0' y <-> k.yi>^ '^;r> ■x^^^ :^"^ . > '' /,! ,% J '^y^ J^.^ .SX^' ''ir. ,0 o ^^ ''t.. rU I ..<^^ P r vi ■?! •" 'V ■W ^ /-r .^^ •O .^;^^i^. 0^ -ji 3 0^ <=^- ci-. •-\'' \4^' : m^ --. ,N^' A^^' ^/^. •^/. ^ *'*?'^'' ' ■^*^^,A \^'«*. ^ o.n"^ .-"V'T?'' ,0 0, <- ¥:. i Q '■ xO ■=. t'^,'®^ '' ^'p o-^ ^^"^^ ^^ -^^^^ ']£^^. '- C> "^^^ \V- ^\ ^^^^' ■\'' •i' , » r. , ^/> ' ^ '-^ \V -0 ^^%^-^p V- V -^'^^■^ o5 -t.. A\ f#- xO=<. ^ o * ^ -/- x^^^ ^. '^^Z^^^^::^^ v^'r '^t-e. ^Wi^^y-'i- "v ^.c^^:. MRS. M. A. BELL. POEMS OF MRS. MARTHA A. BELL. ^i^Sl^i Copyrighted, 189^ BY MOLLIE BELL. Press of 'Educational Courant, Louisville, Ky INTRODUCTION. Both sacred and profane history introduce to the reader's notice many women whose life work has left an ineffaceable impression. The matter of the little book that now appeals to an appre- ciative, kind and tender hearted people for patronage, owes its maternity to the late Mrs. Martha A. Bell. Mrs. Bell was born June 27th, 1817. Was the daughter of Rev. William W. Penney, who was an able and highly esteemed minister of the gospel. In her child and girlhood days, her mind, being naturally receptive, became the treasury of the best thoughts and ideas. The prayers of her father, who was God's man, availed, the spirit was rent, conversion to God ensued, and doubtless angels rejoiced. But the father, who, on account of his admirable characteristics, secured the largest respect and was ''highly esteemed in love for his works' sake," died with cholera, in the year I833. Miss Martha A. Penney, when about sixteen years of age, gave herself to the service of the Lord in a "perpetual covenant not to be forgotten." The world had its attractions, but the attraction of the cross was greater. By a pious walk and godly conversation did she adorn the doctrine of the Savior through the whole period of her life on earth. On the 19th of March, I83S, this daughter of the Lord IV Almighty, and James M. Bell, who could claim the high relation- ship of an adopted Son of the same Heavenly Father, were united in marriage. Heart was united to heart and mind to mind. They followed the Lamb who once was slain. They dwelt under the shadow of the Almighty. Eight children were given to them. Only three lived to be grown, two sons and a daughter. These children are, we hope, all the subjects of the same grace through which the parents were saved, and they — the children — "rise up and call them blessed." On the 14th day of February, 1881, the messenger came, and she for whom he came was ready. "Death has no sting since the Savior has died." The work which brought into requisition the powers of the pure, chaste, and strong mind of that princess among women comes to the people, and asks for a place on the center table and in the library. Buy the book and read it. Rev. J. T. Hedger. PREFACE. My mother, who wrote a good deal of poetry for diflferent ones, at my request, wrote it in a book for me. I have the only copy. At the earnest solicitation of many, I have concluded to have her poetry published. For many years she was a great sufferer, but during all of her sufferings she tried to be patient and cheer- ful, and tried to dispense cheer to all around. Besides her physical suflferings, many times she was tried in other ways, but never did her faith in God falter. She seemed to live in an atmosphere of prayer, as all of her writings show. Although she did not have a very wide range of acquaintances, yet she had many friends, and it can be truly said, that, "None knew her but to love her." In order to gratify her friends, and hoping it may do stran- gers good, I now send forth this book as the greatest monument, to her memory that I can erect. Her Daughter. vu THIS BOOK IS LOVINGLY AND AFFECTIONATELY DEDICATED TO MY ONLY DAUGHTER, MARY. At your request, my daughter dear, I've written you my trials here ; And when I in my grave shall sleep, Rejoice for me, but do not weep. Rejoice to see my trials past, And hope I've reached sweet heaven at last. There free from sin, and grief and pain. Oh ! glorious thought ! thus to remain. Dear daughter, strive while here you stay. Your Lord and Savior to obey ; Do try to teach your brothers dear, Your blessed Lord to love and fear. Be kind to all beneath the sun, Both rich and poor, both old and young. Do try to soothe your parent's cares^ Now in their fast declining years. When I am gone, Oh ! may God's love Support you 'till we meet above. Oh ! may we meet on that bright shore, With all my loved ones gone before. JAMES M, BELL. MY CONVERSION. My Christian friend^, if you'll attend, To you my troubles I'll relate. Immersed in sin I was born blind And ten years traveled in that state. One evening late it pleased the Lord To bless the g)spf^l he has sent. My father preached thit sicred word, He called on sinners to repent. 'Twas then I saw so cleir and bright The w^retched state my soul was in. I thought to die I should that nigh»-, My soul was s) oppressed with sin. My father preached that Jesus b'ed And groaned and died on Cavalry's tree : I thought I'd give ten thousand worlds If that dear blood was shed for me. The text was suited to my case ; Sinners, I want you all to hear, 'Twas "Seek the Lord while he may be found And call upon him while he's neir." For many days and weeks I mourned; I often did attempt t ^ pray, Alas ! before I was aware Satan had tempted me away. He told me that I was too young ; That little children could not pray, *Twas time enough to seek the Lord, 'Till I got old I might delay. ]0 He said, "Young girl, 'tis in your power To find the Lord, you'll not be lost, For he has pardoned thousands worse — Think of the th'ef upon the cross." I strove my burden to cast off. Both night and day, with all my power,. I promised I would seek the Lord, When at a more convenient hour. But oh ! how much I was deceived, My Savior I could not forget, To view him nailed upon the cross. Great drops of Mood to see him sweat. Thus I went on for several years ; Sometimes I did for mercy plea. But often felt that I should die. And sink to hell eternally. At length affliction raged around. And many friends were called to die ; It pleased the Lord among the rest, My father's family to try. The Lord did take a brother dear And little sister in one week. With the same fever I did ra^e, Oh ! who could then my troubles speak. Greater afflictions soon did come, My father did the ch )lera take. To hear his dreadful cries and groans, *Twas then I thought my heart would break. To see him call his friends around, His wife and children to his bed, And pray the Lord them all to bless, When he was numbered with the dead. He took us singly by the hand. And kissed and bid us all adieu, 11 And then before he left this world, Poor sinners all, he prayed for you. I felt the separation great ; To think'we'd never meet again While his dear soul ascended high, That mine should sink in endless pain. Oh ! who can this sad scene describe, Lord I can not on it dwell ; How hard to give a father up, And one that was beloved so well. 1 felt each day would be my last, For sickness still prayed on my frdme ; To sink to belli knew was just; I dared not call on Jesus' name. While in despair my soul was driven, Those words lan through my mind like talk, "Thy sins though many are forgiven. Arise, take up thy bed and walk." then my burden was removed, 1 felt my sins were all forgiven, And I was done with earthly things And soon shouM rest with Christ in heaven. Lord, that I could oftener feel The joy I felt on that blest day, 1 thought that nothing on th's earth, Could caue me from my Lord to stray. But then again I was deceived, For Satan s ill stops up my road, And often causes me to grieve Because I can do nothing good. that the Lord wuuli guide my feet And keep me in the narrow roid, That when I take my last repose, 1 may awake with ih^e, my God. 12 Composed when the split took place in Old Goshen Church, about 1838. Although nearly twenty years have elapsed I feel the same interest in the church and those I love as I did then. To a great extent my prayers have been unanswered. But while I live, from day to day. I'll ask for faith and try to pray. Brethren and sisters in a band, Let all unite in heart and hand, And humbly beg and much implore That God would visit us once more. Now we are scattered and bereft. And but a few of us are left, Often without a pastor we, And in a sad decline you see. But God is wise and just and good. And always has supplies of food. Poor hungry souls should all this d-iy For that blest food most humbly pray. Lord look on this once favored place And do once more revive thy grace; Quicken dead souls, make them alive, And cause this little church to thrive. Remember, Lord, the prayers of one That has for years been dead and gone. The tears of grief he's often shed That Goshen might lift up her head. Oh ! who c in that dear soul forget That labored here through cold and wet, His labors too were greatly blessed, But without him we've been distressed. 13 Lord my soul is sore distressed Each day and night I find no rest. My brothers and my sisters, too, Without thy grace, what will they do ? Poor sinners all around I see, Fast hastening to eternity. Do stop them, Lord, before they go Down, down to death and endless woe. Oh! shall I ever live to see My brothers and my sisters flee From death and hell and endless woe. And trembling to their Savior go? ^ Go humbly pleading to the Lord For mercy through his pardoning blood And hear them all rejoice and say, I've found my Savior by the way ? how my soul would then be fed With bread from heaven, that precious bread, And not till then, Lord, can I Forget to weep and mouin and sigh. AN ACROSTIC. Jesus, my dear Jesus, my shepherd, my friend, Alone for salvation on thee I depend. My Savi( r, my Savior, and sliall I e'er be Engaged with bright angels in praises of thee. Sometimes I'm afflicted, sometimes I'm distressed, My Savior, in thee I can sometimes find rest; A few more trials and troubles and I, Dear friends and relations, must be called to die. 14 In heaven, in heaven how bappy I'll be Singing halelujah through eternity. Oh ! sinners, Oh ! sinners, and must I leave you; No more your dear faces on earth shall I view? But when the loud trumpets shall rend earth and skie?. Enraptured shall Christians from their tombs arise. Lo we shall see Jesus, our songs shall be one Loud anthems of praise? to Father and Son. ACROSTIC. My friends I soon must bid farewell. And leave you all I love so well. Remember me w^hen I am gone. Though weep not then, nor for me mourn. How hard to go, my husband dear. And leave you and my children here, And mother, brothers, sisters, too. Now soon I'll Hd farewell to you. But give them grace, Lord, I cry Even now before I'm called to die. Lord save their souls from death and hell ; Lord may we all in heaven dwell. FOR MISS SALLIE WHITE PENNY. [ This is about the first production of the autlior, which was written when quite young. J In this wide world, my dearest dear, There are so many vines, It causes me to li^t my pen And write these troubled lines. 15 You are in love, my dearest dear, And I'm not far behind ; I love so hard I scarce can see, I think you must be blind. The lad you love I'm very sure, Returns your love again ; So do not keep him in suspense. But ease him of his pain. But as for me you plain can fee, I am not loved again. Therefore I will forget it all. And ease myself of pain. A TRUE STORY. [Written soon after the author's marriage.] There was a man lived in this State, In his own estimation great. To marry the second time he tried, But very often was denied. In short a woman he did tike. Which caused her friends her to forsake ; Because he was of such a race. Her friends all thought him a disgrace. Sometimes they lived a loving life ; Sometimes she was a joyful wife ; But soon enough she did not die, So he could heir her property. And if the truth I now must tell, He often wished her soul in hell ; That he might marry another wife, And so enjoy this present life. ■So for her death he could not wait, 16 Hoping it soon would terminate. Away he went one day in haste, And brought a darling to his taste. 'Twas then the property did fly, This darling girl now to supply. Her wants to him were soon made known. They -were no sooner known than done. His wife was often in a fret, She did her marriage much regret. So oft she saw them wink and smile. And saw them kiss once and awhile. She saw her loll upon his lap, And give his cheek a gentle tap, She saw him fold her in his firmp, And say she had ten thousand charms. But my ugly toothless wife ! With her I can not end my life ! I know she loves me very dear, But that is more than I love her. Now if the truth must come about. He with his darling soon put out ; Although he seemed quite loth to start, The riches lay so near his heart. The day before he went away. His girl would often to him say. Take this, take that, do not leave, So much for that old thing to have. yes, my dear, now this will do, You know I will take care of you. Do leave enough for her behind. You know I've broke her piece of mind. Come, let us look now if we can, And see this noble minded man. Do look and see his gererous heart, 17 While giving to each one her part. Indeed he left his wife distressed, Although her neighbors thought her blest. She often mourned for him she loved, Although unworthy he had proved. But let us trace this happy pair. Traveling unto a country far ; Hoping to shun the world who knew, What punishment to them was due. To Indiana they did go, Hoping that no one there would know ; But soon the secret did come out. And they were turned to the right about. The Illinois, he was close by, He thought the neighbors there he'd try ; But long he had not tarried there. Before they had him in a snare. 'Twas then he felt his patience tried, Where could he go his faults to hide, For if to travel he did fail, They quickly would put him in jail. His money spent what could he do. And work he was a stranger to ; At length the thought did strike his brain, I'll go back to my wife again. 1*11 tell her if she will forgive. That I again will with her live. I know she loves me very dear^ And I will feign that I love her. One evening late he did appear, "How do you do, my Susan dear?"^ "Ah ! bad enough," was her reply,. **rve often thought that I should die.'^^ "Come now, my dear, forget the past, 18 Oar happiest days may be our last ; Of traveling more I have declined, So let me cheer your troubled mind." Something was yet upon her mind, Although her husband was so kind. At length she said unto him, ^' Pray Where is that girl you took away?" And when to this he did reply, He said : '' Susan, she's close by. And I am bound to board her too, I'd like to board her here with you." ^'I cannot board the girl, indeed! I feel that I am from her freed ; I cannot feel to her so kind, So she another place must find." But soon the time did roll around. When kindness did much more abound To keep her darling man at home, She gave up for his girl to come. Who can another woman find. That to her husband is so kind? After he thus has treated her. That he could then be found so dear. Now I must hasten to a close. There's no one on this earth that knows The happiness this man must find With two good wives to soothe his mind. Their happiness is now complete; They have an heir that is so sweet, They cannot let it sleep nor rest. ^Tis hard to tell which loves it best. They call it Susan, for his wife. Thinking that it will end all strife. •On her alone they do depend, 19 They have no other earthly friend. Oh ! what a beauty he must be, This great^ this nohle Mr. Lea 1 That he so many wives can have, While many bachelors must live. His legs are crooked, he is tray-backed, He. is, indeed, like lime unslacked, His eyes like pewter stuck in clay, His hair is lying every way. His nose is flat and very broad. His mouth does well with it accord; His forehead low and very flat, He wears a white, low pressure hat. 'Tis past my powers him to describe ; He's so much like the Arab tribe. Both in his turn and temper too, I judge by what I know is true, Now I have known them both so well, Half of their meanness I can't tell. If ever Satan transformed could be, 'Twas in Marth Ivy and Bill Lea. LINES Composed at the request of a friend to sing in church. happy time come hasten on When I in heaven shall rest. No sorrow there, no grief nor care. Shall cross my peaceful breast. But there will sing the song, '* Free Grace," Through all eternity. Brethren and sisters in the Lord How happy we shall be. 20 We'll meet with Christ who groaned and died That rebel worms might live ; Our wants all then will be supplied, For he doth freely give. We'll meet our friends who are gone before Though long we've been apart, They were so dear when they were here Great joy will fill each heart. Our happiness will be complete When we in heaven dwell And face to face that Savior see Who ransomed us from hell. There round the shining throne of God Our friends with joy we'll see, Redeeming grace and dying love We'll sing eternally. Oh ! sinners come, there still is room. On Jesus come rely, Redemption through the blood of Christ Will save all who apply. I can but weep that you may weep, And mourn that you may mourn. And pray the Lord without delay. To melt your hearts of stone. ACROSTIC. [Composed at the request of two youBg girls whose names it bears, who dated their convict ons to the earnest exhortation of a dear sister and cousin, (Juliet O. Bell) upon her death bed. Both have become members of the church. May God enable them to become as shining lights in this benighted world.] Most holy are thy ways, God, Although we feel affliction's rod. Redeemer, still thy grace unfold. Young sinners turn as well as old. 21 Farewell, I heard a daughter say, Repent my friends, and often pray And shed no tears of grief for me, Now I in heaven will shortly be. Can any friends forget her love, Exhorting them to meet above, Saying, repent while it is day. May you not soon be called away ? On some her words passed off like dew. Repentance touched the hearts of two. Redeeming grace they sought and found. In Jesus' love may they abound. Savior, do guide their feet always ; And fill their hearts with prayer and praise. Never may they forget that cry, "Dear friends repent or you must die." Suffer not Satan, Lord, to win Upon their hearts, keep them from sin ; So may they shun his balls and plays. And ever ^yatch his winding ways. Now while they are so young in years. May they on thee cast all their cares; And may they like that child above. Repentance preach to those they love. Yes, Lord, watch o'er them all along. Be thou their light, their joy, their song; Enable them in grace to grow ; Let their light shine on all below, Low down at their dear Savior's feet. 22 May they like Mary take their seat ; And when in death they close their eyes Be thou their God above the skies. ACROSTIC. [ Composed for her whose name it bears for declining to go to a dance.] Father in heaven do bless this child, On her send showers of grace ; Round her thine arms of love extend. Show her thy smiling face. Unto vain sports at Satan's call, So many flock with glee ; And act as though they feared not death, Nor vast eternity. My daughter, may you ever choose, A self-denying road, Round you though others dance and play, You seek the grace of God. But with me now you choose to stay, E'en waiting round my bed ; • Likely I soon shall leave this world. Lord bless you when I am dead. LINES Composed upon the death of a daughter in her thirteenth year and an infant son. They contain, in substance, the daughter's experience, related the day previous to her death, and also her dying exhortations to her only brother and sister that were left, and other relatives who were present at the time. 23 How lovely, blooming, young and gay Were those whom death has snatched away Their lovely smiles and cheerfulness Did often cheer me in distress. When on affliction's bed I lay, As oft I did from day to day. Who smoothed my pillow 'round my head ? That lovely daughter now is dead. It always was her chief delight To wait upon me day and night; In sickness, too, as well as health. She was worth more to me than wealth. But she is gone to realms above. Where she can sing redeeming love ; Eternity may run its round. She'll still sing, " Jesus I have found 1 " She found him in her youthful bloom, In time to fit her for the tomb ; While on her knees she tried to pray, Her Savior washed her sins away. She said her Jesus was so good, He washed her sins in his own blood ; 'Twas thus she felt her sins forgiven. And she was made an heir of heaven. She went alone twice every day, And did for sinners try to pray ; Her friends with whom she had to part. Did twine around her tender heart. 24 She said, " I soon shall meet above, With many friends I dearly love ; My youngest brother will follow me, In a day or two, you all will see." You'll have four children then in heaven, Mother! whose sin's are all forgiven; A brother I leave, and sister dear, Who're not prepared for heaven, I fear. Shed not a tear, to them said she — You'd better pray than weep for me ; My brother dear, what will you do If you your wicked way pursue ? Have either of you ever prayed ? If you have not, you have delayed. My brother, pray, pray while you live — My sister, pray, God will forgive. When I am gone, I humbly pray You'll not forget what I now say ; May you be ready with ma and pa To meet your friends in heaven who're there. My uncles and my aunts I love — Prepare for that sweet rest above ; Seek Jesus, whom I do admire — To talk of Him I'd never tire. I wish I could that preacher see, Who has so often prayed for me. Around the family altar here, And gave me books to read, so dear. 25 And when her voice she could not raise, She'd lift her eyes to heaven in praise ; And while her hands had strength to move, She'd smile and point to heaven above. Now she is gone, and her brother dear, Who was left two days longer here ; But sickness, sorrow, pain nor death Can now no longer stop their breath. They can of their sweet Jesus sing, And make the heavenly arches ring ; May we be ready, Lord, like they When we are called to die, I pray. I have two children only left. Of all the rest I have been bereft; O may the Lord, by sovereign grace Turn those two now to seek his face. ACROSTIC. Joyfully did'st thou go, but I long to behold thee. Unto rest thou art gone from all sorrow and gloom ; Like the roses that bloom in that graveyard around thee, In beauty and youth thou did'st sink to the tomb. Ere long I shall go, and forever be with thee. To heaven where parting and tears are no more. Our friends who have long gone before I'll meet with thee, Blessed Je3us, I'll meet thee on Canaan's bright shore. Ever lov'd, happy place, we will never cease singing Loud anthems of praises where time has no end; Look how that dear Savior has died to redeem us, 26 Jesus, our Redeemer, our guardian and friend. turn, sinners, turn, must we ever be parted ? — How can you slight offers of mercy to-day ? Now Jesus invites you, and Death often warns you ; How certain is death, how c in you delay ? Behold Jesus' love ! how in mercy he spared you ; Each side of you death comes and takes friends away. Lord turn and prepare you to meet him in glory Like my lov'd ones who have gone there, I pray. LINES Composed soon after the death of her two children, by scarlet fever, in 1853. Jesus wept at Lazarus's grave. May I not o'er friends weep too ? Though he died our souls to save, Nature mourns to bid adieu. Oh ! it almost breaks my heart, Though I know 'tis just and right, With my friends awhile to p^rt. Those in whom I did delight. Jesus wept and groaned within. To behold two sisters weep. Can a mother's tears be sin — When her children in death sleep ? Though a mourning heart I have, While I'm traveling on my way, I can bless the Lord who gave. Though he often takes away. Jesus wept, but soon in love He will wipe my tears away, Soon I'll join with those above. 27 In his praise from day to day. Oh ! my Savior soon will come, On him I will cast my cares ; By his grace he'll call me home, Then he'll wipe away my tears. ACROSTIC— Air— '' Greenville." [Composed for the Sons of Temperance.] Lord do bless our Institution, On us smile from Heaven above ; Valiant Sons of Temperance make us, Each abounding in thy love. Praise and adoration due Thee, Unto Thee our cause we bring; Rich and poor may come together, In Thee trust and to Thee sing. Turn the hearts of those who hate'us, Yet to love this temperance band. And may none of us disgrac3 it, Ne'er fall through, but firmly stand. Do our enemies examine. Father, in Thy Holy Book ? In it we should for instruction. Daily on its pages look. Each of us should stand unshaken. Lord, while thou art on our side. In Thy strength we hope to strengthen. Till our cause sweeps like a tide. Yes, we hope to see all Nations March with Banners waving high ; And with praise and adoration, Bless their God for victory. 28 ACROSTIC. [ William E. Bell's Christmas Gift, by his Own Mother.] Will you, my dear, my only son In Jesus trust for what he's done ? Lo he for sinners groaned and died ! Look at his head, his hands, his side. I know the world's beset with snares And nets, to catch you unawares ; Many are Satan's plans to hide Each trap and gin, though by your side. Bold monster fills your heart with pride Eich day and night his skill has tried. Loves oft to speak of fame and wealth , Looks over sin and all ill health. Shall Satan lead you down to hell ; Can you in that dark region dwell? How can you slight a Savior's love ? Remember you have friends above, In heaven you have a sister dear, She said, "Forme shed not a tear; Turn to the Lord, and to him pray, My brother dear, begin to-day." And can you still love sin, my son ? Seeing what Grace for her has done? God still is on the giving hand, If you desire the promised land. From Satan flee while it's to-day. To-morrow you may lifeless lay. Behold the monster Death is near, "You know he has been lately here. How lonely has he made our home In the past year ! now what's to come ? Should make us all in earnest cry. 29 Lord, do give us grace to die, Work, Lord, our arms are short, I see ; Now all our help must come from Thee. Mine's an exceeding urgent case. bless us. Lord, and give us grace, To meet my loved ones all with thee; How happy. Lord, my soul would be! Eternity would not seem long Round Jesus' s throne with that loved throng. TO THE MEMORY OF WILLIAM STEPHEN BURRUS. Young people all, attention give. While I address you for the dead ; May Jesus touch your hearts with grace While I relate what he has said. For distant lands he left his home. His health was good, his spirits high. He little thought 'ere he returned That death would call and he must die. When sickness came, his mother's kis?, And last request, did reach his heart, " My son, prepare, meet me in Heaven, Perhaps we now forever part." His sins like mountains did arise ; He saw how wrong thus to delay; He called his friends around his bed, For him, and with him, then to pray. They pointed to the Lamb of God, And to that God they tried to pray, Then he requested them to sing To him ^'I would not live always." 30 While he assisted them to sing, He felt his sins were washed away ; Then he rejoiced to know the truth That he could here no longer stay. He said he saw his seat in Heaven ; He begged his sister not to grieve, But think of his eternal joys, And pray for those he had to leave. He wished his mother he could see, And talk to her of Heavenly bliss ; He would not give his little hope For thousands of such worlds as this. Then with his icy hand he wrote, " Dear mother, do not grieve for me, I now am on my dying bed ; It is a sweet, dear bed to me." He wished his brothers he could see, And all his friends he left behind. And beg them to prepare for death While they a Savior's face might find. He told his friends around his bed. He longed to go, they should not weep, And trusting in a Savior's love. With a sweet smile he fell asleep. TO MARY. The God of wisdom, light and love. Watch o'er and guard you from above. And give you meekness like a dove. My daughter. 31 It matters not what others do, The straight and narrow way pursue, While this vain world you're passing through, My daughter. Be ever watchful, darling child, This world is wicked, vain and wild, But by God's grace bs meeh and mild, My daughter. And when our days on earth are past, And grief's all gone, now o'er us cast. Oh ! may we reach sweet heaven, at last, My daughter. THE MONSTER INTEMPERANCE. [Written for The Sons of Tempei-ance,] Oome old and young, join in a band And slay this monster in our land. He with a furious lion's power, Seeks daily whom he may devour. And in his hand the cup of death. He holds, well poisoined with his breath, And those who on him daily call. Will soon in his dread clutches fall. He calls the husband from his wife. And soon their prospects change for life. That table once with plenty spread. Their children cry around for bread. Who would have thought that lovely bride. That in her choice did so much pride. With broken heart should cry, "Lord save," And soon weep o'er a drunkard's grave. 32 Now many a mother's darling son, Has that dread monster wooed and won, And torn from her most fond embrace, Has died in sin and sad disgrace. Mothers, wives and children all. Should often on all good men call. To do their best this beast to slay. Women can only beg and pray. The Sons begin to make him howl. And his best friends oft meet and growl, While they consult, with cup in hand. How will they stop this Temperance band. Now all he gets once in his clasp, He holds as with a tiger's grasp, 'Tis strange that men don't make a law. To break this monster's firm set jaw. FOR THOMAS PENNEY, A BROTHER. [An Acrostic, Composed in 1840.] To curse and swear is your delight. How soon your day may turn to night. Oh ! my dear brother, think that death. May soon come in and stop your breath. And in a world of bliss or woe. Soon your dear soul in haste must go. Prepare his heart. Lord give him grace, Enrapture him with thy dear face. Now show him, Lord, what he has been. Nor let him live in love with sin. Even now, Lord, thy grace impart. Yes, Lord, I pray do turn his heart. 33 FOR WILLIAM W. PENNEY, A BROTHER. [ An Acrostic, Composed in 1840 ] When of my friends I often think, I feel my heart within me sink, Low at thy feet I often call, Lord wilt thou save and bless them all. I feel that time's fast rolling on, And we from earth must soon be gone — My brother where will you be found. When God aloud his trump shall sound? Prepare him, Lord, by sovereign grace. Engage him in that heavenl}^ race. Now may he start to win the prize, Nor stop till death shall close his eyes. Each day you're hastening down to death. Yes, God will soon require your breath. FOR MRS. LUCY PRICE. [After the sudden death of her husband. Dear Lucy, may the Savior bless, And comfort you, in your distress. With aching heart and tearful eyes, 1 greatly with you sympathize. No earthly friend can soothe your grief, Or give your troubled soul relief, But on the Lord case all your cares. And he will wipe away your tears. I know the anguish of your heart, 'Tis hard with your best friend to part, Dearer than self is such a friend ; But try on Chri&t now to depend. c 34 Yes, -he alone can comfort give. While in this vale of tears you live, "Try his commands now to obey, And walk the straight and narrow way. It matters not what worldiags say, 'Take up your cross and Christ obey, ■And beg for mercy at his feet, -There with his smiles you'll always meet. And may you train your children dear, Your blessed Lord to love and fear. So when you all shall close your eyes, You'll reigQ with Christ above the skies. My trials too have pressed me sore, I often feel they'll soon be o'er. But all I suffer here is right, ^or I am in my father's sight. For years I've felt his chastening rod, And oft it presses very hard ; But while his smiles I daily see, -My life or death is one to me. Earewell awhile, Oh ! may we meet In heaven above, our friends to greet, And help them sing a Savior's love. In that delightful world above. TO MY NIECE, ALMEDA BEAZLEY. [1S72.] Dear Allie, must we so soon part ? Oh, how it grieves my poor, sad heart ! And must we part to meet no more ? ■Or shall we meet on Canaan's shore? 35 Dear AUie, death is ever near. He calls my friends from year to year; The more afflicted often stay, While he sweeps youth and health away. Dear Allie, time is fleeting by, And you and I must surely die. Oh, may the Lord by sovereign grace. Teach you to seek and find His face. Dear Allie, should that grace be given, *Twill fit you lor both earth and heaven. And should afflictions press you sore, By faith you'll view that heavenly shore. Dear Allie, fare you well awhile ; May sorrow seldom check th^t smile ; May happiness and joy and love Bestrew your path to realms above. Farewell awhile, Almeda, dear. On Jesus cast your every care ; Make him your strength in every case ; Your only rock and hiding place. Do shun that much frequented road. That leads both old and young from God. Farewell awhile ; ma}'- blessings rare Attend your home and everj'where ; And may your friends with rapture meet Their darling they so long to greet 1 Oh, may you meet them all in health. And value it far more than wealth. 8G Farewell awhile, but not forever — Will that sad word afitction sever ? No, may we meet in heaven above, To live with those we fondly love. Oh, may we reach that hajpy land, No more to take the partirig hand. FOR MARTHA JANE BEAZLEY. [Written 1.^53 ] May this little token of love keep its place in your album, when the hand that penned it shall be cold in death. When you think of the writer, steal away to some lonely quiet spot and read and meditate upon what I now write. Luke xii — 40: "Be ye therefore ready also." I wish to bring your mind to bear upon the great necessity of being ready to die. You well remember one of the lovely flowers that I have had taken from my embrace. She looked as likely to live as you ; but death came and cut her and her little brother down in the bloom of youth and loveliness. But I bless the Lord for his goodness, for death found them ready. One lovely Saturday morning in May, my dear, cheerful, happy daughter (for she was always cheerful, and tried to make all happy around her) went into the garden to plant many kinds of flowers, the next Saturday she was laid in the cold and icy grave. She met death with a smile and exhorted her friends with more earnestness to meet her in heaven than I ever saw any preacher. Oh ! that you had seen her. As you once bloomed v/ith her on the shores of mortality, may you be ready to bloom with her in the Paradise of God. As I never expect to see you in this world, and as I hope to meet my loved ones in heaven, I would once more say to you, my dear niece: "Be ye therefore ready also; for the Son of Man cometh at an hour when ye think not." Death sweeps away from us in haste. The fairest flowers that on earth bloom, The young, the promising and gay, Are often hurried to the tomb. 37 Death soon may come, oh! think of me, He robbed my cheerful, happy home; No lovelier flowers on earth you'll see, Than mine "who are mouldering in the tomb. Death sweeps away, prepared or not, The old and young, the rich and poor; Are you now ready with my flowers. To bloom on Canaan's blissful shore? Death sweeps away their bloom from earth. But blessed be the God of love, Although their bloom is dead below, They bloom afresh in heaven above. Death soon will come ! if unprepared, How can you meet a Savior's face, Who died that sinful worms might live. And offers freely saving grace ? Death soon may come, now seek the Lord, To-day the gospel calls, to-day ; Oh ! never rest until you find, A Savior reconciled, I pray. FOR MY NIECE, ANN MARY BEASLEY, On being separated perhaps forever from her. May we meet in heaven, though here we must part. And the bonds of affection have long bound each heart. There's nothing but heaven, while here we remain. Should take our affections and hearts to obtain. May we meet in heaven, oh ! do not delay. Now make up your mind and seek Jesus I pray, The Savior rejects none who will him obey ; The promise is only extended to-day. 38 May we meet in heaven, it grieves me at heart-, To think if you turn not, we ever must pat t. I hope that my treasures are laid up above, And gladly I'll meet there, with those that I love. May we meet in heaven, I can't say farewell. Until I entreat you to flee now from hell. To-day the sweet gospel invites you to day; To-morrow your soul may be called from its clay. May we meet in heaven, where friends never part. Where the love of our Savior will fill every heart. Oh ! this will be pleasure worth striving to gain, While we are traveling through sorrow and pain. May we meet in heaven, the thought oh ! how sweet With Jesus and angels and Christians to meet, For ever to dwell in that haven of rest. Where not one more sorrow w^ill cross o'er my breast. TO MY SISTER, ALMEDA BEAZLEY. Sister, though we long are parted. Time is winging us away. To a world where sin and sorrow. Can no longer on us prey. Sister, are we always ready ? Are our lamps now burning bright? Are they trimmed by God's direction ? Do they give a brilliant light ? Sister, if we now are ready, We should call on all around, To receive to-day with gladness The sweet gospel's joyful sound. 39 Sister, oft I view with sadness, My past, careless, useless days, And how much I have neglected. Sounding my Redeemer's praise. Sister, death is hovering 'round me, Oft I almost feel his hand. Oh ! that I could live a Christian, Till I reach a better land. Sister, I am sore afflicted. Still I feel that God is love. Oft he whispers consolation, To my soul from heaven above. Sister, should I never greet thee. May we meet on Canaan's shore. With our friends who've gone before us, May we meet to part no more. TO MARY E. WALLACE. AN ACROSTIC. IThe initials of the first verses compose the author's name, the next the name of the one to whom it is written, and the in- itials of the last three lines stand for Love, Purity and Fidelity.] My cousin, should we never meet Above this earth we've trod, Remember we must soon be called To stand before our God. Has Jesus washed us in his blood And filled us with his grace ? Are we prepared to hear 'with joy, 40 Behold thy Savior's face ? Each day we're traveling to the tomb, Look where our friends now lie ! Lonely and sad we sometimes feel, To think we soon must die. Oh ! should we never meet below, May we in heaven meet, And sing with those who are gone before, Redeeming grace, how sweet. Your father, mother, sisters too. Each torn from your embrace, While here, committed you to God, And have you sought his face ? Look to the Lord while yet 'tis day. Let Jesus be your cry, And beg for pardon through his blood. Come now on Him rely. Eternal God, with love divine. Look on this orphan's tears. Prepare her now to meet her friends For whom she has mourned for years. LINES Composed for Mary E. Wallace, on her mother's grave. When I look on thy grave, I greatly deplore thee, I would have been thankful a mother to have, In council to guide me, and youth to protect me, But gloomy and sad I now weep o'er her grave. 41 When I stand by thy grave, I long to behold thee, For death so soon robbed me, I knew not thy smile. He took my dear mother, my best friend, far from me, And left me an infant, a poor orphan child. TO MISS BETTIE PENNEY. Farewell, that word I often hear. And speak to friends from year to year. But always like a tolling bell. Sounds that sad word, farewell, farewell. Farewell, I cannot speak that word. And never point you to the Lord, For sinners Christ was crucified ; Look at his head, his hands, his side. Farewell, and may a Savior's love Cause you to seek that rest above; And may you never rest, I pray. Until your sins are washed away. Farewell, may earthly blessing, too, As well as grace, be heaped on you ; Miy needful blessings crown your path, While you traverse the road to death. Farewell, and must we ever part ! The thought, oh ! how it grieves my heart. L'^rd, land us safe on that blest shore. Where, if we meet, we'll part no more. FOR MISS BETTIE PAXTON. IS^ow in your health and youthful bloom. Prepare for death, think of the tomb. The young as well as old must die. And all must soon forgotten lie. 42 Death soon will come, and you must tell,. Farewell to those you love so well, Are you in readiness to-day, That dreadful summons to obey ? Death soon will come, oh I happy day. To all whose sins are washed away, With garments washed in Jesus' bloo(], Are waiting to go home to God. Death soon may come, and may God's love Be poured on you from Heaven above ; And may you meekly wear that dress, That glorious robe of righteousness. Death soon will come, oh ! how I love To think of friends in heaven above, And happy thought, we'll part no more If e'er we meet on Canaan's shore. Death soon may come, oh ! may we be Prepared for vast eternity ; With those we love our voices raise, And tune our harps in songs of praise. TO MRS. M. B. HOLT. While o'er this world you roam at large^ Your many duties to discharge, May Christ be daily by your side And ever be your constant guide. Though trials oft obstruct your way, On faith and hope your spirits stiy, May charity Avith her bright face Adorn you with her every grace. 43 And may the Lord your efforts bless, And comfort you in all distress, And be your strength and hiding place, Until you reach his smiling face. And should we never meet again While traveling through this world of pain Oh ! may we meet on Canaan's shore, Where Christians meet to part no more. FOR MISS THERESA CARSON. Farewell awhile, Theresa dear. On Jesus cast your every care ; Make Him your all in every case, Your only strength and hiding place. Do shun that much frequented road That leads both old and young from God. Farewell awhile, may blessings rare Attend you home and everywhere ; And may your friends with rapture meet, Their darling they have longed to meet. Oh ! may you meet them all in health. And value it far more than wealth. Farewell awhile, but not forever. Will that sad word affection sever? No ! may we meet in heaven above To live with those we fondly love. Oh ! may we reach that happy land, No more to take the parting hand. tion. 44 LINES Composed under the most sore and protracted attlic- « Lord help me while I suffer here, To bear thy chastening rod, Never to murmur, but be still, And know that it is God. Lord help me ! is my daily cry, And often through the n'ght, No other words e'er pass my lips In which I more delight. Lord help me ! oh ! I do delight My help is all in thee, And in thy all-atoning blood Poured out on Calvary. Lord help me! thouoh my frier ds make light Of my afflctions here. Oh ! m ly they never like me need The sympathetic tear. Lord help me while I here remnin To guide my silly tongue, And may L never speak one word To hurt the old or young. Lord help me to be meek and mild. And harmless as a d 'Ve. Dear Lord, do all my faults supplant With charity and love. 45 Lord help me while I tiavel through This dark, lone wildernes?, While storms burst o'er ray troubled soul And trials sore oppress. Lord help me when I long to sing My great Redeemer's praise, To bear the griefs it gives my soul, I have no voice to raise. Lord help me while I'm racked with pain, And gasping hard for breath, To throw my all in thy dear hands. Either in life or death. Lord help me when I come to di^^, To soar to heaven above. And with my friends enjoy thy .-^mile^ And sing redeeming love. TO MY ONLY DAUGHTER, MARY. 1 • Love is a flower of sweetest Moom To us, while journeying to the tomb When pure, it never fades and dies. But bears rich fruit beyond th * sUes. Thy tender love and watchful c«re, Thy silent grief and secret prayer. All, all, are seen by Him above, Who give me such a child of love. Had I the gold of India's shore, You, my dear child, are worth much more. There is no love purer than thine. Except that glorious love Divine. 40 A jewel, or a precious jem, A royal robe or diadem, Is nothing when compared with thee, Thy pure unselfish love for me. That love will ripen on that shore; We hope to meet to part no more Though countless ages run their round. That love will still much more abound. Oh ! may this cheer you day by day. Though thorns do oft obstruct your way, Your mansions are prepared above ; There are many there you fondly love. Oh ! w^hen your trials press you sore, Think only of that blissful shore Where soon we hope with those w^e love, To bask in a Redeemer's love. LINES Composed during a great drought, and sung at Goshen church. It rained powerfully the next day. Dear Lord, do with thy sovereign power. Send on us all a copious shower. Our very earth doth cry for rain, Do, Lord, revive us all again. Thou God who made both earth and sky. Behold thy garden parched and dry; Thy children daily cry for rain, Do, Lord, revive us all again. 47 Have we, like Israel, gone astray ? And idols made of gold and clay ? May we no longer thus remain, Do, Lord, revive us all again. If pride has drawn us from our God, We should expect his chastening rod. May we to sin and pride be slain. Do, Lord, revive us all again. Lord, thou hast ever blessed our land. And prospered us with thy right hand; Oh ! may thy saving grace remain, Do, Lord, revive us all again. And while we ask for rain below, On us a shower of grace bestow; Oh ! may we never ask in vain. Do, Lord, revive us all again. LINES Composed for family worship. Dear Savior, while we kneel in prayer, Oh ! may thy quickening grace Teach us what sinful worms we are. And how to seek thy face. And when our sinful bodies lie. Upon our beds lorest. Oh ! may we on thy grace rely, To calm each troubled breast. And when on earth we kneel no more. To plead our sins forgiven, Do land us on bright Canaan's shore. To dwell with Thee in heaven. 48 LINES Composed during a protracted meeting at Old Goshen. Lord, do bless thy needy children, With thine all abounding grace. Do dispel our clouds of darkness, And reveal thy smiling face; Lord, revive u?. See our dearest friends around us. Standing on the brink of woe, Lord, do stop them by thy power. Now before they farther go; Lord, revive us. How it grieves our hearts to see them, Waste their precious lives in sin. While the blood of Christ is offered. To redeem and cleanse them in; Lord, revive us. Lord do work for none can hinder, Turn poor sinners while 'tis day, And pour out on us a blessing That will fill our hearts, I praj ; Lord, revive us. IN MEMORIAM. [Lydia, daughter of James and Susan M. Burrus, died Febru- ary, 1878, aud Julia, daughter of Darius and Frances Hackley, died I«Iovember, 1878.] So many loved ones are taken away. One after another, from day to day. Lydia and Julia both taken this year, My own listers' children and both so dear. 49 One left a father and the other a mother, And left behind them dear sisters and brothers. So many loved ones they left here to mourn, While they to an early grave have been borne. We will m'ss them both here in so many ways, They came often to cheer us in our sad and gloomy days. Oh 1 it wrings my sad heart, when I think of the past^ And how I have seen their dear faces the last. In the prime of life, in their jouthful bloom, With a few days of sickness they sank to the tomb. And both seemed to feel that death was so nigh, In the first of their sickness they said they would die«. Who would have thought that they, both so young. So full of life's pleasures and hopes so strong, Should have hurried away from ihe friends they love,. And been wafted away to bright mansions above. Yes, we trust they are gone to that heavenly shore, Where death, pain, and sorrow can reach them na more, Where joys ever more and treasures unknown. Are laid up in that country where the righteous ai e^ borne. May all the relations they have left here, I pray, Examine and see if they are ready to-day, "Be ye all likewise ready," for time swiftly flies, And the ungodly as well as the righteous oft dies. Oh ! think of the joys, our loved ones in heaven, Of that glorified throng, their sins all forgiven. Through boundless eternity then free from all care,. Our joy'll be complete for our Savior'll be there. D 50 LINES Composed for Mrs. M. B. Holt, upon being asked ao pray for her son. Miss Mily, could I oftener feel, The meltings of God's love, And taste the riches of that gra^e, Prepared for saints above; I then could bear mth fortitude. My sore afflictions here. Oh ! could I wrestle, Jacob like. Then God that prayer might hear. I also have a dirling son I've prayed for, day and night, But still he walks the road to death, Lord, help me pray aright. Dear Lord, I know the work is thine, The power and glory, too, As giving don't impoverish thee. Through life I'll look to you. Oh ! that I could once more behold Thy spirit's quickening power, -And see the lambs brought to the fold, Rf'joice from hour to hour. LINES 'Composed for Miss Fannie Carpenter. Dear Fannie, you as well as I, Must soon or later fade and die. Oh ! have you sought a Savior's love, •And laid your treasures up above? 51 Dear Fannie, time will never wait, To-morrow it may be too late. Oh ! how the wheels of time roll on ; How swiftly days and years aie gone. Dear Fannie, while in youth and health. Lay up above great stores of wealth, For there alone you sure must feel. That thieves cannot break through and steal. Dear Fannie, may God's grace divine Be poured on that dear soul of thine ; And may the remnant of your dtjs Be spent in your Redeemer's praise. FOR THE ALBUM OF MISS ELIZA J. PENNEY. Dear cousin, must we 80 foon p irL ? Oh ! how it grievt-s my p )or s id heart. And must we part to meet no morv3 ? Or shall we meet on Canaan's shore ? Deir cousin, death is ever near, He calls our friends frona year to year. The most afflicted often stay While death sweeps youth and health away. Dear cousin, time is fleeting by; And you and I must surely d e. Oh! may the L^rd by sovereign grace Teach you to seek and find his face. Deir cousin, should th it grace be giv^en, Twill fit you for both earfh and heaven. And should afflictions press you sore, By faith you'll view a happier shore. 52 Dear cousin, fare you well awhile ; May sorrow seldom check that smile, But happiness and joy and love, Bestrew your path to realms above. A NEW YEARS GIFT FOR W. E. BELL, 1861 Another year has run its round And will you, my dear son, Forsake the road that leads to death, And now fur glory run ? Another year hs run its round. Do help me praise the Lord. That he has spared you yet to turn, Now be his name adored. Another year has run its round. And you've had blessings rare; And now I beg you this new year. Begin a life of prayer. Another year has run its round And, oh ! that solemn thought, That we may die before its close. Should never be forgot. Another year has run its round. Do seek the Saviour's love, And try the remnant of your days To plead for joys above. 53 FOR W. E. BELL. Accidentally shot by Capt. Utterback, in 1861, Dear Lord, I thank and praise tby name, That thou hast spared my son And suffered not the shot to kill, That dear, that darling one. Dear Lord, pour out thy sovereign grace Upon his wayward heart; Mdy he tby tender mercies. feel. And from his sins depart. Dear Lord, thou know'st and thou alone How oft I've asked of Thee, To make my son aa heir of thine Through vast eternity. Dear Lord, into thy blessed hands Por more than twenty years, I have committed this dear son. With many prayers and tears. Dear Lord, I still will beg and plead, The remnant of my days ; That he and all my children dear, May learn to sound thy praise. Brethren and sisters in the Lord, Oh ! when you kneel in prayer. Remember this, my much loved son ; Ask his salvation there. 54 TO MISS SUSIE M. BURRUS. Dear Susie, may a Saviour's love Be lavished on you from above. Oh ! may you ever trust in God, And seldom need his chastening rod. Dear Susie, let not Satan's snares Wide spread, now catch you unawares; A weapon for him you should wear, Let it be daily secret prayer. Dear Susie, keep your armour bright^ For only while you pray you fight. Then may your aspirations rise. To God for strength beyond the skies.. Dear Susie, in God's grace now shine,. The store-house is the Lord divine; And may you now put on that dress, That lovely robe of righteousness. Dear Susie, his commands obey And walk that straight and narrow way ,- A pleasant path, with God above, - To guide you to that heaven of love. LINES To send with a photograph, written during the war. When you my image here behold. Oh, think of me, far, far away; My love for you cannot be told. No time can cause it to decay. 55 Your face and form I long to see, Though they are stamped upon my heart. Oh I must it, shall it ever be, That we must always stay apart ? If we should never meet below, Where sin and death and sorrow reign. May angels waft us to that shore, Where peace and joy and love remain. THE ANDERSON NEWS. May success crown the Anderson New?, The county should consider it a prize. Let it be careful to publish right views, And then 'twill be certain to rise. Anderson should her paper support ; If she dont — I wonder who will ? Let her try and she'll send it afloat On the breeze, as all good papers will. To husbands and fathers I appeal, Give this paper to your children and \\ives,, 'Twould make things more cheerful at home ;. Home should be the joy of our lives. Sweet home ! how those words thrill the soul,. To live with the dear ones we love ; ^Tis oft a reminder to me Of that home in bright mansions above. 56 A NEW YEAR'S PRAYER. January 1, 1876. Dear Heavenly Father, hear, I pray. My humble prayer this New Year's Day; Convert poor sinners everywhere, This long has been my daily prayer. The rich, the poor, the old and young. All who have heard Thy praises sung; And felt thy presence from above, Send to all such thy pardoning love. And all who strive from diy to day. Against Thy spirit. Lord I pray, Do touch and tender, with Tny love. And fit them for Thy realms above. Send forth Thy gospel far and near. That all the heathen lands may hear; Send forth Thy banner, all unfurled, To sinners throughout the entire world. Especially to the Indian race. Lord wilt thou send Thy saving grace ; Our land wag once their hunting ground ; Ne'er had they heard the gospel sound. But may Thy gospel reach them now. And to Thy scepter may they bow ; Push on the conquests of Thy Son, And may Thy glorious work go on. Sad are the tidings we do hear; So many preachers died last year. Lord, raise up, fit and qualify. Two in eaoh place when one shall die. 57 Keep Brother Buckner from all harm, Support him with thine own right arm ; And may the Indian and the white, Ask blessings for him d^y and night. Lord, bless his wife and children too ; For much hard work they have ti do. It often makes our burdens light To feel and know we're doing right. O Lord, bless all, I humbly pray. Who aid the Indians in any way ; Send forth Thy spirit's power, Lord, Then g'adly they'll receive Thy word. And when death comes, God of love, Keceive our souls in heaven above; There, all together we will sing, And make the heavenly arches ring. CONDOLENCE. February 18, 1878. My dear son and daughter, with a sad aching heart, All burdened with sorrow, with our darling to part; I sympathize with you, at the foot of the Cro^s, And pray God to help you, to bear your great loss. Oh! how we will miss that precious sweet smile, That bright Open face, so free from all guile, On his high noble forehead, you only need look To read his pure heart, like a wide open book. So pure and so lovely was that darling son, It seems as if all hearts by magic he won : 68 His ways were £0 winning, so pleasant and mild, How can we give up our dear boy child ? Oh I death why so soon snatch away him we love, Could'st thou spare him no longer from the mansion above ? God gave him and took him to the realms of the blest,, In the bosom of Jesus, forever to rest. Oh ! was it because we all loved him so well, He was taken away to bright mansions to dwell? If so, may it teach us, our home is not here, And without Jesus' love, we can never go there. Oh ! may we not murmur, for him it is best. For while we here suffer, his soul is at rest; He is free from the sorrow, temptation and pain That we all fall heir to, while here we remain. There with his dear sister, and so many more. And our own darling loved ones, long years gone be- fore. Enjoying the sunshine of Jesus' love. In possession of the treasures Christ has laid up above. And all of his friends can be saved, everyone, If they will trust in the Savior for what he has done^ And accept offered mercy before it is too late, To them will be opened the heavenly gate. Oh! who cin conceive of the raptures of heaven. Of that great multitude, with their sins all forgiven,. Where death, pain and sorrow are aU in the past, And where peace, love and joy eternally last. Oh ! let us make haste and be ready to go, If we have Jesus' love we can leave all below, Oh ! death, pain and sorrow, when I bid you farewell^ I hope then to meet our sweet John Mat Bell. 59 A TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF JOSEPHINE WALLACE BELL, Born Sept. 8, 1869.; died Feb. 16, 1875. Another little angel is wafted away To that heavenly land where the righteous stay. She's now with her kindred, long gone before; And is waiting to welcome the rest to that shore. Oh ! how we will miss thy dear swift running feet;. Thy loving embraces and kisses so sweet! Thy sweet magic tongue, chasing away gloom ! Ofc leaving sunshine and smiles in its room. Dear little sufferer, freed from all pain, With Christ and his angels iorever to reign. Oh ! how I did envy that beautiful clay In its sweet purity, as it lifeless lay. Oh ! give us to feel, dear Father, I pray, 'Tie all for the best that she's taken away; Prepare all to meet her, her father and mother. Her three little sisters and dear baby brother. Her grandpa and grandma, they love her eo well, Prepare them to meet her with angels to dwell. Her aunts and her uncles and friends by the score,. Prepare all to meet her on Canaan's bright shore. Lord give h?r dear parents thy strength day by day,. And give them thy arm to lean on, I pray. May they reach the mansions \\here she doth now dwell. Their own little angel, Josephine Wallace Bell. 60 A TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF MRS. SALLIE ANN FERRY, Wife of Elder S. S. Perr5\ Our sister dear, whom friends did love, Has left them here for realms above ; Her sore afflictions now are past, And she has reached her home at last. Cho. — May we meet; may we meet, In heaven above ; the thought how sweet! 0, may we ever watch and pray, And walk by faith from day to day. May we meet, may we meet In Heaven above ; the though*-, how sweet ! She left her husband here in grief; Dear Lord do come to his relief. And help him preach a Savior's love, Until they meet in heaven above. Cho.— May they meet ; may they meet, etc. She left an only infant boy ; Lord guide him safe to realms of joy. O miy he walk in wisdom's waj^s And sound aloud a Savior's praise. Cho. — May they meet; may they meet, etc. She left her parents fall of years. Without a child to soothe their cares ; Lord may they on thy grace rely, And in thy service live and die. Cho. — May they meet; may they meet, etc. 61 She left an only niece behind. may she seek and Jesus find, And in her health and youthful blocm Prepare to live beyond the tomb. Cho.— May they meet; may they meet, etc. She left her friends and kindred dear To mourn awhile, and sorrow here ; But may they meet on Canaan's shore Where Christians meet to part no mere. Cho.— May they meet; may they meet, etc. May 1, I860. TO DANCING CHRISTIANS. 'Tis sweet to hear the gospel sound Is spreading far and wide ; But then I hear, Oh ! sad to tell ! That many do backslide. Ye dancing, revelling, playing ones, Yoa who profess God's love ; Oh ! do you by your actions prove Your treasures are above ? Now if you have your treasures there, Do turn your backs on sin. And show this wicked world you love The cause you've 'listed in. Do every form of evil shun, All revels, balls and plays, For Satan keeps his nets wide spread In all enticing ways. 02 Oh ! be not thus a stumbling block ! Lest sinners by you fall ; As with a lighted cmdle, search If you love Christ at all. [The above lines are upon the follov/ing Scriptures : "Let us walk honestly as in the day ; not in rioting and drunkenness ; not in chambering and wantonness; not in strife and envying. But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfill the lusts thereof." — Rom. xiii : 13, 14. " Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these: Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witch- craft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, here- sies, envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings and such like, of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the Kingdom of God."— Gafl. v: 19, 20, 21 ] TO W. E. BELLL, Who presented his mother a dress. My son, there's no words can express My surprise and gratitude, too; For that much-valued beautiful dress Presented to your mother by you. I had no expectations like this From my son with his houseful of cares With his wife and his children to dress That he should care what his old mother wears. As I feel you are not able to give, I appreciate your present much more. Farewell awhile, dear sons, farewell ! And must we part with all the three ? No more your voices shall we hear, Nor your loved faces shall we see. Oh ! how we hoped you'd be our stay In our now fast declining years. But death has called all three away And left us here in grief and tears. Far, far away from home you died, No mother's hand to wipe your tears. Nor sister there to comfort you, No father dear to soothe your cares. But glorious thought ! the Lord was there To ease the throbbing of each heart, To hear and grant their every prayer, From earthly friends, though far apart. Thy power and grace alone, dear Lord, Could cleanse and fit their souls for heaven; 75 Oh ! may that Grace have been applied. And all their sins by thee forgiven. Oh ! how mysterious are thy ways, Dear Lord of wisdom, light and love, Do reconcile us to thy will, And may we meet in heaven above. Oh ! may we meet on that bright shore, Where sickness, sorrow, death and pain Will have no power to part us more. Where all will be eternal gain. All tears will then be wiped away By the Almighty's gracious hand. Dear Lord, do grant our children all, Witti us may reach that " Better land." A TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF EDMUND JORDAN, Who was killed in the Confederate Army. Kentucky has lost another son ; Another valued life is done, From day to day we hear the cry. Another's dead, or .= oon must die. Another mother's heart is torn, Her youngest son from her is borne Away into a distant land. By strangers laid beneaththe sand. He died upon the battlefield, Where death bis mighfy power doth wield 'Mid din of arms and mortal strife, Like thousands lot his dear young life. He flourished Jike a tree in June, Nor could we think he'd die so soon, 76 That vigorous plant, that lovely flower, Cut down and withered in an hour. May God by his Almighty power, Have borne him in that dying hour With those who cross that swelling flood. With garments washed in Jesus' blood. Dear Lord, do soothe his parents' cares. And wipe away their falling tears, And give them grace to reach that shore Where pain and parting are no more. Oh ! give their children saving grace ; May they all seek and find thy face So when their suft'erings all are o'er, They'll meet on Canaan's blissful shore. LINES Composed for two wandering " Rebel " boys, T. R. Jordan and Bob Cressop, in great haste. May God protect and bless you, too. As long as you the right pursue. And be your ever present friend, On him alone you should depend. Oh ! may he be your constant guide And be your wall on every side ; Oh ! may his grace and boundless love Be poured upon you from above, That grace alone prepares the heart From earthly cares, with joy to part; Oh! if that grace you should possess Your joy you never can express. That grace will fit you for that shore Where loved ones long have gone before. Farewell ! Oh, may we meet again, If not on earth when freed from pain. 77 FOR SARAH BELL GRITTON, Upon getting a prize at school. Dear Sarah Bell, another prize You now should try to win, If you have not commenced the race, Oh ! do this day begin. Without the saving grace of God That prize you'Jl never win ; Then go to Christ without delay. To cleanse you from all sin, That grace will be your constant ^tay. Though trials press you sore, 'Twill be the anchor to your soul While raging billows roar. That prize is worth to every soul Ten thousand worlds like this, Then strive with all your soul to gain A home in heavenly bliss. FOR MRS. MISSOURI PENNEY, After losing her husband, and other troubles. 1861. Dear sister. Oh ! that I could say Something to soothe your mind ; Something to make you feel at rest, And to your fate resigned. I know your trials have been great. You've lost your dearest friend ; You still have food and raiment left. On God you should depend. 78 Behold our land now bathed in blood, Dear husbands by the score, Our sons and brothers numberless All weltering in their gore. Think of the orphans in distress, And widow's cry for bread, Have we more righteousness than they That we are clothed and fed ? Oh, no! but God's great mercy brought Those blessings to our door; Oh ! may we on his grace rely And plead his blessings more. That grace alone has power to cleanse And keep us from all sin, 'Tis that alone prepares the soul, That heavenly race to win. Now on the Lord cast all your cares, And plead for saving grace ; You need this grace each hour you live To fill a mother's place. And may you train your children dear. While in their youthful days. To love and fear the Lord most high, And sound his glorious praise. And when death comes, as soon it must, And you shall close your eyes. May angels waft your spirit home To mansions in the skies. A MOTHER'S LAMENT FOR MRS. SUSAN MARY ■ HAWKINS. Why should I mourn, dear darling one ? Thy troubles all are past, And o'er thy much-loved form and face The hue of death is cast. Yes, thou shalt slumber in thy grave Till God shall bid thee rise, And with that glorious blood- washed throng Thou'lt blossom in the skies. Not one more sorrow wilt thou feel, Thy troubles all are past ; I know thou'rt happier far than we Whose tears fall thick and fast. It wrings my heart to part with thee Although I know 'tis best. Dear Lord do wipe away my tears And ease this throbbing breast. Eor thou alone hast power, Lord, To heal the broken heart. That glorious hope supports my soul, We'll meet no more to part. Oh ! may I meet my Greorgie deir On that Celestial shore, With many other darling friends To live for evermore. FOR MISS LIZZIE PRICE. Dear Lizzie, though so long apart. Yet still you twine about my heart ; No earthly power this band can sever, Nor mortal foe, never, no never. 80 Dear Lizzie, it is hard to me, To think your face no more I'll see, No more to meet those lovely eyes. And hear that voice 1 so much prize. Dear Lizzie, may God's blessings flow Around your path where'er you go. May charity with her sweet face Adorn you with her every grace. Dear Lizzie, may your friends prove true While this vain world you're passing through; May every blessing earth can give Be lavished on you while you live. Dear Lizzie, may God's grace be given To fit you for both earth and heaven; May Christ adorn you with Lis dress, His spotless robe of righteousness. Dear Lizzie, may we meet above With all our friends we so much love, Eternity would not seem long With Christ and his dear blood-washed throng. Dear Lizzie, when you kneel in prayer, I hope you'll not forget me there ; Dear darling one, now fare you well. Think oft of your aunt M. A. Bell. FOR MISS BETTIE CARPENTER. Dear Bettie, may a light from heaven Forever o'er thy pathway shine. Far from thy sky may clouds be driven, Be choicest blessings ever thine. 81 May friends prove constant, true and kind Along this dark lone wilderness, And you can always comfort find In Christ, when you are in distress. Yes, he alone can comfort give When fl ods of sorrow o'er you roll, And while you in his service live He will support your troubled soul. Oh I happy thought, there is a place, Beyond this world of sin and pain, We shall behold our Savior's face. And with our Lord in glory reign. Oh ! may we meet in that fair land With all our friends we love so well. For there none take the parting hand Where Christ and angel spirits divell. E're long, dear Bettie, I must say. Farewell to all on earth I love ; Oh ! now and then in secret pray We all may meet in realms above. 82 NOTE BY THE EDITOR. The author of this book was a Kentuckian ; her parents were slave-holders, and so was she. From the beginning of the war she believed that the slavery question was the cause of the war. The only son that she had that was old enough to go to the war enlisted in the Southern cause at the beginning of the war and re- mained until the war closed. She read her Bible a great deal, and she thought that according to her Bible slavery was right. She was a woman of very strong convictions ; therefore, the poetry that she wrote during the war was, some of it, intensely Southern in sentiment. A CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS. Come on brave boys and join us To "make the Yankees git," For them to take our rights away We never will submit. We'll run them o'er mountains And fight them on the plain, And never will be conquered While life and health remain. Chorus. — Jump into the wagon, This old Southern wagon, Dear Lord guide the wagon And the Yankees we'll outride. We'll rally 'round our standard Of freedom once again, And call on God to help us To avenge our noble slain. Our wives and children perish Beneath the monster's hand. Our wealth by fire they do consume And desolate our land. Cho. — Jump into the wagon, etc. 83 who will not now join us To drive the deathless foe, They've long our land invaded And caused much blood to flow. The ladies bravely help us, They work with great delight; They knit and sew and weave and spin While we for them must fight. Cho. — Jump into the wagon, etc. 1 know you boys will help us, Just from the lion's den, Where Yankees boast their equals Are black, not rebel men. You'll fight like tigers now you're free From prison walls once more, The god of battles keep you from The fate you had before. Cho. — Jump into the wagon, etc. Now here is brave John Morgan Just from a prison cell. Chuck full of "Yankee notions." His barbers, they may tell His strength is not like Sampson's In the locks that have been shorn, But in his arms and heart it lies, In the head his locks has borne. Cho. — Jump into the wagon, etc. And Forest, too, will help us With his mighty rebel band. His name has been a terror All over the Yankee land; 84 Old Price is still among us, His mighty power to wield, And Breckenridge with thousands more Is on the battlefield. Cho. — Jump into the wagon, etc. Old Kirby Smith and Johnson, Each leads a noble b nd, And Early, too, is driving The invader fri m our land. There are Maimaduke and Buckner With rebels by the score. And while the negroe's in the fight God will send us thousarids more. Cho. — Jump into the wagon, etc. Brave Beauregard at d Lee are men Whose names will never dip, God has blessed their noble souls With wisdom from on high. Still be their strength their armour, Their heliEet and their shield, Fight all their battles for them While they are on the field. Cho. — Jump into the wagon, etc. We rel els fight for freedom — Freedom for all the whites. Freedom for wives and ch-ldren In whom each one delights ; For sisters, sweethearts, mothers, Whose loved ones have been slain, And if we put our trust in God The victory we will gain. Cho. — Jump into the wagon, etc. 85 JEFF DAVIS IS OUR LEADER. We'll rally 'round Jeff Davis, boys, we'll rally once again. Shouting Jeff Davis is our leader ! We'll rally from each hillside, we'll gather from each plain. Shouting, Jeff Davis is our leader ! Our ever faithful friend; hurrah ! boy?!, hurrah ! Up with Jeff Davis, and down with Old Abe, And we'll rally 'round our Jeff, bays, we'll rally once again, Shouting, Jeff Davis is our leadr! We are coming from the east, boys, we are coming from the west. Shouting Jeff Davis is our leader! We'll supp:)rt him 'till we die, the man that we love best. Shouting Jeff Davis is our leader ! We will our rights maintain, hurrah ! boys, hurrah ! Up with Jeff Davis and down with Old Abe, And we'll rally 'round our Jeff, boys, we'll rally once again, Shoudng, Jeff Davis is our leader! We'll rally 'round our standard with Jeff Davis at our head, Shouting Jeff Davis is our leader ! And now he takes the field to avenge our noble dead. Oh ! Jeff Davis is our leader! We will show the negro's fight, hurrah ! boys, hurrah ! Down with the stripes and up with the bars, 86 And we'll rally 'round our Jeff, boys, we'll rally once again, Shouting Jeff Davis is our leader ! We'll fight the Abolish in every shape and form, Shouting, Jeff Davis is our leader ! We ask the help of God, through every calm and storm, Shouting Jeff Davis is our leader ! Defeat to Abolitionists, hurrah I boys, hurrah ! Up with Jeff Davis and down with Old Abe, We'll rally 'round our Jeff, boys, we'll rally once again, Shouting Jeff Davis is our leader ! SOMETHING SPICY FOR ABRAHAM. There dwelt in Babylon of old Some mighty kings wicked and bold. They ruled their subjects with a rod And set themselves above our God. They did decree, with solemn vow. All men should to their idols bow ; But some feared God far more than they And their decree did disobey. So Shadrach, Meshac and Abednego In a fiery furnace they did throw, But Israel's God whom we admire Did save them from the smell of fire. King Darius with his wicked men Threw Daniel in the lion's den ; But Daniel's was a glorious cause And God sealed up the lion's jaws. Then Darius threw those wicked men 87 With wives and children in that den. The lions, 'mid their cries and groans, Did, in a moment, break their bones. 'Tis thus king Lincoln rules our land And deals out vengeance with his hand. ,Tis thus our land in rivers run With blood of father, brother, son. He speaks, and none dare tell him nay. He makes men their best friends to slay, And if with him you disagree The prison walls you sure will see. He tears the husband from his wife And forces him to deadly strife. From day to day we hear the cry, "Give men and money or you die." Not like the wicked kings of old Has he set up a god of gold. Negro equality is his God, And white men feel his iron rod. A curse was laid on Ham, and all The colored race, both great and small; But Lincoln spurns God's firm decree And vows he'll set the negro free. He will not suffer such a race To ser^e the whites ; he'll change the case. He sways his sceptre day and night To blend the colors black and white. God made them black with kinky hair, But made the race of Japheth fair. Yet Lincoln, with his men in arms, Extols the blicks' superior charms. He'll set God's botchwork now to rights By slaying brave and noble whites. And elevate that sable race That since the flood has borne disgrace. King Lincoln makes his subjects bow To negro equality anyhow. It is not lawful now to say A negro servant shall obey, But white men all must suffer now Who will not to that idol bow. His agents now his prisons fill To bend the white man to his will. America! land of love ! Like the great eagle, soared above. All other nations called thee great, But show no pity for thy fate. America! a land so blessed, Now of all others most distressed. The dearest ties of human blood Flow o'er thee daily, like a flood. This land so fallen, Grod did bless While men their servants did possess, God sent no revelation here To break the union bond so dear; But Northern bigots all can see. The South should set her servants free In their black idol they delight, Against this rebels sure will fight. Against this Sauthern blood rec dls, For this king Abe will take their spoils. Oh ! what an awful, awful state ! God help us ere it is too late. God sure will break this tyrant's band. And free the whites all o'er our land. The king now totters on his throne And Abolition m^n will groan. God will make Lincoln yet to feel, 89 Though his compound are ice and steel. Like Nebuchadnezer on his throne He feels the world is all his own. But God did bring strange things to pass ; He made this great king feed on gra^s. His hair, like eagle's f^jathers grew, He grazed with the ox and was wjt with dew. His heart was changed to a beas' of the field, Taough none like him such power did wield; Yet God, by his Almighty power, Dethroned this king within an hour. Oh! glorious thought I God reigns on high, And sure will hear his people's cry. A wail of anguish now doth rise, He'll hear and answer from the skies. He hears the widow's hopeless cry, To see her children starve and die. He sees the mother's bleeding he irt ; She from her only son must part. He hears the cry for thousands more To fill our land with blood and gore. God sees them go against their will, Their best and noblest friends to kill. Dear Lord cut short King Lincoln's reign And give us joy and peace again. May he like King Belshazz'^r fall. And see thy handwrite on the wall. TO THE ABOLITIONISTS. You advocates of equal rights. You have much more to do; You'll have to make the Negro whie B jfore you are quite through. 90 Chorus. — Work on, work on, Your job is still undone; He still is black with kinky hair ; Change all, if you change one. You'll have to set his foot on right, And raise the instep, too, And change his lovely mouth and nose Before your job will do. Cho. — Work on, etc. Then change his dark and piercing eyes, And make them soft and blue. And when you straighten out his locks Give them a flaxen hue. Cho. — Work on. etc. And when you get the outward man, Thus lovely to your sight, Oh! then begin the inside work And try to fix that right. Cho. — Work on, etc. That God created him to serve The white man, must be true, Now if you raise him from that sphere His intellect won't do. Cho. — Work on, etc. Oh ! is it right for men in power To enslave their own white race? The meaning of amalgamate Is ruin and disgrace. Cho. — Work on, etc. 91 Just as our stock all differ here, God made it so with man. The Negro is the lowest down, Now change him if you can. Cho. — Work on, etc. Just place him on the highest seat Our lofty rulers fill, And talk of equal rights each day, He'll be a Negro still. Cho.— Work on, etc. I've always been the Negro's friend. And shall be 'till I die ; They've waited on me all my life. And nursed my infancy. Cho. — Work on, etc. I've worked to clothe them day and night And thought it no disgrace. Bat never for one moment felt The equality of race. Cho. — Work on, etc. And like my own dear children, too, I've daily had them fed. And in afflictions wept and prayed Around their dying bed. Cho. — Work on, etc. Are you their friends who turn them out On this wide world to roim ; SDme few will work, while many s'eal; They've lo3t their friends and home. Cho. — Work on, etc. 92 And now I pray you Northern men, You rulers of our land, If you cannot God's work improve, You'd better let it stand. Cho.— Work on, etc. You'll never see that day on earth While the poor Negro 's free, That God will bless us as before. And all who live will see. Cho. — Work on, etc. THE ABOLITION WAGON. Come all emancipationists and listen to my song, Since God has made the Negro black it surely can't be wrong. To blot out the word Negro you all seem fully bent, Aid c ill them "Free Americ ms of African descent.' Chorus. — Jump into the wagon, the Abolition wagon, While Abe drives the wagon you'll have a tasty ride. And now Amalgam ationists, I'll speak a word to you. But you are so degraded 'tis hard ior me to do. To make the Negro equal in all things you are bent, The poor, dear "Free Americans of African descent.'* Cho. — Jump into the wagon, etc Now if you read your Bible, from Abraham of old, Y'ou'il find 1 ke sheep and oxen, servants were bought and sold; 93 But Abraham, the President, to make a change m bent. And free " The dear ilmericans of African descent.'^ Cho. — Jump into the wagon, etc. I've often read the Bible, but never did I see The command that Abe has given to set the servants free ; To free them here among us, his days and nights are spent, The wooly head "American's of African descent." Cho — Jump into the wagon, etc. 'Tis strange when Christ was on the earth, he did not see such need Of killing all the masters that servants might be freed. But now the cry to free them from North to South is sent, The most beloved "Americans of African descent" Cho. — Jump into the wagon, etc. The savior taught all servants their master to obey. And if you wish to know his will, the Bible search, I pray; Since slavery's not forbidden, who has those good men sent To free these dear "American's of African descent?" Cho. — Jump into the wagon, etc. If all the blood of white men you kill with such de- light. Were saved to wash the Negro in, 'twould never make him white. 94 The most degraded beings God on his footstool sent, Are the much beloved ^'Americans of African de- scent." Cho. — Jump into the wagon, etc. THE OLD GUARD AND THE DAY-BOOK. The Old Guard and the Day-Book, I read with much delight ; I'm glad in modern Sodom To find two men all right. Right on the Constitution, (With the patriotic few), Just as our fathers framed it, It's good enough for you. Right on " State Sovereignty," Like our valiant sires of old, When kindly trusting Puritans They thought not we'd be sold. Right on the Lincoln question The ''Abolish "and all. If these are not the "Anti-Christ " Then we'll have none at all. All right upon the Negro race, Sound Bible doctrine, too. And all they say of Puritans Is surely just and true. Now all who wish to read the truth Subscribe, though times are hard, And circulate among your friends The Day-Book and Old Guard. 95 My friends, your interests are at stake, It's time you should bestir, And advocate the cause that's right Like Vaneverie and Burr. A LAMENTATION. Written about the close of the war. 1865. Our harps are on the willows hung, America! America! Few songs of joy are o'er thee sung, America! America! The North her President doth mourn. The South all bleeding, prostrate, torn. And thy great name forever flown, America ! America ! Thy praise was on all nations' tongue, America ! America ! Thy blessings were for old and young, America ! America ! But now opression's in our land And war and bloodshed in thy hand, Thy children must ihy downfall stand, America ! America ! Oh ! that it was as in times past, America ! America ! Then heaven's bright smiles were o'er thee cast, America! America! But thou 80 great art fallen low. And thousands to their graves do go While sinking thee in endless woe, America ! America ! 96 Now Maximilian with h's band, America ! America ! Is stationed in thine own fa^'r land, America ! America ! Napoleon with his mighty hand May sway his scepter o'er our land ; We'll soon be weakened this to stand, America ! America ! No power will lend a helping hand, America ! America ! To bring back peace to thy dear land, America ! America ! Now foreign nations look with glee, Our countr^^'s ruin they would see. We're being what they'd have us be, America! Ameiica! While we each other do destroy, America! America! It gives to foreign nations joy, America ! America ! No other nation 'ere could be • Compared to this, beyond the sea. This once gre ., > " " /■ > .0^ X^^x "/"^, ':<> ■ i- ^^ A LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 016 211 567 4