The Emigrant Mechanic and Other Tales in Verse Part 11

Thy secret depths I would again explore, And must draw largely ere my task be o'er.

Be thou no _ignis fatuus_ to allure Me from the paths of truth, nor it obscure, While I attempt to paint the coming scenes, Which COOPER pa.s.sed through with such slender means, 'Tis early Spring-time, and the opening buds Bestud the boughs of trees through all the woods.

The snow and frost remain till rather late; But Sol's great power for this will compensate.

He, aided by soft winds and copious rain, Will melt the snow, and break stern Winter's chain.

The Frost-King, thus so suddenly dethroned, May vent his rage, as if a giant groaned; Or muster scattered forces and come back Once and again, to the repulsed attack!

And when he finds his efforts all in vain, May hurl defiance on Spring's beauteous train; And, from his region of eternal snow, Send rude North winds to strike a deadly blow; To nip the fairest blossoms in the bud, And blast, in spite, the _gardener's_ prospects good.

Yet One, Almighty, will his rage control; His fiat has gone forth, "Let Seasons roll In quick succession, while the Earth endures!"

And this, great benefits to us secures.

The birds begin to pair; the gra.s.s to spring; And Maple sap is scarce worth gathering; Yet, when it won't make _sugar,_ some prepare Syrup, and vinegar, of flavor rare.

On every hand the brightly green-robed trees May hear their finery rustling in the breeze; And pleased, like mortals, with their gay attire, May feel a strong, vain-glorious desire To have a gla.s.s in which to view their charms, Or mark the effect of each rude blast's alarms.

Some, far more highly favored than the rest, Have such a mirror as may suit them best.

Of these are they which grow beside a stream, And, all day long, of their own beautv dream; Or those that grace the margins of a lake, Whose face reflects the grand display they make.

Ah, these imaginings are far from just; Fair Nature would much rather sink to dust Than thus dishonor her great Maker's name!

And we, vain sinners, should be filled with shame, To be so far behind in praises meet-- Neglecting duty that should still be sweet.

Up to this time our Emigrants contrived To keep from debt, though they themselves deprived Far, far too often, of substantial food-- Which, in the end, did them but little good.

Yet day by day they toiled with eagerness, In hope that G.o.d would their joint efforts bless.

To build a barn of logs they now prepare; This gives them much hard labor, and some care.

To put it up they call a "Raising Bee;"

And, wishful to prevent ebriety, They buy no _whisky_; but, instead of it, Have cakes and coffee, which are far more fit.

The work was gone through in true Bush-man style, Although a few a.s.sumed a scornful smile, And would, no doubt, have been well satisfied To have the _liquor-jug_ still by their side.

This job completed, Spring work next came on, And, truly, there was plenty to be done!

The man from whom they bought their "Indian lease"

Had made _brush fences_, and there was no peace From "breachy" cattle, breaking through with ease, To eat the crops as often as they please!

To cut down trees, and split them into rails For laying fence, is work which seldom fails The new Bush farmer, who must ever be Upon the move, and used to industry.

Such was their case; and. Oh! the aching limb, And sinking heart, as prospects grew more dim!

Anon, the sun shoots down such powerful rays, As seems to set the air almost a-blaze!

They felt the previous Summer very hot; But that, through Winter's cold, was quite forgot.

Besides, as yet 'twas Spring; then why this heat?

Their strength was small from lack of proper meat.

'Tis true, they did not want for daily _bread_; But Bush-life should with stronger food be fed.

In lieu of tea, they used root _sa.s.safras_ So much and often, that they all, alas!

Not only cleansed their moderate share of blood, But thinned it far too much to do them good!

WILLIAM, especially, became so weak He could scarce bear to work, or e'en to speak.

When he essayed to stoop, his back seemed broke; And courage failed beneath the heavy stroke.

The different remedies which friends advised, All failed to bring the health he so much prized.

His fond hopes crushed, he tried to bow his head, Submissive to the will of Him who bled For such poor sinners, on the "cursed tree;"

And found some comfort in his misery.

One day his spirits sank extremely low-- And Faith, herself, fled from him in his woe; When, like a flash of lightning, to his mind A pa.s.sage came, sent by his FATHER kind!

"Fight the good fight of Faith," with magic worth Rang through his soul, and very soon gave birth To a most lively, energetic Song, On Christian Warfare--in which he was long.

I give the verses, with an earnest prayer That all my Readers may their spirit share, And seek for grace to help them still to fight The "Fight of Faith," as in their Maker's sight!

THE CHRISTIAN'S BATTLE-SONG.

"Fight the Good Fight of Faith."

Soldiers of Jesus! say--Where is your armor?

The word has gone forth; you are called on to fight!

Still doth the conflict grow warmer and warmer; Then trust in your Captain for wisdom and might!

Soldiers of Jesus! mind well your behavior; See those proud foes, how undaunted they stand!

Hark well to the words of your loving Savior: "Be ye also ready!" Regard this command.

Soldiers of Jesus! O, be not alarmed!

Your glorious Captain has conquered them all!

Rouse, then, your courage! Be never disarmed!

Your enemies seek to accomplish your fall.

Soldiers of Jesus! Immanuel's banner-- Most glorious of Ensigns--is reared up on high; Fight ye! O, fight ye! in soldier-like manner; Jehovah, to help you, forever is nigh!

Soldiers of Jesus! the foes you contend with Are subtle, expert, they are many and great; Your armor's so tempered, that it will ne'er bend with Being used well against them; nor early, nor late.

Take Breastplate of Righteousness--take s.h.i.+eld of Faith!

By which you are able to quench all the darts Of your great Antagonist! For, so He saith Who styles Himself "Faithful," and who strength imparts.

To these be there added "Salvation's bright Helmet, And Sword of the Spirit--the Word of your G.o.d."

That G.o.d who your Foes with destruction o'erwhelmeth, And rules both the Heavens and Earth with his nod.

Still praying "with prayer and great supplication, In the spirit of Truth, and watching thereto, With all perseverence, for the edification Of Brethren--the Saints," who are Soldiers like you.

Soldiers of Jesus! now fight with all ardor Beneath that bright Banner now high and unfurled!

O, doubt not but Jesus will be your Rewarder, When from their proud standing your foes He has hurled!

Soldiers of Jesus! your Captain is waiting To give you a Crown--a most glorious reward!

Forward! press forward! success contemplating; He'll give you the Victory; this promise regard.

Soldiers of Jesus! behold Him descending Upon a White Throne, His bright Angels around!

The "glorified throng" are upon Him attending; Before Him all Nations and Kindreds are found.

Hear those glad words, "Come, ye bless'd of my Father!

Inherit the Kingdom prepared long for you!"

Then glory to Him and the Father together; With the blest Holy Spirit, to whom it is due!

The composition of these lively verses, Was made to him one of his greatest mercies; They roused his courage by their warlike tone, And made him feel he was not left alone To fight against a host of watchful foes: For One was with him who felt all his woes; Who had Himself through every trial been, And still is with his people, though unseen!

Such sweet reflections had this good effect Upon his mind: they led him to respect, More than he yet had done, pure Bible truth; And thus he learned to bear Christ's yoke in youth.

His soul--so sensitive--was led, at last, Her every grief, her every fear to cast Upon her G.o.d, with simple faith--unfeigned; And found His promise true; she was sustained.

His body still was weak; and on the farm He could not work without receiving harm.

To be a _clerk_ he was not now inclined-- 'Twas not a life congenial to his mind; To work at his own trade he thought was best, Which thought to several friends he then expressed.

These all agreed it would be right to try To find employment in the Village nigh.

In it was one who carried on the trade, Who, to appearance, had a fortune made.

To him he then applied, with some success, To get a job, and wrought with eagerness.

Alas! it only lasted for a week, And he was thus compelled fresh work to seek.

That Brother, who before had stood his friend, Now kindly offered ample means to lend To start in business on his own account; But COOPER dreamt he never could surmount The difficulties which beset him round, So inexperienced as he should be found.

The work required, to him, was mostly new, And made up by _machines_, as well he knew.