Evanescent Thoughts [pp. 264]

FLOWERS.
often told us that she intended, through grace, to
"stand fast," brook opposition, and endure to the
end. Her piety and perseverance are worthy to be
recorded-her example followed.
Margaret I was the eldest of a large family.
Her parents were professed Christians, but enemies
to Methodism. In this family lived Mary, a
devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal Church,
and a faithful and most excellent teacher in our
Sabbath school, held in the grove. Mary - was
pious, intelligent, and prayerful-had won the confidence of all who knew her, but especially of her
class. Margaret was one of the number; and
the wholesome instructions and pious example of
Mary - won her heart and her life in favor of
the doctrines and institutions of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
But Mary was like the short-lived flower.
Scarcely did her character shine to cheer and enlighten, before she was nipped by the blasts of disease. Her end drew nigh. Of this she was sensible.
But on whom could she bestow her dying blessing?
Who should wear her mantle? There was none
like Margaret -, who watched over her wasting
energies and emaciated frame, ready to supply leer
every want.
The summer had passed, autumnal breezes had
disrobed the forest of its beauty, and the darkened
heavens and piercing winds announced the approach of dreary winter. It was evident that
Mary would soon be no more. At length she
reached the hour of her departure. Clad in the
"whole armor of God," she met the "king of terrors." She fought, and fell, but conquered; and
triumphantly passed where are
" No chilling winds nor pois'nous breath."
The school was summoned to her funeral. We
drew around her grave and wept-she was gone-a
sister, a teacher beloved, was in the tomb before us.
But Margaret - seemed as if her " head were waters, and her eyes fountains of tears;" for she wept
day and night for her teacherand much loved Mary.
The triumphant death of Mary -, gave new
life and vigor to Margaret. She grew stronger
and stronger in faith and love. Her heart was
"fixed." Her opposition increased, and it was evident that her parents intended to tear her away from
the Church of her choice. They refused her the
privilege of attending her class, than which nothing
gave her more pleasure. But every opportunity was
embraced. After her parents left home Sabbath
morning for their place of worship, a distance of
six or seven miles, Margaret might be seen tripping
down a long hill, about a mile, to the grove, where,
after having worshiped with us, and visited the
grave of Mary —, and wept over it, she returned
home before the arrival of her parents. Finding
that their eldest daughter was not only determined
to be a Methodist herself, but was exerting an influence over her brothers and sisters, who were
inclined to follow her, they determined to leave the
place. Having made suitable arrangements, they
left Virginia and settled in the western part of
Ohio. Here Margaret found it necessary to walk
seven or eight miles to enjoy Christian fellowship.
Her parents positively denied her the privilege.
She immediately informed her old class-mates in
Virginia that she desired to return and live and die
with them. We sent her the means to return; but
God ordered it otherwise. Margaret commenced
a prayer meeting in a neighboring cave, with a few
of her young associates. God met with themsouls were converted. It was evident that the
Lord was working among the young people, through
Margaret's instrumentality. She was encouraged,
while her heart uttered,
" Earth hath no sorrow that heaven cannot heal."
The Lord works in various ways. While his grace
was moving the hearts of some, the rod of correction was laid upon others. Sickness entered her
father's house. Three of her younger brothers
died. Her parents humbly acknowledged the chastisement. Margaret's way was opened again, and
with her sister N. she could rejoice in the Lord.
Original.
FLOWERS.
YES, trail the vine, and bring the flower,
'Twill give soft grace to the home bower;
And fondly watch the opening bloom,
And feast thee witlh the rich perfume:
The love of flowers is of the heart
That in all gentle thoughts has part.
But as thou mark'st, with smiling eye,
Th' unfolding leaf of glorious dye,
While round thy feet the gorgeous rose
Its flush and odor softly throws,
Still read, in every opening fold,
His touch whose hand the heavens unrolled.
D.
Original.
EVANESCENT THOUGHTS.
O DREAMS! that the beautiful wakes in my soul,
Why may I not bind ye with earthly control?
Ye are fading e'en now, ye are melting away!
Ye mock my vain grasp, like the lightning's bright
play.
Again ye come back! still to melt on my sight —
Quick flashes like sparkles of waves in the light:
O when shall my soul on the beautiful gaze,
And detain the swift gleams of high thought through
its rays! H.
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