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diff --git a/36501-h/36501-h.htm b/36501-h/36501-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..a8cb870 --- /dev/null +++ b/36501-h/36501-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,9029 @@ +<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd"> +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"> +<head> +<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=iso-8859-1" /> +<title>The Project Gutenberg eBook of Olive Leaves, by Lydia Howard Sigourney.</title> +<style type="text/css"> +body{margin-left:10%;margin-right:10%;line-height:150%;font-family:Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", serif} +p{margin-top:.75em;text-align:justify;margin-bottom:.75em} +h1,h2{text-align:center;clear:both;line-height:150%} +hr{width:33%;margin-top:2em;margin-bottom:2em;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;clear:both} +table{margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto} +.pagenum{position:absolute;left:92%;font-family:Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size:smaller;text-align:right;font-variant:normal;font-style:normal;font-weight:normal} +blockquote{text-align:justify;margin-left:5%;margin-right:10%} +.center,.center *{text-align:center} +.right{text-align:right} +.smcap{font-variant:small-caps} +.caption{font-weight:bold} +.footnotes{border:dashed 1px} +.footnote{margin-left:10%;margin-right:10%;font-size:0.9em} +.label{font-family:Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; position:absolute;right:84%;text-align:right} +.fnanchor{font-family:Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;vertical-align:super;font-size:.8em;text-decoration:none} +a>img{/*image that links to hi-res version*/border:4px solid #CCC} +.mynote{background-color:#DDE;color:#000;padding:.5em;margin:1em 5%;font-family:sans-serif;font-size:95%} +.smaller{font-size:.9em} +</style> +</head> +<body> + + +<pre> + +The Project Gutenberg EBook of Olive Leaves, by Lydia Howard Sigourney + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Olive Leaves + Or, Sketches of Character + +Author: Lydia Howard Sigourney + +Release Date: June 23, 2011 [EBook #36501] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK OLIVE LEAVES *** + + + + +Produced by Jślio Reis and the Online Distributed +Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net + + + + + + +</pre> + +<div class="mynote"> +<p><strong>TRANSCRIBER'S NOTES:</strong></p> +<p>This work has no errata. The following typos were corrected:</p> +<ul> +<li><a href="#Page_82">p. 82</a>: chesnuts → chestnuts</li> +</ul> +<p>The table of contents is on <a href="#Page_5">page 5</a>.</p> +<p><strong>Index of illustrations:</strong></p> +<ol> +<li><a href="#image_cover">Book cover</a></li> +<li><a href="#image_indian_chief"><em>The Indian Chief</em></a></li> +<li><a href="#image_continue_command"><em>"Continue the command of your passions; make virtue the scope of all your actions."</em></a></li> +<li><a href="#image_logo">Gall & Inglis logo</a></li> +</ol> +</div> + +<div class="center" id="image_cover"> + <a href="images/ill-000a.jpg"> + <img src="images/ill-000a-th.jpg" + alt="Book cover" + title="Book cover" /></a> +</div> + +<h1>Olive Leaves</h1> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_1" id="Page_1">[Pg 1]</a></div> +<div class="center" id="image_indian_chief"> + <a href="images/ill-000b.jpg"> + <img src="images/ill-000b-th.jpg" + alt="The Indian Chief" + title="The Indian Chief" /></a> + <p class="caption">The Indian Chief.—<i><a href="#Page_229">P. 229</a></i>.</p> +</div> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<div class="center"> +<h1>OLIVE LEAVES.</h1> +<p>OR,</p> +<h2>SKETCHES OF CHARACTER.</h2> +<p>BY</p> +<p>MRS. L. H. SIGOURNEY.</p> +<p style="padding-top:6ex;letter-spacing:0.2em;font-size:125%">GALL & INGLIS.</p> +<table summary="Gall & Inglis offices"> +<tr> +<td style="width:15em;border-right:1px solid black">London:<br /> +25 PATERNOSTER SQUARE.</td> +<td style="width:15em"> +Edinburgh:<br /> +<span style="letter-spacing:0.1em">20 BERNARD TERRACE</span>.</td> +</tr></table> +</div> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_3" id="Page_3">[Pg 3]</a></div> +<h1>PREFACE.</h1> +<p>An Olive Leaf was the first gift of the Earth after the +Flood, to the sole survivors of a buried race. It was borne +by the Dove, spreading a timid wing over the surging waters, +so lately without a shore.</p> + +<p>The plant thus honoured, as the love-token of a World, +rising in freshness from the wrecks of the Deluge, has long +been a consecrated emblem of peace. It then brought the +joyful tidings to the voyagers in the lonely Ark, of a home +once more upon the green earth; and has since cheered many +a Christian heart, with the assurance that the bitter waters +of strife had abated.</p> + +<p>These, my simple "Olive Leaves," would fain be love-tokens +to you, sweet young friends, who may chance to take +them in your hand. Buds of the olive and of the rose, are +ye: pour forth the spirit of peace and love, as ye unfold and +ripen on the pilgrimage of life, that you may be gathered +at its close, where their bloom is eternal.</p> + +<p class="right" style="margin-right:6em">L. H. S.</p> +<p><i>Hartford, Connecticut.</i></p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_5" id="Page_5">[Pg 5]</a></div> +<h1>CONTENTS.</h1> + +<table summary="Table of contents"><tr> +<td></td><td class="right">Page</td> +</tr><tr> +<td class="smaller">PREFACE,</td><td class="right"><a href="#Page_3">3</a></td> +</tr><tr> +<td class="smaller">THE LOST AND FOUND,</td><td class="right"><a href="#Page_9">9</a></td> +</tr><tr> +<td class="smaller">CHILDHOOD'S PIETY,</td><td class="right"><a href="#Page_18">18</a></td> +</tr><tr> +<td class="smaller">FRANK LUDLOW,</td><td class="right"><a href="#Page_19">19</a></td> +</tr><tr> +<td class="smaller">VICTORY,</td><td class="right"><a href="#Page_35">35</a></td> +</tr><tr> +<td class="smaller">SILENT PEOPLE,</td><td class="right"><a href="#Page_37">37</a></td> +</tr><tr> +<td class="smaller">LAURA BRIDGMAN,</td><td class="right"><a href="#Page_53">53</a></td> +</tr><tr> +<td class="smaller">HUMBLE FRIENDS,</td><td class="right"><a href="#Page_55">55</a></td> +</tr><tr> +<td class="smaller">BUTTERFLY IN A SCHOOL-ROOM,</td><td class="right"><a href="#Page_61">61</a></td> +</tr><tr> +<td class="smaller">A BRAVE BOY,</td><td class="right"><a href="#Page_63">63</a></td> +</tr><tr> +<td class="smaller">MAY MORNING,</td><td class="right"><a href="#Page_66">66</a></td> +</tr><tr> +<td class="smaller">THE HUGUENOT GRANDFATHER'S TALE,</td><td class="right"><a href="#Page_67">67</a></td> +</tr><tr> +<td class="smaller">THE OLD WATCH,</td><td class="right"><a href="#Page_86">86</a></td> +</tr><tr> +<td class="smaller">ENTERTAINING BOOKS,</td><td class="right"><a href="#Page_88">88</a></td> +</tr><tr> +<td class="smaller">THE NEW YEAR,</td><td class="right"><a href="#Page_91">91</a></td> +</tr><tr> +<td class="smaller">CYRUS,</td><td class="right"><a href="#Page_93">93</a></td> +</tr><tr> +<td class="smaller">ROME AND ITS RULERS,</td><td class="right"><a href="#Page_97">97</a> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_6" id="Page_6">[Pg 6]</a></span></td> +</tr><tr> +<td class="smaller">THE PLOUGHING OF THE SWORD,</td><td class="right"><a href="#Page_105">105</a></td> +</tr><tr> +<td class="smaller">THE GOOD AND BAD EMPEROR,</td><td class="right"><a href="#Page_108">108</a></td> +</tr><tr> +<td class="smaller">BONAPARTE AT ST. HELENA,</td><td class="right"><a href="#Page_120">120</a></td> +</tr><tr> +<td class="smaller">POLYCARP,</td><td class="right"><a href="#Page_124">124</a></td> +</tr><tr> +<td class="smaller">CHRISTMAS HYMN,</td><td class="right"><a href="#Page_127">127</a></td> +</tr><tr> +<td class="smaller">THE FRIVOLOUS KING,</td><td class="right"><a href="#Page_128">128</a></td> +</tr><tr> +<td class="smaller">TO A PUPIL LEAVING SCHOOL,</td><td class="right"><a href="#Page_131">131</a></td> +</tr><tr> +<td class="smaller">PIOUS PRINCES,</td><td class="right"><a href="#Page_132">132</a></td> +</tr><tr> +<td class="smaller">EVILS OF WAR,</td><td class="right"><a href="#Page_138">138</a></td> +</tr><tr> +<td class="smaller">THE LIBERATED FLY,</td><td class="right"><a href="#Page_143">143</a></td> +</tr><tr> +<td class="smaller">THE GOOD BROTHER AND SISTER,</td><td class="right"><a href="#Page_146">146</a></td> +</tr><tr> +<td class="smaller">THE WAITING CHILD,</td><td class="right"><a href="#Page_155">155</a></td> +</tr><tr> +<td class="smaller">THE ADOPTED NIECE,</td><td class="right"><a href="#Page_156">156</a></td> +</tr><tr> +<td class="smaller">THE ORPHAN,</td><td class="right"><a href="#Page_160">160</a></td> +</tr><tr> +<td class="smaller">THE ONLY SON,</td><td class="right"><a href="#Page_163">163</a></td> +</tr><tr> +<td class="smaller">LIFE,</td><td class="right"><a href="#Page_175">175</a></td> +</tr><tr> +<td class="smaller">A REMARKABLE CHILD,</td><td class="right"><a href="#Page_177">177</a></td> +</tr><tr> +<td class="smaller">THE DYING SUNDAY SCHOOL BOY,</td><td class="right"><a href="#Page_187">187</a></td> +</tr><tr> +<td class="smaller">THE PRECOCIOUS INFANT,</td><td class="right"><a href="#Page_189">189</a></td> +</tr><tr> +<td class="smaller">THE LAST ROSE BUD,</td><td class="right"><a href="#Page_195">195</a></td> +</tr><tr> +<td class="smaller">THE CHERUB'S WELCOME,</td><td class="right"><a href="#Page_197">197</a></td> +</tr><tr> +<td class="smaller">THE BABE, AND THE FORGET-ME-NOT,</td><td class="right"><a href="#Page_199">199</a></td> +</tr><tr> +<td class="smaller">TREATMENT OF ANIMALS,</td><td class="right"><a href="#Page_201">201</a></td> +</tr><tr> +<td class="smaller">THE TREMBLING EYELID,</td><td class="right"><a href="#Page_207">207</a></td> +</tr><tr> +<td class="smaller">PEACEFUL DISPOSITIONS,</td><td class="right"><a href="#Page_213">213</a></td> +</tr><tr> +<td class="smaller">JOHN AND JAMES WILLIAMS,</td><td class="right"><a href="#Page_220">220</a> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_7" id="Page_7">[Pg 7]</a></span></td> +</tr><tr> +<td class="smaller">THE INDIAN KING,</td><td class="right"><a href="#Page_227">227</a></td> +</tr><tr> +<td class="smaller">THE DOVES,</td><td class="right"><a href="#Page_232">232</a></td> +</tr><tr> +<td class="smaller">THE WAR-SPIRIT,</td><td class="right"><a href="#Page_236">236</a></td> +</tr><tr> +<td class="smaller">EARLY RECOLLECTIONS,</td><td class="right"><a href="#Page_238">238</a></td> +</tr><tr> +<td class="smaller">HUGUENOT FORT,</td><td class="right"><a href="#Page_243">243</a></td> +</tr><tr> +<td class="smaller">I HAVE SEEN AN END OF ALL PERFECTION,</td><td class="right"><a href="#Page_252">252</a></td> +</tr></table> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_9" id="Page_9">[Pg 9]</a></div> +<h1><a name="OLIVE_LEAVES" id="OLIVE_LEAVES"></a>OLIVE LEAVES.</h1> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h1><a name="The_Lost_and_Found" id="The_Lost_and_Found"></a>The Lost and Found.</h1> + + +<p>I have something to say to the young, about the +advantage, as well as duty of obeying their parents. +My story will be of an interesting boy, by the name +of Charles Morton. He had a pleasant temper, and +almost always wore a smile. He ardently loved his +sister Caroline, who was several years younger than himself; +and whenever he came from school, would ask for +her, and take her in his arms, or guide her tottering +footsteps.</p> + +<p>But Charles, with all his kindness of heart, had a +sad fault. He would sometimes disobey his parents, +when he was out of their sight. He did not remember +that the Eye of God always saw him, both in darkness +and in light, and would take note of the sin that +he committed, though his parents knew it not. At a +short distance from his home, was a beautiful river, +broad and deep. His parents had strictly charged him +never to venture in, and had explained to him the +danger which a boy of eight years old would incur, in +a tide so strong. Notwithstanding this, he would<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_10" id="Page_10">[Pg 10]</a></span> +sometimes seek a spot where the banks, or the trees +upon the shore, concealed him, and take off his shoes, +and step into the water. He grew fond of wading, and +would occasionally stay in the water a long time. +Then, he greatly desired to swim. He frequently saw +larger boys amusing themselves in this way, and longed +to join them. But he feared lest they might mention +it to his father, and determined to go alone.</p> + +<p>Here was the sin of the little boy, not only in continuing +to disobey, but in studying how to deceive his +kind parents. One fine afternoon in summer, school +was dismissed at an earlier hour than usual. Now, +thought Charles, I can make a trial at swimming, and +get home, before my mother misses me. He sought a +retired spot, where he had never seen his companions +go, and hastened to throw off his clothes, and plunge +into the water. He did not imagine that it was so +deep there, and that the current was so exceedingly +swift. He struggled with all his might, but was borne +farther and farther from the shore. The sea was not +a great distance from the mouth of the river, and the +tide was driving on violently, and what could he do? +Nothing, but to exhaust his feeble strength, and then +give up, and be carried onwards. He became weary +of beating the water with his feet and hands to no +purpose, and his throat was dry with crying, and so he +floated along, like a poor, uprooted weed. It was fearful +to him to be hurried away so, with the waters roaring +in his ears. He gave up all hope of seeing his +dear home again, and dreaded the thought of being +drowned, and devoured by monstrous fishes. How he +wished that he had not disobeyed his good parents; +and he earnestly prayed God to forgive him, and have +mercy upon his soul.</p> + +<p>At Charles Morton's home, his mother had prepared<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_11" id="Page_11">[Pg 11]</a></span> +a bowl of bread and milk for him, because he usually +was hungry when he came from school.</p> + +<p>At length she began to look from the window, and +to feel uneasy. Little Caroline crept to the door, and +continually called "Tarle, Tarle!" But when the sun +disappeared, and Mr. Morton returned, and nothing had +been seen of the dear boy, they were greatly alarmed. +They searched the places where he had been accustomed +to play, and questioned his companions, but in +vain. The neighbours collected, and attended the +father in pursuit of his lost son. What was their distress, +at finding his clothes in a remote recess, near the +river's brink! They immediately gave him up as +drowned, and commenced the search for his body. +There was bitter mourning in his once happy home, +that night. Many weeks elapsed, ere little Caroline +ceased calling for her "<i>dear Tarle</i>," or the sad parents +could be comforted. And it was remembered amid +their affliction, that the beloved child whom they had +endeavoured to teach the fear of God, had forgotten +that All-seeing Eye, when he disobeyed his parents.</p> + +<p>But while they were lamenting their lost son, he was +not dead. While faintly struggling on the river, he +had been discovered, and taken up by an Indian canoe. +He had been borne by the swift current far from the +place where he first went into the water. And it was +very long after he was rescued, before he came to his +senses, so as to give any connected account of himself. +Then, he was greatly shocked at finding himself in a +boat, with two huge Indians. He shrieked, and begged +to be taken to his father's house; but they paid no +attention to his cries, and silently proceeded on their +voyage. They wrapped a blanket around him, because +he had no clothes, and offered him some parched corn, +but he had no heart to eat. By the rough tossing of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_12" id="Page_12">[Pg 12]</a></span> +the boat, he discovered that they were upon the deep +sea, and the broad moon rose high, and shone long, +ere they drew near to land. Stupefied with terror, one +of the Indians carried him in his arms to a rude hut, +and gave him to his wife.</p> + +<p>"What have you brought?" said she, as she loosened +the blanket, and discovered the dripping locks and +shivering form of the affrighted child.</p> + +<p>"A white pappoose," answered the hoarse voice of +the husband. Poor Charles looked up with a cry of +horror and despair. The woman regarded him earnestly +for a moment.</p> + +<p>"He is like my son that I buried," said she, and she +folded her dark arms around him, and wept. She +kindled a fire to warm him, and pressed food upon +him, but he was sick at heart. She laid him in the +rude bed of her dead child, and he sobbed himself into +a deep, long sleep. It was late in the morning when +he opened his eyes. Who can describe his distress! +No kind parent to speak to him, no little sister to +twine her arms around his neck. Nothing but a dark +hovel, and strange Indian faces. The woman, with +her husband and father, were the sole inhabitants of +the hut, and of this lone, sea-girt island. A dreadful +feeling of desolation came over him, and he laid down +his head, and mourned bitterly. The red-browed +woman pitied him, and adopted him into her heart, in +place of the child she had lost. She brought him the +coarse garments of her dead son, and he was obliged +to put them on, for he had no other.</p> + +<p>His heart sunk within him, when on going out of +the door, he could see no roof save the one where he +had lodged. Some little rocky islands were in sight, +but none of them inhabited. He felt as if he was +alone in the world, and said, "This is the punishment<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_13" id="Page_13">[Pg 13]</a></span> +of my disobedience." Continually he was begging with +tears, to be taken to his home, and the men promised +"when we go so far again in the boat, we will carry +you." But their manners were so stern, that he began +to fear to urge them as much as he wished. So +every night, when he had retired to sleep, the woman +said to her husband, "We will keep him. He will be +contented. His beautiful blue eye is not so wild and +strained, as when you brought him. My heart yearns +towards him, as it did over the one that shall wake no +more."</p> + +<p>She took him with her to gather the rushes, with +which she platted mats and baskets, and showed him +where the solitary bittern made her nest, and how to +trace the swift steps of the heron, as with whirring +wing half spread it hasted through the marshes to the +sea. And she taught him to dig roots, which contain +the spirit of health, and to know the herbs that bring +sleep to the sick, and staunch the flowing blood: for +she trusted that in industry, and the simple knowledge +of nature, he would find content. At first, she brought +him wild flowers, but she perceived that they always +made him weep, for he had been accustomed to gather +them for his little Caroline. So she passed them by, +blooming in their wild recesses, and instructed him how +to climb the trees where the grape-vine hung its airy +clusters. And she gave him a choice bow and arrow, +ornamented with brilliant feathers, and encouraged him +to take aim at the birds that sang among the low +branches. But he shrank back at the thought of hurting +the warbler, and she said silently,</p> + +<p>"Surely, the babe of the white woman is not in spirit +like his red brother. He who sleeps in the grave was +happy when he bent the bow and followed his father +to the chase."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_14" id="Page_14">[Pg 14]</a></span></p> + +<p>Little Charles spent a part of each day in watching +the sails, as they glided along on the broad sea. For +a long time, he would stand as near the shore as +possible, and make signs, and shout, hoping they might +be induced to come and take him to his home. But +an object so diminutive, attracted no attention, and +the small island, with its neighbouring group of rocks, +looked so desolate, and the channel so obstructed and +dangerous, that vessels had no motive to approach it.</p> + +<p>When the chill of early autumn was in the air, the +Indian woman invited him to assist her in gathering +the golden ears of the maize, and in separating them +from their investing sheath. But he worked sorrowfully, +for he was ever thinking of his own dear home. +Once the men permitted him to accompany them, +when they went on a short fishing excursion; but he +wept and implored so violently to be taken to his +parents, that they frowned, and forbade him to go any +more in the boat. They told him, that twice or thrice +in the year they performed a long voyage, and went up +the river, to dispose of the articles of their manufacture +and purchase some necessary stores. They should go +when spring returned, and would then carry him to +his parents. So the poor little boy perceived that he +must try to be patient and quiet, through the long, +dreary winter, in an Indian hut. The red-browed +woman ever looked smilingly upon him, and spoke to +him with a sweet, fond tone. She wished him to call +her mother, and was always trying to promote his comfort. +After Charles had obtained the promise of her +husband and father, to take him home in the spring, +his mind was more at rest. He worked diligently as +his strength and skill would permit, on the baskets, +mats, and brooms, with which the boat was to be +freighted. He took pleasure in painting with the bright<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_15" id="Page_15">[Pg 15]</a></span> +colours which they obtained from plants, two baskets, +which were intended as presents for his mother and +Caroline.</p> + +<p>The Indian woman often entertained him with stories +of her ancestors. She spoke of their dexterity in the +chase, of their valour in battle. She described their +war-dances, and the feathery lightness of their canoes +upon the wave. She told of the gravity of their chiefs, +the eloquence of their orators, the respect of the young +men for those of hoary hairs. She related instances +of the firmness of their friendship, and the terror of +their revenge.</p> + +<p>"Once the whole land was theirs, said she, and no +white man dwelt in it, or had discovered it. Now, our +race are few and feeble, they are driven away and +perish. They leave their fathers' graves, and hide +among the forests. The forests fall before the axe of +the white man, and they are again driven out, we +know not where. No voice asks after them. They +fade away like a mist, and are forgotten."</p> + +<p>The little boy wept at the plaintive tone in which +she spoke of the sorrows of her people, and said, "<i>I</i> +will pity and love the Indians, as long as I live." +Sometimes, during the long storms of winter, he would +tell them of the Bible, in which he had loved to read, +and would repeat the hymns and chapters which he +had learned at the Sabbath school. And then he regretted +that he had not exerted himself to learn more +when it was in his power, and that he had ever grieved +his teachers. He found that these Indians were not +able to read, and said, "Oh that I had now but <i>one</i> of +those books, which I used to prize so little when I was +at home, and had so many." They listened attentively +to all that he said. Sometimes he told them what he +had learned of God, and added,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_16" id="Page_16">[Pg 16]</a></span></p> + +<p>"He is a good God, and a God of truth, but I displeased +him when I was disobedient to my parents."</p> + +<p>At length, Spring appeared. The heart of little +Charles leaped for joy, when he heard the sweet song +of the earliest bird. Every morning he rose early, and +went forth to see if the grass had not become greener +during the night. Every hour, he desired to remind +them of the long-treasured promise. But he saw that +the men looked grave if he was impatient, and the +brow of his Indian mother became each day more sad.</p> + +<p>The appointed period arrived. The boat was laden +with the products of their industry. All was ready +for departure. Charles wept when he was about to +take leave of his kind Indian nurse.</p> + +<p>"I will go also," said she; and they made room for +her in the boat. The bright sun was rising gloriously +in the east, as they left the desolate island. Through +the whole voyage she held the boy near her, or in her +arms, but spoke not. Birds were winging their way +over the blue sea, and, after they entered the river, +poured forth the clearest melodies from shore and tree, +but still she spoke not. There seemed a sorrow at her +breast, which made her lip tremble, yet her eye was +tearless. Charles refrained to utter the joy which +swelled in his bosom, for he saw she was unhappy. +He put his arm round her neck, and leaned his head +on her shoulder. As evening approached, they drew +near the spot, where she understood she must part +from him. Then Charles said eagerly to her,</p> + +<p>"Oh, go home with me to my father's house. Yes, +yes, come all of you with me, my dear, good people, +that all of us may thank you together for having saved +my life."</p> + +<p>"No," she answered sorrowfully: "I could not bear +to see thy mother fold thee in her arms, and to know<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_17" id="Page_17">[Pg 17]</a></span> +that thou wert mine no more. Since thou hast told +me of thy God, and that he listened to prayer, my +prayer has been lifted up to Him night and day, that +thy heart might find rest in an Indian home. But this +is over. Henceforth, my path and my soul are desolate. +Yet go thy way, to thy mother, that she may +have joy when she rises up in the morning, and at night +goes to rest."</p> + +<p>Her tears fell down like rain, as she embraced him, +and they lifted him upon the bank. And eager as he +was to meet his parents, and his beloved sister, he +lingered to watch the boat as it glided away. He saw +that she raised not her head, nor uncovered her face. +He remembered her long and true kindness, and asked +God to bless and reward her, as he hastened over the well +known space that divided him from his native village.</p> + +<p>His heart beat so thick as almost to suffocate him, +when he saw his father's roof. It was twilight, and +the trees where he used to gather apples, were in full +and fragrant bloom. Half breathless, he rushed in at +the door. His father was reading in the parlour, +and rose coldly to meet him. So changed was his +person, and dress, that he did not know his son. But +the mother shrieked. She knew the blue eye, that no +misery of garb could change. She sprang to embrace +him, and fainted. It was a keen anguish to him, that +his mother thus should suffer. Little Caroline clung +around his neck, and as he kissed her, he whispered +"Remember, God sees, and punishes the disobedient." +His pale mother lifted up her head, and drew him from +his father's arms, upon the bed, beside her. "Father, +Mother," said the delighted boy, "forgive me." They +both assured him of their love, and his father looking +upward said, "My God, I thank thee! for this my son +was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found."</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_18" id="Page_18">[Pg 18]</a></div> +<h1><a name="Childhoods_Piety" id="Childhoods_Piety"></a>Childhood's Piety.</h1> + +<p>If the meek faith that Jesus taught,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Admission fail to gain</span><br /> +Neath domes with wealth and splendour fraught,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Where dwell a haughty train,</span><br /> +<br /> +Turn to the humble hearth and see<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">The Mother's tender care,</span><br /> +Luring the nursling on her knee<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">To link the words of prayer:</span><br /> +<br /> +Or to the little bed, where kneels<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">The child with heaven-raised eye,</span><br /> +And all its guileless soul reveals<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">To Him who rules the sky;</span><br /> +<br /> +Where the young babe's first lispings keep<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">So bright the parents tear,</span><br /> +The "<i>Now, I lay me down to sleep</i>,"<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">That angels love to hear.</span></p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_19" id="Page_19">[Pg 19]</a></div> +<h1><a name="Frank_Ludlow" id="Frank_Ludlow"></a>Frank Ludlow.</h1> + + +<p>"It is time Frank and Edward were at home," +said Mrs. Ludlow. So she stirred and replenished the +fire, for it was a cold winter's evening.</p> + +<p>"Mother, you gave them liberty to stay and play +after school," said little Eliza.</p> + +<p>"Yes, my daughter, but the time is expired. I wish +my children to come home at the appointed time, as +well as to obey me in all other things. The stars are +already shining, and they are not allowed to stay out +so late."</p> + +<p>"Dear mother, I think I hear their voices now." +Little Eliza climbed into a chair, and drawing aside +the window-curtain, said joyfully, "O yes, they are +just coming into the piazza."</p> + +<p>Mrs. Ludlow told her to go to the kitchen, and see +that the bread was toasted nice and warm, for their +bowls of milk which had been some time ready.</p> + +<p>Frank and Edward Ludlow were fine boys, of +eleven and nine years old. They returned in high +spirits, from their sport on the frozen pond. They +hung up their skates in the proper place, and then +hastened to kiss their mother.</p> + +<p>"We have stayed longer at play than we ought, +my dear mother," said Edward.</p> + +<p>"You are nearly an hour beyond the time," said +Mrs. Ludlow.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_20" id="Page_20">[Pg 20]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Edward reminded me twice," said Frank, "that +we ought to go home. But O, it was such excellent +skating, that I could not help going round the pond +a few times more. We left all the boys there when +we came away. The next time, we will try to be as +true as the town-clock. And it is not Edward's fault +now, mother."</p> + +<p>"My sons, I always expect you to leave your +sports, at the time that I appoint. I know that you +do not intend to disobey, or to give me anxiety. But +you must take pains to be punctual. When you become +men, it will be of great importance that you +observe your engagements. Unless you perform what +is expected of you, at the proper time, people will +cease to have confidence in you."</p> + +<p>The boys promised to be punctual and obedient, +and their mother assured them, that they were not +often forgetful of these important duties.</p> + +<p>Eliza came in with the bread nicely toasted, for +their supper.</p> + +<p>"What a good little one, to be thinking of her +brothers, when they are away. Come, sweet sister, +sit between us."</p> + +<p>Eliza felt very happy, when her brothers each gave +her a kiss, and she looked up in their faces, with a +sweet smile.</p> + +<p>The evening meal was a pleasant one. The mother +and her children talked cheerfully together. Each +had some little agreeable circumstance to relate, and +they felt how happy it is for a family to live in love.</p> + +<p>After supper, books and maps were laid on the +table, and Mrs. Ludlow said,</p> + +<p>"Come boys, you go to school every day, and your +sister does not. It is but fair that you should teach +her something. First examine her in the lessons she<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_21" id="Page_21">[Pg 21]</a></span> +has learned with me, and then you may add some gift +of knowledge from your own store."</p> + +<p>So Frank overlooked her geography, and asked her +a few questions on the map; and Edward explained to +her a little arithmetic, and told a story from the history +of England, with which she was much pleased. Soon +she grew sleepy, and kissing her brothers, wished them +an affectionate good-night. Her mother went with +her, to see her laid comfortably in bed, and to hear +her repeat her evening hymns, and thank her Father +in heaven, for his care of her through the day.</p> + +<p>When Mrs. Ludlow returned to the parlour, she +found her sons busily employed in studying their +lessons for the following day. She sat down beside +them with her work, and when they now and then +looked up from their books, they saw that their +diligence was rewarded by her approving eye.</p> + +<p>When they had completed their studies, they replaced +the books which they had used, in the bookcase, +and drew their chairs nearer to the fire. The +kind mother joined them, with a basket of fruit, and +while they partook of it, they had the following conversation.</p> + +<p><i>Mrs. Ludlow.</i> "I should like to hear, my dear +boys, more of what you have learned to-day."</p> + +<p><i>Frank.</i> "I have been much pleased with a book +that I borrowed of one of the boys. Indeed, I have +hardly thought of any thing else. I must confess that +I put it inside of my geography, and read it while the +master thought I was studying."</p> + +<p><i>Mrs. Ludlow.</i> "I am truly sorry, Frank, that you +should be willing to deceive. What are called <i>boy's +tricks</i>, too often lead to falsehood, and end in disgrace. +On this occasion you cheated yourself also. You +lost the knowledge which you might have gained, for<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_22" id="Page_22">[Pg 22]</a></span> +the sake of what, I suppose, was only some book of +amusement."</p> + +<p><i>Frank.</i> "Mother, it was the life of Charles the +XII. of Sweden. You know that he was the bravest +soldier of his times. He beat the king of Denmark, +when he was only eighteen years old. Then he defeated +the Russians, at the battle of Narva, though +they had 80,000 soldiers, and he had not a quarter of +that number."</p> + +<p><i>Mrs. Ludlow.</i> "How did he die?"</p> + +<p><i>Frank.</i> "He went to make war in Norway. It +was a terribly severe winter, but he feared no hardship. +The cold was so great, that his sentinels were +often found frozen to death at their posts. He was +besieging a town called Frederickshall. It was about +the middle of December. He gave orders that they +should continue to work on the trenches, though the +feet of the soldiers were benumbed, and their hands +froze to the tools. He got up very early one morning, +to see if they were at their work. The stars +shone clear and bright on the snow that covered +every thing. Sometimes a firing was heard from the +enemy. But he was too courageous to mind that. +Suddenly, a cannon-shot struck him, and he fell. +When they took him up, his forehead was beat in, but +his right hand still strongly grasped the sword. +Mother, was not that dying like a brave man?"</p> + +<p><i>Mrs. Ludlow.</i> "I should think there was more of +rashness than bravery in thus exposing himself, for no +better reason. Do you not feel that it was cruel to +force his soldiers to such labours in that dreadful +climate, and to make war when it was not necessary? +The historians say that he undertook it, only +to fill up an interval of time, until he could be +prepared for his great campaign in Poland. So, to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_23" id="Page_23">[Pg 23]</a></span> +amuse his restless mind, he was willing to destroy his +own soldiers, willing to see even his most faithful friends +frozen every morning into statues. Edward, tell me +what you remember."</p> + +<p><i>Edward.</i> "My lesson in the history of Rome, was +the character of Antoninus Pius. He was one of the +best of the Roman Emperors. While he was young, he +paid great respect to the aged, and when he grew rich +he gave liberally to the poor. He greatly disliked war. +He said he had 'rather save the life of one subject, than +destroy a thousand enemies.' Rome was prosperous +and happy, under his government. He reigned 22 +years, and died, with many friends surrounding his bed, +at the age of 74."</p> + +<p><i>Mrs. Ludlow.</i> "Was he not beloved by the people +whom he ruled? I have read that they all mourned at +his death, as if they had lost a father. Was it not +better to be thus lamented, than to be remembered +only by the numbers he had slain, and the miseries he +had caused?"</p> + +<p><i>Frank.</i> "But mother, the glory of Charles the +XII. of Sweden, was certainly greater than that of a +quiet old man, who, I dare say, was afraid to fight. +Antoninus Pius was clever enough, but you cannot +deny that Alexander, and Cęsar, and Bonaparte, had +far greater talents. They will be called heroes and +praised, as long as the world stands."</p> + +<p><i>Mrs. Ludlow.</i> "My dear children, those talents +should be most admired, which produce the greatest +good. That fame is the highest, which best agrees with +our duty to God and man. Do not be dazzled by the +false glory that surrounds the hero. Consider it your +glory to live in peace, and to make others happy. Believe +me, when you come to your death-beds, and oh, +how soon will that be, for the longest life is short, it<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_24" id="Page_24">[Pg 24]</a></span> +will give you more comfort to reflect that you have +healed one broken heart, given one poor child the means +of education, or sent to one heathen the book of salvation, +than that you lifted your hand to destroy your +fellow-creatures, and wrung forth the tears of widows +and of orphans."</p> + +<p>The hour of rest had come, and the mother opened +the large family Bible, that they might together remember +and thank Him, who had preserved them +through the day. When Frank and Edward took leave +of her for the night, they were grieved to see that there +were tears in her eyes. They lingered by her side, +hoping she would tell them if any thing had troubled +her. But she only said, "My sons, my dear sons, before +you sleep, pray to God for a heart to love peace."</p> + +<p>After they had retired, Frank said to his brother,</p> + +<p>"I cannot feel that it is wrong to be a soldier. Was +not our father one? I shall never forget the fine stories +he used to tell me about battles, when I was almost a +baby. I remember that I used to climb up on his +knee, and put my face close to his. Then I used to +dream of prancing horses, and glittering swords, and +sounding trumpets, and wake up and wish I was a +soldier. Indeed, Edward, I wish so now. But I cannot +tell dear mother what is in my heart, for it would +grieve her."</p> + +<p>"No, no, don't tell her so, dear Frank, and pray, +never be a soldier. I have heard her say, that father's +ill health, and most of his troubles, came from the life +that he led in camps. He said on his death-bed, that +if he could live his youth over again, he would be a meek +follower of the Saviour, and not a man of blood."</p> + +<p>"Edward, our father was engaged in the war of the +Revolution, without which we should all have been +slaves. Do you pretend to say that it was not a holy war?"<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_25" id="Page_25">[Pg 25]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I pretend to say nothing, brother, only what the +Bible says, Render to no man evil for evil, but follow +after the things that make for peace."</p> + +<p>The boys had frequent conversations on the subject +of war and peace. Their opinions still continued to +differ. Their love for their mother, prevented their +holding these discourses often in her presence; for +they perceived that Frank's admiration of martial renown +gave her increased pain. She devoted her life +to the education and happiness of her children. She +secured for them every opportunity in her power, for +the acquisition of useful knowledge, and both by precept +and example urged them to add to their "knowledge, +temperance, and to temperance, brotherly kindness, and +to brotherly kindness, charity."</p> + +<p>This little family were models of kindness and affection +among themselves. Each strove to make the +others happy. Their fire-side was always cheerful, and +the summer evening walks which the mother took +with her children were sources both of delight and +improvement.</p> + +<p>Thus years passed away. The young saplings which +they had cherished grew up to be trees, and the boys +became men. The health of the kind and faithful +mother became feeble. At length, she visibly declined. +But she wore on her brow the same sweet smile which +had cheered their childhood.</p> + +<p>Eliza watched over her, night and day, with the +tenderest care. She was not willing that any other +hand should give the medicine, or smooth the pillow +of the sufferer. She remembered the love that had +nurtured her own childhood, and wished to perform +every office that grateful affection could dictate.</p> + +<p>Edward had completed his collegiate course, and was +studying at a distant seminary, to prepare himself for<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_26" id="Page_26">[Pg 26]</a></span> +the ministry. He had sustained a high character as +a scholar, and had early chosen his place among the +followers of the Redeemer. As often as was in his +power, he visited his beloved parent, during her long +sickness, and his letters full of fond regard, and pious +confidence, continually cheered her.</p> + +<p>Frank resided at home. He had chosen to pursue +the business of agriculture, and superintended their +small family estate. He had an affectionate heart, and +his attentions to his declining mother, were unceasing. +In her last moments he stood by her side. His spirit +was deeply smitten, as he supported his weeping sister, +at the bed of the dying. Pain had departed, and the +meek Christian patiently awaited the coming of her +Lord. She had given much council to her children, +and sent tender messages to the absent one. She seemed +to have done speaking. But while they were uncertain +whether she yet breathed, she raised her eyes once +more to her first-born, and said faintly, "My son, follow +peace with all men."</p> + +<p>These were her last words. They listened attentively, +but her voice was heard no more.</p> + +<p>Edward Ludlow was summoned to the funeral of +his beloved mother. After she was committed to the +dust, he remained a few days to mingle his sympathies +with his brother and sister. He knew how to comfort +them, out of the Scriptures, for therein was his hope, +in all time of his tribulation.</p> + +<p>Frank listened to all his admonitions, with a serious +countenance, and a sorrowful heart. He loved his +brother with great ardour, and to the mother for whom +they mourned, he had always been dutiful. Yet she +had felt painfully anxious for him to the last, because +he had not made choice of religion for his guide, and +secretly coveted the glory of the warrior.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_27" id="Page_27">[Pg 27]</a></span></p> + +<p>After he became the head of the household, he +continued to take the kindest care of his sister, who +prudently managed all his affairs, until his marriage. +The companion whom he chose was a most amiable +young woman, whose society and friendship greatly +cheered the heart of Eliza. There seemed to be not a +shadow over the happiness of that small and loving +family.</p> + +<p>But in little more than a year after Frank's marriage, +the second war between this country and Great Britain +commenced. Eliza trembled as she saw him possessing +himself of all its details, and neglecting his business +to gather and relate every rumour of war. Still she +relied on his affection for his wife, to retain him at home. +She could not understand the depth and force of the +passion that prompted him to be a soldier.</p> + +<p>At length he rashly enlisted. It was a sad night for +that affectionate family, when he informed them that +he must leave them and join the army. His young +wife felt it the more deeply, because she had but +recently buried a new-born babe. He comforted her +as well as he could. He assured her that his regiment +would not probably be stationed at any great distance, +that he would come home as often as possible, and that +she should constantly receive letters from him. He +told her that she could not imagine how restless and +miserable he had been in his mind, ever since war was +declared. He could not bear to have his country insulted, +and take no part in her defence. Now, he said, +he should again feel a quiet conscience, because he +had done his duty, that the war would undoubtedly +soon be terminated, and then he should return home, +and they would all be happy together. He hinted at +the promotion which courage might win, but such +ambition had no part in his wife's gentler nature. He<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_28" id="Page_28">[Pg 28]</a></span> +begged her not to distress him by her lamentations, +but to let him go away with a strong heart, like a hero.</p> + +<p>When his wife and sister found that there was no +alternative, they endeavoured to comply with his request, +and to part with him as calmly as possible. So Frank +Ludlow went to be a soldier. He was twenty-five +years old, a tall, handsome, and healthful young man. +At the regimental trainings in his native town, he had +often been told how well he looked in a military dress. +This had flattered his vanity. He loved martial music, +and thought he should never be tired of serving his +country.</p> + +<p>But a life in camps has many evils, of which those who +dwell at home are entirely ignorant. Frank Ludlow +scorned to complain of hardships, and bore fatigue and +privation, as well as the best. He was undoubtedly a +brave man, and never seemed in higher spirits, than +when preparing for battle.</p> + +<p>When a few months had past, the novelty of his +situation wore off. There were many times in which +he thought of his quiet home, and his dear wife and +sister, until his heart was heavy in his bosom. He longed +to see them, but leave of absence could not be obtained. +He felt so unhappy, that he thought he could not +endure it, and, always moved more by impulse than +principle, absconded to visit them.</p> + +<p>When he returned to the regiment, it was to be +disgraced for disobedience. Thus humbled before his +comrades, he felt indignant and disgusted. He knew +it was according to the rules of war, but he hoped that +<i>he</i> might have been excused.</p> + +<p>Some time after, a letter from home informed him +of the birth of an infant. His feelings as a father +were strong, and he yearned to see it. He attempted +to obtain a furlough, but in vain. He was determined<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_29" id="Page_29">[Pg 29]</a></span> +to go, and so departed without leave. On the second +day of his journey, when at no great distance from the +house, he was taken, and brought back as a deserter.</p> + +<p>The punishment that followed, made him loathe war, +in all its forms. He had seen it at a distance, in its +garb of glory, and worshipped the splendour that encircles +the hero. But he had not taken into view the +miseries of the private soldier, nor believed that the +cup of glory was for others, and the dregs of bitterness +for him. The patriotism of which he had boasted, +vanished like a shadow, in the hour of trial; for ambition, +and not principle, had induced him to become a +soldier.</p> + +<p>His state of mind rendered him an object of compassion. +The strains of martial music, which he once +admired, were discordant to his ear. His daily duties +became irksome to him. He shunned conversation, +and thought continually of his sweet, forsaken home, +of the admonitions of his departed mother, and the +disappointment of all his gilded hopes.</p> + +<p>The regiment to which he was attached, was ordered +to a distant part of the country. It was an additional +affliction to be so widely separated from the objects of +his love. In utter desperation he again deserted.</p> + +<p>He was greatly fatigued, when he came in sight of +his home. Its green trees, and the fair fields which he +so oft had tilled, smiled as an Eden upon him. But +he entered, as a lost spirit. His wife and sister wept +with joy, as they embraced him, and put his infant son +into his arms. Its smiles and caresses woke him to +agony, for he knew he must soon take his leave of it, +perhaps for ever.</p> + +<p>He mentioned that his furlough would expire in a +few days, and that he had some hopes when winter +came of obtaining a substitute, and then they would<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_30" id="Page_30">[Pg 30]</a></span> +be parted no more. He strove to appear cheerful, but +his wife and sister saw that there was a weight upon +his spirit, and a cloud on his brow, which they had +never perceived before. He started at every sudden +sound, for he feared that he should be sought for in +his own house, and taken back to the army.</p> + +<p>When he dared no longer remain, he tore himself +away, but not, as his family supposed, to return to his +duty. Disguising himself, he travelled rapidly in a +different direction, resolving to conceal himself in the +far west, or if necessary, to fly his country, rather than +rejoin the army.</p> + +<p>But in spite of every precaution, he was recognized +by a party of soldiers, who carried him back to his +regiment, having been three times a deserter. He was +bound, and taken to the guard-house, where a court-martial +convened, to try his offence.</p> + +<p>It was now the summer of 1814. The morning sun +shone forth brightly upon rock, and hill, and stream. +But the quiet beauty of the rural landscape was vexed +by the bustle and glare of a military encampment. +Tent and barrack rose up among the verdure, and the +shrill, spirit-stirring bugle echoed through the deep +valley.</p> + +<p>On the day of which we speak, the music seemed +strangely subdued and solemn. Muffled drums, and +wind instruments mournfully playing, announced the +slow march of a procession. A pinioned prisoner came +forth from his confinement. A coffin of rough boards +was borne before him. By his side walked the chaplain, +who had laboured to prepare his soul for its +extremity, and went with him as a pitying and sustaining +spirit, to the last verge of life.</p> + +<p>The sentenced man wore a long white mantle, like a +winding-sheet. On his head was a cap of the same<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_31" id="Page_31">[Pg 31]</a></span> +colour, bordered with black. Behind him, several +prisoners walked, two and two. They had been confined +for various offences, and a part of their punishment was +to stand by, and witness the fate of their comrade. A +strong guard of soldiers, marched in order, with loaded +muskets, and fixed bayonets.</p> + +<p>Such was the sad spectacle on that cloudless morning: +a man in full strength and beauty, clad in burial garments, +and walking onward to his grave. The procession +halted at a broad open field. A mound of earth freshly +thrown up in its centre, marked the yawning and untimely +grave. Beyond it, many hundred men, drawn up +in the form of a hollow square, stood in solemn silence.</p> + +<p>The voice of the officer of the day, now and then +heard, giving brief orders, or marshalling the soldiers, +was low, and varied by feeling. In the line, but not +yet called forth, were eight men, drawn by lot as executioners. +They stood motionless, revolting from their +office, but not daring to disobey.</p> + +<p>Between the coffin and the pit, he whose moments +were numbered, was directed to stand. His noble forehead, +and quivering lips were alike pale. Yet in his +deportment there was a struggle for fortitude, like one +who had resolved to meet death unmoved.</p> + +<p>"May I speak to the soldiers?" he said. It was the +voice of Frank Ludlow. Permission was given, and he +spoke something of warning against desertion, and +something, in deep bitterness, against the spirit of war. +But his tones were so hurried and agitated, that their +import could scarcely be gathered.</p> + +<p>The eye of the commanding officer was fixed on the +watch which he held in his hand. "The time has come," +he said, "Kneel upon your coffin."</p> + +<p>The cap was drawn over the eyes of the miserable +man. He murmured, with a stifled sob, "God, I thank<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_32" id="Page_32">[Pg 32]</a></span> +thee, that my dear ones cannot see this." Then from +the bottom of his soul, burst forth a cry,</p> + +<p>"O mother! mother! had I but believed"—</p> + +<p>Ere the sentence was finished, a sword glittered in +the sunbeam. It was the death-signal. Eight soldiers +advanced from the ranks. There was a sharp report +of arms. A shriek of piercing anguish. One convulsive +leap. And then a dead man lay between his coffin +and his grave.</p> + +<p>There was a shuddering silence. Afterwards, the +whole line was directed to march by the lifeless body, +that every one might for himself see the punishment +of a deserter.</p> + +<p>Suddenly, there was some confusion; and all eyes turned +towards a horseman, approaching at breathless speed. +Alighting, he attempted to raise the dead man, who +had fallen with his face downward. Gazing earnestly +upon the rigid features, he clasped the mangled and +bleeding bosom to his own. Even the sternest veteran +was moved, at the heart-rending cry of "<i>Brother! O +my brother!</i>"</p> + +<p>No one disturbed the bitter grief which the living +poured forth in broken sentences over the dead.</p> + +<p>"Gone to thine account! Gone to thine everlasting +account! Is it indeed thy heart's blood, that trickles +warmly upon me? My brother, would that I might +have been with thee in thy dreary prison. Would +that we might have breathed together one more prayer, +that I might have seen thee look unto Jesus of +Nazareth."</p> + +<p>Rising up from the corpse, and turning to the commanding +officer, he spoke through his tears, with a +tremulous, yet sweet-toned voice.</p> + +<p>"And what was the crime, for which my brother +was condemned to this death? There beats no more<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_33" id="Page_33">[Pg 33]</a></span> +loyal heart in the bosom of any of these men, who do +the bidding of their country. His greatest fault, the +source of all his misery, was the love of war. In the +bright days of his boyhood, he said he would be content +to die on the field of battle. See, you have taken +away his life, in cold blood, among his own people, and +no eye hath pitied him."</p> + +<p>The commandant stated briefly and calmly, that +desertion thrice repeated was death, that the trial of +his brother had been impartial, and the sentence just. +Something too, he added, about the necessity of enforcing +military discipline, and the exceeding danger of +remissness in a point like this.</p> + +<p>"If he must die, why was it hidden from those whose +life was bound up in his? Why were they left to learn +from the idle voice of rumour, this death-blow to their +happiness? If they might not have gained his pardon +from an earthly tribunal, they would have been comforted +by knowing that he sought that mercy from above, +which hath no limit. Fearful power have ye, indeed, +to kill the body, but why need you put the never-dying +soul in jeopardy? There are those, to whom the moving +of the lips that you have silenced, would have been +most dear, though their only word had been to say +farewell. There are those, to whom the glance of that +eye, which you have sealed in blood, was like the clear +shining of the sun after rain. The wife of his bosom +would have thanked you, might she but have sat with +him on the floor of his prison, and his infant son would +have played with his fettered hands, and lighted up +his dark soul with one more smile of innocence. The +sister, to whom he has been as a father, would have +soothed his despairing spirit, with the hymn which in +infancy, she sang nightly with him, at their blessed +mother's knee. Nor would his only brother thus have<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_34" id="Page_34">[Pg 34]</a></span> +mourned, might he but have poured the consolations +of the Gospel, once more upon that stricken wanderer, +and treasured up one tear of penitence."</p> + +<p>A burst of grief overpowered him. The officer with +kindness assured him, that it was no fault of theirs, +that the family of his brother was not apprized of his +situation. That he strenuously desired no tidings might +be conveyed to them, saying that the sight of their +sorrow would be more dreadful to him than his doom. +During the brief interval between his sentence and execution, +he had the devoted services of a holy man, to +prepare him for the final hour.</p> + +<p>Edward Ludlow composed himself to listen to every +word. The shock of surprise, with its tempest of tears, +had past. As he stood with uncovered brow, the +bright locks clustering around his noble forehead, it +was seen how strongly he resembled his fallen brother, +ere care and sorrow had clouded his manly beauty. +For a moment, his eyes were raised upward, and his +lips moved. Pious hearts felt that he was asking +strength from above, to rule his emotions, and to attain +that submission, which as a teacher of religion he +enforced on others.</p> + +<p>Turning meekly towards the commanding officer, he +asked for the body of the dead, that it might be borne +once more to the desolate home of his birth, and buried +by the side of his father and his mother. The request +was granted with sympathy.</p> + +<p>He addressed himself to the services connected with +the removal of the body, as one who bows himself +down to bear the will of the Almighty. And as he +raised the bleeding corpse of his beloved brother in +his arms, he said, "O war! war! whose tender mercies +are cruel, what <i>enmity</i> is so fearful to the soul, as +<i>friendship</i> with thee."</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_35" id="Page_35">[Pg 35]</a></div> +<h1><a name="Victory" id="Victory"></a>Victory.</h1> + +<p>Waft not to me the blast of fame,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">That swells the trump of victory,</span><br /> +For to my ear it gives the name<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Of slaughter, and of misery.</span><br /> +<br /> +Boast not so much of honour's sword,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Wave not so high the victor's plume,</span><br /> +They point me to the bosom gor'd,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">They point me to the blood-stained tomb.</span><br /> +<br /> +The boastful shout, the revel loud,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">That strive to drown the voice of pain,</span><br /> +What are they but the fickle crowd<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Rejoicing o'er their brethren slain?</span><br /> +<br /> +And, ah! through glory's fading blaze,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">I see the cottage taper, pale,</span><br /> +Which sheds its faint and feeble rays,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Where unprotected orphans wail:</span><br /> +<br /> +Where the sad widow weeping stands,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">As if her day of hope was done;</span><br /> +Where the wild mother clasps her hands<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">And asks the victor for her son:</span><br /> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36">[Pg 36]</a></span><br /> +Where the lone maid in secret sighs<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">O'er the lost solace of her heart,</span><br /> +As prostrate in despair she lies,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">And feels her tortur'd life depart:</span><br /> +<br /> +Where midst that desolated land,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">The sire, lamenting o'er his son,</span><br /> +Extends his pale and powerless hand,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">And finds its only prop is gone.</span><br /> +<br /> +See, how the bands of war and woe<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Have rifled sweet domestic bliss;</span><br /> +And tell me if your laurels grow<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">And flourish in a soil like this?</span></p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_37" id="Page_37">[Pg 37]</a></div> +<h1><a name="Silent_People" id="Silent_People"></a>Silent People.</h1> + +<p>It was supposed in ancient times, that those who +were deprived of hearing and speech, were shut out +from knowledge. The ear was considered as the only +avenue to the mind. One of the early classic poets +has said.</p> + +<p> +"To instruct the deaf, no art could ever reach,<br /> +No care improve them, and no wisdom teach."<br /> +</p> + +<p>But the benevolence of our own days has achieved +this difficult work. Asylums for the education of mute +children are multiplying among us, and men of talents +and learning labour to discover the best modes of adding +to their dialect of pantomime the power of written +language. The neighbourhood of one of these Institutions +has furnished the opportunity of knowing the +progress of many interesting pupils of that class. Their +ideas, especially on religious subjects, are generally very +confused at their arrival there, even when much care +has been bestowed upon them at home.</p> + +<p>A little deaf and dumb boy, who had the misfortune +early to lose his father, received tender care and love +from his mother and a younger sister, with whom it +was his chief delight to play, from morning till night. +After a few years, the village where they resided was +visited with a dangerous fever, and this family all lay +sick at the same time. The mother and daughter died,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_38" id="Page_38">[Pg 38]</a></span> +but the poor little deaf and dumb orphan recovered. +He had an aged grandmother who took him to her home, +and seemed to love him better for his infirmities. She +fed him carefully, and laid him in his bed with tenderness; +and in her lonely situation, he was all the world to +her. Every day she laboured to understand his signs, and +to communicate some new idea to his imprisoned mind. +She endeavoured to instruct him that there was a Great +Being, who caused the sun to shine, and the grass to +grow; who sent forth the lightning and the rain, and +was the Maker of man and beast. She taught him the +three letters G O and D; and when he saw in a book +this name of the Almighty, he was accustomed to bow +down his head with the deepest reverence. But when +she sought to inform him that he had a soul, accountable, +and immortal when the body died, she was grieved +that he seemed not to comprehend her. The little +silent boy loved his kind grandmother, and would sit +for hours looking earnestly in her wrinkled face, smiling, +and endeavouring to sustain the conversation. He was +anxious to perform any service for her that might testify +his affection; he would fly to pick up her knitting-bag +or her snuff-box when they fell, and traverse the +neighbouring meadows and woods, to gather such +flowers and plants as pleased her. Yet he was sometimes +pensive and wept; she knew not why. She supposed +he might be grieving for the relatives he had +lost, and redoubled her marks of tenderness. She often +perused with great interest, accounts of the intelligence +and happiness of the deaf and dumb, who enjoy a +system of education, adapted to their necessities, and +thought if any thing could separate her from her beloved +charge, it would be that he might share such an +inestimable privilege.</p> + +<p>At length, the eyes of this benevolent lady grew<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_39" id="Page_39">[Pg 39]</a></span> +dim through age, and when the little suppliant, by his +dialect of gestures, besought her attention, she was unable +to distinguish the movements of his hands, or +scarcely the form of his features. It was then her +earnest request that he might be placed at the American +Asylum in Hartford, for the education of the deaf +and dumb. There, when his first regrets at separation +had subsided, he began to make rapid improvement. +He became attached to his companions and teachers, +and both in his studies and sports, was happy. When +he had nearly completed the period allotted for a full +course of instruction, a conversation like the following +took place one evening, between him and a preceptor +whom he loved:</p> + +<p>"I have frequently desired to ask what were some of +your opinions, before you became a pupil in this Institution. +What, for instance, were your ideas of the +sun and moon?"</p> + +<p>"I supposed that the sun was a king and a warrior, +who ruled over, and slew the people, as he pleased. +When I saw brightness in the west, at closing day, I +thought it was the flame and smoke of cities which he +had destroyed in his wrath. The moon, I much disliked. +I considered her prying and officious, because +she looked into my chamber when I wished to sleep. +One evening, I walked in the garden, and the half-moon +seemed to follow me. I sought the shade of +some large trees, but found she was there before me. +I turned to go into the house, and advised her not to +come, because I hated her. But when I lay down in +my bed, she was there. I arose and closed the blinds. +Still there were crevices through which she peeped. +I bade her <i>go away</i>, and wept with passion, because +she disregarded my wishes. I suspected that she gazed +at me, more than at others, because I was deaf and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_40" id="Page_40">[Pg 40]</a></span> +dumb, and that she would tell strangers of it, for I +felt ashamed of being different from other children."</p> + +<p>"What did you think of the stars?"</p> + +<p>"They were more agreeable to me. I imagined +that they were fair and well-dressed ladies, who gave +brilliant parties in the sky; and that they sometimes +rode for amusement, on beautiful horses, carrying large +candles in their hands."</p> + +<p>"Had you any conception of death?"</p> + +<p>"When my little sister died, I wondered why she +lay still so long. I thought she was lazy to be sleeping +when the sun had arisen. I gathered violets, and +threw them in her face, and said in my dialect of signs, +"Wake up; wake up!" And I was displeased at her, +and went so far as to say, "What a fool you are!" +when she permitted them to put her in a box, and carry +her away, instead of getting up to play with me.</p> + +<p>"Afterwards, when my mother died, they told me +repeatedly, that she was <i>dead, dead</i>; and tried to explain +to me what death meant. But I was distressed +when I asked her for bread, that she did not give it to +me; and when she was buried, I went every day where +they had laid her, waiting, and expecting that she +would rise. Sometimes I grew impatient, and rolled +upon the turf that covered her, striking my forehead +against it, weeping and saying, "Mother, get up! get +up! why do you sleep there so long with the child? I +am sick, and hungry, and alone. Oh, Mother! mother! +get up!" When I was taken to my grandmother's +house, I could no longer visit the grave, and it +grieved me; for I believed if I continued to go and +cry there, she would at length hear me and come +up."</p> + +<p>"I know that more pains were taken to instil religious +principles into your mind, than are commonly<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41">[Pg 41]</a></span> +bestowed upon the deaf and dumb. Will you tell me +what was your opinion of the Supreme Being?"</p> + +<p>"My kind grandmother laboured without ceasing, to +impress me with reverence for the Almighty. Through +her efforts I obtained some idea of the power and goodness +which are visible in creation; but of <span class="smcap">Him</span>, who +wrought in the storm and in the sunshine, I was doubtful +whether it were a strong man, a huge animal, or a +vast machine. I was in all the ignorance of heathen +sin, until by patient attendance on your judicious course +of instruction, knowledge entered into my soul."</p> + +<p>He then expressed to his teacher, the gratitude he +felt for the blessings of education, and affectionately +wishing him a good night, retired to repose.</p> + +<p>Instances of the development of kind affections and +religious hopes, are often touchingly displayed among +the children who share in the privation of hearing and +speech. This was peculiarly the case with two little +silent sisters, beautiful in person and of gentle dispositions. +Their names were Phebe and Frances Hammond. +The eldest was a very fair, interesting child. +She was deaf and dumb from her birth, but from infancy +showed quick perceptions and a lively attention +to every object that passed before the eye. She seemed +perfectly happy, when the little sister, two and a half +years younger, and like herself mute, was old enough +to play with her. She would lead her with the greatest +gentleness, keeping watch lest she should get hurt, +with a tender, continual care. When they were permitted +to amuse themselves out of doors, if she saw +any thing approaching which she feared, she thought not +of herself, but encircled the little one in her arms, and +by cries sought for her relief and protection. If they +wished to climb a fence, she would proceed at first, +alone, trying every part, to be sure of its safety, ere she<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_42" id="Page_42">[Pg 42]</a></span> +returned to aid her darling sister, keeping a firm +hold on her as she ascended, and jumping over on the +other side, to extend her little arm and lift her +tenderly down. It was a touching sight, to view +these silent children, at their healthful sports upon the +smooth green lawn, or beneath the shade of spreading +trees, supplying as it were, the deficiency of Nature, by +an increased exercise of the sweetest, most sustaining +affections.</p> + +<p>Ere long, they expressed their desire to attend school, +that they might "learn to do, like other children." +Here they were very diligent, and by great attention +from the instructress were taught to sew, to write, and +to spell many words. Visitants of the school expressed +surprise at the neatness of their needle-work, and +chirography.</p> + +<p>When they were brought by their father, from their +home in Massachusetts, to the Asylum for the deaf and +dumb, in Hartford, Phebe was ten, and Frances seven +and a half years old. There was at that time a regulation +in force, that no pupil under the age of ten years, +could be received, being supposed unable to derive full +benefit from their system of instruction.</p> + +<p>Yet these little silent sisters, who had been together +night and day, whose features and garb were the same, +the smile or the sadness of one face being suddenly +reflected on the other, as if but one soul animated two +bodies, how could they be parted? The idea of a +separate existence, a divided pleasure, had never entered +their minds. Now, they gazed on each other with an +expression of the deepest anguish. They folded each +other in their arms. No power of speech was so eloquent +as their imploring looks. The law relaxed its +prohibition in their case. They were permitted to remain +together.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_43" id="Page_43">[Pg 43]</a></span></p> + +<p>Phebe took her seat immediately among the one +hundred and forty pupils, forgetting in her desire to +learn, the embarrassment of a stranger. Little Frances +was more diffident, and clung to her as to a mother, +never for a moment disappointed in finding the tenderest +sympathy and love. Soon they became cheerful and +happy. Their affectionate hearts were open to every +innocent pleasure. Though the youngest in school, +they were so docile and industrious as to obtain a rank +among the best scholars; and when the lessons of each +day were over, they comforted themselves with their +sweet, sisterly love. If one received the simplest gift, +it was instantly shared; if it could not be divided it +was considered as the property of both.</p> + +<p>Phebe taught the little one to keep her clothes without +spot or stain, and to put every article in its proper +place. She led her by the hand wherever she went, +and if there was a tear on her cheek she kissed it away. +Little Frances looked up to her, with the most endearing +and perfect confidence. When they went home, at +the vacations in spring and autumn, the affectionate +deportment of these beautiful mute children, and their +progress in the dialect of signs, as well as in written +speech, was admired by all. After they had enjoyed +the benefit of instruction somewhat more than two +years, Phebe was observed to have a slight cough, and +being taken ill, was obliged to return to her parents. +Symptoms of consumption were too plainly revealed to +be mistaken. As she became more emaciated and +feeble, she desired to be carried every day at a certain +hour, into an unoccupied room, and left for a while, by +herself. On being asked why she wished this, she +answered that she might better lift up her thoughts to +Him who heareth prayer.</p> + +<p>"In heaven," she said, "there are babes, and children,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_44" id="Page_44">[Pg 44]</a></span> +and persons of every age. I think I have seen this in +my mind, in a bright dream. I am so weak, I shall +die. I pray that I may go to heaven. Oh! I wish +Frances to love God. She is my good sister."</p> + +<p>She was asked if it was her wish to live and be restored +to health. She replied,</p> + +<p>"No, I would see Jesus."</p> + +<p>So, in quietness and peace, the voiceless spirit of the +loving child departed, to rejoice, we trust, amid the +melodies of heaven. Sweet, sisterly affection seemed +to have been her principal solace, here below. And if +it was capable of imparting such happiness to these +deaf mutes, surely the children who are blessed with +hearing and speech, might still more fully enjoy, and +exemplify it. All who have brothers and sisters should +perform their duty tenderly towards them, with constant +gratitude to Him who has vouchsafed them the comfort +of such relations.</p> + +<p>Any little departure from kindness, will cause painful +remembrances in a time of bereavement. A boy +was seen often at the grave of a brother, younger than +himself. He hid his face upon the grassy mound and +wept bitterly. A friend who once saw him there, said, +"How much you loved your brother." But he replied +through his tears, "My grief is because I did not love +him more."</p> + +<p>We have spoken of silent people. I can tell you of +one who suffers a still heavier calamity. At the same +Institution for the deaf and dumb, is a girl, to whom +noonday and midnight are the same, who takes no +pleasure in the summer landscape or the fair changes +of nature, hears not the sound of brooks bursting loose +in spring, nor the song of birds, nor the laughter of the +young child, neither looks upon the face of mother or +of friend. She is not only deaf and dumb, but blind.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_45" id="Page_45">[Pg 45]</a></span> +Her name is Julia Brace. Her earliest years were +spent in the home of her parents, who were poor, and +had several younger children. Of all their movements +she was observant, as far as her state would allow; and +when the weather was cold, would sometimes kneel on +the floor of their humble dwelling, to feel if their little +feet were naked as well as her own. If she ascertained +that others, and not herself, were furnished with shoes +and stockings, she would express uneasiness at the contrast. +Her perception, with regard to articles of dress, +was more accurate than could have been expected, and +when any gifts were presented her, soon ascertained +and preferred those which were of the most delicate +texture. Seated on her little block, weaving thin strips +of bark with bits of leather, which her father who was +a shoemaker threw away, she constructed for her cat, +strange bonnets, or other ornaments, equally rude, and +yet not wholly discordant with the principles of taste.</p> + +<p>Sometimes, when the mother went out to a day's +work of washing, she left Julia, notwithstanding her +peculiar helplessness, with the care of the younger +children. On such occasions, she evinced more of +maternal solicitude, and even of skill in domestic legislation +than could have been rationally expected.</p> + +<p>Once, when a dish had been broken, she imitated +what she supposed might be her mother's discipline, and +shook the little careless offender with some force. Then +placing her hand upon its eyes, and discovering that +it wept, and considering the act of discipline complete, +she hastened to take it in her arms and press it to her +bosom, and by preserving tenderness, soothe it into +good-humour and confidence.</p> + +<p>While yet a child, her parents were relieved from +the expense of her maintenance, by some charitable +ladies, who placed her in the family of an elderly matron<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_46" id="Page_46">[Pg 46]</a></span> +who kept a small day-school. Her curiosity was now +called forth into great activity, to search out the employments +of the scholars, and try to imitate them. She +observed that much of their time was occupied with +books. So she held a book long before her own sightless +eyes. But no knowledge visited her imprisoned +mind. Then, she held an open book before the face +of her favourite kitten, feeling its mouth at the same +time, and perceiving that its lips did not move, shook +its shoulder and rapped its ear, to quicken its imitation +of the studious children.</p> + +<p>Trifling as these circumstances are in themselves, +they show perception, and perseverance, struggling +against the barriers that Nature had interposed. +Needle-work and knitting had been taught her, and +from these employments she drew her principal +solace. With these she would busy herself for hours, +until it became necessary to prompt her to the exercise +that health required. Counterpanes, patiently constructed +by her, of small pieces of calico, were sold to +aid in supplying her wardrobe, and specimens of her +work were distributed by her patrons, to prove of +what nicety and industry the poor, blind, and silent +girl was capable.</p> + +<p>It was sometimes an amusement to her visitants to +give into her hand their watches, and test a peculiar +sagacity which she possessed, in restoring each to its +owner. Though their position with regard to her, or +to each other, was frequently and studiously varied, +and though she might hold at the same time, two or +three watches, neither stratagem nor persuasion could +induce her to yield either, except to the person from +whom she received it. This tenacity of principle, to +give every one his own, might be resolved into that +moral honesty which has ever formed a conspicuous<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_47" id="Page_47">[Pg 47]</a></span> +part of her character. Though nurtured in poverty, +and after her removal from the parental roof, in the +constant habit of being in contact with articles of dress +or food which strongly tempted her desires, she has +never been known to appropriate to herself, without +permission, the most trifling object. In a well-educated +child, this might be no remarkable virtue; +but in one, whose sealed ear can receive no explanation +of the rights of property, and whose perfect +blindness must often render it difficult even to define +them, the incorruptible firmness of this innate principle +is truly laudable. There is also connected with +it a delicacy of feeling, or scrupulousness of conscience, +which renders it necessary, in presenting her +any gift, to assure her repeatedly, by a sign which she +understands, that it is <i>for her</i>, ere she will consent to +accept it.</p> + +<p>After her admission into the Asylum for the deaf +and dumb, in Hartford, her native place, efforts were +made by one of the benevolent instructors in that +Institution to teach her the alphabet. For this purpose +raised letters, as well as those indented beneath a +smooth surface, were put in requisition. Punctually +she repaired to the school-room, with the seeing +pupils, and spent hour after hour in imitating with +pins upon a cushion, the forms of each separate letter. +But all in vain. However accurate her delineations +might sometimes be, they conveyed no idea to the +mind, sitting in thick darkness. It was therefore +deemed best that it should pursue those occupations +which more immediately ministered to its comfort +and satisfaction.</p> + +<p>It has been observed that persons who are deprived +any one sense, have additional vigour infused into +those that remain. Thus blind persons are distinguished<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_48" id="Page_48">[Pg 48]</a></span> +by exquisite delicacy of touch, and the deaf and dumb +concentrate their whole souls in the eye, their only +avenue to knowledge. But with her, whose ear, eye, +and tongue, are alike dead to action, the power of the +olfactory organs is so heightened, as almost to form a +new and peculiar sense. It almost transcends the +sagacity of the spaniel.</p> + +<p>As the abodes which from her earliest recollection +she had inhabited, were circumscribed and humble, it +was supposed that at her first reception into the Asylum, +she might testify surprise. But she immediately busied +herself in quietly exploring the size of the apartments, +and smelled at the thresholds, and then, as if by the +union of a mysterious geometry with a powerful memory, +never made a false step upon a flight of stairs, or +entered a wrong door, or mistook her seat at the table. +At the tea-table with the whole family, on sending her +cup to be replenished, if one is accidentally returned +to her, which has been used by another person, she +perceives it in a moment, and pushes it from her with +some slight appearance of disgust, as if her sense of +propriety had been invaded. There is not the +slightest difference in the cups, and in this instance +she seems endowed by a sense of penetration not +possessed by those in the full enjoyment of sight.</p> + +<p>Among her various excellencies, neatness and love +of order are conspicuous. Her simple wardrobe is +systematically arranged, and it is impossible to displace +a single article in her drawers, without her perceiving +and reinstating it. When the large baskets of +clean linen are weekly brought from the laundress, +she selects her own garments without hesitation, however +widely they may be dispersed among the mass. +If any part of her dress requires mending, she is +prompt and skilful in repairing it, and her perseverance<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_49" id="Page_49">[Pg 49]</a></span> +in this branch of economy greatly diminishes the +expense of her clothing.</p> + +<p>The donations of charitable visitants are deposited +in a box with an inscription, and she has been made +to understand that the contents are devoted to her +benefit. This box she frequently poises in her hand, +and expresses pleasure when it testifies an increase of +weight, for she has long since ascertained that money +is the medium for the supply of her wants, and +attaches to it a proportionable value.</p> + +<p>Though her habits are perfectly regular and consistent, +yet occasionally, some action occurs which it is +difficult to explain. One summer morning, while +employed with her needle, she found herself incommoded +by the warmth of the sun. She arose, opened +the window, closed the blinds, and again resumed her +work. This movement, though perfectly simple in a +young child, who had seen it performed by others, +must in her case have required a more complex train +of reasoning. How did she know that the heat which +she felt was caused by the sun, or that by interposing +an opaque body she might exclude his rays?</p> + +<p>Persons most intimately acquainted with her habits +assert, that she constantly regards the recurrence of +the Sabbath, and composes herself to a deeper quietness +of meditation. Her needle-work, from which she +will not consent to be debarred on other days, she +never attempts to resort to, and this wholly without +influence from those around her. Who can have impressed +upon her benighted mind the sacredness of +that day? and by what art does she, who is ignorant +of all numerical calculation, compute without error +the period of its rotation? A philosopher who +should make this mysterious being his study, might +find much to astonish him, and perhaps something<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_50" id="Page_50">[Pg 50]</a></span> +to throw light upon the structure of the human +mind.</p> + +<p>Before her entrance at the Asylum, it was one of her +sources of satisfaction to be permitted to lay her hand +upon the persons who visited her, and thus to scrutinize +with some minuteness, their features, or the nature of +their apparel. It seemed to constitute one mode of +intercourse with her fellow-beings, which was soothing +to her lonely heart, and sometimes gave rise to degrees +of admiration or dislike, not always to be accounted for +by those whose judgment rested upon the combined +evidence of all their senses. But since her removal to +this noble institution, where the visits of strangers are +so numerous as to cease to be a novelty, she has discontinued +this species of attention, and is not pleased +with any long interruption to her established system of +industry.</p> + +<p>The genial influences of spring wake her lone +heart to gladness, and she gathers the first flowers, +and even the young blades of grass, and inhales their +freshness with a delight bordering on transport. +Sometimes, when apparently in deep thought, she is +observed to burst into laughter, as if her associations +of ideas were favourable, not only to cheerfulness, but +to mirth. The society of the female pupils at the +Asylum is soothing to her feelings, and their habitual +kind offices, their guiding arm in her walks, or the +affectionate pressure of their hands, awaken in her +demonstrations of gratitude and friendship. One of +them was sick, but it was not supposed that amid the +multitude that surrounded her, the blind girl would +be conscious of her absence. A physician was called, +and she was made to understand his profession by +placing a finger upon her pulse. She immediately +arose, and led him with the earnest solicitude of friendship<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_51" id="Page_51">[Pg 51]</a></span> +to the bedside of the invalid, placing her hand in +his with an affecting confidence in the power of healing. +As she has herself never been sick, it is the more +surprising that she should so readily comprehend the +efficacy and benevolence of the medical profession.</p> + +<p>Julia Brace is still an inmate of the Asylum at +Hartford. She leads a life of quiet industry, and +apparent contentment. Some slight services in the +domestic department supply the exercise that health +requires, and the remainder of the time she chooses to +be employed in sewing or knitting. Visitants often +linger by her side, to witness the mystical process of +threading her needle, which is accomplished rapidly by +the aid of her tongue. So, the tongue that hath never +spoken is still in continual use.</p> + +<p>Her youth is now past, and she seems to make few, +if any, new mental acquisitions. Her sister in calamity, +Laura Bridgman, of the Institution for the Blind in +Boston, has far surpassed her in intellectual attainments, +and excites the wondering admiration of every +beholder. The felicity of her position, the untiring +philanthropy of her patron, Dr. Howe, and the constant +devotion of an accomplished teacher, have probably +produced this difference of result, more than any original +disparity of talents or capacity.</p> + +<p>Julia, in her life of patient regularity, affords as +strong a lesson as can be given of the power of industry +to soothe privation and to confer content. +While employed she is satisfied, but if at any time unprovided +with work, her mind preys upon itself, not +being able to gather ideas from surrounding objects, and +having but a limited stock of knowledge to furnish +material for meditation. If this poor heart which is +never to thrill at the sound of a human voice, or be +lifted up with joy at the fair scenery of earth, and sky<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_52" id="Page_52">[Pg 52]</a></span> +and waters, finds in willing diligence a source of happiness, +with how much more gladness should we turn to +the pursuits of industry, who are impelled by motives +and repaid by results which she must never enjoy!</p> + +<p>Dear young friends, who can see the smile on the +faces of those whom you love, who can hear their +approving voices, who can utter the words of knowledge, +and rejoice in the glorious charms of nature, who know +also that life is short, and that you must give strict +account of it to God, how faithfully and earnestly +should you improve your time! You who have the +great, blessed gift of speech, be careful to make a right +use of it. Yes: speak kind, and sweet, and true words, +and so help your own souls on their way to Heaven.</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_53" id="Page_53">[Pg 53]</a></div> +<h1><a name="Laura_Bridgman" id="Laura_Bridgman"></a>Laura Bridgman.</h1> + +<p class="center">THE DEAF, DUMB, AND BLIND GIRL, AT THE INSTITUTION FOR THE +BLIND, IN BOSTON</p> + +<p>Where is the light that to the eye<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Heaven's holy message gave,</span><br /> +Tinging the retina with rays<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">From sky, and earth, and wave?</span><br /> +<br /> +Where is the sound that to the soul<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Mysterious passage wrought,</span><br /> +And strangely made the moving lip<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">A harp-string for the thought?</span><br /> +<br /> +All fled! all lost! Not even the rose<a name="FNanchor_1_1" id="FNanchor_1_1"></a><a href="#Footnote_1_1" class="fnanchor">[1]</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">An odour leaves behind,</span><br /> +That, like a broken reed, might trace<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">The tablet of the mind.</span><br /> +<br /> +That mind! It struggles with its fate,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">The anxious conflict, see!</span><br /> +As if through Bastile-bars it sought<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Communion with the free.</span><br /> +<br /> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_54" id="Page_54">[Pg 54]</a></span>Yet still its prison-robe it wears<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Without a prisoner's pain;</span><br /> +For happy childhood's beaming sun<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Glows in each bounding vein.</span><br /> +<br /> +And bless'd Philosophy is near,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">In Christian armour bright,</span><br /> +To scan the subtlest clew that leads<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">To intellectual light.</span><br /> +<br /> +Say, lurks there not some ray of heaven<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Amid thy bosom's night,</span><br /> +Some echo from a better land,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">To make the smile so bright?</span><br /> +<br /> +The lonely lamp in Greenland cell,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Deep 'neath a world of snow,</span><br /> +Doth cheer the loving household group<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Though none around may know;</span><br /> +<br /> +And, sweet one, hath our Father's hand<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Plac'd in thy casket dim</span><br /> +Some radiant and peculiar lamp,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">To guide thy steps to Him?</span><br /> +</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1_1" id="Footnote_1_1"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1_1"><span class="label">[1]</span></a> Laura is deprived of the sense of smell, which in Julia's case is so acute.</p></div> +</div> + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_55" id="Page_55">[Pg 55]</a></div> +<h1><a name="Humble_Friends" id="Humble_Friends"></a>Humble Friends.</h1> + +<p>Kindness to animals shows an amiable disposition, +and correct principles. The inferior creation +were given for our use, but not for our abuse or +cruelty. Many of them add greatly to the comfort +of domestic life, and also display qualities deserving of +regard. The noble properties of the dog, the horse, +and the "half-reasoning elephant," have long been +known and praised. But among the lower grades of +animals, especially if they receive kind treatment, traits +of character are often discovered that surprise or delight +us.</p> + +<p>Cats, so frequently the objects of neglect or barbarity, +are more sagacious than is generally supposed. The +mother of four young kittens missed one of her nurslings, +and diligently searched the house to find it. +Then she commenced calling upon the neighbours, gliding +from room to room, and looking under sofas and +beds with a troubled air. At length she found it in a +family in the vicinity, where it had been given by her +mistress. Taking it in her mouth, she brought it home +and bestowed on it her nursing cares and maternal +caresses for a few weeks, then carried it back to the +same neighbour, and left it in the same spot where she +found it. It would seem as if she wished to testify her +approbation of the home selected for her child, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_56" id="Page_56">[Pg 56]</a></span> +desired only to nurture it until it should be old enough +to fill it properly.</p> + +<p>A cat who had repeatedly had her kittens taken +from her and drowned immediately after their birth, +went to a barn belonging to the family, quite at a long +distance from the house. She so judiciously divided +her time, as to obtain her meals at home and attend +to her nursery abroad. At length she entered the +kitchen, followed by four of her offspring, well-grown, +all mewing in chorus. Had she foresight enough to +conclude, that if she could protect them until they +reached a more mature age, they would escape the fate +of their unfortunate kindred?</p> + +<p>A little girl once sat reading, with a large favourite +cat in her lap. She was gently stroking it, while it +purred loudly, to express its joy. She invited a person +who was near, to feel its velvet softness. Reluctant to +be interrupted in an industrious occupation that required +the use of both hands, the person did not immediately +comply, but at length touched the head so +abruptly that the cat supposed itself to have been +struck. Resenting the indignity, it ceased its song, and +continued alternately rolling and closing its eyes, yet +secretly watching, until both the busy hands had +resumed their employment. Then, stretching forth +a broad, black velvet paw, it inflicted on the back of +one of them a quick stroke, and jumping down, concealed +itself beneath the chair of its patron. There +seemed in this simple action a nice adaptation of means +to ends: a prudent waiting, until the retaliation that +was meditated could be conveniently indulged, and a +prompt flight from the evil that might ensue.</p> + +<p>The race of rats are usually considered remarkable +only for voraciousness, or for ingenious and mischievous +inventions to obtain the gratification of appetite. A<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_57" id="Page_57">[Pg 57]</a></span> +vessel that had been much infested by them, was when +in port fumigated with brimstone, to expel them. +Escaping in great numbers, they were dispatched by +people stationed for that purpose. Amid the flying +victims a group was observed to approach slowly, upon +the board placed between the vessel and the shore. +One of those animals held in his mouth a stick, the +extremities of which were held by two others, who +carefully led him. It was discovered that he was entirely +blind. The executioners making way for them, +suffered them to live. It was not in the heart of man +to scorn such an example.</p> + +<p>Another of our ships, while in a foreign port, took +similar measures to free itself from those troublesome +inmates. Amid the throngs that fled from suffocating +smoke to slaughtering foes, one was seen moving laboriously +as if overburdened. Climbing over the bodies +of his dead companions, he bore upon his back another, +so old as to be unable to walk. Like Eneas, escaping +from the flames of Troy, perhaps it was an aged father +that he thus carried upon his shoulders. Whether it +were filial piety or respect for age, his noble conduct, +as in the previous instance, saved his life and that of +his venerable friend.</p> + +<p>Sheep are admired for their innocence and meekness, +more than for strong demonstrations of character. +Yet the owner of a flock was once surprised by seeing +one of his fleecy people rushing to and fro beneath his +window, in great agitation and alarm. Following her +to the pasture, where she eagerly led the way, he found +a fierce dog tearing the sheep. Having put him to +flight, he turned in search of the messenger, and found +her in a close thicket, where she had carefully hidden +her own little lamb, ere she fled to apprize the master of +their danger. This strangely intelligent animal was<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_58" id="Page_58">[Pg 58]</a></span> +permitted to live to the utmost limit of longevity +allotted to her race.</p> + +<p>The instinct of the beaver approaches the bounds of +reason. Their dexterity in constructing habitations +and rearing mounds to repel the watery element, surpasses +that of all other animals. A gentleman who +resided where they abound, wished to ascertain whether +this was inherent, or the effect of imitation. He took +therefore, to his house, an infant beaver, ere its eyes +were opened. It was an inmate of his kitchen, where +one day, from a leaky pail, a small stream of water +oozed out upon the floor. Out ran the little beaver, +and collected sticks and clay, with which it built a dam +to stop the passage of the tiny brook.</p> + +<p>An Indian, going out to shoot beaver, saw a large +one felling a lofty tree. Ere he gave the finishing +strokes, he ascended a neighbouring hill, throwing his +head about, and taking deep draughts of air. The Indian, +who stedfastly regarded him, supposed that he +was taking an observation of which way the wind blew: +as when he made his last effort on the tree, he made +use of this knowledge to shelter himself from injury at +its fall. He then measured the trunk into equal +lengths for the height of the house he was to build, +and loading his broad tail with wet clay, made a mark +at each division. Uttering a peculiar cry, three little +beavers appeared at their father's call, and began to +knaw asunder the wood at the places which he had +designated.</p> + +<p>"When I saw this," said the Indian, "I turned away. +Could I harm such a creature? No. He was to me +as a brother."</p> + +<p>Among the insect tribes, the ant sustains a good +character for foresight and industry, having been cited +by the wise monarch of Israel as an example and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_59" id="Page_59">[Pg 59]</a></span> +reproof to the sluggard. Their almost resistless force +in the tropical countries, where they move in bodies, +shows the power that the feeble may acquire through +unity of effort and design.</p> + +<p>When Dr. Franklin was on his embassy in France, +soon after our Revolution, he one morning sat musing +over his solitary breakfast, and perceived a legion of +large black ants taking possession of the sugar-bowl. +His philosophic mind being ever ready for experiments, +he caused it to be suspended from the ceiling by a +string. They returned. The sweet food was above +their reach. It was worth an effort to regain it. One +placed himself in a perpendicular position, and another +mounted upon his shoulders. Others ascended the +same scaffolding, each stretching to his utmost altitude. +Down fell the line. Yet it was again and again renewed. +Then the Babel-builders disappeared. Had +they given up the siege? No. They had only +changed their mode of attack. Soon they were seen +traversing the ceiling, and precipitating themselves +upon the coveted spoil, by the string that sustained it. +Here was somewhat of the same boldness and perseverance +that led Hannibal across the Alps, to pour his +soldiers down upon astonished Italy.</p> + +<p>Thus the spider that sought so many times to fasten +its frail thread, and at length succeeded, gave a profitable +lesson to King Robert the Bruce, when he +ruminated in discouragement and despair on his failing +enterprises.</p> + +<p>Parrots are generally considered as senseless repeaters +of sounds and words, that convey neither sentiment +nor feeling. Now and then, there seems some variation +from this rule. A parrot who had been reared with +kindness, selected as his prime favourite the youngest +child in the family. By every means in his power he<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_60" id="Page_60">[Pg 60]</a></span> +expressed this preference. The little girl was seized +with a severe sickness. He missed her in her accustomed +haunts, and turning his head quickly from side +to side, called loudly for her.</p> + +<p>At length, the fair form, stretched in its coffin, met +his view. In wild and mournful tones, he continued +to utter her name. He was removed far from the +room, but the shrill echo of his voice was still heard +amid the funeral obsequies, pronouncing with frantic +grief the name of his lost Mary. Ever afterwards, +when the sound of the tolling bell met his ear, the +fountains of memory were troubled, and the cry of +"Mary! Mary!" mingled with the mournful knell, till +it ceased.</p> + +<p>Since so many interesting properties are discovered in +the inferior creation, where, perhaps, we least expected +them, it is well to search for such traits of character +as deserve our regard, and consider them as humble +friends, that we may better do our duty to them, and +please Him who has entrusted them to our protection.</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_61" id="Page_61">[Pg 61]</a></div> +<h1><a name="Butterfly_in_a_School-Room" id="Butterfly_in_a_School-Room"></a>Butterfly in a School-Room.</h1> + +<p>Gay inmate of our studious room.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Adorn'd with nature's brightest dyes,</span><br /> +Whose gadding wing, and tissued plume,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Allure so many wandering eyes.</span><br /> +<br /> +The breath of eve is gathering bleak,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">And thou dost shrink beneath its power,</span><br /> +And faint, or famish'd, seem'st to seek<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">The essence from yon withering flower</span><br /> +<br /> +Haste to thine own secluded cell,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">And shield thee from the chilling blast,</span><br /> +And let the honied casket well<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Supply a fresh and free repast.</span><br /> +<br /> +Hast thou no home? Didst thou provide<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">No shelter from autumnal rain?</span><br /> +Hast thou no cheering board supplied<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">From all the treasures of the plain?</span><br /> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_62" id="Page_62">[Pg 62]</a></span><br /> +What wilt thou do 'neath wintry skies?<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Behold! the charms of summer fade,</span><br /> +Thy friend, the labouring bee, was wise<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Ere on their stalks the plants decay'd,</span><br /> +<br /> +Frail insect! shivering 'mid the storm,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Thy season of delight is past,</span><br /> +And soon that gaudy, graceful form,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Shall stiffen on the whelming blast.</span><br /> +<br /> +Companions dear! whose frequent glance<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Marks yon fair creature's brilliant hue,</span><br /> +Methinks, its wing in frolic dance,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Doth speak in wisdom's lore to you:</span><br /> +<br /> +Seek not to flutter, and to flaunt,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">While a few years their courses roll,</span><br /> +But heed approaching winter's want,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">And store the sweetness of the soul.</span></p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_63" id="Page_63">[Pg 63]</a></div> +<h1><a name="A_Brave_Boy" id="A_Brave_Boy"></a>A Brave Boy.</h1> + +<p>There are ways in which boys may show true courage, +without being forward and bold in contention. It +often requires more to avoid it. To show forbearance +when they are provoked, or to tell the whole truth +when they have committed faults, are proofs of more +lofty and high principle than to imitate the fighting +animals, and repel force by force, or the fox-like ones, +and practise cunning. To live at peace, may need +more firmness than to quarrel; because one is to control +our passions, and the other to indulge them.</p> + +<p>The bravest boy is he who rules himself, and does +his duty without boasting. I have known some beautiful +instances of this class of virtues, and will mention +one that is now in my mind.</p> + +<p>A widow, who was the mother of several children, +resided in a pleasant part of New England. She faithfully +nurtured and instructed them, and one of her +precepts was, that when they had any difficult duty to +perform, they should ask strength from above. Her +youngest was a boy of eight years old, active and intelligent. +He was not only obedient to her, but +attentive to his studies, and beloved by his instructors.</p> + +<p>One fine summer afternoon, when there was no +school, he was walking on the banks of a river that +beautified the scenery of his native place. He admired<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_64" id="Page_64">[Pg 64]</a></span> +the silver stream as it sparkled in the sunbeams, and +the rich verdure that clothed its banks. Suddenly, a +large boy plunged in, as if for the purpose of bathing, +though he did not divest himself of any part of his +clothing. Soon, he struggled in distress, as if ready to +sink.</p> + +<p>Ralph Edward, the son of the widow, had been +taught to swim. Throwing off his boots and his little +coat, he hastened to the relief of the drowning stranger. +He found him nearly senseless, and though much larger +than himself, and nearly twice his age, succeeded by +great exertions in bringing him to the shore. There, +he supported him against a bank, until he had thrown +from his mouth a quantity of water, and was able to +thank his benefactor. He confessed that he was ignorant +of the art of swimming, but had a great desire +to learn, and had no idea that the river was so deep and +swift. When he was able to proceed on his way, +Ralph Edward returned home. His head was giddy, +and his breast throbbed with the efforts he had made +He went to his little chamber, and throwing himself +upon the bed, wept bitterly. His mother heard him +moaning, and inquired the cause of his grief. He told +her he could not forget the convulsed features of a +half-drowned boy, and the pain he seemed to feel when +he gasped for breath upon the bank. Then, in compliance +with her request, he related all the circumstances.</p> + +<p>"My son, do you know that you have been in great +danger? Have you never heard that the grasp of +drowning persons is fatal?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, yes. But mother, what could I do? Should +I stand still, and see him die? Had I waited for other +help, he must have sunk to rise no more."</p> + +<p>"Was he your friend?"<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_65" id="Page_65">[Pg 65]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I do not even know his name. I think he is a +servant in some family not far off. I have seen him +driving a cow to pasture, but never spoke to him until +to-day."</p> + +<p>"How were you able to swim, and support a boy +so much larger than yourself?"</p> + +<p>"Mother, I cannot say. I only know that I remember +what you told us to do when we had any difficult +duty to perform, and I begged for strength of our +Father who is in Heaven."</p> + +<p>The mother comforted her child, and soothed his +agitated nerves, and gave him her blessing. After +that he slept sweetly and awoke refreshed. Trembling +at the risk he had run, she still was thankful for the +spirit that had moved him to do good to a stranger, and +the piety that had made him mindful of the great +Giver of strength and Hearer of prayer.</p> + +<p>She reflected with gratitude also, upon his humility. +He did not say boastfully, "I have rescued a boy from +the river, when he was ready to sink. He was larger +than I, but I did it all alone. He is almost twice as +old too, and does not even know how to keep himself +up in the water, while I can swim as well and boldly as +a man."</p> + +<p>No. He came home without alluding to the occurrence, +as if it were a matter of course, to help those +who were in need. He complained not of fatigue, +though every nerve was strained and tremulous. He +went silently to his own secluded room, and shed tears +of pity at the remembrance of the struggles of the sufferer. +The true greatness that prompted this forgetfulness +of self, was as remarkable as the courage that +snatched a fellow-creature from danger.</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_66" id="Page_66">[Pg 66]</a></div> +<h1><a name="May_Morning" id="May_Morning"></a>May Morning.</h1> + +<p>May is here, with skies of blue,<br /> +Tuneful birds of varied hue,<br /> +Blossoms bright on plant and tree:<br /> +Ye, who love her smile of glee,<br /> +Leave the city's thronging streets,<br /> +Meet her in her green retreats,<br /> +And, with thrilling heart inhale<br /> +Perfumes from her balmy gale.<br /> +<br /> +Come! for countless gifts she bears;<br /> +Take her cordial for your cares:<br /> +Cull the charms that never cloy,<br /> +Twine the wreaths of social joy,<br /> +And with liberal hand dispense<br /> +Blessings of benevolence:<br /> +For when Spring shall fade away,<br /> +And the year grow dim and gray,<br /> +These, with changeless warmth shall glow<br /> +Mid the hills of wintry snow,<br /> +And undying fragrance cast,<br /> +When the <i>Spring of life</i> is past.</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_67" id="Page_67">[Pg 67]</a></div> +<h1><a name="The_Huguenot_Grandfathers_Tale" id="The_Huguenot_Grandfathers_Tale"></a>The Huguenot Grandfather's Tale.</h1> + +<p>It is doubtless known to my readers, that the Huguenots +were French Protestants, who on account of +religious persecution fled from their country. The +Edict of Nantz was a law made by Henry IV. of +France, allowing liberty of conscience, and safety to +those who dissented from the faith of the Church of +Rome, the established religion of the realm. This +edict was repealed by Louis XIV. in 1685; and the +Protestants, or Huguenots, as they were generally +called, left their country in great numbers and sought +refuge in foreign lands. Thousands found a peaceful +home in this western world, and their descendants are +among the most respected and honoured inhabitants of +our happy country.</p> + +<p>Once, on a cold wintry evening, somewhat more than +a century since, a bright light was seen streaming from +the casement of a pleasant abode in Boston, casting +cheerful radiance upon the snow-covered pavement. +Within, by a blazing hearth, a group of children gathered +around their mother, and the white-haired grandsire, +singing with sweet voices, their evening hymn. +Then, as the mother led away the little ones to their +rest, the eldest, a boy of about twelve years old, drew +his seat near the arm-chair of the aged man, and +gazing affectionately on his mild, venerable countenance, +said,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_68" id="Page_68">[Pg 68]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Please, dear grandfather, tell me another of your +good stories about our ancestors."</p> + +<p>"So, I asked, in my boyhood, of our blessed grandmother, +tales of olden times, sitting close at her feet, +when the lamps were just lighted. Even now, I think +I see her before me, with her silver locks, her brow but +slightly wrinkled, and her eye beaming with a brilliance +like youth, as she granted my request. My brothers +and sisters loved and respected her, as a being of a +superior order. Her memory of early scenes was clear +and vivid, even in extreme age, when passing events +made but a slight impression. I perceive that my own +memory is assuming somewhat of the same character, +and dwells with peculiar delight among the people and +events of ancient times."</p> + +<p>"Those are exactly what I delight to hear. I love +the conversation of those who can tell what happened +long before I was born. I will listen most attentively +to whatever you shall be pleased to relate."</p> + +<p>"I shall tell you of my grandfather's first visit to +Paris. He was then about two years older than yourself, +and was taken thither by his father, who held a +military command under Lord Teligny, who, you remember +to have seen in history, was son-in-law to the +great Admiral Coligny. They were summoned to attend +and take part in the public demonstrations of joy +which marked the nuptials of young Henry of Navarre, +and the princess Margaret. This was in the spring of +1572. The Queen of Navarre, with her son and suite, +had just arrived, and were received with great pomp +and festivity. Charles IX. was at that time king of +France. He was a treacherous, vacillating character, +and ruled by his mother, Catharine de Medicis, who +was far more wicked than himself. To further her +own plots, she induced him to treat the Protestant<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_69" id="Page_69">[Pg 69]</a></span> +noblemen with marked attention. He complimented +the manly beauty of De Teligny, the dignified deportment +of the Baron de Rosny, and the philosophy of the +Count de la Rochefaucault. He was fond of being +seen walking arm in arm with the great Admiral Coligny, +whom he often addressed by the title of "<i>Mon +Pere</i>." Among the gallant, high-spirited Huguenots of +rank, who dared and did so much for conscience' sake, +Coligny was at that period the most distinguished.</p> + +<p>His whole life was marked by decided and habitual +piety. Prayers, and the chanted praise of psalms, +arose up twice a day from his household. The officers +both of France and Germany, who often surrounded +his hospitable table, were the witnesses of his humble +devotion. For as soon as the cloth was removed, he +rose up, with all who were present, and if there was no +minister there, rendered himself, earnest thanks to +Almighty God. The sacred worship which he enjoyed +in the quiet of his family, he endeavoured as far as +possible to establish in the camp and in the army.</p> + +<p>Many of the French nobles followed under their own +roofs the religious example of Coligny. For he was +ever exhorting and impressing on them the importance +of daily, practical piety, saying that it was not enough +that the father of a family should himself lead a holy +life, unless he led and induced his household to follow +his footsteps and imitate his example."</p> + +<p>"Was Jane, Queen of Navarre, a Protestant?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, and distinguished by the most devoted piety. +She had not been long in Paris, ere she was seized with +mortal sickness. Some suspected it to be the effect of +poison, administered by Catharine, that this formidable +protector of the Protestants might be out of the way, +ere her plot to destroy them was hazarded. When the +Queen of Navarre saw that her end drew nigh, she<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_70" id="Page_70">[Pg 70]</a></span> +called her son to her bedside, and charged him solemnly +to maintain the true religion, to take a tender care of +the education of his sister, to avoid the society of +vicious persons, and not to suffer his soul to be diverted +from duty, by the empty pleasures of the world. +With patience and even cheerful serenity of countenance, +she endured the pains of her disease, and to her +mourning friends said, "I pray you not to weep for +me. God by this sickness calleth me to the enjoyment +of a better life." It was on the 9th of June, +1572, that she departed, with the prayer of faith on +her lips, and the benignity of an angel."</p> + +<p>"Was your grandfather in Paris at the time of the +marriage of Henry and Margaret?"</p> + +<p>"He was, and attentively observed the splendid +scene. The 18th of August was appointed for the +nuptial ceremony. An ample pavilion was erected opposite +to the great church of Notre Dame. It was +magnificently covered with cloth of gold. The concourse +of spectators was immense, and their shouts +seemed to rend the sky, as the youthful pair appeared +in their royal garments. When Henry, bowing almost +to the feet of his beautiful bride, took from his brow +the coronet of Navarre, the ladies admired his gracefulness, +and the freshness of his auburn hair, which +inclining to red, curled richly around his noble forehead. +The princess had a highly brilliant complexion, and +was decorated with a profusion of splendid jewels.</p> + +<p>The Cardinal of Bourbon received their vows. +There seemed some degree of displeasure to curl his +haughty lip. Probably he was dissatisfied that all the +ceremonies of the Romish church were not observed. +For as the prince was a Protestant, and the princess +Catholic, the solemnities were of a mixed nature, accommodated +to both. It had been settled in the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_71" id="Page_71">[Pg 71]</a></span> +marriage contract, that neither party should interfere +with the other, in the exercise of their different religions. +To give public proof of this, as soon as the +nuptial ceremony was performed, the bride left the +pavilion to attend mass, and the bridegroom to hear +the sermon of a Protestant divine. Acclamations and +music from countless instruments loudly resounded, +when the royal couple again appeared, and proceeded +together to the magnificent bridal banquet. Charles +presented his sister with 100,000 crowns for her +dower, and in the festivities which succeeded the marriage, +who could have foreseen the dreadful massacre of +St. Bartholomew?"</p> + +<p>"I have read in my history of that frightful scene. +Dear Grandfather, how soon did it follow the nuptials +which you have described?"</p> + +<p>"Less than a week intervened. The ringing of the +bells for morning prayers, at three o'clock, on Sunday, +August 24th, was the signal for the Catholics to rush +forth and murder the Protestants. The holy Sabbath +dawned in peace. The matin-bell, calling the devout +to worship a God of mercy, was heard. Man came +forth to shed the blood of his unsuspecting brother. +The work of destruction began in many parts of the +city, at the same moment. Tumult and shrieks and +uproar increased, until they deepened into a terrible +and universal groan. The streets were filled with infuriated +soldiers, and almost every habitation of the +Huguenots became a slaughter-house. Infants were +transfixed on pikes, and women precipitated themselves +from high windows and battlements, that they might +die without outrage. Thirty thousand fell victims in +this horrible massacre, which extending itself from +Paris to the provinces, was not satiated until more than +twice that number had been sacrificed."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_72" id="Page_72">[Pg 72]</a></span></p> + +<p>"What became of your grandfather during this scene +of horror?"</p> + +<p>"At the commencement of the tumult, his father +hastily armed himself, and supposing it some temporary +disturbance, went forth to aid in quelling it, commanding +him to remain in the house. He obeyed +until he was no longer able to endure the tortures of +suspense, and then rushed out in search of a father +whom he was never more to behold. Hasting to the +quarters of Lord Teligny, his friend and benefactor, he +found him mortally wounded, and faintly repeating the +names of his wife and children. He then flew to the +Hotel de St. Pierre, where Admiral Coligny lodged. +But his headless trunk was precipitated from the window, +and dragged onward by blood-smeared men, with +faces scarcely human.</p> + +<p>He had been wounded previous to the massacre. On +Friday, the 22nd, he was coming from the Louvre, with +a group of noblemen. He walked slowly, reading a +petition which had been presented him. As he passed +the cloister of St. Germain, he was shot by an arquebus +loaded with three balls. His left arm was deeply +wounded, and the fore-finger of his right hand carried +away. No trace of the assassin, who had been employed +by the Duke of Guise, could be found, though +the friends of the Admiral made persevering search.</p> + +<p>As the surgeon on examination feared that the +copper balls were poisoned, this illustrious man supposed +that his hour had come, and turning to his +lamenting friends, said,</p> + +<p>"Why do you weep? For myself, I am honoured +to receive these wounds, for the holy cause of my God. +Pray him to strengthen me."</p> + +<p>The massacre commenced while it was yet dark, on +Sunday morning, and the Duke of Guise, dreading lest<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_73" id="Page_73">[Pg 73]</a></span> +Coligny, notwithstanding his injuries, should escape, and +by his courage and influence reanimate the Protestants, +hastened to his lodgings with three hundred soldiers. +Knocking at the outer gate, they demanded admission +in the name of the king. The gentleman who opened +it, fell, stabbed to the heart.</p> + +<p>The wounded Admiral, in his apartment, was engaged +in prayer with a minister who attended him. A +terrified servant rushed in, exclaiming,</p> + +<p>"My Lord, the inner gate is forced. We have no +means of resisting."</p> + +<p>"It is long since," replied Coligny, calmly, "that I +prepared myself to die. Save yourselves all who can. +Me, you cannot defend. I commend my soul to the +mercy of God."</p> + +<p>He arose from his bed, and being unable to stand +upright, on account of his wounds, supported himself +with his back against the wall. The first who burst +into his chamber was a grim German, servant to the +Duke of Guise.</p> + +<p>"Are you the Admiral?"</p> + +<p>"Yes. I am he."</p> + +<p>And the illustrious man, fixing his eyes without +emotion on the naked sword of his murderer, said, with +the dignity of a Christian,</p> + +<p>"Young man! you ought to respect my age and +infirmities."</p> + +<p>The answer of the assassin was to plunge his weapon +deep in that noble bosom. The Duke of Guise traversed +the court below, with breathless impatience. To +his fierce spirit, every moment seemed an age.</p> + +<p>"Is the work done?" he asked.</p> + +<p>"It is finished, my Lord!"</p> + +<p>He demanded to see it, with his own eyes. They +raised the body of the Admiral to cast it down to him.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_74" id="Page_74">[Pg 74]</a></span> +Still faintly respiring, it seemed to cling to the casement.</p> + +<p>At length, the ruthless murderers precipitated it into +the court-yard. Guise wiped with his handkerchief the +face suffused with blood, and gazing intensely upon it by +the flaring lamps, exclaimed,</p> + +<p>"It is the man."</p> + +<p>Rushing into the streets, he bade, with hoarse cries, +the work of death to proceed, in the name of the +king.</p> + +<p>While our ancestor was hurrying in amazement and +terror from place to place, he met a boy of nearly his +own age, whose placid countenance and unmoved deportment +strongly contrasted with the surrounding +horrors. Two soldiers apparently had him in charge, +shouting "<i>To mass! to mass!</i>" while he, neither in +compliance nor opposition, calmly continued his course, +until they found some more conspicuous object of barbarity, +and released him from their grasp. This proved +to be Maximilian Bethune, afterwards the great Duke +of Sully, prime minister of Henry IV., who by a wonderful +mixture of prudence and firmness, preserved a +life which was to be of such value to the realm. He +was at this time making his way through the infuriated +mob, to the College of Burgundy, where in the friendship +of its principal, La Faye, he found protection and +safety."</p> + +<p>"Please not to forget what befell our relative."</p> + +<p>It was in vain that he attempted to imitate this +example of self-command. Distracted with fear for +his father, he searched for him in scenes of the utmost +danger, wildly repeating his name. A soldier raised +over his head a sword dripping with blood. Ere it fell, +a man in a black habit took his arm through his, and +with some exertion of strength led him onward. They<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_75" id="Page_75">[Pg 75]</a></span> +entered less populous streets, where carnage seemed +not to have extended, before he perfectly recovered his +recollection. Then he would have disengaged himself, +but his arm was detained, as strongly as if it were +pinioned. "Let me seek my father!" he exclaimed. +"Be silent!" said his conductor, with a voice of power +that made him tremble. At length he knocked at the +massive gate of a monastery. The porter admitted +them, and they passed to an inner cell. Affected by +his passionate bursts of grief, and exclamations of +'Father, dear father!' his protector said, 'Thank God, +my son, that thy own life is saved. I ventured forth +amid scenes of horror, hoping to bring to this refuge a +brother, whom I loved as my own soul. I found him +lifeless and mangled. Thou wert near, and methought +thou didst resemble him. Thy voice had his very tone, +as it cried, 'Father, father!' My heart yearned to be +as a father to thee. And I have led thee hither through +blood and death. Poor child, be comforted, and lift +up thy soul to God.'"</p> + +<p>"Was it not very strange, that a Catholic should be +so good?"</p> + +<p>"There are good men among every sect of Christians, +my child. We should never condemn those who +differ from us in opinion, if their lives are according to +the Gospel. This ecclesiastic was a man of true benevolence. +Nothing could exceed his kindness to him +whose life he had saved. It was ascertained that he +was not only fatherless but an orphan, for the work of +destruction, extending itself into many parts of the +kingdom, involved his family in its wreck. The greatest +attention was paid to his education, and his patron +instructed him in the sciences, and particularly from +the study of history he taught him the emptiness of +glory without virtue, and the changeful nature of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_76" id="Page_76">[Pg 76]</a></span> +earthly good. He made him the companion of his +walks, and by the innocent and beautiful things of +nature, sought to win him from that melancholy which +is so corrosive to intellect, and so fatal to peace. He +permitted him to take part in his works of charity, and +to stand with him by the beds of the sick and dying, +that he might witness the power of that piety which +upholds when flesh and heart fainteth.</p> + +<p>During his residence here, the death of Charles IX. +took place. He was a king in whom his people and +even his nearest friends had no confidence. After the +savage massacre of St. Bartholomew, which was conducted +under his auspices, he had neither satisfaction +nor repose. He had always a flush and fierceness upon +his countenance, which it had never before worn. Conscience +haunted him with a sense of guilt, and he could +obtain no quiet sleep. He seemed to be surrounded +by vague and nameless terrors. He fancied that he +heard groans in the air, and suffered a strange sickness +which forced blood from all the pores of his body.</p> + +<p>He was attended in his illness by a faithful old +nurse, to whom, notwithstanding she was a Huguenot, +he affectionately trusted. One who has described the +close of his life, says, that two nights before his death, +she was sitting near him on a chest, almost overcome +with the drowsiness of fatigue. She was aroused by +hearing the king bitterly moan and weep. As she +softly approached his bed, he exclaimed, through sighs +and sobs, so interrupting his voice that it was difficult +to understand him,</p> + +<p>"Ah! my nurse, my dear nurse, what blood! what +murders! Alas! what evil counsels have I followed! +Oh my God! pardon me! and have mercy on me, if +thou canst. What shall I do? I am lost! I see it +but too well."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_77" id="Page_77">[Pg 77]</a></span></p> + +<p>The pitying nurse answered with tears.</p> + +<p>"Sire! let the guilt rest on those who counselled +you to it. For if you consented not in your heart to +those murders, and are repentant, trust that God will +not charge them to you, but will cover them with the +mantle of his Son's great love, to whom alone you +should turn."</p> + +<p>He listened mournfully to her words, and taking from +her hand a handkerchief, his own being saturated with +tears, gave a sign that she should retire, and take a +little rest.</p> + +<p>His attachment to this pious nurse was strongly contrasted +with his shrinking aversion whenever his mother +approached him. He viewed her as the instigator to +that horrible massacre which troubled his conscience, +and her presence greatly distressed him. This miserable +monarch died on the 30th of May, 1574, at the age of +23, having sinned much and suffered much, though his +years were few.</p> + +<p>He was succeeded by his brother Henry III., against +whom, and Catharine, the Queen-mother, three powerful +armies were opposed, one led by the King of +Navarre, one by the Prince of Condé, and the other by +the Duke of Anjou. The tidings of these civil wars penetrated +into the seclusion of the religious house where my +grandfather had already passed three years in quiet +study. They kept alive the martial spirit which he +inherited, and quickened his desire to partake in their +tumultuous scenes. At length he communicated to +his patron his discontentment with a life of inaction, +and his irrepressible wish to mingle again with the +world. Unusual paleness settled on the brow of the +venerable man, as he replied,</p> + +<p>"I have long seen that thy heart was not in these +quiet shades, and I have lamented it. Yet thus it is<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_78" id="Page_78">[Pg 78]</a></span> +with the young: they will not be wise from the experience +of others. They must feel with their own feet, +the thorns in the path of pleasure. They must grasp +with their own hand, the sharp briers that cling around +the objects of their ambition. They must come trusting +to the world's broken cisterns, find the dregs from +her cup cleaving in bitterness to their lip, and feel her +in their bosom, ere they will believe."</p> + +<p>The youth enlarged with emotion on his gratitude +to his benefactor. He mentioned the efforts he had +made to comply with his desires, and lead a life of contemplative +piety, but that these efforts were overpowered +by an impulse to mingle in more active pursuits, and +to visit the home of his ancestors.</p> + +<p>"Go, then, my son, and still the wild throbbings of +thy heart over the silent beds of those who wake no +more till the resurrection morn. Think not that I +have read thy nature slightly, or with a careless glance. +The spirit of a warrior slumbers there. Thou dost +long to mix in the battle. I have marked, in thy +musings, the lightning of thine eye shoot forth, as if +thou hadst forgotten Him who said: 'Vengeance is +mine.' Would that thou hadst loved peace. Go; yet +remember, that 'he who taketh the sword shall perish +by the sword.' As for me, my path on earth is short, +or I should more deeply mourn thy departure. Thou +hast been but too dear to me; and when thou art gone, +my spirit shall cast from its wings the last cumbrance +of earthly love."</p> + +<p>He gave him his benediction with great tenderness +and solemnity, and the parting was tearful and affectionate. +But the young traveller soon dismissed his +sorrow, for the cheering influence of the charms of +nature, and the gladness of liberty.</p> + +<p>The genial season of spring diffused universal beauty.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_79" id="Page_79">[Pg 79]</a></span> +The vales spread out their green mantles to catch +the showers of blossoms, with which every breeze +covered them. Luxuriant vines lifted up their fragrant +coronets. Young lambs playfully cropped the tender +leaves. Quiet kids stood ruminating by the clear +streams. Music was in all the branches. The father-bird +cheered his companion, who, patient on her nest, +brooded their future hopes.</p> + +<p>"Surely," thought he, "the peasant is the most +happy of men, dwelling in the midst of the innocence +and beauty of creation."</p> + +<p>Then, with the inconsistency natural to youth, he +would extol the life of the soldier, its energy, hardihood, +and contempt of danger; forgetting that, in this preference +of war, he was applauding the science of all +others the most hostile to nature and to man.</p> + +<p>In the midst of such reflections he reached the spot +of his nativity. The home of his ancestors was in the +possession of others, a new and lordly race. Strange +eyes looked upon him, where the voice of his parents +was wont to welcome his returning steps with delight. +He could not endure the grief in which none participated, +and this solitude among scenes which his childhood +loved. He sought to shake off at once his sorrow +and his loneliness, and enlisted as a volunteer in the +Protestant army. He flattered himself that religion +dictated the measure: yet sometimes, in a sleepless +hour, the monition of his distant benefactor would come +mournfully, "He that taketh the sword shall perish by +the sword." His first exploit in arms was at the siege +of Ville-Franche, in Perigord, in the year 1576. He +continued to follow the fortunes of the King of Navarre, +and to endure without shrinking the dangers and +privations of a soldier, with scarcely any intervals of +peaceful life, until the battle of Coutras, where he fell,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_80" id="Page_80">[Pg 80]</a></span> +covered with wounds. This severe combat took place +on the morning of October 20th, 1587. There, the +King of Navarre, who, you remember, was afterwards +Henry the Great, of France, distinguished himself by a +daring courage. He first forced the ranks of the +enemy. He seized several prisoners with his own hand. +Conspicuous by the plume of white feathers in his lofty +helmet, he was continually singled out as a mark, and +yet escaped uninjured. Perceiving the Prince of Condé +and the Count de Soissons, in the most exposed parts +of the field, he exclaimed, 'All that I shall say to you, +is, that you are of the house of Bourbon, and please +God, I will show you that I am your elder brother.' +The victory of the Protestants was complete. The +contest lasted scarcely an hour, yet 5000 of their opponents +were left dead upon the field. They were led +on by the Duke de Joyeuse, who with his haughty +brother, St. Sauveur, were drawn lifeless from among +heaps of slain, their brows still fierce and frowning, as +if they hated that death which could thus level all +distinctions. I have mentioned that our ancestor fell +in this engagement. He was not thirty years old, and +left a wife and infant son, to mourn his untimely departure."</p> + +<p>"Is it then from our grandmother that you learned +all the circumstances of his story?"</p> + +<p>"All these and many more. She was never weary +of relating the changes of his life, and the sorrows of +her early widowhood. Deeply did she impress on the +mind of her son, and of his offspring, the evils of war, +and the blessings of peaceful Christianity. Under his +roof she dwelt, cherished and venerated, till the children +of the third generation rose up to call her blessed. +Never shall I forget with what emotions of grief and +reverence he laid his hand upon her dying eyes, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_81" id="Page_81">[Pg 81]</a></span> +wept at her tomb. The piety and love of peace which +she had early instilled into his heart, rendered his +home the abode of tranquillity, and domestic happiness. +His industry, and correct judgment restored competence +to a family, which the desolations of war had impoverished, +and almost annihilated. Our paternal residence, +even now, seems to rise up before me, visible +and distinct, as in a picture. Uniting simplicity with +comfort, it stood on a gentle slope of ground. In front, +a row of chestnuts reared a canopy of lofty shade. Here +the traveller sometimes rested, refreshing himself with +the water of a little fountain, which, clear as crystal, +oozed into a rustic limestone reservoir. In the rear of +our residence, rose a hill where our goats found herbage. +There they might sometimes be seen, maintaining +so slight a footing on projecting cliffs, that they +seemed to hang suspended by the mouth from the +slight branch they were cropping. The tall poplars, +which were interspersed among the foliage, conveyed to +us the pensive murmur of approaching storms, and +around their trunks, mossy seats were constructed, +where we sometimes sat, watching the chequered rays +of the moon, and singing our simple provincial melodies. +Stretching at the foot of this hill, was the small +domain whence we drew our subsistence. Diligence +and economy made it fully equal to our wants, and to +the claims of charity. Over the roots of the filbert, +fig, and mulberry, crept the prolific melon. The gourd, +supporting itself by their trunks, lifted its yellow globes +into the air like orbs of gold, while still higher rose the +aspiring vine, filling its glowing clusters for the wine-press. +Our fields of wheat gave us bread, and the +bearded oat rewarded the faithful animal that gathered +in our harvest. Bees, hastening with busy hum to their +sheltered cells, provided the luxury of our evening<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_82" id="Page_82">[Pg 82]</a></span> +repast. The olive yielded us its treasures, and furnished +an emblem of the peace that pervaded our abode. +A genial soil made our labours light, and correct principles +converted those labours into happiness. Our +parents early taught their large family of twelve children, +that indolence was but another name for vice and +disgrace; that he, who for his subsistence rendered no +return of usefulness, was unjust to society, and disobedient +to God. So our industry commenced in infancy. +In our hive there were no drones. We early began to +look with pity on those whose parents neglected to teach +them that well-directed industry was bliss. Among us +there were no servants. With the first beams of morning, +the band of brothers were seen cheerfully entering +on their allotted employments. Some broke the surface +of the earth, others strowed seeds or kernels of +fruits, others removed the weeds which threatened to +impede the harvest. By the same hands was our vintage +tended, and our grain gathered into the garner. +Our sisters wrought the flax which we cultivated, and +changed the fleece of our flocks into a wardrobe for +winter. They refreshed us after our toil with cakes +flavoured with honey, and with cheeses, rivalling in +delicacy those of Parma. They arranged in tasteful +baskets of their own construction, fresh fruits or aromatic +herbs, or rich flowers for the market. They +delighted sometimes to mingle in our severer labours; +and when we saw the unwonted exertion heightening +the bloom of their cheeks, or placed in their hair the +half-blown wild rose, to us, who had seen nothing more +fair, they were perfect in grace and beauty. Sometimes +at twilight, or beneath the soft evening air of +summer, we mingled in the dance, to the music of our +flute and viol. Our parents and our grandmother +seated near, enjoyed the pastime, and spoke of their<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_83" id="Page_83">[Pg 83]</a></span> +own youth, and of the goodness of the Almighty Sire. +Often, assembled in our pleasant parlour, each read in +turn to the listening auditory, histories of what man +has been, or fictitious representations of what he might +be, from the pages of the moral painter or the poet. +The younger ones received regular lessons in the rudiments +of education, and the elder ones, in succession, +devoted a stated portion of each day to the pursuit of +higher studies, under the direction of their parents. +When the family circle convened in the evening, he was +the happiest who could bring the greatest amount of +useful and interesting information to the general stock. +The acquisition of knowledge, which to indolent minds +is so irksome, was to us a delightful recreation from +severer labours. The exercise which gave us physical +vigour, seemed also to impart intellectual energy. The +application to which we were inured gave us the more +entire control of our mental powers, while the almost +unvaried health that we enjoyed preserved elasticity of +spirits, and made all our pleasures more sweet. Such +was our mode of life, that we were almost insensible to +inconvenience from the slight changes of the seasons. +In any temporary indisposition or casualty, our mother +was our ministering angel. Her acquaintance with the +powers of the medicinal plants, that filled her favourite +part of the garden, and still more, her intimate knowledge +of the little diversities in our constitutions, usually +produced a favourable result. She also perfectly understood +the slight shades in our disposition and character, +and by thus tracing the springs of action to +their minuter sources, advanced with more certainty to +the good ends of education. Mingled with her love, +was a dignity, a decision that commanded our respect. +Without this, the parental relation loses its influence, +and sacrifices that attribute of authority with which it<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_84" id="Page_84">[Pg 84]</a></span> +was invested by the Eternal. Piety was taught us by +the example of our parents. We were early led to +consider the morning and evening orison and the Sabbath, +as periods in which we were invited to mingle our +thoughts with angels; and that he who was negligent +or indifferent to them, forfeited one of the highest privileges +of his nature.</p> + +<p>Thus happy was our domestic government. It +mingled the pastoral and patriarchal features. I have +never seen any system more favourable to individual +improvement, and the order, harmony, and prosperity of +the whole.</p> + +<p>But I am forgetting, dear child, that you must be +wearied with my wandering tale and numerous reflections. +It is so pleasant to recall the days of childhood, +and the images of my parents and brothers and sisters, +that I may have taken an old man's privilege too freely, +and talked beyond your patience."</p> + +<p>"How much I am indebted to you, my dear grandfather, +for your kind evening's entertainment. I hope +I shall profit from the moral of your story, as well as +from the pleasure of listening to it. I trust I shall +learn to love peace, and industry, and piety."</p> + +<p>"Strive to do so, my dear boy, and ask God's help, +and you will be sure to be happy. Obey your parents, +and respect all who are wiser and better than yourself, +whether rich or poor. This will lay the foundation of +that virtue and subordination to the laws of the land, +which make a good citizen.</p> + +<p>Should you live to be old, like me, you will view +objects differently from what you do now. You will +stand upon an isthmus, between the <i>things that have +been, and the things that are</i>. On one hand, will come +up the waves of memory, bold and strong; on the other, +the little billows of hope, like such bubbles as children<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_85" id="Page_85">[Pg 85]</a></span> +play with. Experience will be there, gathering riches +even from rocks and quicksands. Then, when you look +back, like me, and find your dear parents gone, you +will wish that you might for one moment recall them +from the grave, to render them your undying offering +of gratitude, not for that indulgence which blinded their +eye to your faults, and gave you the weak gratification +of an hour, perhaps, at the expense of an eternity, but +for that salutary discipline which uprooted error, +established good habits, and taught that 'fear of God +which maketh wise unto salvation.'"</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_86" id="Page_86">[Pg 86]</a></div> +<h1><a name="The_Old_Watch" id="The_Old_Watch"></a>The Old Watch.</h1> + +<p>My Father's watch! Thy face is dear,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">And still thou speak'st to me</span><br /> +The self-same words that met my ear,<br /> +When in old times of joyous cheer<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">I gladly climb'd his knee.</span><br /> +<br /> +For oft as to his side I clung,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Thou wert mine own to hold,</span><br /> +Though to my simple mind, thy tongue<br /> +Uttering "<i>tick, tick</i>", to old and young<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Seem'd mystery untold.</span><br /> +<br /> +And still thy wondrous movements too<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Amaz'd my gazing eye,</span><br /> +Thy hands that to their purpose true<br /> +Their undeclining circles drew,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Were magic strange and high.</span><br /> +<br /> +But thou from days of toil and care,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">That manhood's powers employ,</span><br /> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_87" id="Page_87">[Pg 87]</a></span>Didst duly point him home to share<br /> +The garden-walk, the fireside chair,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">The feast of social joy.</span><br /> +<br /> +When those whom most he loved were nigh,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">And with beguiling flight,</span><br /> +The downy-pinioned hours swept by,<br /> +Thou, with a calm, unswerving eye<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Didst note their numbers right.</span><br /> +<br /> +And he, who knew so well to test<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Of time, the fleeting prize,</span><br /> +Did on thy meek monitions rest<br /> +And take their wisdom to his breast,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">And gird him for the skies.</span><br /> +<br /> +But now, no more serenely sweet<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">He turns to thee for aid,</span><br /> +Yet still thy bloodless heart doth beat.<br /> +Though summon'd to a lone retreat<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">His own in dust is laid.</span><br /> +<br /> +My Father's Friend! what memories bless'd<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Thy lingering accents wake,</span><br /> +Here, in my sacred casket rest,<br /> +Or slumber on my filial breast,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Most honour'd for his sake.</span></p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_88" id="Page_88">[Pg 88]</a></div> +<h1><a name="Entertaining_Books" id="Entertaining_Books"></a>Entertaining Books.</h1> + +<p>The age in which we live abounds with entertaining +books. Stories of every description, some of them +containing good lessons, are exceedingly numerous. +Those of the better class furnish food for fancy and +feeling.</p> + +<p>Fiction has its peculiar attractions, and so has truth. +Imagination can scarcely devise more strange events, +more striking characters, or more romantic results, than +occur on the pages of history. The entertainment derived +from true books is the most valuable, because it +is the most worthy of being remembered. The mind +rests upon it with satisfaction. It accords with its +native tastes. The child as soon as it can speak, says, +"Please to tell me a <i>true</i> story." Those who are most +familiar with unfolding infancy, agree, that incidents +simplified from the Scriptures, delight it, though they +may be frequently repeated.</p> + +<p>So, from the great storehouse of history, the young +may entertain and enrich themselves at the same time. +By extending their acquaintance through past ages and +distant nations, the powers of thought expand themselves, +an acquaintance with illustrious characters is +formed, and knowledge gained which will be profitable +through life, both for reflection and conversation.</p> + +<p>Some have objected, that a wide range of history<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_89" id="Page_89">[Pg 89]</a></span> +may give the young mind a premature introduction to +the vices and follies that disgrace mankind. Yet thus +to study them on the map of man, and to form a correct +opinion of good and evil, and to deepen the love of +virtue, and the hatred of vice, by the force of selected +examples, might prepare the young better to understand +character, and resist temptation, in the actual +struggle of life. The entertainments of history may be +as safe as those of fiction, and more salutary. If they +sometimes reveal the whirlpools of ambition or the +abysses of cruelty, they change the scene, and present +the quiet waters of peace fertilizing the valleys, and the +pure rose of virtue blooming in the wilderness. Examples +of true greatness, generosity, and piety, if less +frequent than those of an opposite nature, borrow force +from contrast, and may therefore make a deeper impression, +and awaken a stronger desire of imitation.</p> + +<p>The entertainments of history aid in acquiring a +knowledge of human nature. We there see what man +has been from the beginning, and what motives or +temptations have moved him to good or to evil. Great +care should be taken to form a correct judgment, and +to measure by a true standard of excellence those whom +the world has called illustrious.</p> + +<p>Especially, should opinions be cautiously formed, of +those whose fame rests only upon military exploits. +Though the pride, cruelty, and revenge, that stain many +of those whom the Old World applauded as heroes, are +in a measure palliated because they were heathen, still +<i>we</i> are bound to judge of right and wrong, as Christians. +When we think of the misery, mourning, and death, +that marked their course upon the earth, we cannot +but wonder by what rule of equity, "<i>one</i> murder should +make a <i>villain</i>, and <i>many, a hero</i>!"</p> + +<p>To purchase a single conquest, how many eyes have<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_90" id="Page_90">[Pg 90]</a></span> +wept, how many bosoms been pierced, how many hearts +broken. If victories, and triumphs, and trophies, +dazzle the eye, look at their dark reverse: torrents of +blood flowing, widows and orphans plunged in despair, +throngs of unprepared souls driven into the presence of +their Maker.</p> + +<p>The patriotism that dares danger for the preservation +of liberty, the firmness that repels the encroachments +of tyranny, the courage that protects those whose lives +are entrusted to its care, differ from the ambition that +is willing to build its glory on contention, suffering, and +death. This spirit is at war with His precepts, at whose +birth the harps of angels breathed the song of "Peace +on earth, and good-will to men."</p> + +<p>History may be read by the young with a resolution +of transcribing into their own character, whatever it +exhibits that is "just, lovely, and of good report." +Thus will its pages not only afford rational entertainment, +but be subservient to usefulness and piety in this +life, and to the happiness of that which is to come.</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_91" id="Page_91">[Pg 91]</a></div> +<h1><a name="The_New_Year" id="The_New_Year"></a>The New Year.</h1> + +<p>Who, with smiles, and wishes fair,<br /> +Through drifted snows and branches bare,<br /> +Comes, and liberal-handed brings<br /> +Countless gifts, and pleasant things,<br /> +Many a cake, and many a kiss,<br /> +Gilded toys, and sports of bliss,<br /> +Pictured books, with covers gay:<br /> +Who thus crowns our holiday?<br /> +While the sleigh-bells' merry peal<br /> +Rings, and glides the skater's heel?<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 5em;">The glad New Year.</span><br /> +<br /> +Who, a tablet in his breast<br /> +Hides, with characters impress'd,<br /> +Mystic signs, and tints that show<br /> +Chance, and change of joy and woe,<br /> +Wreaths of hope in darkness laid<br /> +Boasted wealth a winged shade,<br /> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_92" id="Page_92">[Pg 92]</a></span>Brows that fade in youthful bloom,<br /> +Empty cradle, open tomb:<br /> +Who, alas! such course shall tread<br /> +Ere his farewell words are said?<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 5em;">The sad New Year.</span><br /> +<br /> +Who, of those that never stray<br /> +Wilfully, from Duty's way,<br /> +Seek for knowledge, prize the truth,<br /> +Wisdom gain in early youth,<br /> +With a pure, and peaceful mind<br /> +Live in love with all mankind,<br /> +And a Saviour's precepts dear,<br /> +Treasure in His holy fear:<br /> +Who, of such leaves record high<br /> +On the pages of the sky?<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 5em;">The bless'd New Year.</span></p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_93" id="Page_93">[Pg 93]</a></div> +<h1><a name="Cyrus" id="Cyrus"></a>Cyrus.</h1> + +<p>Cyrus is among the most interesting characters +described in ancient history. He seemed fitted by +nature, as well as by education, for the exalted sphere +that was allotted him. He is usually considered as the +founder of the Persian empire, and was born about 600 +years before the Christian era. He was beautiful +in person, and still more admirable for the amiable +qualities of his mind. His early training inured him +to study, the endurance of fatigue, and the control of +his appetites and passions. In his first twelve years +of life, he was said to surpass all of his own age in +knowledge, and a frank, noble dignity of carriage.</p> + +<p>At this early period, he was sent to the court of +his grandfather, Astyages, the Median king, where he +remained for five years. There, the temptations of +luxury and self-indulgence, by which he was surrounded, +had no power to draw him from temperance and simplicity. +He was ever anxious to make peace between +those who differed, and to obtain pardon for such as +had offended. So gentle, generous, and beneficent was +he, as to become the idol of the people among whom +he dwelt.</p> + +<p>In his expedition into Assyria with his father, though +still but a youth, he discovered great judgment, courage, +and presence of mind. Military talents and skill,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_94" id="Page_94">[Pg 94]</a></span> +were in those times held essential to every illustrious +man, and these he eminently possessed. After +his conquest of Babylon and marriage with a Median +princess, three kingdoms were united under his sway: +Persia, Media, and Assyria. When he was peacefully +settled in his great empire, he busied himself with +framing laws for its prosperity and repose. "For a +king," said he, "should be the shepherd of his people, +and exercise vigilance and care over his flock."</p> + +<p>This sentiment reminds us of the prophecy of Isaiah, +uttered more than a century before the birth of this +prince, and 170 years before the fall of Babylon, which +it also predicts: "That saith of Cyrus, he is my +shepherd, and shall perform all my pleasure."</p> + +<p>Prosperity crowned his efforts for the good of his +people; and unbroken health, the reward of temperance +and tranquillity of spirit, enabled him to persevere in +these efforts. Yet he kept in his secret heart, a fear, +founded on the changes of this mortal life, and the +frailty of man, which restrained all pride, and kept +him as humble as he was active and powerful. Of +him it might have been said, as it was of our own +Washington, that true merit was the foundation of +his greatness.</p> + +<p>Therefore, he affected no self-importance, but was +affable to all, and repaid by cordial attachment. Cicero +asserts that during the whole period of his reign, he +was never heard to speak a rough or angry word. +Xenophon speaks of him, as exhibiting the "model of a +perfect government." Herodotus modifies this praise, +and charges him with some faults. But the most +exalted characters are subject to error, and the purest +may be misunderstood or misrepresented. Even patriarchs, +prophets, and apostles, have taught us by +their own failings, the infirmity of our nature, and we<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_95" id="Page_95">[Pg 95]</a></span> +should not require or expect perfection in others, until +we are able to give an example of it ourselves.</p> + +<p>When Cyrus approached death, he called around +him his children and chief officers, gave them solemn +and excellent advice by which to regulate their future +conduct, and, thanking Heaven for all its blessings, +calmly resigned his breath.</p> + +<p>Cambyses, his successor, supplied mournful proof of +the contrast that may exist between the son and the +father. He was barbarous both at home and abroad, +and put to death his own brother, from malignant envy, +because he was able to shoot with a larger bow than +himself. We will turn from the contemplation of such +wickedness, to some of the last words of the great +Cyrus to his children, which are here presented in a +poetical garb:</p> + +<p> +Behold, I die! Restore my form<br /> +To dust, to darkness, and the worm:<br /> +For from the earth it first arose.<br /> +And there, at last, it finds repose.<br /> +<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Yet when this breath forsakes the clay,</span><br /> +Think ye the spirit shall decay?<br /> +No, no, my sons! Its mystic flight<br /> +Hath ever mock'd your keenest sight,<br /> +Even when it deign'd with mortal care<br /> +This prison of the flesh to share:<br /> +So, when stern Death my frame shall blot,<br /> +It lives, though you perceive it not.<br /> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_96" id="Page_96">[Pg 96]</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Believe you trace through yonder sky</span><br /> +Your disembodied father's eye,<br /> +And be your motives pure and high:<br /> +But dread the ages yet unborn<br /> +Who stamp your deeds with praise or scorn:<br /> +Dread more than all, the Powers who seal<br /> +That sentence, man can ne'er repeal.</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_97" id="Page_97">[Pg 97]</a></div> +<h1><a name="Rome_and_its_Rulers" id="Rome_and_its_Rulers"></a>Rome and its Rulers.</h1> + +<p>The magnificent city of Rome was at first a rude +hamlet of ruder people. Its earliest buildings were +upon the Palatine Hill, near the Tiber. In process of +time, it extended itself over the six adjacent eminences. +Hence the name that it sometimes bears of the "seven-hilled +city."</p> + +<p>Two brothers, Romulus and Remus, were its founders, +752 years before the birth of Christ. They were +twins, and trained up in the humble and hardy habits +of a shepherd's life. But from feeding their peaceful +flocks they aspired to rule men.</p> + +<p>Romulus reared a wall around a portion of the new +settlement, in which he took pride. Remus, in sport, +or contempt, jumped over it, saying that he had given +proof it would afford no protection against invaders. +Romulus, forgetting the love he should have borne to +his twin-brother, in a transport of rage struck him +dead upon the spot. Thus, to the first king of Rome, +as to the first-born of Eden, might have been said, +"The voice of thy brother's blood crieth unto thee +from the ground." He who gave his own name to the +Mistress of the World, left that name stained with +the crime of fratricide.</p> + +<p>The kings of Rome were the same in number as the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_98" id="Page_98">[Pg 98]</a></span> +hills on which she seated herself. The seventh, and last, +was Tarquinius Superbus. After the abolition of the +royal sway she had various forms of government. Sometimes +her rulers bore the title of Consuls, Dictators, +Tribunes, Ediles, and Questors. Then the supreme +power was vested in Emperors, of whom there were +fifty-five. Some of these were fearful examples of +every vice. The excess of luxurious indulgence and +pitiless cruelty darken their names in history.</p> + +<p>Among this mass of shameless rulers, five appeared +in regular succession, who, by their comparatively +virtuous course, have obtained the honourable distinction +of the "good Emperors." The first of this line +was Nerva, who began his reign in the year 96 after +the Christian era, when he was himself quite advanced +in age. He was a native of Spain, and the first foreigner +who had been permitted to wear Rome's imperial +purple. He was welcomed with great joy, for the +people had just been suffering from the monstrous barbarities +of Domitian. Nerva was a man of gentle +temper, and like Numa Pompilius, the second king, who +had reigned about eight centuries before him, a true +lover of peace. With paternal care he used the public +money for the public good, instead of wasting it in mad +extravagance, like his predecessors. Unfortunately, +his sway was short, only about sixteen months, when +he fell a victim to a sudden fever, at the age of sixty-six. +His memory was gratefully embalmed, for his +justice and generosity, and the tranquillity he had +given to the empire.</p> + +<div class="center" id="image_continue_command"> + <a href="images/ill-098b.jpg"> + <img src="images/ill-098b-th.jpg" + alt="Continue the command of your passions…" + title="Continue the command of your passions…" /></a> + <p class="caption">"Continue the command of your passions; make virtue the scope of all your actions."—<a href="#Page_98">p. 98</a></p> +</div> + +<p>Trajan, his successor, was also born in Spain. In +his youth he had been the pupil of Plutarch, the philosopher, +who after his elevation thus addressed him in +an affectionate speech "Continue the command of +your passions. Make virtue the scope of all your +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_99" id="Page_99">[Pg 99]</a></span>actions. You have it in your power to render me the +most honoured of men, by continuing your present +course of conduct. If you follow my instructions, I +shall glory in having given them. If you neglect them, +this address shall be my testimony, that you have not +erred through the counsel or authority of Plutarch."</p> + +<p>The Emperor did not disregard the motives set before +him by his revered teacher. The principles that +had been impressed on his boyhood, were as a guiding +helm amid the cares of state. He carefully improved +his time, was moderate in expense, and modest +amid pomp and power. Among his public works was +a noble bridge over the Danube, whose massy ruins +are still seen by the traveller. He adorned the city of +Rome with splendid and substantial buildings, and delighted +to draw men of merit from obscurity. His +faults were, great fondness for war, and persecuting +the Christians, which his strong attachment to the +heathen ritual in which he had been educated made +him consider as a duty, or a proof of sincerity. He +died, during an absence from home, of apoplexy, at the +age of sixty-three, having reigned nineteen years.</p> + +<p>Adrian, the fifteenth Roman Emperor, began his +reign in 117. He had received an excellent education. +He was an eloquent speaker, and wrote well, both in +prose and poetry. One of his greatest virtues was, +that he truly loved peace. He treated those who were +in humble stations with kindness. He said that the +chief ruler of a nation should be "like the sun, giving +warmth to the lowly vales as well as to the mountains." +He travelled to France, to Germany, and to Holland; +not to make war, but to show himself friendly to their +inhabitants. From thence he went to England, and +built a wall from Cumberland to Northumberland, to +assist in protecting that part of the island from the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_100" id="Page_100">[Pg 100]</a></span> +natives of the north, who were unfriendly and barbarous. +He visited Spain and Athens, showing kindness +to the people, and went also to many parts of +Asia and Africa. He made just laws, and favoured +men of learning. He had so remarkable a memory, +that he could repeat the substance of a book after once +reading it, and he knew the name of every soldier in +the Roman army. Though he had so many virtues, +he had also great faults. He committed some acts of +cruelty, and was very unkind to the Jews. He banished +them from their beloved city Jerusalem, and forbade +them to come even in sight of it, or to enter it, +except one day in the year. In his last sickness he +became impatient of pain, and even entreated those +around him to take away his life. He cried out, "How +miserable a thing it is to seek death and not to find it!" +Being a heathen, he had not the comfort of hope in +another life. Just before he expired, he composed some +verses addressed to his soul, expressing uncertainty with +regard to its immortality. He died at the age of sixty-two, +having reigned twenty-two years.</p> + +<p>Titus Antoninus Pius was one of the most faultless +of the good emperors. As his father died in his childhood, +his mother and grandfather conducted his +education. To them, as well as to all aged persons, he +habitually paid great respect. In his youth, his temper +was so mild and affectionate, that he gained the +love of all with whom he associated. After he became +Emperor, he distributed among the poor the greater +part of the revenue from his own estates. He completed +a magnificent tomb for his predecessor Adrian, +repaired many of the edifices of ancient Greece, and +built a wall in Britain, between the rivers Esk and +Tweed. He laboured to prevent wars, and uttered the +noble sentiment,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_101" id="Page_101">[Pg 101]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I had rather save the life of one citizen than to +destroy a thousand enemies."</p> + +<p>He was friendly to the Christians, and showed them +favour. He sought to be a peace-maker between all +contending persons, and to set a consistent example of +moral excellence. In these respects he has been compared +both to Nerva and to Numa, the latter of whom +preserved the blessings of peace to the people during +his whole reign of forty-three years. Marcus Antoninus +reigned somewhat more than half as long, namely, +twenty-two years. During a residence at one of his +country-seats, he was attacked by a fever which proved +fatal to him at the age of seventy-four. He was loved +and lamented by the whole empire, over which he had +ruled as a father, seeking the welfare of his children.</p> + +<p>Marcus Aurelius is a favourite with historians, and +has been ranked among the greatest of the good emperors. +He made his predecessor, who was his father-in-law, +his model in the affairs of government. He +took pleasure in praising his virtues, and thus affectionately +mentions some of them, in a work of which +he was the author:</p> + +<p>"I have much observed his meekness, and his +constancy without wavering, in those things which after +due deliberation he had determined. I remember his +freedom from all vanity, his patient industry, his readiness +to hear any man that had aught to say tending +to the common good. How readily and impartially +would he give every man his due. How modestly +would he condescend to other men, as though he was +an ordinary man himself. How accurately would he +examine and consult, and how patiently would he hear +others. Neither would he hastily give over the search +of difficult matters, or be easily satisfied with sudden +notions and opinions. How carefully would he preserve<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_102" id="Page_102">[Pg 102]</a></span> +his friends, never treating them with neglect, or growing +weary of them.</p> + +<p>I love to remember his contented mind, his cheerful +countenance, his care to foresee things afar off, and to +give orders without noise or clamour. How was all +flattery repressed by him, and how carefully did he observe +all things necessary to the government, and keep +an account of all the common expenses. And when he +was reproached by some for this very strictness, how +patiently did he bear it. He was neither studious to +please men, nor ambitious of popular applause, but sober +in all things, every where observant of that which was +fitting. In those things which conduce to ease and +convenience, of which his great fortune allowed him a +plentiful supply, he was without pride or boasting. He +freely enjoyed them when they were present, and when +they were absent, was never uneasy for the want of +them. He was commended as a man that could not +endure to be flattered, but was able to govern both +himself and others. He honoured all true philosophers, +without upbraiding those who were not so. In his +conversation he was sociable and delightful. How gently +would he yield to those who had any peculiar talent, +such as eloquence, or knowledge of the laws, or ancient +customs, and how heartily he endeavoured that everyone +might, according to their excellence, be regarded and +esteemed. How constant was he in his attention to +business; and after his great fits of headache, how fresh +and vigorous would he return to his wonted affairs. In +all things having respect unto men, only as men, and +to the equity of things, and not unto the glory that +might follow."</p> + +<p>Marcus Aurelius still further evinced his gratitude +and reverence for Antoninus Pius, by erecting to his +memory a beautifully sculptured marble column, more<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_103" id="Page_103">[Pg 103]</a></span> +than a hundred feet in height, and surmounted by his +statue, which may still be seen at Rome, though more +than 1700 years old.</p> + +<p>He was a lover of knowledge. Through his whole +life he laboured to obtain it. After he became an +emperor, he used to go, and sometimes on foot, to the +house of a man of wisdom, named Apollonius, that he +might take lessons of him. He valued intellectual +riches more than gold or power. Among all the cares +of state, he found time for it, saying that it was his +desire to learn as long as he lived.</p> + +<p>He was particularly attached to the study of philosophy, +and used to call it his mother, to prove his affection. +He established schools for it, both at Rome and +Athens. He often gave lectures in that science to the +people, deeming it no derogation from imperial dignity +to instruct and elevate the public mind. Especially, +when about to be absent from the city, for any length +of time, he thus addressed his people, that if he never +returned, their last remembrance of him might be connected +with precepts of virtue.</p> + +<p>His principal faults were allowing the Christians to +be persecuted, and being often engaged in war, though +his principles revolted against it, and he considered it a +calamity. He died at Vindobona, where the city of +Vienna, in Austria, now stands, after the sickness of a +week, on March 17th, 180; having lived fifty-nine years, +and reigned nineteen. He was so much beloved, that +many kept his image or statue in their houses, offering +it flowers and incense, as one of their heathen gods.</p> + +<p>The two last of these Emperors were called Antonines. +Their united periods of sway amounted to +forty-one years, and Rome never enjoyed greater happiness +than during their sovereignty. Afterwards, it +declined both in prosperity and virtue.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_104" id="Page_104">[Pg 104]</a></span></p> + +<p>The reigns of the five good Emperors extended over +a period of eighty-four years, just the length of one of +the revolutions of the planet Herschel around the sun. +With a single one of his years he measured out the +earthly span of all these mighty monarchs. Ere he +returned to his annual goal, they had risen, and flourished, +and fallen.</p> + +<p>A hoary-headed man might have seen the whole of +their imperial sway. An aged English statesman, Sir +John Mason, outlived five of his own sovereigns. In +looking back upon so long a life, he said that he had +received favours from them all, and been promoted to +many honours, but that religion and hope in heaven +were the truest riches, and all things else forsook him, +but his God, his duty, and his prayers.</p> + +<p>The study of history is salutary to the young mind. +To know what has been done in all countries, since man +was placed upon the earth, is a laudable curiosity, and +an ennobling pursuit. To form a correct opinion of the +characters thus presented us, affords useful exercise to +the judgment. Those who have delighted only to shed +blood, and to build their fame on the misery of mankind, +should not be admired though the world may +pronounce them heroes.</p> + +<p>In reading of the truly wise and good, we should +strive to imbibe their spirit and tread in their steps. The +highest end of knowledge is to advance in goodness and +piety, and to make the heart and life more acceptable +to God.</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_105" id="Page_105">[Pg 105]</a></div> +<h1><a name="The_Ploughing_of_the_Sword" id="The_Ploughing_of_the_Sword"></a>The Ploughing of the Sword.</h1> + +<blockquote><p>"They shall beat their swords into Plough-shares." Isaiah, II, 4.</p></blockquote> + +<p>The ploughing of the Sword<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Breaks up the greensward deep,</span><br /> +And stirs the old foundations<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Where the baleful passions sleep;</span><br /> +The quiet beauty of the vales<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">It rudely rends away,</span><br /> +And turns the roots of the riven flowers<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">To the scorching eye of day.</span><br /> +<br /> +And then, they madly sow<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">The seeds of bitter strife,</span><br /> +Ambition, wrath, revenge,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">And stern contempt of life.</span><br /> +They wildly scatter o'er the land<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Dissension, pain, and care,</span><br /> +And fright away the birds of peace<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">That fain would carol there.</span><br /> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_106" id="Page_106">[Pg 106]</a></span><br /> +Now call the reapers forth,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">With the thundering cannon's roar,</span><br /> +Hark! to the rush of an armed host<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Like the surge on a rocky shore,</span><br /> +With tramp and clang, the warrior's heel<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Doth the red wine-press tread,</span><br /> +And heavily roll the loaded wains<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">With their burdens of the dead.</span><br /> +<br /> +They reap with murderous sickle,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Mid the shrill trumpet's cry,</span><br /> +Till the mightiest and the lowest,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">In equal ruin lie.</span><br /> +Till the screaming vulture whets his beak,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Where the blood-pools blot the green,</span><br /> +And the gaunt hyena prowls at night<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">His dire repast to glean.</span><br /> +<br /> +They store their carnage spoil<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">In History's garner wide,</span><br /> +A reeking overflowing crop<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Of crime, and woe, and pride,</span><br /> +The widow's pang, the orphan's tear<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">The exulting tyrant's might,</span><br /> +And the cry of souls for ever lost,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">As they take their fearful flight.</span><br /> +<br /> +Oh! mourning Mother Earth,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Lift up thy heart and pray</span><br /> +That the ploughing of the sword<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Be for ever done away,</span><br /> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_107" id="Page_107">[Pg 107]</a></span>And thine own meekly-cultur'd fields<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">With nodding corn be dress'd,</span><br /> +To feed thy children, ere they take<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Their slumber in thy breast.</span><br /> +<br /> +And thou, terrific Sword!<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Whose ministry accurs'd</span><br /> +Doth waste the span of mortal life<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">That was so brief at first,</span><br /> +God speed the day when promis'd Peace<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Shall reign from shore to shore,</span><br /> +And thou, into a plough-share beat,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Convulse the world no more.</span></p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_108" id="Page_108">[Pg 108]</a></div> +<h1><a name="The_Good_and_Bad_Emperor" id="The_Good_and_Bad_Emperor"></a>The Good and Bad Emperor.</h1> + +<p>Marcus Aurelius Antoninus was the seventeenth +Emperor of Rome, and began his reign on the 2nd of +March, 161 years before the Christian era. Besides +these three names, he had several others, <i>Annius Verus</i>, +after his grandfather; <i>Elius</i>, which was given him by +the Emperor Adrian; <i>Verissimus</i>, from his constant +regard to truth; and <i>Philosophos</i>, from his love of +wisdom.</p> + +<p>In early childhood he was instructed by his mother, +who took great pains to teach him not to do wrong, or +to think unkindly of any person. She would not permit +him to be dainty in his food, or to partake in +luxuries that might be hurtful to his health; and +though he saw much to tempt his taste, he regarded the +restrictions of his mother. She also counselled him not +to be proud, but to relieve the poor whenever he had +opportunity. By his respect and obedience to her, he +began life with the elements of virtue and happiness.</p> + +<p>His grandfather also conducted a part of his education, +in childhood. He listened reverently to his words, +and followed all his directions. Thus, he began to +honour and love the aged, and to bow down before +them. In one of the wise books which he wrote in +manhood, the very first sentences are expressive of +gratitude to these his earliest teachers.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_109" id="Page_109">[Pg 109]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Of my grandfather, I learned to be gentle and +meek, and to refrain from all anger and passion. Of +my mother, I learned to be religious and bountiful, to +forbear not only to do, but to intend any evil; to content +myself with a spare diet, and to fly all the excesses +that come from great wealth."</p> + +<p>Not content with the high moral training of his immediate +instructors, he was careful to imitate whatever +he saw that was praiseworthy in the conduct of others. +"Of my brother," he writes, "I have learned to be +kind and loving to all of my house and family, bountiful +and liberal in the largest measure, always to hope +for the best, and to believe that my friends love me."</p> + +<p>As he grew older, masters were called in to direct +his studies. Two of these were from Greece, and he +acquired the language of that classic clime with great +accuracy. Junius Rusticus, his instructor in philosophy, +he says, "taught me to write letters simply, and without +affectation, to be easily reconciled to those who had +offended me, as soon as any of them would be content +to seek unto me again; also, to read with diligence, +and never to be content with light and superficial +knowledge."</p> + +<p>He was particularly partial to that department of +philosophy which teaches the regulation of the temper +and conduct. Such excellence did he attain in its +principles and their exemplification, that he was permitted +to assume, at the age of twelve, the philosophical +gown. His rapid progress in knowledge, and preeminence +for truth and integrity, gained him the favour +of the Emperor Adrian, who was a patron of learning +and virtue. Among other distinctions, he appointed +him prefect of the city, when only fifteen years old. It +was an office of power and importance, comprising the +superintendence of buildings, and navigation, and the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_110" id="Page_110">[Pg 110]</a></span> +judging of causes, as a chief magistrate, if the Emperor +should be absent from the city. In this responsible +station, he acquitted himself with justice and +dignity, not at all vain of his elevation, but improving +every opportunity to advance in knowledge.</p> + +<p>Amid the pressure of his public offices and private +studies, he did not overlook the domestic affections. To +his sister Annia Corneficia, he showed the utmost tenderness. +He liked to impart his knowledge to her, and +to have her enjoy the new ideas that he gathered. After +the death of their father, he became her watchful protector, +and the paternal estate having been left to him, +he presented it to her, rejoicing at having it in his +power to make her so valuable a gift. His generosity +was equalled by his gratitude. When he became Emperor +of Rome, he remembered all who had done him +services, and recompensed them. Especially to his +teachers, his regard was unbounded. His obligations +to them he frequently mentioned, and said the knowledge +with which they had stored his mind was more +precious than the wealth of an empire. While they +lived, he loaded them with benefits. When they died, +he paid to their memories the tribute of affectionate respect. +He laid chaplets of flowers on their tombs, and +caused their statues to be made of gold, which he kept +in his domestic chapel.</p> + +<p>In this feature of attachment to his instructors he +resembled Alexander the Great, who was never weary +of testifying gratitude to his master, Aristotle. Comparing +it to the affection for his father, he said, "I am +indebted to Philip for <i>living</i>, and to Aristotle for <i>living +well</i>." He rebuilt and beautified Stagyra, after it had +been destroyed, because it was the native place of Aristotle, +and enclosed a copy of Homer's poems, to which +this beloved preceptor had written notes, in a gold box,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_111" id="Page_111">[Pg 111]</a></span> +carrying it wherever he went with his armies, and +laying it under his head every night, when he retired to +rest. In a letter to his teacher, he says, "I had rather +surpass the rest of men in the knowledge of sublime +and excellent things, than in greatness and extent of +power."</p> + +<p>More truly great was Alexander in this sentiment, +than in his renown as a warrior. And surely, in the +beautiful sentiment of gratitude to our instructors in +knowledge and virtue, we, who are Christians, ought +not to suffer ourselves to be surpassed by the followers +of false gods.</p> + +<p>When Marcus Aurelius was raised to the highest +office in the Empire, he felt it incumbent on him to be +the father of his people. He strove to do good to all. +He laboured to frame just laws. He directed the courts +to take a longer time for the transaction of business, +that they might not be tempted, through haste, to neglect +the causes of the poor. So great was his own +industry and patience, that he not unfrequently gave +ten days to the study of a case whose decision was important +or difficult.</p> + +<p>He showed great respect for the opinion of the +Senate, and never took any portion of the revenue for +public expenses without their permission. He evinced +much prudence in the use of what they entrusted to +him. Once, when the claims of the nation were peculiarly +pressing, he said to his wife, the Empress +Faustina,</p> + +<p>"I will sell the furniture of my palace, and you can +dispose of your richest clothing, rather than burden our +people to part with more than they can spare."</p> + +<p>He was anxious for the improvement of the young, +and appointed a magistrate to whom minors might +apply, who needed protection or assistance. He was<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_112" id="Page_112">[Pg 112]</a></span> +careful to add an example of morality to the precepts +that he impressed on others. Though he had power +to punish, it was his practice to forgive those who had +done him personal injuries. He had a foe, named +Avidius, whose slanders he generously pardoned. Afterwards, +hearing that Avidius had destroyed his own life, +he said, "Ah! I have now lost the opportunity of +changing an enemy into a friend."</p> + +<p>He also cultivated the virtue of patience with the +infirmities of others. "If we cannot make them in all +things as we wish them to be," he used to say, "we must +take them as they are, and do the best with them that +lies in our power." This principle of forbearance was +strongly put to the test by Lucius Verus, his colleague +during the earlier part of his reign. This person rendered +little aid in the cares of the government, whose +authority he partook. He led an idle life, and selfishly +regarded only his own wishes. He possessed much +vanity, and coveted popular applause, though he did +nothing to deserve it. He liked the pomp and pageantry +of war, but not its hardships. Though he was +forward to promote it, yet he threw its toils upon others, +and when in distant countries with the Roman armies, +spent his time in indolence or unmanly sports. He was +addicted to indulgence in wine, and a luxurious table. +Hence he injured his health, and probably shortened his +days, dying suddenly in a fit, ere he was forty years old.</p> + +<p>The efforts that Marcus Aurelius made for his improvement +and reformation, were like those of a kind +father, anxious for his erring son. He mildly reasoned +with him, and faithfully advised him, and laboured +to excuse his faults, even when the whole nation was +exasperated.</p> + +<p>The command over his passions, which was so conspicuous +in Marcus Aurelius, he derived from long study<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_113" id="Page_113">[Pg 113]</a></span> +and practice of that Philosophy to which he was so +much attached, as to call it his "mother." He made +choice of the sect of the Stoics, who were sometimes +called scholars of the Portico, because their master gave +his lectures in a portico adorned with pictures, at Athens, +in Greece. Zeno, the founder of this school of philosophers, +discouraged luxury, and the pride of wealth. He +set an example of great simplicity of life, dressing +plainly, and being frugal in all his expenses. Bread, +figs, and honey, were his principal diet, and when the +most distinguished men sat at his table, he made no +change in its provisions. He was modest in the estimation +of himself, and amid any concourse of people, +sought the humblest and lowest place. To poor men +of merit, he paid the same respect as if they had been +rich. He had many opposers, but never lost his +temper through their provocations. He taught that +virtue was the true good, that happiness existed in the +mind and not in outward circumstances, and that men +should be unmoved either by pleasure or pain. His +temperance and tranquil spirit were probably favourable +to longevity, as he died on the verge of ninety-nine, +two hundred and sixty-four years before the +Christian era.</p> + +<p>Marcus Aurelius embodied some of the precepts of +his philosophy in a book which has been praised by wise +and learned men. As a specimen of its style, I will +extract some of his sentiments on the diligent improvement +of time.</p> + +<p>"In the morning, if thou feelest reluctant to rise, +consider how much work thou hast to do. Say to +thy heart, Am I unwilling to go about that for which +I was born, and brought into this world? Was I made +to please myself idly, in a warm bed?</p> + +<p>"Wert thou born only to enjoy pleasure? Was it<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_114" id="Page_114">[Pg 114]</a></span> +not rather that thou mightest be always busy, and in +action? Seest thou not how every tree and plant, how +sparrows and ants, spiders and bees, are industrious and +intent to perform what belongs unto them? And wilt +not thou hasten to do that which thy nobler nature +doth require?"</p> + +<p>In his Meditations he thus reasons on the firmness +with which this mortal existence should be resigned; +and his argument is as strong as any that philosophy, +unenlightened by the Gospel, could furnish.</p> + +<p>"Thou hast taken ship. Thou hast sailed. Thou +hast come to land. Get out of the ship into another +life. The Gods are there."</p> + +<p>Yet this good Emperor, who seemed as perfect as it +was possible for pagan morality and belief to make +any human being, still had faults. One of the most +prominent of these was persecuting the Christians. +That a man so habitually mild should have been thus +severe, can only be explained on the principle that he +believed himself to be doing right. Thus the Apostle +Paul, when he imprisoned and punished the followers of +Christ, and consented to the stoning of Stephen, "calling +upon God," persuaded himself that he was discharging +a sacred duty.</p> + +<p>Marcus Aurelius was much influenced by the priests +of the heathen temples, who were jealous of whatever +interfered with their own idol-worship, and also by the +philosophers, who despised the Christians. Much of +the barbarity to which they were subjected was hidden +from him, as the governors of the distant provinces put +many to death without his knowledge. Still, he ought +to have more thoroughly investigated the truth with +regard to them, and had he been acquainted with the +New Testament, would doubtless have admired its pure +and sublime morality.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_115" id="Page_115">[Pg 115]</a></span></p> + +<p>Another of his faults was, that he so often engaged +in war when he did not approve of it, but considered it +both a calamity and disgrace. It has been already +mentioned that his colleague, Lucius Verus, was proud +of military parade, and encouraged bloodshed. The +Romans, also, were an iron-hearted people, placing their +glory in foreign conquest. Any disorder in the countries +that they had subjected, they were prompt to +punish by the sword.</p> + +<p>On one such occasion, when Marcus Aurelius led an +army into Germany, to chastise the Quadi, a tribe who +had rebelled against the sway of Rome, some remarkable +circumstances occurred. It was a wild region +which he traversed, where it was difficult to obtain +sustenance. The troops were in danger of famine. +The heat was intense, and no rain had fallen for a long +time, so that the grass was withered, and many of their +horses perished. The brooks and fountains wasted +away, and they endured distressing thirst. The enemy +shut them up between the mountains and themselves, +preventing as far as possible their approach to the +rivers. Then in this weak condition they forced them +to give battle or be cut off.</p> + +<p>It was pitiful to see the Roman soldiers standing in +their ranks, with enfeebled limbs and parched lips, +almost suffocated with heat. For four days they had +scarcely tasted water. As their barbarous enemies +pressed closely and fiercely upon them, the Emperor +advanced to the head of his forces, and, oppressed with +anxiety, raised his eyes to heaven, and said,</p> + +<p>"By this hand, which hath taken no life away, I +desire to appease Thee. Giver of life! I pray unto +Thee."</p> + +<p>Poor and empty, indeed, was this form of heathen +devotion, contrasted with the triumphant trust of the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_116" id="Page_116">[Pg 116]</a></span> +king of Judah, who, when the mighty host of the Ethiopians +stood ready to swallow him up, exclaimed,</p> + +<p>"It is nothing for God to help, whether by many or +by them that have no power."</p> + +<p>Then it was told the Emperor, that there was in the +camp an Egyptian, who boasted that the gods of his +country could give rain.</p> + +<p>"Call him forth!" was the imperial command, "bid +him pray for water to relieve our thirst, and make to +his gods any offerings that spirit propitiate them."</p> + +<p>The dark-browed man came forward and with many +ceremonies invoked Isis, the goddess who presided over +the waters. He implored her with the most piercing +earnestness to be gracious, and give rain. Thus the +idol-priests, during the long drought in Israel, under +Ahab, when the grass and brooks dried up, and the +cattle died, cried in their frantic sacrifices, "from +morning until noon, Oh Baal! hear us. But there was +no voice, neither any that regarded."</p> + +<p>In the pause of despair that ensued, some Christian +soldiers, who had been constrained to join the army, +were led forward. Kneeling on the glowing sands, they +besought the Great Maker of heaven and earth, for +the sake of their dear crucified Saviour, to pity, and +to save. Solemnly arose their voices in that time of +trouble.</p> + +<p>But the interval allotted to this supplication of faith +was brief. The conflict might no longer be deferred. +As they approached to join in battle, the enemy exulted +to see the Roman soldiers perishing with thirst, and +worn almost to skeletons, through famine and hardship.</p> + +<p>Suddenly the skies grew black. At first a few large +drops fell, Heaven's sweet promise of mercy. Then came +a plentiful shower, then rain in torrents. The sufferers, +with shouts of joy, caught it in their helmets, and in the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_117" id="Page_117">[Pg 117]</a></span> +hollow of their shields. The blessed draught gave +them new strength and courage.</p> + +<p>While they were yet drinking, their foes rushed upon +them, and blood was mingled with the water that +quenched their thirst. But the storm grew more terrible, +with keen flashes of lightning, and thunder +heavily reverberating from rock to rock. The barbarians, +smitten with sudden panic, exclaimed that the +gods fought against them with the fires of heaven, and +fled from the field. Thus the fortune of the day was +turned, and the vanquished left victors.</p> + +<p>Marcus Aurelius received this deliverance with deep +gratitude. In his heart he connected it with the +prayer of the Christians, and caused their persecutions +to cease. An ancient historian mentions that the +soldiers who had thus supplicated for relief, received +the name of the "thundering legion," and were permitted +to have a thunderbolt graven on their shields, +as a memorial of the tempest that had discomfited +their enemies, and saved the Roman forces, when ready +to perish. The Emperor, in his letter to the Senate, +recorded the events of that wonderful occasion, which, +among others connected with the war he then conducted, +were sculptured on the Antonine column, still +standing in the city of Rome.</p> + +<p>When the career of Marcus Aurelius terminated, and +his time came to die, he gave parting advice to his son +and successor, Commodus, solemnly charging his chief +officers and the friends who loved him, to aid him in +the discharge of his duties. Though he uttered so +many precepts of wisdom and fatherly tenderness, it +still seemed as if much was left unspoken, which he +would fain have said. Anxious care sat upon his brow +after his pale lips breathed no sound. It was supposed +that this trouble was for his son, in whose<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_118" id="Page_118">[Pg 118]</a></span> +right dispositions and habits he could have little +confidence.</p> + +<p>Commodus was the only son of Marcus Aurelius, his +twin brother having died during infancy. The utmost +pains had been taken with his education. But he had +no love of knowledge, preferring sports or idleness, +having no correct value of the preciousness of time.</p> + +<p>When he was but fourteen years of age, his father +permitted him to have a share in the government, hoping +thus to elevate him above trifling pursuits, and +implant in his young heart an interest for the people +over whom he was appointed to rule. But no sooner +was he in possession of power, than he began to abuse +it. He grew haughty, and despised the rights of others, +studying only his own selfish gratification.</p> + +<p>He was nineteen, when, by the death of his father, +he assumed the supreme authority. For a time his +course was more judicious than could have been expected, +as he consented to take the advice of aged +counsellors, who were experienced in the cares of state. +Afterwards, he rejected their guidance, and would +listen only to the suggestions of young and rash advisers. +Ere long he became unjust and cruel, taking +away life as his own caprices dictated.</p> + +<p>Among some of his most illustrious victims were the +Quintillian brothers, Maximin and Cardianus. They +were distinguished for wealth and liberality, and a +zealous kindness in relieving the poor. They were also +remarkable for their mutual affection, their studies and +pleasures being the same. They read the same books, +and so uniform was their flow of thought, that they +could pursue together the composition of the same +treatise. Such delight had they in each other's company, +that they were seldom seen separate, and had no +idea of divided or opposing interests. Rome admired<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_119" id="Page_119">[Pg 119]</a></span> +this beautiful example of fraternal love, pointing them +out as two forms animated by one soul. Without just +cause, Commodus put to death these two brothers, who, +having lived in each other's life, were executed at the +same time.</p> + +<p>In the midst of such barbarities, this bad Emperor +was amusing himself with the hunting of wild beasts, +and the company of vain and vicious people. His excesses +were at length terminated by violence, being +strangled after a reign of twelve years, December 31st, +192. His memory was execrated by those over whom +he had ruled. Indolence and hatred of knowledge in +his boyhood, and love of wicked associates in youth, +brought the vices of a bad heart to early ripeness, so +that he was at once dreaded and despised.</p> + +<p>In analyzing his character, it will be found in two +respects similar to that of Rehoboam, king of Israel, in +his rejection of the advice of aged counsellors, to follow +the guidance of the young, and in being the unwise son +of a wise father.</p> + +<p>We see that the honours won by illustrious ancestors +will avail us nothing, unless by our own virtues +we sustain their reputation. Indeed, if we take a different +course, our disgrace will be deeper, as the career +of the bad Emperor, which we have briefly traced, +seems darker when contrasted with the lustre and glory +of his predecessor.</p> + +<p>Therefore, let every child of a good and distinguished +parent, give added diligence, that he may not blemish +the memory of those whom he loves, or stain the +brightness of a transmitted name.</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_120" id="Page_120">[Pg 120]</a></div> +<h1><a name="Bonaparte_at_St_Helena" id="Bonaparte_at_St_Helena"></a>Bonaparte at St. Helena.</h1> + +<p>The drama sinks, the tragic scene is o'er,<br /> +And he who rul'd their springs, returns no more;<br /> +He, who with mystery cloth'd, pale wonder chain'd,<br /> +And all mankind his auditors detain'd,<br /> +Whose plot unfolding agoniz'd the world,<br /> +Resigns his mask, and from the stage is hurl'd.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">When from the wilds of Corsica he broke,</span><br /> +To snatch the sceptre and to bind the yoke,<br /> +He rais'd the curtain with his dagger's blade,<br /> +And pour'd red carnage o'er the slumbering shade.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">His fearful plan, terrific, strange, and new,</span><br /> +Nor Fancy prompted, nor Experience drew,<br /> +It sprang inventive from a daring mind<br /> +Where dauntless nerve and intellect combined;<br /> +Thence bursting wildly, like the lightning's flame,<br /> +Gave birth to deeds that language fails to name.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">With battle-clouds the shrinking sun he veil'd,</span><br /> +With flashing fires astonish'd Night assail'd,<br /> +By ravag'd fields, and streams with carnage red,<br /> +Trac'd o'er the earth his desolating tread:<br /> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_121" id="Page_121">[Pg 121]</a></span><br /> +Without a signal to the conflict rush'd<br /> +O'er friends enslav'd, foes wounded, allies crush'd;<br /> +High from the Alps, amid eternal snow,<br /> +Pour'd his fierce legions on the vale below,<br /> +With tramp of hurrying steed and armour's clang<br /> +War followed war; from conquest, conquest sprang.<br /> +In Scythian caves he fought; on Afric's sands,<br /> +Chas'd the wild Arab and his roving bands;<br /> +Perch'd on the pyramids in dizzy height.<br /> +Look'd scornful down on Alexander's might;<br /> +O'er Europe's realm like Attila he rush'd,<br /> +Snatch'd, rent, divided, subjugated, crush'd;<br /> +<i>Here</i>, planted minions in his smile to reign,<br /> +<i>There</i>, loaded monarchs with his vassal chain.<br /> +Rome's haughty pontiff trembled at the nod<br /> +That dar'd to threat the altar of his God;<br /> +While Albion's ships, whose bristled lightnings glow,<br /> +Were seen like Argus watching for their foe,<br /> +And her white cliffs in close array were lin'd<br /> +With sleepless soldiers, on their arms reclin'd.<br /> +<br /> +Far distant realms beheld his glories tower,<br /> +And France forgot her wrongs, to boast his power;<br /> +The pale-brow'd conscript left, without a sigh,<br /> +Home, love, and liberty, for him to die.<br /> +Even heaven-taught Genius proffer'd venal lays,<br /> +The servile arts enlisted in his praise,<br /> +And the rich spoils of old Italia's shore<br /> +As trophies proud, his pirate legions bore.<br /> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_122" id="Page_122">[Pg 122]</a></span>In that gay city where his lofty throne<br /> +On run rear'd, in sudden brilliance shone,<br /> +The Old World met the New, and sons of fame<br /> +Who fill'd with awe, in long procession came,<br /> +Rais'd the imploring eye, to ask sublime<br /> +A milder sentence on the tyrant's crime.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">But how can Europe grant their warm appeal,</span><br /> +Reft of her sons, and mangled by his steel?<br /> +Hath she a couch so dark, a cell so deep,<br /> +That burning Moscow's memory there may sleep?<br /> +What can the scenes of purple Jaffa blot?<br /> +And when shall Lodi's slaughter be forgot?<br /> +Who from a race unborn shall hide the view<br /> +Of Jena, Austerlitz, and Waterloo?<br /> +Earth, clad in sable, never can forego<br /> +The deep-grav'd trace, nor man forget the woe.<br /> +<br /> +Yet, <i>let him live</i>, if life can yet be borne,<br /> +Disrob'd of glory, and depress'd with scorn;<br /> +Yes, <i>let him live</i>, if he to life can bend,<br /> +Without a flatterer, and without a friend;<br /> +If from the hand he hated, he can bear<br /> +To take the gift, his stain'd existence spare.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">But who from yon lone islet shall exclude</span><br /> +The fearful step of Conscience, foul with blood?<br /> +What diamond shield repel the impetuous force<br /> +Or break the shafts of pitiless remorse?<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Oh! in his sea-girt cell of guilt and fear,</span><br /> +Stretch the red map that marks his dire career,<br /> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_123" id="Page_123">[Pg 123]</a></span>Light the funereal torch, in terror spread<br /> +His reeking hecatombs of slaughter'd dead,<br /> +And if to hearts like his, Contrition comes,<br /> +There let him seek her 'mid impending glooms;<br /> +<i>There</i> let him live, and to mankind display<br /> +The mighty miseries of Ambition's sway;<br /> +There let him sink, to teach them by his fate,<br /> +The dread requital of the falsely great.<br /> +Great, in the stores of an ambitious mind;<br /> +Great, in the deeds that desolate mankind;<br /> +Great, like the pestilence in mystic shroud<br /> +That darts its arrow from the midnight cloud;<br /> +Great, like the whirlwind in its wrecking path,<br /> +To sow in evil, and to reap in wrath.</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_124" id="Page_124">[Pg 124]</a></div> +<h1><a name="Polycarp" id="Polycarp"></a>Polycarp.</h1> + +<p>There have been in all ages some firm and consistent +Christians, who, rather than deny the true faith, +have chosen martyrdom. Polycarp, the Bishop of +Smyrna, in Asia, was one of the earliest of these. He +had become very old and venerable, when, during one of +the persecutions under the Roman Emperors, his life +was taken away. No accusation was ever made against +him, except that he was a follower of Christ.</p> + +<p>Suddenly there was a great noise in the streets, and +multitudes shouted, "Let Polycarp be brought!" Not +dismayed at the tumult, he retired to pray, as was his +custom at that hour. Then his enemies rushed forcibly +into his house, and foreseeing their purpose, he said,</p> + +<p>"The will of the Lord be done."</p> + +<p>Calmly he talked with them, and as some seemed +weary and exhausted, he commanded food to be set +before them, remembering the words of the forgiving +and compassionate Redeemer, "If thine enemy hunger, +feed him; if he thirst, give him drink."</p> + +<p>He requested that he might have one hour for his +devotions, ere they took him from his home, to which +he felt persuaded that he should return no more. This +they granted, and when the hour was passed, placed +him on an ass, to carry him to the city. Two Romans +of wealth and power, passing by, took him up into their<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_125" id="Page_125">[Pg 125]</a></span> +chariot. There they endeavoured to persuade him to +sacrifice to the heathen gods. He replied, "I shall +never do what you advise." Then they threw him out +of the chariot so roughly, that he was bruised and hurt. +But rising, he walked on cheerfully, notwithstanding his +great age. When he was brought before the tribunal, +the Governor urged him to deny the Saviour. "Reverence +thine age," said he. "Repent. Swear by the +fortunes of Cęsar. Reproach Christ, and I will set thee +at liberty."</p> + +<p>But Polycarp replied, "Fourscore and six years have +I served him, and he hath never done me an injury. +How then can I blaspheme my King and Saviour?"</p> + +<p>"I have wild beasts," said the furious governor. "I +will cast you unto them, unless you change your mind."</p> + +<p>"Call for them," answered Polycarp.</p> + +<p>"Nay, if you dread not the lions," said the Roman, +"I will order you to be consumed by fire, except you +repent."</p> + +<p>"Threatenest thou me," said the gray-haired Christian, +"with the fire that burns for an hour, and then is +extinguished? And art thou ignorant of the fire of +the future judgment, and of the everlasting punishment +reserved for the wicked?"</p> + +<p>Then the whole multitude, both of Jews and Gentiles +that inhabited Smyrna, cried out furiously, "This +is the father of the Christians, who teaches all Asia not +to worship our gods. Let a lion loose upon him, or let +him be cast into the flame."</p> + +<p>They hastened to raise a pile of wood and dry +branches. He unclothed himself at their command, +and endeavoured to stoop down and take off his shoes, +which he had long been unable to do, because of his +age and infirmity. When all things were ready, they +were going to nail him to the stake. But he said,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_126" id="Page_126">[Pg 126]</a></span> +"He who gives me strength to bear this fire, will enable +me to stand unmoved without being fastened with +nails." Then he thus prayed:</p> + +<p>"Oh Father of the beloved and blessed Son, Jesus +Christ, through whom we have obtained the knowledge +of Thee, Oh God of angels and principalities, of all +creation, and of all the just who live in thy sight, I +bless Thee that Thou hast counted me worthy of this +day, and at this hour, to receive my portion in the +number of martyrs, in the cup of Christ, for the resurrection +of eternal life, both of soul and body, in the +incorruption of the Holy Ghost, among whom may I be +received before Thee, as an acceptable sacrifice, which +Thou, the faithful and true God, hast prepared, promised, +and fulfilled accordingly. Wherefore, I praise +Thee for all these things, I bless Thee, I glorify Thee, +by the eternal High Priest, Jesus Christ, thy well-beloved +Son, through whom and with whom, in the Holy +Spirit, be glory to Thee, both now and for ever."</p> + +<p>Scarcely had the hoary-headed saint uttered his last +earnest <i>Amen</i>, ere the impatient officers kindled the +pile. Flame and smoke enwrapped the blackening +body of the martyr. It was long in consuming, and +so they ran it through with a sword. Thus died the +faithful and venerable Polycarp in the year 168, at the +age of eighty-six.</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_127" id="Page_127">[Pg 127]</a></div> +<h1><a name="Christmas_Hymn" id="Christmas_Hymn"></a>Christmas Hymn.</h1> + +<blockquote><p>"Peace on earth, and good-will to men."</p></blockquote> + +<p>Lift up the grateful heart to Him,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">The Friend of want and pain,</span><br /> +Whose birth the joyous angels sang,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">On green Judea's plain;</span><br /> +<br /> +"Good-will and peace!" how sweet the sound<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Upon the midnight air,</span><br /> +While sleep the fleecy flocks around,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Watched by their shepherd's care.</span><br /> +<br /> +So we, within this Christian fold,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Lambs of our teacher's love,</span><br /> +Who hear that melody divine,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Still echoing from above,</span><br /> +<br /> +Would fain, through all of life, obey<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">The spirit of the strain,</span><br /> +That so the bliss by angels sung<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Might not to us be vain.</span><br /></p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_128" id="Page_128">[Pg 128]</a></div> +<h1><a name="The_Frivolous_King" id="The_Frivolous_King"></a>The Frivolous King.</h1> + +<p>Richard the Second was grandson of Edward the +Third, and the only son of the celebrated Black Prince. +He ascended the throne at the age of eleven, with +every advantage that could be derived from the partiality +of the people for his illustrious ancestors. +Especially the firmness and magnanimity of his father, +and his union of goodness with greatness, won the +favour of the historians of his times, who assert that he +left a stainless honour and an unblemished name.</p> + +<p>The young king, during an insurrection, gave some +proofs of courage and presence of mind that impressed +the nation favourably: and as he approached maturity, +his graceful, majestic person awakened their admiration +and pride. Had he by wise conduct and deportment +confirmed these impressions, he might have swayed +their affections, and firmly established himself in their +love. But his demeanour was so light and frivolous, +that he commanded no respect, while his self-confidence +and contempt of wise counsel plunged him into misfortune. +And as the mind that indulges itself in error +is never stationary, he passed from indolence to acts of +injustice, and even of cruelty.</p> + +<p>He banished for life the Duke of Norfolk, against +whom no crime had been proved, and condemned to a +ten years' exile the young Duke of Bolingbroke, against<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_129" id="Page_129">[Pg 129]</a></span> +whom no offence had been alleged. The last named +nobleman was his own cousin, the son of John of Gaunt, +Duke of Lancaster, brother of the Black Prince. The +aged father deeply mourned this disgrace and unjust +punishment inflicted on his only son. Had not Richard +been destitute of true sympathy, it would have grieved +him to see his white-haired relative sinking in despondence, +and mourning night and day for the absence of +his son. Borne down by sorrow, and the infirmities of +declining years, he died, and his large estates were immediately +taken for the use of the crown.</p> + +<p>The banished Bolingbroke, exasperated at the seizure +of his paternal inheritance, returned before the term of +his exile had expired. When he entered his native +land, some followers joined him, and as he passed onward, +they increased to a formidable force. Richard +was dilatory in his preparations to oppose them, and +unfortunate in his encounters. He was defeated, and +made prisoner by him who had once been the victim of +his own tyranny.</p> + +<p>The weather was cold and cheerless, when, on almost +the last day of December, 1399, a strange and sad +scene was exhibited in the streets of London. There, +Bolingbroke, with the title of Henry Fourth, appeared +riding in great pomp, with a vast retinue, who filled +the air with acclamations, followed by the drooping +and degraded Richard, exposed to the insults of those +who flattered or feared him in his day of power, and +now spared not to cast dust and rubbish upon him. +Shakspeare has given a most striking description of this +entrance into the city, which seems to bring it before +the eye like a picture.</p> + +<p>Though the fickle throng showered their praises upon +the fortunate monarch, there were some left to pity the +fallen. He was kept a close prisoner in Pomfret Castle,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_130" id="Page_130">[Pg 130]</a></span> +and subjected to many sufferings and indignities. There +he died, some historians say by the stroke of an axe, +and others, by the slow torture of starvation.</p> + +<p>From his untimely grave, a voice seems to rise, +warning the young against the folly and rashness that +were his ruin. Let them avoid this thoughtlessness +and waste of time, and if they are ever tempted to +frivolity, or contempt of the rights of others, remember +what this prince might have been, and what he became, +nor pass by this melancholy monument of blasted hope +without learning a lesson of wisdom.</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_131" id="Page_131">[Pg 131]</a></div> +<h1><a name="To_a_Pupil_Leaving_School" id="To_a_Pupil_Leaving_School"></a>To a Pupil Leaving School.</h1> + +<p>Farewell! Farewell! Once more regain<br /> +Your happy home, your native plain;<br /> +Yet here, in Learning's classic fane,<br /> +None have discharg'd the allotted part<br /> +With firmer zeal or fonder heart.<br /> +And true affection still shall hold<br /> +Your image, set in Memory's gold.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Yet think, sweet friend, where'er you rove,</span><br /> +That He who strews your path with love,<br /> +Accords no boon of which to say,<br /> +"'Tis light, go trifle it away."<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">No. Every fleeting hour survives;</span><br /> +It seems to vanish, yet it lives;<br /> +Though buried, it shall burst the tomb,<br /> +And meet you at the bar of doom.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">But <i>how</i> it rises, <i>how</i> appears,</span><br /> +With smiles or frowns, with joys or fears.<br /> +And ah! what verdict then it bears,<br /> +Rests on your labours, and your prayers.</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_132" id="Page_132">[Pg 132]</a></div> +<h1><a name="Pious_Princes" id="Pious_Princes"></a>Pious Princes.</h1> + +<p>The pomp with which royalty is surrounded must +be unfavourable to a right education. Its proud expectations +are often destructive to humility, and its +flatteries blind the mind to a knowledge of itself.</p> + +<p>Yet History records a few instances, where the young +heart has escaped these dangers, and chosen truth for +its guide, and wisdom as its portion. Here and there, +we find one, whom the possession of an earthly crown +did not deter from the pursuit of that which is incorruptible +and eternal.</p> + +<p>Josiah, the king of Judah, was one of these rare +examples. He was born about the year six hundred +and thirty-three, before the Christian era, and at the +early age of eight was called to succeed his father on +the throne. The temptations of kingly power, which +are so often a hindrance to piety, seemed rather to dispose +his heart to its influence, for the sacred historian +records that in the eighth year of his reign, while he +was yet young, "he began to seek after the God of +David his father."</p> + +<p>The religion of this young prince of sixteen soon unfolded +itself in earnest deeds; the overthrow of idolatry, +the repair of the Holy Temple, and the establishment +of laws for the welfare of his people and realm.</p> + +<p>Modern history, also, describes some young heirs of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_133" id="Page_133">[Pg 133]</a></span> +royalty, whom it is pleasant to contemplate. Conspicuous +among these is Edward VI. of England, who began +his reign in 1547, at the age of nine years. His mother +died almost immediately after his birth, and until he +was nearly seven he was under the care of females, +whose virtues and accomplishments were calculated to +make the happiest impression on his character. Thus, +by the grace of God, was laid the foundation of that +deep, tender, and consistent piety, that marked his +conduct through life, and left him, at death, an unblemished +fame.</p> + +<p>In early childhood he discovered strong powers of +mind, and a conscientious heart. His reverence for the +Scriptures was remarkable. Once, while playing with +some infantine companions, he desired to reach an +article that was considerably above their heads. So +they moved a large book for him to stand upon. +Scarcely had he placed his foot upon the covers when +he saw it was the Bible. Instantly drawing back, he +folded his arms around it and said seriously to his play-fellows, +"Shall I trample under my feet that which +God hath commanded me to treasure up in my heart?"</p> + +<p>On his seventh birth-day he was placed under the +tuition of learned men, to study such branches of +knowledge as they considered best for him, among +which were the Latin and French languages. He was +docile to all their directions, and frequently expressed +his gratitude for their instructions. Letters elegantly +written in Latin, at the age of eight, to his father, +Henry Eighth, Queen Catharine Parr, his mother-in-law, +and the Earl of Hertford, his uncle, are preserved +as curiosities in the annals of those times.</p> + +<p>At his coronation, being then nine years old, three +swords were laid before him to signify that he was the +monarch of three separate kingdoms.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_134" id="Page_134">[Pg 134]</a></span></p> + +<p>"There is another sword yet wanting," said the +child-prince, "one more, the sword of the Spirit, which +is the Word of God. Without that we are nothing, we +can do nothing; we have no power. Through that, we +are what we are, at this day. From that Book alone, +we obtain all virtue and salvation, and whatever we +have of divine strength."</p> + +<p>Constancy and regularity in prayer was among his +early traits of character. After he became a king, and +was subject to the interruptions and temptations of a +court, nothing could induce him to neglect his daily +seasons of private devotion. One day, he was told, +that Sir John Cheeke, who had given him lessons in +Latin, when quite a young child, was dangerously sick. +With deep solemnity on his countenance, he went to +his stated retirement, and afterwards hearing that the +physician had said there was little hope of his recovery, +replied in the simple fervour of faith,</p> + +<p>"Ah! but I think there is. For I have most earnestly +begged of God, in my prayers, this morning, to +spare him."</p> + +<p>When the sufferer was restored to health, and informed +of this circumstance, he was deeply touched by +the grateful affection and confiding piety of his royal +pupil.</p> + +<p>Edward Sixth kept an exact diary of all the memorable +events that passed under his observation. The +conferring of every office, civil or ecclesiastical, the receipts +and expenditure of the revenue, the repairs or +erection of forts, the sending forth or reception of ambassadors, +and indeed, all matters of business that +occurred during his reign, were legibly recorded by his +own hand, with their appropriate dates. This diary, +which evinces industry and uprightness of purpose, is +often quoted by historians.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_135" id="Page_135">[Pg 135]</a></span></p> + +<p>But pulmonary consumption early made fatal inroads +on his health, and he prepared for a higher and happier +state with the benignity of one whose heart was +already there. The following prayer, which is among +those which he used as the close of life drew nigh, will +show how much the progress of true religion among his +people dwelt on his mind, when about to be taken from +them:</p> + +<p>"My Lord God! if thou wilt deliver me from this +miserable and wretched life, take me among thy chosen. +Yet, not <i>my</i> will, but <i>Thy</i> will be done. Lord I commit +my spirit unto Thee. Thou knowest how happy +it were for me to be with Thee. But if Thou dost +send me life and health, grant that I may more truly +serve Thee.</p> + +<p>"Oh my God! save thy people, and bless thine inheritance. +Preserve thy chosen realm of England, and +maintain Thy true religion, that both king and people +may praise Thy holy name, for the sake of our Lord +Jesus Christ."</p> + +<p>Edward Sixth died at the age of sixteen, July 6th, +1553, beloved and lamented by all over whom he had +reigned.</p> + +<p>The historians of France record, with high encomium, +the virtues of one of their princes, a son of Louis +Fifteenth, who died before his father. He possessed a +noble spirit, amiable manners, and in all the duties and +sympathies of private life was so exemplary, that he +was pronounced by national enthusiasm, "too perfect +to continue on earth." He was exceedingly attentive +to the education of his children, and vigilant in guarding +them against the pride and arrogance of royalty. +He continually endeavoured to impress upon their +minds, that though they had been placed by Heaven +in an elevated station, yet virtue and religion were the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_136" id="Page_136">[Pg 136]</a></span> +only true and enduring distinctions. His death, which +was deeply mourned by the nation over which he had +expected one day to rule, took place on the 20th of +December, 1765, when he had just attained the age of +thirty-seven years.</p> + +<p>He directed the preceptor of his children to take +them to the abodes of the poor, and let them taste the +coarsest bread, and lie down upon the hardest pallet, +that they might know how the needy live, and learn +to pity them.</p> + +<p>"Ah! suffer them also to weep," he would say, "for +a prince who has never shed tears for the woes of others +can never make a good king."</p> + +<blockquote> +<p>Yes, take them to the peasant's cot,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Where penury shrinks in pain and care,</span><br /> +Spread to their view the humblest lot,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">And let them taste the coarsest fare,</span><br /> +<br /> +And bid their tender limbs recline<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Upon the hard and husky bed,</span><br /> +Where want and weary labour pine,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Diseased, unpitied, and unfed;</span><br /> +<br /> +And let them weep; for if their eyes<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">With tender Pity ne'er o'erflow,</span><br /> +How will they heed their subjects' signs,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Or learn to feel a nation's woe?</span><br /> +<br /> +Oh children! though your Maker's hand,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Hath mark'd for you a lofty sphere,</span><br /> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_137" id="Page_137">[Pg 137]</a></span>And though your welfare and command<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Are now to partial Gallia dear;</span><br /> +<br /> +Yet many a child from lowliest shed,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Whose peasant father turns the sod,</span><br /> +May in the righteous day of dread<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Be counted <i>greater</i> by his God.</span></p> +</blockquote> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_138" id="Page_138">[Pg 138]</a></div> +<h1><a name="Evils_of_War" id="Evils_of_War"></a>Evils of War.</h1> + +<blockquote><p>"From whence come wars and fightings?" James, iv. 1.</p></blockquote> + + +<p>You will perhaps say they have been from the beginning. +The history of every nation tells of the shedding +of blood. In the Bible and other ancient records of +man, we read of "wars and fightings," ever since he +was placed upon the earth.</p> + +<p>Yet there have been always some to lament that the +creatures whom God has made should thus destroy +each other. They have felt that human life was short +enough, without its being made still shorter by violence. +Among the most warlike nations there have been wise +and reflecting minds, who felt that war was an evil, and +deplored it as a judgment.</p> + +<p>Rome was one of the most warlike nations of the +ancient world. Yet three of her best Emperors gave +their testimony against war, and were most reluctant +to engage in it. Adrian truly loved peace, and endeavoured +to promote it. He saw that war was a foe to +those arts and sciences which cause nations to prosper. +Titus Antoninus Pius tried to live in peace with every +one. He did all in his power to prevent war, and said +he would "rather save the life of one citizen, than destroy +a thousand enemies." Marcus Aurelius considered +war both as a disgrace and a calamity. When he was +forced into it, his heart revolted.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_139" id="Page_139">[Pg 139]</a></span></p> + +<p>Yet these were heathen emperors. They had never +received the Gospel, which breathes "peace and good-will +to man." The law of Moses did not forbid war +"An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth," was the +maxim of the Jewish people. But the law of Jesus +Christ is a law of peace. "I say unto you, that ye +resist not evil," were the words not only of his lips, but +of his example. His command to his disciples was, +"See that ye love one another."</p> + +<p>The spirit of war, therefore, was not condemned by +the Jewish law, or by the creeds of the heathen. But +it is contrary to the spirit of the Gospel.</p> + +<p>Have you ever seriously considered the evil and +sorrow of war? how it destroys the lives of multitudes, +and makes bitter mourning in families and nations? +You are sorry when you see a friend suffering pain, +or a lame man with a broken bone, or even a child with +a cut finger. But after a battle, what gashes and +gaping wounds are seen, while the ground is red with +the flowing blood, and the dying in their agony are +trampled under the feet of horses, or covered with heaps +of dead bodies.</p> + +<p>Think too of the poverty and distress that come +upon many families, who have lost the friend whose +labour provided them with bread, upon the mourning +of gray-headed parents from whose feeble limbs the +prop is taken away; upon the anguish of wives for their +slaughtered husbands; and the weeping of children, +because their dear fathers must return to them no more.</p> + +<p>All these evils, and many which there is not room to +mention, come from a single battle. But in one war +there are often many battles. Towns are sometimes +burned, and the aged and helpless destroyed. The +mother and her innocent babes perish in the flames of +their own beloved homes.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_140" id="Page_140">[Pg 140]</a></span></p> + +<p>It is very sad to think of the cruelty and bad passions +which war produces. Men, who have no cause to dislike +each other, meet as deadly foes. They raise weapons +of destruction, and exult to hear the groans of death. +Rulers who make war, should remember the suffering +and sin which it occasions, and how much more noble +it is to save life than to destroy it.</p> + +<p>Howard visited the prisons of Europe, and relieved +the miseries of those who had no helper, and died with +their blessings on his head. Bonaparte caused multitudes +to be slain, and multitudes to mourn, and died +like a chained lion upon a desolate island. Is not the +fame of Howard better than that of Bonaparte?</p> + +<p>The religious sect of Friends, or Quakers, as they +are sometimes called, never go to war. The beautiful +State of Pennsylvania was originally settled by them. +William Penn, its founder, would not permit any discord +with the Indians, its original inhabitants. He obtained +the land of them by fair purchase, and set the example +of treating them with justice and courtesy.</p> + +<p>In most of the other colonies there had been fearful +wars with the savages. In ambush and massacre, the +blood of the new-comers had been shed; and they had +retaliated on the sons of the forest with terrible vengeance. +Older States looked upon this proffer of peace +as a dangerous experiment. They said, "These Quakers +have put their heads under the tomahawk." But on +the contrary, no drop of their blood was ever shed by +the Indians in Pennsylvania. They gathered around +William Penn with reverence and love. Rude warriors +as they were, they admired his peaceful spirit. He +explained his views to them with cordiality, and they +listened to his words.</p> + +<p>"We will not fight with you," he said, "nor shed +your blood. If a quarrel arise, six of our people and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_141" id="Page_141">[Pg 141]</a></span> +six of your own, shall meet together and judge what is +right, and settle the matter accordingly."</p> + +<p>Subdued by his spirit of kindness and truth, they +promised to live in peace with him and his posterity +"so long as the sun and moon shall endure."</p> + +<p>On his return to England, among the friends who +gathered around the ship to bid him farewell, were +groups of Indians with mournful brows, the women +holding up their little ones, that they might have one +more sight of the great and good man, whom they +called their Father. Was not this more acceptable to +Heaven than the din of strife, and the false glory of the +conqueror?</p> + +<p>So earnest was William Penn to convince his fellowmen +that it was both their duty and privilege to live in +peace, that he travelled into foreign countries for that +purpose, using his eloquence, and knowledge of various +languages with considerable success. Peter the Great, +when studying the arts of civilization in England, was +much interested by visits from this teacher of Peace, +who conversed fluently with him in German. The +young Czar listened with great attention and courtesy, +while he unfolded his system. He then earnestly requested +that it might be expressed for him in a few +words, and William Penn wrote,</p> + +<p>"Men must be holy, or they cannot be happy; they +should be few in words, peaceable in life, suffer wrongs, +love enemies, and deny themselves: without which, faith +is false; worship, formality, and religion, hypocrisy."</p> + +<p>The future Emperor of the Russians, though not a +convert to the doctrine of the Quakers, regarded it with +so much respect, that he repeatedly attended their +meetings, evincing deep and interested attention. To +his mind, the theory of peace seemed beautiful, yet he +considered it impossible that wars should be prevented.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_142" id="Page_142">[Pg 142]</a></span> +He did not believe that contending nations could be +made to settle their differences without an appeal to +arms, or that their anger might be soothed by the +mediation of a friendly people, as a good man makes +peace between offended neighbours. It did not occur to +him that a Christian ruler might mediate with the +soothing policy of the patriarch Abraham to his wrathful +kinsman:</p> + +<p>"Let there be no strife, I pray thee, between me and +thee, or between my herdsmen and thy herdsmen, for +we be brethren."</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_143" id="Page_143">[Pg 143]</a></div> +<h1><a name="The_Liberated_Fly" id="The_Liberated_Fly"></a>The Liberated Fly.</h1> + +<p>A Fly was struggling in a vase of ink,<br /> +Which with my feathery quill-top I releas'd,<br /> +As the rope saves the drowning mariner.<br /> +I thought at first the luckless wight was dead,<br /> +But mark'd a quivering of the slender limbs,<br /> +And laid him on a paper in the sun,<br /> +To renovate himself.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 11em;">With sudden spasm</span><br /> +Convulsion shook him sore, and on his back<br /> +Discomfited he lay. Then, by his side<br /> +I strew'd some sugar, and upon his breast<br /> +Arrang'd a particle, thinking, perchance,<br /> +The odour of his favourite aliment<br /> +Might stimulate the palate, and uncoil<br /> +The folded trunk.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 9.5em;">But, straight, a troop of friends</span><br /> +Gather'd around him, and I deem'd it kind<br /> +To express their sympathy, in such dark hour<br /> +Of adverse fortune. Yet, behold! they came<br /> +To forage on his stores, and rudely turn'd<br /> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_144" id="Page_144">[Pg 144]</a></span>And toss'd him o'er and o'er, to help themselves<br /> +With more convenience. Quite incens'd to see<br /> +Their utter want of pitying courtesy,<br /> +I drove these venal people all away,<br /> +And shut a wine-glass o'er him, to exclude<br /> +Their coarse intrusion.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 12.5em;">Forthwith, they return'd,</span><br /> +And through his palace peer'd, and, round and round<br /> +Gadding, admission sought: yet all in vain.<br /> +And so, a wondrous buzzing they set up,<br /> +As if with envy mov'd to see him there,<br /> +The untasted luxury at his very lips,<br /> +For which they long'd so much.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 16em;">Then suddenly,</span><br /> +The prisoner mov'd his head, and rose with pain,<br /> +And dragg'd his palsied body slow along,<br /> +Marking out sinuous lines, as on a map,<br /> +Coast, islet, creek, and lithe promontory,<br /> +Blank as the Stygian ink-pool, where he plung'd<br /> +So foolishly. But a nice bath was made<br /> +In a small silver spoon, from which he rose<br /> +Most marvellously chang'd, stretching outright<br /> +All his six legs uncramp'd, and, opening wide<br /> +And shutting with delight his gauzy wings,<br /> +Seem'd to applaud the cleansing properties<br /> +Of pure cold water. Then with appetite,<br /> +He took the food that he had loath'd before;<br /> +And in this renovation of the life<br /> +Of a poor noteless insect, was a joy,<br /> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_145" id="Page_145">[Pg 145]</a></span>And sweet content, I never could have felt<br /> +From taking it away.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 11em;">Still let us guard,</span><br /> +For every harmless creature, God's good gifts<br /> +Of breath and being; since each beating heart<br /> +Doth hide some secret sense of happiness<br /> +Which he who treadeth out can ne'er restore.</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_146" id="Page_146">[Pg 146]</a></div> +<h1><a name="The_Good_Brother_and_Sister" id="The_Good_Brother_and_Sister"></a>The Good Brother and Sister.</h1> + +<p>Jacob Bicks was a native of Leyden, in Holland, +and born in the year 1657. His parents were religious, +and gave strict attention to his early education, and +their efforts were rewarded. He became tenderly conscientious, +and in all his conduct sought to obey them +and please God.</p> + +<p>When the plague raged in Holland, in 1664, he was +seized with the fatal infection. At first he seemed +drowsy and lethargic, but during his waking intervals, +was observed to be engaged in prayer.</p> + +<p>"This," said he, "gives me comfort in my distress."</p> + +<p>Perceiving that he suffered pain, he was asked if he +would like again to see the physician.</p> + +<p>"No," he earnestly answered, "I wish to have him +no more. The Lord will help me, for I well know that +He is about to take me to himself."</p> + +<p>"Dear child," said his father, "this grieves us to the +heart."</p> + +<p>"Father," answered the meek sufferer, "let us pray. +The Lord will be near for my helper."</p> + +<p>After prayer, he spoke with a stronger and more +joyful voice, his parting words,</p> + +<p>"Come now, father and mother, come and kiss me, +I feel that I am to die. Farewell, dear parents, farewell, +dear sister, farewell all. Now shall I go to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_147" id="Page_147">[Pg 147]</a></span> +heaven, and to the holy angels. Remember ye not +what is said by Jeremiah, 'Blessed is he who trusteth +in the Lord.' I trust in Him, and lo! he blesseth me. +'Little children, love not the world, for it passeth away.' +Away then with the pleasant things of the world, away +with my toys, away with my books, in heaven I shall +have a sufficiency of the true wisdom without them."</p> + +<p>"God will be near thee," said the father. "He shall +uphold thee."</p> + +<p>"It is written," answered the child, "that He giveth +grace unto the humble. I shall humble myself under +His mighty hand, and He will lift me up."</p> + +<p>"Hast thou indeed, so strong a faith, my dear son?" +asked the afflicted father.</p> + +<p>"Yes," said the dying boy, "He hath given me this +strong faith in Jesus Christ. He that believeth on +Him hath everlasting life, and shall overcome the +wicked one. I believe in Jesus Christ, my Redeemer. +He will never leave nor forsake me. He will give me +eternal life. He will let me sing, 'Holy, holy, holy, +Lord God of Sabaoth.'"</p> + +<p>Then, with his failing breath, they heard upon his +lips the softly murmured prayer, "Lord, be merciful to +me a poor sinner," as with a trusting smile his spirit +passed away, just as he had completed his seventh +year.</p> + +<p>His sister, Susanna, seven years older than himself, +was smitten by the same terrible pestilence, a few +weeks after his death. She had been from the beginning +a child of great sweetness of disposition, attentive +to her studies, and so faithful in her religious duties as +to be considered an example for other young persons, +and even for older Christians.</p> + +<p>Bending beneath the anguish of her disease, like a +crushed and beautiful flower she sustained herself and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_148" id="Page_148">[Pg 148]</a></span> +comforted others with the words of that Blessed Book, +in which was her hope.</p> + +<p>"If Thy law were not my delight, I should perish in +this my affliction. Be merciful to me, oh Father! be +merciful to me a sinner, according unto thy word."</p> + +<p>Fixing her eyes tenderly upon her mourning parents, +she said,</p> + +<p>"Cast your burden upon the Lord. He shall sustain +you. He will never suffer the righteous to be moved. +Therefore, dearest mother, be comforted. He will +cause all things to go well that concern you."</p> + +<p>Her mother answered with tears,</p> + +<p>"O, our dear child, God, by his grace, hath given +me great comfort in thee, in thy religious temper, and +thy great attention to reading the Scriptures, prayer, +and pious discourse, edifying us as well as thyself. He, +even He Himself, who gave thee to us, make up this +loss, if it be His pleasure to take thee away."</p> + +<p>"Dear mother, though I must leave you, and you +me, God will never leave either of us. Is it not written, +Can a woman forget her child? Yea, she may forget, +yet will I not forget thee. Behold, I have graven +thee upon the palms of my hands. Oh! most comfortable +words, both for parents and child."</p> + +<p>Fatigued with speaking, she fell into a deep slumber, +and on awaking, asked what day it was. She was told +it was Sabbath morning.</p> + +<p>"Father, have you commended me to be remembered +in the prayers of the Church?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, my daughter."</p> + +<p>"This comforts me. For I have learned to believe +that the effectual fervent prayer of the righteous +availeth much."</p> + +<p>She had a peculiarly warm and grateful love for her +teachers and pastor, and a veneration for all ministers<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_149" id="Page_149">[Pg 149]</a></span> +of the Gospel. She delighted to listen to their conversation +wherever she met them, and counted any +attention from them as an honour. But now, she +would not consent that they should approach her, lest +they might take the fearful disease that was hurrying +her to the tomb.</p> + +<p>"I will not expose their valuable lives," she said. "I +cast myself wholly upon the mercies of God. His word +is my comforter."</p> + +<p>Her knowledge of the Scriptures was uncommon. +She had committed large portions of it to memory, +which gave hallowed themes to her meditation, and +naturally mingled with her discourse in these solemn, +parting moments.</p> + +<p>She felt a deep desire for the progress of true religion, +whose worth she was now able more fully to +appreciate than in the days of health. One morning, +she was found bathed in tears, and when the cause was +inquired, exclaimed,</p> + +<p>"Have I not cause to weep? Our dear minister was +taken ill in his pulpit this morning, and went home +very sick. Is it not a sign of God's displeasure against +our country, when such a faithful pastor is smitten?"</p> + +<p>She had shed no tear for her own severe pains, but +she bemoaned the sufferings of others, and the afflictions +that threatened the Church. Of her own merits +she entertained a most humble opinion, and would often +repeat with deep feeling,</p> + +<p>"The sacrifices of God are a contrite heart. A +broken and a contrite spirit He will not despise. I +desire that brokenness of heart which flows from faith, +and that faith which is built upon Christ, the only +sacrifice for sin."</p> + +<p>Waking from a troubled sleep, she said in a faint voice,</p> + +<p>"O dear father, dear mother, how very weak I am."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_150" id="Page_150">[Pg 150]</a></span></p> + +<p>"God in his tender mercy," said the sorrowing +parents, "strengthen your weakness."</p> + +<p>"Yea, this is my confidence. A bruised reed will He +not break, and the smoking flax will He not quench."</p> + +<p>Her parents, surprised and moved at a piety so far +beyond her years, could not refrain from a strong +burst of tears at the affliction that awaited them in her +loss. Greatly grieved at their sorrow, she soothed +them and argued with them against its indulgence.</p> + +<p>"Oh! why should you so weep over me? Is it not +the good Lord that takes me out of this miserable +world? Shall it not be well with me, through all +eternity? Ought you not to be satisfied, seeing God +is in heaven, and doeth whatsoever he pleaseth? Do +you not pray every day, that His will may be done? +Should we not be content when our prayers are answered? +Is not extreme sorrow murmuring against +Him? Although I am struck with this sad disease, +yet because it is His will, let that silence us. For as +long as I live, shall I pray, that <i>His will, and not mine</i>, +be done."</p> + +<p>She then spoke of the plague that was raging +throughout the country with violence, and said she chose +to consider it as the especial allotment of the Almighty, +and not, as some supposed, the result of disorder in the +elements. After a pause, she added,</p> + +<p>"This is the day appointed for explaining the first +question in the Catechism. Were I able to meet with +the class, I should hear, that whether in life or death, +a true believer is the Lord's. Then be comforted, for +whether I live or die, I am his. Oh! why do you +afflict yourselves so? Yet, with weeping came I into +this world, and with weeping must I go out. But, +dear parents, better is the day of my death, than the +day of my birth."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_151" id="Page_151">[Pg 151]</a></span></p> + +<p>She requested her father to go to those who had instructed +her in religion, and catechized her, and thank +them in the name of a dying child, and tell them how +precious was the memory of their words, now in the +time of her extreme distress. She desired, also, that +her gratitude might be expressed to those who had +taught her, when very young, to read and work, and +to all who had at any time shown her kindness and +attention. When he told her of the satisfaction he had +enjoyed in her proficiency in the various branches she +had pursued, especially in her study of the Bible, her +readiness to express her thoughts in writing, her constant +filial obedience, and reverence for the ordinances +of religion, she replied with a touching humility and +sweetness,</p> + +<p>"I bless God for granting me the means of education, +and the example of such parents and ministers. +This is a far better portion than gold, for thus have I +been enabled to comfort myself from His Holy Book, +with a comfort that the world could never have +afforded."</p> + +<p>"My child," said her mournful father, "I perceive +that you are very weak."</p> + +<p>"It is true, Sir, and my weakness increases. I see +that your affliction also, increases, and this is a part of +my affliction. Yet be content, I pray you, and let us +both say with David, 'Let me now fall into the hand +of the Lord, for his mercies are great.'"</p> + +<p>She besought her parents not to indulge in immoderate +grief, when she should be taken away. She +adduced the example of the King of Israel, who after +the death of his child, arose, and took refreshment, +saying, "He is dead. Can I bring him back again? +I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me." So +ought you to say, when I am no longer here, 'Our<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_152" id="Page_152">[Pg 152]</a></span> +child is well.' Dear mother, who has done so much +for me, promise me this one thing before I die, not to +sorrow too much for me. I am afraid of your great +affliction. Consider other losses. Remember Job. +Forget not what Christ foretold: 'In the world ye shall +have tribulation, but be of good cheer, I have overcome +the world.'"</p> + +<p>While thus comforting those whom she loved out +of the Scriptures, it seemed as if she herself attained +greater confidence of faith, for she exclaimed with a +joyful voice:</p> + +<p>"Who shall separate me from the love of Christ? +I am persuaded, neither life, nor death, nor angels, principalities, +nor powers, nor things present, nor things to +come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature. +Behold, Death is swallowed up in victory."</p> + +<p>Afterwards, she spoke of the shortness of human +life, quoting passages from the Bible, and of the necessary +law of our nature, appointing that all who are born +must die. Wisdom far beyond her years, flowed from +her lips, for she had early sat at the feet of Jesus, and +learned his holy word.</p> + +<p>"And now, what shall I say? I cannot continue +long, for I feel much weakness. O Lord, look upon me +graciously, have pity upon me. I know that my Redeemer +liveth, and that He shall stand at the latter day +upon the earth. Dearest parents, we must shortly part. +My speech faileth me. Pray for a quiet close to my +combat."</p> + +<p>She expressed, at various times during her sickness, +the most earnest solicitude for the souls of many of +her relatives, solemnly requesting and enforcing that +her young sister should be religiously educated. +Throwing her emaciated arms around her, she embraced +her with great affection, and desired that the babe of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_153" id="Page_153">[Pg 153]</a></span> +six months old might be brought her once more. With +many kisses she took her last farewell, and those who +stood around the bed were greatly affected at the tender +parting of these affectionate children.</p> + +<p>"I go," said the dying one, "to heaven, where we +shall find each other again. I go to Jesus Christ. I +go to my dear brother, who did so much cry and call +upon God, to the last moment of his breath. I go to +my little sister, who was but three years old when she +died. Yet when we asked her if she would die, she +answered, 'Yes, if it be the Lord's will: or I will stay +with my mother, if it be His will; but yet, I know +that I shall die and go to heaven and to God.' Oh! +see how so small a babe could behave itself so submissively +to the will of God, as if it had no will of its own. +Therefore, dear father and mother, give the Lord thanks +for this his free and rich grace: and then I shall the +more gladly be gone. Be gracious, then, O Lord, unto +me, also: be gracious unto me. Wash me thoroughly +from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin."</p> + +<p>Prayer was offered for her, and her spirit seemed +anew refreshed with a sense of pardon and reconciliation +to her Father in heaven. She conversed with pleasure +of the last sermon that she had been permitted to hear +in the house of God, little supposing at that time, her +mortal sickness was so near. With surprising accuracy, +she quoted several texts that had been used in the different +parts of that discourse, proving with what profound +attention she had listened, and how perfectly +her retentive powers were preserved to the last.</p> + +<p>She lay some time, absorbed in mental devotion, and +then raising her head from her feverish pillow, besought +her parents to forgive the errors of her childhood, and +every occasion throughout her whole life, wherein she +had grieved them or given them trouble. Then, with<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_154" id="Page_154">[Pg 154]</a></span> +a clear judgment, she addressed herself to the only unfinished +business of earth, the distribution of her books +and other articles that she had considered her own. To +her little brother she made an earnest request, that he +would never part with the copy of 'Lectures on the +Catechism,' that she gave him, but study it faithfully +for her sake, and in remembrance of her. Being seized +with a sharp and severe pain in her breast, she said +that she felt assured her last hour drew nigh. Her +parents, suppressing their grief, repeated their hope and +trust, that God would support her in the last dread +extremity.</p> + +<p>In a dying voice, yet clear and animated by unswerving +faith, she replied,</p> + +<p>"He is my shepherd. Though I walk through the +dark valley of the shadow of death, shall I fear when +<i>He</i> comforteth me? The sufferings of this present life +are not worthy to be compared to the glory that shall +be revealed.</p> + +<p>My end approacheth. Now shall I put on white +raiment, and be clothed before the Lamb with a spotless +righteousness. Angels are ready to carry me to +the throne of God." Her last words were,</p> + +<p>"Lord God, into thy hands, I commend my spirit. +Oh Lord! be gracious, be merciful to me a poor sinner."</p> + +<p>Thus fell asleep, on the evening of the first of September, +1664, at the early age of fourteen, one, who +for profound knowledge of the pages of Inspiration, +judgment in applying them, love of their spirit, and +faith in their promises, might serve as an example not +only to those of her own age, but to Christians of hoary +hairs. This good brother and sister teach, both in life +and death, the priceless value of religious nurture, and +of the fear and love of God, infused into the tender +truthful heart.</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_155" id="Page_155">[Pg 155]</a></div> +<h1><a name="The_Waiting_Child" id="The_Waiting_Child"></a>The Waiting Child.</h1> + +<p>She lay, in childhood's sunny hour,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">The loving and the fair,</span><br /> +A smitten bud, a drooping flower,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">For death was with her there.</span><br /> +<br /> +One only unfulfilled desire<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Oppress'd her heart with care:</span><br /> +"Make smooth the ocean waves, dear Lord,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">And home my mother bear."</span><br /> +<br /> +Up rose that prayer, both night and day,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Heaven heard the tender claim,</span><br /> +The favour'd ship its haven found,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">The absent mother came;</span><br /> +<br /> +So then, like dove with folded wing.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Enwrapp'd in calm content,</span><br /> +A mother's kiss upon her lips,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">She to her Saviour went.</span></p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_156" id="Page_156">[Pg 156]</a></div> +<h1><a name="The_Adopted_Niece" id="The_Adopted_Niece"></a>The Adopted Niece.</h1> + +<p>Those who have extended to lonely orphan hearts +the protection of home, and a fostering kindness, are +often repaid by the most tender and grateful affections. +A peculiarly striking instance of this kind occurred in +the case of an adopted niece of the Rev. John Newton, +of London, England. Suddenly bereaved of her parents +and an only brother, she found the arms of sympathizing +relatives open to receive her, as a trust and a +treasure. She had just entered her twelfth year when +she came to them, and was possessed of an agreeable +person, a lively disposition, with a quick and inventive +genius. Her judgment and sense of propriety were +advanced beyond her years, but her most endearing +qualities were sweetness of temper and a heart formed +for the exercise of gratitude and friendship. No cloud +was seen upon her countenance, and when it was +necessary to overrule her wishes, she acquiesced with +a smile.</p> + +<p>To her uncle and aunt, her returns of affection were +ardent and touching. She was watchful not to offend, +or interfere with their convenience in the slightest degree, +and often said, with her peculiarly sweet tones, +"I should be very ungrateful if I thought any pleasure +equal to that of pleasing you."</p> + +<p>Her health, which had been for some time frail,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_157" id="Page_157">[Pg 157]</a></span> +began, in a year or two, sensibly to decline, with +marked hectic symptoms. Whenever she was able, she +patiently employed herself with her needle or book, +her guitar or harpsichord. Though she knew no hour +of perfect ease, she was remarkably placid and cheerful, +and attentive to the wishes and comfort of others. If +at any time the severity of pain caused a silent tear to +steal down her cheek, and she saw that her uncle or +aunt observed it, she would instantly turn to them with +a smile or kiss, and say,</p> + +<p>"Do not be uneasy. I am not so very ill. I can +bear it. I shall be better presently."</p> + +<p>Her religious education had been early attended to +by her parents; and the excellent relatives who supplied +their place, saw with the deepest gratitude the strengthening +of her faith, for support in the season of trial. +She said to her aunt,</p> + +<p>"I have long and earnestly sought the Lord, with +reference to the change that is now approaching. I +trust He will fit me for himself, and then, whether +sooner or later, it signifies but little."</p> + +<p>Sufferings the most acute were appointed her, which +medical skill was unwearied in its attempts to mitigate. +To her attentive physician who expressed his regret one +morning, at finding her more feeble than on the previous +day, she replied,</p> + +<p>"I trust all will be well soon."</p> + +<p>Her spirit was uniformly peaceful, and her chief attention +of an earthly nature seemed directed to the +consolation of those who were distressed at her sufferings. +The servants, who waited on her from love, both night +and day, she repeatedly thanked in the most fervent +manner, adding her prayer that God would reward +them. To her most constant attendant, she said,</p> + +<p>"Be sure to call upon the Lord. If you think<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_158" id="Page_158">[Pg 158]</a></span> +He does not hear you now, He will at last. So it +has been with me."</p> + +<p>As the last hours of life drew nigh, she had many +paroxysms of agony. But her heart rested on the +Redeemer. To one who inquired how she was, she +sweetly answered,</p> + +<p>"Truly happy. And if this is dying, it is a pleasant +thing to die."</p> + +<p>In the course of her illness, to the question of her +friends if she desired to be restored and to live long, +she would reply, "Not for the world," and sometimes, +"Not for a thousand worlds." But as she approached +the verge of heaven, her own will seemed wholly +absorbed in the Divine Will, and to this inquiry she +meekly answered,</p> + +<p>"I desire to have no choice."</p> + +<p>For the text of her funeral sermon, she chose, +"Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord," and also +selected an appropriate hymn to be sung on that occasion. +"Do not weep for me, dear aunt," she tenderly +said, "but rather rejoice, and give praise on my +account."</p> + +<p>As the close of her last day on earth approached, she +desired to hear once more the voice of prayer. Her +affectionate uncle, who cherished for her the love of a +father, poured out his soul fervently at the Throne of +Grace. Her lips, already white in death, clearly pronounced +"Amen," and soon after added, "Why are his +chariot-wheels so long in coming? Yet I hope he will +enable me to wait His hour with patience."</p> + +<p>Fixing her eyes on her mourning aunt, it seemed as +if the last trace of earthly anxiety that she was destined +to feel, was on her account. To one near her +pillow, she said in a gentle whisper.</p> + +<p>"Try to persuade my aunt to leave the room. I<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_159" id="Page_159">[Pg 159]</a></span> +think I shall soon sleep. I shall not remain with you +until the morning."</p> + +<p>No. Her morning was to be where there is no sunset. +All pain was for her ended. So quiet was the +transition, that those whose eyes were fixed earnestly +upon her, could not tell when she drew her last breath. +She lay as if in childlike slumber, her cheek reclining +upon her hand, and on her brow a smile.</p> + +<p>She died on the 6th of October, 1785, at the age +of fourteen years. During her short span, she communicated +a great amount of happiness to those who +adopted her as a child into their hearts and homes. +The sweet intercourse and interchange of love more +than repaid their cares.</p> + +<p>They were permitted to aid in her growth of true +religion, and to see its calm and glorious triumph over +the last great enemy. That a child, under fifteen, +should have been enabled thus to rejoice amid the +wasting agony of sickness, and thus willingly leave those +whom she loved, and whose love for her moved them +to do all in their power to make life pleasant to her +young heart, proves the power of a Christian's faith.</p> + +<p>She desired to be absent from the body, that she +might be present with the Lord. Now, before his +Throne, whom not having seen, she loved, and raised +above the clouds that break in tears, and all shafts of +pain and sorrow, she drinks of the rivers of pleasure +that flow at his right hand, and shall thirst no more.</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_160" id="Page_160">[Pg 160]</a></div> +<h1><a name="The_Orphan" id="The_Orphan"></a>The Orphan.</h1> + +<p>I love 'mid those green mounds to stray<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Where purple violets creep,</span><br /> +For there the village children say<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">That both my parents sleep.</span><br /> +<br /> +Bright garlands there I often make<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Of thyme and daisies fair,</span><br /> +And when my throbbing temples ache,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">I go and rest me there.</span><br /> +<br /> +If angry voices harshly chide,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Or threatening words are said,</span><br /> +I love to lay me by their side<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Close in that silent bed.</span><br /> +<br /> +I wish'd a sportive lamb to bide<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">My coming o'er the lea.</span><br /> +It broke away and bleating cried,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">"My mother waits for me."</span><br /> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_161" id="Page_161">[Pg 161]</a></span><br /> +"Stay, stay, sweet bird!" On pinion strong<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">It fled with dazzling breast,</span><br /> +And soon I heard its matron song<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Amid its chirping nest.</span><br /> +<br /> +"Why dost thou fade, young bud of morn,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">And hide thy drooping gem?"</span><br /> +And the bud answered, "They have torn<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Me from my parent stem."</span><br /> +<br /> +Go happy warbler to thy bower,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">White lambkin, gambol free,</span><br /> +I'll save this lone and wither'd flower,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">It seems to pity me.</span><br /> +<br /> +"Come mother, come! and soothe thy child!"<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Methinks I hear her sigh,</span><br /> +"Cold clods are on my bosom pil'd,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">And darkness seals my eye."</span><br /> +<br /> +She cannot burst the chain of fate<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">By which her limbs are pressed.</span><br /> +"Dear father rise! and lift the weight<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">That loads my mother's breast."</span><br /> +<br /> +In vain I speak, in vain the tear<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Bedews the mouldering clay,</span><br /> +My deep complaint they do not hear,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">I may not longer stay.</span><br /> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_162" id="Page_162">[Pg 162]</a></span><br /> +Yet ere I go, I'll kneel and say<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">The humble prayer they taught,</span><br /> +When by their side at closing day<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">I breath'd my infant thought.</span><br /> +<br /> +God will not leave my heart to break,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">The Orphan He'll defend,</span><br /> +Father and mother may forsake,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">But He's the Unchanging Friend.</span></p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_163" id="Page_163">[Pg 163]</a></div> +<h1><a name="The_Only_Son" id="The_Only_Son"></a>The Only Son.</h1> + +<p>How deep and full of anxiety is the love that centres +upon an only child, none but parents who have watched +over such an one can realise. "We trusted our all to +<i>one</i> frail bark," says a touching epitaph, "and the wreck +was total."</p> + +<p>Those who have neither brother nor sister, and feel +the whole tenderness of parental affection centring in +themselves, should strive to render in proportion to what +they receive. The care and solicitude that might have +been divided among other claimants is reserved for +them alone. No common measure of obedience and +gratitude, and love, seems to be required of them. Any +failure in filial duty is, in them, an aggravated offence. +It should be the study of their whole life to appreciate, +if they cannot repay, the wealth of love of which they +are the sole heirs.</p> + +<p>Perhaps there has never been an instance, where +this sweet indebtedness of the heart was more beautifully +and perfectly reciprocated, than in the life of +Joshua Rowley Gilpin. He was the only son of the +Rev. J. Gilpin, of Wrockwardine, in the county of +Salop, England, and born January 30th, 1788. During +infancy, when the texture of character slowly, yet +surely discovers itself, he displayed a mild, loving disposition, +with no propensity to anger when what he<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_164" id="Page_164">[Pg 164]</a></span> +desired was withheld. The sole care of his education +was assumed by his parents, who found it a source of +perpetually increasing delight.</p> + +<p>His first infantine taste was for drawing. To imitate +the forms of animals, and other objects with which +he was daily conversant, gave him much pleasure. His +friends discovered in these rude attempts, accuracy of +execution, and progressive improvement. A dissected +alphabet was among his toys, and a desire to furnish his +little drawings with appropriate letters induced him to +make himself master of it. Now a new field of pleasure +opened to his mind, and from the amusements of the +pencil he turned to the powers and combination of the +letters; and at the age when many children are unacquainted +with their names, he was forming them into +phrases and short sentences. These were sometimes +playful, and sometimes of such a devotional cast, that his +watchful and affectionate parents cheered themselves +with the hope that his tender spirit was even then +forming an acquaintance with things divine. So docile, +so industrious, so gentle was the young pupil, that they +had never occasion to resort to punishment, or even to +address to him an expression of displeasure.</p> + +<p>As the higher branches of knowledge unfolded themselves, +he devoted to them a studious and willing +attention. He was ever cheerfully ready for any +necessary exercise, and inclined rather to exceed than +to fall short of his allotted task. He complained of no +difficulty, he solicited no aid: the stated labours of each +day he considered a reasonable service, and constantly +and sweetly submitted his own will to that of his parents.</p> + +<p>In the prosecution of the different sciences, his lovely +and placid disposition was continually displaying itself. +The rudiments of the Latin tongue, with which he very +early became familiar, he wished to teach to the young<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_165" id="Page_165">[Pg 165]</a></span> +servant woman who attended him from his infancy. By +many fair words he persuaded her to become his scholar. +He told her of the great pleasure there was in knowledge, +and left no method untried to gain and fix her +attention. If he thought her not sufficiently engaged +in the pursuit, he would set before her the honourable +distinction of surpassing in intellectual attainments, all +the other young women of her acquaintance. He made +for her use an abridgment of his Latin grammar, to +which he added a brief vocabulary, and was never +without a few slips of paper in his pocket, on which +was some noun regularly declined, or some verb conjugated, +for his humble friend and pupil. If the services +of the day had failed to afford her sufficient time +for his lessons, he redoubled his assiduity when she +conducted him to his chamber at night, and was never +contented without hearing her repeat the Lord's +Prayer in Greek. This perseverance showed not only +the kindness of his heart, but his love for those parts of +learning which childish students are prone to think +tedious, or are desirous to curtail and escape.</p> + +<p>While busily pursuing classic studies, he saw one day +a treatise on arithmetic, and immediately went to work +on that untried ground. Such satisfaction did he find +in it, that he begged to be allowed the same exercise +whenever he should be at a loss for amusement. For +three weeks it formed a part of his evening employment, +or as he expressed it, his "entertainment," and +during that brief period, he proceeded to the extraction +of the square and cube root, with ease and pleasure. +His father thought it best to withdraw him at that +time from the science of numbers, lest it should interfere +with his progress in the languages. Still, he +would occasionally surprise him with abstruse numerical +calculation, and, when permitted regularly to pursue<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_166" id="Page_166">[Pg 166]</a></span> +mathematics, found in the difficult problems of Euclid +an intense delight. He would willingly have devoted +days and nights to them, and no youth was ever more +intent on the perusal of a fairy tale or romance, than +he to solve and demonstrate those propositions in their +regular order.</p> + +<p>Under the tuition of his father, he went through the +text-books and authors used in the established seminaries, +and probably with a less interrupted attention +than if he had been a member of their classes. His +memory was durably retentive, and whatever passage +he could not perfectly repeat, he could readily turn to, +whether in the writings of the poets, the historians, or +the divines. His accuracy was admirable; he would +never pass over a sentence till he had obtained a satisfactory +view of its meaning, or lay aside a book without +forming a critical acquaintance with its style and +scope of sentiment. Earnest and untiring industry +was one of the essential elements of his great proficiency; +employment was to him the life of life, and +whatsoever his hand found to do, was done with a +whole-souled energy. His love of order was equal to +his diligence. From early childhood, he discovered in +all his little undertakings an attention to method, and +a desire to finish what he began. These dispositions +gathered strength as he became more fully acquainted +with the importance of time. To each employment +or recreation he assigned its proper place and season, +filling each day with an agreeable and salutary +variety, so as to be free on one side from listlessness +and apathy, and on the other, from perplexity and +haste. Highly gratifying was his improvement to his +faithful parental teachers, and this species of intercourse +heightened and gave a peculiar feature to their mutual +love. Still, their attention was not confined to his<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_167" id="Page_167">[Pg 167]</a></span> +intellectual attainments. It was their constant prayer +and endeavour, that he might be enabled to blend with +these the "wisdom that cometh from above." Anxious +that he should not be unprepared for the honourable +discharge of duty in the present life, they were far +more solicitous to train him up as a candidate for +glory in that which is to come.</p> + +<p>Avoiding the danger of over-pressing or satiating +him with theological doctrines which transcend the +comprehension of childhood, they commenced their religious +instructions with the greatest simplicity and +caution. They put on no appearance of formality or +austerity.</p> + +<p>"We will show you, my dear son," said the father, +with a smiling countenance, "a way that will lead you +from earth to heaven."</p> + +<p>The gentle pupil listened with an earnest attention. +His tender mind was solemnized, yet filled with joyful +and grateful hope. At his first introduction to the +house of God, he was filled with reverential awe, and +ever afterwards, when attending its sacred services, his +deportment evinced the most unaffected decorum, +humility, and piety. The greatest care was taken that +the observance of the Sabbath at home, as well as +in church, should be accounted a sweet and holy +privilege.</p> + +<p>"On that day," says his father, "we gave a more +unlimited indulgence to our affectionate and devotional +feelings. We conversed together as parts of the same +Christian family, we rejoiced over each other as heirs +of the same glorious promises. Some interesting passage +of Scripture, or some choice piece of divinity, +generally furnished the matter of our discourse, and +while we endeavoured to obtain a clear, comprehensive +view of the subject before us, it seemed as if a blessed<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_168" id="Page_168">[Pg 168]</a></span> +light sometimes broke in upon us, removing our doubts, +exalting our conceptions, and cheering our hearts. +Then, with one consent, we have laid aside the book, +that we might uninterruptedly admire the beauties of +the opening prospect. Thus solacing ourselves with a +view of our future enjoyments, and the place of our +final destination, we have solemnly renewed our vows, +resolving for the joy that was set before us, to endure +the Cross, despising the shame, in humble imitation of +our adorable Master. In such a frame of mind we +found it possible to speak of probable sufferings, or +painful separations, with the utmost composure. With +such a termination of our course in sight, we could +cheerfully leave all the casualties of that course to +the Divine disposal; fully persuaded that whatever +evil might befall us on the way, an abundant compensation +for all awaited us on our arrival at home."</p> + +<p>As he advanced in boyhood, his love of study and +sedentary habits became so strong that it was feared +he might not take sufficient exercise for the preservation +of health. The friends of the family, therefore, +urgently advised that he might be placed in a public +school, hoping that the influence of companions of his +own age would allure him to athletic sports.</p> + +<p>In this counsel his parents acquiesced, but finding +the idea of separation insupportably painful, they removed, +and took a temporary residence near the +Seminary of which he became a member. Here, +every thing was novel, and his enthusiastic mental +picture of what a school must be, was considerably +darkened by discovering so much indolence and irregularity, +where he supposed all would be order, intelligence, +and progress. His academic exercises were +performed with entire ease, so thorough and extensive +had been his home culture; and though there were<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_169" id="Page_169">[Pg 169]</a></span> +many in the different classes who were his seniors in +age, he rapidly rose to the first and highest place. Of +this post he had not been ambitious, and he occupied +it with such modesty and affability, so as to conciliate +his school-fellows, between whom and himself there +was still such diversity of habit and feeling, as to repress +all familiarity of intercourse. But with his +instructors, a true and reciprocal friendship was established. +Especially did the head master distinguish the +talents of the young student with the strongest marks +of esteem, designating him as the "pride of his school, +and the pride of his heart."</p> + +<p>The return of this excellent family to their beloved +village, formed a delightful scene. An affectionate +flock thronged to welcome their Pastor, while the +youth on whose account they had for a time left their +endeared habitation, gazed with unutterable joy on the +trees, the cottages, the cliffs that varied the spot of +his nativity, on every room in the parsonage, every +plant in the garden, every vine that clasped the walls, +and on the far blue hills, behind which he had watched +from infancy the glories of the setting sun. To the +congratulations of his friends, some of which alluded to +the brilliancy of his prospects as a distinguished scholar, +he replied with ineffable sweetness,</p> + +<p>"No possible change in my situation can make any +addition to my present happiness."</p> + +<p>The love of home was one of the strongest features +in his character. The vanities and gayeties of London +had no power to diminish or modify it. After passing +two months there, at the age of sixteen, he came to his +retired abode with the same delight, the same unassuming +manners and simplicity of taste. On entering +the secluded vale where their humble rural habitation +was situated, he expressed his feelings in a few<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_170" id="Page_170">[Pg 170]</a></span> +extempore Latin verses, which at the request of his +mother, were thus translated,</p> + +<blockquote> +<p>"Lives there a youth, who far from home,<br /> +Through novel scenes exults to roam?<br /> +Then let the restless vagrant go,<br /> +And idly pass from show to show;<br /> +While in my native village bless'd,<br /> +Delighted still, and still at rest,<br /> +Without disturbance or alloy,<br /> +Life's purest pleasures I enjoy."</p> +</blockquote> + +<p>While thus bearing in his bosom the elements of +happiness, true piety, active goodness, and love to all +creatures, and while diligently preparing for the sacred +profession to which he was destined, a sudden attack of +pulmonary disease, attended with hemorrhage, alarmed +those to whom he was dear. But the consequent debility +readily yielded to medical treatment, and a +journey and residence of several weeks amid the pure +atmosphere and rural scenery of Wales, combining +with uncommon salubrity of weather, seemed to restore +the gentle invalid to his usual state of health.</p> + +<p>He was able again to resume his course of academic +studies, and after the midsummer vacation, which he +spent in a pleasant journey with his beloved parents, +was summoned to sustain an examination as a candidate +for two vacant exhibitions. When he took his +seat before the collegiate tutors, clergy, magistrates, +and a concourse of assembled visitors, a degree of that +diffidence was observable, which is so often the concomitant +of genius. But in every exercise and test of +knowledge, he was so self-possessed, so prompt, so +perfect, that there was an unanimous burst of approbation +and applause. His parents were loaded with +congratulations for possessing the treasure of such a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_171" id="Page_171">[Pg 171]</a></span> +son, and a paper signed by all present was addressed to +the manager of the Funds, requesting that the sum +allotted to a successful candidate might be doubled on +account of his extraordinary attainments. With entire +meekness he bore this full tide of honour, manifesting +no satisfaction in hearing his own praises, and after his +return home, never made the most distant allusion to +this flattering event in the life of a young student. He +was now entered a fellow-commoner at Christ Church +College, Oxford, with the intention of not taking his +residence there till the commencement of the ensuing +term.</p> + +<p>He most assiduously devoted himself to his studies, +rising early and finding the day too short for his active +mind. Knowledge was dear to him for its own sake, +and not for the flattering distinctions accorded to it +among men: for while advancing in scholastic acquirements, +he was evidently an humble peaceful student in +the school of Christ. His parents were comforted amid +the painful prospect of separation, with the hope that +from his early and growing piety, his temperance and +modesty, his untiring diligence, and a certain firmness +of mind, of which he had given indisputable evidence, +he would in time of temptation choose the good, and +refuse the evil.</p> + +<p>In the meantime, his birth-day arrived, the last that +he was to spend on earth. It had ever been their +household custom to mark it, not by sumptuous entertainments +or the invitation of guests, but by expressions +of affection among themselves, and the most fervent +ascriptions of praise to God, for the gift he had accorded +and preserved. But it seems that their sacred anniversary +had been discovered and was cherished by +others. While interchanging their sweet and secluded +memorials of love, a letter arrived addressed to the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_172" id="Page_172">[Pg 172]</a></span> +young student, containing a large number of banknotes, +"as a joint token of the affection of a few friends, +who desired permission to repeat the same expression of +their regard on each return of his natal day, until he +should have taken his first degree at the University."</p> + +<p>This unexpected mark of the high esteem in which +he was held, was received by him with strong indications +of astonishment and gratitude. As the time drew +near for his departure to Oxford, his parents could +scarcely be restrained from uttering the impassioned +words, "Entreat me not to leave thee, or to return +from following after thee, for where thou goest I will +go, where thou lodgest I will lodge;" not knowing that +it was the appointment of God, that only the cold hand +of death should divide them.</p> + +<p>Spring approached, and the wound in his lungs, +which it had been hoped was permanently healed, +burst forth afresh. Aggravated by the influenza, then +an epidemic, it soon took the form of an incurable +malady. With entire submission he met this sudden +change in his state and prospects. No murmuring +word was uttered, no trace of anxiety visible on his +countenance. Neither loss of appetite nor decay of +strength could impair his settled composure of mind. +So admirable was the mixture of meekness and manliness +in his deportment, that it was difficult to say +whether patience or fortitude most predominated.</p> + +<p>Constantly advancing in the knowledge of divine +things, he withdrew himself from every pursuit that +might divert his thoughts from the great end of his +being, the entrance to a higher state of existence. The +poets and orators of Greece and Rome, in which his +proficiency had been so great, were meekly exchanged +for works of experimental religion; and he sat +daily at the feet of some master in Israel, from<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_173" id="Page_173">[Pg 173]</a></span> +whose teachings he hoped to gain heavenly wisdom. +By the advice of physicians, the scene was changed +for a short time; but wherever they journeyed he was +still making his solitary passage through the valley of +the shadow of death. As the last hope of success, the +waters of Bristol were proposed; and though he at first +mildly resisted it, from an inward conviction that the +trouble would be in vain, yet unwilling to crush the +expectations of his beloved parents, he yielded to their +wishes. On all similar occasions he had required quite +a package of books; now he requested only an English +Bible and a Greek Testament.</p> + +<p>Notwithstanding every precaution of medical skill +and care, consumption was accomplishing its fatal work. +The parents and their only child, though convinced of +what the result must be, still shrank back from harrowing +up each other's feelings, by full conversation on the +subject that most occupied their thoughts.</p> + +<p>"As it was with Elijah and his attached successor," +writes the sorrowing father, "at their approaching +separation, so it was with us. They maintained towards +each other a delicate reserve, as they proceeded from +Bethel to Jericho, and from Jericho to Jordan; the one +not daring to glory in his expected ascension, nor the +other to express his mournful forebodings, lest they +might mutually agitate the other, or disturb the order +of the holy solemnity. But as the awful moment drew +near and he was about to be gone, Elijah rose above +the weakness of humanity, and openly asserted the +purpose of Heaven. Thus the dear invalid, when made +certain by some invisible token that his hour was at +hand, thought it unsuitable to our common character +to leave this world without giving glory to God."</p> + +<p>With entire tranquillity and the utmost tenderness, +he introduced the subject of his departure, spoke of his<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_174" id="Page_174">[Pg 174]</a></span> +trust in his Redeemer, his gratitude for the goodness +and mercy that had followed him throughout the whole +of his earthly pilgrimage, and the joy he felt in having +his own will perfectly bowed to the will of God. +Even then, the last messenger was waiting for him. +He accepted the anxious attentions of his agonized +parents with ineffable sweetness, regarding them with +a thoughtful benignity, not wholly restraining his +feelings, nor yet allowing them a free indulgence.</p> + +<p>It was in the autumn of 1806, at the age of +eighteen, that his last day on earth closed. He lay as +in calm and beautiful repose, seeming to have opened +a communication with the celestial world, and fully +resigned himself to intercourse with its unseen inhabitants. +Kneeling around his couch in trembling expectation, +were those whose sole earthly hopes had been +bound up in him. There was a short and solemn +pause, a few soft moans, and then, without the slightest +change of posture, he peacefully breathed out his soul +into the bosom of his Father and his God.</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_175" id="Page_175">[Pg 175]</a></div> +<h1><a name="Life" id="Life"></a>Life.</h1> + +<p>Life is beautiful! its duties<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Cluster round each passing day,</span><br /> +While their sweet and solemn voices spot<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Warn to work, to watch, to pray;</span><br /> +They alone its blessings forfeit<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Who by sin their spirits cheat,</span><br /> +Or to slothful stupor yielding,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Let the rust their armour eat.</span><br /> +<br /> +Life is beautiful! affections<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Round its roots with ardour cling,</span><br /> +'Mid its opening blossoms nestle,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Bird-like, in its branches sing,</span><br /> +Smiling lull its cradle slumbers,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Guard with pride its youthful bloom,</span><br /> +Fondly kiss its snow-white temples,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Dew the turf-mound o'er its tomb.</span><br /> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_176" id="Page_176">[Pg 176]</a></span><br /> +Life is beautiful with promise<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Of a joy that cannot fade,</span><br /> +Life is fearful, with the threatening<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Of an everlasting shade.</span><br /> +May no thoughtless wanderer scorn it,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Blindly lost in folly's maze,</span><br /> +Duty, love, and hope adorn it:<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Let its latest breath be praise.</span></p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_177" id="Page_177">[Pg 177]</a></div> +<h1><a name="A_Remarkable_Child" id="A_Remarkable_Child"></a>A Remarkable Child.</h1> + +<p>The child of whose virtues and attainments the +following pages give but an imperfect sketch, was the +son of the late Dr. J. Smyth Rogers, and born in the +city of New York, on the 28th of January, 1825. +The beauty of his infancy struck every observer, and +this continued to increase as added intelligence lighted +up his noble features. As his brilliant mind expanded, +amiable and generous dispositions were revealed, +clothed with peculiarly winning manners. It would +seem also that these graces and virtues, like wreaths +of bright buds, and clusters of rich fruit, sprang from +the best of all roots: a truthful and pious heart.</p> + +<p>At the early age of three years, his excellent mother +was suddenly taken away. That mournful event made +a deep impression upon his unfolding character. For +three years she had been permitted to watch over this +fair opening flower; in three more it was to be laid on +her bosom in heaven.</p> + +<p>The night after the death of this beloved parent, his +deportment was remarked as evincing a degree of reflection +and sensibility to the magnitude of his loss, +surpassing what is usually seen in infancy. It was +Sabbath evening, the period in which she had been +accustomed to gather her little ones around her, and +impart religious instruction. Now, at the fireside, the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_178" id="Page_178">[Pg 178]</a></span> +happy circle was broken: the blessed mother's seat +vacant. He yearned for her sweet smile, the sound of +her tuneful voice. Turning from the other children, +he walked long by himself with a slow and noiseless +step; often fixing his eyes on his bereaved father with +an expression of the deepest commiseration. No attitude +of grief escaped his mournful notice, and it seemed +as if he restrained his own sorrow that he might offer +consolation to his afflicted parent. That mingling of +perfect sympathy with the exceeding beauty of his +infant countenance, neither pen nor pencil could adequately +describe.</p> + +<p>But the early maturity of his heart was fully +equalled by the development of his intellect. Before +acquiring the elements of reading, he listened so attentively +to the recitations of an elder brother and sister, +as to become master of much correct information. +His desire for knowledge was insatiable. He was sensible +of no fatigue while employed in attaining it. +Though fond of amusements, he was always happy to +quit them when the allotted hours for study arrived. +The rudiments of science he acquired with astonishing +rapidity. Before the completion of his fourth year he +could read any English book with ease, and also with +a propriety and understanding of the varieties of style, +not often discovered by students at twice his age. At +this period he was expert in the simple rules of arithmetical +calculation. With the geography of his own +country, and with the outlines of that of the world, +he was intimately acquainted. At five years old he +was well versed both in ancient and modern geography. +In mental arithmetic, many problems requiring thought +even in mature and long disciplined minds, he solved +readily, and as if with intuitive perception. Of the +history of his own country, his knowledge was well<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_179" id="Page_179">[Pg 179]</a></span> +digested and chronologically arranged. At the age of +six years, he could with the greatest fluency give a +judicious abstract of it, placing in due order the events +connected with its discovery and settlement, the period +of its several wars, their causes, results, and the circumstances +by which they were modified. From the +characters who were conspicuous in its annals, he +evinced discrimination in selecting those most worthy +of admiration. The biography of the celebrated John +Smith he related with animation, often mentioning +their similarity of name. In repeating his feats of +heroism and endurance, he seemed to identify himself +with the actor and to partake of his spirit. But he +regarded with still higher enthusiasm the illustrious +Pitt. When rehearsing his speech in favour of +America, he would involuntarily add the most bold and +graceful gestures. These lofty and noble sentiments +seemed to awaken a warm response in his bosom, and +to rule, as if with congenial force, the associations of +thought and feeling.</p> + +<p>In the science of geometry he displayed a vigorous +and highly disciplined mind, by the ready demonstration +of some of its most difficult propositions. But in +no attainment was the superiority of his intellect more +clearly defined than in his acquisition of the Hebrew +language. He commenced this pursuit when four years +of age, at the suggestion of a cousin older than himself, +to whose recitations he had attentively listened. +Having been restrained by modesty for several days +from mentioning his wishes, he at length ventured to +ask his preceptor if he might be permitted to study +Hebrew. Happy to gratify such a desire, he called +him to his side, intending to teach him two or three +letters, when he discovered, to his surprise, that he +already knew the whole alphabet. From that time he<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_180" id="Page_180">[Pg 180]</a></span> +continued to study the language with perseverance, +and constantly increasing fondness. Soon, without aid, +except from the grammar and lexicon, he could read, +translate, and parse the Hebrew, with an elegance +that might have done honour to an adept in that +sacred language. Before his death he had read more +than fifty chapters; and so great was his ardour and +delight in prosecuting this study, that after having received +two exercises daily, throughout the week, he +would often be found on Sabbath with his Hebrew +Bible, earnestly engaged in reviewing passages by himself. +On one occasion, when his tutor was to be +absent for a few days, he inquired, "How will you +spend your time?" The prompt reply was, "In studying +Hebrew." In Greek, also, he made such proficiency +as to read the original of the New Testament +with accuracy and ease. On every attainment, +however difficult or abstruse, his genius seized, and +almost without effort rendered it his own; so that this +infant student seemed to adopt the sentiment of the +great Bacon, and to "take all knowledge to be his +province."</p> + +<p>Yet with these astonishing acquisitions there mingled +no vanity, no consciousness of superior talent, nor distaste +for the simplest pleasures of childhood. He had +all the docility and playfulness that belong to the first +years of life. In the delightful country residence +where the family were accustomed to pass the summer +months, those who saw him only at the period allotted +to sport and exercise, would have remarked him as +an exceedingly beautiful, vigorous, light-hearted boy, +without imagining him possessed of accomplishments +that might have put manhood to the blush. Amid a +flow of animal spirits that were sometimes deemed +excessive, he was never regardless of the feelings of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_181" id="Page_181">[Pg 181]</a></span> +others. During the active sports of childhood, if he +received unintentional injury from his companions, he +was anxious to assure them, by an affectionate kiss, of +his recovery and reconciliation. He possessed the most +lively and amiable sensibility. This was fully depicted +upon his countenance, so that the most careless observer +could scarcely have mistaken its lineaments. He +ardently participated in the joys and sorrows of those +around him. His love for his friends was testified by +the most tender care for their accommodation and comfort. +He was found one evening in a flood of tears, +because he feared his teacher had gone out in the rain +without great-coat or umbrella. So great was his +generosity, that whatever was given him he desired to +share with another. He seemed incapable of selfish +gratification. When from delicacy of health his appetite +had been long subjected to restraint, if a small +portion of cake or fruit was allowed him, he was never +satisfied until he had imparted it. He would even urge +the domestics to participate in his gifts. On one occasion, +after a period of abstinence from fruit, four grapes +were given him. Two of these he ate, and saved the +remaining two to give to his nurse. The merit of this +self-denial was enhanced by the circumstance often remarked +by the servants, that the nurse was far less fond +of him than of his elder brother, who, from being more +immediately under her care, was the object of her partiality. +But there was nothing of vindictiveness in his +nature. His generosity was as disinterested as it was +unbounded.</p> + +<p>One morning his father testified approbation of his +conduct by saying, "You may go into the garden and +gather twelve strawberries." "And may I divide them +equally?" he inquired with great animation. Amid a +profusion of the finest fruits, for which he had an<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_182" id="Page_182">[Pg 182]</a></span> +extreme fondness, and which he was accustomed to see +hospitably dispensed to numerous guests, he would +never transgress a prohibition to partake, or a limitation +with regard to quantity. Obedience had been +taught him from the beginning, and his fidelity in +keeping the law of those who directed him, whether they +were present or absent, was one of his prominent virtues. +In the indispositions to which he was occasionally +subject, he would cheerfully take the most unpleasant +medicines, and submit to the most irksome regulations, +if simply told that his father had desired it.</p> + +<p>Openness and integrity of character were conspicuous +in him. He seemed to have nothing to conceal. +He had no disposition to practise mischief, or to devise +means that any thing which he had done should be kept +secret from those who had the charge of his education. +As his course of instruction was pursued entirely at +home, he was preserved from the contagion of bad +example, and from many temptations to deceit. The +little faults which he committed he confessed with the +utmost ingenuousness, and complied with the precept +which had been early impressed upon him by parental +care, to solicit the forgiveness of his Father in heaven, +if he hoped to obtain that of his best friends on earth. +When he received any punishment, he made immediate +returns of penitence and affection. He considered it +as the appointed way in which he was to be made +better, and so far from indulging in complaint or sullenness, +was inclined to think it lighter than he +deserved.</p> + +<p>A tender and true piety pervaded his heart, and +breathed its fragrance over a life as beautiful and +transient as the flower of the grass. Accustomed from +infancy never to neglect his prayers, morning or +evening, and to keep the day of God sacred, he<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_183" id="Page_183">[Pg 183]</a></span> +delighted in these exercises. To lay aside all implements +of light amusement, and to read or hear only +books adapted to that consecrated day, had been required +of him from his earliest recollection. He was +grieved if he saw any violate these injunctions. There +seemed to have been laid in his heart a firm basis of +Christian principle, on which he was beginning to rear +a noble superstructure. He never discovered more ardent +delight than while listening to the inspired pages, or +greater brilliancy of intellect than when conversing on +their doctrines and practical illustrations. The life and +sufferings of the Redeemer, and the hopes held out to +sinners through his mercy, were his treasured and +favourite subjects. He often with great earnestness +solicited instruction respecting them, and his absorbed +and delighted attention would survive the endurance +of his physical strength. Of religious books he was +particularly fond. He conceived the strongest attachment +for 'Doddridge's Family Expositor.' He would +voluntarily resort to its perusal with the greatest apparent +satisfaction. Observing that his cousin and +sister received weekly lessons from that excellent +volume, in the explanation of difficult passages, he said +to his instructor with a mournful air, "You give the +elder children a lesson in Doddridge, but you don't let +me recite with them." He was told that it was probably +too difficult an exercise for him, and that therefore +he had not been permitted to join them. On +being asked what he understood as the meaning of the +expression, where John is said to come in the "spirit +and power of Elias," and to "turn the hearts of the +fathers to the children," he gave without mistake the +two interpretations to which he had listened some +time before. Thus, while this infant disciple was pursuing +religious knowledge as a delightful and congenial<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_184" id="Page_184">[Pg 184]</a></span> +study, he was also cherishing a lively sense of the +obligations that it imposed. He received the truth +in its love and in its power. It began to be within him +a prompting and regulating principle. Whenever the +full flow of childish spirits became excessive or ill-timed, +they were restrained by suggesting a precept +drawn from the Scriptures.</p> + +<p>Among his modes of recreation, riding on horseback +in the freshness of the morning was highly enjoyed and +prized. One morning, when the usual period for this +exercise had been somewhat delayed, his tutor asked, +"Would you like to take your ride?" and he replied, +"I am afraid we shall not be back in time for prayers. +So I would rather not go."</p> + +<p>Of his departed mother his recollections were tender +and vivid. He delighted to speak of her as the habitant +of a world of joy. His affectionate spirit seemed +content to resign her that she might be with Christ. +To a beloved relative, whose efforts for his religious +instruction were unceasing, he said, soon after the +death of his mother, "Aunt, do you not wish that the +judgment day was come?" "Why, my son?" she +enquired. "Because then I should see my <i>dear +mamma</i> and my blessed Saviour."</p> + +<p>The religious exercises of Sabbath evening were to +him a season of high enjoyment. After the catechism +and other appropriate duties, some book of piety was +read, and the children indulged in such discourse as its +contents naturally elicited. Piety, disrobed of gloom, +was presented to them as an object of love, and by his +heart was most fondly welcomed.</p> + +<p>On Sabbath evening preceding the Christmas of +1831, he was observed to enter with extreme ardour +into the conversation that flowed from the perusal of +'Parlour Lectures,' an analysis of Sacred History<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_185" id="Page_185">[Pg 185]</a></span> +adapted to juvenile minds. His father, whose labours +in the pious nurture of his children had been as untiring +as successful, being absent from the city, he drew +his chair as near as possible to his aunt, listened +eagerly to every remark, poured forth the rapturous +pleasure that filled his breast, and desired to protract +the enjoyment beyond its usual period. It was to be +his last Sabbath on earth. In the course of the ensuing +week he became a victim to the scarlet fever, and +on Friday, December 24th, 1831, went to his Father in +heaven.</p> + +<p>Thus passed away, at the age of nearly seven years, +a being formed to excel in all that was beautiful, intellectual, +and heavenly. Precocity in him was divested +of the evils that are wont to attend it. All his associations +of thought were healthful and happy. There +was no undue predominance of one power at the expense +of the rest. No one department of character +eclipsed the other. The mind and the heart pressed +on together with equal steps, in a vigorous and holy +brotherhood. The soul, like a lily, fed with dews of +Hermon, breathed its first freshest incense in piety to +God.</p> + +<p>That he was highly gifted by nature none can doubt. +That he owed much to education is equally certain. +It would be difficult to define the precise point where +the influence of the one ceased and that of the other +began; so finely did their hues and pencillings blend in +the flower thus early offered to its Maker.</p> + +<p>Strict obedience to his superiors, and the duty of +stated prayer, were so early impressed as to be incorporated +with the elements of his character. Simple +habits, rural tastes, control of the animal appetites, +and correct deportment to all around him, were carefully +inculcated, while a thorough course of classical<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_186" id="Page_186">[Pg 186]</a></span> +instruction under his father's roof protected him from +the dangers of promiscuous association and sinful example. +The most favourable results might reasonably +be anticipated from a system of culture so vigilant that +temptation could not assail from without, nor spring up +within, without being detected; so judicious that wealth +had no power to enervate either the body or the mind; +so affectionate that the tendrils of the heart were free +to expand in innocent happiness; so faithful in its ministrations +to the soul, that the Divine blessing seemed +visibly to descend upon it. This wise discipline combining +with the Creator's exceeding bounty, rendered him +what he was: a being to be loved by all who looked +upon him, and to be held in lasting remembrance by +all who knew him.</p> + +<p>To borrow the expressive language of one who had +long superintended his education, and was intimately +acquainted with his mental and moral structure, "So +insensible was he to all those passions which prompt +to self-defence and self-protection, and so entirely +under the influence of that forgiving spirit which being +smitten on the one cheek would turn the other also, +and that overflowing generosity, which, after the cloak +is taken, would give the coat likewise, as utterly to +unfit him for the society of selfish, avaricious, overbearing +men, whence I have fondly thought, that he +was thus early invited to a mansion where he might +enjoy the communion of more congenial spirits."</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_187" id="Page_187">[Pg 187]</a></div> +<h1><a name="The_Dying_Sunday_School_Boy" id="The_Dying_Sunday_School_Boy"></a>The Dying Sunday School Boy.</h1> + +<p> +His hands were clasp'd, his eyelids clos'd,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">As on his couch he lay,</span><br /> +While slumber seem'd to wrap the form<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">That pain had worn away:</span><br /> +<br /> +But still the watching mother marked<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">His pallid lips to part,</span><br /> +As if some all-absorbing thought<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Lay on his dreaming heart;</span><br /> +<br /> +For yet he slept not. Silent prayer<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Commun'd with God alone,</span><br /> +And then his glazing eyes he rais'd,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">And spoke with tender tone:</span><br /> +<br /> +"Oh mother! often in my class,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">I've heard the teacher say,</span><br /> +That those who to the Saviour turn<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">He would not cast away;</span><br /> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_188" id="Page_188">[Pg 188]</a></span><br /> +And so, beside my bed I knelt<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">While early morn was dim,</span><br /> +Imploring Heaven to teach my soul<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">The way to turn to Him;</span><br /> +<br /> +And now, behold! through golden clouds,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">A pierced hand I see,</span><br /> +And listen to a glorious Voice,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Arise! and come to Me."</span><br /> +<br /> +His breath grew faint, but soft and low<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">The parting whisper sigh'd,</span><br /> +"I come, dear Lord, I come!" and so,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Without a pang he died.</span><br /> +<br /> +Oh blessed child! with whom the strife<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Of fear and care are o'er,</span><br /> +Methinks thine angel smile we see<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">From yon celestial shore,</span><br /> +<br /> +And hear thee singing to His praise<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Whose boundless mercy gave</span><br /> +Unto thy meek and trusting soul,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">The victory o'er the Grave.</span></p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_189" id="Page_189">[Pg 189]</a></div> +<h1><a name="The_Precocious_Infant" id="The_Precocious_Infant"></a>The Precocious Infant.</h1> + +<p>The infant of whom the following traits will be remembered +by many, was the son of the Rev. Dr. H. +N. Brinsmade, and born in Hartford, Connecticut, +February 28th, 1827. At an age when babes are +considered little more than attractive objects to the +loving eye, or toys to amuse a leisure hour, he was +acquiring new ideas, and a subject of discipline; for his +parents became convinced, through his example, that +the mind in its earliest developments is susceptible of +culture.</p> + +<p>From the age of four months, he was observed to +regard surrounding objects with a fixed attention. +During those periods of inspection, the name of the +article thus regarded was slowly repeated to him, until +he associated it with the sound, and afterwards, would +earnestly turn his eyes to any prominent piece of furniture, +or particular portions of his own dress, or parts +of his body, when designated by their respective names. +At ten months he commenced learning the alphabet, +from small wooden cubes, on which each letter was +separately painted. This process was soon completed: +not that he was able to utter the corresponding sounds, +but would point out any letter that was inquired for, +without mistake; and if he saw one in an inverted position, +was never easy until he had restored it to its true +attitude.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_190" id="Page_190">[Pg 190]</a></span></p> + +<p>By the aid of prints pasted on cards, he readily acquired +the names of animals and birds, arranged +according to a judicious system of Natural History. +He was encouraged to become thoroughly familiar with +one print ere he was permitted to take another. Thus +a basis was laid for habits of application, and the idle +curiosity restrained, with which children are wont to +wander from picture to picture. His parents in showing +him a landscape or historical painting, accustomed +him to regard every object, however minute, with an +accurate eye, and so retentive was his memory, that +what had been thoroughly impressed he seldom forgot. +There were few toys from which he derived +satisfaction, but seemed to find in pictures and books, +with the explanations which they elicited, his principal +delight. His careful treatment of books was +remarkable, and this was undoubtedly in a measure +produced by a little circumstance which occurred when +he was quite young. He had torn the paper cover of +a small volume. His mother remarked upon it with a +serious countenance, and as the members of the family +entered, mentioned what had been done, in a tone of +sadness.</p> + +<p>Presently his lip quivered, and a tear glistened in his +eye. The lesson had been sufficiently strong, and it +was necessary to comfort him. Afterwards, expensive +volumes were fearlessly submitted to him, and the +most splendid English annuals sustained no injury from +his repeated examinations.</p> + +<p>Geography, as exhibited on maps, became a favourite +study, and ere he had numbered his second birthday, I +saw him with surprise and admiration point out upon +an atlas, seas, rivers, lakes, and countries, without hesitation +or error.</p> + +<p>A short time after, I found that he had made<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_191" id="Page_191">[Pg 191]</a></span> +acquaintance with the rudiments of geometry, and was +continually increasing his knowledge of printed words, +which, with their definitions and combinations in simple +phrases, were rapidly initiating him into his native +language. It may possibly be imagined that he was +made a mere book-worm, or might have been naturally +deficient in animal spirits. On the contrary, nothing +was taught him by compulsion, and no child could be +more full of happiness. His sports, his rambles in the +garden, and the demonstrations of infantine pleasure, +were sweet to him. His mother was his companion, +his playmate, and his instructress. Deeming her +child's mind of more value than any other feminine +pursuit or enjoyment, she devoted her time to its cultivation; +and to her perseverance and the entire concurrence +of his father in the intellectual system devised +for him, his uncommon attainments may be imputed, +more than to any peculiar gift of nature. Still, I am not +prepared to say, that there was not something originally +extraordinary in his capacity; at least I have +never seen his docility, application, and retentive +power, equalled in the early stages of existence. Portions +of every day, suited in their length to his infancy, +were regularly devoted to the business of instruction. +But these were often unconsciously extended in their +limits, by his eager desire to learn something more; +and the winning and repeated entreaty of "Pray, <i>dear +mother</i>, teach me," was wont to secure him an additional +indulgence of "line upon line, and precept upon +precept." His love of knowledge was becoming a +passion, still there seemed no undue prominence of one +department of intellect to the injury of another. +Perception, understanding, and memory, advanced +together, and seemed equally healthful.</p> + +<p>He was destined for a learned education; a great part<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_192" id="Page_192">[Pg 192]</a></span> +of which it was deemed preferable that he should receive +under the parental roof; and his mother was +preparing herself to become an assistant to his father +in teaching him different languages. So indefatigable +were her attentions to him, that she never left him +to the care of a servant; and thus correct habits +and purity of feeling, were preserved from contamination.</p> + +<p>Among the pleasing traits of character which revealed +themselves in him, his love of home was conspicuous. +Though fond of seeing new objects, yet home was the +spot most desirable to him. During a journey to New +York, after the completion of his second year, where +museums, and every alluring curiosity were inspected +by him with delighted attention, the prospect of returning +to his own flowers, shells, and books, gave him +inexpressible joy.</p> + +<p>He also manifested great ardour of affection for his +parents. He could form no idea of happiness independent +of their presence and participation. Though +exceedingly fond of seeing collections of animals, which +his knowledge of Natural History led him to regard +with peculiar interest, he insisted that his father should +take him from the first exhibition of the kind which +he had ever witnessed, and when he was highly entertained +by an elephant, ostrich, and some monkeys, +because he discovered that his mother had withdrawn. +The attachment usually felt by children for the tender +guides of their infant hours, seemed in his case heightened +by the consciousness that they were the dispensers +of that knowledge with whose love he was smitten. +When heaven was represented to him as a delightful +abode, and rendered still more alluring by the image of +a beloved and departed relative, whom he was taught +to consider as among its inhabitants, he would express<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_193" id="Page_193">[Pg 193]</a></span> +his unwillingness to be removed there unless "dear +father and mother would go too."</p> + +<p>A grateful spirit seemed to mingle with his filial +affection, and moved him to an expression of thanks +for every little favour. When given only a piece of +bread, if a few moments happened to intervene between +its reception and the customary acknowledgment, he +would inquire as if troubled at the omission, "Did I +forget to thank mother?" He was often told that to +his Father in heaven, he was indebted for what he +most loved, and with an affecting earnestness and graceful +gesture of his little head, would say, "<i>Thank +God</i>." At the period of family devotion he was early +taught a quiet and reverent deportment, and after +books became so interesting to him, preferred to look +over when his father read the Scriptures, and to have +it spread before him when he knelt during the prayer.</p> + +<p>It might possibly have been feared that the mind, by +starting into such sudden expansion, would have left +the heart at a distance, but the germs of gentleness +and virtue kept pace with the growth of intellect. +There was also preserved a fine and fortunate balance +between mind and body, for his physical education had +been considered an important department of parental +care and responsibility. His erect form, and expanded +chest, revealed the rudiments of a good constitution, +while his fair brow, bright black eye, and playful smile, +bespoke that union of health, beauty, and cheerfulness, +which never failed of attracting attention. There was +less of light and boisterous mirth about him than is +common to children of his age. His features expressed +rather a mild and rational happiness than any exuberance +of joy. This might have arisen partly from the +circumstance of his having no young companion to encourage +wild or extravagant sports; but principally,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_194" id="Page_194">[Pg 194]</a></span> +that the pleasures of thought were so continually resorted +to, as to modify and elevate the countenance. +His whole appearance was that of a healthful, happy, +and beautiful infant, in the possession of a degree of +learning and intelligence, to which infancy usually has +no pretensions.</p> + +<p>But it was forbidden us to witness the result of this +interesting experiment upon mind; or to trace the full +development of a bud whose unfolding was so wonderful. +An acute dysentery which prevailed in the +neighbourhood, numbered him among its victims, and +after a fortnight's painful languishing, he died on the +11th of August, 1829, at the age of two years and five +months.</p> + +<p>After the breath had forsaken him he was still +lovely, though emaciated. Fresh roses and orange +flowers were around his head and on his bosom, and a +bud clasped in his snowy hand. He seemed like one +who had suffered and fallen asleep, and there lingered +a peaceful and patient spirit around his silent wasted +lips. His mother was seated by her dead son, pale, +but resigned. She had never been separated from him +since his birth, and she wished to continue near him +till the grave should claim its own. The parents were +strengthened as true Christians, to yield their only one +to the will of his Father in heaven. And the anguish +of their affliction was undoubtedly mitigated by the +recollection, that nothing in their power had been +omitted to promote his improvement and heighten his +felicity, and that his dwelling was now to be where +knowledge is no longer gained by slow laborious efforts, +but where light is without cloud, and the soaring soul +freed from its encumbrances of clay.</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_195" id="Page_195">[Pg 195]</a></div> +<h1><a name="The_Last_Rose-bud" id="The_Last_Rose-bud"></a>The Last Rose-bud.</h1> + +<p>The child was radiant with delight,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">As from the garden's shade,</span><br /> +With golden ringlets clustering bright,<br /> +She burst upon the mother's sight,<br /> +And in her hand, like fairy sprite,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">A blooming rose-bud laid.</span><br /> +<br /> +'Twas the last wreath by summer wove<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">That thus the darling brought,</span><br /> +For Autumn's breath had chill'd the grove;<br /> +Oh mother! was that gift of love<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">With aught of sadness fraught?</span><br /> +<br /> +Say, didst thou think how soon that head<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">In silent earth would rest?</span><br /> +A solemn curtain o'er it spread,<br /> +And the green turf she joy'd to tread,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">A covering for her breast?</span><br /> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_196" id="Page_196">[Pg 196]</a></span><br /> +But, for the buds that fade no more,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Look thou in faith above,</span><br /> +Look, mother! where the seraphs soar,<br /> +Where countless harps their music pour,<br /> +And raptur'd cherubim adore<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">The God of boundless love.</span></p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_197" id="Page_197">[Pg 197]</a></div> +<h1><a name="The_Cherubs_Welcome" id="The_Cherubs_Welcome"></a>The Cherub's Welcome.</h1> + +<p>Among the bright-robed host of heaven, two cherubs +were filled with new rapture. Gladness that mortal +eye hath never seen beamed from their brows, as with +tuneful voices they exclaimed,</p> + +<p>"Joy! joy! He cometh! Welcome, welcome, dear +brother!" And they clasped in their arms a new +immortal.</p> + +<p>Then to their golden harps they chanted, "Thou +shalt weep no more, our brother, neither shall sickness +smite thee. For here is no death, neither sorrow, nor +sighing."</p> + +<p>At the Saviour's feet they knelt together with their +warbled strain, "Praise be unto Thee, who didst say, +'Suffer little children to come unto Me.'</p> + +<p>"Thou didst take them to Thy bosom upon earth, +and through Thy love they enter into the Kingdom of +Heaven. Endless praise and glory be Thine, Oh Lord +most High!"</p> + +<p>They led the little one to amaranthine bowers, and +wreathed around his temples the flowers that never +fade. They gave him of the fruit of the Tree of Life, +and of the water that gusheth forth clear as crystal +from before the Throne of God and of the Lamb.</p> + +<p>And they said, "Beautiful one! who wert too young +to lisp the dialect of earth, sweet to thee will be the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_198" id="Page_198">[Pg 198]</a></span> +pure language of heaven. Bringest thou to us no +token from the world that was once our home?"</p> + +<p>Then answered the babe-cherub, "Here is our +mother's last kiss with a tear upon it, and the prayer +with which our father gave me back to God."</p> + +<p>And they said, "Their gifts are sweet to us. We +remember <i>her</i> smile who lulled us on her breast, +whose eye was open through the long night, when +sickness smote us; and <i>his</i> voice who taught us the +name of Jesus.</p> + +<p>Oft-times do we hover about them. We are near +them though they see us not. While they mourn we +drop into their hearts a balm drop and a thought of +heaven, and fly back hither, swifter than the wing of +morning.</p> + +<p>We keep watch at the shining gates for them, and +for the white-haired parents whom they honour, and +for our fair sister, that we may be the first to welcome +them. Lo! when all are here, our joy shall be full."</p> + +<p>Long they talked together, folding their rainbow +wings. They talked long with their music tones, yet +the darkness came not. For there is no night there.</p> + +<p>Then there burst forth a great song, choirs of angels +saying, "Holy, holy, holy Lord God Almighty: Just +and true are thy ways, thou King of Saints." And the +lyres of the cherub brothers joined the chorus, swelling +the melody of heaven.</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_199" id="Page_199">[Pg 199]</a></div> +<h1><a name="The_Babe_and_the_Forget-Me-Not" id="The_Babe_and_the_Forget-Me-Not"></a>The Babe, and the Forget-Me-Not.</h1> + +<p>A babe, who like the opening bud<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Grew fairer day by day,</span><br /> +Made friendship with the loving flowers<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Amid his infant play;</span><br /> +<br /> +And though full many a gorgeous plant<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Display'd its colours bright,</span><br /> +Yet with the meek Forget-me-not<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">He took his chief delight.</span><br /> +<br /> +From mantel-vase, or rich bouquet,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">He cull'd his favourite gem,</span><br /> +Well pleas'd its lowly lips to kiss,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">And gently clasp its stem.</span><br /> +<br /> +So, when to dreamless rest he sank,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">For soon he was to fade,</span><br /> +That darling friend, Forget-me-not,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Was on his bosom laid;</span><br /> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_200" id="Page_200">[Pg 200]</a></span><br /> +And when, beside the mother's couch,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Who weepeth for his sake,</span><br /> +Some vision of his heavenly joy<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Doth midnight darkness break,</span><br /> +<br /> +He cometh with a cherub smile<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">In garments of the bless'd,</span><br /> +And weareth a Forget-me-not<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Upon his sinless breast.</span></p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_201" id="Page_201">[Pg 201]</a></div> +<h1><a name="Treatment_of_Animals" id="Treatment_of_Animals"></a>Treatment of Animals.</h1> + +<p>A grateful disposition, should teach us to be kind +to the domestic animals. They add much to our comfort. +How should we bear the winter's cold, were it +not for the coat of wool, which the sheep shares with +us? How would journeys be performed, or the mail +be carried, or the affairs of government be conducted, +without the aid of the horse?</p> + +<p>Did you ever think how much the comfort of +families depends upon the cow? Make a list of +articles for the table, or for the sick, to which milk is +indispensable. Perhaps you will be surprised to find +how numerous they are.</p> + +<p>When the first settlers of New England, came to +Plymouth, in the winter of 1620, four years elapsed, +before any cows were brought them. During all this +time, their bread was made of pounded corn, and they +had not a drop of milk for the weaned infant, or the +sickly child, or to make any little delicacy for the +invalid.</p> + +<p>There was great rejoicing in the colony, when a +ship arrived, bringing a few small heifers. Remember +how patiently our good ancestors endured their many +hardships; and when you freely use the milk of which +they were so long deprived, be kind to the peaceable, +orderly quadruped, from whom it is obtained.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_202" id="Page_202">[Pg 202]</a></span></p> + +<p>Domestic animals, are sensible of kindness, and +improved by it. They are made happier and more +gentle, by being caressed and spoken to with a +pleasant voice. Food, shelter, needful rest, and good +treatment, are surely due to them, for their many +services to man.</p> + +<p>The Arab treats his horse like his child, and the +noble animal loves him, and strains every nerve to do +his bidding. I have seen a horse, when wearied with +heat and travel, erect his head, and show evident +signs of pleasure, and renew his labours with fresh +zeal, if his master patted his neck, and whispered with +a kind voice into his ear.</p> + +<p>It is delightful to see the young show a protecting +kindness to such harmless creatures as are often +harshly treated. It seems difficult to say why the +toad is so generally singled out for strong dislike. Is +it only because Nature has not given it beauty? +Surely its habits are innocent, and its temper gentle.</p> + +<p>The scientific gardeners of Europe encourage toads +to live in their gardens, and about their green-houses. +They find them useful assistants in guarding their +precious plants from insects. So, they wisely make +them allies, instead of torturing and destroying them.</p> + +<p>A benevolent English gentleman, once took pains +to reclaim a toad from its timid habits. It improved +by his attentions. It grew to a very large size, and +at his approach, came regularly from its hole, to meet +him, and receive its food.</p> + +<p>Ladies, who visited the garden, sometimes desired +to see this singular favourite. It was even brought to +the table, and permitted to have a dessert of insects, +which it partook, without being embarrassed by the +presence of company.</p> + +<p>It lived to be forty years old. What age it might<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_203" id="Page_203">[Pg 203]</a></span> +have attained, had it met with no accident, it would +be difficult to say. For it was in perfect health when +wounded by a fierce raven, as it one day was coming +from its house, under the steps of the door, which +fronted the garden.</p> + +<p>The poor creature languished a while, and then died; +and the benevolent man who had so long protected it, +took pleasure in relating its history, and in remembering +that he had made its life happy.</p> + +<p>Cruelty to animals is disgraceful and sinful. If I +see even a young child pull off the wings of an insect, +or take pains to set his foot upon a worm, I know that +he has not been well instructed, or else that there is +something wrong and wicked in his heart.</p> + +<p>The Emperor Domitian loved to kill flies, and at +last became a monster of cruelty. Benedict Arnold, +the traitor, when he was a boy, liked to give pain to +every thing, over which he could get power.</p> + +<p>He destroyed birds' nests, and cut the little unfledged +ones in pieces, before the eyes of their agonised +parents. Cats and dogs, the quiet cow, and the faithful +horse, he delighted to hurt and distress.</p> + +<p>I do not like to repeat his cruel deeds. He was +told that they were wrong. An excellent lady with +whom he lived, use to warn and reprove him. But +he did not reform. For his heart was hard, and he +did not heed the commands of God.</p> + +<p>He grew up without good principles. He became a +soldier, and had command in the army. But he laid +a plan to betray his country, and sell it into the +hands of the enemy.</p> + +<p>His wickedness was discovered, and he fled. He +never dared to return to his native land, but lived +despised, and died in misery. We know not how +much of the sin which disgraced his character, sprang<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_204" id="Page_204">[Pg 204]</a></span> +out of his hardness of heart, and cruelty to animals.</p> + +<p>Many of the inferior creation display virtues which +are deserving of respect. How many remarkable instances +have we heard of the sagacity of the elephant, +and the grateful attachment and fidelity of the dog.</p> + +<p>A shepherd, who lived at the foot of the Grampian +mountains, one day, in going to look after his flock, +took with him his little boy of four years old. Some +of his sheep had strayed. In pursuing them, he was +obliged to climb rocks, so steep, that the child could +not follow.</p> + +<p>The shepherd charged the child to remain where he +left him, until he should return. But while he was +gone, one of those thick fogs arose, which in that part +of Scotland are not uncommon. With difficulty he +groped his way back again. But the child was gone.</p> + +<p>All his search was vain. There was sorrow that +night in the lowly cottage of his parents. The next +day, the neighbours joined, and continued their pursuit +for several days and nights. But in vain.</p> + +<p>"Is my dog lost too?" said the father, as he one +day entered his dwelling, and sat down in weariness +and despair. "He has come here daily," said his little +daughter, "while you and mother, have been searching +for poor Donald. I have given him a piece of cake, +which he has taken, and ran hastily away."</p> + +<p>The household bread of the poor, in Scotland, is +made of oatmeal, and being not baked in loaves, but +rolled out thin, is often called cake. While they were +speaking, the dog rushed in, and leaped upon his master, +whining earnestly.</p> + +<p>An oatmeal cake was given him. He appeared hungry +but ate only a small portion of it. The remainder +he took in his mouth, and ran away. The shepherd<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_205" id="Page_205">[Pg 205]</a></span> +followed him. It was with difficulty, that he kept +his track, fording a swift streamlet, and descending +into a terrible ravine.</p> + +<p>Then he entered a cave. And what was his joy to +see there his little, lost son. He was eating heartily +the bread which the dog had brought him, while he, +standing by, and wagging his tail, looked up in his face +with delight, as he took the food, which he nobly +denied himself.</p> + +<p>It seems that the dog was with the child, when, in +the dimness of the mist, he wandered away. He must +have aided him to pass the deep waters that crossed +his path. And when he found shelter in that rude +cavern, and mourned for his parents, the faithful dog +guarded him like a father, and fed him with a mother's +tenderness.</p> + +<p>How can we fail to treat with kindness, a race of +animals, that are capable of such virtues. Others, +that are less celebrated, often show traits of character, +which are worthy of imitation. Let us hear the +opinion of the poet Cowper, on this interesting subject.</p> + +<blockquote><p>"We too might learn, if not too proud to stoop<br /> +To animal instructors, many a good<br /> +And useful quality, and virtue too,<br /> +Rarely exemplified among ourselves.<br /> +Fidelity, that neither bribe nor threat<br /> +Can move, or warp, and gratitude for small<br /> +And trivial favours, lasting as the life,<br /> +And glistening even from the dying eye."</p></blockquote> + +<p>Birds give us an example of tender affection. There +is no warfare in their nests. The little brothers and +sisters dwell together in harmony, till they are able to +stretch out the newly-plumed wing, and quit the care +of the parent. Say they not to us, as they sing among +the branches, "<i>Live in love!</i>"<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_206" id="Page_206">[Pg 206]</a></span></p> + +<p>The innocent dove, is cited as a model in the Book +of God. "Be ye harmless as doves," said our Saviour, +to his disciples. The stork spreads out its broad pinions, +and bears its aged parents, on their journey +through the air. It feeds and cherishes them with the +same care, that it received in its own helpless infancy. +Shall we not learn from it a lesson of filial piety?</p> + +<p>Once, a robin, in returning to her nest, was shot +dead. The mate mourned bitterly for her loss, but +took her place upon the nest. There he brooded, until +the young came forth from the egg, and then he +sought food, and fed them like a mother, until they +were able to fly away.</p> + +<p>Often while he was performing her duties, and +always at the close of day, his plaintive note was heard, +lamenting his lost love. Ah! who could be so wicked +as to destroy the nest, or the eggs, or the young, of +those affectionate creatures. Our Father in Heaven, +"taketh care of sparrows, and feedeth the young +ravens that cry."</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_207" id="Page_207">[Pg 207]</a></div> +<h1><a name="The_Trembling_Eyelid" id="The_Trembling_Eyelid"></a>The Trembling Eyelid.</h1> + +<p>It was the day before Christmas, in the year 1778, +during our war of revolution, that an armed vessel +sailed out of Boston. She was strongly built, and +carried twenty guns, and a crew of one hundred and +five persons; with provisions for a cruise of six months.</p> + +<p>She made a fine appearance, as she spread her +broad sails, and steered out of the harbour. Many +hearts wished her success. And she bore as goodly a +company of bold and skilful seamen, as ever braved +the perils of the deep.</p> + +<p>Soon the north wind blew, and brought a heavy sea +into the bay. The night proved dark, and they came +to anchor with difficulty, near the harbour of Plymouth. +The strong gale that buffeted them became a storm, +and the storm a hurricane.</p> + +<p>Snow fell, and the cold was terribly severe. The +vessel was driven from her moorings, and struck on a +reef of rocks. She began to fill with water, and they +were obliged to cut away her masts. The sea rose +above her main deck, sweeping over it with its dark +surges.</p> + +<p>They made every exertion that courage could +prompt, or hardihood endure. But so fearful were +the wind and cold, that the stoutest man was not able<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_208" id="Page_208">[Pg 208]</a></span> +to strike more than two or three blows, in cutting away +the masts, without being relieved by another.</p> + +<p>The wretched people thronged together upon the +quarter-deck, which was crowded almost to suffocation. +They were exhausted with toil and suffering, but +could obtain neither provisions, nor fresh water. +These were all covered by the deep sea, when the +vessel became a wreck.</p> + +<p>But, unfortunately, the crew got access to ardent +spirits, and many of them drank, and became intoxicated. +Insubordination, mutiny, and madness ensued. +The officers, remained clear-minded, but lost +all authority over the crew, who raved around +them.</p> + +<p>A more frightful scene, can scarcely be imagined: +the dark sky, the raging storm, the waves breaking +wildly over the rocks, and threatening every moment +to swallow up the broken vessel; and the half-frozen +beings who maintained their icy hold on life, lost to +reason, and to duty, or fighting fiercely with each +other.</p> + +<p>Some lay in disgusting stupidity; others, with fiery +faces, blasphemed God. Some, in temporary delirium, +fancied themselves in palaces, surrounded by luxury, +and brutally abused the servants, who, they supposed, +refused to do their bidding.</p> + +<p>Others there were, who, amid the beating of that +pitiless tempest, believed themselves in the homes that +they never more must see, and with hollow, reproachful +voices, besought bread, and wondered why water +was withheld from them by the hands that were most +dear.</p> + +<p>A few, whose worst passions were quickened by +alcohol to a fiend-like fury, assaulted or wounded +those who came in their way, making their shrieks of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_209" id="Page_209">[Pg 209]</a></span> +defiance, and their curses heard above the roar of the +storm. Intemperance never displayed itself in more +distressing attitudes.</p> + +<p>At length, Death began to do his work. The miserable +creatures fell every hour upon the deck, frozen, +stiff, and hard. Each corpse, as it became breathless, +was laid upon a heap of dead, that more space might +be left for the survivors. Those who drank most +freely, were the first to perish.</p> + +<p>On the third day of these horrors, the inhabitants +of Plymouth, after making many ineffectual attempts, +reached the wreck, not without danger. What a +melancholy spectacle! Lifeless bodies, hardened into +every form that suffering could devise.</p> + +<p>Many lay in a vast pile. Others sat, with their +heads reclining on their knees; others, grasping the +ice-covered ropes; some in a posture of defence like the +dying gladiator: and others, with hands held up to +heaven, as if deprecating their awful fate.</p> + +<p>Orders were given to search earnestly for every +mark or sign of life. One boy was distinguished amid +a mass of dead, only by the trembling of one of his +eyelids. The poor survivors were kindly received into +the houses of the people of Plymouth, and every effort +used for their restoration.</p> + +<p>The captain and lieutenant, and a few others, who +had abstained from the use of ardent spirits, survived. +The remainder were buried, some in separate graves, +and others in a large pit, whose hollow is still to be +seen, on the south-west side of the burial ground in +Plymouth.</p> + +<p>The funeral obsequies were most solemn. When +the clergyman, who was to perform the last services, +first entered the church, and saw more than seventy +dead bodies; some fixing upon him their stony eyes,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_210" id="Page_210">[Pg 210]</a></span> +and others, with faces, stiffened into the horrible expression +of their last mortal agony, he was so affected +as to faint.</p> + +<p>Some, were brought on shore alive, and received +every attention, but survived only a short time. +Others, were restored after long sickness, but with +limbs so injured by frost, as to become cripples for life.</p> + +<p>In a village, at some distance from Plymouth, a +widowed mother, with her daughter, were seen constantly +attending a couch, on which lay a sufferer. It +was the boy, whose trembling eyelid attracted the +notice of pity, as he lay among the dead.</p> + +<p>"Mother," he said in a feeble tone, "God bless you +for having taught me to avoid ardent spirits. It was +this that saved me. After those around me grew intoxicated, +I had enough to do to protect myself from +them.</p> + +<p>"Some attacked, and dared me to fight; others +pressed the poisonous draught to my lips, and bade +me drink. My lips and throat were parched with +thirst. But I knew if I drank with them, I must lose +my reason as they did, and perhaps, blaspheme my +Maker.</p> + +<p>"One by one they died, those poor infuriated wretches. +Their shrieks and groans, still seem to ring in my ears. +It was in vain that the captain and their officers, and +a few good men, warned them of what would ensue, if +they thus continued to drink, and tried every method +in their power, to restore them to order.</p> + +<p>"They still fed upon the fiery liquor. They grew +delirious. They died in heaps. Dear mother, our +sufferings from hunger and cold, you cannot imagine. +After my feet were frozen, but before I lost the use of +my hands, I discovered a box, among fragments of the +wreck, far under water.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_211" id="Page_211">[Pg 211]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I toiled with a rope to drag it up. But my strength +was not sufficient. A comrade, who was still able to +move a little, assisted me. At length, it came within +our reach. We hoped that it might contain bread, +and took courage.</p> + +<p>"Uniting our strength we burst it open. It contained +only a few bottles of olive oil. Yet we gave +God thanks. For we found that by occasionally +moistening our lips with it, and swallowing a little, it +allayed the gnawing, burning pain in the stomach.</p> + +<p>"Then my comrade died. And I lay beside him, like +a corpse, surrounded by corpses. Presently, the violence +of the tempest, that had so long raged, subsided, and +I heard quick footsteps, and strange voices amid the +wreck, where we lay.</p> + +<p>"They were the blessed people of Plymouth, who had +dared every danger, to save us. They lifted in their +arms, and wrapped in blankets, all who could speak. +Then they earnestly sought all who could move. But +every drunkard, was among the dead.</p> + +<p>"And I was so exhausted with toil, and suffering, and +cold, that I could not stretch a hand to my deliverers. +They passed me again and again. They carried the +living to the boat. I feared that I was left behind.</p> + +<p>"Then I prayed earnestly, in my heart, 'Oh, Lord, +for the sake of my widowed mother, for the sake of +my dear sister, save me.' I believed that the last man +had gone, and besought the Redeemer to receive my +spirit.</p> + +<p>"But I felt a warm breath on my face. I strained +every nerve. My whole soul strove and shuddered +within me. Still my body was immovable as marble. +Then a loud voice said, 'Come back and help me out +with this poor lad. One of his eyelids trembles. He +lives!'</p> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_212" id="Page_212">[Pg 212]</a></span></p> +<p>"Oh, the music of that voice to me! The trembling +eyelid, and the prayer to God, and your lessons of +temperance, my mother, saved me." Then the loving +sister embraced him with tears, and the mother said, +"Praise be to Him who hath spared my son, to be the +comfort of my old age."</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_213" id="Page_213">[Pg 213]</a></div> +<h1><a name="Peaceful_Dispositions" id="Peaceful_Dispositions"></a>Peaceful Dispositions.</h1> + +<p>The history of every nation tells of the shedding of +blood. The most ancient annals record "wars and +fightings," ever since man was placed upon the earth. +Both savage and civilized nations have prized the +trappings of the warrior, and coveted the glory of +victory.</p> + +<p>Yet have there always been some reflecting minds, +to lament that the beings whom God had so nobly +endowed, should delight to destroy each other. They +have felt that there was suffering enough in the world, +without man's inflicting it on his brother; and that life +was short enough, without being made still shorter by +violence.</p> + +<p>Among the most warlike nations, there have been a +few calm and philanthropic spirits, to perceive that +war was an evil, or to deplore it as a judgment, even +before the Gospel breathed "good-will and peace," in +an angel's song. Though Rome grew up by bloodshed, +and gained her dominion by the sword, yet some of +her best emperors deplored the evils of war.</p> + +<p>Adrian loved peace, and endeavoured to promote it. +He saw that war was a foe to those arts and sciences, +through which nations become prosperous and refined. +He felt that the cultivation of the earth, the pursuits +of commerce, and the progress of intellect, must alike<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_214" id="Page_214">[Pg 214]</a></span> +be obstructed and languish, while the business of men +was in the field of battle.</p> + +<p>Titus Antoninus Pius desired to live in peace with +every one. "I had rather save the life of one citizen," +he nobly said, "than destroy a thousand enemies." His +successor, Marcus Aurelius, considered war both as a +disgrace and calamity. Though the necessity of the +times sometimes forced him into it, his heart revolted, +for he was inspired with the love of learning and +philosophy.</p> + +<p>Yet these were heathen emperors. They had never +imbibed the spirit of the Gospel. They were not +followers of Him, whose last accents was a prayer for +his murderers. The maxim of the ancient Jews was, +"an eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth." But +the precept of Jesus Christ is, "see that ye love one +another." The contentious spirit was not therefore +condemned by the law of Moses, nor by the mythology +of the heathen.</p> + +<p>Have you ever thought much, my dear young +friends, of the miseries of war? of the waste of human +life which it causes? of the bitter mourning which it +makes in families? You pity a friend who suffers +pain, a poor cripple upon crutches, or even a child with +a cut finger.</p> + +<p>But, after a battle, what gashes and gaping wounds +are seen, what multitudes of mangled carcases. How +red is the earth with flowing blood, how terrible are +the groans of the dying, trampled beneath the feet of +horses, or suffocated under heaps of dead. How fearful +to see strong men convulsed with agony, and +imploring help in vain.</p> + +<p>Think too, of the sorrow in their distant homes. +Grey-headed parents, from whom the last prop is taken +away, lamenting their sons fallen in battle. Wives<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_215" id="Page_215">[Pg 215]</a></span> +mourning for their husbands, little children weeping +because their fathers must return no more. Neighbourhoods, +once happy and prosperous, plunged into +poverty, by the loss of those who provided them with +bread.</p> + +<p>All these evils, and many more, which we have +neither room nor time to mention, may come from a +single battle. Towns and cities are sometimes burned, +and the aged and helpless destroyed. Mothers, and +their innocent babes, perish in the ruins of their own +beloved abodes.</p> + +<p>War produces cruelty, and bad passions. Men, who +have no cause to dislike each other, meet as deadly +foes. They raise weapons of destruction, and exult in +the misery they inflict. Rulers, should take a solemn +view of the sufferings and sins of war, ere they plunge +the people into it, for differences which might have +been amicably settled.</p> + +<p>War is expensive. The political economist should +therefore oppose it. Great Britain, in her last war +with France, is said to have spent more than seven +hundred millions of pounds. But the immediate cost +of armies, is but a part of the expense of war.</p> + +<p>Who can compute the amount of losses by the +obstruction of tillage and commerce, and the waste of +life; for every full-grown, able-bodied man, is of value +to the country that reared him. We may say with +the poet,</p> + +<blockquote><p>"War is a game, that, were their subjects wise,<br /> +Kings would not play at."</p></blockquote> + +<p>Howard, who felt that it was more noble to save +life than to destroy it, visited the prisons of distant +lands, to relieve such as have no helper; and blessings,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_216" id="Page_216">[Pg 216]</a></span> +in foreign languages, were poured upon his head. +Bonaparte caused multitudes to be slain and multitudes +to mourn, and died in exile, on a desolate island. +When death approached, to strip the pomp from titles, +whose bosom must have been the most peaceful, when +about to pass into the presence of God?</p> + +<p>The religious sect, who are called Friends, never +engage in warfare. The State of Pennsylvania, was +settled by them. William Penn, its founder, purchased +it of the natives, and lived with them in amity. They +gathered around him, with their dark, red brows, and, +gazing earnestly in his face, said, "You are our father. +We love you."</p> + +<p>When he purchased the land of them, he appeared +unarmed, under the spreading branches of a lofty oak, +and conferred with their chiefs. He paid them to +their satisfaction, gave them gifts, and entered into +articles of friendship with them and their descendants. +"This is the only treaty which was confirmed without +an oath," said an historian, "and the only one that +was never broken."</p> + +<p>These men of peace, treated the sons of the forest +as brethren. But in other colonies, there were distressing +wars. The settlers carried their guns to the +corn-field, and laboured in fear, for the safety of their +households. The tomahawk and scalping-knife were +sometimes secretly raised, so that when they returned +home, there was no wife or children there, only dead +bodies. A savage foe had chosen this terrible form of +vengeance, for real or supposed wrongs.</p> + +<p>If true glory belongs to those who do great good to +mankind, is not the glory of the warrior a false glory? +Does not History sometimes confer on her heroes, a +fame which religion condemns? But we ask how are +wars to be prevented? Might not one nation act as<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_217" id="Page_217">[Pg 217]</a></span> +mediator between others, as a good man makes peace +between contending neighbours?</p> + +<p>Why should not one Christian ruler address another, +as the patriarch Abraham did his kinsman? "Let +there be no strife, betwixt us, I pray thee; <i>for we are +brethren</i>." If there have been always wars from the +beginning, is this any reason why there should be +unto the end? Do not the Scriptures of Truth foretell +a happy period on earth, when there shall be war +no more? How beautifully has a poet versified the +cheering prediction:</p> + +<blockquote><p>"No more shall nation against nation rise,<br /> +Nor ardent warriors meet, with hateful eyes,<br /> +Nor fields with gleaming steel be cover'd o'er,<br /> +But brazen trumpet kindle rage no more,<br /> +The useless lances into scythes shall bend,<br /> +And the broad faulchion in a ploughshare end.<br /> +For wars shall cease, and ancient fraud shall fail,<br /> +Returning Justice lift aloft her scale.<br /> +Peace o'er the earth her olive wand extend,<br /> +And white-rob'd righteousness from Heaven descend."</p></blockquote> + +<p>War proceeds from the unbridled passions, or restless +ambition of men. Unkind and quarrelsome dispositions +in children are the germs of such evil fruit. +Ought not then, the remedy to be early applied to the +heart, from whence they spring? For if the love of +peace, was planted, and cherished carefully in the +breast of every little child, would there not grow up a +generation, who would help to banish war from the +earth?</p> + +<p>Avoid contention with your companions. Use no +offensive words, and when you see others disagree, +strive to reconcile them. Repress every revengeful +feeling. If any one has injured you, do not injure +them. Try to set them a better example. If any<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_218" id="Page_218">[Pg 218]</a></span> +speak unfavourably of you, it is well to do them some +good office. Perhaps you can lend them an interesting, +instructive book, whose perusal would lead them +to kinder dispositions.</p> + +<p>To render evil for evil, would make perpetual discord +in society. Try, therefore, to be gentle and +patient to those who seem to dislike you. Their cold +treatment may often proceed from some trifle, which +your pleasant manners may reconcile. And it is a +pity, to lose for any trifle, the benefits of friendly +intercourse.</p> + +<p>When in company with your associates, do not +insist always on having your own way. If you are in +the habit of cheerfully consulting their wishes, they +will seek your society, and enjoy it. Thus you will +acquire influence over them, and this influence should +be exerted for their good.</p> + +<p>You know that he who does good to another, uniformly, +and from a right principle, promotes his own +happiness. It is indeed, easy to love those who love +us, but to be kind to those who are unkind to us is +not so easy, though it is a nobler virtue.</p> + +<p>"Do not suffer yourself to hate even your enemies," +said Plutarch, "for in doing so, you contract a vicious +habit of mind, which will by degrees break out, even +upon your friends, or those who are indifferent to you." +This is the advice of a heathen philosopher. But more +definite and sublime are the words of our Redeemer, +"Love your enemies, that ye may be the children of +your Father in Heaven, who doeth good unto the evil +and unthankful."</p> + +<p>By preserving peaceful dispositions, and persuading +those who are at variance, to be reconciled, you will be +serene and happy. You will be pursuing an education +which will fit you for the society of angels. Have<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_219" id="Page_219">[Pg 219]</a></span> +we not read of a country, where there is no war? +where peace and love reign in the bosom of all its +inhabitants?</p> + +<p>That country is Heaven. We hope to dwell there +when we die. We would strive to cultivate its spirit +while on earth. How else can we be permitted to +remain there? The scorpion cannot abide in the nest +of the turtle-dove, nor the leopard slumber in the +lamb's fold. Neither can the haters of peace find a +home in those blissful regions.</p> + +<p>That holy Book, which is the rule of our conduct, +the basis of our hope, has promised no reward to those +who delight in the shedding of blood. But our +Saviour, when his dwelling was in tents of clay, when +he taught the listening multitude what they must do, +to inherit eternal life, said, "Blessed are the peace +makers, for they shall be called the children of God."</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_220" id="Page_220">[Pg 220]</a></div> +<h1><a name="John_and_James_Williams" id="John_and_James_Williams"></a>John and James Williams.</h1> + +<p>John and James Williams, were the sons of a New +England farmer. In summer, they took an active +part in his labours, and during the winter attended to +their school-education. Both were fond of books, but +their tastes and dispositions were different.</p> + +<p>One cold evening in winter, they were sitting beside +a bright fire of wood. Their lamp cast a cheerful ray +over the snow-covered landscape. Several books lay +on the table, from which they had been studying their +lessons for the following day.</p> + +<p>"John," said the youngest, who was about thirteen +years old, "John, I mean to be a soldier. I have +lately been reading the life of Alexander of Macedon, +and a good deal about Bonaparte. I think there is +nothing in this world like the glory of the warrior."</p> + +<p>"It does not strike me so, James. To destroy life, +and to cause mourning in such a multitude of families, +and to bring so much poverty and misery into the +world, seems to me, more cruel than glorious."</p> + +<p>"But John, to be so praised and honoured, to have +hosts of soldiers under your command, and to have the +pages of history filled with the fame of your victories, +how can you be blind to such glory as that?</p> + +<p>"Brother, the minister said last Sunday, that the +<i>end of life was the test of its goodness</i>. Now, Alexander<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_221" id="Page_221">[Pg 221]</a></span> +the Great got intoxicated, and died like a madman; +and Bonaparte was shut up to pine away on a desolate +island, as if he was a wild beast, chained in a cage."</p> + +<p>"John, your ideas are very limited. I am sorry to +see that you are not capable of admiring heroes. You +are just fit to be a farmer. I dare say that to break +a pair of steers, is your highest ambition, and to spend +your days in ploughing and reaping, is all the glory +that you would covet."</p> + +<p>Their father's voice was now heard, calling, "Boys, +go to bed." Thus ended their conversation for that +night. These brothers loved each other, and seldom +disagreed on any subject, except on trying to settle +the point, in what the true glory of the warrior consisted.</p> + +<p>Fifteen years glided away, and the season of winter +again returned. From the same window, a bright +lamp gleamed, and on the same hearth glowed a cheerful +fire. The farm-house seemed unaltered, but among +its inmates, there had been changes.</p> + +<p>The parents, who had then retired to rest, were now +mouldering in the grave. They were good and pious, +and among the little circle of their native village, their +memory was still held in sweet remembrance.</p> + +<p>In the corner, which they used to occupy, their +eldest son, and his wife, were seated. A babe lay in +the cradle, and two other little ones, breathed quietly +from their trundle-bed, in the sweet sleep of childhood. +A strong blast, with snow, shook the casement.</p> + +<p>"I always think," said John Williams, "about my +poor brother, in stormy nights, especially in winter. +So many years have past, since we have heard from +him, and his way of life is so full of danger, that I +fear he must be numbered with the dead."</p> + +<p>"Husband, did I hear a faint knock! or was it the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_222" id="Page_222">[Pg 222]</a></span> +wind among the trees?" said his wife. The farmer +opened the door, and a traveller entered, leaning heavily +on a crutch. His garments were old and thin, and his +countenance haggard.</p> + +<p>He sank into a chair, and gazed earnestly around +on every article of furniture, as on some recollected +friend. Then, extending a withered hand, he uttered +in a tone scarcely audible, "Brother! brother!"</p> + +<p>That word, opened the tender memories of other +years. They hastened to welcome the wanderer, and +to mingle their tears with his. "Sister, brother, I +have come home to <i>die</i>." They found him too much +exhausted to converse, and after giving him comfortable +food, induced him to retire to rest.</p> + +<p>The next morning, he was unable to rise. They sat +by his bedside, and soothed his worn heart with kindness, +and told him the simple narrative of the changes +in the neighbourhood, and what had befallen them, in +their quiet abode.</p> + +<p>"I have had many troubles," said he, "but none have +bowed me down, like the sin of leaving home to be a +soldier, without the knowledge of my parents, and +against their will. I have felt the pain of wounds, +but there is nothing like the sting of conscience.</p> + +<p>"I have endured hunger, and thirst, and imprisonment, +and the misery of sickness in an enemy's land; +and then the image of my home, and my disobedience +and ingratitude, were with me when I lay down, and +when I rose up, and when I was sleepless and sick in +the neglected hospitals.</p> + +<p>"In broken visions, I would see my dear mother +bending tenderly over me, as she used to do, when I +had only a headache; and my father with the great +Bible in his hand, reading as he used to do before +prayer; but when I cried out in agony. 'I am no more<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_223" id="Page_223">[Pg 223]</a></span> +worthy to be called thy son,' I awoke, and it was all a +dream."</p> + +<p>His brother assured him of the perfect forgivenness +of his parents, and that duly, at morn and eve, he was +borne upon their supplications at the family altar, as +the son, erring, yet beloved. "Ah, yes, and those +prayers followed me. But for them I should have been +a reprobate, forsaken both of God and man."</p> + +<p>As strength permitted, he told them the story of +his wanderings. He had been in battles, on land and +sea. He had heard the deep ocean echo to the cannon's +thunder, and seen earth drink the red shower +from the bosoms of her slaughtered sons.</p> + +<p>He had stood in the martial lists of Europe, and +hazarded his life for a foreign power, and had pursued, +in his native land, the hunted Indian, flying at midnight +from the flames of his own hut. He had ventured +with the bravest, into the deepest danger, seeking +every where for the glory which had dazzled his boyhood, +but in vain.</p> + +<p>He found that it was the lot of the soldier to endure +hardship, that others might reap the fame. He saw +what fractures and mutilations, what misery, and +mourning, and death, were necessary to purchase the +reward of victory. He felt how light was even the renown +of the conqueror, compared with the good that +he forfeits, and the sorrow that he inflicts to obtain it.</p> + +<p>"Sometimes," he said, "just before rushing into +battle, I felt a shuddering, and inexpressible horror, at +the thought of butchering my fellow-creatures. But in +the heat of contest, all such sympathies vanished, and +madness and desperation possessed me, so that I cared +neither for this life nor the next.</p> + +<p>"I have been left wounded on the field, unable to +move from among the feet of trampling horses, my<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_224" id="Page_224">[Pg 224]</a></span> +open gashes stiffening in the chilly night air, and death +staring me in the face, while no man cared for my +soul. Yet I will not distress your kind hearts, by +describing my varieties of pain.</p> + +<p>"You, who have always lived amid the influences of +mercy; who shrink to give unnecessary suffering, even +to an animal, cannot realize what hardness of heart, +comes with the life of a soldier, familiar as he must be +with groans, and violence, and cruelty.</p> + +<p>"His moral and religious feelings, are in still greater +danger. Oaths, imprecations, and contempt of sacred +things, are mingled with the elements of his trade. +The sweet and holy influences of the Sabbath, and the +precepts of the Gospel, impressed upon his childhood, +are too often swept away.</p> + +<p>"Yet though I exerted myself to appear bold and +courageous, and even hardened, my heart reproached +me. Oh, that it might be purified by repentance, and +at peace with God, before I am summoned to the +dread bar of judgment, to answer for my deeds of blood."</p> + +<p>His friends flattered themselves, that, by medical +skill, and careful nursing, he might be restored to +health. But he answered, "No, it can never be. My +vital energies are wasted. Even now, is Death standing +at my right hand."</p> + +<p>"When I entered this peaceful valley, my swollen +limbs tottered, and began to fail. Then I prayed to +the Almighty, whom I had so often forgotten, 'Oh, +give me strength but a little longer, that I may reach +the home where I was born, and die there, and be +buried by the side of my father and my mother.'"</p> + +<p>The sick and penitent soldier, sought earnestly for +the hope of salvation. He felt that a great change +was needed in his soul, ere it could be fitted for the +holy employments of a realm of purity and peace.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_225" id="Page_225">[Pg 225]</a></span> +He prayed, and wept, and studied the Scriptures, and +listened to the counsel of pious men.</p> + +<p>"Brother, dear brother," he would say, "you have +obeyed the precepts of our parents. You have chosen +the path of peace. You have been merciful even to +the inferior creatures. You have shorn the fleece, but +not wantonly destroyed the lamb. You have taken +the honey, and spared the labouring bee.</p> + +<p>"But I have destroyed man, and his habitation; the +hive and the honey; the fleece and the flock. I have +defaced the image of God, and crushed out that breath, +which I can never restore. You know not how bitter +is the warfare of my soul with the 'Prince of the +power of the air, the spirit that ruleth in the children +of disobedience.'"</p> + +<p>As the last hour approached, he laid his cold hand +on the head of his brother's eldest child, who had been +named for him, and said faintly, "Little James, obey +your parents, and never be a soldier. Sister, brother, +you have been angels of mercy to me. The blessing +of God be upon you, and your household."</p> + +<p>The venerable minister who instructed his childhood, +and laid his parents in the grave, had daily visited him +in his sickness. He stood by his side, as he went down +into the valley of the shadow of death. "My son, +look unto the Lamb of God." "Yes, father, there is +a fullness in Him for the chief of sinners."</p> + +<p>The aged man lifted up his fervent prayer for the +departing soul. He commended it to the boundless +compassions of Him who receiveth the penitent; and +besought for it, a gentle passage to that world, where +there is no more sin, neither sorrow, nor crying.</p> + +<p>He ceased. The eyes of the dying were closed. +There was no more heaving of the breast, or gasping. +They thought the breath had quitted the clay. They<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_226" id="Page_226">[Pg 226]</a></span> +spoke of him as having passed where all tears are +wiped from the eyes for ever.</p> + +<p>But again there was a faint sigh. The white lips +slowly moved. His brother bending over him caught +the last, low whisper,—"Jesus! Saviour! take a repentant +sinner to the world of peace."</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_227" id="Page_227">[Pg 227]</a></div> +<h1><a name="The_Indian_King" id="The_Indian_King"></a>The Indian King.</h1> + +<p>Among the early settlers of these United States, +were some pious people, called Hugenots, who fled +from the persecutions in France, under Louis the +Fourteenth. It has been said, that wherever the elements +of their character mingled with the New +World, the infusion was salutary.</p> + +<p>Industry, patience, sweet social affections, and piety, +firm, but not austere, were the distinctive features of +this interesting race. A considerable number of them, +chose their abode in a part of the State of Massachusetts, +about the year 1686, and commenced the +labours inseparable from the formation of a new colony.</p> + +<p>In their vicinity, was a powerful tribe of Indians, +whom they strove to conciliate. They extended to +them the simple rites of hospitality, and their kind +and gentle manners, wrought happily upon the proud, +yet susceptible nature of the aborigines.</p> + +<p>But their settlement had not long assumed the +marks of regularity and beauty, ere they observed in +their savage neighbours, a reserved deportment. This +increased, until the son of the forest, utterly avoided +the dwellings of the new comers, where he had been +pleased to accept a shelter for the night, or a covert +for the storm.</p> + +<p>Occasionally, some lingering one might be seen near +the cultivated grounds, regarding the more skilful<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_228" id="Page_228">[Pg 228]</a></span> +agriculture of the white inhabitants with a dejected and +lowering brow. It was rumoured that these symptoms +of disaffection arose from the influence of an aged +chief, whom they considered a prophet, who denounced +the "pale intruders;" and they grieved that they should +not have been more successful in conciliating their red +brethren.</p> + +<p>Three years had elapsed since the establishment of +their little colony. Autumn was now advancing towards +its close, and copse and forest exhibited those +varied and opposing hues, which clothe in beauty and +brilliance, the foliage of New England. The harvest +was gathered in, and every family made preparation +for the approach of winter.</p> + +<p>Here and there groups of children might be seen, +bearing homeward baskets of nuts, which they had +gathered in the thicket, or forest. It was pleasant to +hear their joyous voices, and see their ruddy faces, +like bright flowers, amid wilds so lately tenanted by the +prowling wolf, the fierce panther, and the sable bear.</p> + +<p>In one of these nut-gatherings, a little boy and girl, +of eight and four years old, the only children of a +settler, whose wife had died on the voyage hither, +accidentally separated from their companions. They +had discovered on their way home, profuse clusters of +the purple frost-grape, and entering a rocky recess to +gain the new treasure, did not perceive that the last +rays of the setting sun were fading away.</p> + +<p>Suddenly they were seized by two Indians. The +boy struggled violently, and his little sister cried to +him for protection, but in vain. The long strides of +their captors, soon bore them far beyond the bounds +of the settlement. Night was far advanced, ere they +halted. Then they kindled a fire, and offered the +children some food.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_229" id="Page_229">[Pg 229]</a></span></p> + +<p>The heart of the boy swelled high with grief and +anger, and he refused to partake. But the poor little +girl took some parched corn from the hand of the Indian, +who held her on his knee. He smiled as he saw her +eat the kernels, and look up in his face with a wondering, +yet reproachless eye. Then they lay down to sleep, +in the dark forest, each with an arm over his captive.</p> + +<p>Great was the alarm in the colony, when those +children returned not. Every spot was searched, +where it was thought possible they might have lost +their way. But, when at length their little baskets +were found, overturned in a tangled thicket, one +terrible conclusion burst upon every mind, that they +must have been captured by Indians.</p> + +<p>It was decided, that ere any warlike measures were +adopted, the father should go peacefully to the Indian +king, and demand his children. At the earliest dawn +of morning, he departed with his companions. They +met a friendly Indian, pursuing the chase, who had +occasionally shared their hospitality and consented to +be their guide.</p> + +<p>They travelled through rude paths, until the day +drew near a close. Then, approaching a circle of +native dwellings, in the midst of which was a tent, +they saw a man of lofty form, with a cornet of feathers +upon his brow, and surrounded by warriors. The +guide saluted him as his monarch, and the bereaved +father, bowing down, addressed him:</p> + +<p>"King of the red men, thou seest a father in pursuit +of his lost babes. He has heard that your people +will not harm the stranger in distress. So he trusts +himself fearlessly among you. The king of our own native +land, who should have protected us, became our foe. +We fled from our dear homes, from the graves of our +fathers.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_230" id="Page_230">[Pg 230]</a></span></p> + +<p>"The ocean-wave brought us to this New World. +We are a peaceful race, pure from the blood of all +men. We seek to take the hand of our red brethren. +Of my own kindred, none inhabit this wilderness save +two little buds from a broken, buried stem.</p> + +<p>"Last night, sorrow entered into my soul, because +I found them not. Knowest thou, O king, if thy +people have taken my babes? Knowest thou where +they have concealed them? Cause them, I pray thee, +to be restored to my arms. So shall the Great Spirit +bless thine own tender plants, and lift up thy heart +when it weigheth heavily in thy bosom."</p> + +<p>The Indian monarch, bending on him a piercing +glance, said, "Knowest thou me? Look in my eyes! +Look! Answer me! Are they those of a stranger?" +The Hugenot replied that he had no recollection of +having ever before seen his countenance.</p> + +<p>"Thus it is with the white man. He is dim-eyed. +He looketh on the garments, more than on the soul. +Where your ploughs wound the earth, oft have I +stood, watching your toil. There was no coronet on +my brow. But I was a king. And you knew it not.</p> + +<p>"I looked upon your people. I saw neither pride +nor violence. I went an enemy, but returned a friend. +I said to my warriors, do these men no harm. They +do not hate Indians. Then our white-haired Prophet +of the Great Spirit rebuked me. He bade me make +no league with the pale faces, lest angry words should +be spoken of me among the shades of our buried kings.</p> + +<p>"Yet again I went where thy brethren have reared +their dwellings. Yes, I entered thy house. <i>And +thou knowest not this brow!</i> I could tell thine at midnight, +if but a single star trembled through the clouds. +My ear would know thy voice, though the storm were +abroad with all its thunders.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_231" id="Page_231">[Pg 231]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I have said that I was a king. Yet I came to +thee an hungered. And thou gavest me bread. My +head was wet with the tempest. Thou badest me to +lie down on thy hearth, and thy son for whom thou +mournest, covered me.</p> + +<p>"I was sad in spirit. And thy little daughter +whom thou seekest with tears, sat on my knee. She +smiled when I told her how the beaver buildeth his +house in the forest. My heart was comforted, for I +saw that she did not hate Indians.</p> + +<p>"Turn not on me such a terrible eye. I am no +stealer of babes. I have reproved the people who +took the children. I have sheltered them for thee. +Not a hair of their heads is hurt. Thinkest thou that +the red man can forget kindness? They are sleeping +in my tent. Had I but a single blanket, it should +have been their bed. Take them, and return unto +thy people."</p> + +<p>He waved his hand to an attendant, and in a moment +the two children were in the arms of their +father. The white men were hospitably sheltered for +that night, and the twilight of the next day, bore upward +from the rejoicing colony, a prayer for the +heathen of the forest, and that pure praise which +mingles with the music around the throne.</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_232" id="Page_232">[Pg 232]</a></div> +<h1><a name="The_Doves" id="The_Doves"></a>The Doves.</h1> + +<p>A Sea-king on the Danish shore,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">When the old time went by,</span><br /> +Launch'd his rude ship for reckless deeds,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Beneath a foreign sky.</span><br /> +<br /> +And oft on Albion's richer coast,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Where Saxon Harold reign'd,</span><br /> +With a fierce foe's marauding hate,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Wild warfare he maintained.</span><br /> +<br /> +From hamlet-nook, and humble vale,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Their wealth he reft away,</span><br /> +And shamed not with his blood-red steel,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">To wake the deadly fray.</span><br /> +<br /> +But once within an islet's bay,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">While summer-twilight spread</span><br /> +A curtain o'er the glorious sun,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Who sank to ocean's bed,</span><br /> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_233" id="Page_233">[Pg 233]</a></span><br /> +He paus'd amid his savage trade,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">And gaz'd on earth and sea,</span><br /> +While o'er his head a nest of doves,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Hung in a linden tree.</span><br /> +<br /> +They coo'd and murmur'd o'er their young,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">A loving, mournful strain.</span><br /> +And still the chirping brood essay'd,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">The same soft tones again.</span><br /> +<br /> +The sea-king on the rocky beach;<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Bow'd down his head to hear,</span><br /> +Yet started on his iron brow,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">To feel a trickling tear.</span><br /> +<br /> +He mus'd upon his lonely home,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Beyond the foaming main;</span><br /> +For nature kindled in his breast,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">At that fond dovelet's strain.</span><br /> +<br /> +He listen'd till the lay declin'd,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">As slumber o'er them stole:</span><br /> +"<i>Home, home, sweet home!</i>" methought they sang;<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">It enter'd to his soul.</span><br /> +<br /> +He linger'd till the moon came forth,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">With radiance pure and pale,</span><br /> +And then his hardy crew he rous'd,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">"Up! up! and spread the sail."</span><br /> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_234" id="Page_234">[Pg 234]</a></span><br /> +"Now, whither goest thou, master bold?"<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">No word the sea-king spake,</span><br /> +But at the helm all night he stood,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Till ruddy morn did break.</span><br /> +<br /> +"See, captain, yon unguarded isle!<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Those cattle are our prey;"</span><br /> +Dark grew their brows, and fierce their speech:<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">No word he deign'd to say.</span><br /> +<br /> +Right onward, o'er the swelling wave,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">With steady prow he bore,</span><br /> +Nor stay'd until he anchor'd fast,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">By Denmark's wave-wash'd shore.</span><br /> +<br /> +"Farewell, farewell, brave men and true,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Well have you serv'd my need;</span><br /> +Divide the spoils as best ye may,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Rich boon for daring deed."</span><br /> +<br /> +He shook them by the harden'd hand,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">And on his journey sped,</span><br /> +Nor linger'd till through shades he saw,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">His long-forsaken shed.</span><br /> +<br /> +Forth came the babe, that when he left,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Lay on its mother's knee;</span><br /> +She rais'd a stranger's wondering cry:<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">A fair-hair'd girl was she!</span><br /> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_235" id="Page_235">[Pg 235]</a></span><br /> +His far-off voice that mother knew,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">And shriek'd in speechless joy,</span><br /> +While, proudly, toward his arms she drew<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">His bashful, stripling boy.</span><br /> +<br /> +They bade the fire of pine burn bright,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">The simple board they spread;</span><br /> +And bless'd and welcom'd him, as one<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Returning from the dead.</span><br /> +<br /> +He cleans'd him of the pirate's sin,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">He donn'd the peasant's stole,</span><br /> +And nightly from his labours came,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">With music in his soul.</span><br /> +<br /> +"Father! what mean those words you speak<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Oft in your broken sleep?</span><br /> +<i>The doves! the doves!</i> you murmuring cry,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">And then in dreams you weep:</span><br /> +<br /> +"Father, you've told us many a tale,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Of storm, and battle wild;</span><br /> +Tell us the story of the doves,"<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">The peasant-father smil'd:</span><br /> +<br /> +"Go, daughter, lure a dove to build<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Her nest in yonder tree,</span><br /> +And thou shalt hear the tender tone,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">That lured me back to thee."</span></p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_236" id="Page_236">[Pg 236]</a></div> +<h1><a name="The_War-Spirit" id="The_War-Spirit"></a>The War-Spirit.</h1> + +<p>War-spirit! War-spirit! how gorgeous thy path<br /> +Pale earth shrinks with fear from thy chariot of wrath,<br /> +The king at thy beckoning comes down from his throne,<br /> +To the conflict of fate the armed nations rush on,<br /> +With the trampling of steeds, and the trumpets' wild cry,<br /> +While the folds of their banners gleam bright o'er the sky.<br /> +<br /> +Thy glories are sought, till the life-throb is o'er,<br /> +Thy laurels pursued, though they blossom in gore,<br /> +Mid the ruins of columns and temples sublime,<br /> +The arch of the hero doth grapple with time;<br /> +The muse o'er thy form throws her tissue divine,<br /> +And history her annal emblazons with thine.<br /> +<br /> +War-spirit! War-spirit! thy secrets are known;<br /> +I have look'd on the field when the battle was done,<br /> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_237" id="Page_237">[Pg 237]</a></span>The mangled and slain in their misery lay,<br /> +And the vulture was shrieking and watching his prey,<br /> +And the heart's gush of sorrow, how hopeless and sore,<br /> +In those homes that the lov'd ones revisit no more.<br /> +<br /> +I have trac'd out thy march, by its features of pain,<br /> +While famine and pestilence stalk'd in thy train,<br /> +And the trophies of sin did thy victory swell,<br /> +And thy breath on the soul, was the plague-spot of hell;<br /> +Death laudeth thy deeds, and in letters of flame,<br /> +The realm of perdition engraveth thy name.<br /> +<br /> +War-spirit! War-spirit! go down to thy place,<br /> +With the demons that thrive on the woe of our race;<br /> +Call back thy strong legions of madness and pride,<br /> +Bid the rivers of blood thou hast open'd be dried,<br /> +Let thy league with the grave and Aceldama cease,<br /> +And yield the torn world to the Angel of Peace.</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_238" id="Page_238">[Pg 238]</a></div> +<h1><a name="Early_Recollections" id="Early_Recollections"></a>Early Recollections.</h1> + +<p>The years of my childhood passed away in contentment +and peace. My lot was in humble and simple +industry; yet my heart was full of gladness, though I +scarcely knew why. I loved to sit under the shadow +of the rugged rocks, and to hear the murmured song +of the falling brook.</p> + +<p>I made to myself a companionship among the things +of nature, and was happy all the day. But when +evening darkened the landscape, I sat down pensively; +for I was alone, and had neither brother nor sister.</p> + +<p>I was ever wishing for a brother who should be older +than myself, into whose hand I might put my own, +and say, "Lead me forth to look at the solemn stars, +and tell me of their names." Sometimes, too, I wept +in my bed, because there was no sister to lay her head +upon the same pillow.</p> + +<p>At twilight, before the lamps were lighted, there +came up out of my bosom, what seemed to be a friend. +I did not then understand that its name was Thought. +But I talked with it, and it comforted me. I waited +for its coming, and whatsoever it asked of me, I +answered.</p> + +<p>When it questioned me of my knowledge, I said, +"I know where the first fresh violets of spring grow, +and where the lily of the vale hides in its broad green<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_239" id="Page_239">[Pg 239]</a></span> +sheath, and where the vine climbs to hang its purple +clusters, and where the forest nuts ripen, when autumn +comes with its sparkling frost.</p> + +<p>"I have seen how the bee nourishes itself in winter +with the essence of flowers, which its own industry +embalmed; and I have learned to draw forth the kindness +of domestic animals, and to tell the names of the +birds which build dwellings in my father's trees."</p> + +<p>Then Thought enquired, "What knowest thou of +those who reason, and to whom God has given dominion +over the beasts of the field, and over the fowls +of the air?" I confessed, that of my own race I +knew nothing, save of the parents who nurtured me, +and the few children with whom I had played on the +summer turf.</p> + +<p>I was ashamed, for I felt that I was ignorant. So +I determined to turn away from the wild herbs of the +field, and the old trees where I had helped the gray +squirrel to gather acorns, and to look attentively upon +what passed among men.</p> + +<p>I walked abroad when the morning dews were +lingering upon the grass, and the white lilies drooping +their beautiful heads to shed tears of joy, and the +young rose blushing, as if it listened to its own praise. +Nature smiled upon those sweet children, that were so +soon to fade.</p> + +<p>But I turned toward those whose souls have the gift +of reason, and are not born to die. I said, "If there +is joy in the plant that flourishes for a day, and in the +bird bearing to its nest but a broken cherry, and in the +lamb that has no friend but its mother, how much +happier must they be, who are surrounded with good +things, as by a flowing river, and who know that, +though they seem to die, it is but to live for ever."</p> + +<p>I looked upon a group of children. They were<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_240" id="Page_240">[Pg 240]</a></span> +untaught and unfed, and clamoured loudly with wayward +tongues. I asked them why they walked not in +the pleasant paths of knowledge. And they mocked +at me. I heard two who were called friends, speak +harsh words to each other, and was affrighted at the +blows they dealt.</p> + +<p>I saw a man with a fiery and a bloated face. He +was built strongly, like the oak among trees; yet his +steps were weak and unsteady as those of the tottering +babe. He fell heavily, and lay as one dead. I +marvelled that no hand was stretched out to raise +him up.</p> + +<p>I saw an open grave. A widow stood near it, with +her little ones. They looked downcast, and sad at +heart. Yet, methought it was famine and misery, +more than sorrow for the dead, which had set on them +such a yellow and shrivelled seal.</p> + +<p>I said, "What can have made the parents not pity +their children when they hungered, nor call them +home when they were in wickedness? What made the +friends forget their early love, and the strong man fall +down senseless, and the young die before his time?" +I heard a voice say, "Intemperance. And there is +mourning in the land, because of this."</p> + +<p>So I returned to my home, sorrowing; and had God +given me a brother or a sister, I would have thrown +my arms around their neck, and entreated, "Touch +not your lips to the poison cup, and let us drink the +pure water which God hath blessed, all the days of our +lives."</p> + +<p>Again I went forth. I met a beautiful boy weeping, +and I asked him why he wept. He answered, +"Because my father went to the wars and is slain; he +will return no more." I saw a mournful woman. The +sun shone upon her dwelling. The honeysuckle climbed<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_241" id="Page_241">[Pg 241]</a></span> +to its windows, and sent in its sweet blossoms to do +their loving message. But she was a widow. Her +husband had fallen in battle. There was joy for her +no more.</p> + +<p>I saw a hoary man, sitting by the wayside. Grief +had made furrows upon his forehead, and his garments +were thin and tattered. Yet he asked not for charity. +And when I besought him to tell me why his heart +was heavy, he replied faintly, "I had a son, an only +one. From his cradle, I toiled, that he might have +food and clothing, and be taught wisdom.</p> + +<p>"He grew up to bless me. So all my labour and +weariness were forgotten. When he became a man, I +knew no want; for he cherished me, as I had cherished +him. Yet he left me to be a soldier. He was slaughtered +in the field of battle. Therefore mine eye +runneth down with water, because the comforter that +should relieve my soul returns no more."</p> + +<p>I said, "Show me, I pray thee, a field of battle, +that I may know what war means." But he answered, +"Thou art not able to bear the sight." "Tell me, +then," I entreated, "what thou hast seen, when the +battle was done."</p> + +<p>"I came," he said, "at the close of day, when the +cannon ceased their thunder, and the victor and vanquished +had withdrawn. The rising moon looked down +on the pale faces of the dead. Scattered over the +broad plain were many who still struggled with the +pangs of death.</p> + +<p>"They stretched out the shattered limb, yet there +was no healing hand. They strove to raise their heads, +but sank deeper in the blood which flowed from their +own bosoms. They begged in God's name that we +would put them out of their misery, and their piercing +shrieks entered into my soul.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_242" id="Page_242">[Pg 242]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Here and there horses, mad with pain, rolled and +plunged, mangling with their hoofs the dying, or defacing +the dead. And I remember the mourning for +those who lay there; of the parents who had reared +them, or of the young children who used to sit at home +upon their knee."</p> + +<p>Then I said, "Tell me no more of battle or of war, +for my heart is sad." The silver-haired man raised +his eyes upward, and I kneeled down by his side.</p> + +<p>And he prayed, "Lord, keep this child from anger, +and hatred, and ambition, which are the seeds of war. +Grant to all that own the name of Jesus, hearts of +peace, that they may shun every deed of strife, and +dwell at last in the country of peace, even in heaven."</p> + +<p>Hastening home, I besought my mother, "Shelter +me, as I have been sheltered, in solitude, and in love. +Bid me turn the wheel of industry, or bring water +from the fountain, or tend the plants of the garden, +or feed a young bird and listen to its song, but let me +go no more forth among the vices and miseries of +man."</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_243" id="Page_243">[Pg 243]</a></div> +<h1><a name="Huguenot_Fort" id="Huguenot_Fort"></a>Huguenot Fort,</h1> +<p class="center">AT OXFORD, MASSACHUSETTS.</p> + +<blockquote> +<p><span style="margin-left: 1em;">I stood upon a breezy height, and marked</span><br /> +The rural landscape's charms: fields thick with corn,<br /> +And new-mown grass that bathed the ruthless scythe<br /> +With a forgiving fragrance, even in death<br /> +Blessing its enemies; and broad-armed trees<br /> +Fruitful, or dense with shade, and crystal streams<br /> +That cheered their sedgy banks.<br /> +<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 16.5em;">But at my feet</span><br /> +Were vestiges, that turned the thoughts away<br /> +From all this summer-beauty. Moss-clad stones<br /> +That formed their fortress, who in earlier days,<br /> +Sought refuge here, from their own troubled clime,<br /> +And from the madness of a tyrant king,<br /> +Were strewed around.<br /> +<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 11em;">Methinks, yon wreck stands forth</span><br /> +In rugged strength once more, and firmly guards<br /> +From the red Indian's shaft, those sons of France,<br /> +Who for her genial flower-decked vales, and flush<br /> +Of purple vintage, found but welcome cold<br /> +From thee, my native land! the wintry moan<br /> +Of wind-swept forests, and the appalling frown<br /> +Of icy floods. Yet didst thou leave them free<br /> +To strike the sweet harp of the secret soul,<br /> +And this was all their wealth. For this they blest<br /> +Thy trackless wilds, and 'neath their lowly roof<br /> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_244" id="Page_244">[Pg 244]</a></span>At morn and night, or with the murmuring swell<br /> +Of stranger waters, blent their hymn of praise.<br /> +Green Vine! that mantlest in thy fresh embrace<br /> +Yon old, grey rock, I hear that thou with them<br /> +Didst brave the ocean surge.<br /> +<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 15em;">Say, drank thy germ</span><br /> +The dews of Languedoc? or slow uncoiled<br /> +An infant fibre, mid the fruitful mould<br /> +Of smiling Roussillon? or didst thou shrink<br /> +From the fierce footsteps of a warlike train<br /> +Brother with brother fighting unto death,<br /> +At fair Rochelle?<br /> +<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 9em;">Hast thou no tale for me?</span><br /> +Methought its broad leaves shivered in the gale,<br /> +With whispered words.<br /> +<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 11.5em;">There was a gentle form,</span><br /> +A fair, young creature, who at twilight hour<br /> +Oft brought me water, and would kindly raise<br /> +My drooping head. Her eyes were dark and soft<br /> +As the gazelle's, and well I knew her sigh<br /> +Was tremulous with love. For she had left<br /> +One in her own fair land, with whom her heart<br /> +From childhood had been twined.<br /> +<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 16.5em;">Oft by her side,</span><br /> +What time the youngling moon went up the sky,<br /> +Chequering with silvery beam their woven bower;<br /> +He strove to win her to the faith he held,<br /> +Speaking of heresy with flashing eye,<br /> +Yet with such blandishment of tenderness,<br /> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_245" id="Page_245">[Pg 245]</a></span>As more than argument dissolveth doubt<br /> +With a young pupil, in the school of love.<br /> +Even then, sharp lightning quivered thro' the gloom<br /> +Of persecution's cloud, and soon its storm<br /> +Burst on the Huguenots.<br /> +<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 12.5em;">Their churches fell,</span><br /> +Their pastors fed the dungeon, or the rack;<br /> +And mid each household-group, grim soldiers sat,<br /> +In frowning espionage, troubling the sleep<br /> +Of infant innocence.<br /> +<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 11em;">Stern war burst forth,</span><br /> +And civil conflict on the soil of France<br /> +Wrought fearful things.<br /> +<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 12.5em;">The peasant's blood was ploughed</span><br /> +In with the wheat he planted, while from cliffs<br /> +That overhung the sea, from caves and dens,<br /> +The hunted worshippers were madly driven<br /> +Out 'neath the smiling sabbath skies, and slain,<br /> +The anthem on their tongues.<br /> +<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 15em;">The coast was thronged</span><br /> +With hapless exiles, and that dark-haired maid,<br /> +Leading her little sister, in the steps<br /> +Of their afflicted parents, hasting left<br /> +The meal uneaten, and the table spread<br /> +In their sweet cottage, to return no more.<br /> +The lover held her to his heart, and prayed<br /> +That from her erring people she would turn<br /> +To the true fold of Christ, for so he deemed<br /> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_246" id="Page_246">[Pg 246]</a></span>That ancient Church, for which his breast was clad<br /> +In soldier's panoply.<br /> +<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 11.5em;">But she, with tears</span><br /> +Like Niobe, a never-ceasing flood,<br /> +Drew her soft hand from his, and dared the deep.<br /> +And so, as years sped on with patient brow<br /> +She bare the burdens of the wilderness,<br /> +His image, and an everlasting prayer,<br /> +Within her soul.<br /> +<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 9em;">And when she sank away,</span><br /> +As fades the lily when its day is done,<br /> +There was a deep-drawn sigh, and up-raised glance<br /> +Of earnest supplication, that the hearts<br /> +Severed so long, might join, where bigot zeal<br /> +Should find no place.<br /> +<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 11.5em;">She hath a quiet bed</span><br /> +Beneath yon turf, and an unwritten name<br /> +On earth, which sister angels speak in heaven.</p> +</blockquote> + +<p>When Louis Fourteenth, by the revocation of the +Edict of Nantz, scattered the rich treasure of the +hearts of more than half a million of subjects to foreign +climes, this Western World profited by his mad prodigality. +Among the wheat with which its newly +broken surface was sown, none was more purely sifted +than that which France thus cast away. Industry, +integrity, moderated desires, piety without austerity, +and the sweetest domestic charities, were among the +prominent characteristics of the exiled people.</p> + +<p>Among the various settlements made by the Huguenots, +at different periods upon our shores, that at<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_247" id="Page_247">[Pg 247]</a></span> +Oxford, in Massachusetts, has the priority in point of +time. In 1686, thirty families with their clergyman, +landed at Fort Hill, in Boston. There they found +kind reception and entertainment, until ready to proceed +to their destined abode. This was at Oxford, in Worcester +county, where an area of 12,000 acres was secured +by them, from the township of eight miles square which +had been laid out by Governor Dudley. The appearance +of the country, though uncleared, was pleasant +to those who counted as their chief wealth, "freedom +to worship God." They gave the name of French +River to a stream, which, after diffusing fertility +around their new home, becomes a tributary of the +Quinabaug, in Connecticut, and finally merged in the +Thames, passes on to Long Island Sound.</p> + +<p>Being surrounded by the territory of the Nipmug +Indians, their first care was to build a fort, as a refuge +from savage aggression. Gardens were laid out in its +vicinity, and stocked with the seeds of vegetables and +fruits, brought from their own native soil. Mills were +also erected, and ten or twelve years of persevering industry, +secured many comforts to the colonists, who +were much respected in the neighbouring settlements, +and acquired the right of representation in the provincial +legislature.</p> + +<p>But the tribe of Indians by whom they were encompassed, +had, from the beginning, met with a morose +and intractable spirit, their proffered kindness. A sudden, +and wholly unexpected incursion, with the +massacre of one of the emigrants and his children, +caused the breaking up of the little peaceful settlement, +and the return of its inmates to Boston. Friendships +formed there on their first arrival, and the hospitality +that has ever distinguished that beautiful city, turned +the hearts of the Huguenots towards it as a refuge, in<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_248" id="Page_248">[Pg 248]</a></span> +this, their second exile. Their reception, and the continuance +of their names among the most honoured of +its inhabitants, proved that the spot was neither ill-chosen, +nor uncongenial. Here, their excellent pastor, +Pierre Daille, died, in 1715. His epitaph, and that +of his wife, are still legible in the "Granary Burying +Ground." He was succeeded by Mr. Andrew Le +Mercier, author of a History of Geneva. Their place +of worship was in School Street, and known by the +name of the French Protestant Church.</p> + +<p>About the year 1713, Oxford was resettled by a +stronger body of colonists, able to command more +military aid; and thither, in process of time, a few of +the Huguenot families resorted, and made their abode +in those lovely and retired vales.</p> + +<p>A visit to this fair scenery many years since, was +rendered doubly interesting, by the conversation of an +ancient lady of Huguenot extraction. Though she +had numbered more than fourscore winters, her +memory was particularly retentive, while her clear, +black eye, dark complexion, and serenely expressive +countenance, displayed some of the striking characteristics +of her ancestral clime, mingled with that beauty +of the soul which is confined to no nation, and which +age cannot destroy. This was the same Mrs. Butler, +formerly Mary Sigourney, whose reminiscences, the +late Rev. Dr. Holmes, the learned and persevering +annalist, has quoted in his "Memoir of the French +Protestants."</p> + +<p>With her family, and some other relatives, she had +removed from Boston to Oxford, after the revolutionary +war, and supposed that her brother, Mr. Andrew +Sigourney, then occupied very nearly, if not the same +precise locality, which had been purchased by their +ancestor, nearly 150 years before. During the voyage<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_249" id="Page_249">[Pg 249]</a></span> +to this foreign clime, her grandmother was deprived by +death of an affectionate mother, while an infant only +six months old. From this grandmother, who lived +to be more than eighty, and from a sister six years +older, who attained the unusual age of ninety-six, +Mrs. Butler had derived many legends which she +treasured with fidelity, and related with simple eloquence. +Truly, the voice of buried ages, spake through +her venerated lips. The building of the fort; the +naturalization of French vines and fruit-trees in a +stranger soil; the consecrated spot where their dead +were buried, now without the remaining vestige of a +stone; the hopes of the rising settlement; the massacre +that dispersed it; the hearth-stone, empurpled with the +blood of the beautiful babes of Jeanson; the frantic +wife and mother snatched from the scene of slaughter +by her brother, and borne through the waters of French +River, to the garrison at Woodstock; all these traces +seemed as vivid in her mind, as if her eye had witnessed +them. The traditions connected with the +massacre, were doubtless more strongly deepened in +her memory, from the circumstance that the champion +who rescued his desolated sister from the merciless +barbarians, was her own ancestor, Mr. Andrew Sigourney, +and the original settler of Oxford.</p> + +<p>Other narrations she had also preserved, of the +troubles that preceded the flight of the exiles from +France, and of the obstacles to be surmounted, ere that +flight could be accomplished. The interruptions from +the soldiery to which they were subject, after having +been shut out from their own churches, induced them +to meet for Divine worship in the most remote places, +and to use books of psalms and devotion, printed in so +minute a form, that they might be concealed in their +bosoms, or in their head-dresses. One of these antique<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_250" id="Page_250">[Pg 250]</a></span> +volumes, is still in the possession of the descendants of +Gabriel Bernon, a most excellent and influential man, +who made his permanent residence at Providence, +though he was originally in the settlement at Oxford.</p> + +<p>Mrs. Butler mentioned the haste and discomfort in +which the flight of their own family was made. Her +grandfather told them imperatively, that they must go, +and without delay. The whole family gathered together, +and with such preparation as might be made in +a few moments, took their departure from the house +of their birth, "leaving the pot boiling over the fire!" +This last simple item reminds of one, with which the +poet Southey deepens the description of the flight of a +household, and a village, at the approach of the foe.</p> + +<p> +"The chestnut loaf lay broken on the shelf."<br /> +</p> + +<p>Another Huguenot, Henry Francisco, who lived to +the age of more than one hundred, relates a somewhat +similar trait of his own departure from his native land. +He was a boy of five years old, and his father led him +by the hand from their pleasant door. It was winter, +and the snow fell, with a bleak, cold wind. They descended +the hill in silence. With the intuition of +childhood, he knew there was trouble, without being +able to comprehend the full cause. At length, fixing +his eyes on his father, he begged, in a tremulous voice, +to be permitted "just to go back, and get his little +sled," his favourite, and most valued possession.</p> + +<p>A letter from the young wife of Gabriel Manigault, +one of the many refugees who settled in the Carolinas, +is singularly graphic. "During eight months we had +suffered from the quartering of the soldiers among us, +with many other inconveniences. We therefore resolved +on quitting France by Night. We left the +soldiers in their beds, and abandoned our house with its<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_251" id="Page_251">[Pg 251]</a></span> +furniture. We contrived to hide ourselves in Dauphiny +for ten days, search being continually made for us; but +our hostess, though much questioned, was faithful and +did not betray us."</p> + +<p>These simple delineations, more forcibly than the +dignified style of the historian, seem to bring to our +ears the haughty voice of Ludovico Magno, in his instrument +revoking the edict of Henry IV.: "We do +most strictly repeat our prohibition, unto all our subjects +of the pretended reformed religion, that neither +they, nor their wives, nor children, do depart our kingdom, +countries, or lands of our dominion, nor transport +their goods and effects, on pain, for men so +offending, of their being sent to the gallies, and of +confiscation of bodies and goods, for the women."</p> + +<p>The information derived from this ancient lady, who, +in all the virtues of domestic life, was a worthy descendant +of the Huguenots, added new interest to their +relics, still visible, among the rural scenery of Oxford. +On the summit of a high hill, commanding an extensive +prospect, are the ruins of the Fort. It was +regularly constructed with bastions, though most of +the stones have been removed for the purposes of +agriculture. Within its enclosure are the vestiges of +a well. There the grape vine still lifts its purple clusters, +the currant its crimson berries, the rose its rich +blossoms, the asparagus its bulbous head and feathery +banner.</p> + +<p>To these simple tokens which Nature has preserved, +it might be fitting and well, were some more enduring +memorial added of that pious, patient, and high-hearted +race, from whom some of the most illustrious names +in different sections of our country, trace their descent +with pleasure and with pride.</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_252" id="Page_252">[Pg 252]</a></div> +<h1><a name="I_have_seen_an_end_of_all_Perfection" id="I_have_seen_an_end_of_all_Perfection"></a>"I have seen an end of all Perfection."</h1> + +<p>I have seen a man in the glory of his days, in the +pride of his strength. He was built like the strong +oak, that strikes its root deep in the earth; like the tall +cedar, that lifts its head above the trees of the forest.</p> + +<p>He feared no danger, he felt no sickness; he wondered +why any should groan or sigh at pain. His mind was +vigorous like his body. He was perplexed at no intricacy, +he was daunted at no obstacle. Into hidden +things he searched, and what was crooked he made +plain.</p> + +<p>He went forth boldly upon the face of the mighty +deep. He surveyed the nations of the earth. He +measured the distances of the stars, and called them +by their names. He gloried in the extent of his knowledge, +in the vigour of his understanding, and strove +to search even into what the Almighty had concealed.</p> + +<p>And when I looked upon him, I said with the poet, +"What a piece of work is man! how noble in reason! +how infinite in faculties! in form and moving, how express +and admirable! in action, how like an angel! in +apprehension, how like a god!"</p> + +<p>I returned, but his look was no more lofty, nor his +step proud. His broken frame was like some ruined<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_253" id="Page_253">[Pg 253]</a></span> +tower. His hairs were white and scattered, and his +eye gazed vacantly upon the passers by. The vigour +of his intellect was wasted, and of all that he had +gained by study, nothing remained.</p> + +<p>He feared when there was no danger, and when there +was no sorrow, he wept. His decaying memory had +become treacherous. It showed him only broken images +of the glory that was departed.</p> + +<p>His house was to him like a strange land, and his +friends were counted as enemies. He thought himself +strong and healthful, while his feet tottered on the +verge of the grave.</p> + +<p>He said of his son, "he is my brother;" of his daughter, +"I know her not." He even inquired what was +his own name. And as I gazed mournfully upon him, +one who supported his feeble frame and ministered to +his many wants, said to me, "Let thine heart receive +instruction, for thou hast seen an end of all perfection."</p> + +<p>I have seen a beautiful female, treading the first +stages of youth, and entering joyfully into the pleasures +of life. The glance of her eye was variable and sweet, +and on her cheek trembled something like the first +blush of morning; her lips moved, and there was +melody; and when she floated in the dance, her light +form, like the aspen, seemed to move with every +breeze.</p> + +<p>I returned; she was not in the dance. I sought her +among her gay companions, but I found her not. Her +eye sparkled not there, the music of her voice was +silent. She rejoiced on earth no more.</p> + +<p>I saw a train, sable, and slow paced. Sadly they +bore toward an open grave what once was animated +and beautiful. As they drew near, they paused, and +a voice broke the solemn silence.</p> + +<p>"Man, that is born of a woman, is of few days, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_254" id="Page_254">[Pg 254]</a></span> +full of trouble. He cometh forth like a flower, and is +cut down; he fleeth also as a shadow, and never continueth +in one stay."</p> + +<p>Then they let down into the deep, dark pit, that +maiden whose lips, but a few days since, were like the +half-blown rosebud. I shuddered at the sound of clods +falling upon the hollow coffin.</p> + +<p>Then I heard a voice saying, "earth to earth, ashes +to ashes, dust to dust." They covered her with the +damp soil, and the uprooted turf of the valley, and +turned again to their own homes.</p> + +<p>But one mourner lingered to cast himself upon the +tomb. And as he wept, he said, "There is no beauty, +nor grace, nor loveliness, but what vanisheth like the +morning dew. I have seen an end of all perfection."</p> + +<p>I saw a fair white dwelling, behind shady trees. +Flowers were cultivated around it. The clustering +vine wreathed above its door, and the woodbine looked +in at its windows. A mother was there fondling her +young babe. Another, who had just learned to lisp +its first wishes, sat on the father's knee. He looked +on them all with a loving smile, and a heart full of +happiness.</p> + +<p>I returned, the flowers had perished, the vine +was dead at the root. Weeds towered where the woodbine +blossomed, and tangled grass sprung up by the +threshold where many feet used to tread. There was +no sound of sporting children, or of the mother singing +to her babe.</p> + +<p>I turned my steps to the church-yard. Three new +mounds were added there. That mother slept between +her sons. A lonely man was bowing down there, whose +face I did not see. But I knew his voice, when he +said in his low prayer of sorrow, "Thou hast made +desolate all my company." The tall grass rustled and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_255" id="Page_255">[Pg 255]</a></span> +sighed in the cold east wind. Methought it said, "See, +an end of all perfection."</p> + +<p>I saw an infant with a ruddy brow, and a form like +polished ivory. Its motions were graceful, and its +merry laughter made other hearts glad. Sometimes +it wept, and again it rejoiced, when none knew why. +But whether its cheeks dimpled with smiles, or its blue +eye shone more brilliant through tears, it was beautiful.</p> + +<p>It was beautiful, because it was innocent. And careworn +and sinful men admired, when they beheld it. +It was like the first blossom which some cherished +plant has put forth, whose cup sparkles with a dew-drop, +and whose head reclines upon the parent stem.</p> + +<p>Again I looked. It had become a child. The lamp +of reason had beamed into his mind. It was simple, +and single-hearted, and a follower of the truth. It +loved every little bird that sang in the trees, and every +fresh blossom. Its heart danced with joy, as it +looked around on this good and pleasant world.</p> + +<p>It stood like a lamb before its teachers, it bowed its +ear to instruction, it walked in the way of knowledge. +It was not proud, or stubborn, or envious; and it had +never heard of the vices and vanities of the world. +And when I looked upon it, I remembered our Saviour's +words, "Except ye become as little children, ye cannot +enter into the kingdom of heaven."</p> + +<p>I saw a man whom the world calls honourable. +Many waited for his smile. They pointed to the fields +that were his, and talked of the silver and gold which +he had gathered. They praised the stateliness of his +domes, and extolled the honour of his family.</p> + +<p>But the secret language of his heart was, "By my +wisdom have I gotten all this." So he returned no +thanks to God, neither did he fear or serve him. As +I passed along, I heard the complaints of the labourers<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_256" id="Page_256">[Pg 256]</a></span> +who had reaped his fields, and the cries of the poor, +whose covering he had taken away.</p> + +<p>The sound of feasting and revelry was in his mansion, +and the unfed beggar came tottering from his door. +But he considered not that the cries of the oppressed +were continually entering into the ears of the Most +High.</p> + +<p>And when I knew that this man was the docile child +whom I had loved, the beautiful infant on whom I had +gazed with delight, I said in my bitterness, "<i>I have +seen an end of all perfection</i>." So I laid my mouth in +the dust.</p> + +<p class="smcap center" style="margin-top:8em">THE END.</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<div class="pagenum"><a name="Page_258" id="Page_258">[Pg 258]</a></div> +<div class="center" id="image_logo"> + <img src="images/ill-258.png" + alt="Gall & Inglis logo" + title="Gall & Inglis logo" /> +</div> + + + + + + + + +<pre> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Olive Leaves, by Lydia Howard Sigourney + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK OLIVE LEAVES *** + +***** This file should be named 36501-h.htm or 36501-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/3/6/5/0/36501/ + +Produced by Jślio Reis and the Online Distributed +Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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