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CHERISHED THOUGHTS 
 
 IN ORIGINAL 
 
 Poems and Sketches 
 
 BY 
 
 Hnne X. presset. 
 
 
 u 
 
 
 1901. 
 
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 Press and BiriHery of 
 THE SKELTON PUBLISHING COMPANY, 
 Pfovo, Utah. 
 
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THE L 8fcA*Y #F 
 
 eoNGfi 
 
 e.'. 3, 
 
 Two Copies 
 
 Receives 
 
 APR. 16 
 
 1902 
 
 COPVHIQHT 
 
 eiNTRY 
 
 ' U~0\ f~ I °f 01 
 
 CLASS O^XXc No. 
 
 *2- * ,T o» fc 
 
 oopy a. 
 
 
 ENTERED ACCORDING TO ACT OE CONGRESS 
 IN THE YEAR 1901 
 
 BY 
 
 ANNE L. PRESSET. 
 
 IN THE OEEICE OE THE LIBRARIAN OE CONGRESS AT 
 WASHINGTON. 
 
 (AI,L RIGHTS RESERVED.) 
 
DEDICATION. 
 
 X DEDICATE this small souvenir of my 
 -*- life's work, with a mother's warmest love, 
 to my dear children and grandchildren; hoping, 
 when my spirit has taken its homeward flight; 
 and my brain has no more power to dictate the 
 efforts of my mortal life; when the heart ceases 
 its pulsations, which gives this hand power to 
 trace the most ardent desires of my soul on 
 paper; when my voice is hushed in death, and 
 I am no more able, through its sound, to instill 
 into your lives, on this sphere of probation, 
 the teachings of our blesssed Lord and Savior 
 Jesus Christ; that your feet may be guided 
 away from the snares and hidden snags, that 
 beset the paths of mankind, and the numerous 
 
temptations of satan that are ever alert, to en- 
 tice souls into the way of evil, and into forget- 
 fulness of iife's duties. It is my earnest and 
 last prayer, that these cherished thoughts may 
 be to you as a guiding star, to keep your feet 
 in the straight and narrow path, until we shall 
 meet again. With the grace of God, in the 
 Eternal World, and be counted fit subjects for 
 His Kingdom: Where the wicked cease from 
 troubling and the weary are at rest. 
 
 Anne L. Presset. 
 
PREFACE. 
 
 TTCCORDING the request of many friends, 
 /-*- I undertake to copy these gems of 
 thought, hoping they will meet with the ap- 
 probation of all, whose earnest desire, tends 
 towards the aiding, strengthening and com- 
 forting, and in short , the general benefiting 
 of humanity, and earnestly hope, that the ef- 
 forts of my feeble pen, will add one little ray 
 of light and joy; or at least, tend to strengthen 
 the great illumination, which is constantly em- 
 anating from my co-workers, both at home and 
 abroad. If I only cast one ray of hope, one 
 spark of comfort, into the vast sea of life. It 
 I can but aid and strengthen my fellow beings 
 
and help them to cling to the rod of righteous- 
 ness, and look beyond this vale of tears, into 
 a higher holier sphere ; I shall feel content to 
 live and toil, with all the strength which the 
 Lord my God hath given me ; glorifying His 
 holy name, to the end of my days on this 
 earth, hoping my praise and good work will 
 never cease. Through all eternity. 
 
 O may these gems of thought, 
 Transmitted from a world all pure and bright, 
 
 Fall on some faint and weary heart, 
 Like dew drops, through the silent hours of 
 night: 
 
 Like drops of rain that gently fall. 
 Upon the weak and drooping flowers; 
 
 To comfort and renew their strength, 
 To freshen and revive their flagging powers. 
 
 O may they lift some soul, 
 So far above the troubled waves of life; 
 
 That it will put aside all earths 
 Worry, fond pleasure, pain, or care and strife; 
 
 To seek the treasures laid away, 
 
Where moth and rust will have no power; 
 
 Where never can come vain pride or sin, 
 To mar the better thoughts of golden hours. 
 
 If they but some life turn, 
 Into the stream that flows unto God's throne, 
 
 That it may float unto His feet, 
 And enter safe into His sacred Home; 
 
 Many feeble efforts then will be repaid; 
 The labor of this heart and hand. 
 
 If I can bring one soul alone 
 Into the glory of a better land. 
 
 The Author. 
 
A DESCRIPTION AND REMINIS- 
 
 CENSES OF THE AUTHOR'S 
 
 CHILDHOOD HOME. 
 
 HWELL known village in a valley- 
 stands — 
 A valley all bright and fair — 
 Where the traveller may, 
 On the hottest day, 
 Breathe the cool, fresh mountain- 
 air, 
 
 And'gaze with pride 
 
 On the mountain side 
 Where the oak and maple grow, 
 
 And the gay birds sing 
 
 Merry songs in spring, 
 As they flit from bough to bough. 
 
 Where the bright wild flowers in springtime 
 bloom 
 In the meadows soft and green, 
 And among the rocks 
 
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The maiden locks 
 And the blue-bells may be seen; 
 
 And the violet shy, 
 
 Will open her eye, 
 And peep out as you pass; 
 
 While the lilly bright, 
 
 All pure and white, 
 Will nod in the mountain grass. 
 
 &' 
 
 Where the gushing; stream does dash and foam 
 O'er the rocks like crested snow, 
 
 And with roaring sound 
 
 Will leap and bound, 
 To the silvery lake below; 
 
 Where prim boats play 
 
 On a summer day, 
 And the bathers hail with glee, 
 
 As they scatter out 
 
 With laugh and shout, 
 And the wild geese homeward flee. 
 
 On the edge of that fair village I dwelt 
 In the prime of childhood sweet; 
 
 13 
 
By a gentle rill 
 
 On the rising hill, 
 Just where the old cross-roads meet; 
 
 In a humble cot, 
 
 On a pleasant spot, 
 That overlooks the villag-e- 
 
 On a plot of land, 
 
 That was good and grand, 
 And paid well, for the tillage. 
 
 Yes, that is the place where the Homestead 
 stands, 
 As it stood in days of yore ; 
 With weeds all around 
 Where once was found 
 A garden, grass and flowers. 
 How the wind doth sieh 
 As it pa^seth by 
 The place, neglected and forlorn! 
 The loved ones erone. 
 Scattered, one by one, 
 To the youngest that was born. 
 
 14 
 
How my thoughts revert to the scenes so 
 
 dear, 
 To the home of my childhood days ; 
 
 When those ever dear 
 
 To my heart, was near. 
 And around the cheerful blaze 
 
 On a winters night, 
 
 When the stars shone bright, 
 And the frost was keen abroad ; 
 
 Where gathered there, 
 
 With song and prayer, 
 Familiar forms, with one accord. 
 
 And on each sabbath morn, ajl clean and neat, 
 With brothers and sisters four, 
 
 I went, hand in hand 
 
 (Such a happy band 
 As we five children were) 
 
 To the sabbath school, 
 
 (Which was the rule, 
 As year by year rolled round) 
 
 Just at half past past eight — 
 
 15 
 
Scarcely ever late. 
 And never the last were found. 
 
 To hear God's holy word, and learn His ways,. 
 And list to the holy sound 
 Of the organ sweet, 
 That our ears did greet, 
 As the sacrament went 'round. 
 And thus the sabbath morn was passed; 
 And when the benediction was pronounced, 
 
 We homeward turned our steps, 
 With thoughts imbued with heavenly things, 
 To find a mother's smile 
 
 To greet us there, and gentle loving 
 Voice, to sooth and cheer our aching hearts, 
 When sorrow our childish paths beset, 
 And ready heart and hands. 
 
 To comfort, as they would, 
 And make our home a place of love and 
 
 peace, 
 Combining with a father's care, 
 While to watch and protect the ones he loved,. 
 
 16 
 
Would ever be his theme: 
 
 And calling close into the fold his little flock. 
 
 Would ask God's blessing on their heads, in 
 prayer 
 
 And thus in memory sweet, I see the home, 
 Ere childhood's happy days, 
 
 Had flown and gone. 
 
 Alas ! those scenes, how quickly changed, 
 
 How swift my thoughts 
 From scene to scene doth flee ! 
 With mother gone to dwell above this earth, 
 So full of woes ; a sister too, 
 
 Her last, her youngest one ! 
 The last she fondly clasped unto her breast, 
 In prattling infancy ; 
 
 The pet of all, was left a while, 
 As if to cheer our torn and bleeding hearts; 
 
 Was left to grow, to bud and bloom, 
 Although her spirit ever longed to flee 
 
 To vales where immortality endures. 
 
 At last her time had come, she too was 
 gone 
 
 17 
 
Yes, both were gone, to dwell above. They 
 
 left their 
 Earthly home and entered into vast eternity. 
 
 With those two absent from the home, 
 
 How desolate the hearth ; 
 How cheerless was the place (where once 
 
 joy) 
 
 For those that's left behind, and who 
 Still tarry here, although by fates 
 Decree are scattered wide apart. 
 
 Yet one still lingers there ; 
 A father dear who will not leave that hal- 
 
 low'd 
 Spot, though lonely yet he be ; 
 Who, though growing old and gray 
 
 Will tary there 
 As long as life and being last, 
 And nurture memories of the past, 
 
 Till death shall take away. 
 
 At last His time had come 
 He, too was called to leave this vale of tears 
 
 18 
 
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To join the ones he loved so well, 
 That to the better land had gone. 
 
 To fill their missions there. 
 And so, he paid the debt we all must pay- 
 Before we leave this world ot pain, 
 Our bodies must return to mother earth, 
 And leave our spirits free 
 
 To soar above this transient home. 
 To that in which our Father dwells, 
 And is waiting ready to receive 
 
 The souls of those He loves. 
 
 He knew his time had come, 
 And was prepared to go; 
 
 (As all should be, when the 
 Messenger is sent to call us home) 
 And so we laid to rest, beneath the mould, 
 His earthly clay: 
 
 All that was left of him, 
 We loved so well. 
 
 The Homestead into other hands has gone; 
 Its charms have left it, one by one 
 
 21 
 
So ends the short sketch of my childhood 
 days, 
 The ways of God, are not man's ways; 
 
 But may my spirit in patience bear, 
 I commend my soul, to our Father's care: 
 
 What ever He does, I know is right, 
 Though the way seems dreary, the star is 
 bright, 
 
 That shining guide to the golden gate, 
 Where we'll meet if we'll only wait 
 Till our journey is ended our duty done; 
 
 And be united there as one. 
 Our dear Father's wisdom we then shall see; 
 
 When the messenger sets us free, 
 There we'll unite again, all seven; 
 
 In that beautiful land above, 
 In Heaven. 
 
 22 
 
THE OCEAN OF LIFE. 
 
 UT upon life's mighty ocean, 
 
 Was a vessel light and strong; 
 
 How I saw its white sails gleaming 
 Bright, amidst the busy throng. 
 
 With royal reason for her cap- 
 tain, 
 
 Conscientiousness the mate,. 
 While caution at the helm was sitting, 
 Stood, her sailors all in state. 
 
 Thus I saw the noble vessel, 
 
 Start for happiness to bring; 
 While father veneration sang 
 
 Sweet anthems to the King. 
 
 How sweetly rolled the music 
 Across the peaceful main, 
 
 And caught up by the gentle breeze 
 Was wafted back again. 
 
 23 
 
How it shone upon the waters 
 In its course so smoothly run; 
 
 I saw its banner boldly flaunt, 
 
 PEACE AND Love inscribed thereon. 
 
 Like a bird so gently floating, 
 
 O'er the ocean's bosom smooth; 
 
 Peace and love so widely spreading 
 On the breezes as they move. 
 
 Yet, I saw the dark clouds rising 
 In the far off distant west, 
 
 And the breezes quickly strengthen, 
 As they swept the oceans crest. 
 
 How I heard the distant thunder, 
 
 Grumbling in the darkening sky: 
 
 "Storm is gathering over yonder," 
 Say the seaguls as they fly. 
 
 Yes, the clouds were growing darker, 
 While the thunder pealed on high, 
 
 To the vivid lightning flashes, 
 
 As they pierced the leaden sky. 
 
 24 
 
Yet, the vessel lightly danced 
 
 To the howling of the the wind ; 
 
 Bravely bearing up her banner, 
 
 Peace and love to all mankind. 
 
 Still the raging storm approaches, 
 Like a savage beast of prey ; 
 
 Tearing, crushing all before it ; 
 As a fiend of anger may. 
 
 Now the forked lightning flashes 
 
 Daggers through the leaden sky 
 
 As to fill our souls with horror, 
 
 Frightened sea-birds screech and cry. 
 
 Louder grows the deafening thunders 
 Clapping, cracking, racking roar ! 
 
 As if to rend the heavens asunder, 
 And time forbid for ever-more. 
 
 Lashing, dashing o'er the waters, 
 
 Drives the fierce and angry wind ; 
 
 Piling waves as high as mountains, 
 Leaving graves of woe behind. 
 
 25 
 
Onward dashes still the vessel, 
 
 Mast is broken, sails are torn, 
 
 Yet, upon her tattered banner 
 
 Peace and love are left to mourn. 
 
 Driven onward ever onward, 
 
 By the tempest raging high ; 
 
 How her crew in mute devotion, 
 Raise her banner to the sky. 
 
 "Calm thyself thou mighty ocean ; 
 
 Tempest, stop thy awful wrath ! " 
 Spoke the voice of one all po tent, 
 
 As He treads the stormy path. 
 
 Thunder peals and lightning flashes, 
 Wild wind tearing o'er the main, 
 
 Burst the clouds in awful weeping, 
 Gladly lull to rest again. 
 
 Sad, exausted by its fury, 
 
 The mighty storm at last is o'er; 
 And the somber clouds departed, 
 
 Leaving brightness as before. 
 
 26 
 
Let us gaze upon the vessel 
 
 Stranded in the ocean there; 
 
 Caution at the helm still sitting, 
 Captain reason in despair. 
 
 While in silence we are gazing, 
 On the wreck of one so fair; 
 
 Let us bow, while veneration 
 
 Offers up an ardent prayer. 
 
 Sunbeams smile upon the waters; 
 
 As she slowly sinks to rest, 
 Raising high her tattered banner, 
 
 As an ensiern to the blest. 
 
 27 
 
WORKING FOR GOD. 
 
 FATHER, may we ever bring, 
 
 Joy to Thy home; 
 Working for Thee constantly, 
 
 And for Thee alone. 
 O Father, may we ever be, 
 
 Found working faithfully, 
 Working ever faichfully, 
 
 Till our work is done. 
 
 O help us Father day by day, 
 
 Our duty to fulfill; 
 Helping on the mighty cause, 
 
 According to Thy Will. 
 O Father, may we ever be, 
 
 28 
 
Pressing onward joyfully, 
 Ever working joyfully, 
 
 Till the crown be won. 
 
 O grant that we may watch and pray, 
 
 Through the coming hours: 
 To keep us from temptation's way, 
 
 From all evil powers. 
 O Father, may we ever be, 
 
 Found working righteously, 
 Working ever righteously, 
 
 Till our work is done. 
 
 Then gracious Father let us share, 
 
 Eternal bliss with Thee; 
 Is our most earnest, ardent prayer, 
 
 Thy face we long to see. 
 Thou gracious Father let us come, 
 
 To share the blessings of thy home, 
 To share the glory of Thy home, 
 
 O Father dear with Thee. 
 
 29 
 
A LAMENTATION OVER NEG- 
 LECT OF SACRED DUTIES. 
 
 HOU mighty God of hosts! 
 How often do we disobey Thy 
 
 laws, 
 And count as naught Thy holy 
 word, 
 Thy blest commands; 
 *,V That to Thy children Thou hast 
 given, 
 To lead them back into Thy holy 
 presence, 
 Unto that blessed home, 
 That Christ our Savior has pre- 
 pared. 
 For those that do Thy will, 
 And seek Thy approbation here on earth. 
 
 30 
 
How often do Thy children leave undone, 
 The things that Thou hast destined they 
 should do; 
 To fill their missions on this earth; 
 And cast a halo round their lives, 
 
 That will brighten, 
 When they leave this earthly clay, 
 (To meet those on the other side they love) 
 
 And like a lamp, will shine, 
 To guide the feet of those they leave behind, 
 To toil, as Thou, who knowest all, 
 Ordained that they should do. 
 
 Thou great and allwise God! 
 So wonderously Thou'st planned, for good 
 
 Of one and all. 
 O mighty Father! how submissive should we be 
 
 Unto Thy Holy Will. 
 Yes Father great and good, 
 
 As none but Thee alone can'st be; 
 How should we thy subjects, be 
 
 Subservient to Thy will, Thou blessed 
 Lord! that we may not Thy anger stir, 
 
 31 
 
That we may kindle not Thy wrath, 
 Like flames of fire, to sweep away, 
 
 As trash and stubble, 
 Those Thou has destined to become 
 The lights that shine around Thy throne. 
 
 How often do we cast away 
 The pearls, the gems that Thou has lent 
 To us as mortals here, the precious thoughts- 
 
 Thy spirit doth inspire, 
 To lead us on, to realms that perish not ; 
 
 For worthless trash, that Thou dost count 
 
 as naught 
 How oft our eyes, our hearts are twined 
 
 From Thee, to things of earth, 
 Until they blind the lights, away 
 
 The Beacon to our souls, 
 That ever shines from Thy almighty throne ;. 
 
 To lead us back to Thee. 
 
 How oft Thy holy, anxious eyes 
 Do dwell on those Thou love so well ; 
 The treasures of Thy heart, 
 
 32 
 
To find them in the paths that leads away 
 From those that Thou has set apart 
 
 And blest, for them to tread, 
 Until thy heart in holy grief is rent ; 
 Until Thy righteous anger* stirs 
 Thy very soul, against the ones Thou loves, 
 Until Thou reachest out Thy chastening hand 
 
 To bring them back again, 
 Into Thy sheltering fold. 
 Thou ever gracious Lord ! 
 
 At first Thou lead'st in love ; 
 And when Thy children turn away. 
 
 And give no heed unto Thy loving voice, 
 Thou strives yet further with Thy 
 
 Cherished ones, to bring them back, 
 In righteousness to Thee. 
 
 O Father may we ever strive to live r 
 So that Thy spirit we may never grieve, 
 
 That when we meet Thee, 
 May not downcast in sorrow be, 
 But that our hearts 
 
 33 
 
With gladness may be lifted up, 
 To meet Thy approbation and approof ; 
 And in peace our spirits e'er may rest, 
 
 To think we've humbly done, 
 Our Mortal Best. 
 
 34 
 
AUTUMN LEAVES. 
 
 EE beautiful autumn leaves, 
 Fall trom stately trees, 
 
 All red and gold; 
 
 To cover the shrubs around,. 
 
 That through the woods abound,. 
 From frost and cold. 
 
 Old frost has touched each one, 
 Their missions nearly done, 
 
 With mighty hand; 
 And dressed in radient hue, 
 
 35 
 
Their last good deed to do, 
 Upon the land. 
 
 They fly from perches high, 
 And wind does heave a sigh, 
 
 To see them go: 
 As though he does regret, 
 To think of parting yet, 
 
 From those he knew. 
 
 They flutter to the ground 
 With a rustle and a sound, 
 
 They never hear: 
 They are seeming too intent 
 On their ending mission bent, 
 
 Comfort and cheer. 
 
 As they gladly sink to rest 
 Upon their mother's breast, 
 
 To fade and die; 
 See! They shelter those about, 
 They are meeting in their route, 
 
 From on high. 
 
 36 
 
When in thrir proper sphere, 
 The clouds oft shed a tear 
 
 In warmest love: 
 To see them shelter with their shade, 
 The lowly forest glade, 
 
 From scorching sun 
 
 When they felt the touch of frost, 
 And they knew that they were lost 
 
 To sink and die; 
 44 We will go and shelter those 
 Prom such bleak and freezing woes," 
 
 Was their cry. 
 
 So down upon the earth, 
 
 To the one that gave them birth, 
 
 They rustling flew 
 To aid and comfort as they will, 
 The weak and tender from the chill, 
 
 So well they knew. 
 
 What a lesson we may learn, 
 If our eyes we'll only turn, 
 
 37 
 
To autumn leaves ! 
 From the time their lives begun, 
 Ever helping others on, 
 
 Their sufferings ease. 
 
 38 
 
A SUPPLICATION. 
 
 LEAD me merciful Savior, I pray, 
 Through the turbulent ocean of 
 life; 
 Help me to walk o'er the crested 
 waves 
 Through the storms the temp- 
 est and strife! 
 
 O help me to keep my feet far away 
 
 From evil temptation and sin; 
 And when I shall reach the better land, 
 
 Then help me to enter therein. 
 
 39 
 
Lead me, I pray Thee, in dutiful paths, 
 
 In paths that the angels have trod, 
 Help me to find the way Thou hast gone 
 
 That leads up to the throne of God. 
 O help me to sacrifice my life, 
 
 To the duties that God has given: 
 That brings my soul near the gates of light, 
 
 Those crystalized gates of heaven. 
 
 O lead me, I pray Thee, through Thy grace, 
 
 Before His shrine that I may bow, 
 To the wisdom that my Father shows, 
 
 In making me so humble now. 
 Help me, dear Savior, to receive the light, 
 
 That's shining from Thy blest abode; 
 To share with others as Thou hast done, 
 
 As I travel this weary road. 
 
 Lead me, I pray Thee, where e'er thou sees, 
 That may work or duty's lying; 
 
 Help me to fill a sainted place, 
 As the time is fleetly flying. 
 
 40 
 
Lead me to help, and lead me to do, 
 
 What e'er is pleasing in Thy sight; 
 
 That I may live with the goal in view, 
 Glory, ever supremely bright. 
 
 4J 
 
SPEAK KINDLY. 
 
 ET us ever speak kindly to those 
 we love; 
 Let no harsh words pass from 
 our lips; 
 Let the sound of our voices, 
 even when in reproof, 
 Like nectar comfort the soul 
 who sips. 
 
 Speak gently to sooth them when bowed down- 
 in grief, 
 By trials that e'er fall to our lot; 
 
 42 
 
By words spoken kindly, you may bring the 
 relief, 
 That through kindness alone is e'er 
 brought. 
 
 To those we love who are going astray, 
 Let gentle words fall from our lips; 
 
 To assist them in guiding their feet faraway 
 From the stones and the snags, that e'er 
 trips. 
 
 When tired and worn with their burdens of care 
 They are given to worry and fret ; 
 
 O, help and assist them their burdens to bear, 
 Yes, our part let us never forget. 
 
 Let us ever think kindly of those we love ; 
 
 Let no unkind thoughts mar our lives, 
 And take from our spirit that heavenly love, 
 
 That comes from beyond the blue skies. 
 
 Let the thoughts we have for them be gentle 
 and good, 
 
 43 
 
Like thoughts through the bless'd Savior 
 
 given, 
 That we may tread the paths that His children 
 
 should, 
 That lead to the portals of heaven. 
 
 And let us speak kindly of neighbors and 
 friends, 
 That happen along in our way: 
 Kind words, let's remember, will oft make 
 amends 
 For the failings we're heir to each day. 
 
 We'll let our thoughts for them be kindly and 
 just, 
 
 As the spirit of God would inspire; 
 In the arm of Jehovah let us all put our trust, 
 
 Then in kindness and love we'll not tire. 
 
 Let us speak of another just as we should like 
 That another would speak of us; 
 
 Let us speak to another as we should like 
 That another should speak to us. 
 
 44 
 
Let us think of another, as we would have, 
 That another would of us think, 
 
 With charity great, to cover our faults, 
 Then we shall rise, and not sink. 
 
 And the light from above, will shine through 
 our lives, 
 
 To the ones that we daily meet; 
 Helping to keep them safe, from many a snare, 
 
 And to guide the wayward, weary feet. 
 
 And the angels in heaven will sanction the 
 good, 
 That we are e'er trying to do; 
 And our Father will smile on his children 
 abroad, 
 That a righteous course strive to pursue. 
 
 And when we have finished our earthly career 
 And the messenger calls us hence. 
 
 To partake of the glory awaiting us there, 
 Then happily we will go thence. 
 
 45 
 
Then let us consider, our words and our 
 thoughts, 
 
 And guard them with dilligent care; 
 And if we should find that our task is too great, 
 
 Ask aid of our Father, in prayer. 
 
 For help and assistance He's willing to lend 
 To those who are working in taith; 
 
 And will strengthen and aid, ne'er fear, to the 
 end, 
 His children, His servants till death. 
 
 Then speak of each other all the good that ye 
 can, 
 And let the words come from the heart; 
 Tike the dew drops of Heaven that fall on the 
 land, 
 New succor, and strength they"ll impart. 
 
 If we only can use, in a true prayer way, 
 The talents our Father has given; 
 
 How happy we'll be on that blest sabbath day 
 When we meet in the glory of Heaven ! 
 
 46 
 
THE BROOK AND THE RILL. 
 
 
 LISTEN to the gen- 
 tle ripple, 
 
 Of the little silvery rill, 
 
 As it glides besides our 
 
 cottage door, 
 
 And journeys down the hill; 
 
 How it dances in the sunlight, 
 
 As it passes through the valley; 
 
 And joins the little murmuring brook, 
 
 In some green and pleasant alley. 
 
 47 
 
And they journey un together, 
 
 Rippling and murmuring still; 
 Over the heath and over the heather, 
 
 To turn the village mill: 
 Yes, onward, right onward they glide; 
 
 Never stop to regret or complain; 
 And playfully turn all the wheels of the- 
 mill, 
 
 Then dash into the sunshine again. 
 
 And they glide along the valley, 
 
 With many a wind and turn, 
 And in passing through the forest, 
 
 They kiss the moss and fern: 
 They gambol in the sunshine, 
 
 And they gambol in the shade,. 
 And listen to nature's music, 
 
 In the lonely forest glade. 
 
 And then they leave the forest, 
 
 Another course to take, 
 To bicker down the rocky alley, 
 
 And rest in the silve/y lake: 
 
 48 
 
So downward they dash, with a ringing 
 splash, 
 
 O they have such frolic and fun ! 
 As through bramble and brake, 
 
 They seek the fair lake, 
 Where they rest, for their journey is done. 
 
 49 
 
THE CHILD THAT'S GONE BE- 
 FORE. 
 
 OW often at twilight I sit and think, 
 Of the child that has gone 
 before: 
 And my eyes, they will fill with tears, 
 When I gaze round me and see 
 him no more. 
 
 Yes, oft times, I sit and think, 
 
 At the close of the dying day, 
 While watching the rising moon, 
 As the daylight fadech away. 
 
 50 
 
I think of my darling baby boy, 
 
 That to me was such a treasure; 
 
 Of my life the pride and joy, 
 
 Fount of happiness and pleasure. 
 
 And as I sit enwrapped in fancy, 
 
 While the trees in the breezes sway, 
 
 Me thinks I see my darling, 
 
 With the angel babes at play. 
 
 And memory reverts to the New Years 
 morn 
 
 To the day of my darling's birth; 
 Methought of all God's creatures, 
 
 I was the happiest one on earth. 
 
 When I gazed in those beautiful eyes; 
 
 And on hair that was black as jet, 
 I lavished caresses and kisses, 
 
 On the sweet dimpled face of my pet. 
 
 Then I breathed a prayer to heaven, 
 In behalf of my darling child, 
 
 51 
 
And thanked God for that heavenly bless- 
 ing. 
 For my soul with joy was wild. 
 
 And I prayed that God would bless him, 
 That he may love to do His will, 
 
 And that whatever may befall me, 
 
 He would keep my child from ill. 
 
 That he may grow to manhood 
 And learn to love His laws; 
 
 And help roll on His mighty Work, 
 And glory in the cause. 
 
 And that I may his spirit have 
 
 To lead my child aright; 
 Was my earnest supplication, 
 
 From the morning till the night. 
 
 And the rosebud, pure and lovely, 
 E'er unfolded more each day, 
 
 And smiles danced o'er his little face; 
 Like the flowers in the breezes play. 
 
 52 
 
O then I was ever so happy, 
 
 Life had not for me a care, 
 
 My thoughts were all of mv darling, 
 
 And my darling was all my prayer 
 
 And T strove with all my might, 
 To do the holy will of God; 
 
 In return for that heavenly blessing, 
 I would cling unto His rod. 
 
 But those happy days were fleeting; 
 
 O, the time soon passed away; 
 And following came unhappy hours, 
 
 For my rose bud must decay. 
 
 As in days of old it seemed God's will, 
 "I will take away thy treasure, 
 
 Then all will see what is known to me, 
 That thou wilt serve me still. 
 
 And then He took my darling, 
 And, Oh! my grief was wild; 
 
 53 
 
As I gazed upon the lovely form, 
 Of my own lost angel child. 
 
 Did I say lost? ah yes! 
 
 But my spirit it seems so sore; 
 I did not mean to say the lost one, 
 
 But the one that's gone before. 
 
 And yet, with all my heart, 
 
 I feel to say God's will be done; 
 
 And may I ever strive to serve, 
 Until I am gathered home. 
 
 Home to that bright heavenly shore, 
 
 Where angels are singing His praise;. 
 
 And sorrow will trouble no more; 
 
 How blessed are those happy days. 
 
 May God grant that I faithful prove, 
 Long as He gives me breath; 
 
 And may I ever sing His praise, 
 
 Till my voice is hushed in death. 
 
 Then crowned \a ith glory I shall be, 
 And Oh! what heavenly joy; 
 
 54 
 
As I meet my own sweet angel, 
 My darling baby boy. 
 
 Then we will dwell above in peace, 
 In that bright and happy home; 
 
 And there we'll sing God's praises, 
 
 At the foot of the beautiful Throne. 
 
 55 
 
REMEMBER THE SABBATH DAY 
 AND KEEP IT HOLY. 
 
 LESSED Sabbath! 
 
 Sacred day of rest! 
 May we strive to keep in peace 
 
 and love. 
 How we, Thy children, should 
 
 adore 
 That which Thou hast so blest, 
 And set apart for us to honor 
 and preserve. 
 Thou, Father of our everlasting souls, 
 How we, as mortals here, 
 (The sorrow and the joy of Thy eternal home) 
 
 56 
 
Should glorify that holy day 
 
 With song and prayer and sacred 
 
 Thoughts, that lift our souls above 
 
 The pains and pleasures, sorrows and 
 
 Joys, trials and difficulties of time; 
 
 And cause us to strive harder and 
 
 Harder, for the pleasures and 
 
 Blessings of a better land; 
 
 And for the smiles and approbation 
 
 Of our Father in heaven. 
 
 How ready and willing we should 
 
 Be to give up the frail comforts 
 
 And pleasures of earth, 
 
 Which only last for so short a space of time. 
 
 How willing we should be, 
 
 To put aside the frivolous thoughts, 
 
 That are prone to fill our minds; 
 
 At^least, if at no other time; 
 
 On that blest day, 
 
 That God hath set apart for rest 
 From our earthly labors that we 
 May find time for a glimpse through 
 
 57 
 
Our minds eye into the vast 
 
 Eternal worlds, 
 That we may see through the spirit of 
 God, the glories and treasures of Heaven,. 
 That await the faithful in the Lord. 
 How thankful we should be 
 That the Lord has made a law, 
 That on the seventh day of the week (if 
 We obey that law) 
 We are compelled to rest 
 From all our earthly toil, and to put 
 Aside, all thoughts ot earthly things, 
 And give our thoughts exclusively, 
 To the redemption of our souls, 
 And to the goodness and mercy 
 Of our Father and our God, in 
 Permitting us (by keeping his laws) 
 To enter into His glory, 
 And partake of the blessings that 
 He has laid away for the righteous, 
 
 And the just. 
 O, how expedient it is that we should 
 Give our minds unto these things, 
 
 58 
 
That we may be strengthened and 
 
 Stimulated in well-doingr. 
 
 How important it is, that we should 
 
 Turn our hearts from that which 
 
 Is mortal, to that which is immortal; 
 
 Away from earthly gods, 
 
 Unto the God of heaven and 
 
 Earth; that we may, with one heart 
 
 And mind return unto him, 
 
 (On that day at least) 
 
 That which is His due, 
 And which He expects, and has 
 Commanded us to in revererence 
 Unto him. 
 Then let us hail and accept the 
 
 Holy Sabbath day, 
 In the light that it was given; 
 And show by our words and 
 Actions, that we do appreciate, and keep 
 Holy the Sabbath day; which our 
 Father in Heaven, has set apart 
 And blest for our good. 
 
 59 
 
If we will do this, 
 It will keep our feet from many 
 A snare; and by so doing will 
 Bring us blessings great, 
 Through time and all eternity. 
 And we shall meet the approbation 
 Of God; and the angels will rise 
 Up, and call us blessed. 
 
 60 
 
THE SNOW STORM. 
 
 DaugJiter : — Oh, do see the merry snowflakes; 
 
 How they're dancing in the breeze! 
 Like a flock of happy snowbirds, 
 
 As they light among the trees. 
 
 How it fills my heart with gladness, 
 
 As I watch the merry sight, 
 And anticipate a sleigh ride 
 
 To the grand, gay ball tonight. 
 
 The breeze is blowing from the north — 
 
 I can see that by the trees; 
 And soon it will be good skating, 
 For I know tonight 'twill freeze. 
 
 61 
 
Oh! do come and look dear mother, 
 T'is a splendid sight to see; 
 
 As I think upon the prospect, 
 
 How it fills my soul with glee. 
 
 Mother: — Yes, I see my child the snow- 
 flakes, 
 
 Are falling thick and fast; 
 And I fear t'will be a dreadful night; 
 
 Like a many that are past: 
 When I listen to the wind, love, 
 
 As it drifts the falling snow ; 
 I think about the homeless poor 
 
 And my heart is filled with woe. 
 
 Yes, for there are many hundreds, 
 In the world wiihout a home ; 
 
 Who have no money, food or friends 
 So the lonely streets must roam. 
 
 And when the deep snows are falling, 
 dear ; 
 And the blast doth fiercely blow ; 
 
 62 
 
They beg their food from door to door 
 Nearly freezing as they go. 
 
 And when the long night approaches ; 
 
 With both cold and hunger worn ; 
 They sometimes lie upon the street, 
 
 And there freeze before the morn. 
 
 Daughter : — I did not think of that, mother ; 
 
 How the thought doth grieve me sore ; 
 And I own I have been thoughtless, 
 
 Not to think of it before. 
 
 If you'll forgive me, mother dear, 
 
 I'll strive to aid the poor ; 
 In future to think less of self ; 
 
 And of other people more. 
 
 63 
 
RETURN OF SPRING. 
 
 INTER'S icy chains are broken ; 
 
 How the woods with music 
 ring ; 
 Peep the snow drops, laugh all 
 nature, 
 Turning winter into spring. 
 
 Creeks and brooks and ice-bound 
 
 river, 
 Throw their fettering bands 
 
 away ; 
 Gladly hail the day of freedom ; 
 
 As through the sunlit fields they play. 
 Grass is springing, trees are budding, 
 
 64 
 
In the valleys far and wide ; 
 While the gentle dove is cooing 
 To his loving- feathered bride. 
 
 i s 
 
 Calves are bleating, lambs are playing, 
 Near the gentle running rill ; 
 
 While the bright-eyed babes are laugh- 
 ing. 
 Venture out across the sill. 
 
 How the light winds play and frolic, 
 O'er the lea so soft and cool ; 
 
 While the bull frogs chase each other, 
 Through the flags into the pool. 
 
 Skies are brightened, eyes are brightened, 
 And the lovers, luve and dream ; 
 
 As the>- watch the gracious sunbeams, 
 Stoop and kiss the lovely stream. 
 
 65 
 
PRAY FOR THE CHILDREN. 
 
 ET the prayers of parents ascend 
 hence and on high 
 ^ For the dear ones that're claim- 
 
 ing their care; 
 Let the hearts of the parents reach the Lord 
 
 with the cry, 
 Help us, Father! Oh, answer our prayer! 
 
 Sure as the waves of the ocean roll out to 
 the beach, 
 Sure as wild winds blow over the lea, 
 The prayers of the parents will undoubtedly 
 reach, 
 Through the vail into eternity. 
 
 66 
 
The prayers from a mother will rise from her 
 heart 
 To the throne of her Father in heaven, 
 In behalf of the spirit which to her he has lent 
 To guide through the storms they are 
 driven. 
 
 The fond prayers of a father will reach through 
 the space 
 To the ears of our father above; 
 For the ones that's entrusted for a time to his 
 care; 
 God will answer in kindness and love. 
 
 Then do pray for your children while the Lord 
 gives you breath, 
 For the spirit of love that will lead, 
 Ever guide and instruct them through their 
 lives until death; 
 And sow in their dear hearts righteous 
 seed. 
 
 Yes, pray for the Loved ones, that His spirit 
 may dwell 
 
 67 
 
Within their hearts by day and by night; 
 That their lives maybe Christlike each and all 
 the day long 
 They may be as pure angels of light. 
 
 Oh, then pray for the children all ye teachers 
 and friends, 
 That strength may be constantly given 
 To their dear little spirits, that their footsteps 
 may be 
 Ever lead in the pathway to heaven. 
 
 Always pray for the children, may prayers 
 never cease; 
 And let righteous instructions be given, 
 That they may go to Jesus whene'er He may- 
 call; 
 As white as snow by the winds driven. 
 
 For richest blessings of God will attend those 
 who work 
 For the good of His children on earth; 
 And it is from the cradle that we ought to be- 
 
 gin 
 
 68 
 
To cultivate true value or worth, 
 
 Let us pray that our Father His kind spirit will 
 lend 
 To help us in bringing to heaven 
 The bright souls that He has sent for a time 
 here below, 
 That glory in fullness be given. 
 
 To all those of his children who can prove 
 
 themselves just, 
 
 Having walked the straight, narrow way; 
 
 Let us strive to assist them to keep faithful 
 
 their trust, 
 
 Yes, as long as their parts they must play. 
 
 By assisting the children to act all their parts 
 
 well, 
 And shun all that is wrong or impure; 
 It will aid and comfort them, and all through 
 
 their lives tell, 
 In helping to keep their souls truer. 
 Then let us pray for the children and help 
 
 them along, 
 
 69 
 
That we may enter those portals above, 
 Not doubting, but knowing that our duty we 
 have done, 
 By the lambs of His Kingdom in love. 
 
 70 
 
LITTLE DEWDROPS. 
 
 ▼j^ WEET, refreshing dewdrops ! 
 On the verdure green: 
 Nestling in the buttercups, 
 On the roses seen; 
 The daisy and the violet, 
 
 Never is forgot; 
 Though you grace more stately flowers, 
 In the garden plot. 
 
 Loving little dewdrops ! 
 
 Kissing all the flowers; 
 Embracing every blade of grass, 
 
 Through the silent hours. 
 They never can get lonely, 
 
 71 
 
Returning love, I know. 
 See the slender morning-glories 
 Smilino- as you go. 
 
 Hear the blue-bells ringing. 
 
 What is it they say ? 
 O, listen precious dewdrops, 
 
 Hasten far away; 
 The sun is coining o'er the hills, 
 
 With a burning sheen, 
 To chase you from the daffodills, 
 
 And the meadows green. 
 
 72 
 
THE SUFFERINGS OF THE POOR. 
 
 z 
 
 [E winter has come, and the bleak 
 north wind 
 Is blowing over hill, dale, and 
 plain, 
 And snow flakes fall thick, in the keen cutting 
 blast; 
 Yes! the winter has come back again. 
 
 The husband and father returns to his home, 
 With a face that looks all care-worn and 
 sad ; 
 He's wandered all day through the cold city 
 streets, 
 To find ther's not any work to be had. 
 
 73 
 
"Dear Grace, "he began, to his kind loving wife, 
 ' 4 It is the first of December, you see ; 
 
 I've failed to find work, though I've strove 
 with a will, 
 And another hard winter I fear t'will be." 
 
 "O ! how my poor heart doth ache," the dear 
 wife said ; 
 As the hot tear-drops stole down her pale 
 cheek; 
 "When I think of the winter so cruel and cold, 
 And see the snow falling so thick and 
 deep. 
 
 You remember last winter, so long and drear, 
 How our loved darlings were hungry and 
 cold; 
 
 And the Lord took our baby to keep her warm, 
 On the very day she was two years old." 
 
 "I do remember, too well," her husband said ; 
 
 "But we will not suffer this winter so ; 
 If I cannot get work, and worst comes to worst, 
 
 Then we all to the poor-house must go. 
 
 74 
 
To night is so bitter, and the fuel is short ; 
 
 We all very early to bed must go ; 
 And we'll try to keep warm beneath the scant 
 clothes, 
 
 It may be warmer tomorrow, you know." 
 
 So a piece of dry bread, each member did eat, 
 
 And thanked the Lord that they had so 
 
 much; 
 
 Then huddled together in such poor beds of 
 
 straw, 
 
 Their sorrowing souls, in slumber to hush. 
 
 The poor widowed mother, who lives on the 
 hill, 
 Tucked her dear hungry babies in bed; 
 She kissed them good-night, said don't cry 
 any more, 
 And then, mama will ask God for bread. 
 
 Then she dropped on her knees, and in anguish 
 
 Did cry, "O God! send us fuel and food, 
 Or let us in mercy find refruge in Heaven; 
 
 75 
 
Where such misery and want are sub- 
 dued. " 
 
 Then her heart was so full, she could not say 
 more, 
 So she then crept into bed, in her grief, 
 And soon fell asleep, and her troubles forgot; 
 For God, sent that poor mother's heart 
 relief. 
 
 The wind still blew hard and the frost was 
 
 severe; 
 
 Such a dreadful night, there's seldom been, 
 
 Death stole in the cot, took the mother and 
 babes ; 
 
 God answered the widows prayer as seen, 
 
 The winters will come and the winters will go; 
 
 Bringing the poor naught but sorrow and 
 woe, 
 
 Let the poor cling together, each other be- 
 friend, 
 And God will take care of them all in the 
 end. 
 
 76 
 
BYE AND BYE. 
 
 IN silence reflect on the past, 
 
 On the sorrows and joys that 
 are gone, 
 Leaving shadows or sunshine be- 
 hind, 
 As they vanish away, one by one ; 
 But my heart is relieved, 
 As I think of the time drawing nigh, 
 When all joy shall prevail. 
 As it will, for the blest, bye and bye 
 
 As I think of the joys that await, 
 The tired, weary souls of the just ; 
 In that beautiful city of pearl, 
 
Where the gems laid away never rust: 
 
 How my heart doth rejoice, 
 
 As I think of the time drawing nigh, 
 
 When the weary may rest, 
 
 And rejoice in the sweet bye and bye. 
 
 As I think of the honest and pure, 
 
 That are striving to reach the bright goal,. 
 
 Where sorrow, temptation, and sin, 
 
 Will have no more power o'er the soul; 
 
 How my heart doth rejoice, 
 
 As I think of the time, drawing nigh, 
 
 When the pure gain the goal, 
 
 They are striving to reach, bye and bye. 
 
 As I think of the sad and forlorn, 
 
 That are walking the straight and narrow 
 
 path. 
 While easing their burdens with prayer ;. 
 Ever thankful for blessings they hath ; 
 How my heart doth rejoice, 
 As I think of the time drawing nigh, 
 When their sorrows shall flee, 
 
 78 
 
As they will, if they'll wait, bye and bye. 
 
 As I think of the lonely and meek, 
 
 While I read ot the promises given ; 
 
 And the poor and the humble who seek 
 
 For to enter the gateway of heaven ; 
 
 How my heart doth rejoice 
 
 As I think of the time drawing nigh, 
 
 When they'll enter therein, 
 
 To the presence of God, bye and bye. 
 
 Let us think of the glories of heaven, 
 
 Of the blessings and treasures untold, 
 
 That are awaiting the children of God, 
 
 Who are steadfast and cling to to his fold, 
 
 Then our hearts will rejoice, 
 
 As we think of the time drawing nigh ; 
 
 And exclaim , "Blessed be, 
 
 The happy, happy, sweet bye and bye." 
 
 79 
 
MY LITTLE LOU. 
 
 <0ffi DO so love the golden sunshine, 
 
 m 
 
 w 
 
 And the beautiful blooming 
 
 ^ 
 
 flowers ; 
 
 And the songs of the birds, are as 
 dear to me, 
 As they were in child-hood hours. 
 I love the silvery brooks and rivulets, 
 
 That wander through shady dell and 
 grove, 
 And the dells and the groves themselves I love 
 Where the moss and the hawthorn grows. 
 
 But there is something far dearer to me, 
 
 'T'is a daughter's constant love and care, 
 
 80 
 
My Little Lou. 
 
That brightens and aids through the storms of 
 life 
 With a heart full of patient prayer, 
 
 Brighter to me than sunshine or flowers, 
 Are those eyes ever moist with a tear ; 
 
 And sweeter to me than the songs of the 
 birds, 
 Is that voice full of comfort and cheer. 
 
 And brighter to me than silvery brooks, 
 Is that stream of unselfish love, 
 
 Which constantly ripples and flows to me, 
 With sadness so sweet interwove. 
 
 For more than the shady dells and groves 
 I love that Daughter so kind and true, 
 
 Ah. yes, with a love that knows no bounds, 
 I love my faithful, little Lou. 
 
 83 
 
SOLITUDE. 
 
 ^^ JIO 0W beautiful is the stillness of the 
 ^51^^ii£?{ silent hours of night, or the hours 
 2^jJ«jJS«i of Solitude at any and all times! 
 When I say beautiful, I do not mean to the 
 mortal gaze, but to the eyes of the mind; and, 
 to a sensitive nature, what a beauty and charm 
 they bring to the very soul, filling it, as they 
 do, with a heavenly inspiration and love, both 
 for God and fellow beings. How we, at such 
 a time, (when we seek solitude for tne rest of 
 our spirits)are wont to go before the Lord with 
 prayerful hearts and call down his spirit un- 
 til we can look with happiness, through the 
 reflection of the mind) upon the heavenly 
 
 84 
 
beauty of the eternal worlds, that is 
 awaiting all those who are striving to please 
 the Lord. I have found many who seek soli- 
 tude, when they wish to rest from their earthly 
 labors ; and who crave that inspiration to 
 righteousness, which those blessed hours ever 
 bring, while they may enjoy the spirit of God 
 in all its fullness: Which consideration in 
 unison with the inherent sentiment of my own 
 soul, has urged me to write this ode, to solitude. 
 
 O solitude ! 
 How joyfully I Hail the rest, 
 Thou brings unto my aching breast, 
 The heavenly calm thou brings unto my heart, 
 The silent peace thou dost impart ; 
 
 While all tumultuous care thou soothes to 
 rest. 
 
 Yes, solitude ! 
 What blessed peace thy presence brings, 
 To rest this mind from earthly things ; 
 To bid this weary brain in silence still 
 
 85 
 
The conflicts of this earthly will ; 
 
 And lay aside all vain or mortal things. 
 
 O stillness sweet ! 
 How I do prize thee more than gold, 
 When e'er thy shroud dost me enfold, 
 And wall me close about from all dismay, 
 From mental conflicts of the day ; 
 
 And from my mind all earthly things are 
 rolled. 
 
 O silent hours ! 
 What charm they very silence brings, 
 As tumult flys, on fleeting wings, 
 And leaves my soul enwrapped in heavenly 
 
 rest; 
 I feel that by thy stillness blest, 
 
 My spirits, earthly cares, away it flings. 
 
 Sweet, peaceful hours ! 
 That lift my soul above this earth, 
 Unto the one that gave it birth, 
 
 That glorious sphere of eternal light; 
 
 That shines afar so pure and bright, 
 
 86 
 
Where only dwells the souls of precious 
 worth. 
 
 Dear solitude ! 
 How I hail thee, ever and anon, 
 When ere my task or duty's done, 
 That I may in thy cherished bosom find 
 Those thoughts so dear unto my mind ; 
 
 The thoughts which bring true happiness 
 alone. 
 
 87 
 
THE LETTER CARRIER. 
 
 ARK! the letter carrier's coming,. 
 
 For his whistle I hear him blow. 
 He'll bring me news of my own 
 love true, 
 
 Just as soon as he can, I know. 
 
 Is singing a lovely maiden, 
 
 With her pretty bright eyes aglow, 
 He'll bring me news of my own true love, 
 
 Just as soon as he can, I know. 
 
 Ah! the letter carrier's coming ! 
 
 For his whistle sounds on the wind, 
 He'll bring me some word to day, I know, 
 
 From "the girl that I left behind." 
 
 88 
 
So whistles the bonny laddie, 
 
 To whom life seems all bright and fair, 
 He'll bring me some word today, I know, 
 
 From my darling with golden hair. 
 
 O, the letter carrier's coming, 
 
 Says the daughter so kind and true, 
 
 The sound of his whistle caught her ear, 
 As on the wings of the breeze it flew. 
 
 Yes, see! he brings me a letter, 
 
 From gentle, loving mother dear; 
 
 I know she thinks of me just the same 
 As she used when I was there. 
 
 "Ho! the letter carrier's coming! 
 
 Hear the ring of the whistle bold; 
 I hope that he'll bring me news today 
 
 Of my father who's growing old;" 
 
 Spoke an erring undutiful son, 
 
 Who far from home had strayed away , 
 From father and friends who loved him dear; 
 
 But he thinks of them all today. 
 
 »9 
 
Hush! the letter carrier's coming! 
 
 Says a mother with kindly voice; 
 He brings me news of my absent son, 
 
 Yes, how it makes my heart rejoice. 
 
 The letter carrier's at the gate , 
 
 Of a father aged and gray. 
 I hope he will bring him tidings too, 
 
 Of his daughter that's far away. 
 
 Yes, the letter carrier's coming, 
 All dressed in his suit ol blue. 
 
 The wind may blow and the rain may pour. 
 To his duty he's ever true. 
 
 At the gate the maiden smiling, 
 Is watching him cantering by, 
 
 But as she sees no letter he brings, 
 Within her heart lingers a sigh. 
 
 A letter's come to the laddie; 
 
 I think it may be from his love, 
 For I see his eyes throw out the lovelight, 
 
 That's ever in youth interwove. 
 
 90 
 
' 'Letter from ma," the daughter said; 
 
 She hastily broke it undone, 
 And turning aside to hide her grief, 
 
 She said, her dear life's sands are run. 
 
 To the undutiful son, no news. 
 
 "O, how long will I have to wait?" 
 I heard him say, as he turned away, 
 
 And entered the tavern gate. 
 
 The mother thinks of his absent son, 
 Far away on the ocean's wave, 
 
 And earnestly prays that he'll escape 
 The woes of a watery grave. 
 
 The letter the carrier brought 
 
 To the father aged and gray 
 
 Seemed to lighten his steps, I thought, 
 As he hastily walked away. 
 
 And so the letter carrier brings 
 
 Us pleasure, pain, fond hope, and fear; 
 Still, we're always glad to see him come 
 
 Each day through all the passing year. 
 
 91 
 
O, blessed may his memory be! 
 
 When he at last is laid to rest, 
 His duty on this earth fulfilled; 
 
 O, may he dwell among the blest. 
 
 92 
 
THE WEARY PILGRIM. 
 
 tJI WAY ! away ! to the spirit land, 
 Where myriads of tired ones 
 
 have fled ! 
 How I long to join that free 
 happy band, 
 That are generally counted at dead. 
 
 * 
 
 Away ! yes away ! to the spirit land, 
 My soul doth so long to soar 
 
 Where angels are singing the praises of God 
 And all of earth's troubles are o'er, 
 
 Away ! ah away ! to the spirit land, 
 Where the soul may rest in peace, 
 
 93 
 
When worn and weary with toil and care ; 
 Where earth's pilgrimage doth cease. 
 
 Away ! far away ! to that beautiful shore 
 Away from trouble and care and sin ; 
 
 The angels are waiting at heaven's gate, 
 I think they will let me in. 
 
 Away ! then away ! to that haven of rest, 
 Where poor tired spirits doth flee ; 
 
 Where with sunshine and gladness the hum- 
 blest are blest, 
 I think they'll have room there tor me. 
 
 94 
 
LET THE SUNSHINE IN. 
 
 OLL up the tattered blind, and 
 let the 
 sun's resplendent rays, 
 yf $ Play within our humble cot- 
 
 age, as they 
 did in former days; 
 They will chase away the shadows, and warm 
 
 our hearts the while ; 
 For there cannot dwell much sadness, where 
 the merry sun-beams smile. 
 
 When shadows fall across our lives, like a 
 stolid winter gloom, 
 
 95 
 
And fill our hearts with woe, that the sunshine 
 
 has no room ; 
 Let us battle with adversity, and drive the 
 
 clowds away ; 
 And make a place within our hearts, for 
 
 cheerfulness to play. 
 
 If we let the blessed sunshine dwell within 
 our frugal cot ; 
 
 And enter deep into our hearts, God will for- 
 get us not. 
 
 And when the storms of life be past, and we 
 leave this earthly clay ; 
 
 We'll rejoice to think we've done our best, in 
 a modest, humble way. 
 
 Then put aside the curtain, and let the cheer- 
 ful morning sun, 
 
 Find a place within each human heart, before 
 life's sands are run ; 
 
 And make the best of every grace, the Lord 
 our God has given ; 
 
 Perchance we'll find a better place, in the 
 blessed, peaceful heaven. 
 
 96 
 
WORK FOR THE LIVING. 
 
 7 VT1 ORK for the living, work while you 
 ^^^ may ; 
 
 With the strength that God 
 
 has given, 
 O work for the living, work to day, 
 To bring them back to heaven. 
 
 Work for the living, work with a will, 
 To help them along on their way, 
 
 •Cheerfully help them their missions to fill, 
 In an honest, intelligent way. 
 
 Yes, help the living, help while you may, 
 Help them with faith and prayers ; 
 
 97 
 
To keep their feet in the straight, narrow way, 
 Away from the snags and the tares. 
 
 Help with kind actions, and with kind words, 
 To strengthen, encourage and cheer; 
 
 When trials beset them, and troubles o'ertake, 
 And their eyes are bedimned with a tear, 
 
 Help them with patience, and help them with 
 love, 
 Their burdens to lighten and bear; 
 Comfort and soothe them, in sickness and 
 pain ; 
 With gentleness nurtured in care. 
 
 And help them to look to the heights above, 
 • To the place of our Father's home ; 
 To ask for the peace, consolation and love, 
 That in answer will ever come. 
 
 Help them to look through this vale of tears, 
 
 And over the murky tide ; 
 And think of the joys that's awaiting us there; 
 
 When we cross to the other side. 
 
 98 
 
Help them to see the bright golden light, 
 That shines from our Father's throne 
 
 To comfort and cheer each drooping heart, 
 
 And brighten our pathway home. 
 
 > 
 Help them to cling to the good and right; 
 
 To shun each wrong, or evil way; 
 
 Help them to battle with main and might, 
 
 And to work while it is day. 
 
 Help them to hold, and help them to use, 
 The power that God has given ; 
 
 Help them to search, and help them to choose, 
 The way that leads to heaven. 
 
 Yes ! work for the living, work with a will, 
 While this life and being- last ; 
 
 To keep their feet from the ways of ill, 
 Till this earthly life be past. 
 
 When your earthly missions shall be o'er, 
 And heavenly places you shall fill, 
 
 Then do not let your work be o'er. 
 But work for the living still. 
 
 99 
 
 LifC. 
 
Cast a sacred halo round their lives ; 
 
 When the power shall greater be ;. 
 O help to bring them back in love, 
 
 To join the angel work with thee. 
 
 O man ! thy work is never done ; 
 
 The Lord ordained it so to be ! 
 But a crown awaits the ones in heaven 
 
 Who do their duty faithfully 
 
 100 
 
FAR AWAY IN THE DISTANCE. 
 
 -*B^AR away in the distance, a bright 
 
 star there shineth, 
 To light up our paths as we 
 journey along : 
 Far away in the distance, our Father divin- 
 eth 
 Our actions and thoughts, be they right- 
 eous or wrong. 
 
 Far away in the distance, there's friends and 
 there's loved ones 
 Who are anxiously waiting to welcome 
 us home ; 
 
 101 
 
Far away in the distance, there's gladness to 
 greet us, 
 And exterminate grief, which intrusively 
 comes. f 
 
 Far away in the distance, we know there's a 
 a ransom, 
 Awaiting the ones who will work with a 
 will, 
 
 Far away in the distance the prospect is hand- 
 some; 
 
 O Father ! please help us, our missions to fill. 
 
 102 
 
A CLEAR CONSCIENCE. 
 
 How necessary it is that we all strive for 
 that priceless jewel, a clear conscience. There 
 is nothing" that I can think of which needs 
 more care and attention, than ourinner selves; 
 and if we want to pride ourselves on clean- 
 liness, this is just where we ought to begin ; 
 for if every thing around us is clear and clean, 
 and our conscience is neglected, and becomes 
 sullied and murky, it is impossible to enjoy 
 any surrounding beauty, no matter how bright 
 and clean it may be. Therefore our con- 
 science should be our first thought, with that 
 clear and clean we are in a position 
 to keep every thing else in comparison, and 
 
 J03 
 
my observation teaches me, that neglect of 
 our inner selves causes us to neglect our outer 
 duties. But when we feel bright, clean, and 
 cheerful in that principle department of our 
 spirits, we make all our surroundings, like- 
 wise, inasmuch as we possibly can ; and we 
 are wont to look at the bright side of life, 
 let its presentation be whatever it will ; and 
 to trust in the Lord to keep us from every evil 
 snare. Not only that, we are given to buoy 
 up and comfort others, when they come to us 
 with tales of woe and broken spirits ; and to 
 show them the bright side of life, instead of 
 making them feel worse than they really would 
 by our moral despair. Therefore we see, if we 
 are anxious to fulfill our duty to mankind we 
 are compelled to pay strict attention to our- 
 selves first ; for if the light is not in us, it can- 
 not shine forth to those we love, and wish to 
 benefit. Then again, there is another thing 
 to be considered ; if our conscience is sullied 
 and gloomy we become fearful that evil is ever 
 
 J 04 
 
trying to overtake us, especially if we have 
 been unjust to our fellow beings, some of them 
 having passed behind the veil, we are apt to 
 think they may sometime return and try to re- 
 turn the compliment and sometimes that feeling 
 becomes so strong, that it makes us perfectly 
 miserable; and I have known instances where 
 it has taken all the sunshine out of lives, that 
 should have been happy. Which observation 
 has caused me to write the following poem, 
 called, "Owlets in the Loft," which very 
 plainly shows the workings of the human mind. 
 
 J 05 
 
OWLETS IN THE LOFT 
 
 (TALE OF A SINECURE.) 
 
 T gathering of the twilight, 
 While fast fades away the daylight; 
 By my window I was sitting, 
 To watch the rising moon. 
 And it came above the mountain, 
 While the clock the time was count- 
 ing, 
 
 As through my chamber window, 
 Its pale light filled the room. 
 
 I fell into meditation, 
 
 On the works of God's creation ; 
 
 106 
 
Then the conflicts of the nation, 
 Which made my spirit sore. 
 
 The time flew by me unnoted, 
 
 Though the clock the seconds quoted, 
 
 Like a bird away it floated, 
 
 While I conned matters o'er. 
 
 But at last I was disturbed, 
 
 As a noise I thought I had heard; 
 
 What can it be? I stood and stared, 
 
 But nothing could I descry. 
 How I listened, and just then, 
 The old mantel clock struck out ten; 
 Which frightened me again, 
 
 That I drew a heavy sigh. 
 
 And then rising from my chair, 
 
 With intent of saying prayer, 
 
 For now I fain would ask God's care, 
 
 Then unto my couch retire: 
 But such a horrid screech I hear, 
 Which fills my very soul with fear, 
 For it does sound so very near, 
 
 That it sets my brain on fire. 
 
 J09 
 
Filled with horror, dread and gloom, 
 I walked across the silent room, 
 And by the pale light of the moon, 
 
 Searched in and out of duor: 
 But as I naught could hear or see, 
 I commenced to feel more free, 
 And think how foolish t'vvas of me, 
 
 When greets me a ghostly snore. 
 
 Yes, and then I cried aloud, 
 
 Who art, or what art thou, coward ! 
 
 And where canst thou be towered; 
 
 That thy face I cannot see. 
 But not at all the silence broke, 
 To answer me the words I spoke, 
 In consternation and provoke, 
 
 Then unto my bed I flee. 
 
 And as silence reigned supreme, 
 While I was pondering the theme, 
 I fell asleep and dreamed a dream, 
 
 That is horrible to tell. 
 Met nought I' saw hii ugly elf, 
 
 no 
 
Who had in order to get pelf 
 And massacre my lonely self, 
 
 Dragg'd and threw me down a well. 
 
 And then the shock did me awake, 
 And as with dread and fear I shake, 
 Ah, yes! I know 'twas no mistake! 
 
 For I heard a fiendish cry. 
 From my bed I jumped in fright, 
 With trembling hands made a light. 
 The torture of that dreadful night 
 
 Oh, never forget can I. 
 
 I determined on a thorough search; 
 So arming myself with a birch; 
 And, lest they leave me in the lurch, 
 
 Stepped and locked the door. 
 "Where art thou, fiend?" I stammered out, 
 The house to search I set about; 
 If human or not I'll soon find out, 
 
 And if so, I'll make thee sere. 
 
 If thou from the other world art come, 
 Forthwith I'll seek another home, 
 
 it i 
 
As soon as daylight breaks the gloom 
 I was answered with a snore. 
 
 I searched my dwelling- all about, 
 
 And almost turned it inside out; 
 
 I heard another screeching- shout, 
 But naught to light had came. 
 
 Then in a ladder I did bring- 
 And up it quickly I did spring, 
 .My lantern on my arm aswing-; 
 
 Ah! ma-hap the fiend's aloft. 
 I land and gaze and back I turn; 
 My foolishness in wrath I spurn, 
 And from that night a lesson learn, 
 
 For 'twas owlets in the loft. 
 
 1 12 
 
HOPE. 
 
 ET us build up hope solid as the 
 rock of ages, like a temple high; 
 With a mighty tower, that 
 ^(MO^ l eans an d points toward the 
 azure sky: 
 Let the firm foundation thereof, be laid upon 
 
 the sacred word of God ; 
 That when the storms shall rage and beat, it 
 will not sink into the sod. 
 
 Let the walls be burnished, with the brilliant 
 
 light of heaven divine ; 
 That no dark cloud will ever dare, obscure the 
 
 light that from it shine 
 
 113 
 
And let the stately golden doors, thereof, be 
 
 made to ever swing ajar ; 
 That we may enter into this structure grand, 
 
 that throws its rays afar. 
 
 Let its windows be of fine transparency, to ad- 
 mit the light of love, 
 
 That to us mortals ever shines, from the trans- 
 cendent worlds above. 
 
 And may its mighty tower, a bright illumin- 
 ated pillar of heaven's light ! 
 
 E'er be to poor despondent souls, a heaven, 
 standing off the blight. 
 
 Then, we having built our radient cherished 
 
 habitation, firm and strong; 
 Let us consent to live within its sacred walls, 
 
 our whole life long: 
 With a strong determined will, to keep our 
 
 wayward souls from sin apart; 
 To banish wrong or evil, from our mortal brain, 
 
 and craving heart; 
 That our temple of hope, may greater grow, 
 
 114 
 
and its tower reach up so high, 
 That it will pierce through the darkening 
 
 clouds, and through the distant sky; 
 And point afar to that place of rest, the in- 
 finite realms of joy and peace. 
 That Christ our Savior has prepared, for faith- 
 ful ones, that death release. 
 
 
 115 
 
MISSION OF THE BREEZE. 
 
 ^H© 
 
 ^ 
 
 SWEET refreshing breeze ! 
 that lovingly 
 Dost kiss the heated brow 
 of one and all, 
 That comes within thy fond embrace; 
 
 To cast away the care that doth enthrall; 
 With mild and never ending grace. 
 There bringest on thy breath a sweet perfume 
 Thou'st gathered from many fragrant 
 flowers, 
 That God has planted in thy path path, 
 
 To freshen weary souls in evening hours, 
 A charming modest way thou hath. 
 
 116 
 
Thou glides through the waving fields ani 
 
 woodlands, 
 Touching all nature with thy soothing 
 
 breath, 
 Refreshing the drooping grasses. 
 
 Saving many shrubs from wiltering death, 
 Treating equally all classes. 
 
 Thou riseth high among the lofty trees, 
 
 Fluttering through their leaves, all over- 
 heated, 
 By rays of splendor they've adjoined, 
 Alas ! to find themselves so sorely 
 cheated ; 
 Not to enjoy, but to endure. 
 
 Thou kindly swept the fervid .heat away, 
 From their grave silent outstretched, 
 branches ; 
 Ne'er stopping by for thanks or praise, 
 But cross high hills to the grateful 
 branches, 
 To moderate the sun's hot rays. 
 
As thou goes, the birds sing out in greeting, 
 And they fill thy bosom with music grand, 
 
 Until it overflows, and leaves 
 
 It scattered, far o'er the waking land. 
 As thou gently swells and heaves. 
 
 O gentle, soothing breeze ! whence comest 
 thou ? 
 And whither dost thou go ? O none 
 can tell, 
 Not one, but allwise God, alone, 
 
 Tis He, who thy untiring winds propell, 
 He knows thy rest, thou art His own. 
 
 Yes, our Father in heaven knoweth all things ; 
 
 Yes ! His knowledge is very great, it 
 comprehendeth all things. 
 
 His understanding is infinite, 
 
 And His strength is mighty, even above 
 all strength. 
 He euideth the elements whithersoever He 
 will : 
 He feedeth and sheltereth the children ol 
 men, 
 
 1J8 
 
As the shepherd feedeth and sheltereth his 
 
 flock : 
 Let us then rely upon the wisdom and 
 
 His strength, 
 Which is boundless, and will endure for ever 
 
 and ever : 
 And work to His Honor and His Glory, 
 
 with all 
 Our might, mind and strength, through time 
 
 and all eternity. 
 
 "Blessed be the name of the Lord 
 our God ! for ever! " 
 
 119 
 
I WILL GO TO THE LAND I LOVE. 
 
 (A poem written to friends on the con- 
 templation OF A SOUTHERN EMIGRATION.) 
 
 S*fl WILL go the land I love, 
 -^jcj In the distance tar away ; 
 jl Where the woods and valleys ring, 
 
 With nature's music, as they may: 
 Where the lofty pine trees grow; 
 
 And the owlets shout and call; 
 While the merry crickets chirp; 
 
 To the dewdrops as they fall. 
 
 I will go to the land I love; 
 
 Where the glow moon through the night,. 
 
 120 
 
With a shining splendor moves; 
 
 While the night-hawk takes its flight 
 Where the fire-flies ever dance, 
 
 To the whip-poor-will's refrain; 
 And the mountain's massive rocks 
 
 Send the echoes back again. 
 
 I will go to the land I love, 
 
 Where the sun so warm and bright; 
 When the queen of night is hid, 
 
 Sheds his rays, with grand delight: 
 Where the winter's frost and snow, 
 
 Dare not come with cold dismay 
 To chill the heart of nature, 
 
 Chasing sunny days away. 
 
 Yes! I will go to the land I love, 
 
 Where the birds forever sing; 
 And the lamkins gambol out, 
 
 Through the winter, as in spring: 
 Where all nature offers up 
 
 Pure devotion as they may; 
 I will ask one little boon, 
 
 Just a little place to pray. 
 
 121 
 
Let me have one little spot; 
 
 Just a humble cottage there, 
 Where my heart may offer up 
 
 Gratitude to God in prayer: 
 When storms of wind and rain shall come, 
 
 As they will, though there's no snow; 
 And all nature's gathered home, 
 
 Then I want a place to go. 
 
 When the storms ot life shall come; 
 
 And with grief I'll downcast be, 
 I want to have, in that sunny land, 
 
 A place for God and me : 
 When prosperity shall come, 
 
 To fill my heart with gladness, 
 I want a little place to pray 
 
 The same, as when, in sadness. 
 
 And when my little children 
 
 Err, as childhood's prone to do ; 
 
 I want a place to call them in, 
 
 Where none but God can view : 
 
 A place where I may ask for them 
 
 122 
 
A pardon in my prayer ; 
 Commend my lambs with patient 
 
 Heart, to God our Father's care. 
 
 Yes, I will go to the land I love, 
 
 In the brightness of the spring ; 
 Go with a cheerful happy heart, 
 
 When the birds begin to sing : 
 I only ask one little boon, 
 
 In the sunny far away ; 
 That I may have a cottage there, 
 
 A little place, to pray. 
 
 Let us always live in submission to the 
 will of the Lord, returning unto Him grati- 
 tude from our hearts, under all circumstances. 
 
 123 
 
A CONTEMPLATION, 
 
 © 
 
 HOW blest is the spirit of mortal 
 man ! 
 Beyond all that our Father has 
 made, 
 Blest from the first day that creation began ; 
 
 As king- and ruler our Father said, 
 Over all that He's placed here below ; 
 Let us not our position degrade. 
 
 How blest the conception of plan by the Lord, 
 To redeem us from transgression's pall ; 
 
 If we only will heed and cherish His word, 
 Infinite blis-i is awaiting us all ;• 
 
 Promised by God and His goodness and love, 
 How his words we may ever recall. 
 
 124 
 
He sent his dear son his beloved and blest, 
 To wipe from all eyes tears of regret ; 
 
 To unburden our souls at His holy request, 
 Lifting the sin that enthrall'd us yet, 
 
 Since the fall in the spring of creation ; 
 Such a kindness, how can we forget! 
 
 Then if we remember let's strive to repay 
 The debt we're owing our truest friend; 
 
 E'en for that alone we should feel to obey, 
 Past and future commands to the end; 
 
 By striving the blessings of God will endure, 
 And His spirit will ever befriend. 
 
 Then let us arouse to the duties and facts, 
 That surround us in our destination; 
 
 And try to enable our souls by our acts, 
 According to God's contemplation, 
 
 Before this world stood in the regions above, 
 When planning our final salvation. 
 
 Let us strive to maintain our potitions here, 
 
 Above the brute in knowledge we stand; 
 Our Master expects us to live in his fear, 
 
 125 
 
Distributing goondess through the land, 
 Wherever our lots in life may be cast; 
 
 Making our actions sublimely grand. 
 Then let not disappointment me et our fod 
 eyes, 
 
 On the face of Him we long to see ; 
 The summons may come taking us by sur- 
 prise, 
 
 So varied the calls to eternity ; 
 Then we always should in readiness live, 
 
 To meet our fate in complacency. 
 
 126 
 
AN EMBLEM OF LIFE. 
 
 N awakening one morning from 
 
 . ! 1* Th •'»-• 
 
 flUI That was sweet thro "gh the 
 
 silent night; 
 
 I uncovered my chamber win- 
 dow 
 
 To let in the beautiful light. 
 
 Enraptured I stood by the casement, 
 
 In thought on the change of the scene; 
 
 For snow glistened bright in the sunshine, 
 Instead of the frost-bitten green. 
 
 And I thought what a change had o'ertaken, 
 Since I lay down to rest and sleep; 
 
 With a tired good-night to all nature, 
 Now lying so warm underneath. 
 
 There stood right in front of my window, 
 A tree now all glistening white 
 
 127 
 
With snow, all bespangled with hoar-frost; 
 Which silently fell through the night. 
 
 Its branches out-stretched so inviting, 
 
 In purity there arrayed; 
 O birdies come fly to my bosom, 
 
 As you did to my sheltering shade. 
 
 So I seemed to hear its fond greeting, 
 Although no sound came to my ear, 
 
 And the birds all came flying in answer, 
 With sweet little chirpings to cheer. 
 
 Then while I stood dreaming a moment, 
 I thought t'was an emblem of life; 
 
 And compared the frost-bitten grasses, 
 To our defeat in mortal strife. 
 
 If we follow our Savior's example, 
 
 Like the tree, He'll shelter and shade;. 
 
 Although we may have many afflictions, 
 Till in the rest of night we're laid. 
 
 And then we shall awake in the morning, 
 Finding our robes all spotless white, 
 
 128 
 
r 
 
 "N 
 
 V 
 
 a 
 
 CO 
 
 a:: 
 
 *g 
 
 <U <U 
 
 bo 
 
 he .a 
 
 J! 
 
 +-■ +3 
 o 
 
 fa 
 
 I 
 
 I 
 
 **•! 
 
Just like our poor frost-bitten mother earth, 
 But array'd in eternity bright. 
 
 Yes, the tree is an emblem of Jesus, 
 
 As He stands in His robes of white, 
 
 Bespangled with goodness and mercy, 
 Glistening in heavenly light. 
 
 The birds I compared to our spirits, 
 
 Set free and ascending above, 
 As they fly to the dear Savior's bosom, 
 
 E'er singing sweet anthems of love. 
 
 So wandered my thoughts and reflections, 
 As I greeted that beautiful morn; 
 
 And thoughts of that bright day never ending 
 To me on the sunbeams were born. 
 
 131 
 
THE CALAMITY OF WAR, AND 
 
 SOLICITUDE FOR THE NATIONS 
 
 AND THEIR RULERS. 
 
 © 
 
 CONTENTIONS and wars of the 
 
 nations cease! 
 Let thy turbulent torrents of war 
 decrease ; 
 That the flow of wisdom to man God given, 
 May turn his thoughts to his maker and 
 
 heaven. 
 Then aside and away with the sword and gun, 
 Let contests and triumphs of war be done ; 
 Let the heart be atuned by minstrels of 
 
 peace ; 
 The captives of war from their prisons release. 
 
 Let hopes of the nation be turned from earth, 
 To the world far above that to spirit gave 
 
 birth ; 
 And centre in conquests and triumphs on high, 
 
 132 
 
To gain prestige and freedom that ne'er can 
 
 die : 
 For wars and contentions of earth are as 
 
 naught, 
 Unless to gain Christian divinity fought, 
 To bring the soul nearer the portals of home, 
 By raising it high from despondence and 
 
 gloom. 
 
 O God, may thy gracious omnipotent hand! 
 
 Stay the carnage and bloodshed that tarnish 
 the land ; 
 
 May the hearts of the nation be turned aside, 
 
 From woeful destruction that now doth abide ! 
 
 To aid the uplifting of misery's vail, 
 
 And quiet the tempest tint now doth avail, 
 
 To render creation a scene of distress, 
 
 Through discord and bigoted vain selfishness. 
 
 May the eyes of potentates be opened to see, 
 The dear desolation of humanity ! 
 That over the earth is scattered abroad, 
 And doth sadden the angels and grieve the 
 Lord : 
 
 133 
 
May the ears ot the monarch open to hear 
 The moans of the widow for the lost ones 
 
 dear, 
 The cry of the orphans of fathers bereft ; 
 E'en the wail of che babes at the mothers 
 
 breast. 
 
 Oh! The anguish of heart to the nations given! 
 And the want and dispair of those bereaven, 
 The brain doth reel, and the eyes grow dim 
 
 with tears; 
 And the thinking soul is full of hopes and fears, 
 'Tis filled with mortal agony and dread, 
 For loved ones left by those who fought and 
 
 bled 
 For the potentate whose vanity and pride, 
 Mar the nations lives to grasp dominions wide. 
 
 All nature shrinking with disgust and horror! 
 From scenes of devastation grief and sorrow, 
 That casts a pall of gloom o'er the land and 
 
 sea; 
 Sighs for blighted earth and man's sore destiny; 
 
 134 
 
E'en the clouds above the earth oft melt in 
 
 tears; 
 The sun looks down with angered heat that 
 
 sears, 
 While the winds doth moan and howl from 
 
 place to place, 
 The moon behind a cloud withdraws to hide 
 
 her face. 
 
 The very rocks with contempt are rent apart, 
 While the earth doth shake and quake with 
 
 broken heart, 
 For those she's cherished and would cherish 
 
 still; 
 Who through dissension fight each others 
 
 blood to spill, 
 And so take the precious life man cannot give, 
 Making drear the loving hearts of those who 
 
 live; 
 Destroying the lives; yes, and crushing the 
 soul 
 Of those they are given power to control. 
 
 J 35 
 
O monarchs of earth, cease thy terrible reign 
 Of war and destruction of sorrow and pain! 
 O cease thy dissensions that ever are rife , 
 Devastating- property, destroying life; 
 Turn thy thoughts from thy short lived glory 
 
 and fame; 
 Let not kingdoms and empires of earth be thy 
 
 aim, 
 But grasp for the kingdoms and empires above, 
 That's governed by kindness, friendship, and 
 
 love. 
 
 O let not earth's vanities lead thee estray, 
 
 Whilst in this transient habitation of clay! 
 
 Remember thy days are numbered abroad; 
 
 Thou art ever seen by the eyes of the Lord! 
 
 Thou art ever heard by the angels of heaven, 
 
 Then pray while its day that thy sins be for- 
 given; 
 
 O cling with thy might to integrity's rod! 
 
 That thou mayest escape the judgments of 
 God. 
 
 I3o 
 
STANZA. 
 
 DEDICATED TO THE UTAH PIONEERS. 
 
 E Sires and Dames of the Pioneer 
 
 band! 
 Who have broke the road to the 
 goodly land 
 By hardship and suffering over wrought, 
 Ye have battles brave for freedom fought, 
 Through chilling storms, and tempests raging 
 
 high; 
 When no assistant friend but God was nigh, 
 To cheer and comfort sad and weary hearts, 
 And strength and courage to thy soul impart; 
 Through sorrows and trials maring the way 
 Of the perilous journey thou didst assay. 
 
 How great is the sacrifice thou hast made. 
 In true reverential hope arrayed! 
 Drove from loved homes of comfort and cheer, 
 To hazardous toil of brave pioneer: 
 Climbing the mountains and wading the 
 streams, 
 
 137 
 
Tramping till foot-sore and fainting it seemed; 
 
 Crossing the desert neath sun's scorching 
 rays, 
 
 Leaving thy loved ones in desolate graves, 
 
 Slain by the red man, or through privation, 
 
 Fell by the way, through lost animation, 
 
 When with waning strength thou reached the 
 spot, 
 
 Where God desired thou should cast thy lot, 
 
 Thy strength still further task'd with toil and 
 care, 
 
 That on thy pioneer lives was brought to bear, 
 
 Within the wild uncultivated land, 
 
 Which claimed much labor of the weary band, 
 
 In order that the earth her fruits should yield, 
 
 In the gardner's plot and the farmer's field; 
 
 To sustain the lives that braved the ways, 
 
 Of untrodden paths in pioneer days. 
 
 Soon the arid land with verdure bloomed, 
 Scattering through the air its sweet perfumes; 
 Yielding cereal grains and fruits in store, 
 Until want and distress was known no more: 
 
 138 
 
Sad hearts rejoiced, for they felt much blest, 
 In the beautiful valley of the west: 
 They felt they owed much thanks to the Lord, 
 And put all their trust in His holy word; 
 He tempered the elements, blest the soil, 
 And blessed the efforts of weary toil. 
 
 Thus, mother earth has striven to repay, 
 
 The efforts that have turned thy locks to grey, 
 
 From raven black, from gold, or chestnut 
 brown, 
 
 To silver hue, or white as eider down; 
 
 Which now adorn thy heads like crowns of 
 peace, 
 
 To beautify and shield as years decrease: 
 
 While some have fallen, having loosed their 
 hold, 
 
 Departed, to make room for crowns of gold, 
 
 In keeping of angels not far away, 
 
 Who know that it's near coronation day. 
 
 And the force which in youth was smooth and 
 fair, 
 
 Time gently laid wrinkles of pain and care ; 
 
 But a mantle of patient love is seen, 
 
 '39 
 
/ 
 
 That over each countenance throws a sheen, 
 
 Which tells of long years of faith and 
 prayers, 
 
 That have gone with the years of pain and 
 cares ; 
 
 And has tempered each soul for cross and 
 crown, 
 
 Brightened each life and mellowed it down, 
 
 And will journey together side by side, 
 
 Until they will land them across the tide. 
 
 Where blest will be all the brave pioneers, 
 
 We have kept their trust through the fleeting 
 years, 
 
 With stout hearts, as true as the truest steel, 
 
 And souls that are filled with the warmest zeal ; 
 
 Who have lived just lives and right upheld, 
 
 And have loved their neighbors as them- 
 selves : 
 
 Their greeting will be, dear friends, well 
 done ! 
 
 Ye have strove for the golden crown and 
 won ; 
 
 Thy troubles are ended, thy sorrows cease ; 
 
 Knter into my glory, rest in peace. 
 
 140 
 
KIND THOUGHTS. 
 
 ^ 
 
 ; ||£lND thoughts like sparks of peace 
 and love, 
 Transmitted from the worlds 
 above, 
 Are caught, "impressed by ready pen, ' 
 And wafted 'mong the souls of men, 
 They soar afar, until they rest, 
 And grow in bosoms of the blest ; 
 Until their seeds produce new thoughts, 
 And take their journeys as they ought ; 
 And round the world fresh seeds they sow, 
 Resting and blooming as they go ; 
 Producing fruit, producing seed, 
 And all in time of human need ; 
 
 J4J 
 
Till, "by the aid of tongue and pen," 
 They are wafted to heaven again. 
 
 Kind actions are the fruits that grow 
 From those kind words which God bestows 
 To brighten, cheer, this earthly life, 
 And calm the tumult, fear and strife, 
 And storm of woe that e'er assail 
 The human heart so weak and frail ; 
 To hinder seeds that fain would sprout, 
 Tu banish satan, cast him out, 
 And fill the soul so full of grace, 
 That it would shine from every face ; 
 A lucid light from the world above, 
 A beacon light of peace and love ; 
 To lead us back to that blest shore, 
 Where surging waves shall beat no more. 
 
 142 
 
SKETCHES FROM THE HISTORY 
 OF TWO LIVES. 
 
 A POEM SHOWING THE EFFECTS OF OPPOSITE 
 
 MORAL AND PHYSICAL TRAINING FROM 
 
 BIRTH TO ADULT AGE. 
 
 IT 
 
 I 
 ■ N a thrifty town on a bright sea 
 m shore, 
 
 ^SL aW There lived two upright honest 
 
 H ^«^ men; 
 
 Two cousins were they with the same brown- 
 hair, 
 And the same frank and noble visage;. 
 Who, concluding to settle down in life, 
 
 Married sisters from the neighboring glen, 
 Which made them each a kind and happy wife. 
 
 2 
 
 They each one chose a cottage side by side; 
 
 (Following both the same vocation,) 
 Th it each wife may be near the other's bride, 
 
 U3 
 
While together the two men worked, 
 Enjoying peace and contentment as seemed 
 
 To be their honored destination; 
 For of no other fate they ever dreamed. 
 
 3 
 Month after month passed by, as time sped on, 
 
 He found no happier men on earth; 
 They prospered in their deals with every one, 
 
 And comforts of this life enjoyed. 
 So steadfastly day by day they toiled, 
 
 That on Abel Vain and Conrad Worth, 
 Kind fortune ever beamed and smiled. 
 
 4 
 /And they both supplied their earthly need, 
 With stores of comfort ever and anon; 
 With books and papers for they loved to read, 
 
 To while away the evening hours, 
 Within the happy home that each had made. 
 So books they bought consulting taste 
 alone, 
 "Each one the books he thought would be most 
 aid. 
 
 5 
 In keeping round his hearth the sunshine 
 
 bright; 
 Smiling on the craving human heart, 
 
 144 
 
n 
 
 i-f- 
 
 o 
 
 Pi 
 
 cr 
 k 
 
 ■orq 
 
 3* 
 
 w 
 
 n> 
 
 ■m 
 o* 
 o 
 l-i 
 
And wording off the cold and chilly blight, 
 
 That is constantly lurking anear, 
 To destroy the peace of the sacred home, 
 
 Like a thief stealing round in the night ; 
 When the brightness gives a place to the 
 oloom. 
 
 6 
 Conrad Worth bought books that were scien- 
 tific, 
 (Although to read they were hard and 
 dry,) 
 He said to his mind they were pacific, 
 
 And supplied abundant knowledge, 
 The worth of which remained to be told; 
 
 He said it may be needed by and by; 
 So he cherished his books far more than gold. 
 
 7 
 Abel Vain stored his house with novels 
 
 Of every description he could find; 
 That tale of beggars, of wretched hovels 
 
 And of heros born in castles great, 
 Of sailors wrecked on stormy oceans; 
 
 Yes, anything to soothe the fickle mind, 
 Or keep it excited in commotion. 
 
 8 
 Thus they lived, in comfort and content; 
 
 147 
 
Each man still adding- to his treasure: 
 Dame fortune still more on helping them bent, 
 Searched her satchel for treasure more 
 choice; 
 Found just what she wanted, e'er she had 
 done; 
 All wrapped in fond wishes of pleasure, 
 She presented each with an infant son 
 
 9 
 Now those children looked as much alike, 
 
 As any two babes that could be found; 
 Though you may travel the countries over, 
 
 Seeking and searching the wide world 
 round. 
 
 10 
 
 To cherish his son each man made a vow; 
 
 To shield and protect from every harm; 
 Both feeling quite sure that they knew just 
 how, 
 Thoughts of mistakes caused neither alarm. 
 1 1 
 First thing to do, was to give them a name, 
 
 Which the parents of each set about; 
 Tasking their brain without any restrain; 
 
 Selected names, then thought most 
 proper, out. 
 
 148 
 
12 
 
 The Worth's concluded to call their son Ray, 
 As he came with the clear morning- light: 
 
 Maybe to illume the path of life's way, 
 
 And grow up to be noble and bright. 
 
 13 
 Mr. Vain and wife called their little son Leo,. 
 
 Brave as a lion they'd have him be; 
 Grand as the King in the latest novel, 
 
 Struggling for fame and victory. 
 
 14 
 Thus the two children were started in life; 
 
 Ray, to bring light contentment and 
 peace; 
 Leo, a hero in vanity's strife, 
 
 Sure as years of their childhood increase. 
 
 I just took a peep at dear little Ray, 
 
 As he lay on the neat corn-husk bed; 
 His hygienic Aunt had brought from the farm,. 
 The softest, picked out for his head. 
 16 
 All dressed in loose wrappers both soft and 
 warm, 
 With the slip on his pillow to match; 
 He lay, between soft and fleecy sheets,. 
 
 J49 
 
Neath a home-made quilt of handsome- 
 patch. 
 
 17 
 In a little bed-crib just the right thing; 
 
 His parents choosing, had taken pains, 
 To have neither curtains, rockers or springs, 
 As they valued a bright healthy brain, 
 18 
 A small thermometer hung by his bed; 
 
 By which, was governed the temperature; 
 If the room got too warm or cold Ma said, 
 
 His screams and cries she could not en- 
 dure. 
 
 19 
 A ray of contentment that baby seemed, 
 Within that cottage a beam of light; 
 Ot jumping or rocking he never dreamed, 
 
 While he la) r cooing so fresh and bright. 
 20 
 At stated intervals, little Ray dined 
 On nectar that nature prepared; 
 To crave other food, ne'er entered his mind, 
 To taste water, he sometimes prefered, 
 21 
 The tepid bath, daily at half past eight, 
 
 Refreshed and strengthened his powers, 
 
 150 
 
After which he rode in his cab in state, 
 
 To breathe the perfume of the flowers. 
 
 22 
 
 He was given a lunch at half past nine, 
 And then put in his crib for a nap; 
 
 Slept while Ma finished her morning work; 
 Of hygiene comfort, there was no lack, 
 
 23 
 Then took a glance, at his wee cousin Leo, 
 
 As he lay rocked in his soft feather bed; 
 A fine cushion of down he had for a pillow, 
 
 Which so over heated his poor little head. 
 
 24 
 Dressed in such tight swathings, — as was the 
 fashion; 
 Covered with blankets clear over his head; 
 His cradle most buried in curtains and laces, 
 I thought it a wonder he was not found 
 dead, 
 
 25 
 The poor little darling was screaming and 
 crying, 
 While his mother was rocking with all her 
 might; 
 She tuck'd him up close, though the room was 
 o'er heated, 
 
 151 
 
Then said, now I wonder, he'll never 
 keep quiet. 
 
 26 
 I thought him too warm, I quietly suggested; 
 
 His mamma replied that she didn't think 
 so, 
 
 And said 'twas a terrible thing" to be pested, 
 With such a cross-patch as her little Leo. 
 
 He screamed and cried till his mamma re- 
 pented, 
 The hast\- harsh words that she spoke in 
 .1 Huff; 
 And said poor little dear, I fear you are hungry, 
 Maybe, baby's mamma don't feed him 
 
 enough. 
 
 28 
 So she stopped rocking and took him up 
 quickly; 
 O Dear, that poor infant was in such a 
 sweat! 
 That I intimated to loosen her swathings; 
 
 It was such a pity to have the child fret. 
 29 
 His mother persisted in keeping them tight- 
 ened ; 
 
 152 
 
Or she'd have his back crook, said grand- 
 mother wise ; 
 She did not suppose that his clothes ever hurt 
 
 him, 
 If they did, she'd have to put up with his 
 noise. 
 
 30 
 She said she would feed him, he must be near 
 famished, 
 For he Had not been fed for almost an 
 hour ; 
 But his o'er wrought stomach refused to re- 
 ceive it ; 
 Having much work for its digestive 
 power. 
 
 3i 
 His mamma said, baby whatever is ailing, 
 My sweet little darling I know you are 
 sick ! 
 And called in a boy whom she sent for the 
 doctor ; 
 Saying, please do hasten and bring him up 
 quick. 
 
 32 
 The doctor arriving, found baby still livting ; 
 Says he, my dear madam your baby is ill, 
 
 153 
 
But he is so little I can't do much with him, 
 If he was some bigger I'd give him a pill. 
 
 33 
 His ma took the hint, fetched out mint and cat- 
 nip, 
 And quickly prepared the baby to dose ; 
 I felt so much pity, a bath I suggested, 
 As the very best way of getting him 
 loose. 
 
 34 
 A bath! how she stared, 'tis seldom I bathe 
 him, 
 A bath does so weaken, says grandmother 
 Wise; 
 Again I'm mistaken, my heart sank within 
 
 me ; 
 I could scarcely endure his pitious cries. 
 
 35 
 I thought if I had him alone I could loosen 
 The bonds that were bursting his poor 
 little sides ; 
 Please let me step out in the sun with your 
 baby, 
 The air may refresh him and quieten his 
 cries. 
 
 '54 
 
36 
 Step out with my baby ! indeed I'm not wil- 
 ling- ; 
 
 The air is so strong for an infant so small; 
 Don't mention such nonsense I fear it would 
 kill him, 
 For he never has breathed fresh air at all. 
 
 37 
 Then he was subjected to terrible dosing-, 
 With tea his ma made from the catnip' 
 and mint ; 
 To warm up his stomach she added some gin- 
 ger ; 
 I think that her heart must be hard as a 
 flint. 
 
 38 
 Poor little sufferer ! all tired and exhausted, 
 
 Rolled his head back and fell into a 
 sleep ; 
 Was tucked in his cradle to undergo sweat- 
 in fr ' 
 
 While his mother sat weeping, worried; 
 grieved, 
 
 39 
 O weeping mothers ! when e'er you cease lis- 
 tening 
 
 J55 
 
To that grandmother Wise with all her 
 odd ways, 
 And listen to common sense teaching you 
 hygiene, 
 It will lighten your hearts and lengthen 
 your days. 
 
 40 
 The father came home from his work to his 
 dinner; 
 Found the room unswept and the dishes 
 not washed, 
 Said O, how I feel, I could swear like a sinner, 
 When I think I so often must take a cold 
 
 lunch. 
 
 41 
 O dear, do not scold, 'tis the baby that caused 
 
 it, 
 The whole of the morning he worries and 
 screams, 
 I've had him to rock, and to dangle and doc- 
 tor, 
 The trouble he causes you never can 
 dream. 
 
 42 
 Well, now I will send you a nurse for that baby, 
 For this kind of a life I cannot endure; 
 
 J56 
 
If this lasts much longer, I think I'll go 
 crazy; 
 
 Said Mr. Vain, while he never looked 
 bluer. 
 
 43 
 Mr. Worth, came to a steaming hot dinner, 
 Beef and potatoes, lamb and green peas, 
 
 Seasoned with mint sauce and mushroom cat- 
 sup, 
 
 Hot graham gems, macaroni and cheese. 
 
 44 
 He found his wife cheerful, baby thriving; 
 
 In his home content was known to reign, 
 He thankfully blest wife, child and hygiene, 
 
 When he thought of his neighbor, Mr. 
 Vain. 
 
 45 
 Babes will thrive under hygienic treatment, 
 
 And mostly be patient, good and mild; 
 
 How can they fret? they've nothing to fret for: 
 
 Hygiene supplies the wants of a child. 
 
 4 e 
 
 Time past along, though steadily onward, 
 
 Found the two babies just lour months 
 old; 
 
 Ray looked so cute in little short wrappers, 
 
 And his hair in tiny curls like gold. 
 
 J5" 
 
47 
 Little hands growing so strong and nimble, 
 Snatching at everything in their reach; 
 No, baby can't have scissors or thimble, 
 Nothing but playthings, Mamma did 
 teach. 
 
 4 8 
 
 Mrs. Worth bought enough toys for her baby, 
 And taught him that they were all his. 
 own; 
 
 With all other things, he should not meddle; 
 That is not the baby's, leave it alone. 
 
 49 
 He being so young, soon learned the lesson, 
 
 What is not baby's do not covet; 
 
 It is a law our Father hath given, 
 
 And early we should learn to love it. 
 
 50 
 Thus, little Ray, grew fond of his playthings,. 
 
 And forgot to crave forbidden things; 
 
 A seed was sown for strict obedience, 
 
 That joy to the parents ever brings. 
 
 51 
 Poor little Leo! still in swathes and long wrap- 
 pers, 
 Swelling and fretting through the hot 
 summer days; 
 
 ■58 
 
Because his Ma says that long - clothes are the 
 fashion, 
 I won't for the world have them shorten'd 
 like Rays. 
 
 52 
 The lady who called to see Mrs. Vain's baby; 
 His long broider'd wrappers did greatly 
 admire, 
 And said that his Ma show'd much taste in 
 the fashion, 
 Which made her permit with more ardent 
 desire. 
 
 53 
 She praised to the lady the smartness of Leo; 
 Said, you just ought to see his cute little 
 ways, 
 This morning he pulled from the table my 
 saucer, 
 His hands are so very much quicker than 
 Rays. 
 
 54 
 He's snatching and pulling at everything near 
 him, 
 Then if I say ta tn, he flies in a pet; 
 You just ought to see him we nearly die 
 laughing; 
 
 159 
 
His papa says, Leo's the smartest boy yet. 
 
 55 
 I bought him some playthings, he does not 
 care for them, 
 And wants everything but them that he 
 can see; 
 He's after a knife or fork, scissors or thimble, 
 The latter near choked him last evening 
 at tea. 
 
 56 
 
 He pulls his pa's whiskers and tears his news- 
 papers. 
 
 And if his pa scolds, you should hear him 
 hollar; 
 
 The rogue has just broken some of my fine 
 china, 
 
 And nearly ruined the lace on my collar. 
 
 57 
 The lady said, well he is such a smart baby; 
 
 You'll be sure to have many things to en- 
 dure; 
 
 And then she remarked to the next one she 
 called on, 
 
 O dear me, I tell you that baby's a cure. 
 
 5 8 . 
 Yes, that poor child had been worried and 
 
 harassed, 
 
 160 
 
Until his temper was completely spoiled; 
 And now is becoming unruly and selfish; 
 
 Because they don't know how to train up 
 
 their child. 
 
 59 
 Thus passed the time slowly, yet fleetly,. 
 Marking the babies one year of age; 
 The parents of both tendered due greeting- 
 For th-ir amusement did chiefly engage. 
 60 
 Ray's father had brought him a lambkin, 
 
 After which he ran over the floor; 
 For little Ray walked very spryly, 
 
 His legs having grown strong months be- 
 fore. 
 
 61 
 
 Mrs. Worth said, 'twas short clothes and hy- 
 giene, 
 
 That made baby so healthy and strong; 
 For he laid on his back kicking, 
 
 Through the hot smumer, half the day 
 long. 
 
 62 
 
 He did so pet and caress that lambkin, 
 
 And peep so sweetly into its eyes ; 
 Which reflected the innocent love light, 
 
 That shone from his own in fond surprise. 
 
63 
 He had an orange and graham wafers, 
 
 Some fine seedless raisins, figs and dates ; 
 
 Various presents from friends and neighbors, 
 
 With kind greetings that friendship cre- 
 ates. 
 
 6 4 
 
 After which, baby went for an airing, 
 
 Out in the sunshine and mellow breeze ; 
 
 .Listened to songs of sweet little birdies, 
 As they lit in the branches of trees. 
 
 65 
 
 ;As the baby partook of the brightness ; 
 
 He rejoiced in his innocent glee ; 
 Though he knew not the meaning of birthday, 
 
 He felt so healthful, happy and free. 
 66 
 When he went early to sleep that evening, 
 
 And was tuck'd in his neat little bed, 
 You would think he was dreaming of angels, 
 
 That constantly watched o'er his head. 
 
 67 
 
 The Vains hailed the d-iy with a impetuous 
 greeting : 
 As their own little Leo was one year old : 
 
 .His mamma said by far the time was too fleet- 
 in or ' 
 
 162 
 
While hoping that honors may duly un- 
 fold. 
 
 68 
 
 His father had brought him a little pug puppy 
 Which was yelping and squealing upon a 
 ruff • 
 
 For baby with scissors hammered and poked 
 him ; 
 His ma laughing said he's so fond of his 
 pug. 
 
 69 
 If the pug ran away he crept quickly after ; 
 His legs being weak he had not learned 
 to walk ; 
 To maul and torment was his chief entertain- 
 ment ; 
 That child gets so smart was his parents, 
 whole talk. 
 
 70 
 
 He eats at his pleasure, cream-cakes and choice 
 
 candies, 
 Of every description that money could 
 
 buy ; 
 His ma said such bon bons were always quite 
 
 handy, 
 
 J63 
 
And more so today, I don't want him to 
 cry. 
 
 71 
 And then came a dinner of dainties and sweet- 
 meats, 
 Of which the dear baby must have a good 
 fill ; 
 He drank ot the wine his Pa bought for his 
 
 birthday ; 
 His parents both hoping he would not be ill. 
 
 72 
 JBut hope against hope when laws are violated, 
 Has no more effect than to blow against 
 wind ; 
 As children for miiltubs was never created, 
 
 When made do such service, much trouble 
 we find. 
 
 73 
 The meal scarcely over, the child began 
 fretting; 
 His mother soon rock'd and soothed him 
 to sleep; 
 But restless he toss'd for awhile on his pillow, 
 Then waking in fever he cried for relief. 
 
 74 
 They nursed and dosed him all through the 
 evening, 
 
 J 64 
 
He suffered with pain the whole of the 
 
 night: 
 The pleasure was brief the child had on his 
 
 birthday; 
 The fault of his parents not treating him 
 
 right. 
 
 75 
 Again we will return to our subjects; 
 
 Their birthday anniversaries were three; 
 And the babes as much grown in the mean- 
 time, 
 As such babies are likely to be. 
 
 7 6 
 
 Ray looked so sweet in his little kilts, 
 
 And ringlets now of a golden brown; 
 
 With his eyes so bright and such rosy cheeks, 
 I thought him the nicest child in town. 
 
 77 
 Besides he had such good little manners, 
 
 With character so noble and kind; 
 That none could help but admire and love 
 him, 
 For to goodness he seem'd inclined. 
 78 
 Still like other children, was after fun; 
 
 J 65 
 
His lamb now a sheep on the lawn lay; 
 Ray began to tease him to make him run, 
 But not feeling in humor to play, 
 
 79 
 Up the sheep jumped and bunted him down; 
 
 Disappointed, Ray ran to his Ma 
 
 With sad complaint, while his face wore a 
 frown, 
 
 Saying, sheep such bad animals are. 
 
 80 
 His mother said, Ray if you treat sheep right, 
 
 They will always be gentle and good, 
 Of course if you tease them they want to fight, 
 Just the same as a little boy would. 
 81 
 You know, you do not always want to play; 
 
 Well, an animal feels just the same, 
 And if you tease to make him every day, 
 
 You can not expect he'll feel quite tame. 
 82 
 Lessen upon lesson that child was taught; 
 
 To walk in dutiful Christ-like ways; 
 Each night and morning was learned to pray, 
 
 From the time his tongue could lisp 
 God's praise, 
 
 83 
 
 Little Leo Vain, looked like a wee soldier, 
 
 i66 
 
Arrayed in his prim suit of navy blue, 
 With military cap and gun over shoulder, 
 
 Looked a queer subject for people to 
 view. 
 
 8 4 
 
 His parents both thought him quite stylish 
 and pretty, 
 And strove hard to give him the airs of a 
 man; 
 Mrs, Vain said, the Worths dress Ray like a 
 baby, 
 And say they intend to as long as they 
 can. 
 
 85 
 
 And although so little, he cut up queer antics, 
 Spoke pert and old fashioned as though 
 he were grown ; 
 His parents determined to make him a hero, 
 Would have him the smartest that ever 
 was known. 
 
 86 
 
 His own way brought comfort, he learned 
 while a babe. 
 
 That ways of his parents frequent denied; 
 So whenever he pleased would both disobey; 
 
 They said his brave spirit was sure to defy. 
 
 167 
 
To justly walk in the paths of virtue, 
 And tried to help them every one. 
 
 95 
 At home he caused no fuss or bother, 
 
 But willingly his tasks fulfilled ; 
 
 Was an aid and comfort to his mother, 
 
 While listening to his father's will. 
 
 9 6 
 
 Thus, as hands nor brain were never idle, 
 The streets he never used to roam ; 
 To do friends or neighbors harm or mis- 
 chief, 
 But found employment within his home. 
 
 97 
 Often he prayed to his father above, 
 
 To fill his soul with the joy and peace, 
 That would make him a child of faith and 
 love ; 
 That his knowledge may daily increase. 
 
 98 
 
 ThuSj he constantly grew in truth and 
 
 grace ; 
 Through the choice teachings his parents 
 
 gave : 
 In the affections of all found a place, 
 
 And grew manly heroic and brave. 
 
 168 
 
99 
 Leo Vain, had grown weak and was small in 
 statue ; 
 Being not so healthy as his cousin Ray ; 
 When starting in life the two children were 
 equal, 
 But Leo's the smaller and weaker today, 
 ioo 
 For rooms over heated and clothes unbefitine; 
 Improper feeding, dosing, lack of fresh 
 air ; 
 Much rocking, tossing and insufficient bath- 
 ing, 
 Had ruined his body while needing most 
 care. 
 
 IOI 
 He now is a child with a weak constitution, 
 
 Who has not a very intelligent brain ; 
 His parents say well its his fine composition, 
 That makes him much smaller and weaker 
 than Ray. 
 
 102 
 In schooling, his parents selected the teach- 
 ers, 
 That they felt pretty sure would give him 
 his way ; 
 
 169 
 
For they said such a child will need no re- 
 striction, 
 He will work when able, when not he 
 should play. 
 
 103 
 If his teachers urged him, he said I don't have 
 to, 
 And if he was punished ran home in a 
 fright ; 
 Returning, he brought them a note from his 
 parents ; 
 We'll take him away if you don't treat 
 him right. 
 
 104 
 When he was at home, was unruly and fretful, 
 And refused his tasks to roam in the 
 street ; 
 
 Neighbors declared him a pest and nuisance, 
 
 For mischief and meanness he'd often re- 
 peat. 
 
 105 
 
 He mistreated their children, for the least 
 blunder, 
 
 The dears ever chanced to make in their 
 play ; 
 
 His parents said well, you can't keep a boy 
 
 under, 
 
 170 
 
If you want a hero in some future day. 
 1 06 
 
 He knew naught of praying, a child can't be 
 bothered, 
 We'll teach him that later, his parents 
 both thought, 
 And so the two children like ships on the 
 ocean, 
 Were constantly drifting still further 
 apart, 
 
 107 
 
 The boys are sixteen, each one still adheres 
 To the lessons his parents have taught; 
 
 Ray was consider'd quite large for his years, 
 And behav'd as a gentlemen ought. 
 
 108 
 In school he worked hard with resolute will; 
 
 Was very well learned for his age; 
 And striving with knowledge his mind to fill, 
 In various intelligent ways. 
 109 
 
 At home studi'd books of his father's choice, 
 And lived by laws of his mother; 
 
 He said that her teachings were always wise, 
 And thought them a-head of all others. 
 
 J 71 
 
I IO 
 
 Said he intended to be a good man, 
 Let the sacrifice be what it would; 
 
 Spent his evenings in study and plan, 
 
 As a faithful ambitious youth should. 
 
 I I I 
 
 Lived by hygiene and loved its laws; 
 
 Nothing stronger than water he drank; 
 Wine and tobacco he spurn'd with much cause, 
 
 For so many in wretchedness sank.. 
 I 12 
 His mother hung mottoes within his room, 
 
 They will guide his young life she had 
 said; 
 Just over the mantle the golden rule; 
 
 Don't forget to pray hung by his bed. 
 
 113 
 The first things he saw in the morning light, 
 
 Were the guides of his mother's own life; 
 Which impress'd his soul, and like jewels 
 bright, 
 They were cherished through peace or 
 strife. 
 
 114 
 The Worth's were happy, they loved their boy,. 
 And felt their home was a paradise; 
 
 172 
 
Their son was a ray of pleasure and joy; 
 Being obedient manly and nice, 
 
 115 
 Leo Vain grew more weak and unhealthy 
 each year; 
 His doctor was sought, he ordered more 
 wine; 
 It would strengthen his body and give him 
 good cheer, 
 And after a season he'd come along fine. 
 116 
 So, much wine he drank, cigaretts were not 
 lacking; 
 The best his Ma bought him, she said, as 
 a rule; 
 His mother said well, you know smoking's the 
 fashion, 
 If Leo objects the boys call him a fool. 
 117 
 He idled in school caring naught for study; 
 His evenings were spent from home with 
 his pals; 
 He learned no good from their weak conversa- 
 tion, 
 
 Which was either on card-playing dancing 
 or gal's. 
 
 173 
 
n8 
 He fought with his schoolmates, quarreled 
 with neighbors, 
 In deed it was seldom he treated them 
 nice; 
 He thought it above him to do or learn labor, 
 Although ot all trades Leo had his own 
 choice t 
 
 119 
 
 He loungt d on street corners to fill out the 
 days, 
 When, for a vacation was ended the school; 
 Then when he tired of lounging or idle play, 
 To read a cheap novel was always his rule. 
 120 
 It was intimated that Leo lived fast, 
 
 When he was seen enter saloons after dark; 
 Let him sow his wild Odts, he'll be alright at 
 last, 
 His father and mother was heard to re- 
 mark 
 
 121 
 He cared naught for counsel of parents or 
 friends, 
 Thought it most proper they should bend 
 to his will, 
 
 174 
 
And when e'er he had done wrong" he would 
 not make amends, 
 Yet, his parents both thought him heroic 
 still. 
 
 122 
 
 His ma spoke of praying, he laughingly said, 
 nonsense, 
 Poor ma, slave of fashion, I pity your 
 fate 
 You have delayed teaching for Le to grow 
 older, 
 And now you find out you are teaching too 
 late. 
 
 123 
 Our subjects have grown to manhood's estate; 
 
 I reckoned their years with father time, 
 As he strove their parents to compensate; 
 He has landed the boys in their prime. 
 124 
 Through anxious years, those parents have 
 waited, 
 Loved and cherished their only sons; 
 Waited and watched them grow to manhood, 
 And now at last they are twenty-one. 
 125 
 Ray Worth has returned home from college, 
 
 j 75 
 
And a smarter young man you don't find;. 
 He has faithfullv worked for knowledge, 
 
 That illumines and brightens his mind. 
 126 
 And in his physical form and feature, 
 
 Dame nature accomplished her work; 
 Such a kind and benevolent creature 
 
 Her fond tasks never willingly shirk. 
 
 127 
 
 He has grown so robust, tall and handsome, 
 
 He has such an intelligent face, 
 And his eyes they look so honest and true, 
 
 And he moves with such manly grace. 
 128 
 He is much respected and admired, 
 
 Wherever he chances to be known; 
 As his watchful parents have desired, 
 
 Should be, their dutiful loving son. 
 129 
 "Cashier wanted at the farmer's bank, 
 
 Preferred a resident of the town: 
 Wanted a man that's honest, staunch and frank ;. 
 
 Apply to the owner, James F. Brown. " 
 
 130 
 My attention attracted to this ad., 
 
 While scanning the weekly politician; 
 
 176 
 
When I heard it whispered, I was glad 
 
 That young- Ray Worth got that position. 
 
 131 
 Leo Vain, bein^ no worthier than of yore, 
 
 Has not stored his mind with useful 
 knowledge; 
 Averse to study, as I have stated before; 
 Was unprepared to enter the college, 
 132 
 So loafing and idling away all his time, 
 
 He naturally got into loose reekless ways, 
 And harbored such habits through his youth 
 and prime, 
 That clouded his life all the rest of his 
 days. 
 
 133 
 His face showed the signs of much dissipation, 
 His frame had grown weak and his body 
 was small; 
 His habits were such that met no approbation, 
 Of people that cherished virtue at all. 
 
 134 
 Ever further away poor Leo was drifting, 
 
 From virtues of life sinking deeper in sin; 
 Away from straight paths into those unforbid- 
 den, 
 
 177 
 
Which seemed so pleasant he lingered 
 therein. 
 
 135 
 Of course Le dressed to the highth of the 
 fashion, 
 As from a baby he'd always been used; 
 Smoked, drank, gambled and put such a dash 
 on, 
 That he was considered a dandy or dude, 
 136 
 
 .His fast life expenses, grew large and ex- 
 panded, 
 And once in a while Leo got in a scrape; 
 His father's hard earnings were given up 
 frankly; 
 That his erring son from disgrace may 
 escape, 
 
 137 
 At such times his parents were grieved and 
 contended 
 That all his misdoings were fast growing 
 worse; 
 It never availed but always was ended, 
 
 By Le's saucy remarks and an empty 
 purse. 
 
 178 
 
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138 
 Alas! the time came when they could not sup- 
 ply him; 
 
 He turned on his parents in anger and 
 wrath, 
 
 Away I will go then to seek my own fortune, 
 
 And so from his home treads the prodical 
 path. 
 
 139 
 Ten years have past and gone, since last I 
 met 
 
 The contrasting subjects of my rhyme: 
 As I from their native seashore town was kept 
 
 By things of import, that length of time. 
 140 
 At last impatient longing of my heart, 
 
 By coveted leisure was repaid ; 
 So for the distant sea-side I depart, 
 
 From the city heat to rural shade. 
 141 
 What changes met my eyes I can't recant, 
 
 As I advanced toward the spot, 
 Where rusticated pleasures would supplant 
 
 Cares and worries, fallen to my lot. 
 142 
 But as the fleeting years are rolling past, 
 
 J8J 
 
They so many changes with them bring ; 
 Unheeded by us, till we find at last, 
 
 Summer supercedes the place of spring. 
 
 143 
 And so I found that thrifty town had grown, 
 
 And soon the name of city as prize ; 
 Although its rural districts on the shore 
 Is little changed, since our men were 
 boys. 
 
 144 
 
 I had written to my dear trusty friend, 
 Who dwelt in a cottage by the sea ; 
 
 And knew when I got to my journey's 
 end, 
 The warmest welcome awaited me, 
 
 H5 
 As I rode through the pleasant city streets, 
 
 I passed a stately handsome dwelling ; 
 Which stood midst blooming vines and shad- 
 ing trees, 
 That was the hot suns rays repelling. 
 146 
 As my conductor saw my earnest gaze, 
 
 He volunteered this information ; 
 Mr. Ray Worth, the banker, owns that place;. 
 One of the best men in the nation. 
 
 J 82 
 
147 
 He married the daughter of Banker Brown, 
 
 While cashier of the former's bank ; 
 And so he's now in pards with James F. 
 Brown ; 
 And says 'tis hygiene and mother to 
 thank. 
 
 148 
 His parents are living down by the sea, 
 
 In that pretty white cottage you'll pass, 
 With lovely grounds, and are happy and 
 free ; 
 They do belong to the genteel class. 
 149 
 
 I, having arrived at my summer resort, 
 
 A clean rustic cottage built down by the 
 sea ; 
 I there met the dear friend of my school-days 
 and thought 
 Of pleasures awaiting my hostess and me. 
 
 150 
 
 Th boats in the bay, I could see from my win- 
 dow, 
 The sea breeze was pleasant, the land- 
 scape was fine; 
 
 183 
 
The trees in the back-ground were nodding a 
 
 welcome, 
 
 To weary worn strangers that visit their 
 clime. 
 
 While resting, my thoughts to our subjects 
 reverted; 
 I thought of Ray Worth, as my pride and 
 my joy; 
 And wondered if Leo was still as perverted, 
 Reckless, and selfiish as he was when a 
 boy. 
 
 152 
 
 I found by inquiry, that Leo more wanting 
 
 In traits that are virtuous, honest and true; 
 For years had wandered as tramp through the 
 country, 
 Half clad and half starving with no work 
 to do. 
 
 153 
 For none would employ a young fellow so 
 worthies?-; 
 
 His father worked hard and sent Leo cash; 
 
 Who would drink, smoke, and gamble, as long 
 as it lasted, 
 For when he had money he would cut a 
 dash. 
 
 184 
 
154 
 His parents removed from their station in life, 
 
 Now lived in a humble part of the town; 
 For the money sent Leo, by Vain and his 
 wife, 
 Embarrassed their finance, brought their 
 pride down. 
 
 155 
 Their hopes dissapointed, their money ex- 
 pended, 
 
 By their son, who had proven an utter 
 
 disgrace; 
 
 They lived in retirement, so their days ended, 
 
 In sorrow and chagrin they could not dis- 
 place. 
 
 156 
 
 A few short months later, there came to my 
 notice, 
 
 As I was perusing the news ot the times, 
 
 The trial and sentence of fast living Leo 
 
 To prison for life, for felonious crime, 
 
 157 
 So ends the career of the child so neglected; 
 A dear life that would have been useful 
 and bright, 
 
 Spoiled and perverted through indulgent am- 
 bition, 
 
 185 
 
And cool dis-regard of laws morally right. 
 
 158 
 
 Bringing much sadness and trouble to parents, 
 Striving their children from misery to 
 save; 
 So clouding their lives by obscuring the 
 brightness, 
 That sorrow soon brings their grey hairs 
 to the erave. 
 
 159 
 O unthinking parents give heed to this warn- 
 ing; 
 For if you observe the scenes in life, 
 You will find that half the sorrow and trouble, 
 
 And one half of the world's bitter strife 
 Is caused by misgoverned and untrained 
 minds, 
 And the disregard of nature's laws: 
 The sickness and suffering we have to en- 
 dure, 
 Is brought on by a natural cause, 
 160 
 Our Father in heaven has given a mission, 
 
 To His sons and daughters one and all ; 
 He expects us to fill responsible places, 
 
 186 
 
And honestly respond to His call. 
 
 The choices of all, is as father and mother ; 
 
 To them he entrusts the spirits sent 
 
 Away to this earth, to work out their proba- 
 tion, 
 
 Who are for that purpose to us lent. 
 161 
 Then how it behoves us to guide their frail 
 footsteps ; 
 In the path that will lead them aright ; 
 That they may all be able to fill their mis- 
 sions, 
 And may be counted the Lord's delight. 
 I think that our Father in heaven, expects 
 us 
 To endow them and keep them in health; 
 For those in ill-health with a frail constitution, 
 Can accomplish but little themselves. 
 162 
 When endowed with a healthy body and brain; 
 
 The soul is unburdened and free, 
 To shed forth its light to fellow creatures 
 abroad, 
 And is a blessing to you and me. 
 If trained in the graceful ways of rigetousness, 
 In the paths that our Redeemer trod ; 
 187 
 
He will grant them a passport for a safe re- 
 turn, 
 To the celestial home of God. 
 163 
 
 O mother ! you have within your maternal 
 reach, 
 
 The power to modify the nations : 
 
 By informing your minds, as I do now beseech 
 
 You can defy all subjugation ; 
 
 And bring the nations to the standard of the 
 just ; 
 Where they will be much more united : 
 Then the strength of the people, in the Lord 
 will trust, 
 In the day their souls are not blighted. 
 164 
 
 Then awake to your duty, awake to your 
 
 power ! l* ^ 
 
 While the Lord still gives you probation ; 
 And waste not your talents, the Lord's pre- 
 cious power, 
 Or abandon them to isolation : 
 But arouse all your skill to the need of the 
 times ; 
 Be valued as mother of worth, 
 
 Who will cheer, guide and strengthen the 
 souls of mankind : 
 Be as bright shining lights of the earth. 
 
 188 
 
ODE TO THE SPIRIT OF MY BABE. 
 
 £J*EBASTIAN my baby, I love you! 
 «-^ With a love that cannot be told; 
 
 For your eyes were so true, 
 
 Of heavenly blue; 
 And your hair was just touched with gold. 
 
 Sebastian, my baby, I see you 
 With face so angelic and fair, 
 
 Like the lily so pure, 
 
 Long as life did endure; 
 For my baby had never a care. 
 
 Sebastain, my baby, I love you! 
 
 I love that sweet innocent smile, 
 That my babe always had, 
 When her fond heart was glad; 
 
 For it was greeting us all the while. 
 
 Sebastian, my baby, I love you! 
 And you keep my love fresh and pure, 
 189 
 
With the thoughts of your ways, 
 In those dear baby days; 
 No mother could ever love truer. 
 
 Sebastian, my baby, I miss you 
 As I stand by your silent grave; 
 
 God has taken you home, 
 
 With the angels to roam, 
 And I know He is keeping you safe. 
 
 Sebastian, my baby, I greet you, 
 As you come to me in my dreams, 
 
 With a loving caress. 
 
 Which gives birth to distress, 
 When I find things are not as they seemed, 
 
 Sebastian, my baby, I'll meet you, 
 At the dorn of some future day, 
 
 If the Lord in His love, 
 
 Will so help me to live, 
 That I keep in the heavenly way. 
 
 Sebastian, my baby, is waiting 
 
 So patient for mamma to come; 
 I am coming, my dear, 
 And the time's drawing near, 
 
 When the work of this life will be done. 
 
 J90 
 
DECORATION DAY. 
 
 DECORATION day ! thee we 
 hail with silent joy ! 
 As our thoughts are turned to 
 those we've loved and 
 lost, 
 
 The fountains of our tears, are opened with a 
 sigh: 
 To decorate their graves, full many a 
 pang it cost 
 
 When our work is done, we stand and think 
 of those above, 
 Who have gone beyond this vale of mortal 
 sighs and tears; 
 And wonder if their spirits see the lowly work 
 of love, 
 That we bestow upon their graves, these 
 many years. 
 
 191 
 
And as around their flower-strewn vaults we 
 slowly walk, 
 We wonder if they smile upon us and are 
 pleased 
 With the tokens that kind hearts and willing" 
 hands have wrought, 
 Of love of faithful friends, that death has 
 thus bereaved. 
 
 And while yet gazing on our work, the flowers 
 they fade, 
 As if in sympathy with those they are 
 brought to cheer; 
 They droop and die on the mounds of the 
 dead they are laid; 
 Their fragrance rising on the breeze, 
 sooth sad hearts anear. 
 
 And thus our work so soon to the mortal eye 
 is lost, 
 And yet it shining lives, and for us islaid 
 away; 
 A jewel bright, is worth to us all that it has 
 cost, 
 And will return a sparkling gem some 
 future day. 
 
 192 
 
c 
 
 5* 
 
 o 
 
 3 
 
 (13 
 P. 
 
 S* 
 O 
 
 n> 
 
 <r 
 
 O 
 <! 
 
 0) 
 
Then let us keep in mind, that our deeds for- 
 ever live, 
 We shall meet them all again, when we've 
 crossed the tide; 
 And let them be the kind, that our hearts 
 will never grieve, 
 But will give us cheer and joy, and make 
 us satisfied. 
 
 For soun our turn will come, how soon we 
 cannot define; 
 There are others waiting now, to step 
 into our place; 
 Our record must be made within our allotted 
 time, 
 O may it forever shine, with righteous 
 love and grace ! 
 
 That when our spirits shall arise, they will 
 solace give, 
 Like the fragrance of the flowers, that die 
 upon the graves; 
 Then the earthly casket left, emblems of our 
 souls that live, 
 Will be fit and ample decoration for our 
 graves. 
 
 195 
 
AN INSCRIPTION TO FAITH. 
 
 O, faith ! what art thou that so many strive for thee? 
 and so many which have found thee cling- to thee so 
 steadfastly above other things; they love and cling to 
 thee; yea, more tenaciously than they cling to life; 
 -and those having obtained and lost thee, how dejected! 
 Thou eternal beacon of living light that has lived 
 through countless ages of time and eternity, and has 
 "breathed thy breath upon the lives of millions that 
 have passed from mortality to immortality, and still 
 brightens the lives of millions which yet remain on 
 this mundane sphere of probation, and are struggling 
 onward and upward to gain the approbation of thy 
 Master. How old, yet how fair thou art! Wise in 
 thy simplicity and strong in thy gentleness! Thou 
 spark of eternal tire that his emanated from the 
 throne of God, to raise the spirits of mankind step by 
 step, until they may reach the eminence afar off, from 
 which thou came; brightening, ever brightening, as 
 they rise until the}' shine like polished jewels, and are 
 tit ornaments tor God's kingdom! Thou kindlest a 
 spark of love within the human breast, which grows 
 and brightens until it shines forth from the soul, cast- 
 ing a halo around the lives of God's benighted crea- 
 tures, and ere long that all-seeing eye beams with 
 
 196 
 
benevolence upon the children He has fashioned after 
 His own image, and so dearly loves, because of the 
 righteous intent that faith has kindled in their 
 breasts. O, faith, thou art a mighty worker! Infinite 
 in thy strength, untiring as the billows of eternity, 
 thou never ceaseth thy labors, thou workest wonders 
 and miracles, thou healeth the sick both physically 
 and spiritually, thou comforts the heart of the poor 
 and strengthened the widow and orphan, both tem- 
 porally and spiritually, and thou openeth the eyes of 
 the blind ; yea, thou toucheth the veil between the 
 seen and the unseen with thy magic wand, and it is 
 drawn aside, that we may look into the portals of 
 eternity and behold the works thou hast wrought there. 
 Thou re freshest the soul, like unto the gentle breeze 
 that sweeps the destroying heat from restless nature. 
 Thou art forever gurgling forth from the rock of ref- 
 uge to the weary soul. Thou art the forerunner of 
 salvation, the foundation of principalities and powers; 
 by thee the stars maintain their position in the heav- 
 ens, the planets rotate, the earth moves, the seas keep 
 their bounds and all things exist and fulfill the meas- 
 ure of their creation. The heart of the fathers are 
 turned to the children, the hearts of the children to 
 the parents, and the hearts of mankind are turned 
 to God, that the strength of his kingdom may be com- 
 pleted ere thou hast done thy work on this earth. 
 
 O, faith! how our thoughts are turned to thy grac- 
 ious divinity as thou glides gently over the land to all 
 nations, kindreds, tongues and people, to support and 
 comfort and bring them back to the presence of God, 
 where they will be touched by His glory and strength- 
 ened by his His power, that they may be enabled to 
 
 197 
 
work to His honor and glory, to their own exaltation 
 and adornment through time and all eternity O, 
 faith! thou great and glorious virtue! may we search 
 thee more dilligently, and having obtained thee, may 
 thou find room in our hearts to grow O, let not skep- 
 ticism cast thee out, but let us cling to thee with all 
 the strength of our souls, and may thou consent to 
 abide with us through this world and the worlds to 
 come, bringing joy to our lives and peace to our souls, 
 that we may render gratitude and praise to the creator 
 of all good Dear faith! I beseech thee to be my 
 bosom frieud always, and hope thy holy influence will 
 be my reliance, through the ages that are to come, 
 for ever and ever, thou blessed Faith! 
 
 O, faith, may we cherish thee more than earth's gold! 
 
 For thy priceless value can never be told. 
 
 The root of all evil's thy lack in God's word; 
 
 The heart of the heathen, thee in God never stirred. 
 
 Thou lighteth the soul far above vicious thought, 
 And turneth bad actions to good, as thou ought ; 
 Thou helpeth the weak ones and leadeth the blind, 
 And lighteth the path of benighted mankind. 
 
 Thou grows in the heart, if thou canst but find room,. 
 And scatters a-far the gray clouds of man's doom; 
 Thy sceptre of confidence banishes doubt, 
 And touching despondence soon casteth it out. 
 
 Then let us make room for thee in our hearts, 
 And, having made friends with thee, never more part. 
 But cherish thee more than earth's silver or gold, 
 For thy value, O faith, can never be told! 
 
 198 
 
THE SEARCH FOR CHARITY. 
 
 I 
 
 jy&P /t^ NE day I met a man, an aged sire; 
 jopfj \^ As I chanced to stroll across 
 
 ^?ffc' KsSw green lea, 
 
 SS^SerSS He looked forlorn and seemed so 
 tired, 
 That his mien and attitude attracted me. 
 "Kind sir;" said I, "I pray that you will tell, 
 From whence you came, or wither do you 
 go? 
 You seem to have wandered here from the dell; 
 What you seek I should very much like 
 to know," 
 
 2 
 
 "My dear ones I've lost by death's ruthless 
 hand, 
 The fortune I found, produced wings 
 and fled; 
 And now I am wandering o'er the land, 
 
 In the search of a friend that I fear is 
 dead. 
 A friend that always dwelt within my home, 
 Till prosperity and fortune to me came, 
 When she was crowded out the world to roam; 
 
 J99 
 
So Charity left my roof, that is her 
 name," 
 
 3 
 
 So spoke the sire, that I met in my walk, 
 
 And asked had I seen his wandering 
 friend; 
 "Or mayhap, of her you have heard some talk? 
 
 If so, I pray you will information lend, 
 To rest my weary feet and ease my heart; 
 
 For of her kind smile I am sorely in need, 
 It would rest my soul and ease censures dart, 
 
 If to her sweet voice I could only give 
 heed." 
 
 4 
 "I fancy I saw her somewhere," I said; 
 
 "But the earth is so big and its space so 
 wide, 
 I decl-ire it's gone quite out of my head, 
 
 I think it must have been on the other 
 side. 
 You ask if I've heard? ah, yes, many times, — 
 Of her virtues and patrons of every turn; 
 She's flattered and boasted by all mankind; 
 
 But of her where-abouts I never could 
 learn. 
 
 200 
 
5 
 "And yet my dear sir, I feel sure she lives; 
 Perhaps in some secluded spot, you will 
 find 
 Your friend, the thought of which such com- 
 fort gives; 
 For they say she is benevolent and kind. 
 I should like to help, if I but knew how; 
 
 Though the problem is so hard for us to 
 solve; 
 You seem to have searched so long ere now? 
 Speak to me freely, sire, of your own re- 
 solve." 
 
 6 
 
 Then spake out the sire, as he sat to rest, 
 
 And leaned his head against the gnarled 
 oak; 
 ""I have searched so long, I must confess, 
 
 That I have lost my patience and feel 
 provoke: 
 But listen, the sad story you shall hear, 
 
 Of my travels and searches all, until now; 
 How the griet of my heart found vent in tears; 
 While perspiration stood on my heated 
 brow. 
 
 20 J 
 
7 
 " For I have grown old, am not very 
 strong ; 
 I expect before long, to rest in the tomb ; 
 My conscience acuses me all day long, 
 Till I am an object of sorrow and gloom : 
 
 For^charity dwelt in my humble heart, 
 Just as long as I had neither lands nor gold ;. 
 The true friends she brought me, were 
 better far, 
 And I need them so, now I am growing old. 
 
 8 
 "After wealth found me, I had no leis- 
 ure, 
 To give my heed to fond Charity's calls ; 
 
 Instead of duty I thought of pleasure, 
 Until T had no time for duty at all. 
 
 My spirit grew proud and my heart grew 
 cold, 
 And once cherished Charity lonesome grew ; 
 
 Soon she decided her wings to unfold, 
 And far away from my proud mansion she 
 flew. 
 
 9 
 I felt prosperity cast me aside, 
 From the day that my Charity took her flight; 
 
 202 
 
Reverses did visit, and woe betide; 
 I realized the change and felt the blight. 
 
 Had I but cherished kind Charity, still, 
 I feel that my life would have been a success ; 
 I think the Lord would have kept me 
 from ill, 
 If I had put aside my vain selfishness. 
 
 10 
 *' But I lost my lands and I lost my gold, 
 I lost my loved ones which to me were dear ; 
 For death on his list their names enrolled, 
 And now I am a poor lone wanderer here. 
 
 I despised an attribute of God ; 
 Much was expected, as so much was given ; 
 And feel the scourge of His chastening 
 rod, 
 O may he grant my sin shall be forgiven. 
 
 1 1 
 "And thus, I started out my friend to 
 seek, 
 And make some small amends for my wasted 
 life ; 
 I go in contrition with spirit meek, 
 To battle against sad misfortune and strife : 
 
 And if Charity I can only find, 
 She will help I am sure to dispel this gloom, 
 
 203 
 
Which is a burden to body and mind, 
 And will bring me many years nearer the 
 tomb. 
 
 12 
 
 " I looked for charity in the church, 
 But I found her not within its sacred bounds, 
 
 For she had left its people in the lurch, 
 As censure and doubt went on their Sunday 
 rounds. 
 
 So I strolled to the convention hall ; 
 But soon saw that she had not entered there ; 
 
 For monopoly occupied the stand, 
 And vain bigotry sat in the lordly chair. 
 
 13 
 
 44 I visited then the session of court, 
 Where justice of earth is claimed to be found; 
 
 Most surely, if charity is abroad, 
 She will call there on her benevolent round. 
 
 A frail girl stood in the prisoner's dock, 
 And she spoke of her parents both being dead, 
 
 Said the money they found pinned in her 
 frock, 
 She had stolen to buy the little ones bread. 
 
 14 
 "The judge looked down on her with 
 
 scowling brow, 
 
 204 
 
While he said, 'I am here to enforce the law, 
 Which no excuse for stealing does allow; 
 
 We will lock you in for thirty days therefore.' 
 So I know that Charity was not there, 
 
 Or she would have stepped to the poor 
 girl's aid, 
 And soften the judge in his rigid chair, 
 
 To temper the sentence of the orphan maid. 
 
 15 
 "Then I bethought me of the higher 
 court, 
 The establishment called the court supreme; 
 It was there I next, fair Charity sought, 
 Within those spectral halls of fine regime. 
 
 A young man sat on the prisoner's bench, 
 With pallid face, that was full of honest zeal; 
 
 The judge and attorneys behind the fence, 
 With astute features and hearts as hard as 
 steel. 
 
 16 
 
 "They said this man had killed his 
 brother! 
 It happened all by accident, he said; 
 
 In handing a gun from one to the other, 
 A leaden ball had pierced his brother's head. 
 
 205 
 
We all well know that most brothers dis- 
 pute 
 Upon topics on which they cannot agree; 
 
 On these grounds they chose his word to 
 refute, 
 And accused the man of vile perjury. 
 
 "O life was so dear to that strong young 
 man, 
 With such brave honest features and manly 
 form; 
 That his sentence of death was a woeful 
 ban, 
 And the court has much need of supreme re- 
 form. 
 The higher I go, the farther I get 
 From Charity's path and what sorrow befalls; 
 I found her not there, will go higher yet; 
 I will visit the senate and congress halls. 
 
 18 
 "And so I traversed the country o'er, 
 Amidst wind and rain, amidst snow and sleet; 
 
 Till my limbs were weary, my feet were 
 sore, 
 
 W T hen I landing took rest in the City street. 
 
 Advanced to the palace of state, ere long, 
 
 206 
 
I entered those burnished congress halls; 
 
 None observed as I passed midst the 
 
 throng, 
 
 Where I found a nook in its sheltering walls. 
 
 19 
 "As I sat and waited in silence there, 
 
 I saw congressmen framing our nations 
 laws; 
 As each one left his political chair, 
 
 And spake in contempt of his fellowmen's 
 cause: 
 Each strove to push his political bill, 
 
 And banish the scenes ol his fellowmen's 
 plotb; 
 Until the convention resulted in ill; 
 
 For truly their tempers were all sissing 
 hot. 
 
 20 
 "I left the hall in despair and regret, 
 
 And I traveled until you found me here; 
 
 For the more I search the farther I get 
 
 Away from my once cherished Charity 
 dear. 
 Alas! I've been to the fountain of law, 
 
 Where surely kind Charity ought to be 
 found; 
 But there I found naught but cavil and jaw, 
 
 For vain greed and selfishness only abound. 
 207 
 
21 
 
 "O! I feel that to lay me down and die, 
 
 Would be the best blessing that God 
 could bestow; 
 
 For charity must have flown beyond the sky, 
 I never shall find her while living I know; 
 
 For man has no love for his fellow man, 
 
 In thought or action, in word or saintly 
 deed; 
 
 Selfish vanity is the mortal ban, 
 
 That o'er spreads the earth, like some 
 obnoxious weed,' 1 
 
 22 
 
 "O be not hasty in your judgement, sire! 
 
 And dispond not while your mortal life 
 endures; 
 But let your manly efforts never tire, 
 
 In searching a virtue so holy and pure. 
 I'll strive to help you, we'll journey as one, 
 And mayhap erelong we shall meet with 
 success: 
 So let your sorrow and grief be agone, 
 
 And cultivate hope, in the place of dis- 
 tress. 
 
 23 
 "You looked through church, convention and 
 
 courts, 
 
 And searched the mansions of haughty 
 
 and prond; 
 
 208 
 
Now to the homes of the poor we'll resort, 
 
 Who dwell in the midst of obscurity's 
 cloud, " 
 We left behind us the proud City streets. 
 
 The park and the palace of fashion and rest: 
 And wended our way to modest retreats, 
 
 Where we fain would search tor the virtue 
 in quest. 
 
 24 
 We halt at a hut, that's lowly, yet fair, 
 
 Amidst the green foliage that covers it's 
 walls; 
 Our host asked God, in his evening prayer, 
 That his heart may ne'er close to Charity's 
 calls, 
 He tendered us welcome while we would stay; 
 
 Shared with us freely the little he had; 
 His projects so graciously modest were they, 
 That they rested our souls and made our 
 hearts glad, 
 
 25 
 We took our departure at dawn of day; 
 Our faith was strengthened, we breathed more 
 free, 
 As we bade farewell and hied us away ; 
 We would search through that district of 
 country, 
 We came to a cottage by the lone woods, 
 Where lived a chopper with wife and children 
 eight ; 
 
 209 
 
As we were told at the village above, 
 From which we followed a path to his gate. 
 
 26 
 They were glad to see us, bid us to stay, 
 While resting on weary limbs and aching feet; 
 And the good housewife did hasten away 
 To prepare the noontime meal, that we may 
 eat. 
 We talked with the woodman neath the 
 tree, 
 Which he strove by the swing of his ax to fell; 
 "What think you ot laws and bills that's 
 to be 
 Passed in the land sir, we pray you tell. " 
 
 27 
 Said he, "Some of them does not suit 
 my cause, 
 But for some others, the bills are just in hand; 
 
 I hold with making of a country's laws, 
 For the mass of the people throughout the 
 land ; 
 For a man should not consider himself, 
 But work for the good of his fellows on earth, 
 And work for the good of his country's 
 wealth ; 
 If he is a man of consistence or worth, 
 
 28 
 We then repaired to the festive board, 
 Where we partook of refreshment; pure and 
 sweet ; 
 
 210 
 
For conversation and actions were stored, 
 With the virtue we had so strove to meet. 
 On my companions life, a change was 
 wrought, 
 
 As he found the true iriends of his long desire 
 United with himself in word and thought; 
 
 With new lease on life he seemed inspired. 
 
 29 
 So in jubilance we journeyed on, 
 
 To farther search the regions of the poor ; 
 
 Suffice to say that ever and anon, 
 
 We met .charity among the most obscure : 
 
 In some and every form amidst those 
 vales. 
 
 In thought or word, or in rightious, saintly 
 deed ; 
 We found at last fair Charity prevails, 
 Easing aching hearts and filling human need. 
 
 30 
 
 O blessed are they whom charity hath ! 
 To distribute abroad to fellow-mankind ; 
 
 Kind thoughts, words and actions forever 
 live 
 When we go to the grove, they linger behind. 
 
 Then let us remember this life is short, 
 We all can afford to put selfishness by, 
 
 Andinurture kind charity as we ought ; 
 Then we all to love one another will try. 
 
 2 1 1 
 
THE DAWNING OF THE DAY. 
 
 <^p*fT HASTE to leave my cottage, at 
 qjJH II the peeping of the day; 
 
 i^o/iHk ^ nc * watcn tne shadows slowly, 
 V^: softly glide to hide away; 
 
 While hailing their departure, which they take 
 
 in graceful ease, 
 I feel refreshed and strengthened, by the fan- 
 ning of the breeze. 
 
 I love to leave my chamber, at the day's re- 
 freshing dawn, 
 
 And gaze upon the sunrise, on the beauties of 
 the morn; 
 
 How lovely is the verdure, in the cool refresh- 
 ing breeze; 
 
 How beautiful the gleaming rays of sunlight 
 through the trees! 
 
 How happy seems all nature ! at the dawning 
 
 of the day; 
 How clip and peart the little birds are singing 
 
 as they play; 
 How laughs the little rivulet! while it ripples 
 
 to the seas; 
 
 212 
 
At the gleaming of the sunshine, that glances 
 through the trees. 
 
 How joyfully I greet the morn ! while dark- 
 ness floats away; 
 
 Until the chill October; from the very first of 
 May; 
 
 When I listen to the charms of birds and 
 
 humming bees, 
 And watch the golden sunrays, come and play 
 
 among the trees. 
 
 All nature smiles in greeting, at the coming 
 of the light; 
 
 It seems so condesending, so benevolent and 
 bright: 
 
 I always long to linger, and inhale the mellow 
 breeze, 
 
 And watch the merry sunbeams, as they dance 
 amoung the trees. 
 
 My soul will be uplifted, at the dawning of that 
 day, 
 
 When the earthly sun and shadows of this life 
 pass away, 
 
 And my mortal labor ceases, my heart will 
 feel at ease; 
 
 If I linger in God's glory as it gleams among 
 the trees. 
 
 213 
 
A COMMUNICATION WITH 
 THOUGHTS. 
 
 PART I, — THE ENQUIRY, 
 
 PURE and holy thoughts ot origin 
 divine! 
 Why is it thou hast condescended 
 to impart 
 
 Complacence to this humble mortal brain of 
 
 mine; 
 The clandestine desire that fills my throbbing 
 
 heart? 
 Ye elevated thoughts sublime! 
 
 Art thou golden rays of priceless heavenly love 
 Escaping through life's clouds that ever and 
 
 anon 
 Throw shades which intervene us and the 
 
 light above, 
 That gives us strength to bid those fitful 
 
 clouds begone? 
 Ye jewels rare, of peace and love! 
 
 O grand and noble thoughts! why dost thou 
 
 deign to work 
 Like potters in the clay, in this low world of 
 
 ours? 
 
 214 
 
Fashioning thy subjects into vessels of true 
 
 worth, 
 Illuminating souls in thy controlling powers 3 
 
 Ye instruments of joy on earth! 
 Why mingle in our lives who are so lonely 
 
 here, 
 And visit many who do spurn and cast thee off? 
 As fancies of the brain, deserving of their 
 
 jeers; 
 While thy grand missions here they ridicule 
 
 and scoff! 
 Ye thoughts that to me, art so dear! 
 
 Yet some fondly cherish thee, as the voice of 
 
 love, 
 Descending from the mystic world so far away; 
 Comest thou from heaven: through dear ones 
 
 gone above ? 
 O fondly cherished thoughts ! answer me I 
 
 pray, 
 And thus uncertainty remove. 
 
 PART 2, — THE RESPONSE. 
 
 Alas! we are but thoughts, so in thought will 
 give reply; 
 
 We are voices of the just, who ever hover nigh; 
 
 We are voices of the souls, who trod the ways 
 of God, 
 
 And have laid their bodies down to rest with- 
 in the so-. 
 
 2«5 
 
We are friends to all on earth, who only will 
 give heed, 
 
 To our warning silent voice, in times of hu- 
 man need; 
 
 We are willing to renew the battles we have 
 fought, 
 
 To gain prestige in your hearts, as we have 
 always sought. 
 
 We are willing to impart to those that's left 
 
 below, 
 The love that prompted us, in the years past 
 
 long ago: 
 We are willing to respond, to every human 
 
 call 
 From the spirit land above, if they'll but heed 
 
 us all. 
 The thoughts that prompted us, while upou 
 
 this earthly sphere, 
 We will transmit to all you frail mortals dwel- 
 ling here ; 
 To shield your precious lives, from vain pride 
 
 and earthly sin. 
 If you will but open your hearts and kindly 
 
 let us in 
 
 We would save you vain regrets, when this 
 
 earthly life is done ; 
 And help you journey on, till the battle ycu 
 
 have won ; 
 
 216 
 
Then in heaven you'll meet friends, who 
 
 kindly prompted thoughts, 
 And you'll know the reason why, to ease your 
 
 lives they've sought. 
 
 We fain would lead you from the snares, that 
 beset your paths, 
 
 Yes, shield you from the sins that are claiming 
 Father's wrath, 
 
 Lead you in the better ways, the blessed an- 
 gels trod ; 
 
 Yes, in the ways of Christ, till we guide you 
 back to God. 
 
 O then give heed to thoughts, from loved 
 
 ones past away ; 
 Work with a will for the better life, work, 
 
 Watch and pray ; 
 Night soon comes you'll gather home to reap 
 [ZL your just reward ; 
 Then strive to meet, with lives complete, in 
 
 mansions of our Lord. 
 
 2J7 
 
A CURIOSITY. 
 
 COPY OE A BETTER ALLEGED TO HAVE BEEN WRITTEN 
 BY THE SAVIOR. 
 
 Mr. William Ringsford has brought to my 
 attention a peculiar pamplet, which he says he 
 has had in his possession a great many years. It con- 
 tains a letter said to have been written by Jesus 
 Christ. Following- is a copy of all that appears in the 
 pamphlet: 
 
 A copy of a letter written by our blessed Lord and 
 Savior, Jesus Christ, and found eighteen miles from 
 Iconium, fifty-three years after our blessed Savior's 
 crucifixion. 
 
 Translated from the Hol} r City by a converted Jew. 
 
 Faithfully translated from the original Hebrew 
 copy, now in possession of Lady Cuba's family at Me- 
 sopotamia. 
 
 This letter was written by Jesus Christ and found 
 under a great stone, round and large, at the foot of 
 the cros». Upon the stone was engraved " Blessed is 
 he that shall turn me over. " All people that saw it 
 prayed to God earnestly desiring that He would make 
 this writing known unto them, and that they might 
 not attempt in vain to turn it over. In the meantime 
 there came out a little child, about six or seven years 
 of age, and turned it over without assistance, to the 
 admiration of every person who was standing by. It 
 was carried to the city of Iconium and there published 
 by a person belonging to Lady Cuba. 
 
 On the letter was written the commandments of 
 Jesus Christ: Signed by the angel Gabriel, seventy- 
 four years after our Savioi's birth. 
 
 A LETTER OF JESUS CHRIST. 
 
 Whosoever worketh on the Sabbath day shall not 
 
 218 
 
prosper. I command you all to go to church and keep 
 the Lord's day holy, without doing - any manner ot 
 work. You shall not idly spend your time in bedeck- 
 ing- yourselves with superfluities of costly apparel, 
 and vain dresses, for I have ordained it to be a day of 
 rest. I will have it kept holy and your sins may be 
 forgiven you. You shall not break iny commandments 
 but observe and keep them, write them in your heart, 
 and steadfastly observe what is written, and spoken 
 with my own mouth. You shall not only gr> to church 
 yourself, but also send your manservants and your 
 maidservants, and observe my words and command- 
 ments You shall finish your labor every Saturday 
 in the afternoon by six o'clock, at which hour is the 
 preparation of the Sabbath. Iadvise you to fast five 
 Fridays in the year, beginning- with Good Friday, and 
 continuing the four Fridays immediately following, 
 in remembrance of the five wounds which I received 
 for all mankind. You shall diligently and peaceably 
 labor in you respective dwellings, wherein it hath 
 pleased God to place you. You shall love one another 
 with brotherly love; and cause them that are baptised 
 to g-o to church and receive the sacraments, baptism 
 and the Lord's supper, and to be made members of 
 the church; in so doing I will give you a long life and 
 many blessing-s; and your land shall flourish, and 
 your cattle bring" forth in abundance; and I will give 
 unto you many blessing's and comforts in the greatest 
 temptations, and he that doth to the contrary shall be 
 unprofitable. I will also send hardness of heart upon 
 them till I see them, but especially upon the impeni- 
 tent and unbelieving - . He that hath much, by giving - 
 to the poor shall not be unprofitable. Remember he 
 that hath a copy of this letter, written with my own 
 hand, and spoken with my own mouth, and keepeth it 
 without publishing to others, shall not prosper; but 
 he that publisheth it to others shall be blessed of me; 
 and though his sins be in number as the stars of the 
 sky, and he truly believe in me they shall be pardoned; 
 but if he believe not in me and my commandments, I 
 will send my own plagues upon him, and consume 
 both him, his children and his cattle. And whosoever 
 
 219 
 
shall have a copy of this letter, and keep in their 
 houses, nothing- shall hurt them — neither lightening - , 
 pestilence nor thunder — and if a woman be in labor, 
 and a copy of this letter be about her, and she firmly 
 put her trust in me. she shall safely be delivered. 
 
 CHRIST'S CURES AND MIRACLES. 
 
 He cleansed a leper by touching him; he healed the 
 Centurian's servant, afflicted with the palsy ; Peter's 
 mother-in-law of a fever ; several possessed of devils ; 
 stilled a most violent tempest ; cured a man sick of the 
 palsy, raised a man from the dead; restored two blind 
 men to sight; cured a dumb man who was possessed of 
 a devil; fed about 5000 with five loaves and two fishes; 
 walked on the sea; cured the diseases of Genesaret by 
 a touch of his garments; cured a woman of the devil ; 
 multitudes of lame, blind, dumb, maimed, etc., and fed 
 4000 with seven loaves and three small fishes. 
 
 KING AGABUS' LETTER TO CHRIST. 
 
 I have heard of thee and the cures wrought by thee 
 without herb or medicines; for it is reported thou re- 
 storest sight unto the blind, maketh the lame to walk, 
 cleanseth the leper, raiseth the dead, and healeth 
 those that are tormented with diseases of long con- 
 tinual ce; having heard . all this of thee I was fully 
 persuaded to believe one of these two things: either 
 that thou art a very God and comest down from hea- 
 ven to do such miracles, or else thou art the Son of 
 God and performest them; wherefore I have now sent 
 these lines entreating thee to come hither and cure 
 my diseases. Besides having heard that the Jews 
 murmur against thee and contrive to do thee mischief, 
 I invite thee to my city, which is little, indeed, but 
 exceedingly beautilul and sufficient for us both. 
 
 OUR SAVIOUR'S ANSWER. 
 
 Blessed art thou Agabus for believing- in me 
 whom thou hast seen not, for it is written, that they 
 who have not seen me should believe and be saved; 
 but as to the matter thou hast wrote about, these are 
 to acquaint thee that all the things for which I am 
 sent must be fulfilled, and that I shall be taken up 
 
 220 
 
and returned to him that sent me; but after my ascen- 
 sion I will send one of my disciples who shall cure 
 thy distemper, and give life to thee and all them that 
 are with thee. 
 
 LENTULUS' EPISTLE TO THE SENATE OF ROME. 
 
 There appeared in these our days a man of great 
 virtue, called Jesus Christ, who by the people is called 
 a Prophet; but his deciples call him the Son of God. 
 He raiseth the dead, and cures all manner of diseases, 
 a man of stature, somewhat tall and comely, with a 
 reverend countenance such as the beholders both fear 
 and love. His hair is the color of a chestnut all ripe, 
 and is plain almost down to his ears; but from thence 
 downward is somewhat curled, but more of the orient- 
 al color, waving- about his shoulders; in the middle of 
 his head is a seam or parting, like the Nazarites. 
 
 His forehead is very plain and smooth. His face 
 without either wrinkle or spot, beautiful with a 
 comely red, his nose and mouth so formed that no 
 thing can be reprehended; his beard thick, the color 
 of his head; his eyes grey, clear and quick. In re- 
 proving he is severe, in counselling he is courteous; 
 he is of a fair spoken, pleasant and grave of speech; 
 never seen by anyone to laugh but often seen by 
 many to weep: in proportion to his body he is well 
 shaped and straight, and both hands and arms are 
 very delectable. In speaking he is very temperate, 
 modest and wise. A man for his singular beauty, far 
 exceeding: all the sons of men. 
 
 THE END. 
 
CONTENTS. PAGE 
 
 Preface 7 
 
 A Description and Reminiscence of Author's 
 
 Childhood Home 10 
 
 The Ocean of Life £> 
 
 Working - for God 28 
 
 A Lamentation Over Neglect of Sacred Duty . . 30 
 
 Autumn Leaves 35 
 
 A Supplication 39 
 
 Speak Kindly 42 
 
 The Brook and the Rill 47 
 
 The Child That's Gone Before 50 
 
 Remember the Sabbath Day and Keep it Holy 56 
 
 The Snow Storm . . 59 
 
 Return of Spring 64 
 
 Pray for the Children 66 
 
 Little Dewdrops 71 
 
 The Sufferings of the Poor 73 
 
 Bye and Bye 77 
 
 My Little Lou 80 
 
 Solitude . ... 84 
 
 The Letter Carrier 88 
 
 The Weary Pilgrim 93 
 
 Let the Sun Shine In 95 
 
 Work For the Living 97 
 
 Far Away in the Distance 101 
 
 A Clear Conscience 103 
 
 Owlets in the Loft 106 
 
 Hope 113 
 
 Mission of the Breeze 1 16 
 
 I Will go to the Land I Love 120 
 
 A Contemplation. . . 124 
 
 An Emblem of Life 127 
 
 Calamity of War,and Solciitude for the Nations 132 
 
 Stanza (Dedicated to the Utah Pioneers.) .... 137 
 
 Kind Thoughts . . 141 
 
 Sketches From the History of Two Lives, ... 143 
 
 Ode to the Spirit of My Babe 189 
 
 Decoration Day . 191 
 
 Inscription to Faith 196 
 
 The Search for Charity 199 
 
 The Dawning of the Day 212 
 
 A Communication With Thoughts in 2 Parts 214-215 
 A Copy of a Letter Alleged to Have Been 
 
 Written by the Savior 218 
 
 Illustrations pp. 1.11, 19, 81, 107,129. 145, 179, 193. 
 
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