The Emigrant Mechanic: A Tale Of Humble Life Book 4

Hail, Sacred Scriptures! Blessed volume, hail!
Thy worth I fain would sing to grace my tale.
Thou very best of Books, whose truths like balm
Can heal the broken heart, the conscience calm;
Give peace unto the sin-stained, troubled mind,
And, by God's grace, can save a lost mankind!
Thou precious casket of the rarest gems!
Whose priceless value a vain world contemns;
Thou great revealer of that Savior's birth,
Who came from Heaven to bless a guilty Earth!
Thy pages do unfold the wondrous plan
By which that Savior has redeemed lost man!
How He, who was in form of God above,
Laid by his glory out of purest love
To wretched sinners, who his goodness prove!
Thou makest known the amazing fact to Faith,
That Jesus conquered hell and sin by death!
And show'st how all who do believe this truth-
Or rich, or poor, or old, or in-their youth-
Forever shall be saved from death and sin,
And feel 'Eternal Life,' while here, begin;
And safe, at last, in bliss be brought to dwell,
Whose fulness never mortal tongue can tell!
Thou the Repository of just laws-
True civilization's first and greatest cause!
A code of morals on thy page is writ
To regulate men's lives, and conscience fit.
There we may read the best biographies,
And dwell on many truthful histories;
Find grandest Poetry that e'er was penned,
Which to devotion pure its aid doth lend;
There pore on grand yet awful prophecies
That do reveal great nations' destinies.
There we pay learn what yet awaits this Earth-
Soon to be burned, and spring again to birth!
If we chaste Fancy wish to gratify,
What pleasant fields for this before us lie!
Pathetic love tales charm the sober mind
Of young or old, of vulgar or refined.
In short, thou formest quite a perfect Whole,
Of what we need to please, direct, control.
And-wonder great! O, Blessed Book divine-
With all thy vast rich treasures-thou art mine!

So felt our hero, when pure Gospel truth,
Came home to him, while yet in days of youth.
He was brought up beneath the 'joyful sound,'
And from great snares by this was fenced around;
Yet, Oh! what grief and sorrow filled his soul,
When he first saw his heart and conduct foul-
Was led to view God's holy law aright,
And know he was condemned in His just sight.
Then, what true joy did Jesus' love inspire!
It kindled in his heart sincere desire
To leave, at once, the World's wild, giddy throng,
Whose joy and pleasures all to Earth belong,
To join with those whose joys are from Above,
And who have tasted of a Savior's love.
He, with a choice companion, then applied
For Christian fellowship; nor was denied.
All those kind brethren hearty welcome gave,
For each was glad a sinner's soul to save.
And joyful praises straight to God ascend,
To whom the new-made members they commend.
An Elder, grave, gave each an exhortation,
To which their hearts respond in approbation.

Soon COOPER felt new life, new aims, new themes-
Which gave fresh turns to all his youthful dreams.
The Bible then became his choicest friend;
At home, abroad, did all his steps attend,
And its blest influence was known to lend.

Now what a different aspect things assume;
What once was darkness, Gospel truths illume!
In the sweet services of Sabbath days
He takes delight-in spirit sings and prays.
Views Family Worship as an altar raised
To the true God, who should be always praised.
And now, whene'er he takes his walks abroad,
Hears Nature's voice well tuned in praise of God.
Each blade of grass that springs beneath his feet,
The new-made hay, in Summer's fragrance sweet,
The flowers that to his eyes their charms disclose,
The waving grain, and every tree that grows,
Each insect fluttering in the bright sunbeams,
Or fishes sporting in pure crystal streams,
Or birds that raise their songs by morning light,
At High mid day, or through the moonlit night;
Each storm that rises, or pure breeze that blows,
The copious rains, or Winter's drifting snows,
Vast mountains rearing their hoar heads on high,
Each gem-like star set in the fair blue sky;
The herds wide feeding in the fields around,
All living things in every country found,
All these in their peculiar ways give forth
Praises to God, the Author of their birth!
'Then, why are Men so silent?' he'd exclaim;
'And, those especially, who know His name:
Who, through His grace, enjoy a heavenly birth,
Why rise they not above the things of Earth?'
The 'why' to WILLIAM, in his warm first love,
Did truly seem most difficult to prove.
He by experience knew but little then
Of the sad trials of his fellow men;
Nor e'er suspected that the flesh remains
In each poor sinner who true faith obtains.
This bitter truth he soon was made to feel,
Which greatly damped his young and ardent zeal.
How humbling was the thought that human pride
Within God's children must be mortified!
'Salvation all of Grace' first cuts the roots,
Then the huge blanches, and the smallest shoots,
Lays bare the fact, that all of Adam's race
Are but vile sinners, and in woful case.
That the most moral among human kind,
As the most vicious, are to sin inclined.
And if not saved by Grace, not saved at all,
But are hell-doomed, and held in Satan's thrall!
While endless ruin stands before their view,
And does with slavish fear their minds imbue.

This Scripture truth was soon by WILLIAM seen,
For he had from his very childhood been
Used to the teachings of God's holy word,
So that with it his mind was early stored.
However strange indeed it may appear
To some men's minds, he felt no cause to fear:
For though this truth had stripped him of all worth
In sight of God, it called his praises forth,
By showing him Salvation full and free
To sinners, whatsoe'er their age, sex or degree,
Who credit the account that God has given
Of Jesus Christ-the precious gift of Heaven!
Now, feeling truly happy in his soul,
He felt most free to speak the Truth to all;
That, if by any means, he might succeed
In saving souls, of whatsoever creed.
His shop-mates saw the difference with surprise,
And at his cost indulged in foul surmise.
He heeded not, but placed in God his trust-
To his employer still continued just-
And strove with all his might to rectify
Each thing improper which he chanced to spy;
That his old master might have no complaint
Against his servant for thus turning Saint.
He plied his trade from better motives now,
As God with wisdom did his mind endow,
And to his just commands led him to bow.
By such a course pursued he did enjoy
True peace of mind-though not without alloy.
And Time, who past him flew on fleetest wing,
New joys, new sorrows, to his mind did bring.
At times he still was caught in Love's sweet snare,
Which of fresh trials brought no little share.
He was by nature very apt to fall
So deep in love, it did his mind enthral.
Yet clothed in purity was his desire,
Nor e'er to rank unequal did aspire.
One thing to this time had his thoughts possessed-
'To have the girl that pleased his fancy best.'
He had not noticed what the Word declares
On this great matter, so that in his prayers
He ne'er had asked the Lord to him direct,
And disappointment came for this neglect.
'Midst doubts and fears he therefore put away
All thoughts of marriage to a future day.

When we regard the record of God's will,
A duty to ourselves we best fulfil!
From past experience, I would now advise
That all young men, in this respect, be wise.
Few weightier matters can attention claim,
If at pure peace and happiness we aim,
Than the selection of a proper wife-
One that may be a true help-mate for life.
'A prudent wife from God alone can come,'
And only such can make a happy home.
What dreadful strife, what wretchedness and woe,
From error here is almost sure to flow!

'Tis Sabbath morn, a pleasant, one, in Spring,
And Nature's varied voice is tuned to sing.
The swallows twitter underneath the eaves,
And zephyrs stir the newly-opened leaves;
The cock's loud crowing sounds on every hand,
Each bird is warbling praises through the land.
Young COOPER thinks it were indeed a sin
If he to tune his harp did not begin.
He rises from his bed, pours forth his praise
To his Preserver in some artless lays;
Then quickly dresses, and, though humbly born,
With mind elate he tastes the sweets of morn.
And such a morn! Ah, who would he abed,
That has the power to taste these sweets instead.
Most grateful odors greet the well-charmed sense,
From blooming fruit-trees o'er yon garden fence;
The sweet wild-flowers amid the new-sprung grass
Make it seem carpeted in Fancy's glass.
And it a carpet proves to those blithe lambs
Which play around their several watchful dams.
All Nature smiles in loveliest green attire,
And seems to manifest a strong desire
To speak the praise of All-Creating Power,
In striking language, at this early hour.
She, bursting forth from Winter's cold embrace,
Exulting leaves behind his every trace.
So, on the morning of this hallowed day,
The Savior tore the bars of Death away.
He Resurrection-truth brought forth to light,
And we with rapture hail the glorious sight.
Now hark! that sound fast floating on the breeze,
And streaming forth from 'midst those dark yew trees
'Tis church-bell music! and peal follows peal,
Till strong emotions we begin to feel.
Now it pours full on the delighted ear;
Soon, changing with the wind, the strains we hear
As if the bells were many miles away,
And some few tones had merely chanced to stay!
Again, it comes in full harmonious swell,
With thrilling power-as I remember well.

Thus pleased in mind, WILLIAM his way now wends
Toward a hill, which he at once ascends;
And thence pursues the road to Birkland's farm,
Where from kind friends he meets reception warm.
The aged matron-since in grave-yard laid-
Was wont to render him her friendly aid
In shape of counsel-or delicious fare-
Of which good things he needed then a share.
The breakfast over, straight the Bible's brought,
A proper chapter found as soon as sought;
Remarks are made, or they some question ask:
To gain instruction proves a pleasing task.
This done, sweet hymns of praise to God arise.

From well tuned hearts-a joyful sacrifice!
Then, on their knees, in fervent prayer they join
To Him, their Savior and their Friend benign.
Give thanks for care extended through the night,
And blessings they enjoy at morning light.
Not only Sabbath days they thus began;
On, week-days, too, it was their constant plan
To join in worship every night and morn,
That the Religion ever might adorn.
By this made fit to meet the ills of life,
They were preserved from much of worldly strife:
'Surely,' thought WILLIAM, 'God will deign to bless
This worthy family with rich happiness!'
Ev'n so he did; all seven knew the Lord,
And took, to guide them, His most holy Word.

England! whate'er thy foes may do or say,
Thousands of families for thee will pray,
By love and duty led. They will not cease
To seek that God would bless thy shores with peace!
Know thou, my Country! thy great naval store,
Thy numerous armies, and thy cannon's roar,
Are Impotence itself compared with prayer,
Poured forth from hearts which in thy blessings share!

Refreshed in mind and body, to the road,
With good companions from that dear abode,
WILLIAM returns; and in most pleasing talk
Time swiftly flies, while each enjoys the walk.
They reach the School before the time begin,
When each prepares some precious soul to win.
They, having tasted God's forgiving love,
Their gratitude for that rich blessing prove,
By teaching children placed beneath their care
How they may best escape from every snare,
Be saved from hell, and reach heaven's mansions bright,
To dwell forever in the Savior's sight.

In Sunday School engaged twice each Lord's day,
And hearing three discourses, some would say
No time could then remain for aught beside;
But this, my friends, has only to be tried.
For COOPER, in reserve, two hours still kept
An Elder's invitation to accept,
Him to accompany to his home, and there
Join in sweet conversation, hymn or prayer.
Thus mostly passed his Sabbaths for two years,
Which kept him free from many doubts and fears;
Enabled him to work at business still
With easy mind, and with right hearty will,
And find that Wisdom's ways are pleasantness,
While all her paths are peace and heart-felt bliss.

But little now remains for us to note,
Of grief endured, or of true pleasure sought,
While he remained in his dear native place,
The pain of leaving which he had to face.
Except Religion, he had but one theme,
That much engaged his mind in each day-dream.
This one was Emigration, which increased
In strength till his apprenticeship had ceased.
Accounts from different Colonies he read-
Their capabilities, and state of trade;
The various climates next he pondered o'er,
And Canada preferred still more and more.
He learned, indeed, the heat and cold were great;
But thought that Nature's works would compensate
For what one suffered from her climate's rigor;
So preparation soon was made with vigor.
His father's family no objection raised,
As they had friends there who the country praised.
Yet all thought well to seek the Lord's direction;
Secure His aid and fatherly protection.
This done, they did no longer hesitate
To take the steps required in change so great.
The kind employers of both man and son
Showed plainly that their confidence was won;
Each made them offers if they would remain-
Of which they had no reason to complain.
The sire, at that one place, employed had been
For something over twenty years, I ween.
There he wrought hard-but for a decent wage-
And was approaching fast toward old age;
So, dare not longer such a place engage.
While William's natural romantic turn
Led him all offers, good and ill, to spurn.
He thought of little but Canadian farms,
And heeded not Rebellion's loud alarms,
[Footnote: The Rebellion of 1837.]
Which his old master pointed out to him,
To put a stop to such a foolish whim.
Yet it caused them sincerest grief of heart
From all kind friends and relatives to part,
Without a prospect of beholding more
Each much-loved face, on dear Old England's shore.

At last arrived that most important day,
When they from all must tear themselves away,
And feel, what Emigrants had felt before,
That parting scenes to tender hearts are sore.
Their Christian brethren did them all commend
To their kind Father, Savior, Guide and Friend,
And gave to them, as pledge of their regard,
A Bagster's Bible-God's own precious Word.
Their kind, deep feelings, other friends displayed
By various gifts, till parting time delayed.
And these love-tokens sensibly affect
The Emigrants, as proof of their respect;
And often, when they view them even now,
A shade might seem to cross each thoughtful brow.

Association, most mysterious thing!
What striking wonders thou hast power to bring!
Aided by thee, we can review each day
A hundred scenes, though thousand miles away,
A single thought, amidst much happiness,
May call up others which give sore distress.
At other times, reverse of this is true,
Most pleasing things are placed before our view.
But to return; the first of May appears-
A day for fond embrace and shedding tears!
Some few go with the friends to see them off,
Nor seek to hide their tears, though fools may scoff.
They take the boat; the signal's made to start;
The 'Water-Witch' shoots forward like a dart;
Some lingering looks, some tokens of adieu-
Sweet town, dear friends, and all, is lost to view!
Why felt not COOPER then in rhyming mood?
Why did he slight the Muse, who should be wooed?
Why did he not pour forth a parting song
Expressive of his feelings-always strong?
His loving heart was painfully oppressed,
As for some nights he had but little rest;
Most weighty cares, too, seemed his mind to fill,
Or he might then have sung with right good will.
They onward sail, and PRESTON reach at noon;
Then take the coach and travel further on.
At night they gain the port of LIVERPOOL,
All greatly chilled, because the night was cool.
Dear relatives who live there, welcome give,
And take them to the house in which they live.
Next day they visit many different docks,
Or wondering view the buildings huge, in blocks.
Then seek a proper ship without delay,
And, having found one, passage money pay;
Secure their berths, and place their goods on board,
Commend themselves and friends unto the Lord,
And buy such comforts as their means afford.
Mistakes about the charges, and delays,
Gave them uneasiness for several days.
At last the vessel's towed toward the sea;
And, Reader, for the present, rest with me;
Or wait a moment while I briefly add
That they, to leave this port, were truly glad!

The Emigrant Mechanic: A Tale Of Humble Life Book 5

Hail, peaceful Commerce! in thy glorious train
Rich blessings come to those who thee maintain.
England by thee for centuries has been blest;
Thy worth to her can scarcely be express'd.
By thy facilities the Scriptures spread
From shore to shore, on God's own errands sped!
Impelled by thee our ships proud Ocean bears,
While each fair port a thriving aspect wears.
Millions of gold by thee are well employed,
And the rich profits by each class enjoyed.
Through thee great Nature's overflowing stores
From distant lands are brought unto our doors;
Increasing much our comfort and delight,
Without abating any civil right.
Nay, more; producing, by thy sway, sweet bands
To bind us to give Peace our hearts and hands;
And thus to strike a death-blow to all war,
Whose brutal spirit keeps our minds ajar.
Through thee our mammoth manufacturing places
Send forth their wares to Earth's remotest races:
By which means many thousand poor are fed,
And trained to Industry-by Virtue led-
Use right the skill with which they are endowed;
Of such like men may England long be proud,
And ever foster, by good wholesome laws,
Those trades which help so mightily her cause!
O, may that day be distant that shall bring
Neglect of thee, from whom such good doth spring!
Hail, peaceful Commerce! still a hearty hail!
As I proceed with my unvarnished tale.

Our ship had not been long at Mersey's mouth
Before a breeze sprung up from east by south;
And then the welcome sound fell on the ear
Of 'Square the main yards! Sailors, do you hear?'
A hearty 'Aye, Sir!' was the loud response,
And she had glided into sea at once!
With haste they for the Northern passage make,
But that good breeze did them too soon forsake.
Awhile they lay becalmed, and then return,
And reach the Southern passage just at morn.
Soon, soon they lose the truly precious sight
Of English shores, bathed in the morning light!
A few more hours, and land has disappeared;
They see no more Old Albion's cliffs upreared.
Let us suppose that then this poor young man,
In plaintive strains his Farewell thus began:

'Adieu, my native Land! a long Adieu!
Years, years must pass before again I view
Thy much-loved shores, fast fading from my sight,
Or scenes preserved in fondest memory bright!
Should I be spared to reach yon distant coast,
Remembrances of thee will not be lost.
Should I be prospered in Canadian woods,
With a sufficiency of this world's goods,
I still with pleasure will look back to thee,
And hail thy tokens of prosperity!
Will still remember, with a joyful heart,
Each much-loved face-each interesting part.
O, may thy peaceful Arts still flourish round,
And happiness in every nook be found!
May thy great Rulers feel an interest still
In all thy weal-and duty thus fulfil!
Adieu, my Country! may'st thou ever be
A Friend to Truth, and Mistress of the Sea!'

Now on the dark blue Ocean's bosom cast,
Naught but the sea and sky are seen, at last,
Save finny tribes, which, sporting in the deep,
Seem swiftly past the noble ship to sweep;
Or flights of birds returning from abroad,
By instinct led, to charm each English wood.
With sails well filled, the vessel plows her way
In gallant trim, nor heeds the dashing spray.
Yet WILLIAM'S time ne'er seemed to hang on hand;
His days flew swiftly by, on sea or land.

Sometimes a book his close attention craves-
At times, for hours, he watches the dark waves,
Or sits and gazes on that liquid blue,
And calls up phantoms of strange shape and hue;
Or tries to realize a shipwreck scene,
Till he scarce knows but he through one has been;
Or, having found a worthy Christian friend,
In sweetest converse many hours would spend.
One storm they had-it was the only one-
Which lasted but a day, and then was gone.
He oft had longed most eagerly to see
The foaming billows in their majesty;
And now they came, with desperate fury fraught,
As if they set all human skill at naught!
Strong and more strongly blows the mighty wind,
Till the tall masts like merest saplings bend!
Anon, the vessel ships a weighty sea,
Then all below is dread and misery;
While the salt water pours in torrents down,
As if inclined the Emigrants to drown!
Some women shriek, and children cry aloud,
While men toward the hatchways quickly crowd,
Not now inclined to utter oaths profane,
Or break a jest a meed of praise to gain.
Some, on their knees, implore the 'Virgin's' aid;
And some true prayer is to the Savior made.
The wind abates, but still the surges roar,
Hearts fearful beat, and consciences feel sore.
Ere long, the calm begins to be perceived
And many feel as speedily relieved!
Some hasten to the deck to look abroad,
But few are found returning thanks to God!
Yet some there were who truly grateful felt,
And spake God's praise as they before Him knelt.
Then WILLIAM saw, more clearly than before,
His wondrous wisdom and His mighty power!
He felt God's goodness in both storm and calm,
And sense of this was to his soul like balm.

Now they approach the Banks of Newfoundland,
And densest fog prevails on every hand.
More danger does beset them than before,
For they might be by larger ships run o'er.
Strict watch is kept, and lights hung out with care,
That they may not be taken unaware.
Small sail is carried till the sky be clear;
Yet onward, in their proper course, they steer.
Icebergs are seen; and now the welcome cry
Of 'Land O's' heard from off the top-mast high!
All eyes are strained to catch the joyful sight,
And Newfoundland is hailed with true delight!
Now soon a smart-built ship is near at hand-
A splendid craft! just come from Yankee land.
How gracefully she bounces o'er the wave,
Which seems desirous her fair form to have!
A speaking distance very soon she gains,
And 'Ship-a-hoy!' is heard in loudest strains.
Salute thus courteous is by each addressed,
And questions put-in seaman's phrase expressed.
This done, away the gallant ship has sped,
Like some fair phantom which we do not dread!

Saint Lawrence Gulf they very swiftly cross,
And reach the River without harm or loss;
Then enter south of Anticosti's Isle,
While each glad face is beaming with a smile.
COOPER had read of this majestic stream;
Of half its beauties he could never dream!
A pilot taken, blest with proper breeze,
They soon are carried past fine groves of trees.
Sweet islands spring, like fairy scenes, to view,
And each fresh turn presents them something new.
The pure green water tempts their thirsty souls,
As forward in its course the river rolls!
Neat, painted houses on each hand are seen,
And tin-clad spires say, 'Here Religion's been!'
The Emigrants conceived that Nature wore
A lovelier green upon Canadian shore
Than they had ever seen in Spring before!
But this was all delusion, and the effect
Of shipboard life, which they did not suspect.
Now they soon mark a ledge of rugged rock,
Stretching near half across the river deep-
Fit place to give unwary ships a shock,
And cause their crews in sad despair to weep.
Quite high and dry upon that rude Rock's crest
A ship they spy; a total wreck it seems!
This vessel had old Ocean's billows pressed,
And neared the Port-oft seen in sailor's dreams.
How came it there? Had they no Pilot ta'en?
Was he unskillful? No one could explain!
Then felt the Emigrants most truly glad
That they a safe and pleasant voyage had.
At last they reach that well-known place, Gros Isle,
And are obliged to anchor for a while.
For 'Quarantine inspection' they prepare;
The berths are cleansed, and decks are scrubbed with care.
And human beings who had lost all traces
Of cleanliness, were made to scrub their faces!
This done; they muster in clean garments dressed,
To meet the Doctor, at the Mate's behest.
No serious sickness to his eye appeared;
Yet some for want of decency are jeered.
Permission to proceed they then obtain;
The He-ho-heave!'s sung out in jovial strain,
And rests the anchor in its place again.

Ere this, some strange maneuvers on high land
Gain our friends' notice, and they gazing stand.
Some men, at mast-like pole, to work are seen
With different balls, and what can it all mean?
WILLIAM inquires, and learns with much surprise,
In this way they send news and get replies!
That now they're telegraphing to Quebec-
The fine old city, seen just like a speck-
Of their good ship's arrival, safe and sound-
Her name-the people's number in her found.
Men dreamt not then how soon it would transpire
That news, by lightning, could be sent through wire!
The fame of this, O Morse! to thee belongs,
And thy great name does honor to my songs.
Long may'st thou live, and reap the just reward
Of thy great labor, in good men's regard!

They reach Quebec, and anchor in due time
Before its heights-so towering and sublime!
What views now meet their truly raptured sight-
All Nature's smiling in the evening light!
The falls of Montmorency, just below-
With all her foam, most like to driven snow,
And ever-rising mist-proclaim aloud
The Being and the Presence of her God!

What glorious Craft is that which now appears
With graceful movement, as the ship she nears?
'Canadian Eagle' steamship she is called;
Like that great bird she seemed both proud and bald!
The Emigrants behold her with surprise,
Quite sure such splendid sight ne'er met their eyes.
Ere long our eager friends are made to know
That to the steamer they will have to go.
This pleases them, for the have prisoners been
For six long weeks, and want a change of scene.

The sailors now are heard to swear and scold,
As each one's luggage is drawn from the hold;
The bustle great makes passengers look round,
Lest aught belonging them be missing found.
Our WILLIAM soon had need enough of this,
As he their best large box just chanced to miss,
And to the sailors spoke, who quick replied
They had just sent it o'er the vessel's side.
To this their statement he denial gave,
Which made the men with strongest anger rave.
He then, most speedily, went down below,
And found the box quite safe enough, I trow!
He dragged it forth before their very eyes,
And they thought best to feign complete surprise.
The box secured, they bid the ship Adieu,
Then with great joy their journey soon renew.
By that conveyance they reach Montreal,
Leave that by barges which had comfort small,
And take the Ottawa, whose waters dark
In pure St. Lawrence leave their dingy mark.
Up this dark river, and canal Rideau,
They journey on, with speed at best but slow;
Sometimes through swamps, of dread mosquitoes full;
Now towed by Steamers, now by horses dull;
In this way come to Kingston, on the Lake-
The great Ontario-and a Steamer take.
Upon their journey quickly they proceed,
With much more comfort, and far greater speed.
Safely and soon they reach their destined place,
To meet with friends and friendship's warm embrace.
Thankful to God for journeying mercies granted,
They settle in a Village newly planted.

The friends they met with their warm love displayed
By good advice and necessary aid,
In trying to procure for them a farm,
Where they might live, and have some comforts warm.
These with our friends were joined in Church connection,
And none were backward to evince affection.
Young COOPER soon was pleased, as man could be,
That three of them, whom we shall name as 'C--,'
Would leave their homes and business cares awhile,
To trudge with him, on foot, for many a mile,
Through Summer's heat, and with most kind intention,
For purposes of which I have made mention.
He at such times would gaze upon the trees,
Whose lofty heads were bowing to the breeze,
Till he could fancy them a band devout
Engaged in worship, beyond any doubt.
Now he first heard those 'soft and soul-like sounds'
From vast 'pine groves,' which seemed to have no bounds,
Thrill his pure soul with their sweet melody,
Till it awoke his own rude minstrelsy,
And made him long near by to settle down
In some small hut which he could call his own.
This wish, in part, ere long was gratified-
The father bought a farm, to which they hied.
'Twas six miles from the village, and a place
Where much hard labor stared them in the face;
And there they found that, having spent their money,
It would not soon yield them much 'milk and honey.'
But yet it promised, from its rich, black soil,
A full reward, in time, for cash and toil.
So, in good heart, without one 'if,' or 'but,'
They set to work to fix a roofless hut.
This done, they placed their goods in ship-board style,
With furniture dispensing for awhile.
Their boxes served quite well for chairs and table,
And on the floor they slept-if they were able-
For dread mosquitoes, and the heat intense,
Made good sound sleep be often banished thence.
Yet God's kind care kept all in health and spirits,
And they found Industry had still its merits.
From day to day they did their axes seize,
And labor hard in cutting down fine trees,
Or cleaning up a Fallow 'gainst the Fall-
For which their skill was truly very small.

Ere long they purchased a young, wild ox-team,
Which had for months been wandering in the woods,
Where they did not but eat, and drink, and dream,
Like lords of all in those deep solitudes.
Our WILLIAM acted as the Teamster still,
And did his test to train them to his will;
Yet for a time they would not brook restraint,
But ran to th' woods, on dangerous frolic bent.

Once, while at logging, our raw teamster fell,
And the nigh ox trod on his foot as well;
He tried to rise, but found it was in vain,
And thoughts of their mad tricks shot through his brain.
He gently touched them with his sapling goad,
When they sprang sideways with their heavy load.
Quick as a lightning's flash the log they drew
O'er WILLIAM'S prostrate form-O, sad to view!
When-wonder great-the cattle stood quite still
(In strict obedience to their Maker's will)!
His head was on a log, his neck was bared,
As if for some dread ax-stroke quite prepared.
The log they drew upon his shoulder rested-
And thus his courage was severely tested.
One more slight move would surely crush his head;
In one short moment more he might be dead!
Still they move not!-Was this not Providence?
Come, Sceptics, answer; here is no pretence;
What I relate are only simple facts.
Given with that faithfulness which truth exacts.
The father forward ran, in dreadful fear;
'O, WILLIAM, thou art hurt!' fell on his ear.
The log was raised, when up at once he rose,
Though feeling much as if his blood was froze.
To parent's kind inquiries he replied,
'I feel no hurt except a bruised side.'
But faintness o'er him soon began to come,
When he was glad to reach his rude log home;
And from that hour has ever thankful been
For God's deliverance-so clearly seen.
A few short hours sufficed to bring him round,
And he at logging speedily was found.
There still was something in this wild bush-life
To suit a mind ne'er formed for worldly strife.
The chopper's quick reverberating stroke-
The well-trained oxen, toiling in the yoke-
The distant cow-bell's ever-changing sound-
The new-chopped tree's deep thundering on the ground;
The patter of the rain on forest leaves,
The tree-frog's pipe, which oft the ear deceives,
The blazing log-heaps, and the rude rail fence-
The wild-bee's hum of gratitude intense
For hoards of honey, which our woods still yield;
The plenteous crops contained in each small field;
The Summer evening's song of 'Whip-poor-will,'
Near, or remote, while all beside is still;
The clamorous crow's most harsh discordant note;
The blue jay, prone to steal-by nature taught;
The beauteous woodpecker-the pigeon's flight;
The snake, innoxious, gliding out of sight-
These sights and sounds brought pleasure to his mind,
Most heart-felt pleasure, leaving peace behind.
And though he toiled with all the eagerness
Which youths Of ardent temperaments possess,
Till his poor body every night was tired,
He evermore these sounds and sights admired.
And naught but broken health could e'er have drove
Him from those woods, in which he loved to rove.

Meanwhile, he took the first convenient time
To get some cherry logs, in soundness prime,
From which rude bedsteads he contrived to make,
That they their rest might with more comfort take.
He made a table, too, and felt quite glad
That they, at last so good a table had.
These things were spoken of not boastingly,
But with a view to let new-comers see
How, in the Bush, strange shifts and turns are made,
By those who, rightly, are of debt afraid.
The COOPERS, simple minded, could not brook
To stand as debtors in a tradesman's book;
And even to this day-through eighteen years-
'Twould grieve them sore should they be in arrears.
And I am sure it would be better far,
That families should themselves from debt debar,
Than blast their prospects, as too many do,
By what they have so often cause to rue!

From this digression let us now return,
To note what WILLIAM found with deep concern;
That ''Tis not good for Man to be alone,'
As said by God, in Wisdom's solemn tone.
This now appeared to him a serious truth,
Far more than it had done in days of youth.
The birds still paired, and had their separate nest,
From love responsive in each songster's breast;
But, though he loved on Nature's face to gaze,
And mark the beauties which each day displays,
He felt a vacancy in his young breast,
For he no lov'd companion then possessed.
Far different was it in his native land-
There, such an one might always be at hand.
Where was he now to look? Religious views
Left him small space from which a mate to choose.
God's word came to his aid, and then in prayer
He threw himself upon his Father's care.
That word declares, that 'He who had not spared
His well-beloved Son, was not prepared
For once withholding from his children dear
Aught which they need, while still sojourning here!'
This precious promise proved to be as balm,
To keep his troubled heart at present calm;
And he resolved in patience still to wait,
Till God should find for him a true 'help-mate.'
This resolution formed, was kept intact,
Nor was the strength his own, for that he lacked.
He, though so young, had very clearly seen
That Man, in every age, is prone to lean
Upon an arm of flesh-most frail support!
Which often fails us, oft makes us its sport.
And yet, O strange perversity! we cling
To that which never can us comfort bring.
He knew 'twas better to feel flesh so weak
As to be forced his strength from God to seek;
To feel, like Paul, 'However weak we be,
We may still glory in Infirmity.'
From day to day, from week to week mav prove
The prcciousness of trusting in God's love!
Should we do this, our joy will never cease-
Dark things will all look bright! Our end be peace!