The Emigrant Mechanic and Other Tales in Verse Part 5

Hail, Sacred Scriptures! Blessed volume, hail!

Thy worth I fain would sing to grace my tale.

Thou very best of Books, whose truths like balm Can heal the broken heart, the conscience calm; Give peace unto the sin-stained, troubled mind, And, by G.o.d's grace, can save a lost _mankind!_ Thou precious casket of the rarest gems!

Whose priceless value a vain world contemns; Thou great revealer of that Savior's birth, Who came from Heaven to bless a guilty Earth!

Thy pages do unfold the wondrous plan By which that Savior has redeemed lost man!

How He, who was in form of G.o.d above, Laid by his glory out of purest love To wretched sinners, who his goodness prove!

Thou makest known the amazing _fact_ to Faith, That Jesus conquered h.e.l.l and sin by death!

And show'st how all who do believe this truth-- Or rich, or poor, or old, or in-their youth-- Forever shall be saved from death and sin, And feel "Eternal Life," while here, begin; And safe, at last, in bliss be brought to dwell, Whose fulness never mortal tongue can tell!

Thou the Repository of just laws-- True civilization's first and greatest cause!

A code of morals on thy page is writ To regulate men's lives, and conscience fit.

There we may read the best biographies, And dwell on many truthful histories; Find grandest Poetry that e'er was penned, Which to devotion pure its aid doth lend; There pore on grand yet awful prophecies That do reveal great nations' destinies.

There we pay learn what yet awaits this Earth-- Soon to be burned, and spring again to birth!

If we chaste Fancy wish to gratify, What pleasant fields for this before us lie!

Pathetic love tales charm the sober mind Of young or old, of vulgar or refined.

In short, thou formest quite a perfect Whole, Of what we need to please, direct, control.

And--wonder great! O, Blessed Book divine-- With all thy vast rich treasures-thou art mine!

So felt our hero, when pure Gospel truth, Came home to him, while yet in days of youth.

He was brought up beneath the "joyful sound,"

And from great snares by this was fenced around; Yet, Oh! what grief and sorrow filled his soul, When he first saw his heart and conduct foul-- Was led to view G.o.d's holy law aright, And know he was condemned in His just sight.

Then, what true joy did Jesus' love inspire!

It kindled in his heart sincere desire To leave, at once, the World's wild, giddy throng, Whose joy and pleasures all to Earth belong, To join with those whose joys are from Above, And who have tasted of a Savior's love.

He, with a choice companion, then applied For Christian fellows.h.i.+p; nor was denied.

All those kind brethren hearty welcome gave, For each was glad a sinner's soul to save.

And joyful praises straight to G.o.d ascend, To whom the new-made members they commend.

An Elder, grave, gave each an exhortation, To which their hearts respond in approbation.

Soon COOPER felt new life, new aims, new themes-- Which gave fresh turns to all his youthful dreams.

The Bible then became his choicest friend; At home, abroad, did all his steps attend, And its blest influence was known to lend.

Now what a different aspect things a.s.sume; What once was darkness, Gospel truths illume!

In the sweet services of Sabbath days He takes delight--in spirit sings and prays.

Views Family Wors.h.i.+p as an altar raised To the true G.o.d, who should be always praised.

And now, whene'er he takes his walks abroad, Hears Nature's voice well tuned in praise of G.o.d.

Each blade of gra.s.s that springs beneath his feet, The new-made hay, in Summer's fragrance sweet, The flowers that to his eyes their charms disclose, The waving grain, and every tree that grows, Each insect fluttering in the bright sunbeams, Or fishes sporting in pure crystal streams, Or birds that raise their songs by morning light, At High mid day, or through the moonlit night; Each storm that rises, or pure breeze that blows, The copious rains, or Winter's drifting snows, Vast mountains rearing their h.o.a.r heads on high, Each gem-like star set in the fair blue sky; The herds wide feeding in the fields around, All living things in every country found, All these in their peculiar ways give forth Praises to G.o.d, the Author of their birth!

"Then, why are _Men_ so silent?" he'd exclaim; "And, those especially, who know His name: Who, through His grace, enjoy a heavenly birth, Why rise they not above the things of Earth?"

The "_why_" to WILLIAM, in his warm first love, Did truly seem most difficult to prove.

He by experience knew but little then Of the sad trials of his fellow men; Nor e'er suspected that _the flesh_ remains In each poor sinner who true faith obtains.

This bitter truth he soon was made to feel, Which greatly damped his young and ardent zeal.

How humbling was the thought that human pride Within G.o.d's children must be mortified!

"Salvation all of Grace" first cuts the roots, Then the huge blanches, and the smallest shoots, Lays bare the fact, that all of Adam's race Are but vile sinners, and in woful case.

That the most _moral_ among human kind, As the most vicious, are to sin inclined.

And if not saved by Grace, not saved at all, But are h.e.l.l-doomed, and held in Satan's thrall!

While endless ruin stands before their view, And does with slavish fear their minds imbue.

This Scripture truth was soon by WILLIAM seen, For he had from his very childhood been Used to the teachings of G.o.d's holy word, So that with it his mind was early stored.

However strange indeed it may appear To some men's minds, he felt no cause to fear: For though this truth had stripped him of all worth In sight of G.o.d, it called his praises forth, By showing him Salvation full and free To sinners, whatsoe'er their age, s.e.x or degree, Who credit the account that G.o.d has given Of Jesus Christ--the precious gift of Heaven!

Now, feeling truly happy in his soul, He felt most free to speak the Truth to all; That, if by any means, he might succeed In saving souls, of whatsoever creed.

His shop-mates saw the difference with surprise, And at his cost indulged in foul surmise.

He heeded not, but placed in G.o.d his trust-- To his employer still continued just-- And strove with all his might to rectify Each thing improper which he chanced to spy; That his old master might have no complaint Against his servant for thus turning Saint.

He plied his trade from better motives now, As G.o.d with wisdom did his mind endow, And to his just commands led him to bow.

By such a course pursued he did enjoy True peace of mind--though not without alloy.

And Time, who past him flew on fleetest wing, New joys, new sorrows, to his mind did bring.

At times he still was caught in Love's sweet snare, Which of fresh trials brought no little share.

He was by nature very apt to fall So deep in love, it did his mind enthral.

Yet clothed in purity was his desire, Nor e'er to rank unequal did aspire.

One thing to this time had his thoughts possessed-- "To have the girl that pleased his fancy best."

He had not noticed what the Word declares On this great matter, so that in his prayers He ne'er had asked the Lord to him direct, And disappointment came for this neglect.

'Midst doubts and fears he therefore put away All thoughts of marriage to a future day.

When we regard the record of G.o.d's will, A duty to ourselves we best fulfil!

From past experience, I would now advise That all young men, in this respect, be wise.

Few weightier matters can attention claim, If at pure peace and happiness we aim, Than the selection of a proper wife-- One that may be a true help-mate for life.

"A prudent wife from G.o.d alone can come,"

And only such can make a happy home.

What dreadful strife, what wretchedness and woe, From error here is almost sure to flow!

'Tis Sabbath morn, a pleasant, one, in Spring, And Nature's varied voice is tuned to sing.

The swallows twitter underneath the eaves, And zephyrs stir the newly-opened leaves; The c.o.c.k's loud crowing sounds on every hand, Each bird is warbling praises through the land.

Young COOPER thinks it were indeed a sin If he to tune his harp did not begin.

He rises from his bed, pours forth his praise To his Preserver in some artless lays; Then quickly dresses, and, though humbly born, With mind elate he tastes the sweets of morn.

And such a morn! Ah, who would he abed, That has the power to taste these sweets instead.

Most grateful odors greet the well-charmed sense, From blooming fruit-trees o'er yon garden fence; The sweet wild-flowers amid the new-sprung gra.s.s Make it seem carpeted in Fancy's gla.s.s.

And it a carpet proves to those blithe lambs Which play around their several watchful dams.

All Nature smiles in loveliest green attire, And seems to manifest a strong desire To speak the praise of All-Creating Power, In striking language, at this early hour.

She, bursting forth from Winter's cold embrace, Exulting leaves behind his every trace.

So, on the morning of this hallowed day, The Savior tore the bars of Death away.

He Resurrection-truth brought forth to light, And we with rapture hail the glorious sight.

Now hark! that sound fast floating on the breeze, And streaming forth from 'midst those dark yew trees 'Tis church-bell music! and peal follows peal, Till strong emotions we begin to feel.

Now it pours full on the delighted ear; Soon, changing with the wind, the strains we hear As if the bells were many miles away, And some few tones had merely chanced to stay!

Again, it comes in full harmonious swell, With thrilling power--as I remember well.

Thus pleased in mind, WILLIAM his way now wends Toward a hill, which he at once ascends; And thence pursues the road to Birkland's farm, Where from kind friends he meets reception warm.

The aged matron--since in grave-yard laid-- Was wont to render him her friendly aid In shape of counsel--or delicious fare-- Of which good things he needed then a share.

The breakfast over, straight the Bible's brought, A proper chapter found as soon as sought; Remarks are made, or they some question ask: To gain instruction proves a pleasing task.

This done, sweet hymns of praise to G.o.d arise.

From well tuned hearts--a joyful sacrifice!

Then, on their knees, in fervent prayer they join To Him, their Savior and their Friend benign.

Give thanks for care extended through the night, And blessings they enjoy at morning light.

Not only Sabbath days they thus began; On, week-days, too, it was their constant plan To join in wors.h.i.+p every night and morn, That the Religion ever might adorn.

By this made fit to meet the ills of life, They were preserved from much of worldly strife: "Surely," thought WILLIAM, "G.o.d will deign to bless This worthy family with rich happiness!"

Ev'n so he did; all seven knew the Lord, And took, to guide them, His most holy Word.

England! whate'er thy foes may do or say, Thousands of families for thee will pray, By love and duty led. They will not cease To seek that G.o.d would bless thy sh.o.r.es with peace!

Know thou, my Country! thy great naval store, Thy numerous armies, and thy cannon's roar, Are _Impotence_ itself compared with prayer, Poured forth from hearts which in thy blessings share!

Refreshed in mind and body, to the road, With good companions from that dear abode, WILLIAM returns; and in most pleasing talk Time swiftly flies, while each enjoys the walk.

They reach the School before the time begin, When each prepares some precious soul to win.