This end they hoped for by the simple meansOf total abstinence from liquors strong.The frequent use of these gives rise to scenesWhich all good men would scorn to be among.Vile oaths, the boisterous mirth, the wanton song,Were constant heard within each horrid denWhere these vile drinks were retailed all day long.'Twas sad indeed to view such filthy penFilled with poor ruined wretches who once had been men.
Throughout the village there were many such,And as a consequence great mischief done.It is surprising and has grieved me muchTo think our Magistrates have laurels wonBy doing what all devils view as fun!Why grant a license to each GroggeryWhen it is evident men only runTo those low places for iniquity,Till they become as vile as wicked men can be?
Our Pastor's friend was one among the numberThat first came forward openly to standOn "total Abstinence," nor did he slumber,But to the work lent willing heart and hand.GOODWORTH knew this, and having at commandA little leisure held a meeting there.He spoke with warmth in language bold yet bland,Using such arguments as made men stareWho went for sake of fun, but got some better fare.
With ready tact he showed the means insidiousUsed oft by those who sold the drunkard drink.To lure him on by stimulants oblivious,Till he lost self-command, and ceased to think.Then showed him tottering on the fearful brinkOf the wide-opening grave and drunkard's hell,And truthfully described how link by linkOf sacred ties were severed, as the spellGrew daily stronger, and a sot confirmed he fell.
And now he drew as with a master's hand,A vivid picture of sad family woes;The broken-hearted wife oft forced to standBetwixt her children and their father's blows—He mad with rum, thus trampling Nature's laws;Or gave a life-like sketch where parents vieIn drunken riot, every day the causeOf strife and discord, the poor home a styWhere filth and rags surround them, till like beasts they die.
And then he gave with most consummate skillA true description of Sobriety,Where man and wife walk up and down Life's hillIn sweet conjugal peace and piety;Their love increasing as more years they see,Their children growing up like olive plantsTo love and cherish much their memory,And if need be in Age supply their wants,Then meet with that reward which God to such still grants.
While he was speaking there was some excitement,And at the meeting's close a number cameTo sign the Pledge, expressing much delightment.Yet some were there who slunk away in shame,Muttering that they were not a whit to blameFor the poor drunkard's fate, although they hadUsed every means to keep alive the flameWhich burned their vitals and made them quite mad.That these escape due punishment is far too bad.
I here would try to speak my mind in briefUpon the Temperance movement ere I passTo other scenes, either of joy or grief,In which our Pastor figures—for alas,"Man's best laid schemes are only like to grassWhich springs up for a season and then dies."Just so this question 'mongst the world's great massSometimes seems gaining ground, but the Foe pliesHis sly ensnaring waits and all reform defies.
Now why is this? Can any tell me why?Some feel quite sure all we now want's a lawTo stop the godless traffic. These relyPerhaps too much on man to strike the blowWhich is to bring the fell Destroyer low.Others are sure that it is useless quiteTo curb the monster. These ne'er felt the glowOf pure Philanthropy move them arightOr they would rise and aim to crush this demon's might.
Try this scheme, friends: Let all true Christians standFast in one body, and use fervent prayerAnd self-denial, that the Lord's right handMay be stretched out to break each chain and snareWhich binds mankind. Then let it be our careTo act consistently in all we do.Of resting on an arm of flesh beware!For in this case our plans will all fall through;We shall be put to shame and feel deep anguish too.
May we no opportunity neglectOf spreading wide the Gospel's joyful soundFor those who never do indeed expectThat God's rich blessing will their steps surround.Thrice happy shall we be if we are foundEngaged still thus when Jesus calls us hence.Rise, Christians, then, and let your zeal abound!The Savior calls! In earnest now commenceThis Godlike work, and let his name be our defence.
I now resume my simple narrative,To tell how GOODWORTHS reached their home again.More striking views of them I yet must give,If I may strike my harp and use my pen.To me who rank not 'mongst well learned men'Twill prove a task of no small magnitude;Yet after hard bench-labor, now and thenIt gives relief from much solicitudeTo sit in my arm chair and form my verses rude.
Once more our friends are gliding o'er the road,While their clear bells most lively music make.The sleighing good, and past each log abodeThey swiftly fly and soon a side-line takeTo gain an Indian village near the Lake.Here they intend to spend a little timeThe poor Red Men from sin and death to wakeBy speaking to them of those Truths sublime,Which can renew the souls of men sunk low in crime.
The Indian Chiefs received them with much pleasure;They saw in GOODWORTH what did suit them well.Of outward charms he had an ample measure,And his fine voice was like a deep-toned bell.These all combined cast as it were a spellOver those haughty rangers of the wood,And made them ponder what he had to tell.It was a sight to see those natives rudeList to God's Gospel-message in a serious mood.
They listened, and the Holy Ghost with powerSent home the word to some of savage heart.These since have seen great cause to bless the hourIn which our Pastor visited that part.A few, deep-skilled in blackest "heathen art"Were full of rage and would have done him harm,But lacked the power, which but increased their smart.Meanwhile the others with fresh feelings warm,Pressed hospitable rites and quelled the fierce alarm.
With these he had some very earnest talkOf that obedience which the Lord requiresFrom his Disciples, to ensure a walkSuch as may tend to curb our vain desiresAnd nurture that which to all good aspires.He deemed it proper not to press at firstThe rite Baptismal; and while one admiresHis views on this, another seems to thirstFor full initiation lest he die accursed.
This from an Indian did excite surprise;But soon 'twas known this man had heard beforeA hint of it from some one he thought wise—One truly skilled in strong Sectarian lore.To try to set him right Goodworth forbore,At least at that time, as too well he knewMen oft in controversy feel more soreOn things of which they have but partial view;That they will argue most for what to them isnew.
Upon the morrow ere they took their leave,It was arranged—God willing—to returnWithin a week or two those to receiveInto strict Fellowship who wished to learnGod's will, which all in Scripture may discern,That in Church standing they a light might beTo their poor friends whose state required concern.This settled, GOODWORTHS then most cheerfullyResumed their journey home to join their family.
The first few miles in safety soon they passed,And reach the edge of a most dismal swampStretched out before them in dimensions vast;A huge receptacle of gloom and damp.There savage wolves and beasts of such a stampMight lodge secure and plan most daring deeds.Gloomy the prospect, though the solar LampWas full two hours from setting, and the steedsRestive become and faster fly as instinct leads.
The men knew well what they had to expect,And sent a prayer into their Father's ear.This done, they did no proper means neglectTo meet what danger might be hovering near,And also strove each others' hearts to cheer.Swifter the horses speed o'er the rough logsThat form the road, and now some wolves appearHungry and fierce and fresh from noisome bogs,To pounce upon our friends who lack their faithful dogs.
The murderous gang now spring but miss their prey,And plunging in deep snow vent forth their rageIn horrid yells, then strive to reach the sleigh.Again they fail; again afresh engageWith double fury bloody war to wage!Vain their attempts. A Mighty Hand unseenAids those two men. This does their fears assuage,And nerves their arms, and keeps their minds serene,Or they had failed to tell how good the Lord had been.
The swamp is cleared, yet on the smoother roadTheir speed they slack not till they reach the houseOf a poor drunken settler then abroadOn his nocturnal revels, while the spouseWas left to mourn his oft-indulged carouse,And tremble for his safety from the cold.No sense of danger e'er could him arouseFrom his sad sunken state. Drink had such holdOn his gross appetite he seemed to Satan sold.
And yet the wife, the mother of his babes,Ne'er breathed reproach against her low-sunk mate.Such love as her's it is which sometimes savesA wretched husband from a drunkard's fate.'Tis true such love is oft repaid with hate,And driven to distraction wives may sayHard things of men who bring them to a stateOf heartfelt woe, and drive their feet astrayFrom Virtue's paths, until they shun the light of day.
But here and there a character shines forth,As in this case, most worthy of all praise.For this sweet wife was one of matchless worth,And her dear name should grace my artless lays,If I by that means could her triumphs raise.She was in truth a noble heroine,Whose brow might well have been bedecked with bays;For deeds like hers through every age should shineTo show the strength of Love and prove it is divine.
O, woman! who has skill of mind or penThose feelings to portray that fill thy breast?All we yet see are glimpses, now and then,Which make us long the more to know the rest.Self-sacrificing woman! thou'rt possessedOf that which does enable thee to bearA load of misery on thy heart impressedBy wrongs from him who should thy sorrows share,And make the daily weal his ever constant care.
His home in that far North wild wilderness,Had naught about it which could tell the taleOf what that mother suffered of distress,For hope—fond hope had kept her strong and hale.It was still whispering she would soon prevailUpon her husband to renounce his sin.This cheered her heart although her face grew paleWith anxious care how best she could beginAnd what means to employ that she might victory win.
So GOODWORTH found her on that bitter nightWith house quite trim and table neatly laid,And hopeful still though in a serious plight,As we have hinted, very much afraidLest her dear man should freeze. "He is," she said,"As good a husband as I could desireBut lot his fault. He always has displayedSuch love for me that I will never tireOf loving him, though none my conduct may admire."
And saying this she would have gone aloneThe absent one upon the road to seek.Her ardent love conspicuously shownOn that occasion, and I fain would speakHer praise with trumpet tongue, though she so meekMight blush to hear it and feel half offended.Now GOODWORTHS thought that one whom they deemedweakWas best at home, yet they her love commended,And volunteered to go, by trusty dog attended.
'Twas not in vain. Behind a Huge pine treeThe man, o'ercome, was lying fast asleep;Nor could they rouse him, so far gone was he,Or from the cold or from potations deep.An unseen Eye did faithful vigils keepO'er that poor sinner though he knew it not;And thoughts of this has since oft made him weepTears of true penitence in that lone spot,Which gave to him a lesson that he ne'er forgot.
This spot was very near to where he lived,And the kind friends Drink's hapless victim boreTo his own home, both feeling truly grievedThat his sad state would make his wife's heart sore.And now the faithful dog trots on before,Most clearly glad because his master's found.Anon he whines and scratches at the door,Which makes his mistress' heart within her boundAs she peers through the dark and tries to catch some sound.
Each moment seemed an hour as thus she stoodIn doubt, expecting some great evil near;And when they came the sight nigh froze her blood.She fainting fell, through mingled grief and fear.Meanwhile the children in the chamber hearA noise below, and leave their snug, warm bed,Then in deep sorrow view their parents dear,And big, warm tears each youngling freely shed,For their idea was that both were lying dead.
Our friends knew better and strove eagerlyTo still their cries and consciousness restoreUnto the sufferers. Soon with joy they seeThe mother fast recovering; her they boreInto her bed-room that they might give moreAttention to the drunken father's case.He in deep stupor did most loudly snoreAnd looked quite frightful with frost-bitten face,Which kept him long in mind of that—his great disgrace.
Next they rub hard with snow the frozen parts,Until the flesh displays a ruddy glow.This task accomplished they with lighter heartsDeeper concernment for the mistress show.She, quite awake, most anxious was to knowTheir full opinion of her partner's state.The favorable answer made her bowHer heart to God for this his mercy great,In having kept her man from such an awful fate.
From bed she rose and pressed on them to eat,But GOODWORTH asked if he might go to prayer.She gave consent, and 'fore the Mercy SeatThey poured forth thanks for all their Father's care,And prayed that all within the house might shareGod's rich forgiving love, and ever beDevoted to his service: so prepareBy constant practice of true pietyTo join the heavenly ranks a happy family.
And now they eat with keenest appetiteOf the good things so temptingly displayed—Prime venison with bread both sweet and light;And charming butter as e'er housewife madeWere with tea, cream, and rich preserves arrayedIn plentiful supply upon the table.These, backed by welcome, all their toil repaid,And they found backwoods cheer indeed no fable;Yet to partake thereof their hostess was not able.
Their noble team they came so near forgetting,Had been provided for with care by oneWho gave his parents no just cause for fretting—A rather small but very hopeful son.Around the blazing hearth-fire they begunTo draw their chairs to dwell in converse pureAnother hour on what the Lord had done;How he had kept them all from death secureAnd caused their love and faith through trials to endure.
The guests both slept in peace and early rose,And found their host already stirring round,And suffering much from being badly froze,And strangely nervous at the slightest sound.The elder GOODWORTH spoke to him and foundThat Conscience was at work within his breast.She made him hear with reverence profoundTruths suited to the case of one distressedBy sense of heinous guilt, which drives away all rest.
He also brought most forcibly to viewThe need there was of "total abstinence"For such as he; and step by step he drewThe man along till an o'erwhelming senseOf his great crime made him wish to commenceAt once a life of strict Sobriety.He signed a pledge and straightway banished thenceThe fiery fluid, his great enemy,—And did thenceforward keep his pledge most sacredly.
The breakfast o'er, our two friends bade adieuTo parents, children, in their kindly way.'Twas now their wish to push the journey throughBefore the close of that short Winter day.The Sun was up and made a grand displayUpon the trees and shrubs on every hand;These all were clad in silvery array,As if transformed by some Magician's wand,But 'twas the work of Him who counts the grains of sand.
For through the night a change had taken place—Such as we frequent view without surprise.Rain falls and freezes—this is oft the case—,And trees look pretty to our outward eyes,But is this all that such a view supplies?Can we not trace a Mighty Artist's skill,Which competition from mankind defies?Then let us learn to reverence Him still,Who forms these beauteous scenes according to His will.
Dear GOODWORTH gazed upon the glittering sceneUntil his soul was filled with ecstacy.Here he perceived that God indeed had beenTo clothe dull Winter in great majesty.To him it was so full of poetryThat he was led to frame another lay,Which seems to me to breathe such melodyI must ev'n give it without more delay,And rest in hope 'twill live far, far beyond my day.
Last night's air was keen and the snow lay around;All the trees, stript of leaves, were quite naked and black,And naught broke the stillness so very profoundSave the jingle of bells as we passed o'er the track.
And little we thought of the sorrowful stateOf that fond, loving, wife by whose bountiful cheerOur needs were supplied, nor yet dreamt of the fateImpending o'er one—to her heart ever dear.
As little expected the clouds of despairHanging terribly pregnant with evils so direWould all quickly vanish in answer to prayer,And sweet comfort spring forth from the midst of the fire.
As little we thought that the rude rising blastWould bring rain to transform every dark forest sceneTo richness of splendor by nothing surpassedThat we mortals have witnessed of wonders' terrene.
Yon maple trees bend with their silvery loadLike the frail sons of earth under ponderous wealth.These feel keen affliction their consciences goad,Yet they heed not the warning till Death comes by stealth.
And those, though they look on this calm, sunny day,To be robed in pure beauty so strikingly grand,Should Boreas arise his least might to display,Would be stript of their charms by his merciless hand.
And yonder dark pines that seem still to aspireTo pre-eminence over their comrades below,Which shine in Sol's rays like huge masses of fire,To the earth their proud heads may be soon made to bow.
Yon oaks, which, like kings of the forest appear,With their thick, crooked branches all coated with ice,Never dream that the loss of their splendor is near,That each branch may be broke by the wind in a trice.
Just so we vain mortals indulge foolish pride,When we deck our poor bodies in splendid attire;And oft has the Tempter successfully triedWith such means us to lead to most sinful desire.
How seldom we think that the primitive useOf the first suit of clothing by Adam and EveWas not for adornment with trappings profuse,But as cover for nakedness—guilt to relieve.
This lesson more frequently brought to our viewMight preserve all our souls from much sorrow and sin,And make us more anxious each day to renewThose adornings which Christians should all have within.
With reflections like these in true pleasure I gazeOn this landscape so fair—so transcendently bright,And utter my heart's feeble tones of sweet praiseTo my Father who formed it by Wisdom and Might.
Thus to a mind by sacred Truth impressedNature at all times is an open book,And he who reads aright is truly blest.But ah, how much her teachings we overlook!One who his Scripture Guide has quite forsookMakes her an idol, and her praises singsIn warmest strains; he hears in every nookOf her domain a thousand different thingsProclaim her Godship, which to him much pleasure brings.
Another, dreaming he is taught of God,Will hardly deign to look on her sweet face.His feet may press the flower-bespangled sod,But to admire the carpet would disgraceA mind so holy, and perhaps displaceFar better thoughts which rise within his breast!In such a one 'twere difficult to traceThe influence of Truths sublime expressedBy our Great Master in discourse to us addressed.
As on most questions, mine's the middle view,And looks on all creation as the workOf God All-wise, most kind and mighty too.This frees my mind from all vain thoughts which lurkIn its recesses, dissipates the murkOf idol worship and religious pride,And makes me proof 'gainst each insidious quirkThrown out by those who do my views deride;Whose judgment seems to me from truth and reason wide.
In musings deep or Lively conversation,The time flies quickly as our friends draw nearTheir woodland home, which, after separationSo long from those it holds, is still more dear.Anon, friends' farms successively appear,And at Luth's house they stop to rest awhileThemselves and team. There they lack not good cheerNor kindly welcome, shown by many a smileFrom man and wife, a loving pair quite free from guile.
From Luth they learned all their dear folks were well,And this relieved them from anxiety;So now with grateful hearts awhile they dwellUpon those themes which dear to Saints should be—Spoke of the love displayed so lavishlyIn journeying mercies, wheresoe'er they went;Of good accomplished—though with modesty—By them as instruments most timely sent;And thus an hour or two was profitably spent.
Ere very long they reached their own abode—ThatNestwell lined with Love, Content and Peace,Where true home feelings in each bosom glowed,And solid comforts day by day increase,Bidding quite fair to last till life shall cease.This their return the trusty dogs first hear,And they by joyous barking rouse the geese,The ducks and poultry, which in chorus clearAt once their voices raise, dreaming that harm is near.
The household listen to the noise outsideA few short moments, when the youngest sonStruck by a pleasant thought could not abideLonger suspense, but in a trice begunTo don his hat and gloves, both quickly done.He hurries forth and by fair Luna's gleamHis eyes beheld what made him faster runTo bid the loved ones welcome, and the teamTo house, and give such food as he may fittest deem.
The two well loaded with their traveling gear,Make for the cottage fast as they can go.There the three females cheerfully appearDetermined they a welcome will bestowSuch as most virtuous minds alone can show.Sweet smiles bedeck the mother's comely face,The daughters too with joy are all aglow,Quite pleased to have a kiss or warm embraceFrom those they love so well at such a time and place.
Reader, dost thou possess imagination?If so, just use that precious facultyAnd join with me in making observationOn love scenes drawn from this dear family.Thou art no eavesdropper, but yet I seeAn interest sparkling in thy earnest faceWhich shows thy heart doth go along with meAs I such secrets do my best to traceAnd hold them up to view to benefit my race.
Imagine then the cordial receptionThat I above have feebly tried to paint.My picture has the charm of no deception—A thing of which there's oft not much complaint.Behold this loving band without restraintGathered mound the evening's social board,Each in such frame of mind as seems a Saint,Even in their eating honoring the Lord,As they with temperance use whate'er their means afford.
The father in most truly Pastoral styleSpoke of the dangers they had just passed through;Dwelt on the English settler's death awhile.And the sweet conduct of the widow, too,Until the listeners had enough to doTo calm their feelings and restrain their fears.Their sympathy was pure, to nature true,Which made them deeply feel the griefs and fearsOf fellow mortals; and their father's heart it cheers.
He next informed them of the low sunk stateOf that new village where he meetings held.How some few men were snatched from drunkard's fate,How drink's most worthless traffic had been quelled,And prejudice by force of Truth dispelled.Next of their visit to the Indian tribe;Told who received the Truth and who repelledIts influx to their souls and Satan's bribeReceived, which did of Life Eternal them deprive.
The wolf adventure and Inebriate's caseReceived due notice and called loud for praiseTo Him whose hand they could-so clearly trace,Who had most kindly cared for them always.Then theDoxologyat once they raiseTo the "Old Hundred," the immortal air,The clear, full harmony of which displaysSuch skill that mortals now may well despairOf making better tune though they have talents rare.
This done once more they read God's holy Word,Choosing such portion as their minds may suit.Then in great reverence kneel with full accord,And fervent pray, though all save one are mute.Are there who deem such acts of no repute?Sad is their state, for they have nothing learnedAs well worth learning. Will they this dispute?Alas, poor sinners, you are not concernedThat you have Christ refused and thus your soul's good spurned.
We'll draw the curtain while the family sleep—Such sleep as pure contentment ever brings;And while good Angels, o'er them vigils keep,Let's pause a little that my rude harp's stringsMay be drawn tighter, that my Muse her wingsAfresh may plume, ere she completes her songFor she has yet to sing of pleasant thingsAnd the reverse, so she must needs be strongTo execute her task as time fast flies along.
The occasion I will take to introduceMore fully to my patient reader's viewThis worthy household; which will be of useIn after scenes, as I my tale renew.Joseph, the eldest, we have seen was trueTo God and Nature in some trials great:Much like his father year by year he grewUntil he reached to manhood's full estate;In manners humble, and in preaching gifts first rate.
William, the younger, was not quite so grave;As kind in heart, but still more blithe and free;Quite serious on occasions and most brave,There were few youths more loveable than he.In Sunday school 'twas his delight to be,There he still led the singing and took partIn teaching children the "great Mystery"Of gospel truth, and many a childish heartFelt that the loss of him would yield unceasing smart.
The sisters, younger still, I must compareTo two fair roses very lately blown;Who, though they lived in the woods, were debonairAs any town's girls I have ever known.Their skill in housewifery was clearly shownIn the discharge of all their household duties.They both had voices of the sweetest tone—Not shrill nor harsh, but more like what the flute is,And were by all who saw them looked upon as beauties.
But those were naught compared with Faith and LovePossessed by both, evinced by all their acts;And nothing pleased them better than to proveThat pure Religion never aught subtractsFrom real enjoyment, as is shown by factsWhich all who can may read if so inclined.'Tis true our Father evermore exactsComplete obedience, but our hearts refinedBy the Spirit through the Truth know all's in love designed.
Clarissa and Louisa were the namesBestowed upon these daughters at their birth,And 'twas foretold by some attendant damesThat each when grown would have uncommon worth.This prophecy gave rise to harmless mirthIn after years, and led the girls to sayThat in their conduct there should be no dearthOf loveliness, for fear it should betrayThe fame of those good dames still living in their day.
"Surely those parents must have been well off!"Some reader may exclaim in scorn or jest;But if 'twerenotso there's no need to scoff,And if it were I have the truth expressed.Mine eyes have seen some parents quite as blestIn all their offspring, and I hope to seeMy own dear children in their day attestThat what I write is true, and ever beA loving, happy band and useful family.
I have an aim in making this digression,Can anyone divine what it may be?Though not a Papist I will make confessionAnd clear at once the seeming mystery.Luth had a son now grown to man's degree,Who made proposals for Clarissa's hand,And GOODWORTH thought for aught that he could seeIt was not well their wishes to withstand,So let things take the way they were already planned.
And Joseph, wishing not to be behindHis darling sister, cast about his eyesAnd soon found one possessing generous mind,Whose fund of worth proved his selection wise.Her name methinks the reader may surmise,For it was Ruth and also Luth, a maidWho did prepare for matrimonial tiesIn prayerful spirit, and who ne'er betrayedThat love of coquetry by many girls displayed.
Both these young folks had followed the exampleOf worthy parents, and as Christians stoodIn that young Church. Their worldly means were ampleAt least for such as wed from motives good.Besides if needful they could earn their food,Which made their marriage prospects bright and cheering,Things thus far settled they did all they couldTo haste the nuptials, and grew more endearingAs the auspicious day drew nearer its appearing.
Again the Sabbath day came duly round,And Goodworth met his flock with heartfelt joy.Once more he faithful preached "the joyful sound,"Or taught the Saints sin's fetters to destroy,And how their time and talents to employ.Then just before the "Breaking of the Bread"He of his journey spoke in manner coy,And deep attention by the Church was paidAs he recounted mercies sent by Christ their Head.
Upon the work especial stress he laid,Begun by God amongst the poor Red Men,And moved by sacred zeal he boldly saidThat something must be done; but how or whenWas for the Church to say. As he stood thenChosen of God and them to oversee,His little flock, he could not go againWithout depriving some of MinistryMost needful at that time if he would faithful be.
He further said it was a settled thingWith him that if the Holy Spirit callOne to the Pastorship, no good could springFrom frequent absence, for the Church needs allHis time and talents; and should ill befallA flock so left God might the question ask,"Why didst thou leave my sheep and lambs at all?I placed thee there; attend thou to the taskIf in my smiles approving thou wouldst wish to bask!"
He cited many texts to prove his view,[Footnote: See at least one amongst many in I Peter, V, 1-4]And felt much grieved some Churches in our dayShould to theirinterestbe seldom true,And Pastors for slight causes turn away.From personal observation he would sayThat many men who make a great professionBegrudge the mite so needful as the payOf those whose Pastoral worth's their sole possession;Who could not wink at sin nor make undue concession.
"Some folks, again," he said, "quite overlookThe nature of the office as laid downFor Churches' guidance in the holy Book,And substitute opinions of their own.Such meet their fellow Christians with a frownIf they insist upon the Scripture plan,And deem him little better than a clownWho has the courage their false views to scan:And should he not desist might place him under ban."
"Thus saith the Lord, in all religious matters,As the thing; needful should our minds impress.We've naught to do with the unseemly tattersOf creeds and ceremonials on which stressIs laid by many who the Truth profess.The Scriptures teach that Pastors should take heedTo all their flock, that faith and holinessMay grow apace; that they the sheep should feedWith Heaven-inspired food according to their need."
"But Churches for most part make choice of himWho does a splendid preaching talent show;Or else they seek to gratify some whimLest hearers should their purse strings tighter draw.'Tis easy for one taught of God to showThat those so chosen cannot well fulfillTrue Pastoral duty, which consists, we know,In oversight according to God's will—Not Lords o'er his inheritance, but humble still."
[Footnote: The author would not like to be misunderstood. All he intends to say is that a talent for preaching, however good, is not the only qualification for Elder or Pastor. See I Tim. iii and Tit. i.]
The Church agreed in what the Pastor saidAnd Luth suggested that young GOODWORTH mightAct as Evangelist in his father's stead,Should he 'fore God consider it quite right.Joseph assured them it was his delightTo aid in any way his Master's cause,But thought that all should seek for further lightBy fervent prayer, and therefore Would proposeTo leave it unto Him from whom all wisdom flows.
This as determined on and they attendedUnto the "Supper of the Lord" in love.Once more their Sacrifice of Praise ascendedFrom grateful hearts unto their God above,Who heard it all and did such acts approve.Refreshed in soul once more they separateIn friendly manner, as it does behoveThe joint possessors of such blessings greatAs heirs of bliss and glory in a future state.
Throughout the week the members freely gaveUnto this subject due consideration;And Joseph looked, to anxious friends, more grave,Was oft in prayer or wrapped in contemplation.The father, who of this made observation,Encouraged him to frankly speak his mind.This led them soon to mutual explanationAnd fuller confidence, which all combinedTo lead them both to be unto God's will resigned.
It caused a struggle in that parent's breastTo part with one grown dearer every day;And Joseph at the first felt quite distressedAt leaving friends so very far away.As was but natural, thoughts of wedding dayWould also cross his mind and make him sigh;But yet he felt determined to displayTrue Christian courage and himself deny,If to his fellow men 'twould bring Redemption nigh.
The father; saw no very great occasionFor much of self-denial in the case.The Bride-expectant would with small persuasionShare any trials he might have to face.Besides the Indians would prepare a placeWith needful comforts, should he there remain.'Twas therefore his advice to seek for Grace,Such as the work demanded, and thus gainThe glorious Reward which faithful ones obtain.
To this the son made not the least objection,And so the matter stood till next Lord's Day,When, as the Church approved of the selection,Much unfeigned love the all to him display;Rejoicing to see one so young obeyDuty's strong impulse, and to God commendTheir much loved brother, who without delayMade preparation that ere the week's endHe might the Indians reach and to his work attend.
At the reformed Inebriate's house he calledIn passing, and was truly glad to findThe man his vice inveterate had controlled,And was improving daily in his mind.He owned that had his wife not proved most kindHe might have been again to drinking drove.This Joseph hears, but hopes the pledge he signedWould be some safeguard if he should lack love;Yet urged him much to seek for help from God above.
To miss the swamp he took another roadNot so direct, but pleasanter by far.Most holy feelings in his bosom glowedAs he gazed on the glittering Evening Star.The sleighing good, such traveling was no barTo his sweet musings as he nearer drewUnto the village where he had to warWith heathen darkness, and for aught he knew,Where trials great and many might his steps pursue.
On his arrival joy sincere was feltBy those who had the Gospel's sound regarded.These in full council passed the Wampum Belt,And by their confidence his zeal rewarded.None had the influence of Truth discardedWho first professed by it to be made free,And 'twas their wish, since nothing now retarded,To be baptized with due solemnity,That those who disbelieved might their obedience see.
The Preacher this performed by full immersionOf the whole body in the deep blue lake,And none but those who evidenced conversionDid of that holy ordinance partake.I state not this from a desire to wakeAny contention in a Christian's breast;I rather "strive for things which peace do make,"That I my love for all saints may attest.This course I long have deemed the wisest and the best.
Those thus baptized in fellowship then stood,And as instructed, to Christ's laws attended.Their souls reposed on His atoning bloodFor full salvation, and their lives commendedThe saving Truth to those who were offendedAt the first preaching of the Joyful News.What these beheld their outward rage suspended,And now no longer dared they to accuseThe Preacher of vile motives and his work abuse.
For some few weeks he labored there with pleasure,And his Red brethren urged on him to takeThe Pastor's office, but so grave a measureDemanded time for its importance's sake."Should I be spared," he said, "I wish to makeMy life a useful one where'er I live;To Duty's call to keep my ear awake,And as I have received to freely give,Aiming to show I wish for no alternative."
With this resolve so very freely spokenWe bid the Red Man for the time Adieu,For other scenes most clearly do betokenThat genial pleasure is not lost to view.The lovers to their vows continued true,And fixed upon the following New Year's dayAs best for entering on their duties new,When it was planned a Wedding jaunt to payIn visit to Niagara, many miles away.
The day arrived—a bright and cheering one,With which came Settlers on kind thoughts intent.Then gratitude for what the Lord had doneThey wished to show by love and substance spentUpon their Pastor, whom they viewed as bentOn seeking their advantage since he came.One, by a neighbor, had two turkeys sent,Both fine young birds, well fed and very tame—A gift which well might put some richer men to shame.
This neighbor brought upon his own accountAn ewe and ram of most superior breed.Another had a very fair amountOf splendid timothy and clover seed.A fourth good maple sugar as his meedBestowed with blandest smiles and modest mien.A fifth had apples, of which all agreedThey were the best they in that part had seen;While a sixth brought savory sausages quite fresh and clean.
These as an average sample of the gifts,I mention merely with a view to showThat Gratitude is put to no mean shiftsIn kindly hearts whose love keeps them aglow.Those who have naught but water to bestowUpon a thirsty Saint, reward will gainFrom Heaven's high King, who loves to have it so.We must from sneering at small gifts refrain.For the poor widow's mite did great reward obtain.
Surprise and joy that Christian family feltAt this display of love and gratitude;While with their friends they reverently kneltTo give God thanks, they for rich blessings suedFor the kind donors, now more strongly viewedAs brethren in the very strongest bond.Each at the Mercy Seat their love renewed,And heart to heart did fervently respond.All merely worldly pleasure this is far beyond.
This past, the marriage knot was quickly tiedFor those young well matched couples, who appearedIn all respects well pleased and satisfiedThis tended much to keep the parents cheered,And to the friends around them more endearedThe wedding feast parta'en, they soon prepareFor their long journey, as a change they fearedIn the fine weather, which might make roads bareAnd the good sleighing spoil—a thing by no means rare.
On that delightful jaunt I need not dwell,Only to say that all the drive enjoyed.When safe returned each had a tale to tellOf the great Cataract's wonders, never voidOf thrilling interest to minds employedIn viewing Nature right. I now would hasteLest my dear readers feel themselves annoyed,To finish what has brought me no small tasteOf Poet's joy, and often has my heart solaced.
That earthly pleasure's not without alloyPoets have sung and sages oft have said,And none did e'er such pleasure long enjoyWithout being to the same conclusion led.Our Pastor's dear Louisa took to bedSoon after New Year's visit to the Falls;Ere Spring came round she bowed her lovely headTo Death's stern summons! Yet sweet hope consolesThe friends for loss of her, and undue grief controls.
Her death-bed was a scene I love to viewWith chastened pleasure, for her faith was strong.She to her Savior had for years been true.And then to be with Him did daily long,Yet not impatiently, for 'twould be wrong;But with strong fortitude—so calm and pureThat one who saw her left the World's gay throng,And since has had great trials to endure,But found the Savior's aid was ever near and sure.
But little now remains for me to sing,Not that I matter lack—a large supplyExistswhere I got this from,and may springInto poetic joy if I should tryAgain to tune my harp, this time laid byAt Duty's call. Our friend and spouse live whereWe found them first. William and wife are nigh,And with their children choicest comforts share.While Joseph of the Red Men's Church takes Pastoral care.
Luth and Clarissa own a good sized farm,Well tilled, well stocked and fronting to the Lake.Around their hearthstone boys and girls do swarm,So that they soon a larger house must make.Some members of the Church now sometimes takeTheir turns in preaching, and the elder LuthShares Pastoral duty for his Master's sake.As Deacons they have men who love the Truth,All proving that the Church is in a state most sooth.
The Lord'sForget-me-notsgrow everywhereAlong the Christian's path as he pursuesHis Heavenward journey. And a Father's careGives each sweet odors and most lovely hues.And they throughout the darkest days diffuseA balmy fragrance strikingly delicious!Yet we, vain mortals, oft these sweets refuseAnd choose instead that which is most pernicious,—Thus wandering far from God, who always is propitious.
By the side of lonely moor,In a humble clay-built cot,Lived a widow very poorWho received her daily storeAs the Lord's Forget-me-not.
With her lived her little girl,Blithe and pretty blue eyed Jane;She wore golden locks in curl,Which showed Nature was no churl,If it did not make her vain.
Plain but neatly was she dressed,With her lot was quite content,No great cares her mind oppressed,She with cheerfulness was blessed,While in work her time was spent.
Came there by the cot one dayQuite a numerous flock of sheep.Lambs did by their mothers play,One was in a sickly way,Which called up Jane's feelings deep.
He who drove them, hard of heart,Did that sickly lamb abuse;This increased young Jennie's smart,It went through her like a dart,Wondering, "would the man refuse
"To give her that pretty lambWhich appeared so like to die?"Came the thought to her like balm,Her distress of mind to calm,As she to the man drew nigh.
When to him she made requestAnswered he in surly tones,"She might have the little pest,For it was at very bestBut a heap of skin and bones!"
Joyfully she took the prizeIn with her to that rude cot.Pleasure filled her sparkling eyes,For the lamb had ceased its criesEre it reached so safe a spot.
Like a foster mother sheNursed it then with gentle care,Till it grew in time to beLarge as any sheep you see,Fed upon such scanty fare.
And its wool in one short yearFor some better pasture paysAnd assists the heart to cheerOf that widow, who had fearThe coming Winter days.
Came there soon some troubles greatOn this poor, small family.He who owned the large estateWhere they lived, had sunk of lateInto greatest poverty.
Lost he all his wide domain,Dragged to jail because of debt.He would not of fate complain,If that widow might remain,But consent he could not get.
He who took their kind friend's placeActed a most cruel part.All might see upon his faceThere was not a single traceOf a kind or gentle heart.
And the widow was forbidTo remain another week.Sternly he her pleadings chid,"All such tenants he would rid,And fresh quarters make them seek."
Threatened if they would not goHe then all would take away.This was such a heavy blowSickness laid the mother low;The were thus obliged to stay.
Ere the time had quite expiredDown the angry landlord cameWith a man whom he had hired;Liquor strong their courage firedTill they felt no sense of shame.
Seize they Jenny's pretty pet,Cut its throat and leave it there;Then the household goods they get—Heed not how the dear ones fretWhen their cot was made so bare.
Saw the Lord that wicked deed?Did the widow's prayer avail?See you further on may read,What the Lord had just decreedIn the sequel of my tale.
Thunder clouds hung overhead,While those shocking acts were done;Forth the lightning's arrow sped,Guided there it struck them dead,Ceased to beat their hearts of stone.
All who heard the widow's case,Those who saw sweet Jenny's tears,Got for them a better place,Bade them wear a cheerful face,Trust in God and calm their fears.
Said the widow to her Jane,"Saw you how your darling died?Did it of the act complain?Jesus as a Lamb was slain,As a Lamb was crucified.
"This was in the sinner's stead,This was done for you and me;For our sins he freely bled,Bowed to Death his sacred headOn the shameful cursed tree."
Heard that lovely girl these things?Yes, and did believe them too.Faith its blessings to her brings,And God's goodness oft she sings.This, dear reader, you may do.
Gigantic flower with many golden faces,Why climbest thou so very high in air?Art loth to show the very smallest tracesOf sweet Humility with aspect fair?Well, even 'mongst men they are by far too rare!
I oft have heard how thou in deep devotionDost follow Sol, the glorious king of Day.If this be true, perhaps thou seek'st promotionTo his high courts, thy splendors to display,And dazzle all who view thy bright array.
Poets we know are strangely given to dreaming,And thus it came—they all thought this of thee.'Tis true, sometimes thy yellow flowers do seem inJust such a mood, and this they chanced to see;But those who watch thee closely will agree
That yet these flowers at times face all the quarters,East, West, and North as well as sunny South,And I have seen them like most patient martyrsHang thus for days in time of Summer's drouth,Although such weather did not stop their growth.
Thou tallest of the tall amongst thy fellowsLook'st like a king. So full of majestyArt thou, that this alone the truth may tell usWhy we no humble mien in thee can see.Thou only bow'st to God who fashioned thee.
If this be so thou art a lesson teachingTo all who view thy many golden charms;And all this time a sermon hast been preachingTo me, and now my heart toward thee warms;Till I would gladly save thee from Frost's harms.
This may not be; already thou art drooping:A few more days will strip thy splendors off,And when Frost comes to find thy tall form stoopingHe at thy nakedness perhaps may scoff,But heed not, 'twas not his thy charms to doff.
Sunflower, I leave thee now, and this truth ponder,Thou hast fulfilled the task allotted thee.HaveIdischarged the obligations underWhich I lay to God? the world? Ah me!A host of imperfections I can see.
Then let me now, before I cease my rhymingTake thy strong lesson very much to heart,That while I am up Life's rough ladder climbingI still may seek to act a proper part,And strive to fearless meet Death with his dart.