And what a beauteous scene was there presented To their admiring gaze on that fine lake.
"Twas such that they could all have been contented To stay forever; but a something spake And bid them hasten, as life was at stake!
This may seem, strange, but they with dread behold Heaven"s face grow black, while mighty winds awake.
And now "tis well that men both strong and bold Have charge of those frail boats well filled with young and old.
Cx.x.xIII.
In this their trouble they look up to G.o.d, Who bids the angry elements be still; And thus suspends o"er them his chastening Rod, While deepest grat.i.tude their bosoms fill, Inspiring them afresh to do His will.
It nerves each heart and arm to ply the oar With ceaseless efforts; working hard until In safety every boat has reached the sh.o.r.e.
When the curbed storm at last does all its vengeance pour.
Cx.x.xIV.
The rain comes down in torrents, and the flash Of vivid lightning penetrates the gloom!
Loud roars the mighty thunder, and the dash Of angry waves upon the ear doth boom!
The friends, escaped as from a watery tomb, All stand together "neath o"erhanging rock.
Somewhat appalled and rather pinched for room, They list in silence each tremendous shock; Yet Christ, their Shepherd, watches o"er his feeble flock.
Cx.x.xV.
The storm subsides, and they not much the worse, Cheered by the bright moon beams haste on their way.
G.o.d"s special mercies warmly they rehea.r.s.e, Which yields fresh comfort, as so well it may.
Upon the whole they had a pleasant day, And ere each separate party leaves the track, The Pastor says, "Dear friends, now let us pray."
All gave consent, and forth there rose no lack Of earnest prayer to Him who safely brought them back.
Cx.x.xVI.
Now while they separate and thence pursue The several paths that lead them to their farms, I seize occasion to bid warm adieu To my poor Muse, who lent to me her charms In my adventurous flight; and free from harms Will live in hope the subject to resume As leisure serves me and the topic warms My height and fancy, which may truth illume, That what I have to sing may live beyond the tomb.
BOOK II.
I seek divine simplicity in him Who handles things divine, and all besides, Through learned with labor, and though much admired By curious eyes and judgments ill informed To me is odious Such should still be affectionate in look And tender in address, as well becomes A messenger of Grace to guilty man
_Cowper_
I.
How strange the various scenes through which we pa.s.s In our life"s journey--onward to the grave!
Sometimes all smiles and sunshine; then alas, Dark clouds hang o"er us, and G.o.d"s help we crave.
Weak in adversity--when prosperous brave, We often act a very foolish part; Forsaking Mercies which our Father gave.
To follow our devices, till we smart With self-inflicted pangs sent through our inmost heart.
II.
So I, who many times have sung; of duty, Too oft am led to slight my own, and feel G.o.d"s chastening hand, until I see the beauty Of all His dealings with me for my weal.
And yet the hand that wounds is sure The injured part; designing all in love; And in such manner that He can"t conceal The Father"s kindly heart. "Tis thus we prove His earnest wish to have us always look Above.
III.
Some months have fled since I this task began, Bringing to neat completion its first part.
Awhile my thoughts in easy measure ran, Which much beguiled an often saddened heart.
And made me lay my pleasing task aside.
Now, as I write not for an earthly mart, I have a wish that my poor rhymes may bide The test of Scripture Truth by whomsoe"er applied.
IV.
I feel a sacred pleasure warm my breast As I resume my simple tale of love: A tale which is not in rich language dressed, I fain would look for help from G.o.d above, To leave a record of my principles; And seek the guidance of the Heavenly Dove, Whose influence the darkest doubt dispels, And fills with purest peace the heart wherein he dwells.
V.
This glorious truth was never more displayed Than in dear GOODWORTH"S every day"s employ; Or in the fields or in the woodland shade, His love of duty yielded constant joy; Sweet Heaven-born Peace naught could in him destroy.
For why? He had in G.o.d most steadfast trust, And things which do so many minds annoy Led him to curb all anger, pride and l.u.s.t, While in each fresh distress he knew that G.o.d was just.
VI.
He also knew that he is merciful And wish in all he does unto mankind.
If this we see not we are very dull, And to our soul"s best interests truly blind.
This to perceive some minds are too refined By false philosophy and learning vain.
No wonder then if they are left behind The humble child of G.o.d who with disdain Views all these worldly pleasures that he might obtain.
VII.
Just so with GOODWORTH; though he had in schools Learned much of what is termed deep cla.s.sic lore, He quite preferred to train his life by rules Contained in Scripture; and it grieved him sore To see some Christians--this all should deplore-- Neglect Christ"s precepts to procure their ends.
But seeing this, he never once forbore To speak plain truth and reap what oft attends An upright course--ev"n scorn; but this his walk commends.
VIII.
In his snug home he evermore obtained What flowed from love--a holy reverence.
Of harsh commands his children ne"er complained; Wrangling and discord both were banished thence.
His much loved wife possessed some rare good sense, And seconded his efforts for their good.
She never sought in earnest or pretence To lower him before his flesh and blood; While to increase their comforts she did all she could.
IX.
Nor was it strange if such a home as this Made him content his leisure time to spend Within his family circle; for such bliss Comes not to all, who seek to make an end Of troubles that a single life attend, By entering soon into the marriage state.
If such folks would but strict attention lend To Bible teaching, they might share the fate Of these, our friends, on whom true pleasure seemed to wait.
X.
Their constant mutual love became the theme With all who knew them in that Settlement; Domestic bliss was proved no idle dream, For in true happiness their lives were spent.
To labor hard they always were content, Regarding Paul"s advice and his example: It was their thought they were but thither sent To furnish proof which all might own was ample That they loved Jesus" laws, on which too many trample.
XI.