The Emigrant Mechanic and Other Tales in Verse Part 34

This course served well to strengthen what was weak, And all learned much who meekly were inclined to seek.

XLIX.

Nor was pure praise neglected at this time: All were well pleased with that day's exercise.

And freely joined in Zion's songs sublime, Thus pouring forth their evening sacrifice.

This did but strengthen pre-existing ties, While warmer grew their hearts in Love's soft bands.

At nine o'clock reluctantly they rise, To part at last with cordial shake of hands, More fitted for the coming day, with its demands.

L.

I offer the above as a fair sample Of this small Church's wors.h.i.+p on First Days, And should be highly pleased if their example Had on our minds an influence always.

Their love and zeal are worthy of all praise, Though all they have or are is of G.o.d's grace.

His love to them they view with deep amaze, And trust ere long to see him face to face In heavenly Regions--His own happy Dwelling Place.

LI.

To spare the Reader risk of long digression, And keep within just bounds my humble tale, I now in order give GOODWORTH'S profession That none to understand his views may fail.

Against these views some men no doubt will rail, But let such take the Bible in their hands, And with Truth's weapons only them a.s.sail.

This the importance of the thing demands, For by the Truth alone his doctrine falls or stands.

LII.

On Scriptural grounds of every Sinner's hope He held no wavering views, for Truth shone clear Into his soul, and gave him power to cope With Error's darkest forms. He had no fear Of man before his eyes. The spiteful sneer Of Antinomians and proud Pharisees Disturbed him not, save to call forth a tear From heartfelt pity for the vagaries Of their perverted judgments touching G.o.d's decrees.

LIII.

He held, then, that the Lord, who sees the end From the beginning, did of his own pure grace Choose some with him Eternity to spend, From 'mongst the millions of our fallen race, Determined all such should behold his face In peace at last, in spite of h.e.l.l and sin.

These would in time his Gospel Truth embrace, Or die incapable for Faith within.

Thus did he view the triumphs of G.o.d's Grace begin.

LIV.

He saw G.o.d's Love--Superlative, Eternal, Gradually unfold the mystery To Man, who by Satanic schemes infernal, Had fall'n from happiness to misery.

And he by Faith's keen eye could clearly see Its full development when Jesus came The sinner's Surety and best Friend to be; Who "bore the Cross and still despised the Shame,"

Nor shrank from G.o.d's just wrath--a fiercely burning flame.

LV.

Christ's glorious Resurrection too, he saw To be G.o.d's stamp of approbation great On that vicarious work which his just Law Fulfilled--a ground of hope commensurate To man's great needs in every age and state.

These truths so filled his warm and generous soul That he on them would oft expatiate Until his feelings seemed beyond control; And this secured attention from his hearers all.

LVI.

Of man's free will he had not any doubt; Yet he as much believed the declaration Of G.o.d's own Word--which some men dare to flout-- That man's heart is, in every rank and station, "Always deceitful," filled with profanation, "And desparately wicked." This none know But G.o.d, who has provided expiation, And sent his Holy Spirit down to show These facts to sinners dead, and on them Life bestow.

LVII.

On final perseverance of all Saints He took the highest stand which man can take, And found in it a balm for most complaints Of Christian souls, to sense of sin awake.

This glorious truth to him would often make Light s.h.i.+ne in darkness and dispel his fear; Oft led him to endure for Jesus' sake Loss of beloved objects, and appear An ever happy man, 'midst prospects dark and drear.

LVIII.

Besides the views I have already given He held it right that Christians all should use The talents they possess as gifts from heaven.

Neglect of this admits of no excuse, Though there are times when men their gifts abuse.

As members of the Church all have their place, And none well taught of G.o.d should e'er refuse To aid His cause according to the Grace Received since they were led Salvation to embrace.

LIX.

For peaceful rule and needful discipline, He held that churches should call two or more Of members, who well qualified had been, As Elders, by G.o.d's Spirit to watch o'er The flock of Christ; men skilled in Bible lore, And "apt to teach; not novices, but such As have seen service in the Truth, and bore Good characters becoming Christians much,"

For only men like these should that high office touch.

LX.

Two or more Deacons they should also call, Who by the Scripture rule are qualified To keep the Church's funds, and still help all Who may by poverty be sorely tried.

By such arrangements Churches should abide, If they would faithful prove unto the Lord.

We have no right to set His Laws aside; Such conduct is by our Great Head abhorred, And does with our profession very ill accord.

LXI.

As this Church was but young it was deemed best That they should, as their pastor, him retain.

He thanked them much for confidence expressed, And hoped it would not tend to make him vain.

He thought it right his views thus to explain, And trusted they would give them due attention.

Should his poor life be spared he would remain And labor hard to keep them from declension, Though of their falling off he had no apprehension.

LXII.

The Salary question next came on the board.

What should the amount be, how or whence obtained?

The Church itself could not the means afford; Perhaps some others might a.s.sistance lend-- But would the pastor such a course commend?

Had they consulted him at first they would Have found they had no cause to apprehend A lack of means to serve intentions good; He wished to labor freely for Christ's brotherhood.

LXIII.

He and his family needed then no aid Except what new-come Settlers might require.

And obligation was upon him laid To seek the good of souls from motives higher Than worldly gain. He trusted his desire Was that the Gospel might be free to all.

What Christ had done for him his zeal would fire, And make him earnest in the sinner's call; Thus gladly would he forward press toward the goal.

LXIV.

Now let not Christians who from him may differ Suppose this man could no forbearance show.

It was his wish to be in nothing stiffer Than Truth required, which G.o.d led him to know.

From human creeds his conscience said "withdraw!"

To stand by such advice he was content.

To Pharisaic pride he was a foe, And to unG.o.dliness where'er he went, While to promote true Love his gifts and time were spent.

LXV.

My Muse again of temporal-things would sing, And I her mandate hasten to obey.

Upon all farms there's work enough in Spring, And GOODWORTH'S people were not used to play.