WRITTEN IN 1854.
"Would I describe a Preacher such as Paul Were he on earth, would hear, approve and own, Paul should himself direct me."
COWPER
BOOK I.
I.
To the deep umbrage of our North back woods, And near to Huron"s wild romantic sh.o.r.e-- Where Winter"s storms are seen in angry moods, To make the Lake"s waves dash with loudest roar-- Came GOODWORTH, twelve years since, and brought a store Of Christian wisdom to those lonely parts: To try if he could find an open door By which to reach the settlers" sinful hearts, And them inform of what would heal their inward smarts.
II.
Firm in his mind, robust was he in frame, Of human learning having ample share; With fervent zeal, love-prompted, there he came, Pure Gospel Truth in meekness to declare, And backwoods hardships with his hearers share; He brought his loving wife and children four, Who for their own convenience showed small care; Who had with Christian heroism bore A heavy share of trial several years before.
III.
These four dear children had been early trained To take their part in every day"s employ; Nor were their youthful hearts by this estranged From the kind parents, who did show their joy In manifesting no wish to annoy Their dearest offspring by undue restraint; Aware that this might very soon destroy Their influence; and who has power to paint The ills which flow from this too prevalent complaint?
IV.
Think not, kind reader, I would overdraw My pictures of sweet, chaste, conjugal bliss; All I describe I"ve seen, and, therefore, know I err not far--though some may doubt of this-- And deem my sketches very far amiss.
It matters not; those who have faithful been In wedlock pure have often found, I was, That a fair share of happiness serene Upon this earth in Christian families still is seen.
V.
And such were those of whom I speak above, For of G.o.d"s grace they every one partook.
Their actions sprang from the great Law of Love, So plainly laid down in his Holy Book.
All might discover from each kind, sweet look, That they had been unto the Savior"s School; That they had seldom Wisdom"s paths forsook, But made the Word their only Guide and Rule.
This kept their love alive, nor let their ardor cool.
VI.
Yet they did not to this at once attain; Poor human nature in its best estate Has much about it that is truly vain, And these were not exempt from common fate.
Some fourteen years before my story"s date They had been in the purifying fire Of great affliction; had been led to wait Upon their G.o.d who knew their soul"s desire, And brought them through, clothed in Humility"s attire.
VII.
And gave them for their loved ones taken away, What was more needful for their growth in grace, And led them thus to make His Arm their stay.
In all their trials His kind hand to trace.
"Twas this that fitted them for such a place As in these woods the were designed to fill; And hence they always wore a cheerful face, And bowed their own unto their Savior"s will, While with the Spirit"s sword the showed the greatest skill.
VIII.
And such were needed in that settlement But just reclaimed from the wild wilderness, For its inhabitants appeared content With worldly things, which did good thoughts repress, And cause the Pastor much of sore distress.
In truth it seemed a most forbidding field For pastoral labor, and it was no less.
But G.o.d could make it precious fruit to yield, And be unto his servants constant Strength and Shield.
IX.
Now they had sought the mind of G.o.d to know Ere they concluded there to settle down; And this determined they resolved to go To that rough place--quite far from any town, Where rude log huts were very thinly strown, And where hard labor stared them in the face, While gloomy woods appeared on them to frown, To find earth"s comforts were but very scarce.
For such a step I"m sure they needed special grace.
X.
This they obtained, and providentially Were led to find a very splendid _lot_, Which fronted on that mighty inland Sea, And is in Summer a most lovely spot; A barren piece of land it sure is not.
This might be known from its fine stock of trees.
Now their good fortune grat.i.tude begot, Which was poured forth to G.o.d upon their knees, While green leaves waved above, fanned by a warm, soft breeze.
XI.
A shabby shanty stood upon the ground, Perhaps erected by a poor red man; Fire-weeds and brushwood thickly grew around, To clear off which they now at once began.
Near by the place a charming spring-creek ran; This had its source in a high tree-clad hill, From top of which the country they could scan.
The father and two sons with right good will That shanty soon prepare, and they its small s.p.a.ce till.
XII.
This proved a wretched shelter at the best, For rain came through the worn-out roof of bark, And for hard laborers was no place of rest, While its small window left it very dark.
They speak together of a house, when, hark!
A noise they hear--a sound as of great glee-- The settlers in their b.r.e.a.s.t.s possessed a spark Of sweet good nature, and now came to see If they could not be useful to the family.
XIII.
This as an omen soon was understood, And pressing wants were to each friend made known.
With axes armed these quick obtained some wood, Which by strong oxen speedily was drawn To the selected spot that had been shown.
The Pastor"s wife and daughters then prepare A good, substantial meal, and with kind tone Invite the friends to come and taste their fare, Which they in grat.i.tude had made with nicest care.
XIV.
With this good offer all at once complied; They came to work and therefore needs must eat.
The day was fine and beech tree shade supplied A place for table, and each took a seat, Admiring much the dinner spread so neat.
And GOODWORTH then gave thanks most rev"rently For such sweet comforts in their wood"s retreat, And prayed that each warm-hearted friend might be Rewarded for his kindness in Eternity.
XV.
The dinner o"er, awhile in friendly chat They sat and rested till the cattle fed.
Then GOODWORTH freely spoke to them of what He and his family to that place had led, And sweetly mentioned Him that once had bled-- The great G.o.d-man, who, sinners came to save.
These men in silence heard all he had said, And some shed tears, and all looked very grave, Though each rude breast possessed a heart most truly brave.
XVI.
Once more bright axes, wielded by strong arms Make chips fly fast, as they the logs prepare; Such willing work the Pastor"s family charms, For they this kindness had not thought to share.
A strong foundation now is laid with care; Of ample size, the fabric upward grows; The men take pains to have the corners square, Which to effect the spare nor strength nor blows; And thus, as if by magic, that neat structure rose.
XVII.
Meanwhile, there came some shingles, nails and boards, Brought by two teams, which only now were seen; And this fresh kindness fullest proof affords That GOODWORTH"S object was approved, I ween.