DIVERSITY Of WORTH CAROL INA ^@hool of Libr&ry Science Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2012 with funding from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hil http://archive.org/details/usefulannieotherOOphil USEFUL ANNIE. AND OTHER VERSES FOR CHILDREN. PHILADELPHIA: HENRY LONGSTKETH, 847 MARKET STREET. 1857. SHERMAN & SON. PRINTERS 19 Si. J times Street. 8524G4 VERSES FOR CHILDREN. USEFUL ANNIE. Happy Annie ! useful Annie ! Never cheerless, — never dull ; Toils she has, and cares a many, Yet a heart of gladness full. Annie is a poor man's daughter ; And her tender mother had, Almost from a baby, taught her That the useful are the glad. USEFUL ANNIE. Soon her small hands, round and rosy, Learned to fill her porridge bowl ; And to pluck the Sabbath posy, For her father's button-hole. Soon to twine the sweet clematis, Trimly round the window sill ; And to train the "painted ladies,"* And to tie the bright jonquil. Soon to pull the water-cresses ; Choosing each with skill and care, From the brooklet's weedy tresses, Tangled in confusion there. And as Annie older groweth, Cares increase on every side ; But the stream of joy still floweth, And its founts are multiplied. * Sweet Peas. USEFUL ANNIE. When the light of morning breaketh, Early on the purple hill, From her pillow she upwaketh, While the lambs are sleeping still. And she moveth softly — lightly, Lest the baby be aroused ; But her step grows quick and sprightly, When the cottage door is closed. With her pitcher lightly poised, Hastes she to the forest spring ; Not the woodlark sweeter voiced, As the twain, in concert, sing. Ah ! she has no time to linger With the woodlark by the well ; Household duties quickly bring her Back, with dearer things to dwell. USEFUL ANNIE. At her touch the cold hearth glistens With the crackling fagot bright ; And the wakened baby listens, Laughing, crowing, with delight. While the merry kettle hummeth, With a good old-fashioned hiss, From his work the father cometh, With his blessing, and a kiss. Sweet and kindly, blithe and cheery, Is the morning's first repast, Ere men's hearts and hands grow weary, With the sunshine or the blast ! Countless duties quickly call her, As the hours of morning move ; But her burden cannot gall her, For "the yoke is lined with love." USEFUL ANNIE. While the idle soon grow fretful, Long ere noontide, tired and sad, Annie finds, though self-forgetful, That the useful are the glad ! Like some pleasant stream that floweth, Cheering, brightening, as it goes, While itself but little knoweth Aught of all the good it does, Onward moves she, little guessing Half the solace and the cheer, Half the comfort, and the blessing, Which she scatters, wide and near. Yet, how many a flower would wither, If the pleasant stream be dried ! And how many hearts, together, Would lament, if Annie died ! GOD EVERYWHERE. God made the world, — in every land His love and power abound : All are protected by His hand, As well as British ground. The Indian hut, the British cot, Alike His care must own ; Though savage nations know Him not, But worship wood and stone. He sees and governs distant lands, And constant bounty pours, From wild Arabia's burning sands To Lapland's frozen shores. GOD EVERYWHERE. In forest shades and silent plains, Where feet have never trod, There, in majestic power, He reigns, An ever-present God. All the inhabitants of earth, Who dwell beneath the sun, Of different nations, name, and birth, He knows them every one. Alike the rich and poor are known, The cultured and the wild; The lofty monarch on the throne, And every little child. While He regards the wise and fair, The noble and the brave, He listens to the beggar's prayer, And the poor negro slave. 10 GOD EVERYWHERE. He knows the worthy and the vile, And sends His mercies down ; None are too mean to share His smile, Or to provoke His frown. Great God ! and since thy piercing eye My inmost heart can see, Teach me from every sin to fly, And turn that heart to Thee. 11 EAELY PIETY. Some little children, young in years, Their bless'd Redeemer know, And when they're naughty, precious tears For having grieved Him, flow. Then tenderness and heavenly love With peace rest in their mind, And all their little ways do prove That God's love makes them kind. And often, when they sit alone, His Spirit makes them pray ; The Shepherd's voice to them is known, They hear it, and obey. 12 EARLY PIETY. And in the darkness of the night. Whilst on their beds they lie, They feel the darkness and the light Are open to His eye. And sometimes tears of heavenly joy Upon their face are seen ; Sweet, silent tears ! without alloy, That flow where God has been. And not unheeded do they flow, The children's contrite sigh And humble tears, the Lord doth know, He hears their plaintive cry. Father of all ! he soothes their woe, And is forever nigh. 13 THE SWALLOWS. Where are the swallows gone, mamma ? I have missed them many a day! And there were so many ! what could it be That has frightened them all away? The robins and sparrows still come to our door, But the beautiful swallows are seen no more. They are gone, my boy, to a warmer clime, Over the deep, deep sea, Where the Summer in all its glorious prime, Still smiles upon lake and tree ; Where the sunbeams dance mid the gushing springs- They are there, my boy, with their glancing wings. 14 THE SWALLOWS. But who told them, mamma, which way to go, In search of that sunny land ? Oh ! how could such tiny creatures know What I hardly understand ? Their eyes could not see that far-off sky, Then how could they know which way to fly ? God was their teacher, my wondering child, And He watched o'er each tiny thing ; He led them aright o'er the watery wild, And strengthened each weary wing. That God, whose words in the Scriptures tell Of a cloudless land where we too may dwell. And He warns us that here, in this changeful earth, We must quit our dwelling soon ; But He points to a Heaven, where no pain has birth, And He offers to guide us home. But let this, my sweet one, a lesson be, — The fowls of the air have more faith than we. 15 THE TWO PILGRIMS. Two little pilgrims on their way, I met upon life's road one day ; One wished for earthly pleasures given, The other asked the way to Heaven. 0, happy was the child who trod The path that upward leads to God ! Thrice happy ! for the Saviour's voice Allured him on and blest his choice. But ah ! that poor mistaken one, Who chose the fatal race to run ! I saw him tread on ruin's verge, And heard below the roaring surge. 16 BEWARE. How low he fell I could not see ! Haste thou, the path of danger flee : These pilgrims and their choice survey, Behold their end, and choose thy way. BEWARE. " A little theft, a small deceit, Too often leads to more ; 'Tis hard at first, but tempts the feet, As through an open door. Just as the broadest rivers run From small and distant springs : The greatest crimes that men have done, Have grown from little things." 17 TRUST IN PROVIDENCE. On a bridge I was standing one morning, And watching the current roll by, When suddenly into the water There fell an unfortunate fly. The fishes that swam to the surface, Were looking for something to eat ; And I thought that the helpless young insect Would surely afford them a treat. " Poor thing," I exclaimed, with compassion, " Thy trials and dangers abound, For if thou escap'st being eaten, Thou canst not escape being drowned." 2 18 TRUST IN PROVIDENCE. No sooner the sentence was spoken, Than lo ! like an angel of love, I saw, to the waters beneath me, A leaflet descend from above. It glided serene on the streamlet : 'Twas an ark to the poor little fly ; Which, soon to the land reascending, Spread its wings in the breezes to dry. Oh ! sweet was the truth that was whispered, That mortals should never despair ; For He who takes care of an insect, Much more for his children will care. And though, to our short-sighted vision, No way of escape may appear ; Let us trust, for when least we expect it, The help of "our Father" is near. 19 THE GREEN PASTURES. I walked in a field of fresh clover this morn, Where lambs played so merrily under the trees, Or rubbed their soft coats on a naked old thorn, Or nibbled their clover, or rested at ease : And under the hedge ran a clear-water brook, To drink from when thirsty, or weary with play ; And so gay did the daisies and butterflies look, That I thought little lambs must be happy all day ! And when I remembered the beautiful Psalm, That tells of the Lord, and his pastures so green, I know He is willing to make me His lamb, And happier, far, than the lambs I had seen. 20 THE GREEN PASTURES. If I drink of the waters, so peaceful and still, That flow in His fields, I forever shall live ; If I love Him, and seek His commands to fulfil, A place in His sheepfold to me He will give. The lambs are at peace in the field where they play, The long summer day in contentment they spend ; But happier I, if in God's holy way, I try to walk always with Christ for my friend. 21 « LOVE ONE ANOTHER.'' Children, do you love each other ? Are you always kind and true ? Do you always do to others As you'd have them do to you ? Are you gentle to each other ? Are you careful, day by daj r , Not to give offence by actions, Or by any thing you say ? Little children, love each other, Never give another pain ; If your brother speak in anger, Answer not in wrath again. 22 another's faults. Be not selfish to each other, — Never mar another's rest ; Strive to make each other happy, And you will yourselves be blest. ANOTHER'S FAULTS. What are another's faults to me ? I've not a vulture's bill, To pick at every flaw I see, And make it wider still. It is enough for me to know I've follies of my own, And on my heart the care bestow And let my friends alone. A MINUTE. A minute ! how soon it is flown, And yet how important it is ! God calls every moment his own, For all our existence is His ; And though we may waste them in folly and play, He notices each that we squander away. Why should we a minute despise ? Because it so quickly is o'er ? We know that it rapidly flies, And therefore should prize it the more : Another, indeed, may appear in its stead, But that precious moment forever is fled. 24 A MINUTE. 'Tis easy to squander our years, In idleness, folly, or strife ; But oh ! no repentance or tears, Can bring back one moment of life. But time, if well spent, and improved as it goes, Will render life pleasant, and peaceful its close. And when all the minutes are past, Which God for our portion has given, We shall cheerfully welcome the last, If it safely conduct us to Heaven. 25 THE SPARROW. "Who formed the little sparrow, And gave him wings to fly ? Who shields him from the arrow When flying in the sky ? Oar Father, God, who reigns in heaven, By whom are all our blessings given. And who a dress provides him, So beautiful and warm ? Who in the shelter hides him Amid the raging storm ? Our Father, God, extends his care Through heaven and earth, and sea and air 25 THE SPARROW. And who so gently leads him Far from the fowler's snare ? And who so kindly feeds him, And shows such tender care ? Our Father, God, who stoops to show His grace to creatures here below. Does God full many a favor To little sparrows give ? And shall we not endeavor By Faith on Him to live ? Our Father, God, who reigns above, Is worthy of our highest love. 27 THE CHILD'S DESIRE. Jesus said, "Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me." — Matt. 19 : 14. 1 think when I read that sweet story of old, When Jesus was here amongst men, II ow He called little children as lambs to His fold, I should like to have been with them then. I wish that His hand had been placed on my head, That His arm had been thrown around me, And that I might have heard His kind voice when He said, " Let the little ones come unto me." 28 the child's desire. Yet still to His footstool in prayer I may go, And ask for a share in His love ; And if I thus earnestly seek Him below, I shall see Him and hear Him above, In that beautiful place He has gone to prepare. For all who are washed and forgiven ; And many dear children are gathering there, " For of such is the kingdom of Heaven." I long for the joy of that glorious time, The sweetest, and brightest, and best, When the dear little children of every clime Shall crowd to His arms, and be blest. 29 THE WORM; OR, THE DUTY OF HUMANITY. Turn, turn thy hasty foot aside, Nor crush that helpless worm ! The frame thy wayward looks deride, Required a God to form. The common Lord of all that move, From whom thy being flowed, A portion of His boundless love On that poor worm bestowed. The sun, the moon, the stars, He made For all His creatures free ; And spread o'er earth the grassy blade For worms as well as thee. 30 HONORING PARENTS. Let them enjoy their little day, Their humble bliss receive : Oh ! do not lightly take away The life thou canst not give. HONORING PARENTS. My Father and Mother, how faithful and tender To me they have been, ever since I remember ; I must hear their instructions, and heed what they say. And all their commands I must strive to obey. THE STORK'S LESSON. See the Stork laborious tending, Onward through the vaulted sky, "Neath those aged pinions bending, That had taught his own to fly. Still his parents' burden bearing, Patient o'er the trackless way ; Fondly for their comfort caring, Never wearied, night or day. Father, when thy head is hoary, When thine eye is dim with shade, Will it be my aim and glory Thy declining steps to aid ? 32 the stork's lesson. Mother, when thy spirits languish, When thy strength and youth are spent, Shall I seek to soothe thine anguish, Thou who o'er my cradle bent ? Ever tireless, kind, and tender, Shall I watch lest they be grieved ; And the same affections render, That I once from them received ? Blessed lesson, gentle teacher, May it not be lost on me, Lest a simple winged creature Should my just reprover be. 33 " WEE WISE WILLIE." "Wee Willie was a thoughtful lad ; A pale and placid face he had, So pensive — it was almost sad. But when he smiled, there was a look That sparkled like a bubbling brook Of gladness, in some secret nook. The flush of health, with ruddy streak, Had never crossed his pallid cheek, Yet was he placid, cheerful, meek. Inured to pain from infant days, He never joined in childhood's plays, Nor seem'd a child, in mind or ways. 3 34 a WEE WISE WILLIE." Yet never seemed to think his joys Were fewer than were other boys', Nor grudged he them their fun and noise. His silent pleasures were to him, Nor wearisome, nor dull, nor dim, — A cup whose waters kissed the brim ! A blade of grass beneath a shower, — The stone-crop on the old kirk tower, — The shadow underneath a flower, — A gleam of light, — a drop of dew, — The darkening of a berry's hue, — His silent contemplation drew. He knew each common herb and plant, JCach small bird's song, and name, and haunt, Ere it had finished half a chant. "WEE WISE WILLIE." 35 Each planet's course he could define, And knew what groups of stars would shine, And knew the zodiac's every sign. He knew the outlet and the source Of every streamlet's whimpling course, Adown the glen and past the moors. His footstep was so soft to hear, That fearful creatures lost their fear, And seem'd to love his coming near. The timid hare just stopped to see What gentle rustle it might be, Then ate her supper leisurely. The rabbit skurried as before, Amongst the bracken on the r Until its fit of fan was o'er. 36 "WEE WISE WILLIE." The tawny field-mouse saw him pass, And never stirred from where he was, But sat and ate his ear of grass. And when he laid him down to rest, The little wren with golden crest, Did sit and watch him, from her nest. The squirrels loved and trusted him, And came to sip the forest stream, Though he were close beside its brim. And other boys, though rude and wild, Looked up to him, so sweet and mild, As more an angel than a child ! He cooled the flush of angry pride, And made harsh wranglings to subside, And fists, hard clenched, to open wide. "WEE "WISE WILLIE." 37 The poacher hid away his gun, Lest it should pain that gentle one, To think what evil it had done. And lawless boys he could constrain To let the linnet's nest remain, And put the nestlings back again. His gentle nature even told On passions dark, and bad, and bold, In creatures of inferior mould. The brindled mastiff, rough and grim, Swelling with rage in every limb, Would sleeken when he looked at him. His influence o'er the will and mind Lay not in being good and kind ; Subdued by suffering, and refined,. "WEE WISE WILLIE. But in a heaven-imparted grace, The shining of his Saviour's face, Which left, on every look, its trace. It was a solemn sight, they say, To watch him, on a Sabbath day, When evening on the mountains lay, Reclining on some grassy mound, Telling to children, cluster'd round, What a dear Saviour he had found. And gray-hair'd list'ners oft would hide, Behind the yew-tree at his side, To hear him tell why Jesus died. But soon a message, full of love, Came downward from the courts above, And called him thither to remove. "WEE WISE WILLIE." 39 He heard it, — and no longer had That look so pensive, — almost sad, — His face grew radiant, then, and glad. It was a very narrow stream, Betwixt his heavenly rest and him, For he had lived beside its brim. So passed he, almost dry-shod, o'er ; And landed on that blissful shore, Where pain is banished, evermore.* His course was finished. Nor complain That his earth-mission was in vain, Though wrought in weariness and pain. His silent footsteps left their dint In hidden nooks ; — a hallowed print ! A line of light, of heavenly tint ! f " Neither shall there be any more pain." — Revelations, 21:4. 40 THE CHILD'S WISH. I want to be an Angel, And with the Angels stand, A crown upon my forehead, A harp within my hand. There, right before my Saviour, So glorious and so bright, I'd wake the sweetest music, And praise Him day and night. I never should be weary, Nor ever shed a tear, Nor ever know a sorrow, Nor ever feel a fear ; But blessed, pure, and holy, I'd dwell in Jesus' sight, THE CHILD'S WISH. 41 And with ten thousand thousands, Praise Him both day and night. I know I'm weak and sinful, But Jesus will forgive ; For many little children Have gone to heaven to live. Dear Saviour, when I languish, And lay me down to die, send a shining Angel To bear me to the sky. Oh ! there I'll be an Angel, And with the Angels stand, A crown upon my forehead, A harp within my hand ; And there, before my Saviour, So glorious and so bright, I'll join the heavenly music, And praise Him day and night. 42 CHILDREN AT THE GATE OF HEAVEN. Little travellers Zionward, Each one entering into rest, In the kingdom of your Lord, In the mansions of the blest ; There, to welcome, Jesus waits, Gives the crowns his followers win : Lift your heads, ye golden gates ! Let the little travellers in ! Who are they, whose little feet, Pacing life's dark journey through, Now have reached that heavenly seat They had ever kept in view ? CIIILDEEN AT THE GATE OF HEAVEN. 43 " I from Greenland's frozen strand ;" " I from India's sultry plain ;" " I from Afric's barren sand ;" " I from islands of the main." " All our earthly journey past, Every tear and pain gone by, Here together met at last, At the portal of the sky, Each the welcome ' Come !' awaits, Conquerors over death and sin." Lift your heads, ye golden gates ! Let the little travellers in ! 44 THE STRAYED LAMB. Matt. 18 : 12, 13. A giddy lamb, one afternoon, Had from the fold departed ; The tender Shepherd missed it soon, And sought it, broken-hearted ; Not all the flock, that shared his love, Could from the search delay him ; Nor clouds of midnight darkness move, Nor fear of suffering stay him. But, night and day, he went his way, In sorrow, till he found it ; And when he saw it fainting lie, He clasped his arms around it ; THE STRAYED LAMB. 45 And closely sheltered in his breast, From every ill to save it, He brought it to his home of rest, And pitied, and forgave it. And so the Saviour will receive The little ones that fear Him ; Their pains remove, their sins forgive, And draw them gently near Him ; Bless while they live, and when they die, When soul and body sever, Conduct them to His home on high, To dwell with Him forever. ' 46 I OFTEN SAY MY PRAYERS. I often say my prayers, But do I ever pray ? Or do the wishes of my heart Dictate the words I say ? 'Tis useless to implore, Unless I feel I need ; Unless 'tis from a sense of want That all my words proceed. I might as well kneel down, And worship gods of stone, As offer to the living God A prayer of words alone. I OFTEN SAY MY PRAYERS. 47 Lord, teach me what I want, And teach me how to pray ; Nor let me e'er implore thy grace, Not feeling what I say. Doth not each rain-drop help to form The cool refreshing shower ; And every ray of light to warm And beautify the flower ? Then let each child its influence give, Lord, to truth and Thee ; So shall its power by all be felt, However small it be. 4S CONSIDER THE LILIES. See the Lily on the bed, Hanging down its modest head ; While it scarcely can be seen, Folded in its leaf of green. Pretty lilies seem to be Emblems of humility. 'Tis not beauty that we prize, — Like a summer flower it dies ; But humility will last, Fair and sweet when beauty 's past And the Saviour, from above, Views an humble child with love. 49 "MY FATHER'S AT THE HELM," The curling waves, with artful roar. A little bark assailed, And pallid fear's distracting power O'er all on board prevailed ; Save one — the captain's darling child. Who steadfast viewed the storm, And cheerful, with composure smiled At danger's threatening form. " Why sport'st thou thus," a seaman cried. " While terrors overwhelm ?" " Why should I fear ?" the boy replied. "My father's at the helm!" 4 50 my father's at the helm. So when our worldly all is reft, Our earthly helper gone, We still have one true anchor left, — God helps, and He alone. He to our prayers will bend an ear, He gives our pangs relief; He turns to smiles each trembling tear, To joy each torturing grief. Then turn to Him mid sorrows wild, When wants and woes o'erwhelm, Eememb'ring, like the fearless child, Our Father's at the helm. 51 THE MEADOWS. We'll go to the meadows where cowslips do grow, And buttercups, looking as yellow as gold, And daisies and violets beginning to blow ; For it is a most beautiful sight to behold. The little bee humming about them is seen, The butterfly merrily dances along, The grasshopper chirps in the hedges of green, And the linnet is singing his liveliest song. The birds and the insects are happy and gay, The beasts of the field they are glad, and rejoice ; And we will be thankful to God every day, And praise His great name in a loftier voice. He made the green meadows, He planted the flowers, He sent His bright sun in the heavens to blaze ; He created these wonderful bodies of ours, And as long as we live we will sing of His praise. 52 OMNISCIENCE AND OMNIPRESENCE. Father of Spirits, Nature's God, Our thoughts are known to Thee ; Thou, Lord, canst hear each idle word, And every action see. In vain may guilt attempt to fly, Concealed by darkest night ; One glance from thy all-piercing eye Can bring it all to light. Search Thou our hearts, and there destroy Each secret bosom sin ; And fit us for those realms of joy, That we may enter in. GIVE TO HIM THAT ASKETH THEE. Matt. 5 : 42. ! stay not thy hand, when the winter winds rude, Blow cold through the dwelling of want and despair, To ask if misfortune has come to the good, Or if folly has wrought the wreck that is there. When the heart-stricken wanderer asks thee for bread, In suffering he bows to necessity's laws ; When the wife moans in sadness, the children unfed, The cup must be bitter — oh ask not the cause. When the Saviour of men raised his finger to heal, Did He ask if the sufferer were Gentile or Jew ? When the thousands were fed with the bountiful meal, Did He give it alone to the faithful and few ? 54 HUMILITY. scan not too closely the frailties of those, "Whose bosoms may bleed on a cold winter's day, But give to the friendless who tells thee his woes, And from him that would borrow, turn not away ! HUMILITY. The bird that soars on highest wing, Builds on the ground her lowly nest ; And she that doth most sweetly sing, Sings in the shade when all things rest. In lark and nightingale we see What honor hath humility. 55 EVENING TWILIGHT. I love to steal awhile away, From every cumbering care, And spend the hours of setting day, In humble, grateful prayer. I love in solitude to shed, The penitential tear, And all His promises to plead, Where none but God can hear. I love to think on mercies past, And future good implore, And all my cares and sorrows cast On Him whom I adore. 56 EVENING TWILIGHT. I love by faith to take a view Of brighter scenes in Heaven ; The prospect doth my strength renew While here by tempests driven. Thus, when life's toilsome day is o'er. May its departing ray Be calm as this impressive hour, And lead to endless day. 57 WHAT SHALL I WISH THEE? What shall I wish thee, my darling boy ? Shall I wish thee a life of unclouded joy, — That the hours shall pass like the summer wind, And leave not a trace of v^oe behind ? Not this, my child. Shall I wish my boy the noble heir To mines of gold and to jewels rare, — A mighty place in the world's estate, And a lofty home with the wealthy great ? Not this, my child. Shall I wish for thee an honored name, That shall stand on the golden rolls of fame ; That thy deeds may be echoed along Time's shore, Till the echoes of Time shall be heard no more ? Not this, my child. 58 WnAT SHALL I WISH THEE? But oh ! for my child, an humble seat On Calvary's Mount, at Jesus' feet ; And a home, at last, in the happy plains Where the glorious Saviour ever reigns. God grant thee this Think not that conquest hath only a dower, For such as can reach to the pinacled tower ; High climbers, high flyers, may slip, and may fall, While the slow and the steady may distance them all. Doing our duty, and filling our part, Lightens the footstep, and gladdens the heart. 59 HEAVEN. We speak of the realms of the blest, That country so bright and so fair, And oft are its glories confessed ; But what must it be to be there ! We speak of its pathways of gold, Its walls decked with jewels so rare, Its wonders and pleasure untold ; But what must it be to be there ! We speak of its freedom from sin, From sorrow, temptation, and care, From trials without and within ; But what must it be to be there ! 60 HEAVEN. We speak of its service of love, The robes which the glorified wear 3 The songs of the blessed above ; But what must it be to be there ! Do thou, Lord, midst pleasure or woe, For Heaven our spirits prepare, That shortly we also may know, And feel what it is to be there ! 61 BE KIND. Be kind to thy father ; for when thou wert young Who loved thee so fondly as he ? He caught the first accents that fell from thy tongue, And joined in thine innocent glee. Be kind to thy father ; for now he is old, His locks intermingled with gray ; His footsteps are feeble, once fearless and bold, — Thy father is passing away. Be kind to thy mother ; for lo ! on her brow, May traces of sorrow be seen ; well mayst thou cherish and comfort her now, For loving and kind hath she been. Remember thy mother ; for thee will she pray, As long as God giveth her breath ; 62 BE KIND. With accents of kindness then cheer her lone way, E'en to the dark valley of death. Be kind to thy brother ; his heart will have dearth If the smile of thy love be withdrawn ; The bright flowers of feeling will fade at their birth, If the dew of affection be gone. Be kind to thy brother; wherever you are, The love of a brother shall be An ornament purer and richer by far, Than pearls from the depths of the sea. Be kind to thy sister ; not many may know, The depth of true sisterly love ; The wealth of the ocean lies fathoms below The surface that sparkles above. Thy kindness shall bring to thee many sweet hours, And blessings thy pathway to crown ; Affection shall weave thee a garland of flowers, More precious than wealth or renown. 63 BUY THE TRUTH. Go thou, in life's fair morning, Go, in the bloom of youth, And buy, for thine adorning, The precious pearl of truth. Secure this heavenly treasure, And bind it on thy heart, And let no worldly pleasure E'er cause it to depart. Go, while the daystar shineth, Go, while thy heart is light, Go, ere thy strength declineth, While every sense is bright. 64 BUY THE TRUTH. Sell all thou hast and buy it, 'Tis worth all earthly things, Rubies and gold and diamonds, Sceptres and crowns of kings. Go, ere the cloud of sorrow Steal o'er the bloom of youth, Defer not till to-morrow, Go now, and buy the truth. Go, seek thy great Creator, Learn early to be wise ; Go, place upon the altar A morn in g sacrifice. 65 THE WASP IN THE PEAR. It was near to the close of an autumn day, When Willy ran into the orchard to play ; Or rather, to look if perchance there might be A pear that had dropped from his favorite tree ; So thither he scampered, and presently found A beautiful one, which lay there on the ground. Its colors were rich, and he knew it was sweet ; So he seized it with joy, and began it to eat. ! how happy was he thus its juices to taste ; But alas ! his enjoyment was speedily chased, For a wasp was concealed in the pulp of the pear, And Willy soon painfully found it was there ; 5 65 THE WASP IN THE PEAR. For, pressed in his mouth, the passionate thing Pierced his tongue and his lips with its venomous sting. With screams and with tears to his mother he ran, Who at once to reprove and relieve him began ; And the means which a mother knows how to employ, Soon abated the pain of her much-beloved boy. But she thought an event which such anguish had caused, Bestowed an occasion too good to be lost, For storing with cautions the mind of her son, Which might guide and preserve him as life should roll on. "Ah ! Willy," she said, "there are hundreds of things That are lovely without, but within have their stings. When Pleasure allures thee, take heed of her snare, Else, oft thou wilt find there's a wasp in the pear. Thus the drink of the drunkard doth thousands entice; How transient the pleasure, how fearful its price ! THE WASP IN THE PEAR. 67 Health, money, friends, peace, are but part of the cost; Reputation and life, and the soul, too, are lost. The joy of an hour or two, after it brings Guilt, piercing the conscience with terrible stings. In this world the anguish is oftentimes great, But a doom far more dreadful doth drunkards await. then, Willy, when tempted to taste it, beware ; And always remember the wasp in the pear." G8 THE HONEST BOY. Once there was a little boy, With curly hair and pleasant eye ; A boy who always told the truth, And never, never told a lie. And when he trotted off to school, The children all about would cry, :i There goes the curly-headed boy, The boy that never tells a lie." And every body loved him so, Because he always told the truth, That every day as he grew up, 'Twas said, " There goes the honest youth." TnE HONEST BOY. 69 And when the people that stood near. Would turn to ask the reason why, The answer would be always this, " Because he never tells a lie." ASPIRATIONS FOR YOUTH. Help me while I yet am young, Gracious Saviour, every day, To watch my heart, my eyes, my tongue, All I do, and think, and say. I would depart from sin-j 0, aid me to depart ; Thou who canst make me pure within, Come, sanctify my heart. 70 THE LITTLE CANDLE. Cheerfully the little work-girl sat, And swift her needle flew ; While the dark shadows of the night, Their gloom around her threw. A little light alone was hers, As there she sat and wrought ; And well she knew how dear to prize, What her own toil had bought. " I must be quick," she musing said, " My little candle wanes, And swiftly must my task go on, While yet its light remains." And then she plied, with wondrous skill, The little shining steel ; THE LITTLE CANDLE. 71 And every ray of that small light Smiled on her patient zeal. Ere the last glimmer died away, Her task was neatly clone : Sweet was her rest, and joy to her Came with the morning sun. Ah ! is not life a little light, That soon will cease to burn; And should not we, from that dear girl, A solemn lesson learn ? While yet our little candle shines, Be all our powers employed; And while we strive to do our task, Life shall be best enjoyed. And let us ne'er in darkened hours, Forget what Christ hath done, But patient in sweet hope await The glorious rising sun. 72 FOR A LITTLE CHILD. Lord, look upon a little child, By nature sinful, rude, and wild ; Oh ! put Thy gracious hands on me, And make me all I ought to be. Make me Thy child, a child of God, Washed in my precious Saviour's blood ; And my whole heart from sin set free, A little vessel fit for Thee. A star of early dawn, and bright, Shining within with sacred light ; A beam of grace to all around, A little spot of hallow'd ground. A G A I N S T V A N I T Y. Jo Oh Jesus, take me to Thy breast, And bless me, then I shall be blest ; Both when I wake, and when I sleep, Thy little lamb in safety keep. AGAINST VANITY. How proud we are, how fond to show Our clothes, and call them rich and new ; When the poor sheep and silk-worm wore That very clothing long before. The tulip and the butterfly Appear in gayer coats than I ; Let me be dressed fine as I will, Flies, worms, and flowers, exceed me still. 71 TRY AGAIN. Gentle young maidens, and brave little men, Never despair ! try again and again ! Life hath no royal bowers, fair to behold, Draped with vermilion, and paved with gold. Duty's no garden-path, sodded with moss, Smoothed from the rugged, the crooked, the cross. Time hath no space to be languid or weary ; Forward, the march of the hopeful and cheery ! Not to the swift is the battle of life, Not to the strong is the guerdon of strife, Not to the proud is the crown of success, Not for the haughty brow honor's caress. Only the patient, the steadfast, and lowly, Win the true wreath that is fadeless and holy ; The bold and ambitious may strive all in vain. The goal will be reached but by trying again. 75 ANGRY WORDS. Angry words ! 0, let them never From the tongue unbridled slip ; May the heart's last impulse ever Check them, ere they soil the lip. Love is much too pure and holy, Friendship is too sacred far, For a moment's reckless folly, Thus to desolate and mar. Angry words are lightly spoken, Bitterest thoughts are rashly stirred, Brightest links of life are broken, By a single angry word. Gently speak then ! tones of favor Melt the angry heart within ; Imitate our blessed Saviour, Whose soft words turned men from sin. 76 AT EVENING TIME IT SHALL BE LIGHT Walk with the Lord at morn, When every scene is fair, When opening buds the boughs adorn. And fragrance fills the air ; Ere yet the rosy dawn awake, And in thy being's pride, In the first blush of beauty make Omnipotence thy guide. Walk with the Lord at noon, When fervid suns are high, And pleasure, with a treacherous boon. Allureth manhood's eye. AT EVENING TIME IT SHALL BE LIGHT. 77 Then with the diamond shield of prayer, Thy soul's opposers meet, And crush the thorns of sin and care, That bind the pilgrim's feet. Walk with the Lord at eve When twilight dews descend, And nature seems a shroud to wear, As for some smitten friend. As slow the lonely moments glide On mournful wings away, Cling closer, closer, to His side, For He shall be thy stay ! And shouldst thou linger still, Till midnight spreads her pall, And age lament, with bosom chilled. Thy buried earthly all, 73 AT EVENING TIME IT SHALL BE LIGHT, Thy withered eye a signal bright, Beyond the tomb shall see, That He who was thy morning light, Thy God, shall walk with thee. Kind angels, perchance, bend down and bless Each hidden struggle for good success ; And the Saviour taketh account of all, And strength imparts to the weak and small. Then, u arm" for the battle-field within, For a hearty struggle with self and sin ; Combat temptations with might and main, Though the foe be strong, "let us try again." 79 FOR AN ORPHAN. My Father and my Friend, to Thee I lift my weeping eye ; For Thou canst wash away my tears, And all my wants supply. No tender mother's gentle smile, Each morn awaits me now ; No more the fond maternal kiss Is pressed upon my brow. No longer in her arms of love, I lay me down to rest, Secure and peaceful as the dove Within its sheltered nest. 80 FOR AN ORPHAN. An orphan, in the cold, wide world, Dear Lord, I come to Thee ; Thou Father of the fatherless, My Friend and Father be. 0, guide and guard me by Thy grace, And make my heart Thy own, And fit me for that happy place, Where partings are unknown. THE END.