bible- reading women who have, so far, borne and married our Ameri- can Presidents. She, as Mary Ball, was born in 1706, married widower Augustine Washington in 1730, and in 1743 was left a widow with six children. The oldest of these was George, a lad of twelve years, who read to her the Bible and "Sir Matthew Hale's Moral and Divine Contemplations." She followed her son with her daily prayers until he became President, when she died of cancer, in 1789.] (Read Ps. cxlvi, 9; Prov. xv, 25.) As "Mary, Mother of Washington" — The epitaph upon her tomb — Derives its signal from her son, Who was held "sacred from her womb," And rose defender of the right. Till all mankind's his monument, We look with reverent delight Upon her teaching his intent. The Mother of the Father of America Was left a widow; George, her oldest child, Was so well bred to her safe will obey Great Britain's grandeur ne'er the boy beguiled. He sat beside her, bearing in his hand A proud commission — the "midshipman's" pride — Which would have borne him where his native land Could never get his good, calm hand to guide. America, or England to prefer? — His Mother views this vast emergency, As if the widow's God was guiding her. To see and feel some future destiny. Maternal wisdom weighs his motives well, With head-and-heart-work of Sir Matthew Hale, Till sweet ambitions his obedience swell. And the "command with promise" doth prevail. (Eph. vi, 2) Their fervent piety — hers fed by prayer, His by her love — forever saved this land ! Whence let these always live thus everywhere; For the United States still on them stand. This nation lives by virtue of that law Of Faith, and Prayer, and Filial Piety. Th' endurance of old China had to draw Life from this law's longevity; So Mary Washington the world hath taught To "teach youth sacred Truth, and sell it not ! " 4 OUR PRESIDENTS' WIVES, MARTHA, WIFE OF WASHIXGTON. [The young widow, Martha Ciistis, married George Wash- ington in"i759, in her 29th year, and died in 1801. She, like his mother, was a Bible reading woman. A late notice says: "The Family Bible of Martha Washington! Price, $5,000. The vol- ume is a thick quarto, bound in plain calf and covered with strong un-bleached linen of home manufacture. Her autograph appears in three places: Martha Washington, her book, 1789," — received apparently from his dying mother, according to date.] (Read of Mary and Martha, Luke x, John xi ) "Jesus loved Mary ! Martha, too;" And so these names now handed down, Are found m nations not a few, And often grown to great renown. The Bible names, that thus have been, Selected for earth's famous seats, Suggest how often it is seen. That history itself repeats. But more — Behold these Bible Madames both. With their home-Bible handsome and well bound, And holdit]g even their household, age and troth, And daily read, indeed, all years around! Mark well those women, in the wilderness, And watching, day and night o'er distant war; In their deep hearts of helpful tenderness. Both fancy battles booming fierce and far ! What can support in w^ar a constant wife But Christ, who cured the sword's keen cruel wound, Before he, loving, went to lay down life, Amid such dreadful darkness so profound, The sun in Heaven in sorrow hid his face, And all the earth groaned in its agony. At his great grief, that gave to us his grace, And our Republic all prosperity ? Well, Martha Washington Christ's hostess was; She welcomed him unto her wounded heart; When there came peril to her country's cause. She read and plead till he did help impart — Now, lo ! "America's Immanuel's land!" Here, every daj', where praying households are, Maternal council moves at his command, And prospered life proceeds, led on by prayer — But here is something hard to understand: How Congress moved to ask at Martha's hand Her husband's grave ! and she grants their demand ! MKS. PREST. WASHINGTON. MRS. PREST. .70HN ADAMS. MOTHERS AND DAUGHTERS. 5 ABIGAIL ADAMS, WIFE OF THE SECOND PRESIDENT. [Abigail (Smith) Adams, a descendant of John Quincy, and daughter and granddaughter of Congregational ministers, was born in Weymouth, Mass , in 1744; married John Adams in 1764; was the first Lady of the White House i8oo-i; was honored as a model Bible woman of the first order, and so adored by her heirs, that her son John Quincy said near his death: "I've prayed my infant prayer every night till now." She died in 1818, having been, as her name implies, '"her father' s joy ;'' her husband's aid and her country's pride.] (Read Ps. xxiii and I. Samuel, xxv.) See that young dame, near Dorchester! She's luatchin^ Washington bombard The town of Boston! Look at her! She's zuorthy of a zvorld'' s regard. Could you but stand where "Abby" stood, Recounting there the canon's roar, You would thank God for sounds so good, And mind that music evermore. For when the Britons fled that Boston town, Howe rung above the happy bells of heaven; His hand our Christian Liberty did crown, And left, to work in all the world, her leaven. Thence "Abby Adams" — in her healthy veins Flowing both Quincy and quite sacred blood — Surveyed her Country's sacramental plains, And in God's name pronounced the prospect good. At home, abroad, happy was she, and brave; 'Twas Christian courage breathed within her breast; She sought, in all her life, our liberty to save, And, blending faith with hope, w^as highly blest. The pride of the proud "Second President," Who consecrates the White House with his care, She is renowned as its first resident, And daily practiced there their household prayer. Her sons she taught: " I lay me down to sleep! " 'Twas said so warmly while they were so young, That one, when President, prayed still: "Lord keep My soul ! " — with reverential word and tongue. "The old man eloquent" ne'er entered bed Till, with a tender grace, he talked with God, And the son's infant words in faith were said. We bring with this that Mother's words abroad, And say: "Thiswoman had aWebster's heart and head" Whose faithful words and deeds will be forever read! 6 OUR PRESIDENTS' WIVES, PRESIDENT JEFFERSON'S WIFE AND DAUGHTERS. [Mrs. Martha (Wayles) Skelton was born in Virginia, 1749, second marriage to Thomas Jefferson, 1772, died 1782. Of her five children, two, INIartha and Mary, aided their father in the White House. The younger Mary (Eppes) died in 1804 and Martha (Randolph) died in 1836. These daughters were educated in a French Convent, and though Martha wished at one time to be a nun, she afterwards wrote against celibacy and transub- stantiation, and the three lived and died devout Episcopalians and derived comfort from the fact that President Jefferson when afflicted was found with the Bible in his hands.] (Read Psalm XLVi, and John v. 39 ) Of our Third President, the wife, Who loved him like idolatry, And to his labors toned her life, Bore him five children tenderly. Of these, two daughters seemed divine; So we've two sisters and the saint That bore them, all benign, And called from earth without complaint. Two Marthas and one Mary mark the page; Three women buoyant, beautiful and wise, Imbued with the best ideas of their age, Raised high in rank as women e'er could rise. To these three Bible women's beauteous lives We're pleased to pay warm tribute in its place, Because they three became those thrifty wives That grow to ripeness in redeeming grace. Two passed from earth to endless Paradise Before the Sire and President had left the scene; Hence, when to God he did himself demise. He left his ^'IMartha'" to his countrymen. So ' 'Martha Randolph' ' soon was made the theme Of his dear country's thankful, kindest thought; Yet not so good 'twould seem as God Supreme, Nor have her hei rs been ho nored as they ought. Lo ! this coincidence let us afiix: When Jefferson and Adams joined decree, On July fourth of seventeen sevent)'-six, That the United States be thenceforth free, They hardly thought just half a century, On eighteen twenty six's natal day. They'd pass together to eternit}- — But so it was; both wise men passed away ! One said: "I give myself to God !" and died; "Let Independence live !" the other cried; Then Adams passed t' his patriot brother's side ! PREST JKFFERSON S DAUGHTER, MARTHA. (MRS. RANDOLPH.) MRS. PRKST. JAMES MADISON. MOTHERS AND DAUGHTERS. 7 MRS. PRESIDENT JAMES MADISON. [I^Irs. Dorothy (Payne) Madison, was born of anti-slavery Quaker parents in North Carolina in 1767. She was educated in Philadelphia, married John Todd, in 1786, and as his widow became Mrs. Madison in 1794. She accompanied her hus- band into the White House, in her 34th year, and showed great fortitude when the President was a fugitive and the White House and Capitol were in flames. She was then the most pop- ular person in America. Her onlj' sorrow was her dissolute son ! She died in 1849.] (Read Absalom and Prodigal Son, L,uke xv., and II Samuel, xviii, 33.) This model, Madamk Madison, Americans have much admired, As if by Mesdames Washington And Adams, both, she'd been inspired. In her tried character and true, There's something that is so unique, So hearty and so handsome, too. Spontaneously itself doth speak. How rolicsome and rubicund she was With all the children whom she chanced to meet ! Respectful to those making speeches, laws, And letters sent to foreign monarchs' seat. How more than happy she made potentates. And gave to each grand welcome as her guests, And won renown in our United States, And every land where our diploma rests ! 'Twas wonderful, her wise ability — — Adaptability' s the better word — Her duties were of such diversity, And some of which herself had never heard ! How quenchless piety and quickening power Sustained her supreme equanimity, That hated, hot, humiliating hour Her " Mansion " burned with British enmity ! Still what a blending of all excellence In rites religious which her life regards; A woman pious, yet without pretense, Allowing that this Earth is all the I^ord's. She worshiped with a warm and sharing heart, With all true lovers of her wondrous Lord, In whose atonement she profe?sed a part, And reverent waited on his righteous Word ! Yet all life long she wept her wayward sou, As David over Absalom had done ! 8 OUR ^RESIDENTS' WIVES, MRS. PRESIDENT JAMES MONROE. [It was in 1789 Miss Eliza Cortright married in New York> Senator James Monroe, of Virginia, and afterward attended him to the greatest number of important public offices at home and abroad, ever awarded an American citizen. She was a worthy- wife of such a man, and mother of his children , Eliza and Maria, who married well and were also modest and faithful mothers. She died in 1830 and her husband July 4, 1831. Her most distin- gui=;hing deed was the deliverance from death of Marchioness de La Fayette, and, as a consequence, liberating La Fa^^ette him- self, who thence lived and came to this country last in 1825.] (Read: "I was sick and in prison and ye came unto me." Matt. XXV.) America's Ambassadress Seems sent across the. sea in time To blend our thoughts and thanks to bless Those crushed with chains but without crime. In Europe had a crisis risen; There La Fayette in dungeon lay; In Paris was his wife in prison, Expecting death on any day! The livery of our Minister there led one morn The woman from the Western world and free Whom Marchioness de La Fayette forlorn Would sooner than all other women see; For, through her kindness, life for death there came; Then our Ambassadors The Marquis, too, unbound And La Fayette's noble, defeated name Was raised from fetters to respect profound ! Here's joy enough, to have been judged of Heaven, The harbinger of such a help and hope, When France to frenzy and despair was driven By \yi^ great "Corporal" and "gracious Pope." And such this holocaustic Heroine, Whose husband ministered at highest courts, Declared her mission seemed almost divine; And so the people thought from such reports. Madame Monroe the Master thus obeyed; She, as He prompted, to the pris'ners came; And doubtless other deeds if all arrayed, Would lend still fuller lustre to her fame. Her daughters twain, Eliza and Maria, Were wives and mothers modelled after her. And, like the Mission of their Lord Messiah, They professed faiths that would wise deeds prefer; And in the White Housa what all did was wise; Their parts well acted; there the honor lies! 4 MRS. PREST. JAMES MONROE. MRS. PREST, JOHN Q. ADAMS. MRS. PREST. .lA.MKS MONROE. MRS. PREST. JOHN (.} ADAMS MOTHERS AND DAUGHTERS. 9 MRS. PRESIDENT JOHN QUINCY ADAMS. [This Bible Woman born of American parents, in London, 1775, as Miss Louisa Catherine Johnson, married the American Minister, John Quincy Adams in 1797. She wrote his father: " The systems of the ancients have been qnite out of my reach excepting- Plato's Dialogues, which I have read attentively. With modern philosophers 1 have become more familiar; but / have never seen anything that would compare with the chaste and exquisitely simple doctrines of Christianity." She gave her hushand three sons and a daughter aud was Mistress in the Executive Mansion when La Fayette was for two weeks their g-uest. She died in 1852.] (Read cxv. P.^alm ) When LaFayette became the gtiest At the proud home of Presidents, The Mistress who had been most blest With means to watch wise men's intents, There welcomed him, with heart so warm, And ways so gen'rous and so just, As both ovir Champion to charm And toward his wrongs turn deep disgust. 'Twas our fifth President's high privilege To welcome LaFayette thus to the land Which he had helped to save from hostile siege; And these two statesmen there before us stand: "With love surpassing that of women," they Embrace and weep, in wise yet broken words; When time hath come for them to part, they say: " Let all acknowledge: 'Nations are the Lords!' " I wonder that no limner ever laid Before the world this scene of that Farewell, When LaFayette profoundest tribute paid For days there spent where our Chief rulers dwell! Lo! as they stand, the Lord's own angel stood In person of the Mistress President, With face so godly, in effect so good, Her very soul seemed as a vision sent. In all her varied life her virtties shone, Whether in White House, or at Foreign Court, Her noble culture was confessed and known, But as with Sheba's Queen, it past report. 'Twas Mistress Adams' main ambition then To use her knowledge of nations and things To make more potent all true public men, And crown the Christ alone as King of Kings! But there have often in that Mansion been Such scenes more sacred than are elsewhere seen? 10 OUR PReSIDENTS' WIVES, MRS. RACHEL JACKSON, WIFE OF OUR VI. PRESIDENT. [Mrs. President Jackson, w^^Miss Rachel Donelson, was born in Virginia, 1767; removed at 12 to Tennessee, where she married her second husband. Col. Jackson, in 1794: accompanied him as first Governor of Florida, where she secured the observance of the Sabbath and regular public worship, and to Washington as Senator, but between Jackson's election and inauguration as President, she overheard some remarks about a long-ago duel which so shocked her sensibility that she died soon after ; and. her niece, Mrs. Emily Donelson, was mistress of the White House in her stead. She died Dec. 22, 182S.] (Her funeral text: "The Righteous shall be in Everlasting Remembrance." Ps.cxii,6) Those who've wandered down a river, Gathering wild flowers on its bank, Where the water-cresses quiver, And wild deer so lately drank. Can appreciate perfect nature That inspired the pioneers, And will fancy every feature Fitted to cast out their fears. So it was not all in native courage; But the God of Nature gave to know They might freely in his forests forage. And himself had sometimes taught them how. With this spirit sped the winsome maiden, Down the rivers to the forest region, On a flat-boat, full of bounties laden — Yet the priceless thing was their religion ! — (Her father's Journal read: "A voyage by God's permission.") Through afflictions, like a furnace heated. She became the helpmeet of ''Old Hick'ry,'' And beside him wdth aff"ection seated. Viewed well-pleased applaudits of his vict'ry; Then, in sight the Presidential Mansion, She heard words so wanton and so cruel. They surpassed ambition's safe expansion. And she fell, like "Dickinson" in duel ! Then the mighty, joyless man and "Gen'ral," Chastened as one stript of wife and children, Hastened from her sad and famous fun'ral To preside o'er a protesting cauldron, Cheered no little by her niece and nephew, Who, as Clerk and Mistress in that Mansion, Help't the Ruler in his "Public Review," Soothed and softened oft his sore intention, And with him, through faith in "Rachel's Savior'* Passed at last to God, The Father's favor ! :^-mf^T^' . .V^,. A MKS. PKKST. ANDREW .JACKSON. MRS. PREST. MAKTIN VAN BUREN. MOTHERS AND DAUGHTERS. H MRS. HANNAH (HOES) VAN BUREN. [Mrs. Van Buren, nee Miss Hannah Goes (Hoes,) was born in Kinderhook, N. Y , 1782, was school male of Martin Van Bnren whom she married in 1807 She died in 1819, leaving her devoted husband to enter the White House — like General Jackson — as a widower. She was a deeply pious, Bible reading mother of five children. , Her accomplished daughter-in-law, Angelica (Single- ton) VanBuren, was cousin of the renowned Mrs. Madison, and through her becante mistress of the White House, honored and loved, at home and abroad.] (Read the xc. Psalm.) The name of "Hoes" is Kinderhook's (Or "Goes" around that ''gud all'' town) It hath been found in household books, As upright and of pure renown. There Hannah Hoes, a handsome lass, Was the loved belle of all the ville; In school she headed every class, — Save one indomitable will ! That overmatching will was "Martin Van," Whose galantry she loved as kind and good, And when he passed to be a public man, In chairs of state, his chosen bride she stood. So happy were they in their hearts and home, Their bliss was unto all that knew them blest; For those who could unto their presence come Have never tired their home-life to attest. There "Mistress Van" had most majestic views Of God and duty on each given day; And so befitting did her Bible use. She bade her children read it and obey ! She early seemed not long to live on earth, Her conversation had caught up to heaven; So when she went away, so real her worth, Van Buren wept and said: ''She, we are seven .^"' ( Wordsworth. He never looked for her dear like again ! However wiley may have been his ways, Whatever burdens bore upon his brain, He loved "Dear Hannah" all his living days ! And now that picture needs this added part: His Son's pure wife, worthy a second place. Came to the White House, and so near his heart She granted her exquisite courtly grace To his high ofiice with her ornate, helpful art — HerCousin, Mistress Madison, "Calling the start I"" 12 OUR PtiESIDENTS' WIVES, MRS. PRESIDENT WM. HENRY HARRISON. [Mrs. Anna (Symms) Harrison was born in New Jersey, 1775; moved to Ohio, 1794; married Capt. Harrison, 1795 ; accompanied him to Congress, and to the Governor's seat, but not to ''the Executive Mansion." She had borne so many children and burdens for them ; had shared so many pioneer and polemic hardships, that in Feb., 184 1, she was not able to go to Washing- ton. She was in every way a model woman, and her numerous progeny will ever praise her memory. She died in 1864, select- ing for her funeral text: Ps. xlvi.,10: "Be still and know that I am ■God."] Here Mistress Harrison appears Both model, and a beau ideal; From early youth for eighty years, Religious life with her was real. In form and fact she's beautiful; And her aflaauces are fit; A hero true — no traitor Hull — i'oth won her hand, and worshiped it. Of all the Bible Women in the West— And there are noble millions of them now, — That brave old Chieftain's wife was of the best. And her religion wreathed his upright brow. Taught by her Eible and by nature both. So never once her wisdom seemed to cease; With Christian truth and faith she'd kept her troth; In all his periods of war and peace. The wondrous wilds in the deep western woods, Blending the scenes of bloody savage strife, "With wastes by famine, forest-fires and floods, Intensified the factors of their life, 'Till character, when " Christ is formed within " In such associations as they sought, Became God's baricade against all sin And built a conscience that could not be bought! There's something that's sublimely sweet In 'Mother Harrison's" own modest home ! There, she like Mary sat at Jesus' feet. And yet, like Martha, served all guests that come; And in her patience, when in grief and pain, She felt affliction's hand upon her pressed. She was, though widowed, willing to remain Till Heaven's time come to cill her home to rest; There's not in her life's story the least stain; Nor quite her equal among queeiis that reign ! PKKST. VAN BUBEN'S DAUGHTER-IN-LAW (NEE MISS SINC4LETON) \» MRS. PREST. JOHN TYLEK. MOTHERS AND DAUGHTERS. 13: MRS. PRESIDENT JOHN TYLER. [Mrs. IvCtitia (Christian) Tyler, a lover of music and other- fine arts, was born in Cedar Grove, Va., 1779; married John Tyler, 1813; was mother of seven children, one of which says: "My first memory is that she taught me my letters from the family Bible." She died in the White House, September, 1842. In June, 1844, her husband took young Miss Julia Gardner, late from a convent in New York, to serve as wife and mistress in the White House. The only one who seems not to have been through life, a sincere Bible-reader. She died July 10, 1889.] (Read the Ixvi. Psalm.) There's music in the march of years; There's music in the moving seas; There's music of the mighty spheres, And breaths of music in the breeze; There's music in our fights and fears, And music of mellifluous bees; There's music in the drop of tears, And music by the birds in trees; But rythm of loving, rounded, beauteous lives Of matron heads of model families. All way as maidens, women, mothers, wives, Hath music here of heaven's sweet melodies. Madame Letitia Tyler's mother-love, From early life until her death at last. Her practical and pious home-life prove; Her ''Christian''' name was in her nature cast. Her social labors, so much loved and sought, Her love-born character, so biblical, Her Bible teaching as one Bible-taught, Made her whole mission here seem musical. Her death — where Harrison had lately died ! — In contrast with the "Gun Catastrophe," And bringing in of dancing and a bride. Have put her name high up in history! Whatever hath been spoken of her spouse, So honored and selected to high place, Whatever, after, was in the White House, This Mistress Tyler's grandest mead was grace. This Christly daughter of a "Christian" man, Most beautiful in body and in mind. Whose life like rythmical love sonnets ran. Whose memory will honor woman kind, A very sweet and lovely "psalm of life," Will be "John Tyler's beautiful first wife; " Nor for her place let school girls enter strife! 14 OUR PRESIDENTS' WIVES, MRS. PRESIDENT JAMES KNOX POLK. [Mrs. Sarah (Childress)Polk wasbornnearMurphreysborough, Tenn., in 1803, and lived and died childless. She was educated in a N. C. Moravian Seminary; married Mr Polk in 1822; and with him entered the White House in 1845, where she filled her office of President's wife with equal felicitj' and fidelity. She sj'mpa- thized with her husband's devotion to the Union and with the South's endeavor to distroy it. She received G. A. R. and other conventions delightfully, just before her death in 1891.] (Read Job xxviii., 12-28.) Perhaps no person ever was More truly an American^ Thau Mistress Polk, in every cause That might first help her fellow man. She was well balanced, wise and brave, Made up of dignity divine And sympathy that seeks to save, And^ helps the Heavenly sun to shine. Queenly in person, quiet, self possessed, With elegance and equipoise, and grace. She gave each guest at once to feel at rest; For a fair beam of light's about her face! She stood like " Emma Donelson " in state, A cultured Teiinessean, kind and true, Whom nothing ever seems to so elate, She did not know " exactly " what to do. She played, always, a wise and prudent part, With no propensity to put on airs; For the world's history she knew by heart, •■ And was familiar with modern affairs. In company she could her powers command; No diplomat said what she seemed to doubt; No statesman's words but she would understand. And be mistress of all they talked about. And when she left the White House for her home, Her courteous hospitality, still kind. With Christian spirit spoke to such as come, In friendly dignity no less refined. And during all that wicked dreadful war, While her warm symathies were with her "South," She never made a sign one's sense to mar, And no irrev'rent mood rushed from her mouth. When Fed'ral Educators from afar Stood near, they saw still bright her evening star. And Heaven's dear "Beulah Land" seemed beck'ning her! MRS. PBEST. .TAMES K. P01.lv. MOTHERS AND DAUGIlTl;RS. 15 MRS. PRESIDENT ZACHARY TAYLOR. [Mrs. Margaret (Smith) Taylor was a Maryland farmer's daughter, distinguished for her Christian simplicity of character and" common sense. She married Captain Taylor in iSio, and showed a wonderful devotion to her wifely duties, until her hus- band's death in the Executive Mansion, July gth, 1850. Her daughter "Bessie," Mrs Elizabeth Bliss, did for her most of the duties of "Lady of the White House." Mrs Taylor died in Aug- ust, 1852, possessed of the same kindly, Bible-loving spirit she had borne from early life.] (Read Proverbs, xxxi.) The loved simplicity of life, And marvelous sincerity Of "Rough and Ready's" royal wife, Should pass to our posterity, To teach a lesson long to last, Like a perpetual legacy, That never yet hath been surpassed. And possibly will never be. When she first left her shantied, live-stock farm. In her melodious, happy Maryland, Her child-like ways were full of healthy charm. And "Captain Taylor" captured heart and hand. Their hearts and hands were held thence close and warm Until his death into The White House came; And first to last, she did her part perform Without a thought of future wealth or fame. The sweet unselfishness that swayed her soul. When suff 'ring soldiers felt her sympathy, Where cruel savages had kept control. Till her "old Indian Fighter's" victory, Or coming filled with wounds from foreign wars, Was like her Savior's hand with healing touch; And how she honored "honorable scars," Because our bravest men "had borne so much ! " And where she swooned at touch of the death-sweat Upon her husband's broad and massy brow, A faithful country cannot soon forget, Although too little thought of, even now. But as she aided others to adore The God of battles and of good behest. Let Margaret Taylor live forever more ; For blessing many be her memory blest ! And "Bessy Taylor"! what a ''Bliss'' was she ; Most happy model, in her ministry ! 16 OUR PRI^IDENTS' WIVES, MKS. PRESIDENT MILLARD KILLMORE. [Mrs. Fillmore— «(?<' Miss Abigail Powers, was born in Still- water, N. Y., in 1798. Her father was a distinguished Baptist minister, but died in her first year, leaving her to the joint care of her mother and the widow's God. This however secured to her even a better education than her illustrious husband's, who had the superhuman benefits of her Bible-nurtured society, from their marriage in 1S26, till her death soon after leaving the White House, March, 1S53. She left with him one son and daughter and a vast sympathetic populace to mourn her loss.] (Read Deuteronomy X, 18; xiv, 29; xvi, 11; xxiv, 19-21.) Another "Abigail" appears; Another widow's child we have, To show how those who sow in tears Beside a parent's parting grave, May yet fulfill their *' father's joy," And with rejoicing may return Where the}- were once a girl or boy. And life renew, review and learn. For so, the Fillmore family are found To take us back to poverty and pain; Thence to behold what benefits abound Where there was born the wealth of heart and brain. The pious thirst of "Abby Powers" for thought, Her thorough knowledge of earth's noble things Which she obtained, and unto others taught. Would fit a Christian to consort with kings. The ways she helped her husband to achieve, The honors which they two so aptly won. Were beneficial fully to believe, That we do well as all the wise have done. Like Mistress Adams, first in the White House, Here Madame Fillmore of majestic form, With righteous indignations that arouse. Had a wdse head, and heart as wise as warm. Then, to her daughter Mary, she might turn In any time of need for hostess aid; For she was learn 'd, as well as apt to learn, America's own model of a maid ! 'Twas so equipt. The Fillmore's, side by side, With their distinguished daughter, entered in, Where Zachary Taylor had so lately died, And well united did new honors win; To bare apartments suited books supplied, And lived a beauteous home-life^ beside! MRS. PREST. FILLMORE, MOTHERS AND DAUGHTERS. 17 PRESIDENT FII.LMOKE'S DAUGHTER. [Miss Mary Al)ijfail Fillmore was born in Buffalo in 1832 and died of Cholera, iSs4 She was teaching public school when called by the Tresideiit to act at 22 as lady of the White House. A local paper says; "She was always governed by a sense of religious duty and her relations to her Creator and Savior were constantly in her thoughts; and young as she was, she did much to lay the' foundation of a mode of social life more kind, cultured and genuine As her beaming intelligence rises before us, it suggests only Hjw good ! how Kind I and she is gone !"j (See xc, PS. 12.) Pause here, O American maiden ! And study Ibis model in vState; Whose beautiful life was so laden With fortune soon severed by fate. Stand b}' her, in casket there sleeping, Mid mates of her modest young years, Where the vStates are all standing round weeping And the Nation is now shedding tears ! Look back o'er that life in its beaiity — A mirror in which see thy face — All radiant with devotion to duty, Adorned with both learning and grace. What heights "nea'h the halo of fame. She gilded with goodness and skill. And left Xh^re filled full as her name — The story of her excellence still ! While going thence forth to her grave, Remember her Vv'isdom and worth; How bright was her spirit and brave. How lowly her ancestral birth ! //rr life was like thine, howe'er lowly; Let thine be like her's at its best; Then d3'ing — or quick I3' — or slowly, Thy mem'ry like her's may be blest ! All the world ! look ye on this loved picture Of life-fruit in this land of the free; Of crowned heads who inherit no stricture But the best of free beings to be ! What a contrast if none could be queen, But a scion of some dame and sire. Whose seedy successions are seen, And to which but their heir may aspire, No matter how hateful and mean Their character and conduct have been ! 13 OUR PRgfelDKNTS' WIVES, MRS. PRESIDENT FRANK PIERCE. [Mrs. Jane Meaus Pierce, who resembled Jonathan Edwards, was the daughter of President Appleton, D. D., of Bowdoiu College, Me., and born March 12, 1806. She married Mr. Pierce, 1834, and with him entered the White House in March, 1853. As one has well said: " It is no disparagement to others to claim for her there unsurpassed dignity and grace, delicacy and purity in all that pertains to public life. There was a Christian home, quietly and constantly maintained in the Executive Mansion while she was its mistress." She died in Audover, Mass., in 1863, saying among her last words: "Jesus, Lover of my Soul, let me to thy bosom fly. "J (See Rev. xiv. 13.) America's best mother-mind, Most ethical and most ornate, Most feminine and most refined, Most studious of her moral state, Most helpful to her husband's heart, Most flexile in afflictions fierce, — Until she panted to depart — That "Mother-Mind" was Madame Pierce! Not that she was all mind-ethereal; Though intellectual, she lived to los'e. With model form of fine material, And beaming eyes, like Edward's, lit above. And yet those eyes had shed full shares of tears; From infancy she'd often been bereft, Had buried children in their budding years, Till loving " Bennie's " all that they have left. And when at last, they to the White House went, They had yet this one treasure more to yield, To fit Frank Pierce in full for President — They laid " fond Bennie " in the buried field ! The people gave them the best gift they had. But coming to it caused this keenest grief, It took the life of that as loving lad As e'er was born of sanctified belief Hence Pierce's bold Inaugural began By speaking of this " bitter sorrow " borne When on their way to this last gift of man — Full many tears there fell with them to mourn. 'Twas in such sorrow — not a soul could know — When Mrs. Pierce made her appearance where Some souls had lately suffered nearly so — 'Twas thus she came and served her country there! Through wearisome ordeals this woman went, The Peerless Wife of a proud President! PRESIDENT JAMKS BUCHANAX'S XIKCK (miss HARKIKTT I.ANK) MOTHERS AND DAUGHTERS. I9 MISS HARRIIiT LANE, BUCHANAN'S NIECE, AND LADY OF THE WHITE HOUSE. [Presideut Buchanan left the White House a bachelor ; the first celibate Executive, and we hope the last one. His favorite niece. Miss Lane, whom he had educated from early orphanage, was called to serve as the President's lady assistant. Like Mrs. Pierce, she entered the White House in sorrow and went through her duties with unseen weeping. Her brother and sister had been suddenly buried. She received thanks from Victoria and Albert Edward for her hospitable service to him in i860. In 1866 she became Mrs. Johnson, and since bore him a son named James Buchanan.] (Read xlvi Psalm.) Born iu a praying home, Of Presbyterian stock, Where saints were wont to come, And pastors of the flock. Young "Hattie's" yearning heart Heaved many a sigh for heaven, And for that "better part" Which was to Mary given. But 'ere she'd read her Bible through. The heart of love on which she leaned, That trained her taste for what is true, Was from this world so fully weaned. Her mother moved to homes on High, And gave to God her orphaned cnild, — Whose sire was also soon to die. And leave the child in sorrow's wild. Her mother's brother met her case; Adopting, as a daughter, her. He trained her youth in truth and grace That she Heaven's precepts should prefer. His sympathy was her support; His thought her ample, pleasing thanks; And when he dwelt at foreign court, She rose into the highest ranks. Hence, in the "House of Uncle Sam," There's scarce an equal to her skill; In ev'n a "Presidential jam" She's mistress of the masses still. With Mary Fillmore's flexile ease, With Madame Pierce's pensive mind, She doth the public serve and please With royal courtesies and kind — While secret traitors tried to seize The President by deep surprize. And "pulled their wool over his eyes!" 20 OUR PREsfDENTb' WIVES. MRS. MARY TODD LINCOLN. [Hon. Ward H. Lamon savs: "Lincoln had frojn boyhood a presentiment that he would be President and die bj' violence. Mrs. Iv. too had the same belief as to the Presidencj'. She is quoted as saying-, soon after their marriage: 'He is going- to be President, and that's the reason I married him, for \-ou know he is not pretty.' " She bore Mr. Lincoln five children, four of whom died before her own demise in an insane asylum, July 16, 1882. Her life of rational enjoyment really ended when Booth's bullet entered her husband's massy and benignant brain.] (Read Isaiah liii.) I've heard it said that "Martin Van," When playing with his well pleased mates, Would say: "See here! When I'm a man, I'll rule o'er The United States!" I've read in print that M.\ry Todd So hoped The White House would be hers, And when she gave herself to God, That prophesy she still prefers. Yet Mary Todd would not "Steve Douglas" wed, For bees, found in her bonnet, seemed to say: "I hear a something singing in my head, ^Abe Lincoln will be President some day!' " Presentiments of manj^ public men Have been like heralds from the bounds of heaven; Both good and bad forebodings there have been; For seers the ''traitor'' saw with "the eleven." But here, both "Abraham" and "Mary" felt Rare futures were before them in real fact; So Lincoln's noble heart on heaven knelt. And her expectance hailed his every act. With his presentiments, hers, too, would share; And when he left his people, to preside. And prayed them give to him their guiding prayer, She, wufelike, loving, waited at his side. And when he watched through all that wicked war, She wrote a note requesting men to pray That peace and freedom be not put afar; And with a "^patriots pen, repeated: "Pray!" When prophecies of both had been fulfilled, And Booth had pierced The Nation's noble head, The widow cried: "The President is killed!'" Her shattered mind by such a mighty shock Could simply leave behind: "Christ is my Rock!" *She wrote this note to me at Governor Andrew's, Boston. MR8. PREST. A. LINCOLN. MOTHERS AND DAUGHTERS. 21 ABRAHAM LINCOLN'S MOTHER. [Mrs. Nancy (Hanks) lyincoln was born in Virginia, but raised in Kentucky. In 1806 she married illiterate, honest Thomas Lincoln, and moved to Indiana, giving birth to a daugh- ter and the one son Abraham, whom she taught to fear God and read the Bible, so that he afterwards said: " All I am or hope to be, I owe to my Angel Mother! Blessings on her memory." She died when he was 9 years old, and soon his father married widow Sarah Johnson, with three children, whom he loved, and who were also fond of "Abe" as an obliging, honest boy.] (Read Ps. I and XXV, 10.) A child of nature and of God, RaiseU up in rude simplicity, Where many an Indian maid had trod Filled with wild felicity; Young Nancy Hanks's unknown youth With sparce companionships was spent; But there she learned and loved the truth Of God in Christ; this gave content! Thus by the Bible " born of God again," That holy book seems all her cabins own, Save Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress printed plain; So these she used to read and taught her son, Till with delight he learned to read them loud. Thus, by fire light, he lit his "lamp of life," And with his progress made his parents proud. As for it well " Tom Ivincoln " praised his wife. So by that Bible, Sire and son were blessed, And Nancy IvIncoln's house had needful peace, Till in her son's tenth year she sank to rest. And from her rough, hard lot had fit release. Her kind successor. Sarah Johnson came. Viewing that Bible, very best of books, She helped boy Abraham bear up his name Till truth and trials traced even his looks. Hence ''Honest Abe"" has been his honored name; Though Weems's (well lent) Life of Washington And Bunyan's Pilgrim helpt beget his fame, 'Twas Nancy Lincoln's Bible named her son. — Thou dear departed shade! that doth now shine In Heaven's salubrious, happy, unseen spheres ! Dost thou not look from days and lands divine, Back to thy cabin's tears and burdened 3^ears, Where past and future could by faith combine. And say: Glad, Glorious Motherhood was Mine ! 22 OUR PRESIDENTS' WIVES, MRS. ELIZA MC CARi:)LE JOHNSON. [After Lincoln's death, President and Mrs Andrew Johnson entered the White House. They were half-orphans of pious widows, and were married in his 21st year. He was an illiterate tailor, and she became his evening teacher; was a very beautiful woman, and was at Washington inspiring his ablest Senate speech against secession, Jan., 1861. She returned toTenn., and lost her health by her persecutions within the Confederate lines, so that she was unable afterwards to officiate in the White House, but received her guests around her chair. She had two daugh- ters, Martha and Mary, who did the honors well. She died in 1876, and on their monument is carved an open Bible! ] (Read Psalm cxix, 97-112.) How honored is a poor man's home ! Here God says : "Give this house to me ; And if calamity shall come, Your orphan children mine shall be ; My covenant with them I'll keep, ' The widow's God and guide I'll be ; Who sow in tears, in joy shall reap The harv^ests of prosperity." Two minors, of two widows, met in need ! EiyiZA one, a blond, a beauty brave ; Dark Andrew he, and able scarce to read ; But both did Christian culture need and crave: These wed, and thenceforth work their upward way. At home she helps him into Congress halls ; Indeed, they help each other night and day, Up in the world, within The White House walls ! Trace back their lot ! See "Andrew" at the feet Of his "Eliza" learn to read and write. Till (ne'er in school a day) he can compete With learn-ed men of legislative might ! That cabin view is of earth's very best — Eliza teaching that young tailor there — Till to ev'n traitors, she's of truth the test. And fills his life all full of fervent prayer. Aye, view again ! A Christian cavalcade Is driven beyond the long deep rebel lines ; And she who leads, betrayed but least afraid. Is that shy woman — how her face there shines ! Good, hopeful, patient, haggard, pale. How rebels half confess her rights and cause ; And feel her principles will hence prevail — This woman seems as wise as ever was ! . Let children's children rally round her chair ; The White House walls echo her winged prayer ; Her Bible on her tomb be carved with care ! c-y / f^% K. ^ -MRS. PRKST. ANDREW JOHNSON. PREST. JOHNSON'S DAUGHTER, MARTHA. (MRS; PlATTERSON.) MOTHKRS AND DAUGHTERS. 23 TRFSIDENT JOHNSON'S DAUGHTERS, MARTHA AND MARY. [Martha Johnson Patterson officiated in the White House chiefly for her parents. She was like her father, dark and efficient. Her husband w as U. S. Senator. She was partially assisted by Mrs Stover, her sister Mary, who was a blond like their mother, and had with her three children, which with Mrs. Patterson's two, and invited ones of the town, made a plenty of fun even when their Grandpa was being pulverized under a vain impeachment. The daughters suffered like their father and mother in war time ] (Read Ps. cxxxvii, and Ixxxiii, 5.) 'Tis hard to realize to day The tides of sorrow in the South; How the Secessionists had sway, By cruel sword and cannon's mouth; And harder yet to understand How Eastern Tennesseans held Their love so firm for father-land, Where every shelter might be "shelled." So wicked were the scenes of wasting war! There Mary Stover 'mid the suff 'rers stood, For all on earth she felt worth living for Had fled before the hungry, fiery flood. The father of her children chose to serve Our humane cause, and called from home, He prayed that Providence would then preserve His Christian house till he could hither come. Still Mary Stover soon a widow stood ! Her children sad are cherished by her Sire (Who risked his person for the public good) And in his \Vhite House have their heart's desire. They're all more blest than any body knows! The Nation's safe! and so successful now, Ev'n Grandma's gratitude, too, overflows. As all before the Heavenly Father bow. While Martha Patterson, most patient still, Serving her country with excessive care. With hardly time to wish the heavenly will. Or practice leisurely her love of pra) er, Does honor as " First Lady of the Land." She says: " We're from the hills of Tennessee; We always could ourselves quite well command. And more than this they must not ask of me." Behold //rr.?(f//" command that White House band ! Ev'n when arraigned their Nation's Chief doth stand, Her happy children cheer on every hand ! 24 OUR PREbfDENTS' WIVES, MRS. PRESIDENT U. S GRANT. [Mrs. Julia (Dent) Grant was married at her birth-place in Missouri, Aug. 22, 1848, and went with her husband onto a farm, which he called "Hardscrabble." She bore him three sons and one daughter. In sickness and health, in want and in wealth, she encouraged and aided him, often caring for others in dis- tress. She was a prudent woman, and a proud and praying wife and mother. Passing from poverty up to the White House, her domestic administration was admirable. Her bearing in public and private life from infancj' to age, was beautiful as Ma^-, and harmonious as music] (Read Proverbs xiv, 1-34 ) The woman of the greatest worth; Against whom nothing can be said; Whose name is honored o'er the earth, In realms where it is heard and read; Who more than kept her marriage vow, Whate'er her husband's wants or wealth, To love him truly, high or low, In good or ill, sickness or health — //er lo3^al brow wears laurels now ! So much that's beautiful, that's sweet, that's brave Is in this wifely woman's will and way. Which saved her husband to his country save. We fain would set her worth in full array. But there's no language that can laud too much Her patient service, when he was so poor, His bootless toil had the " Hardscrabble " touch, And dismal want was waiting at the door. O, what a model for all wives of men Who work by day to win home's dail}* bread. And sometimes sink beneath such btirdens then That they indeed half wish themselves were dead ! And what a lesson is her later life, 80 womanly in all that wdcked w'ar, So straight and simple in the scenes of strife; And in the White House which they waited for ! No woman there had greater wisdom shown. Or shared more kindly its domestic cares. And made her husband's honor mold her own; In practice of her prudence and her prayers, She made theWhite House what it should be — Home! — And typic of our country and our time. And when around ///aration of dnty and interest- Denj the anion of duty and destiny and we deny the very existence of moral government. This is ime. be- cause as we have seen, this union is coexistent with the divine Governor: and were there no moral Governor there c-ould be no moral govemment. Moreover. the idea of right asserts that Laws bind- ing on a responsible agent must be aeen im- posed on one in«iividual in this audi^ice. nor on one resjKmsible agent in the wide universe, frcHn the mosx exalted Seraph to the lowest fiend, which it was not his interest to perform, and that by dis- obedience he wTijuged his own s^juL Xo just eon- c-eption of the true idea of moral government can be formed and omit this principle. To conc-eive of moral government without it. is the same as to c-onc-eive of an object of thought without charac- teristic, element or essenc-e. The idea of control by mere power may exist, but not of moral govern- ment, unless all power is moral and might makes right. Therefore, to deny this union of duty and destiny is to deny there is moral legislation. «3> Deny this principle and we also exclude moral agents. Not only does this follow from the fact it excludes moral gi^vemment. because moral government implies both the governed and the Governor: but a responsible being, whose duties and interests conflict, is seen in himself to be a contradiction. We may conc-eive of one whose in- terests are disregarded: we may conceive of him obligated to another: but we cannot conc-eive of him thus related to the second in both these points lo haske;i,i,'s WASHINGTON sermons: of disregard and obligation; or, if we can conceive of both in one, we revolt at ascribing such a being to God as his author, and cannot deem him a sub- ject of moral government. Whoever may have made such an anomaly, we feel assured a wise and benevolent God could not; and thus we would be driven for even the umbrage of existence to some old doctrine of uncreated devils or to some creed of Atheistic pantheism, which necessarily denies all true obligation and neutralizes right and wrong. (4) The Constitution of Man, and his conscious experience on this subject, forbid the separation of duty and interest. This is involved in the fact that he belongs to the general class of moral agents, of whom I have just spoken, and it also follows thus: Every man is conscious of acting— of acting more or less upon his interest. This ac- cords with his general experience and the ready perception of acts and ends related. The smallest physical act affects the physical frame, the least mental act varies the intellectual tone, the slight- est moral act affects the moral nature; hence, every act lays hold of interest with a ruthless or a renovating hand; and the effects of a single act can no more be numbered than the issues of a fundamental truth. Moreover, these demand suc- cession and duration. The acts of to-day affect the interests of to-morrow; the acts of childhood reach the interests of three-score years; and those of any moment may modify a life. Indeed, one's earliest duties cannot be severed from his latest temporal interests; and we are prepared to go farther and assert, with the doctrine of individual immortality, that they cannot be severed from the latest inter- ests of his future state of being. This is taught with some emphasis by the analogy of act upon ON DUTY AND INTEREST. II effect in both mind and matter, as they unite in man. One physical act is often seen to affect the body through its lifetime. Is not the like true of mind— true in morals? May not one act of the hu- man soul affect the spirit through its time of liv- ing also? This must be true; for not only is there some analogy here, and in the appetites of the body and desires of the soul in so far as habit is increasingly controlling in each, and most emphat- ically so in mind, but it is Spirit makes the man, gives to him identity and, aside from redemption by Christ, is his only hold on immortality. He throws off his frame of flesh and bones at least each dozen years, but mind makes him still the man— the same identical though changing man; and he feels, he knows, he is the same being who acted years ago and must act ages hence. To him in this sense, as possessing a continuous personal identity and responsibility, do we trace each act which we can approve or blame; and to him thus belong the highest interests for which he toils or prays, and the first duty of such a being just active in accountable existence, may affect the latest in- terests of the closing day of his endless life. The present duties and the ultimate interests of a re- sponsible person cannot be separated; every mo- ment he is treading springs that open avenues to the wide universe and to eternity, and touching chords that vibrate beyond the veil. Does any ,then, suppose his duties not related to his total welfare? He has adopted a supposition which defames God, denies the idea of moral law and accountable sub- jects, and compels him to conclude his own want of a creative cause and to infer his non-existence. Personal and public interests cannot be secured without regard to duty. General and final interest 12 HASKElvI^'S WASHINGTON SERMONS: is not irrelevant to present and personal obliga- tion? It were far wiser to infer effects without a cause, or consequents, at least, without their an- tecedents. No system of philosophy, nor code of morality, was ever known to claim fully and prominently the hypothesis on which so many act incessantly, of interest irrelevant to duty. Even Epicurus claimed their union, while he reversed their order and perverted their relations. Any ethical teacher who would openly defend or pro- fess their separation would be justly "damned to fame," and the moral sense of mankind and the Universe would cry out against him. Not only do the ideas of law, morality and God demand this union of duty and interest, but the goodness and the greatness, too, of God beam kindly from this truth that He has not severed our duties from our interests; that to do our duty is to secure our wel- fare—to act always under all circumstances from a controlling regard for the divine government, (which seeks the highest good of souls, of society, of the Universe,) is to develop a glorious personal and immortal destiny. This does not necessarily teach the happiness theory of virtue, nor that vir- tue is its own reward merely, and vice its own retributor, but rather that virtue must be en- couraged and vice punished. It does not conflict with the doctrines of redemption, assisting grace and saving faith, but calls the whole family of Christian doctrines to its support. The Saviour said: "Seek first the kingdom of God and his right- eousness and all these things shall be added unto you." His Apostle also declares "godliness is great gain" and "profitable unto all things having the promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come." ON DUTY AND INTEREST. I3 (5) The general experience of men of this world has originated the maxim, "Honesty is the best policy," and this carried out would lead to the highest possible union of duty and interest; for per- fect honesty with God is the highest possible good to any accountable being, and no man can be hon- est who disregards the unerring will of his Maker. Experience and observation generally prove that man's highest interest cannot be found out of the path of duty. Christianity, with its civilization and sound morality, everywhere demonstrates the same principle. The experience of men in all lands and ages proves it. Here the public eye may often see a poor child cradled in the lap of sorrow, creeping from some unnamed obscurity, launched upon the sea of life when all seems inauspicious, wafted only by the cold love of strangers and the impulse of a heartless world; yet perchance, parentless and penniless, homeless and comfortless, his star of destiny— an inwrought sense of duty— bears him ever onward, through day time and darkness, through peace and peril, through opposition, scorn and severest trials, until finally he stands out a triumphant noble man, reared in fittest time for some specific crisis. This age and our own country have among our public servants and private citi- zens many such examples, and scarcely a period of human history is without them. The sixteenth century led forth a master spirit of the age from the hearth of a poor German miner, through the halls of a dark cloister, to head the movement that should emancipate the minds of millions and draw back the curtains of the middle ages. It was a noble honesty, an imperative sense of duty that led the Reformer on from singing his "paneum propter Deum," from perusing the pages of a 14 HASKKI/I/'S WASHINGTON SERMONS: chained Bible to the public defense of the truth, and the ultimate triumphs of his life. Still farther back are noble specimens. From a very ancient History, genuine and most authentic, I got the following facts: Some six hundred years before the Christian era an Oriental king erected in a vast plain a colossal statue, made of gold which he had gained by conquests. It was an imposing specimen of art, standing, with its pedestal, more than a hundred feet high in the interior of the public grounds. The king designed this image (of himself, perhaps) for the god of nations, and sum- moned the princes and subjects of all his provinces to its dedication. He had previously ravished sacred temples, sacked opulent cities and led their citi- zens into captivity. Among his captives were three or four well educated young men, but peculiarly endowed with that incessant whisper of an Om- nipresent God which we call Conscience. They were soon raised by their integrity and the most strik- ing providences from the condition of captives to members of the king's court. Their success, how- ever, made them the objects of envy (and this is common) ; the other members of the court attacked their choicest virtues (and this is not unusual), and urged the proclamation of a royal edict which should compel them to worship the king's golden god. The proclamation was made, and on the set day, convened a countless host around the metalic deity. The king, arrayed in royalty, his courtiers in their robes of state, all were there. The imperial band of music was present. The day was fine, the scenery— everything was fair and fascinating. Each eye glowed with gladness, each heart beat with bold enthusiasm. The orchestra commenced their choicest music, and the whole host bowed in ON DUTY AND INTEREST. 15 adoration of the lifeless god before them. But those three young men, from regard to the Govern- ment of the living God, do not join in the royal worship. True, every argument that can be drawn from mere apparent interest is in favor of engag- ing for once at least in this base but popular idol- atry; but they stake their very lives on the prin- ciples of obedience to God, whatever be the issue. The sequel you all remember. Oft have you stood beside the burning fiery furnace as those true men fall down, bound, among the embers; and you can see, now, the Fourth, the King of kings, the Sou of God, leading them out to more than their former welfare, while their envious rivals are themselves the victims. Such experience in kind, if not in de- gree, of both the malicious and the upright, is com- mon in all ages, though not universal. It is ob- jected with justness that there are exceptions to this argument from general experience in this world; that otherwise sorrow and affiiction would be here just in proportion to the sufferer's guilt, and that all persons equally guilty would have, in this life, equal trials, which is seen not to be true. There are those who may truly say, "If in this life only we have hope, w^e are of all men most miser- able," who for their regard for duty stand alone, "despised and rejected of men;" distrusting them- selves and always sifting their motives, they pass on through life, "men of sorrows and acquainted with grief," and may even be left to exclaim in their last extremity, "My God! My God; Why hast thou forsaken me!" (6) This leads me, in conclusion, to cap the climax and include our whole being for "this pres- ent time and the world to come." The combined experience of this and the future life proves this l6 HASKEI,I,'S WASHINGTON SERMONS! Union of Duty and Interest in every case. As Jesus implies, there are no exceptions. Let us, ttien, talie one example of a man of trials here, but who has been revealed to men as among the immortals. Some three thousand years ago there stood among the mountains of Arabia, a poor man, without a Bi- ble or a Christian friend. He was born a slave, but by strange coincidents was raised a royal heir. From a sense of duty, however, he forsook all, preferring afflictions with the people of God to pleasures of sin for a season. He stood there one day, stark and lone, thinking of his choice and the condition of his kinsmen, who were despoiled the right to worship God. Before him stood a burning bush, in flames yet unconsumed; beneath him there was holy ground, and the very hills were vocal with the voice of God. The scene was solemn, and he hid his face, while he heard the great I Am pro- claim the holiness of the place and call him to a most dangerous, self-denying mission. He obeyed, witnessed those awful judgments on Egyptian lords, led that tedious march of some forty years through Arabian wilds and burning sands, till at length he stood an aged, weai-y man, upon a mountain summit, and gazed across upon the prom- ised land, which he might never enter— and there in solitude he died, his very grave unknown, with- out seeing a single soul in the land of promise, the grand object of fifty years' incessant and heart- crushing toil. Thus he lived, thus he died. Had he chosen royalty and praises of his fellowmen, he might have lived in luxury, perhaps a king; had he persisted at the burning bush in claiming he was "slow of speech" and much preferred to stay at home with Jethro's maids and Midian herds, he might have lived in domestic peace and pleasure ON DUTY AND INTEREST. 1 7 of a selfish kind; but to human view, Israel's sons had died away in servitude, Abraham's promise been rejected by the very ones to whom it fell, and the world yet unredeemed. Now, how is it? That poor and harrassed man, though in appearance he had known few peaceful hours in life or comforts in his death, is now in heaven, and, while thirty- six hundred years have lapsed, he has enjoyed its blessedness, and myriads of happy souls, the trophies of his life, have made the heavenly arches ring with Moses' song prefixed to nobler anthems of the Lamb. In him we see the proposition proved. Let me give one example of the more self-sacrific- ing sex: MRS. ARNOLD OF AFRICA. I knew a youth, a widow's only child, Of noble form and earnest mood, and eye That spoke the truth and told how deep and full The wells of thought and kindness in her soul. Oft was she known to toil till late at night To meet her mother's wants. By day she walked Two weary miles to school and paid the large Tuition fees herself. She struggled on. For years, and daily learned "how good it is To suffer and be strong." At length she gained The height of woman's best renown, and stood Unconscious of the praise that clusters round Her name, and gave the rare but lovely sight Of highest learning leaning on the cross And consecrated to the highest ends. Before her avenues to rare success Were numberless, and honors, such as men Can seldom gain, were leaning to her hand; And chances various to move in walks Of highest life were hers; but from Them aU she turned, and went to Mendian shades l8 HASKEI.I.'S WASHINGTON SERMONS: To teach the stupid sons of Ham "to look And live." For months she taught them joyfully And ever seemed in sight of heaven— but soon— Too soon, alas! within a bamboo hut, She pressed a bed of death, and there, where all Men speak the truth, she breathed her dying words, Exclaiming with the raptures of a saint, "How good to spend a life for God and die Enfolded in his arms!" ^nd would you know The full fruition of her Soul? From now Ten million years it may be learned in part! Such lives are teachers of all coming time. And such a death should teach us how to die. IiDiDorUIity. By Rev. T. N. Haskell His First Sabbath Sermon in Washington City. Delivered to a crowded house in Dr. Sunderland's Church, with President and Mrs. Pierce and many public men attentive. Sunday morning, May 14, 1854. Text-Job XIV:14. If a man die, shall he live again." From this very ancient question let us now in- quire after our Immortality and its Issues here. Life in Nature is very abundant and various and exceedingly interesting in all its varieties. It is found in some things that are destitute of sen- sation, and i