Then, having learned all he now wished to know, Home he returned and sought his Father's ear.

From his full heart strong supplications flow, Which cease not till he sees his duty clear, And gains fresh help from G.o.d his brethren's hearts to cheer.

C.

He next the matter told to his dear wife, For she was wise and often could suggest What was most useful in affairs of life, Which made her counsel be in much request.

Her mind to him she freely then expressed, And mentioned what she heard the day before-- How brother Luth, who was of friends the best, Would take the farm and willingly give more Than would the Creditor, if they the land restore.

CI.

GOODWORTH heard this, then spoke to Luth alone-- Told him quite plainly how the matter stood, Yet not in harsh, authoritative tone, But meekly, as more likely to do good.

By this he showed regard for brotherhood, And led Luth candidly to speak his mind.

Then, as both felt in very kindly mood, They deemed it best to try McKan to find And let him know what they in Christian love designed.

CII.

They found him soon and Luth made his proposal, Which filled the humble family with delight.

The whole affair appeared as the disposal Of their kind G.o.d, who always acted right.

Most thankful were they that in His pure sight They found such favor in their hour of need.

That brother's kindness they could ne'er requite; His was a n.o.ble--a most generous deed, Which could alone from love at any time proceed.

CIII.

Luth took the place, and for improvements paid Beside what to the Creditor was due; "And if the family chose, they might," he said, "Remain his tenants for a year or two, And daily labor he would take in lieu Of money payments for a moderate rent."

This plan aroused their grat.i.tude anew, While with the bargain all appeared content, And deemed the time employed most profitably spent.

CIV.

The two on their return called in to see The sick blind youth, who now was sinking fast.

He was no longer in despondency, Though he of late had through great suffering pa.s.sed.

On the Atonement all his hopes were cast, And now enjoyed a happy frame of mind.

The work of Jesus did appear so vast, He could not doubt but it had been designed By Him whose name is Love, to save poor lost mankind.

CV.

The parents had beheld the change thus wrought By Gospel Truth in their afflicted boy, And called to mind how often they had thought Religion was invented to destroy Whatever mortals have of peace and joy.

"But now," they said, "we think it something worth.

For our son's happiness has no alloy, Although about to leave the joys of Earth, And all those pleasant things which used to yield him mirth."

CVI.

The Pastor now gave each an exhortation, And kind friend Luth engaged awhile in prayer, Which met, at present, no disapprobation.

Much death bed comfort does the sick one share, But soon his eyes a.s.sume a brighter glare, The rattle in his throat bespeaks death near.

Anon they raise the dying youth with care, Whose smiling face shows plain he has no fear, For Jesus in the valley does his servant cheer.

CVII.

A strong, brief struggle, and now all is o'er!

No more the heart will in his bosom beat.

His soul triumphant gains Heaven's peaceful sh.o.r.e, And raptured stands to view each scene so sweet; Then joins the thousands tasting Bliss complete, In all the Hallelujahs which they raise Unto the Lamb of G.o.d, while at His feet They cast their crowns and ever wondering gaze On Him who sits enthroned as worthy of all praise.

CVIII.

Our friends strove now to cheer the drooping hearts Of that lone couple in their deep distress; For they knew well each promise which imparts To mourners hope and heartfelt happiness.

These on their minds they forcibly impress; And their kind efforts are not used in vain, For the bereaved ones readily confess That faith in Jesus brought substantial gain To their dear boy who now is free from grief and pain.

CIX.

The neighbors, apprehending such event, Drop silent in and heartily engage With solemn mien and truly kind intent, The old folks' ardent sorrow to a.s.suage.

Some one prepares the needful shroud to wage, While others wash and lay the body out, And in soft tones make observations sage, The truth of which none are inclined to doubt, For all at such a time seem serious and devout.

CX.

Meanwhile the Pastor and his friend take leave, And reach their homes before 'tis very late.

The news they take their families receive As fresh inducement on their G.o.d to wait, And ever watch by Wisdom's sacred gate.

Two days elapse and bring the Sabbath round, And settlers join the humble funeral state, Which reaches soon the new-made burial ground, Where all list to the service with respect profound.

CXI.

Those simple, mournful rites do much impress The minds of all a.s.sembling on this day; And now the Preacher lays the greatest stress On danger consequent upon delay In matters of Salvation, when the Way To Everlasting Life, himself stands ready To welcome those who make His blood then stay, However weak their faith, howe'er unsteady Their trembling souls become when tossed in Life's rough eddy.

CXII.

The text [Footnote: The three last verses of Matthew XI.] was one that wonderfully stated The sinner groaning under loads of guilt, And mourning souls have found weak faith recreated, As on its consolations they have built Their stable hopes, against which h.e.l.l full tilt Has often run, determined to prevail-- And might have done if Jesus, who has spilt His precious blood for them, had chanced to fail.

But that _can never be, whatever foes a.s.sail_.

CXIII.

Has any mortal skill to estimate The solid good that such a text has done?

Ah, no! the task's so wonderfully great, By finite man it need not be begun.

Fit for the work, of Angels there is none.

G.o.d can alone the glorious secret tell, Or mark the value of the mighty boon To all the souls whom it hath saved from h.e.l.l, And landed safe in Glory, ever there to dwell?

CXIV.

And at this time the mourners dried their tears, As the Departed's state they realize.

Raised were their hopes, abated were their fears, On each new view of Christ's great Sacrifice.

Now might be seen joy beaming in their eyes, As they learned acquiescence in G.o.d's will.

Most precious promises the word supplies, To cheer their hearts and every murmur still, While they together walk adown Life's slippery hill.

CXV.

Others, who long had boon companions been Of that young man in his most joyous days, With tearful eyes are in that Chapel seen, And seem desirous to amend their ways.

They never had before beheld Truth's blaze, But, like too many, boasted of their state, Not dreaming that their light was lost in haze Of stupid ignorance and folly great; G.o.d grant such may repent before it is too late.

CXVI.

'Tis thus the Lord oft makes most lasting good To flow from what we mortals view as ill; And we pa.s.s through each strange vicissitude To find that peace again our souls can fill; While Mercy's shed, not like a trickling rill, But in full streams, with never ceasing flow-- Softening our hearts obdurate, and our will Conforming unto G.o.d's; until we know It was all needful to keep us from sin and woe.

CXVII.