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CHRISTIAN PATRIOTISM.

ing of the living, he bestowed on us a civic Washing- || influence far-reaching as the presence, and strong as ton and a Harrison, to bear the burdens of govern- the omnipotence of Jehovah. Little do we know how ment and defend our Constitution. And in view of much the supplications of our Revolutionary mothers these facts, infidel he is-infidel in its grossest name contributed to the acquisition of our independence. and measure-who denies that we, as well as Israel,|| Then, woman was a patriot. She did not mount the have had our Moses and our Joshua-our rod of miracles and angel savior.

Looking back, Christian citizens, and reviewing the merciful ways of Jehovah, we should be ready to exclaim as with one voice, "The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge!" And let me ask if these gracious interpositions of Providence do not infer prayer for our country? That they do will be more evident,

3. From the fact that such interpositions of Providence in behalf of nations, are known to have occurred in answer to prayer. Not to linger on this head, were not Moses, and Hezekiah, and Daniel, men of prayer? Did they not supplicate blessings on their country? Did not God regard them? Was not their country blessed, and blessed in answer to their prayers? Has not God commanded us to pray for all men, especially for all that are in authority? Surely he would not command it unless he were resolved to hear; for he has never said, "Seek ye my face in vain."

rostrum nor the war horse; but she threw away her luxuries; and while her warrior husband grappled with the foe, she was shut in to plead with God.

Washington prayed; and he defended a praying people, and led praying hosts to battle, or we should have been, this day, the vassals of our foe-the victims of unsuccessful revolution.

Christian citizens, you must be aware that the land is full of patriotism. If all that boast their love of country, should come by any means to love God, who gave that country being and is the source of all its blessings, this would be a pious as well as a patriotic people. But while you hear so much from men of all sorts, about the love of country, look a little at their conduct. Does their patriotism mix its breathings with frequent oaths and blasphemies? They love their country as Satan loved the Savior when they stood together on the pinnacle of the temple. When such men talk about their love of country, the good may blush to be called patriots. Such patriotism is cheap. It costs little, and yet it always passes for its value.

Our pilgrim fathers were men of prayer. With prayer they journeyed to these shores, and raised their If we love our country, let us publish it by our deeds, Ebenezer. With prayer they met their savage ene- not by sounding a trumpet before us. As Christians, mies, and found them as stubble beneath their feet. let us never display our patriotism by assuming the air With prayer they subdued the wilderness, and turned of the demagogue, and contributing to the tumult of it into a fruitful field. With prayer the children of popular conventions. Let us not dishonor God's holy Robinson, Winthrop, and Penn, breasted the storm of religion by public or private orations, made up of Revolution, and secured to us freedom and happiness. strange admixtures of eulogy and slander, both as vulPrayer, then, for our country is reasonable; and it gar as can well be invented, and expressed in terms is the most efficient act of patriotism. Every thing better suited to the genius of Robespierre, than to the else may fail. Counsel may fail-combinations of vir- temper of a lowly Christian. Railing is not a Christuous citizens may fail-the ballot-box may fail-offi- tian service, even though it be at unworthy public officers of the government may desert their principles, and cers. We may assail them in our closets with far betbecome recreant to the Constitution, and to the rights ter success, and this will be religious opposition. A of their constituents. Thus all earthly policies and Christian demagogue is next to Satan in uncomeliness struggles may be in vain. If there be any thing that of character. His deformity defies description. If we cannot fail to right public wrongs, and correct public will abandon ourselves to this earthly drudgery, let us abuses, it is prayer. Prayer, offered by one man, has throw off our religious garb, and not involve Christ done more for a whole nation, than the best appointed and the Church. The Christian who thus seeks to armies. When the wisdom of senators and the prow-benefit his country has lost sight of his calling, or ess of heroes have failed, prayer has done the work. It has turned the counsel of the enemy into foolishness, and slain thousands in a night. No wonder; for where the faithful pray, there are the counsel and the sword of Jehovah.

But prayer is a catholic mode of procuring blessings for our country. It can be practiced by all. "I cannot argue for my blessed Savior," said an unlearned, pious martyr, "but I can die for him." Some of you may say, "we cannot fight or make laws for our country, but we can pray for her prosperity." Old age, leaning on its staff, can cry to God for his blessing on the nation. And this is almost the only proper sphere of direct effort for female patriotism. The mothers and daughters of the land can in this way wield an

never understood it. He has laid aside spiritual for carnal weapons. However good his cause, he does neither guard nor grace it. He is as much out of character as Gabriel would be, bearing about with him the weapons of an assassin. An angel of light, disrobed of his celestial and divinely appointed panoply, represents the Christian who, in attempting to serve his country, forgets to pray for its prosperity, but yields himself up to partizan affiliations and rash political enterprise. Such professors of religion are a scourge to any country.

I rejoice that prayer still ascends to God in behalf of this republic. Happy for us, that the altars on which our fathers offered incense are not all fallen down. Happy, that a few of them remain in high places. I

TRUE GREATNESS.

rejoice to remind you that Harrison prayed. Amongst the virtues which the nation unitedly accord him, let this be placed foremost. I confess my admiration for his patriotism, his heroism, and his unostentatious benevolence in private life. But while I cheerfully acknowledge these, most of all I venerate his efforts at devotion. I regret his death for many reasons, but chiefly because in him we had a praying President, who, each morning and each evening, commenced and closed his public labors, by imploring God's assistance in the execution of his trusts and pleading for the Divine benediction upon his country.

As a nation we needed this example. Let it not be lost upon us. Whilst we treasure in our memories his dying words, let us be mindful of his manner of life during his brief executive career. It silently invokes us, in the language of David, to "pray for the peace of Jerusalem." It testifies that he deemed the supreme Governor of nations worthy to be sought unto by subordinate rulers. Let us imitate his confessions of dependence on Jehovah.

men.

Original.

TRUE GREATNESS.

BY H. J. COX.

215

TRUE greatness consists in active benevolence, from pure and Christian motives-in doing good to others without the expectation of receiving any recompense, other than that which is ever the result-an approving conscience. In this are embraced all those acts of selfdenial which we are called to perform, in relieving the distresses and afflictions of our fellow beings, and the obligations we are under to use every effort that will be conducive to the happiness and welfare of society. And in thus acting we promote our own happiness. For this is the true source of social enjoyment-to have our own concentrated in that of others. Hence, I say the greatest amount of happiness consists in a purely benevolent action, securing to us the approbation of God and our own conscience.

When about to perform an act of this kind, we must banish from our mind all selfishness, and be guided by We may watchfully regard the institutions of the a higher and nobler object than the promotion of our land; but without God's aid we cannot defend them. own aggrandizement—we should be actuated by a sinWe may strive to resist assaults upon our civil Consti- cere desire for the welfare and happiness of mankind. tution; but without his aid our strength shall be as Then will our peace flow as a river, and our righteouschaff. We may aim to heal the breaches in that sacredness as the waves of the sea. instrument; but unless God undertake for us, they will But how little is this greatest of all virtues pracnot be healed. We may boldly offer to withstand ticed! Many laud it to the skies, and all are constrainthe shock of battle when it comes; but unless he de-ed to acknowledge its superiority; but how seldom do fend, we perish in the conflict. In all things we are they display it in their actions! Let us commence dependant on him who setteth up one and putteth down anew and make good our profession. If we love viranother, and who as easily controls nations as he does tue, let us practice it. We will not quarrel about disinterested benevolence. There is an object worth atFinally, there is no hope for this nation but in prayer.taining in the practice of this virtue, as in every othWhen we become indevout, we shall be scattered and er-an inducement held out by our Creator; and that peeled. Nations originally ungodly, may for a season inducement is, as before stated, the enjoyment of the survive a state of profligate infidelity and depravity; most perfect happiness to which it is possible for us to but a nation originally devout, cannot part with its re- attain. ligion and retain its national honor and prosperity. Greece and Rome, with all their foul idolatries, were not quickly destroyed; but Jerusalem was suddenly and fearfully overwhelmed. So will it be with us. Surrounding nations may sin and survive. But if we turn to idols, we rush to fearful ruin. The foundations of this government were laid with pious hands. It was reared with solemn invocations to Jehovah, and was defended by the supplications of devout, warring hosts. When it shall come to shelter the prayerless and profane, its office will cease. Then God will blot it from the earth, and commission holier men to rear up millenial institutions in its place. Let us not suppose that the piety of our ancestors will save their degenerate children from this deserved doom. Remember the Savior's warning to the Jews, "Think not to say within yourselves, "We have Abraham to our father;' for God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham." No wrath is so consuming as that which falls on a people whom God has blessed in vain. The Jews are an example. Like them we are blessed-in mercy may we never share their withering curse!

There are some, indeed, engaged constantly in practicing this virtue-some who have lived whole lives of devotedness to it. Howard, Peter the Great, and others, were remarkable for their acts of benevolence. What could have induced Howard to visit the lothsome dungeons of Europe, exposing himself to the poisonous effluvia of damp and filthy prisons, but an ardent, sincere desire to alleviate the sufferings and misfortunes of his fellow beings? This was his sole object, without regard to personal ease or sacrifice. He was actuated by benevolence. Thus he went forward with firm reliance on his God, believing that if he fell it would be in a glorious cause. He did fall. And in that fall he shed a halo of glory around his name, that will have its influence upon others, so long as there is found in man any latent propensity to perform acts of kindness and labors of love.

I urge it upon Christians, that they permit no unhallowed desire to actuate them. Let their hearts be filled with holy zeal for the cultivation of this virtue. Let us feel that it is our duty, and so act that we may attain a reward which fadeth not away.

216

Original.

THE CORSAIR'S BRIDE.

THE CORSAIR'S BRIDE.

FOUNDED ON FACT.

I.

MORN with her golden floods of light
Had chas'd the ebon shades of night;
And o'er the wave that sullen slept
There scarce a floating zephyr crept.
But on its surface, calm and even,
With masts that look'd erect to heav'n,
A bark whose form betoken'd speed
Like that which wings the arrowy reed
From bended bow, in airy flight-
Now eager sought the murderous fight:
But not the strife that heroes greet,
When sons of warring nations meet,
On that arena vast-to bleed
For country's weal, or honor's meed.
No, in that floating prison cag'd,

There dwelt a corsair's outlaw'd band,
Who, in their thirst for plunder, wag'd

War 'gainst the flag of every land. Their bosom's darling passion-hateGave to their victims but one fate, And supplicants, who life would crave, But wing'd the moment of their doomTheir winding-sheet the briny-wave, Its coral depths their early tomb!

II.

In zenith pride the God of day
Now darts below his fiercest ray-
The winds, that o'er its surface sweep,
Have wreath'd in wavy curls the deep:
The sea boy, treading swift the shrouds,
Climbs to the region of the clouds,
And, joyful, from his giddy height,
Aloud proclaims, "A sail in sight!"
Wide-spread as sea-birds' wings, each sail
Receives the fresh and fav'ring gale.
The ruffian band for murderous duty
Prepare, and dream of naught but booty.
And friends who would not brave the field,
To fight for country or for fame,
With hearts 'gainst every virtue steel'd,

Now from the helpless haste to claim, Without remorse, their well-earned store, And the wave crimson with their gore!

III.

Six long and anxious hours have pass'd―
How watch'd the sun's receding ray!
The tremblers wish each beam the last
That lights the corsair to his prey!
But night no friendly mantle gives,
To screen the lonely fugitives;
For, from the eastern wave aris'n,
The moon ascends the vault of heav'n,
And bright as warrior's burnish'd helm,
Rides stately through the starry realm.

Swift as the winds her course that urge,
The corsair's bark divides the surge,
And the loud trumpet's deaf'ning cry
Arrests the crew that fain would fly-
Fly, like the lone and trembling bird,
When thirsting vulture's scream is heard!
In vain th' ill-fated bark pursued,
Hath sought the corsair to elude;
For to her unarm'd deck transferr'd,
Soon-soon the pirate chief is heard
To ask in tones that might appall
Hearts that before ne'er quak'd with fear,
The quick surrender of their all—

The fruits of many a toil-spent year.

IV.

The corsair counts the yielded store,
And, having all, still asks for more-
Points, fiend-like, to the yawning wave,
And bids the tremblers see their grave;
Oft from its sheath each blood-stain'd blade
Leaps, and with threat'ning ire is swayed.
At length, the fruitless menace done,
Destruction's hellish work's begun.
In vain, on bended knee inclin'd,
They ask but life, all else resigned.
The mariners with bandag'd eyes

First headlong take the fatal leap,
Next with a shriek that rends the skies,
A female form divides the deep,
And clinging closely to her side
Her lord too sinks beneath the tide.

V.

And who are they, ill-fated pair,

Whose prayer in vain to heav'n ascendsThus forc'd to die they know not where,

Their fate unknown to widow'd friends? They both in India's burning clime Had spent of life its sunny prime, And now when time, to mark its close, Had deck'd their heads with wintry snows, Again were seeking Europe's shore, To leave their childhood's home no more. One only child-fruit of their love,

Was nurtur'd with their tenderest care,
And daily to the throne above,

Her name was borne in fondest pray'r.
Alas! they little knew or felt
In form so fair such frailty dwelt!

VI.

Borne, trembling, from her lone retreat,
Behold the maiden at the feet
Of him whose mandate seal'd the doom
That gave her sire a watery tomb-
Whose hands the blood did late imbrue
From which her own its fountain drew.
Like sunbeams lingering on the peak,

Where sleeps the mountain's gather'd snow Wav'd lightly o'er her pallid cheek,

Her golden hairs dishevel'd flow:
And eyes of light where one might find

THE PILGRIM'S SONG.

The rainbow's loveliest hues combined, Were rais'd to meet the Gorgon glare Of his who mock'd awhile her pray'r.

VII.

Frail thing! and dost thou ask a life

That must with blackest crime be stain'd? And wouldst thou live th' unwedded wife Of one to outlaw'd butchery train'd? Should e'er a mother's love be thine,

Thine were the fruit of guilt and shameBorn on the scaffold to resign

Life, and to desecrate thy name!
Go, then, nor let thy craven fears
Prolong a life of guilt for years--
Go; and with her, now freed from care,
Whose name thy lips first lisp'd in pray'r,
Seek the cold slumber of the grave,
Ere guilt hath stain'd thee, in yon wave!

VIII.

Full many a moon hath wax'd and wan'd
Since love of life had first enchain'd
The maiden, once by sire ador'd,
In guilty love to pirate lord;
And oft did he for whom she err'd

Turn from his comrades loud appealWhich every day, nay, hour was heard, "The dead no secrets can reveal."

But, mov'd at length, he drugg'd the bowl,
To her the fatal draught was giv'n,
And, from its clay releas'd, the soul

Of Leila sped, perhaps (?), to heaven.

Thus guilty liv'd-thus early died, Unwept, unmourn'd, the Corsair's Bride!

T. OUTERBRIDGE.

Original.

WEEP NOT.

BY MISS M. DE FOREST.

"Sorrow not as those who have no hope," 1 Thes. iv, 13.

WEEP not, O weep not for the dying-
Weep not for the mold'ring dead,
If in Jesus' arms they're lying-
If his love is o'er them shed.
O'tis but a sweet releasing

From the earth-born, suffering clay:
Soon their songs shall be unceasing
In a land of living day.
Soon, array'd in garments glorious,
Earthly sorrows shall be o'er-

Over sin and death victorious,
They shall reign for evermore.
See ye not those seraphs hast'ning

Upward to Jehovah's seat?

How their glit'ring crowns they're casting

At their blessed Savior's feet!

Hear ye not those echoes ringing
Through yon brilliant arch above?
Vol. I.-28

"Tis our sister spirits singing

Praises to Redeeming love.

Hinder not thy friends, though dying-
Bid them hasten to their rest;
Why should ye be mourning-sighing?
They will be for ever blest.
Lo! they shout with exultation,
Heaven is beaming on their face.
Thanks to God for this salvation!
Jesus gives them dying grace.
Ho! ye surely would not call them

From the realms of blessedness,
Yet to bear what might befall them
In a sinful world like this?

217

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"There remaineth a rest for the people of God."

My rest is in heaven, my rest is not here;
Then why should I murmur when trials are near?
Be hushed my dark spirit! the worst that can come
But shortens thy journey, and hastens thee home.

It is not for me to be seeking my bliss,
And building my hopes, in a region like this;
I look for a city which hands have not piled—
I pant for a country by sin undefiled.

The thorn and the thistle around me may grow-
I would not lie down upon roses below;
I ask not my portion, I seek not rest,
Till I find it for ever in Jesus' breast.

Afflictions may damp me, they cannot destroy;
One glimpse of his love turns them all into joy;
And the bitterest tears, if he smile but on them,
Like dew in the sunshine, grew diamond and gem.

Let doubt, then, and danger, my progress oppose;
They only make heaven more sweet at the close;
Come joy, or come sorrow-whate'er may befall,
An hour with my God will make up for it all.
A scrip on my back, and a staff in my hand,
I march on in haste through an enemy's land;
The road may be rough, but it cannot be long,
And I'll smooth it with hope, and cheer it with song.

LIFE.

THIS life, what is it? say

A peevish April day;

A little sun, a little rain,

And then night sweeps along the plain,

And all things fade away.

218

Original.

THE RECLAIMED.

THE RECLAIMED.*

BY GEO. WATERMAN, JR.

energy and decision of character which peculiarly fitted her for the important duty now devolved upon her. But want of confidence in her own abilities led her to that Being who has said, "I will never leave thee nor forsake thee." Nor did she seek his aid in vain.

When arrived at a suitable age, Edgar was sent to the academy to pursue his studies. Here he became intimately acquainted with one of his class-mates—a youth of about his own age-from the west. Henry Thompson was the son of wealthy parents, who had

"I WILL not endure it-I am determined I will not. If I cannot have my own way, I will stay no longer. What is right is right; but if this is right I do not want to have any thing to do with such right. But still she is my mother-she has always been very kind to me, and I ought not to feel thus. I know it is wrong; but how can I help it? She has strictly for-emigrated from New England. They wished to see bidden me to associate with him, and now he has gone home, and I do not know that I shall ever see him again. And this is all through her. How can I endure it? I will go where I shall not be bound down by her whims. She shall know that I have rights which are not to be trampled upon."

their son brought up in the same manner as they themselves had been; and to accomplish this, they resolved to send him to the "land of steady habits" to receive his education. But unfortunately for themselves and their son, they forgot that the best place for him was under the parental roof and guiding hand of Such thoughts passed rapidly through the excited a father. Under a mistaken feeling they supplied him mind of Edgar Williams on that sad night in which with money for the gratification of every desire, suphe resolved to quit for ever the paternal roof, and cast posing in this way to compensate the loss of the joys himself on life's tempestuous wave. They were the of home, and the pleasures of domestic intercourse. thoughts of a wayward youth, who, for the sake of en- With the seeds of human degeneracy sown in his joying undisturbed his own way, was willing to give || heart, and with such facilities for their development, it up the peace and comfort of home, and seek his happi- is not surprising that Henry Thompson gave early inness among strangers. dications of innate corruption. He however possessed Edgar's mother resided in one of those pleasant vil-noble traits of character, which blinded his friends to lages of New England which, situated on the shore of his faults. He was generous, high-minded, and fond the broad Atlantic, are celebrated for their beautiful of study; and possessed that ready wit which made scenery, and the salubrity of the air which surrounds them. It was built upon a slightly undulating spot; and while high hills protected it behind and before, the ever restless waves of the Atlantic continually rushed along the cragged clefts of its rocky beach. Its inhab. itants were industrious and intelligent; for this was one of those numerous and happy places in New England which are blessed with a large and flourishing academy. Many of its inhabitants had been drawn together from the desire of affording to their children that best of earthly blessings—a good education. And the spire of the sanctuary, rearing its lofty head by the side of that of the academy, pointed out this spot to the observing traveler as the residence of piety, virtue and intelli

gence.

him an agreeable companion and a welcome guest. It is not to be wondered at that Edgar became warmly attached to him, and desired to be much in his company. For this purpose he strongly and repeatedly solicited his mother to receive Henry into the family as a companion for himself. But the policy of such a course was doubtful, and his mother hesitated long, and finally gave her consent with reluctance. She knew that it was easier to instill bad principles than to eradicate them; and solicitude for her son made her anxious that he should have companions who would lead him in the path of rectitude.

en it.

The evil influence which Henry exerted over his companion was for a long time unperceived. Maternal love was vigilant to detect the first developments of In this village Edgar's father was born, lived, and wrong; but the mother cannot know the HEART of her died. He had been a merchant, who, by strict hones-son. She cannot see the evil which may be implanted ty and attention to business, had amassed considerable within its secret recesses. Nor can she perceive those property; but what was far better, by his consistent | hidden influences which silently nourish and strengthpiety he had won the respect and affection of all who knew him. But "arise ye and depart; for this is not your rest," was the inflexible mandate of Jehovah, as given by his holy prophet; and it has never been repealed. In the midst of his days and in the height of his usefulness was Edgar's father summoned to depart to his rest, leaving behind him a wife and three children to lament his loss. Edgar's mother now felt her responsibilities doubled. She possessed all that native

The style of this article might lead the unwarned reader to suspect that it is mere fiction; but we have received such explanations from the writer as convince us that this is not the

case.-Eps.

Mrs. Williams soon found that Henry's influence over her son was unlimited. She had fondly thought that he possessed sufficient native strength of mind and decision of character to think and act for himself. But whether it arose from similarity of dispositions and trains of thought, or from some other cause, she soon ascertained that the feelings and desires of Henry were a very good index to those of Edgar. Maternal solicitude dreaded, as well it might, such a power, invading as it were the rights of domestic influence. A thousand schemes were suggested to her mind to obviate the difficulties which she foresaw might arise, and were

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