IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) 1.0 I.I •- IIIIIM 11 50 1^ llll^ 'i 1^ 2.5 12.2 2.0 1.8 1.25 1.4 1.6 ^m 6" ► V (meaning "CON- TINUED"), or the symbol V (meaning "END"), whichever applies. Maps, plates, charts, etc., may be filmed at different reduction ratios. Those too large to be entirely included in one exposure are filmed beginning in the upper left hand corner, left to right and top to bottom, as many frames as required. The following diagrams illustrate the method: 1 2 3 L'exemplaire film* fut reproduit grAce d la g6n6rosit6 de: Metropolitan To'-onto Library Canadian History Department Les images suivantes ont 6t6 reproduites avec le plus grand soin, compte tenu de la condition et de la nettet6 de l'exemplaire film6, et en conformity avec les conditions du contrat de filmage. 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Les diagrammes suivants illustrent la mdthode. 1 2 3 4 6 6 ^WMJM€W*, ba -^-M- COMPOSED BV MRS. JANE B. READ, WIDOW OF THR LATE SAMIEL llEAP, BRANTFORD, » » ^ » ^ 33rauttor^ : PRINTED AT THE DAtLY COURIER OFFICE j( I 'PIDDWOTON. BOOK-SELLRB. TORONTO. ONT. X lA P] \ V - V- POEMS . ON <> ^ SUBJECTS ► « ^ »^»- COMPOSED BY IMRS. JANE B. READ, WIDOW OF THE LATB SAMUEL READ, BRANTFORD, ^ *m* ^ \ PRINTED AT THE DAILY COURIER OFFICE. ^^7^ I='OEl^S. Ci>MPO«BD BT MIl». JANE B. RE4D, W»OW OF THB LATE SAMUEL READ, BBAXTFOBD. Thi$ peem is' designed for ycvth. It chews the e^tUrast It" tween the characters oj th« lads John Jones and Thomas Black. The result of the course they pursued i* marked in after life. FIRST PART. John Jones returns to his native town, and meets with hfs friend Thomas Black, after an absence of ten years. — Visits him and relates his misfortunes. Well, my friend John, how do you do? I never thought of seeing you ; So many years you've been away, 'Tis strange to see you here to-day. 1 am glad, Thomas, to see you ; Tc me the town looks strange, 'tis true 5 So many changes here I see, It does not seem like ixome to me. No doubt, friend John, you must feel sad. Dear friijnds are gone which you once had^- And strangers now their places fill, Who for your welfare will not feel. Together, when we were small boys. We loved to share each other's joys ; This evening come and visit me, And tell how things have gone with thea. I have a nice snug cottage home, Where mother and I live alone ; And thankful, too, I am to say, I am not in debt, but pay my way. So John went there at five o'clock, And was welcomed by widow B\6xk j When Thomas from his office oame. They felt 'twas good to meet again;. ■••1 z/^' And after a good tea v as served, Thus John began, though quite reserved By my looks, Thomas, you can see Things have not gone so well with me. John, you have been so long away, You o\ight to have good news to-day ; 'Tis ten years since you left this place ; I trust you've suffered no disgrace. I feel it to be a disgrace • ' To meet you, Thomas, face to face. My clothing is quite old, you see ; But worse than *hi8 doth trouble me; When this town, you know, was small, We were then lads, and known by all ; But now those days have passed away, My dear old parents, where are they ? I know they are now gone to rest, And that they are forever blest ; Their lives, our neighbors all could seey Were such as Christians ought to be^ Now the world looks cold and dreary, With its false charms 1 am quite weary ; Oh ! that I could lost hours reclaim, And have my youthful days again. '■■"-■' SECOND PAET. Th« loss which John s«etaine hy not attending; to hia Uncle's counsel, and his repentance. il? A merchant was my uncle John,- And wealthy one as in the town ;; And me he chose to be his heir^ If for business I would prepare, Mind, John, he oft to me would say, You must not fool your time away ; You'll find that it will quickly fly — Your schoolboy days will soon pass by. To be a merchant, you must know That into business you must grow ; And schooling you must have, said he ; A steady lad, too, you must be. X. T ^- f. Youth is the time to form your plan,. If you become a business man, Trusty and faithful you must be To all that is required of thee. \ Search the Scriptures — there you will find God's laws laid down for us to mind ; When all is dark before our eyes, His word gives light to make us wise. When 1 was a boy, you well know, To school I never loved to go ; My books I did not want to see, Nor know what their contents might be. And far from home, my own dear home, , I from my parents went to roam ; My money and my time have spent, And to my follies gave full vent. 'Tis only a few days ago My uncle died, Thomas, you know ,' And as I stootl by his bedside, He looked at me and deeply sighed. John, my poor friend, he sadly said. Toil hard you must for daily bread j Foohsh yt)u've been, and idle too. My store I could not leave for you. , While you were strolling here and there, I made choice of another heir ; One who has faithful been to me. And tilled the place designed for thee. . I advised you to form a plan To make yourself a business man ; But folly you would still pursue, Now see what it has brought you to. But steady now I hope you'll be — Think how friends have counselled thee. John, my last words I beg you'll mind- Seek that you may forgiveness find. A merchant now I migfht have been, And thrifty one as might be seen ; I look upon that splendid stand'^- ^ee what I have lost and what I am. « I am destitute, yon now see, Just ae my parents said 'twould he ; I see my folly, feel my sliame — It grieves me that I gave them pain. THIRD PART, Mrs. Black's Counst:!. Said widow Black : But, John, my friend, 'Tis not too late your ways to mend ; !Ne'er despair, but with God's help *ry, And tke right pursue till you die. ., n A blank your past life need not be ; . Warn others from your faults to flee ; j Tell them what sin has done for you, , y^, "What wretchedness it brought you to. And in this way, it may be, Many may yet live to bless thee, For helping them those sins to shun, Into which you have madly ryn. Your parents we knew very well, Quite near to them we used to dwell ; Often for you their tears were shed. Often for you their prayers were made. Some time before your mother died, I spent much time by her bedside ; Her trust on Christ alone was stayed. At death she did not feel dismayed. My friend, one day she said to me, If my John you should ever see, To him my dying message give, Tell him — Believe in Christ and live. Tell hiija his mother's earnest prayer Was that he might God's blessings share ; And that she might meet him at last, "Where all the storms of life are past. Said John ; Now, Mrs. Black, I feel The loss of mother's love so real ; How often to me she would say. For daily wisdom I should pray. L (■• ^ A dear, kind futher, too, I had ; Too often I have made him sad ; I'or his advice ^ did not heed, ilis wise counsel a.s not received. Oh ! had 1 listened to tlieir voice, How their fond hearts would have rejoiced Now in my loneliness I feel My heart mnst have been hard as steel. Yes, 1 can now young people warn Their parents' counsel -lot to scorn ; Mucli of my trouble they can see. And wluit my sins have done for me. L 3t seems to me my parents dear, ^ Tlieir sainted spirits now are here, Embracing me, saying, my son, Jesus now offers you pardon. A penitent I really feel, To Christ my Ixeart I wish to yield ,- For in the world I cannot find True happiness or peace of mind. The wages of sin, I know well, Is death, and leads the soul to hell ; But to sei-ve Christ and trust in Him, Saves us from the j^ower of sin. John, said Thomas, all go astray ^ But Christ calls us to Him to-day ; To-day, if you will hear His voice. Then you will make a happy choice. Whoever will to Him may come, Jesus invites. He'll cast out none ; His offered pardon now receive, Don't doubt His word, in Him believe. Then all through life's stormy sea You'll have a friend to stand by thee, TTntil yonr toils of life are past, Then give you an eternal rest. Thomas, I know Christ is my friend ;. May God help me my life to mend ; 'Tia well to have a friend like you, To tell my grief and sorrow to. c '»■ 8 Thomas, please, let me hear you tell How you have got along so well ; You have a home, and well supplied, Although yoang when your father died. in an office now I see you stand, Of it you have the whole command; The largest one, too, in the place — This makes me feel the more disgrace. FOURTH PART. it: Thomas relates his father's last counsel, his apprentiecsihipj. and success in life. John, 1 was jusi "ourteen years old When father caught a severe cold. When on his lungs soon we could see Great his sufferings seemed to he. One day, as I sat by his bed, . • Thomas, my son, to me he said, ".[ > My strength is wasting fast away, .' .:; Not long with you I have to stay. My last advice now do receive, My former counsel, too, believe ; Then friendless you will never be, God will a Father be to thee. In the days of youth. Oh ! beware How many tilings may prove a snare ; For in the world you'll always see Ten thousand things that will tempt thee. Be choice of those with whom you go, A bad companion do not know ; I caution you now to beware Of those who would your friendship share. Study to please your master well, By doing right you will excel ; Diligence in business, you will find. Is that which you must always mind. If virtuous you wish to grow, In wisdom's ways, then, you must go ; Her ways are ways of pleasansness, Her paths are peace and blessedness. > "l-\ » hipi- > i True piety is the only thing That will to you true comfort brinif ;' Seek it in youth, then you will find True happiness and peace of mind. Through all the stormy sea of life, 'Mid all its billows, all its strife ; Though earthly friends should fade and die Jesus will always be close by. Study God's word, it gives true light, Its laws will always guide you light ; They'll shield you from the tempter's power, And guide you in the darkest hour. I trusf that you will always mind To your mother be truly kind ; In her widowhood try to be Just what God requires of thee. I pray God to bless you, my son. Until your toils on earth are done ; And when the last loud trump shall sound, With the Hedeem'd may you be found. After my father died, 1 felt I was my mother's only help ; I told her now that I must learn Something, that wages I might earn. A printer it was my choice to be — My guardian to printing bound me ; If in business I would succeed, I felt I should more learning need. My leisure hours I employed In study, which I much enjoyed ; With such knowledge I stored my mind,, Which is a l\^lp to me, I find. The person to whom I was bound, Was a true friend as could be found ;. When my apprenticeship was served, He said a good name I deserved. And in that office I should share His friendship, long as he was there ; When he resigned, ne thought of me, Proprietor I was made to be. 10 This lot and dwelling are my own, Which makes me quite a nice snug home ; I tnist I may, John, yet see you , Enjoying life's sweet comforts too. You have no trade, I know, is true ; : It will be hard, I know, for you ; But some employment you will find,- Which, I trust, will suit your mind. The pay, of course, it may be small,. But better small than none at all ; I hope you'll try to do your best, And that your mind will have true rest. Thank you, good friends, for your advicej All ycu have said I highly prize ; ,. ^^ Your counsel I feel to be right ; My friends, I wish you both good night, ', ' ► * ♦ » < ht^^3 %\t 3Mmt'i>^ f wfir^ A Swearer pray ! yes, he prays ! And what then does his prayer contain ? He prays that God would send his soul To hell, to everlasting pain. And is it for himself alone r -^^ ■ f The swearer offers up his prayer ? No, — for his neighbors and his friends,, However near and dear they are. Swearer, while you read these lines. Thank God you are still out of hell ; If He had answer'd your request, Where would your guilty soul now dwell? swearer, wiV you pause and think Of what must be your dreadful end ? If God should answer your request. With lost spirits you'd be condemned. Shut out of heaven, shut up in hell — This is the import of your prayer : No God, no Saviour to be yours,— Then who would pray the Swearer's Prayer ? .i " 11 i it r .1 Wh« can afford to lose his soul, That immortal part of pri6eless worth ? Its value never can be told. By Angels above or Saints on earth. If you possess'd ten thousand worlds ; If death should stare you in the face, — You then would freely give them all, Could you flee from death's cold embrace God will not guiltless hold that man Who takes his holy name in vain ; Then do you think, as you are now. That you with Christ will ever reign ? Swearer, how often in one day Do you that sacred name jirofane ? O now confess your sins to God, And pray that pardon you obtain. Christ offers pardon free to all ' Who deeply feel their sins are great, — / Who with repentance look to Him, He never did nor will forsake. The greatest sinners now may come, Altho' they never came before ; Then hasten now-^make no delay — To-morrow death may shut the door. O, be entreated by a friend To plead for pardon through Christ's blood That your immortal soul be saved ; That you at last may reign with God. But if you wilfully persist In offering the Swearer's Prayer, Then lost, O wretched man, thou art. And thou the Swearer's doom must bear ^^'' 12 %Ut ^nm-MUx. Rum-seller, do you, can you think. When death to you shall come, 'Twill give you happiness to think You lived by selling rum ? See that poor desolate widow Now friendless has become, Just gone from her husband's grave, Who died from drinking rum. Her home once shone with brightness, With a loving husband's care, Providing her every comfort, , ^ , . No want or sorrow there. [ It was by your invitation That he took his first glass : ' One night, as he was going by, ; >, . You urged him not to pass. ,^ l-y Now see that widow's scalding tears, Her children bes[gars run. Who had a father's care and love . , ^ Before you sold him rum. O think, when that poor widow's eyes Are keenly fixed on thee, — 'Twas you who caused her anguish ; On yod the curse must be. See yonder, those fond parents now With trembling footsteps come From the grave of their darling boy. Once noble, sprightly son. ; But, like thousands of other lads, A victim he's become, And laid in a drunkard's grave, Through you, who sold him rum. True, you may not force all to drink, But is your part loell dotie, To sell the cursed cup of woe To all who to you come ? All the faculties of the mind Are ruined, and become Quite brutalized bv strong drink ; And still you will sell rum. , I 13 / / For our deeds to ""..od we must account, When we to judgment come ; Then do you think, for selling drink, Will he pronounce icell done ? More for Satan you could not do Than just what you have done, To keep a groggery or saloon, In order to sell rum. If millions of worlds you should gain By selling this vile drink. Would it be the price of one soul ? Eumseller, pause and think ! Be sure his you are whom you serve, And he'll pronounce well done ; For multitudes of precious souls You've brought to him by rum. r » And in that wretched world of woe. If you with them shall come. Will you pronounce your cursed work Upon them there well done f O then, rum-seller, you will feel The fruits of selling rum ; And all for the sake of paltry gold These hellish deeds you've done. There your customers you must meet, When at the bar of God ; Then for the deeds which you have done You'll get your j ust reward. ■r.'^i;5 UJ 14 i Linen oomposed by Jane B. Read, in womrn of Ket betoocd husband, Samuel Read, who departed thin l{fe on the 17th of December, 1867, aged 61 years. Most deeply do 1 feel the loss Of thee, my husband dear ; For many years we lived in love And toiled together here. Each other's burdens vre would bear, 'TAvas pleasant so to do, — Each other's joys we loved to share, Of which there were not few. Another link is bioken now. Which bound my heart to earth ; Another treasure now in heaven, To me of precious worth. - ^ ; Now in my lonely hours I muse On by-gone happy days. When together we conversed. And loved to sing God's praise. The Scriptures thou did'st love to read, We loved to listen too, And often to us thou didst read "^ Their sacred pages through. Together we could bow the knee To God in sacred prayer. With our loved ones who are now left, No Father's love to share. When any subject on my mind I did not understand, How freely I could ask thee, dear — The answer was at hand. And now it often seems to me That thou art by my side, Cheering me in my lonely toil. Which daily cares provide. A faithful husband, father, friend, We have proved thee to be ; And 'tis my happiness to know Thou didst confide in me. i 4 ■■''• :;■,/ I 4 4 16 AlthbUgh my tears so often flow Wh«n thinking bf thee, love, My aoiTOAV mingles with the joy Of meetu)g thee above. How many times thou hast told me < ' To put my trust in God," And not to murmur when on me In love He lays the rod. ^ Though heavily tis on me laid, I shall not murmur, dear ; All that my Father does is well, And He marks every tear. Tears my blessed Saviour shed, Ho lets me do the same ; But when I of his sorrows think, Oh ! why should I complain ] Ah, still frail nature thou dost shrink When with death thou dost contend ; When thou must take the last farewell Of a dear husband, father, friend. This cup how bitter 'tis to drink, " O miay it pass," we cry ; Nevertheless, *' Thy will be done," Dear Lord, help us reply. That vacancy which is now left In this poor heart of mine. Come, blessed Saviour, fill it up With that dear love of thine. Through sovereign grace may we all meet The loved one gone before, To dwell forever with the Lord, Our Saviour to adore. Sweet thought ! there shall no sea be there. No waves or billows rise. To interrupt the calm serene Of that blessed Paradise. Together then again we'll sing, And high our voices raise To Him who hath washed us in His blood, To Him be all the praise. f ■ -'. ■••v>" 16 Li&et for tot ^«ss« SiUmr. When with temptations you're beset On every side which you may turn, For strength and wisdom look to God To help you them to overcome. When you first commenced to walk, And felt your strength to be but small, You held your mother by the hand, To keep you that you should not fall. 'Ti \ when by simple chikllike faith Wo firmly hold the Saviour's hand. That then by Him we are held up, And we have strength enough to stand. When wo our perfect weakness feel, The Saviour is our " All in all ;" But when we try to stand alone, O then we may be sure to fall. When one of God's dear children fall, 'Tis when they leave their Father's hand, And think that thty can go alone. But find their hopes are built on sand. Now dear young friend, if you should think That you have strength enough to stand. Take heed, says Christ, how lest you fall, You'll always need your Father's hand. But still our loving Father calls His wandering child baok to the fold } And He waits to embrace His son AVith love which never can be told. Boldly show to the world, dear friend, That God's laws are your chief delight, And in your worldly business do Just what His word tells you is right. And when your days on earth are done, Y^ur toils, your joys and sorrows past, A welcome, well done, may you hear^ Enter into eternal rest. -*^a- .*.K- ; '^ ^»^. «*' '^ ■ .■?--. ' . * .'■■ ; r^.