Reader, dost thou possess imagination?
If so, just use that precious faculty And join with me in making observation On love scenes drawn from this dear family.
Thou art no eavesdropper, but yet I see An interest sparkling in thy earnest face Which shows thy heart doth go along with me As I such secrets do my best to trace And hold them up to view to benefit my race.
Lx.x.xVII.
Imagine then the cordial reception That I above have feebly tried to paint.
My picture has the charm of no deception-- A thing of which there"s oft not much complaint.
Behold this loving band without restraint Gathered mound the evening"s social board, Each in such frame of mind as seems a Saint, Even in their eating honoring the Lord, As they with temperance use whate"er their means afford.
Lx.x.xVIII.
The father in most truly Pastoral style Spoke of the dangers they had just pa.s.sed through; Dwelt on the English settler"s death awhile.
And the sweet conduct of the widow, too, Until the listeners had enough to do To calm their feelings and restrain their fears.
Their sympathy was pure, to nature true, Which made them deeply feel the griefs and fears Of fellow mortals; and their father"s heart it cheers.
Lx.x.xIX.
He next informed them of the low sunk state Of that new village where he meetings held.
How some few men were s.n.a.t.c.hed from drunkard"s fate, How drink"s most worthless traffic had been quelled, And prejudice by force of Truth dispelled.
Next of their visit to the Indian tribe; Told who received the Truth and who repelled Its influx to their souls and Satan"s bribe Received, which did of Life Eternal them deprive.
XC.
The wolf adventure and Inebriate"s case Received due notice and called loud for praise To Him whose hand they could-so clearly trace, Who had most kindly cared for them always.
Then the _Doxology_ at once they raise To the "Old Hundred," the immortal air, The clear, full harmony of which displays Such skill that mortals now may well despair Of making better tune though they have talents rare.
XCI.
This done once more they read G.o.d"s holy Word, Choosing such portion as their minds may suit.
Then in great reverence kneel with full accord, And fervent pray, though all save one are mute.
Are there who deem such acts of no repute?
Sad is their state, for they have nothing learned As well worth learning. Will they this dispute?
Alas, poor sinners, you are not concerned That you have Christ refused and thus your soul"s good spurned.
XCII.
We"ll draw the curtain while the family sleep-- Such sleep as pure contentment ever brings; And while good Angels, o"er them vigils keep, Let"s pause a little that my rude harp"s strings May be drawn tighter, that my Muse her wings Afresh may plume, ere she completes her song For she has yet to sing of pleasant things And the reverse, so she must needs be strong To execute her task as time fast flies along.
XCIII.
The occasion I will take to introduce More fully to my patient reader"s view This worthy household; which will be of use In after scenes, as I my tale renew.
Joseph, the eldest, we have seen was true To G.o.d and Nature in some trials great: Much like his father year by year he grew Until he reached to manhood"s full estate; In manners humble, and in preaching gifts first rate.
XCIV.
William, the younger, was not quite so grave; As kind in heart, but still more blithe and free; Quite serious on occasions and most brave, There were few youths more loveable than he.
In Sunday school "twas his delight to be, There he still led the singing and took part In teaching children the "great Mystery"
Of gospel truth, and many a childish heart Felt that the loss of him would yield unceasing smart.
XCV.
The sisters, younger still, I must compare To two fair roses very lately blown; Who, though they lived in the woods, were debonair As any town"s girls I have ever known.
Their skill in housewifery was clearly shown In the discharge of all their household duties.
They both had voices of the sweetest tone-- Not shrill nor harsh, but more like what the flute is, And were by all who saw them looked upon as beauties.
XCVI.
But those were naught compared with Faith and Love Possessed by both, evinced by all their acts; And nothing pleased them better than to prove That pure Religion never aught subtracts From real enjoyment, as is shown by facts Which all who can may read if so inclined.
"Tis true our Father evermore exacts Complete obedience, but our hearts refined By the Spirit through the Truth know all"s in love designed.
XCVII.
Clarissa and Louisa were the names Bestowed upon these daughters at their birth, And "twas foretold by some attendant dames That each when grown would have uncommon worth.
This prophecy gave rise to harmless mirth In after years, and led the girls to say That in their conduct there should be no dearth Of loveliness, for fear it should betray The fame of those good dames still living in their day.
XCVIII.
"Surely those parents must have been well off!"
Some reader may exclaim in scorn or jest; But if "twere _not_ so there"s no need to scoff, And if it were I have the truth expressed.
Mine eyes have seen some parents quite as blest In all their offspring, and I hope to see My own dear children in their day attest That what I write is true, and ever be A loving, happy band and useful family.
XCIX.
I have an aim in making this digression, Can anyone divine what it may be?
Though not a Papist I will make confession And clear at once the seeming mystery.
Luth had a son now grown to man"s degree, Who made proposals for Clarissa"s hand, And GOODWORTH thought for aught that he could see It was not well their wishes to withstand, So let things take the way they were already planned.
C.
And Joseph, wishing not to be behind His darling sister, cast about his eyes And soon found one possessing generous mind, Whose fund of worth proved his selection wise.
Her name methinks the reader may surmise, For it was Ruth and also Luth, a maid Who did prepare for matrimonial ties In prayerful spirit, and who ne"er betrayed That love of coquetry by many girls displayed.
CI.
Both these young folks had followed the example Of worthy parents, and as Christians stood In that young Church. Their worldly means were ample At least for such as wed from motives good.
Besides if needful they could earn their food, Which made their marriage prospects bright and cheering, Things thus far settled they did all they could To haste the nuptials, and grew more endearing As the auspicious day drew nearer its appearing.
CII.
Again the Sabbath day came duly round, And Goodworth met his flock with heartfelt joy.
Once more he faithful preached "the joyful sound,"
Or taught the Saints sin"s fetters to destroy, And how their time and talents to employ.
Then just before the "Breaking of the Bread"
He of his journey spoke in manner coy, And deep attention by the Church was paid As he recounted mercies sent by Christ their Head.
CIII.
Upon the work especial stress he laid, Begun by G.o.d amongst the poor Red Men, And moved by sacred zeal he boldly said That something must be done; but how or when Was for the Church to say. As he stood then Chosen of G.o.d and them to oversee, His little flock, he could not go again Without depriving some of Ministry Most needful at that time if he would faithful be.