■^i- '^'i- .^'% '^.r>..0' .^'% BUDS OF SPRING. "These volumes contain what he has left, immature buds, and blossoms shaken from the tree, euid green fniit ; yet will they evince what the harvest would have been." Southey's Life of H. K. White. BUDS OF SPRING. POETICAL REMAINS OF AUGUSTUS FOSTER LYDE WITH ADDENDA. Vos autem hortor, ut ita virtutem locetis, sine qua amicitia esse non potest, ut, ea exoepta, nihil amicitia prsestabilius putetis." Cicero, De Amicitia. V BOSTON: PERKINS AND MARVIN. NEW YORK: WILEY AND PUTNAM. PHILADELPHIA : HENRY PERKINS. 1838. Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1838, by Thomas H. Vail, in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the District of Massachusetts. CAMBRIDGE : FOLSOM, WELLS; AN1> THURSTON, PBINTEKS TO THE UNIVERSITY. PREFACE For a succinct notice of the life and character, and of the Poetical Remains of Lyde, the reader is referred to the Introduction. But it is proper to say a few words upon the appearance of this little volume of poems. The title seemed proper to it, inasmuch as the pieces are the production of a mind which had not expanded into its maturity, and proper also to the season in which the volume has been introduced to the public. Like the buds of spring, the thoughts of our departed friend were just opening in their fresh and irregular beauty, and were beginning to shed around their pure and sweet and welcome fragrance. Lyde is known to all the members of the Episcopalian community, and to many in other denominations, as having been a young man of great promise. And it has been "thought, that a memorial of him, hke this now pre- sented, would be acceptable to a large circle of vi PREFACE. friends who knew and admired him, and to others who would regret that his name should be for- gotten. If this little volume should be dedicated to those who always manifested a most lively interest in the welfare of our friend, and exerted themselves most liberally to develope his talents and usefulness, the names of the Rt. Rev. Thomas C. Brownell, and of the Rev. Francis L. Hawks, and of the Rev. Horatio N. Potter, and of John Pintard, Esq., would be adopted among the first. But the in- scription selected appeared the most suitable ; and the profits from this edition, if any be realized, will be devoted to the support of the Christian Mission to China, through the Foreign Committee of the Board of Missions of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States. The design of the Addenda is explained in the Note preliminary to them. If these Remains shall find favor sufficient to make another edition expedient, it may be well to substitute, instead of the Addenda, (unless a memoir of Lyde shall be prepared in an- other quarter, as was at one time contemplated,) extracts from his correspondence and prose writ- PREFACE. yii ings ; so that the book may serve the purpose of a memoir of our friend, in an order somewhat similar to that in which the Literary Remains of Henry Kirke White have been arranged by his biographer. The Editor of this volume hopes that the im- perfections of his work may be overlooked in the satisfaction derived from a perusal of its contents. The volume has been prepared without a reference to the captious, for it is a sad duty to transcribe the Remains of a friend whom one has loved. These will, we believe, be read, as they have been prepared for the press, with a softened heart. "Mollissima corda Humano generi dare se natura fateturj Quae lachrymas dedit." Juv. Sat. XV. 131 - 133. Cambridge, Massachusetts, April, 1838. " We bless thy holy name, Oh Lord, for all thy servants departed this life in thy faith and fear 5 beseeching Thee to give us grace so to fol- low their good examples, that with them we may be partakers of thy heav- enly kingdom: grant this, Oh Father, for Jesus Christ's sake, our only Mediator and Advocate." CONTENTS. Introduction xi POETICAL REMAINS. Stanza 5 Home of My Childhood 6 Youthful Attachments 8 A Paraphrase 13 Man was not Made to Mourn . . . .14 Thoughts by the Hudson 16 Prayers of the Good 19 The Orphan 20 A Fragment 23 The Highland Fight 25 A Mother's Love 28 Origin of the Night-Blooming Cereus . . 29 A Fragment 30 Switzerland 31 To J. G 37 Belshazzar's Feast 38 Sketches of Music 47 To A Friend 53 To THE Same 54 Humility 55 A Vision 66 Lines written on the Housatonic ... 68 The Death of Moses 69 10 CONTENTS. "Remember Me" "^4 Remember Thee "^^ Epitaph on Lyde 76 ADDENDA. Preliminary Note "^^ Our Life 83 The Farewell of Repentance .... 84 The Widow ^0 Sonnet. " Night's stillness hangs around " . . 91 The Universal Sympathy 92 Apostrophe to Music 102 Music 1^3 A Sentimental Sonnet 1^4 The Christian Pilgrim's Pass-Word . . 105 Sonnet. "My weary spirit," . . * . .114 The Widow's Son 115 The Maniac Maid 117 Dies Ir^e 118 The Day of Wrath 119 The Departed 126 The Lamb and the Cross 128 Sonnet. " There is a mourner," .... 135 Christian Resignation 136 The Unknown Sufferings of Christ . . 138 A Prayer to Christ 142 Sonnet. "Lord! Thou art God," ... 143 The Worship of Heaven 144 Sonnet. " Welcome, Buds of Spring " . • 150 INTRODUCTION. There is, to the mind of the Editor, a striking analogy between the lamented Author of these Re- mains, and the interesting subject of Mr. Southey's care, referred to in the Preface. Lyde, as respects the promise of his brief but bright career, and the hopes of his future usefulness and eminence so san- guinely entertained by those who knew him, as re- spects, too, the incidents of his personal history, and the peculiar traits of his intellect, and many points in his moral character, is before the mind of the Editor, as, in a remarkable analogy, the Henry Kirke White of America, and the contemplation of him is a sad pleasure. So gifted with intellectual capacity, so refined in taste, so delicate in moral apprehensions, that few were able to understand his excellence, and withal so reserved in confidential intercourse, that few might really know him, he has glided silently away from us. And we feel as one who has tost listlessly into the sea some fair pebble picked up on the beach, and perceives too late, as it passes from his hand, the clear and white rays xu INTRODUCTION. of the diamond : or we feel as one who has been roused from a long trance, just when the glowing sun of a cloudless summer day has settled under the verge of the horizon, and fancies, in his first sur- prise, that he sees the herald light of the morning ; but the glorious hues fade sorrowfully, and the gold- en light becomes pale, and presently the soft stars tell him he has lost the day. Thus we feel deso- late. But our brother is in heaven, and his light is on another sphere, and we may not mourn for him. This Introduction will be devoted to a brief sketch of the life and character of Lyde, and a brief no- tice of his literary remains. We remember, that it was proposed some three or four years since by a gentleman well qualified for the duty, then a student in the General Protestant Episcopal Theological Sem- inary in New York, to prepare a volume, which should include memoirs of three, who had deceased from the class which graduated in 1834 from that institution, — Lloyd Saxbury Waddell,* George F. Cook,t and the Author of these Remains. Such a volume would be acceptable to their friends, and would, without doubt, be highly useful in our Church. The piety and Christian character of many, who, like the three above mentioned, have died in their * A native of the city of New York, who died in the same city, November 17th, 1832, aged twenty-one years. t A native of Cornish, N. H., born September 18th, 1808, who died in the city of New York, March 29th, 1834, and was buried on the Easter Sunday following. INTRODUCTION. xiii morning service at the altar of Christ in our Church/ have been suffered to pass away from the public remembrance, when they should have been recorded, for an example to their successors. Whether the design referred to has been prosecuted, or aban- doned on account of the claims of other duties, the Editor has not been informed. It is hoped the de- sign is prosecuted. The present volume will be no interference with the plan ; and the materials for this Introduction are purposely selected from pieces already in print. By such an arrangement, besides, near friends will have, what is always especially desired by them in such cases, the several pieces which appeared at the time of our brother's de- mise, and which convey most concisely and exactly the impression produced by that event. We transcribe now an obituary notice of the deceased, which appeared in " The Churchman " (published in the city of New York) of December 6th, 1834, and simultaneously in "The Episcopal Recorder " (published at Philadelphia), and which was prepared by a friend, who had long known him intimately, and was best fitted to draw up such a memorial, the Rev. Samuel Starr (as it is understood), then Rector of the Church at Camden, New Jersey. " The Rev. Augustus Foster Lyde was born in Wilming- ton, North Carolina, February 4th, 1813, where in early life he * To the list we add the name of Henry H. Cook, a native of Clare- mont, N. H., and a member jjf the Middle Class in the General Semi- nary, who died, in the city of New York, on the 28th of January in the current year. b XIV INTRODUCTION. was piously educated, under the pastoral and academical charge of the Rev. Dr. Empie. " From very infancy he manifested a strong and abiding sense of religious obligation, and was peculiarly fond of his Bible. As illustrative of this, when at the age of six yeai:s he was learning the beginning of the fifth chapter of St. Mat- thew's Gospel, which had been assigned him as a Sunday School lesson, he declared that the chapter was too good to be broken, and would not leave it till the whole was com- mitted to memory. " At the early age of fourteen he was admitted a mem- ber of the Sophomore class in Washington College, Con- necticut, where he was remarked alike by officers and students to be an uncommonly interesting and promising hoy. He applied himself devotedly to every collegiate duty, and that, as was apparent to all, from principle, from love of study, and from a desire of improvement, rather than from any gratification of a selfish ambition. He graduated in 1830, when but seventeen years of age, at the head of his class, and without any competitor for its highest honors. "Though his mind was at this period firmly bent upon the Gospel ministry, he was advised, on account of his youth, and for the purpose of studying Hebrew, and disciplining his mind by an extended acquaintance with the sciences, to delay for a year the commencement of his theological course. He accordingly entered the General Seminary in 1831, and his instructors and fellow-students will all bear testimony to his proficiency, and to what may have been a too close devotion to his studies. "But, though assiduously laboring to cultivate his mind, and to store it with sound learning, he was most devotedly bent upon the more important discipline of his heart. He was conscientiously jealous of whatever might tend to bind it to earth. He felt that there was no middle ground for a disci- INTRODUCTION. XV pie of the Lord Jesus to stand on ; and especially did he feel, that a Christian minister's life and his whole strength should be unreservedly sacrificed on the altar of his God. With such views and feelings, he was naturally led to in- quire, and that with deep reflection and fervent prayer, how the cause of Christ and his Church could be most effect- ually promoted. The inquiry exercised his mind most deeply the last year of his theological course.* ' The field,' he * As it may be interesting to know the agency, which, under God, was most efficient in leading our brother's mind to this inquiry, we insert the following article, which appeared in " The Churchman " of the last of May, 1835. '^ ORIGIN OF THE CHINA MISSION. " A little less than four years ago, there connected himself with our General Theological Seminary, one who was then as much dis- tinguished by peculiar traits of character, as he afterwards was by the manner in which those traits were hallowed by the influence of divine grace. Not that he was at that period devoid of those views of him- self, sin, and God, which are essential to a Christian : no ! far different was the fact. He knew full well that he was a sinner, that he could do nothing good of himself, that the wrath of God hangs over the children of disobedience, and that for him, as for all others, there was but one name through which he might be saved, the name of Christ. But the providence of God rendered these views clearer shortly after he joined the band of aspirants to the sacred office. One of the most powerful instruments in effecting this end was the Mis- sionary Association of the Institution, to which it was his privilege to belong. Did time permit, it would be a pleasing duty to stop here and show how the cause of missions and personal piety necessarily aid each other 5 but such an argument would carry us too far from our present object, and is, besides, in a great measure unnecessary, since those who peruse this brief sketch will very generally admit the truth of the position. " The young man, whose story we are relating, was not long in per- ceiving how much he was indebted to the humble yet effective Mis- sionary Association of the Seminary, and therefore spared no exertions in promoting the great objects which it has in view. While thus XVI INTRODUCTION. argued, 'is the world.' This whole field, through human instrumentality, is to be cultivated for the final harvest of the Lord. The blessed time of the glorious in-gathering engaged, he became deeply impressed with the wants of the heathen in foreign lands. Many and earnest were the contests in his bosom between inclination and a somewhat obscure sense of duty. Each day brought to him new struggles and increased dependence on God j for he knew that he was agitating a question to which God alone could furnish him a sufficient answer. He prayed. Yes, even when his watchful brethren around him had closed their eyes in sleep, he sent his glowing prayers to heaven for light. Were those prayers answered ? Who could doubt, that supplications, whose every word was winged with earnestness, and whose every petition was interwoven with faith, were heard ? Yes, they were heard. All doubts were re- moved. Where but lately he saw only dark clouds, by the clear lights of reason and conscience he now descried the index of duty : it pointed but one way 5 into that way he prepared to enter. He pledged himself to convey those glad tidings to China, which his Saviour brought to earth, and thus, without intending it, connected his own history with that of the noblest undertaking of our Church. " His example had its appropriate effect 5 for when was there such an example without its influence 1 A class-mate stepped forward to aid him in his noble work 5 and with him received holy orders, only to plant the standard of the Cross within the walls of civilized yet heathen China. Would that it were consistent with our purpose to turn aside, and describe minutely the meeting, at which these brethren parted with the Missionary Association from which they received their first missionary breath. Then might we tell of the mixed feelings with which the future ministers of our Church looked and listened to the two, (Messrs. Lyde and Lockwood), who were soon probably to give themselves to a foreign land. Exultation was the first emotion experienced, because there rose full in view the good which was to be done, by their zeal and devotion, to the Seminary in which they were educated, to the Church of Christ, and, though last not least, to the perishing souls of men. But how changed were the feelings when he, who had been the instrument of Providence in beginning the enterprise, rose to bid his brethren adieu ! To some, even then, the hand of death seemed laid upon his pallid cheek, and all could not INTRODUCTION. XVII will be advanced by the zeal, or retarded by the sluggish inaction, of the Church. He believed, that there exist in her bosom energies that have never yet been called into but feel that such might be the case, who saw him choking with emotion, and, amid a flood of tears, scarce articulating, ' Pray for me, brethren 3 pray that my health may be restored 3 God is my witness, I ask it not for myself, — I ask it for China.' We will not stop to describe the gush of feeling which ensued. Suffice it to say, that many a manly countenance was turned away to hide the glistening signs of sympathy and affection. " A few short months ensued, and Augustus Foster Lyde was numbered among the dead. Sorrow for our loss was our primary emotion 3 apprehension for our missionary cause, the result of our first reflection. Soon, however, we recollected, that God is often most kind when he seems most to frown. We therefore took fresh courage and patiently awaited the day when the affliction, which the Church had experienced in the removal of our brother, would bring out others to imitate his example, and devote their lives to extend the Gospel to 360,000,000 of immortal souls. The time has come. '' Where was the commencement of this magnificent and now promising undertaking ? The previous detail answers the question, — in the Missionary Association of the General Seminary of our Church 3 for that communicated its spirit to Ltjde ; he solicited the adoption of the station by our Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society, and that step, with his own example, called forth all who are now going to the field. C. R." Let a word of admonition be received by those who are now students in the General Seminary, from one who is thankful he was once a member of their Missionary Society, — that this Association be sus- tained vigorously, as among their most effective means of grace, and a powerful promoter of their Missionary spirit. For the information of persons unacquainted with the present state of the American Protestant Episcopal Mission to China, it is proper to state, that in June, 1835, the Rev. Henry Lockwood, a graduate from the General Seminary in the city of New York, and the Rev. F. R. Hanson, a graduate from the Episcopal Seminary in Alexandria, District of Columbia, sailed from the port of New York, for China 3 and in July, 1837, the Rev. W. J. Boone, M. D., and his lady, sailed from Boston, for the same station. At present they all reside in Batavia. — Editor. b* XViii INTRODUCTION. vigorous action, and that the most effectual mode of arousing them is, to send from her own fold the heralds of salvation, not only for the purpose of immediately illuminating the dark places of the earth, but also for learning, and for sending back from its different parts, such stories of the spiritual darkness and death in which it is shrouded, as, under God, should be the means of enlisting Christian sympathy, and eliciting Christian effort for the great work of evangelizing the world. Such, in a word, was his decided view of the value of foreign missions to the Church. He desired their establishment and prosperity, for he considered them as im- portant to the perfection of the grand system of bringing all people and nations of the earth into one fold under the one Great Shepherd. Yet he never set up his own opinion as the infallible guide of others. His views were too elevated, and his knowledge of human character too true, to suppose, that even with equally intelligent and honest minds the same premises necessarily result in the same conclusions ; much less did he ever claim, that the possession of different sentiments on the subject of missions should be taken on either side of the question as a test of zeal or indifference for the cause of Christ. "Such being Mr. Lyde's settled conviction in reference to the missionary enterprise, he was led to ask, hoio the work should be advanced. The result was, that, when the Church from the authorized source should send forth the inquiry, 'Whom shall we send ?' his voice should be heard in the re- sponse, ' Here am /; send me.' He accordingly wrote, last winter, to the lamented Dr. Montgomery, asking whether there was any probability that the Executive Committee of the Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society would recom- mend the establishment of a mission in Asia. In reference to the foreign mission previously established in Africa, he expressed a belief, that there were those in the Church who would hazard their lives in the burning heat of the African soil. INTRODUCTION. XiX if it were demanded by the cause of the Redeemer; but that he thought the objects of foreign missions could be better effected at present upon other heathen ground. With his characteristic modesty he requested that his own name should in no way be connected with the inquiry. It is believed that the letter was shown but once, and then upon a known inti- macy with its author. Dr. Montgomery, as may be supposed by all who knew him, was enthusiastic in his encomiums upon the character and spirit of the letter ; but was too soon after prostrated upon his dying bed, ever to give it a reply. " In the spring, Mr. Lyde was afflicted with a cold and a slight bilious attack, which to an extent reduced his strength, and seemed to render it necessary for him to suspend his studies for a while, and absent himself from the Seminary. On his way to Philadelphia he joined the company of a cler- gyman and a layman, with whose persons, and with whose active interest and efficiency in all important matters of the Church, he was well acquainted. As the special object of their visit to Philadelphia was to attend the meeting of the Board of Directors of the Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society, his favorite theme was presented to their attention, and his own views and feelings most fully expressed. Through their instrumentality in bringing forward and ad- vocating the question, the Board established the China mis- sion, with instructions to the Executive Committee to carry the object into effect so soon as the men and means could be provided. Mr. Lyde afterward remarked, in conversation on the subject, that it had required a great sacrifice of nat- ural feeling for him to decide upon leaving the society of friends and the attractions of country for a home in a strange and distant land, but that his mind was decided upon the course, and that it would require another great sacrifice of feeling, should he be disappointed in his hopes. " But his hopes have been disappointed, though in a man- ner which he then but little anticipated. Notwittistanding XX INTRODUCTION. he carefully pursued the course advised by his physician for the restoration of his health, it remained to all appearance stationary till the time of his graduation, the last week in June. He graduated with his class, and the following Sun- day was ordained by Bishop Brownell, in St. Thomas's Church, New York, in company with several of his class- mates. The remainder of the summer was spent in New England, where he was advised to make a voyage to the West Indies, encouraged that he might return with reno- vated strength in the spring. On reaching New York, the last of September, his case was more closely examined: and, at his request to be honestly dealt with, his physician gave his opinion that his lungs were diseased beyond hope of re- covery ; and that, for the sake of a more congenial climate, he had better leave for Philadelphia, than put himself en- tirely beyond the reach of his friends. He sustained the stroke like a Christian philosopher,* repeated the opinion that had been given of his condition, on arriving at Phila- delphia, without the least apparent emotion, and expressed * Lest this expression should be misunderstood by any, it is proper to state, that, at the time when a consultation of physicians was held upon his case, Lyde was expecting their decision in another room. The physician, who regularly attended him, and to whom he was much, attached, was appointed to communicate with him. As he en- tered the room, and for a moment was silent, Lyde said to him, with great decision, " Doctor, tell me plainly the exact truth ; I am pre- pared for any result." So soon as his physician had informed him of the result of the consultation, Lyde burst into tears, and for a few minutes paced the room in strong emotion, and then exclaimed, " Can it be so ? Shall I never be allowed to preach the Gospel in China? Yet I am not worthy of such a service! But I will labor for her sake while I live." The scene was most affecting and sol- emnizing. And he did labor for China after this 5 and his influence upon his brethren in the Seminary was not without effect, as one of the Missionaries now in China will testify. — Editor. INTRODUCTION. Xxi his happiness that he had been apprized of the prospect before him, that he might be led the more earnestly to seek the grace necessary for his departure. He however asked further medical advice ; and, as, at his request, the worst was told him, he remained unmoved as before. Leaving his physician, he began to devise such arrangements as were necessary to enable him to spend as comfortably as possible the remnant of his days, and to die. His disease remained nearly stationary for four or five weeks, which induced the belief of his friends, that he might survive the winter. But nine days before his death he attended church, and was on horseback the following Tuesday. He began to fail more rapidly after this, and left his room for the last time on Sun- day. He was confined to his bed but one day, and expired at nine o'clock on Wednesday morning, the ]9th instant. " Owing to a natural reservedness in the expression of his feelings, and to a settled aversion to every thing like noisy cant in matters of religion, Mr. Lyde said little, quite too little, to his visiting friends, about dying, and about his prospects for eternity. Occasionally, however, he spoke of both, to the near friends that were with him, with calmness, and indeed with delight. He said, that it seemed for him far better to die this winter than to live longer ; that, if he entered upon his professional duties, an awful responsibility would attend him through life ; that souls might be lost through his lack of faithfulness; that, if his Heavenly Father willed, he should be resigned to stay on earth, but that he preferred going to do his Master's work in another and a better world. The day before his death he said, that, in the early part of his sickness, his views had not been so clear, nor his peace so perfect, as he desired ; ' but,' he proceeded, his eye enlivened with an unearthly brightness, ' my pros- pect has become perfectly glorious : the great secret of happy dying is a simple reliance on the strength of Christ ; it is XXii INTRODUCTION. sweet to die in full assurance of reposing in the bosom of my Saviour.' He became so elated with his theme as to forget his weakness, till checked and requested to be silent. At evening he asked Dr. Delancey to administer the com- munion to him the following day. But it proved too late. The Doctor reached his dwelling just after he expired. His last hours were peaceful and happy, and attended with but little bodily suffering.* When past speaking, he would rivet his piercing eye upon those weeping by his bedside, and with smiles of heavenly joy seemed to rebuke their %veakness for lamenting his departure. He sunk down with- out a struggle or a gasp, and found an apparently easy pas- sage through ' the valley of the shadow of death.' His body is laid in St. Peter's Churchyard, f there to repose till aroused from its long slumber by the archangel's trump on the morning of the resurrection. His spirit, though never privileged to exercise its powers in the ministrations of God's sanctuary on earth, has been called away — (may we not add ?) for the express purpose of an employment in the ser- * I am allowed to transcribe from a letter written at the time of Lyde's decease, the following passage : " Before he retired for the night (Tuesday night), his aunt said to him, that, as he was unable to read his Bible (which was his constant study), she would read to him 5 and she inquired, if there were any particular chapters which he wished to hear. He named the fortieth of Isaiah. When she had concluded it, he remarked, that he wished to meditate a little upon it j and after a time he requested her to read the forty-third chapter of the same book." — Editor. t From the letter quoted in a former note, we subjoin another brief extract. " On Friday afternoon his funeral took place. He was car- ried into St. Peter's Church. Bishop White, Dr. Abercrombie, and thirteen other clergymen attended. Bishop Onderdonk read the fu- neral service. The Church was crowded, — the hymn commencing ' Vital spark of heavenly flame ' was sung, — the music was very solemn." — Editor. INTRODUCTION. XXiii vices of that better temple, not made with liands, eternal in the heavens. " An event, however, like this, is a mystery too deep to be fathomed by the plummet of human reason. It is an event which the friends of our departed brother and the friends of the Church must of necessity mourn, though one which cannot fail to bend a submissive heart most humbly to the will of God. The sun of his earthly existence rose with amazing rapidity and brightness, but it has suddenly sunk into the midnight of the grave. No unsanctified reasoning can solve the question, why a young man, with faculties so naturally powerful and so matured, should be taken from the world when just prepared to enter it with honor and pre- eminent usefulness. But there is to be found in faith a philosophy, which, if truly possessed, will hush at once every secret murmuring, and will readily reconcile the event to our minds, by a living dependence upon the wisdom and the goodness of the providence of God." In "The Missionary" (published at Burlington) of November 29th, a week before the article just quoted appeared, there was a short but very interest- ing notice of the author of these Remains, which it will be well to preserve. It is here quoted entire. "The Rev. Augustus Foster Lyde, deacon, who de- parted this life on the 19th instant in the city of Philadelphia, , was a young man of no ordinary promise ; and his decease, at the moment when he seemed just fitted for usefulness in the cause of Christ and of souls, to which he had given himself up, enforces fearfully the sentence of Holy Scripture, ' Be still, and know that I am God ! ' Mr. Lyde was a gradu- ate of Washington College, where it was the privilege of the present writer to watch the first opening of his clear, vigorous, and manly intellect. He had not quite completed the three XXIV INTRODUCTION. years' term of study at the General Theological Seminary, where the expectations formed of him at Washington College were more than realized, when the seeds of the insidious disease which caused his death were first detected. He was able to be present with the members of his class, who were admitted by the Bishop of New York to the holy order of deacons, and to take upon himself the responsibilities of that sacred office, but not to discharge any of its functions. The progress of his disease was singularly rapid, and in less than five months after his ordination he was taken to his rest. There is little reason to doubt, that intense devotion to study was the proximate cause of Mr. Lyde's disease. But there remains to those who knew and loved him the precious con- solation, that the zeal to which he fell a martyr was not the unhallowed thirst for secular knowledge merely, or for tem- poral distinction, but the zeal of God's house. During his connexion with the General Theological Seminary, after much searching of heart, many prayers, and careful consulta- tion of those who were over him in the Lord, Mr. Lyde deter- mined to devote himself, if God would accept the offering, to a mission in China. And it is an interesting evidence of that generous self-dedication which had become, through grace, his characteristic trait, that his determination was made, not in expectation of valuable services to be rendered by him, in the prosecution of so great a work, but of calling to it the attention of others better able to grapple with its tremendous difficulties. It did not please God to grant him the desire of his heart. Yet it is just to say, and will be an interesting reminiscence of his brief career, that, by his resolution to undertake the Chinese Mission, the attention of the Protes- tant Episcopal Church was first strongly turned to that sub- ject, and the impulse, under God, derived from him, which has led to the establishment, by the Domestic and Foreign Mis- sionary Society, of a Mission to China. From an early period INTRODUCTION. XXV of his malady, contrary to the customary habit of consumptive patients, he anticipated an early and a fatal issue ; but, strong in the grace which is in Christ Jesus, he looked upon death with calmness, confidence, and cheerfulness. When the present writer, a fortnight before his death, reminded him, at parting, that, whatever the result might be, it would be ordered, if his faith was firm, in infinite mercy, — ' and by Him,' he added, with a smile, ' who doeth all things well.'' " The last exertion to write, which was made by the subject of these notices, was in behalf of China, and for the good of the brethren he had left behind him in the Seminary. The letter, addressed by him to the members of the Missionary Society with which he had been connected, is filled with feeling, and breathes a spirit of the most complete self-dedication to his God and Saviour, and most earnest love for his fellow- men. It shall be recorded presently. We now ask attention to the following communication, published in the same number of '^ The Churchman " which con- tained the former of the foregoing obituary notices, "On the receipt of the intelligence of the death of the Rev. Augustus F. Lyde at the Seminary, a meeting of the stu- dents was called in the Chapel, November 21st, at which the letter announcing his death was read. The following resolu- tions, expressive of the sense of the students on the event, were adopted ; and a committee was appointed to prepare a brief biography of our late brother for publication in the periodicals of the Church, together with the adopted resolutions, and a let- ter received a few weeks since from Mr. Lyde, addressed to the Missionary Society of the Seminary, his last effort in behalf of the cause to which he was pledged, — the cause of Missions. c XXVI INTRODUCTION. " From the first part of their duty the committee thus ap- pointed are relieved by the full and satisfactory biography which appears in 'The Churchman' of this week, furnished by an intimate and confidential friend of Mr. Lyde, and who was therefore better qualified than any other for the office of his biographer. The missionary letter alluded to will appear in ' The Churchman ' of next week. The following are the reso- lutions, which were unanimously adopted. " Resolved, That the decease of our late brother, the Rev. Augustus F. Lyde, is received by us Avith emotions of unaf- fected sorrow ; and of thankfulness to the God of all grace, that we can sorrow as those who have hope, " Resolved, That we regard this dispensation of the Divine Providence as solemnly admonishing us to be watchful and diligent; that, whenever our Master may summon us hence, we may be ready and waiting. " Resolved, That, while we bow with humility to the will of God in this event, we cannot but entertain a deep sense of the loss sustained by the friends of our deceased brother ; by the ministry of the Protestant Episcopal Church ; and pecu- liarly by the Missionary cause, to which he was pledged. ^^ Resolved, That a committee be appointed to present to the family of our deceased brother a copy of the above resolu- tions, with the assurance of our heartfelt condolence. "W. F. Walker, Chairman:' The letter, to which allusion has been made, is a precious document to the friends of our departed brother ; but it is valuable to all, and is especially- worthy of consideration by those who have entered, or are purposing to enter, upon the duties and respon- sibilities of the Christian ministry ; for every minister is a missionary, and should seek to be certain that he INTRODUCTION. XXVU occupies his proper place in the labor of his master's harvest. It follows, as printed in " The Churchman " of December 13th, 1834. '' Philadelphia, October, 1834. "Brethren of the Missionary Society, "It matters little to me that my personal connexion with the Association has been dissolved ; that I no longer appear in your midst when you meet in pursuance of your glorious ob- jects. I am, and ever will be to the end of life, a member of the Missionary Association in heart. " It is well known to all or most of you, that I had deter- mined, by the help of God, to preach the Gospel to the hea- then in China; but God in his infinite wisdom has seen fit to dispose it otherwise, and has removed the probability of my preaching the Gospel to Christian or heathen. I do not ad- dress you then in levity or inconsiderateness, but in the calm expectation of death. The point on which I stand is a deeply solemn one ; may we mutually realize it. Standing on this elevated point, and making a retrospect of my short life, I bend my eye along the causes which have contributed to create and modify my moral and religious character. Leav- ing the first operations of God's Spirit, I wander along a dark and weary way, cheered by but few Christian hopes and attainments, until my eye rests upon an elevation imposing and bright. It is beautiful with ' the feet of them that bring good tidings, that bring good tidings of good;' it is radiant with the same glorious light, that first broke in upon my mind and scattered away its accumulated ignorance and sorrow. " ' Mighty through God ! ' I involuntarily exclaim, and, in view of eternity, hail the Missionary Association, as under God, and his appointed means of grace, the mightiest cause that he has brought to bear upon the salvation of my soul. XXVlil INTRODUCTION. " You will immediately infer from what I have said, that I consider it your duty and privilege, and I hope you will con- sider it in the same light precisely, to perform most punctually all the duties required. It is only by such a uniform course of conduct, that the prosperity of a society is preserved, and its advantages fully secured. " But it is not at the general meetings of the Society, nor yet the meetings of your committees (which should be made as conversational as possible), tliat the Missionary spirit is to be acquired. Alas ! alas ! how many there are, who mistake the interest felt in the pursuit of what is novel and strange, or the sympathy excited by human suffering, or the glow occasioned by the view of a great moral enterprise, for a deep and fervent love for the souls of perishing men ! Often, too, the ardor, excited by some powerful and moving appeal in behalf of this great cause, is nothing more than a natural sympathetic emotion, instead of the powerful movings of God's Holt Spirit. " O no, my dear Christian brethren ; it is only in the holy, quiet retirement of your closet, that this pure spirit is to be sought and found. Prayer, — earnest, constant prayer, (in the deeply expressive language of Paul) the * groanings which cannot be uttered,' will bring down the blessing we seek like the morning dew and the early rain. The other means are powerful in their place ; but here we win the blessing of God, as it were, immediately. " But, my Christian brethren, these are but the preparatory steps to a higher and nobler course of duty. An ardent love for the souls of men is holy and acceptable in itself: but Christian virtue, most unlike the cold theories of man, has within itself the elements of vigorous resolve and action; they are component parts of its existence. Has not then each one of you present a personal duty beyond all this, in reference to INTRODUCTION. XXIX the great Missionary cause ? Is there not treasured up, in the futurity of appointed duty, some further resolve and action of yet unconceived moment? Let us assume the remotest possi- bility that can be taken into the estimate, that it is the duty of but one out of your whole number to preach the gospel to the heathen. Suppose, that it were communicated to you while to- gether, that there was an unfailing certainty that one among you should leave home and country for Christ's sake and the Gospel's. How would the message be received ? Every Chris- tian heart, (and such are all, I trust,) would at once respond to the possibility, and ask, ' Lord, is it I ? ' nor would he cease to pray, and read, and meditate, until he could speak out from the darkness of uncertainty, 'Lord, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest.' But in the name and presence of Almighty God, in view of our destiny for eternity, as we expect to stand before the judgment-seat of Christ, does any one believe, that the Saviour, the Lord of missions and salva- tion, requires but one missionary from your whole number ? Does any one believe, that the whole heathen world, with its hundreds of millions, claims but one Missionary from the Prot- estant Episcopal Church ? Do not disguise the fact. You know, that, if they go not from our seminaries, they will never go ; these are the only probable sources of supply. "In reply to the above questions, in the confidence of truth, I answer. No, To every one, then, I would say, ' It may, or it may not, be your duty to go abroad. If it is not, you should be prepared to go wherever your Divine Master may be pleased to send you. If it should be your duty, (I tremble at the possibilities of the case,) under what awful responsi- bilities do you lie ! You stand in the relation of one, who turns away from the path that God points out to him, and chooses one for himself.' There is no one present but would revolt at such a thought. "Let me in conclusion add a few more particular remarks. XXX INTRODUCTION. There is very great danger of erring in the decision, by draw- in o- up a long list of qualifications on the authority perhaps of some writer, and excusing ourselves thus on several grounds entirely insufficient. There are necessary qualifications ; but we should pray much before we excuse ourselves for any sin- gle reason. " Again. It is clear that no man can say, previous to an investigation, that it is out of the question that he should go. Of course I here except domestic necessities. But there are many to whom the thought is so entirely new and almost chimerical, that they dismiss it without a thought. Refined education, or talent, or expectations, stand for ever between them and faithfulness to their souls. " Farewell, my dear Christian brethren ! I feel like one who sees his brothers on the brink of a precipice, where he himself found out dangers at which the heart may tremble. But ' let not your heart be troubled.' I have all along presup- posed that the Holy Spirit would be afforded abundantly, and in the use of God's appointed means, in his appointed way. You cannot, as surely as God is true, you cannot fail of his approbation. " Once more, farewell ! and that the God of all mercy may guide you all in your investigations, is the earnest prayer of " Your fellow-member and brother in Christ, "A. F. Ltde." It is unnecessary to add any words in approba- tion of this epistle. It speaks for itself most eloquent- ly. Nor is it necessary to enlarge upon the personal character of its writer. And we would not trespass upon the oflSce of a biographer. It seems, however, while we are collecting here the chief documents which relate to our brother, to be right, as well as agreeable to his friends, to annex in this place a few poetical pieces produced soon after his decease. INTRODUCTION. xxxi <' LINES* "occasioned by the death of the rev. AUGUSTUS F. LYDE. " Why now so sad the halls, where late were heard His admonitions to proclaim the word To heathen nations, to a drowsy world ? Why now are pitying eyes with tears impearled ? And why does each, with anxious, heaving breast, Emotions tell, by language unexpressed ? Lyde is no more ! — The star, which was to beam Through China's mists, and break the sluggish dream Of Pagan hopes, no longer yields its light; — Lyde is no more ! — o'er China still is night. Weep ye, who late were by his counsels led ; Ye, who the cause for Avhich your Saviour bled Loved more because he loved it, o'er the bier Of holy friendship drop the hallowed tear. Weep, heaven-devoted, dedicated band, Who know no other charm nor potent wand, Than Christian fellowship in hopes and fears ; Your loved companion now no longer rears The sacred standard high for distant climes ; — Lyde is no more ! — so speak his muffled chimes. " Weep thou, for whom the richest robe of white, The shining mantle of pure Gospel light, The Son of God provided, honored bride, The Saviour's glory and the Saviour's pride. Yes, Church of God, thy tears should freely flow, Another soldier of the Cross lies low ; Another min'ster from thy altar riven, Has quit thy service to be heir in heaven ; — * From " The Churchman " of December 6th. 1834.. XXXll INTRODUCTION. Mourn for thyself, and for thy children mourn ! The graces for thee gathered, upward borne, No more are used for thee, but for thy son Secure an access to Messiah's throne ; — Mourn for thyself, — thy champion is no more ! He, who thy glory in his wishes bore. Has left the world's cold scorn and chilling frown. To wear in heaven a celestial crown. " But more, much more shouldst thou, O China, sun Of heathen systems, mourn ! else had he won For thee of Christian life and Christian hope the prize. The blessed Gospel, passport to the skies ; His manly voice no more for thee employs Its deepest strains to gain eternal joys : For thy fond children, sharers of the soil Which cost the Saviour's trouble and his toil, The Saviour's passion and the Saviour's breath, He pleaded while in life, he pleads in death ! C. R. A.' « LINES * " UPON THE DEATH OF THE REV. A. F. LYDE. " 'T IS done ; — the weary struggle 's past, — The trembling and the dread; — The darksome vale is left at last. And thou art with the dead ! ' Beauty for ashes,' and the light Of heavenly day for sorrow's night ; For sunken eye and trembling limb, The spirit-shape of Cherubim ; And, for earth's tainted joys, divine And ceaseless ecstasies are thine ! * From " The Churchman '' of December 13th, 1834. INTRODUCTION. XXXlll "We would not mourn thy parting hence, But hail thy happy flight From the low trammellings of sense, And sin's debasing might: We would not, but that o'er the world The clouds of death brood all unfurled, And souls are hurrying wave on wave, And breaking on life's shore, the grave ; And when to this sad scene we turn, 'T is not for thee, but them, we mourn! " For thy touched spirit Avas on fire With an heroic zeal ; God's glory was thy soul's desire. And man's immortal weal ; Thy loins were girt, thy staff in hand, And in thy heart thy Lord's command, And thou wert burning to depart, And light and life and joy impart ; To open in the waste a spring. And make dark China's deserts sing ! " Yes, — now I see thee in our midst. As om- grieved bosoms swell, Shivering Avith feeling as thou bidd'st Thy brethren all farewell ! Again I hear that solemn tone, Which told the struggles thou hadst known ; — 'Quench not the Spirit I' was the word. Which, 'mid thy gushing tears, we heard. Marking, in thy then fervent breath, The hollowness of coming death! * * An allusion to the incidents of the last meeting of the Missionary Society of the General Theological Seminary, of which he was the Presi- XXXlV INTRODUCTION. " Mysterious God ! whose anger hath Issues ofjoy and good ; Who scatterest blessings in thy wrath, And frown'st beatitude ; Whose whirlwinds and whose lightnings bring A blessing on their fearful wing ; Make us to feel, in this the hour Of sorrow's wild and tempting power, How poor the thoughts of erring dust. And that thy judgments all are just ! " Now joy to thee, thou ransomed one ! For thou hast gone on high ; The crown of glory thou hast won. And wed felicity ! The Saviour, who hath led thee here. Through earth's dark wilderness and drear. Shall guide thee, with a friendly hand. Through all that green and better land, Th' unvisioned Paradise above. Where thought is bliss, and life is love ! '^Geiurcd Theological Sevdnanj, N. Y., November 22, 1834," dent. At that time he told us of his hopes and fears; of his hopes, that he might yet be enabled to proceed to China as a missionary, and thus fulfil the warmest wishes of his heart ; — of his fears, that the hand of death was already upon him. After a striking description of the struggle through which he had passed in coming to the determination to go abroad, and ex- pressing the conviction that he had resisted the strivings of the Spirit of God urging him to the work, he concluded with the impressive admoni- tion, not soon to be forgotten by those who heard him, " Quench not the Spirit ! " INTRODUCTION. XXXV « SONNET " SUGGESTED BY THE EPITAPH OF THE LAMENTED LYDE.* "Here sleeps a herald of the Cross, whose voice In hallowed fanes was never lifted up, Whose hands ne'er blessed the sacramental cup, Nor brake the bread, the faithful to rejoice ; And yet he panted with a holy zeal To cross the storm- white wave, and fearless show, To countless worshippers of fabled Fo, That fount, whose waters all pollutions heal. With living faith, and apostolic love. The youthful warrior had prepared to roam, When the sad mandate issued from above. To stay his steps, and call him to his home ; Mourner, weep not ! ' our Father's will be done ! ' He hath some other work to give his son. B. D. W." Upon a plain marble slab, enclosed in the church- yard of St. Peter's church, Philadelphia, may be read this faithful and touching inscription^ prepared by Bishop Doane ofNevv^ Jersey : " Sacred to the Memory of The Reverend Augustus Foster Lyde, A Deacon Of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States ; Who was born in Wilmington, North Carolina, February 4th, 1813; And died in the City of Philadelphia, November 19th, 1834. * It was presented by the writer to a friend of the deceased. Whether it has been ever published, the Editor is not informed. XXX VI INTRODUCTION. It was in his Heart To preach the Gospel to the Chinese ; And for this Service He had offered himself to God, and the Church. But it pleased his Heavenly Father To call him early home, And he died. At 21, Patient, cheerful, victorious, Through the faith Of the Lord Jesus Christ." We will extend this introduction by a few observa- tions upon the literary R^emains of Lyde. As the plan of the Editor of these Remains has nothing to do with the preparation of a memoir of our brother, no effort has been made to collect his correspondence. We may suppose, from his general character, that such a collection, exhibiting the more secret oper- ations of his mind and heart, in familiar' epistolary communications, must be peculiarly interesting. In selecting the materials for the present volume, the Editor has had occasion to revise a number of more formal compositions, such as themes written in Col- lege, and disquisitions upon various subjects, besides essays written during the course of his theological studies, and addresses upon different occasions, also fragments of compositions, and single thoughts pre- served on loose papers. All these pieces exhibit a sound judgment, a habit of patient reflection, a luxu- riant and almost uncontrollable imagination. Some of his later pieces are very elaborate. And the com- parison of them, as written at different periods, while INTRODUCTION. XXXVll all have the same characteristics, evinces the result of constant study and habitual discipline, — a rapid im- provement, enlargement of comprehensiveness, culti- vation of taste. The various prose productions, which have been furnished to the notice of the Editor, show that the elements of his mind were well distributed, and were of a superior class. But the literary Remains, which it becomes the Ed- itor to speak of with more particularity, are Poeti- cal, — what are submitted in the present little volume. The most remarkable characteristic in our brother's mind was depth of sentiment. This principle of senti- ment impressed its influence upon all his mental acts, and gave a peculiarity to even his manners in social life. Gifted with quick perceptions, a discriminating judge of the character of actions and persons, he was moved by the tenderest pity, or the most yearning love, or the most generous enthusiasm, and he was capable of the keenest satire. Owing to this, he was uncommunicative with strangers, but free to converse where he felt sympathy ; he disliked and shunned dis- putation, and gave his opinions sententiously. His poems are full of pure and captivating sentiment, while they are devoid of its opposite, — sentimental- ism. The piece entitled "Home of my Childhood," and the poem entitled "Humility," and that entitled "The Death of Moses," are affecting and beautiful illustrations of this remark. We must observe, that this collection of pieces is not brought forward to compete with the matured and linished productions of professional and educated d XXXVili INTRODUCTION. poets. And yet these pieces have high intrinsic merit. They are irregular many times in their meas- ure. They need the 'Mimae labor et mora," which their Author was never suffered to bestow. They are published as he left them, with all their imperfections. Yet they are filled with "the soul of poetry," and, in many places, their construction is very perfect. We cannot but think, (although it is possible our personal partialities for the Author may blind our judgment,) that these pieces of Lyde will occupy no mean posi- tion on the scale of American poetry. ' They are as yet, in some respects, unique in the history of Ameri- can poetry, — the Remains of a very youthful, and talented, and pious student. Let it be borne in mind, that these pieces were nearly all written before their Author had arrived at eighteen years of age ; and that, when he departed this life, his mind was not fully matured. Habit- uated to but few intimacies, and a student, his fac- ulties could not ripen so rapidly, as in the case of those, who have many companions, and are thrown early into active society. Three or four years more would have developed capacities, of which he was just becoming conscious, when he deceased. And for the last three years of his life he paid but little atten- tion to poetry, from conscientious motives. If he had reviewed these pieces at a short period before his death, they would undoubtedly have been much im- proved. The last piece composed by him was that entitled "Humility," written a year or two previous to his decease ; and he at that time expressed a de- INTRODUCTION. xxxix termination to deny himself thenceforth the enjoy- ment of poetical composition, that he might devote himself more unreservedly to the serious and labori- ous duties which he had chosen. . These Buds, whose stalk was cut down, before they were allowed to expand fully into the shining flower, yet are beautiful, and show how lovely would have been their maturity. We have thought they ought not to wither in darkness and perish, and have at- tempted thus to preserve them for a time. The name of Lyde is already familiar to Episcopalians in this country, and is cherished by them. Removed from the circle of his friends and the prospects of much usefulness in the militant Church, at a very early age, yet, even in this beginning of his days, the origi- nator of the Protestant Episcopal Mission to China ; having a mind richly stored with human learning, and a heart thoroughly imbued with divine grace ; enthusiastic, energetic, refined, he has been fondly remembered, and his loss will be long deplored. To many personal friends, and to many who have heard of him, these simple poems will commend themselves. We cannot better conclude this preface, than by applying to the subject of it, the words, slightly al- tered, of Southey, at the close of his very interest- ing '' Account of the Life of Henry Kirke White," the minute and expressive appropriateness of which has been observed since the title of our little vol- ume was selected. " The reader, who feels any admiration for Lyde, will take some interest in these Remains, because they are his ; he, who shall feel xl INTRODUCTION. none, must have a blind heart, and therefore a blind understanding The very circumstance of his early death gives a new interest to his memory, and thereby new force to his example. Just at that age when the painter would have wished to fix his likeness, and the lover of poetry would delight to contemplate him, in the fair morning of his virtues, the full spring blossom of his hopes, — just at that age hath death set the seal of eternity upon him, and the beautiful hath been made permanent His temper had been irritable in his younger days, but this he had long since effectually overcome. His con- versation was always sober, and to the purpose. That which was most remarkable in him, was his uniform good sense, a faculty perhaps less common than genius. There never existed a more dutiful son, a more affec- tionate brother, a warmer friend, nor a devouter Christian. Of his powers of mind it is superfluous to speak ; they were acknowledged wherever they were known. It would be idle, too, to say, what hopes were entertained of him, and what he might have accomplished in literature. This volume contains specimens of what he has left, immature buds, and blossoms shaken from the tree, and green fruit ; yet will these evince what the harvest would have been, and secure for him a remembrance. ' Thou soul of God's best earthly mould, Thou happy soul ! and can it be That these Are all that must remain of thee ? ' Wordsworth." INTRODUCTION. xli The following tribute to the memory of our friend has been kindly furnished for insertion in this vol- ume, by one who knew him well, the distinguished American poetess, Mrs. Sigourney. Its justice is equalled only by its beauty. AUGUSTUS FOSTER LYDE. Thou wert a musing student o'er thy book, When first I saw thee. Yet the eagle's wing Soars not more duly sunward, than thy mind From cliff to cliff of knowledge urged its way, Kindling and glorying at the proud career. A ripe, rare spirit wrought within thy form Of boyish beauty. But thy glance grew deep, Feeding on secret, solitary thought, With speechless joy. For thou didst hear that voice From voiceless Nature, — in the wind that swept Around thy cloistered casement, in the stream Freshening the foliage of yon classic grove, And in the whisper of the lone wild flower, — Which none but poets hear. Thy wakened lyre, Sweet son of song ! won thee warm brotherhood With many a loving heart. Yet not the realm Of ancient Learning, thronged with classic shapes, Nor rose-wreathed Poesy's delightful bowers. Contented thee. Thy soul had holier aims, And from Castalian waters meekly turned To the pure brook that kissed thy Saviour's feet, xUi INTRODUCTION. What time to dark-browed Olivet he went For lowly prayer. And ever o'er thine hour Of deep devotion China's millions stole, Blind, wandering, lost. And then thou didst dismiss The host of pleasant fancies, that so long Had made thy pilgrimage a music-strain, And for the outcast heathen pledge thy life, A diamond, to the treasury of thy Lord. — Heaven took the pledge; — yet not for weary years Of toil, and pain, and age : — there was a flush On thy young cheek, — a fire within thine eye, — A failing of the footstep, that was wont To tread green earth so firm and buoyantly, — A wasting of the half-ethereal clay; — Heaven took the pledge, and thou art all its own. h. H. S, POETICAL REMAINS OF AUGUSTUS FOSTER LYDE " Nam vitiis nemo sine nascitur j optimus illc est, Q,ui minimis urgetur." HoR. Sat. I. III. 68, 1 ' Hushed is the Lyre, — the hand, that swept The low and pensive wires, Robbed of its cunning, from the task retires. 'Yes, — it is still, — the Lyre is still 5 The spirit, which its slumbers broke, Hath passed away, . 'Yet I would press you to my lips once more, Ye wild, ye withering flowers of poesy ; Yet would I drink the fragrance which ye pour, Mixed with decaying odors." H. K. White. TO MESSRS. LOCKWOOD, HANSON, AND BOONE, MISSIONARIES IN CHINA OF THE PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH IN THE UNITED STATES TO THE SURVIVING MEMBERS OF THE CLASS WHICH GRADUATED IN THE YEAR 1834 FROM THE GENERAL THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY OF THE PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH IN THE UNITED STATES ] AND TO THE ALUMNI GENERALLY OF THE SAME INSTITUTION ; THIS MEMORIAL OF LYDE IS DEDICATED BY T. H. V. The memory of the just is blessed." ' These honors, Lyre, we yet may keep 5 I, still unknown, may live with thee, And gentle zephyr's wing will sweep Thy solemn string, where low I sleep. Beneath the alder tree. 'This little dirge will please me more Than the full requiem's swelling pealj I 'd rather, than that crowds should sigh For me, that from some kindred eye The trickling tear should steal." H. K. White. POETICAL REMAINS STANZA, PREFATORY TO HIS ALBUM.* Fair is the wreath round friendship's brow entwined, Friendship, so dear to every noble mind ; Earth were a wilderness, her power once lost ; Man, a sad shipwreck o'er life's ocean tost. * In the remainder of this volume the notes are by the Editor. As these poems were many of them written upon detached sheets and scraps of paper, and the rest copied carelessly into an Album, the Editor has been obliged frequently to furnish their titles. The age of our Author, when the several pieces were composed, will be given, whenever it can be done. The stanza above was written when he was about fourteen j'ears of age. 1^ HOME OF MY CHILDHOOD.* He gave to memory all he had, — a tear; He gained from Heaven, 't was all he wished, a friend. Gray. Far o'er the billows, — far away, My heart, my hopes, my wishes stray ; By night, — by day, — bright visions come. To tell me of an absent home. Home of my childhood ! though I rove Far, — far from those whom most I love, My tearful eye shall ever be Fixed gazingly alone on thee ! Friends of my youth ! who loved to share The sorrows of a falling tear. Back to that sunny home ye 've gone, And left me friendless and alone ! Alone ! alone ! not one whose breast May pillow all my care to rest ! And, when this bosom beats so high, May calm it with one kindly sigh ! Kind Grandsire ! on whose trembling knee I 've prattled oft an infant's glee. Whose glistening eye so often smiled Upon thy fondled, favored child, — * Written, probably, at sixteen. HOME OF MY CHILDHOOD. Thou, who would'st bend thine aged head, And weep above my feverish bed, — Thou, in whose kind and throbbing heart I held the fondest — dearest part, — Oh ! if to happy souls 't is given, To wander from the joys of Heaven, Then bring a blessing with thee now, And lay it on this beating brow ! That sunny beach ! — that sloping shore ! Where I have seen the ocean pour Its legioned billows, to uptear The bounds its Maker planted there ! Ye winds ! whose wings so soon will reach The quiet of that moaning beach ! Tell it, — the boy remembers yet, He never — never can forget. Home of my childhood ! could I stand Once more upon thy sea-washed strand, Nor wealth, nor fame, nor joy, nor pain, Should tear me from that spot again. Far o'er the billows, far away. To thee my heart's best wishes stray! — I loved thee much, — I loved too well ; Farewell to thee ! farewell ! farewell ! YOUTHFUL ATTACHMENTS.* In the bright sunshine of our happiness, When all above, around, beneath, is bliss, When innocence and loveliness combine To please the heart round which they fondly twine, 'Mid those glad hours there smiles one fairy spot, Man in his day-dreams never yet forgot. Round which, on fancy's wing he lingers still, To soothe the thoughts of past and present ill : And as at last he slowly from them turns, — Like widowed dove, whose breast instinctive burns For those she loves, — his grief-torn heart still strays O'er the bright visions of those happy days. Which, like fair jewels in some wilderness. Shine 'mong the mouldering ruins of his peace. Then hear the simple tale of youth again, — 'T will while away a moment not in vain, — 'T will bring to mind the happy past once more, And help to live departed pleasures o'er. Does the lone mariner, at midnight hour. When heaving billows brave the seaman's power, Think oft with sadness of his smiling home, And vow in silence never thence to roam, * Written at fifteen^ and delivered at an exhibition of the 0. B.