.^^ v^, >..1ir. IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) %° 1.0 1.1 ■tt Uii 12.2 Z Ii£ 12.0 1.25 lU 1.4 I m 1^ V % »* y k*^' •'^ \ <^ '^ .,,,^,.. ..,,.1':..... "i.y'jif-i '^ ^ I: i CIHM/ICMH Microfiche Series. CIHM/ICMH Collection de microfiches. Canadian Instituta for Historical IVIicroraproductions Institut Canadian da microraproductiona historiquas 1960 Technical and Bibliographic Notes/Notes techniques et bibiiographiques The Institute has attempted to obtain the best original copy available for filming. Features of this copy which may be bibliographically unique, which may alter any of the images in the reproduction, or which may significantly change the usual method of filming, are checked below. 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Les diagrammes suivants lllustrent la m^thode. 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5 6 I ■_- • • • • • *••• •••• «••• ••« •••• •••• •••• •••• PART IV. ••«• ••«• *•#• vta* PART V, . . ' • • • • • • • < • ••• •••« •••• 9 • t • ••• •••• ■•• The Battle. . The Execution.. PART VI. • • • • • PART VII. PART VIII ■ • • • PART IX. I • • • ■ » • PART X. ■ • • • PART XI. • • • • • « • PART XII. * • » • ■ PART XIII PART XIV ) • • • • • • >•* •••• •••# » • • • • • • • • ■ • • ■ • 1 • ••■ •••• ••«• •••• ••! • »• •••• •••• •••< • ••« •••• •••• •••• On Higher Ground. . The Crossing •••• •••• •••• •••• •••• PART XV. •••• »•«• •••« •«•• PART XVI. The Holy City • • • • •• 4 •••• •••• •••) Page 17 60 61 81 99 117 149 166 178 191 206 220 240 250 264 280 !' f rr .11 PROLOGUE. By Fate the bards have been cnsnai'ccl Upon the couch the muse prepared, Who over them her pinions spread, And placed her hand beneath their head, That, sweetly they might take repose, As inspiration from her flows. Her golden chain their senses bound, Until within the spell profound, Xheir captive souls were all on fiie, And visions did their hearts in^^pii-e. The outer Avorld was lost to view ; Material things dispers'd as dew That flees before the burning ray. Sent by the Monarch of the day. "With mystic bonds the will was chainM ; Invention over reason reign'd — Imagination burst her cell, And like the partridge from the shell, She rambled thro' the great unknown, And makes its treasui-es all her own. With all these floral treasures sweet, And goodly pearls stor'd at their feet, They bid us come and fear no Uiftrni, Then o'er us throw th.e yeilrlike diarm; 8 FAOM APOLLYONVILLE And bind us with their chains of gold, And hold us firm with fold on fold. As thro' their being flames the fire. Which more and more their thoughts inspire. Their numbers roll in strains sublime, And thoughts take form in bumish'd rhyme. Heroic deeds of warriors great, Who show'd their might on fields of fate. Besplendent stand before our eyes. Like stars that shine in cloudless skies. And oratora with silvery tongue. Who o'er the soul the spell have flung, Which multitudes have captive led. Before us pass with silent tread. The statesmen of stupendous powers. Whose heads above the nation towers ; Whose smiles with peace the nations crown, But war attends whose fatal frown, Before us stand adoiu'd with fame. Or subjects of reproach and shame. Astronomers, who sweep the skies. At whose command new worlds arise ; And proud philosophers have been Full orb'd cast on the poets screen. Musicians, who with voice and lyre, Have filled the soul with magic fire. Transformed have stood before our eyes, Like cherubim just from the skies. Forgotteii, sculptors have not been, Who in the unhewn rock have seen n TO THE HOLY CITY. The angql form with beauty graced, Which by consummate skill was traced ; And patriots, whose native land Has caird forth love intense and grand : While kings, who have the sceptre borne, And jewelled crowns with pride have worn, Are made immortal by their song, Altho' in death they've slumber'd long. And cities grand have been portray'd, With all their mingled light and shade. Before om* gaze their domes arise, Their battlements mount to the skies. As in a mirror we behold, Their palaces of gems and gold, * And street, and mart, 'and theatre, And mighty multitudes astir ; While massive walls on every side Lift up their towers of strength and pride. And as we hear the numbers roll, Tne mystic flame darts thro' our soul ; — With subtle heat our spirits glow, The frost-bound hills begin to flow, Until imagination's powers Begin to paint their beauteous flowers. As thro' her mystic lens we gaze. We fill with wonder and amaze. To see how mighty empires rise, And spread abroad 'neath laughing skioft, And like a giant in his might. Have smiled complacent with delight. 10 FROM APOLLYONVILLE I But soon their mighty sceptre broke, And startled and dismay'd they woke From gorgeous dreams on fancy fed, To find the crown had left the head;— The tide of greatness ceas'd to flow, The sword was broken by the foe ; Our hearts beat with intensity To see them fall and cease to be. And then the bards stretch forth the wand, And bid us follow their command ; And as. the arrow leaves the bow, • So after them wo swiftly go; — On mountain peaks we take our seat. With smiling vallc^^s at our feet ; Before us spreads the forest grand, . Whose trees as monarchs proudly stand, Eegardlcss of the lightning's flash, Undaunted by the thunder's ci-ash. The sparkling brooklets prance around, And sylvan lakes in sleep profound, Eepose upon their peaceful bed, By living springs supplied and fed. Mosses of richest shade and hue Are gorgeously held out to view;^ Before oui' eyes ten thousand flowers Hold out their hands to catch the showers ; The foaming cataract we see, And listen to the melody Of Bongsters in the tree-tops high, And Ifurks that warble in the sky. TO tMe Holy city. ii From crag to crag we fondly leap, And daring climb the frowning steep, While at our feet the billows roar And irave along the rocky shore. But when their wrath has ceas'd to burn, They to the caverns deep return, Then out upon the mighty sea, ' The emblem of eternity. We look and scan the mirror'd sky,' As slumbering all the billows lie. We catch the zephyr's plaintive moan. And hear the dread tornado's groan : The stately ships, of gallant mien, Sit on the billows like a queen, With wings outspread, as white as snow, Before the goodly winds that blow. And when the mighty tempests i ise, And in their fuiy rend the skies, Then up to heav'n. they sprightly leap. And madly plunge into the deep ; Careering then before the* blast, The shroud gives way and breaks the mast, And as the billows laugh and mock. They dash upon the hidden rock. Then as the morning vapors rise, Om* thoughts ascend the sunlit skies ; Prom pole to pole the scene expands. Displaying sea and solid lands ;— Great sol lights up the mighty dome, Where meteors dai't and comets roam. Ii2 FROM APOLLYONVILLE Aud clouds like golden di*apery Seem fit to deck the Deity. And when the nightly curtain falls, And midnight gloom all nature palls, We see ten thousand spheres of fire, With dazzling light for their attire, Crome from the depths of boundless space, With angel smiles upon their face. And when the earth is wrapt in sleep, The moon climbs up the azure steep ; Her throne she takes by dint of might, And Bways her sceptre o'er the night. Then as the bards their story tell, They bind us with their magic spell, Ani swifter than a ray of light Our throbbing spirit takes its flight Away to scan the orient, Away to view the Occident, — Among the northern icebergs roam, — And lave ourselves in southern foam. And nature's panoramic scene Of wintry white and vernal green. And summer flowers from every shore. And autumn, with its ripened store ; — Tea, all the sights that thrill the soul, In one grand panorama roll. Before our charm'd and ravish'd gaze, «And fill us with profound amaze. Their mandate we with joy obey. And at their shrine our homage pay, y •;;' TO THE HOLY CITY. 13 And hear embodied in their verse, The anthems of the universe. Of nectar founts we fondly drink, And then into their depjths we sink : The viands fit for gods to eat. Are lavishly strewn at oui* feet. We ti*ead on moss and dainty flowers, And hide away in emerald bowers, Where golden sunbeams gladly stray. And with the timid shadows play. Then on the wings of thought we're borne, Away beyond the rosy morn — . Away beyond the ocean's shore — Away beyond the thunder's roar — Away beyond the queen of night — Away beyond the king of light — Away beyond the throbbing star — Away, away in heaven afar, — Where stands the great Jehovah throne, Where storm and night are never known. The crystal fountains we behold. And streets of pure, transparent gold ; From living trees we gather fruits. And watch the angels with their lutes, As they their anthems loud rehearse. Whose chorus fills the universe. Each moment stronger grows the spell, Each moment doth the vision swell, While more and more our spirits thrill. As with the magic flame we fill. ,\ • I / • <> 14' FBOM APOLLtONVILLE M Till from ourselves we seem to flee, And melt away in ecstacy. . And then of fabled lands we dream, And walk by mythic lake and stream, We climb the heights ne'er climbed before. Thro' new-made firmaments we soar; We look on lands of golden light. On which ne'er fell a shade of night ; Where storms ne'er rend the atmosphere. And death calls forth no burning tear ; Where sorrow never breathes a sigh, And darkness never dims the skj , — Where deadly lightnings never flash. And vengeful thunders never crash : But where the winds their vigils keep, Above the waves that calmly sleep ; — Where famine never lifts its hand, And earthquakes never shake the land ; Where mountains rise unto the sky, And smiling, valleys round them lie ; — Where hungry cannon never roar. And none hath heard the sound of war: — But peace, as Empress, proudly reigns, And harmony with golden chains The elements and forces bind, — And matter bows to God-like mind. Immortal flowers in colors gi'and, Adorn and beautify the land, While forests rise with wings outspread, With em'rald crowns upon their head. , , f TO THE IIOZY CITY. n O'er golden sands the brooklets play And gambol thro' supernal day. Among the forest — thro' the vale, Majestic rivers never fail, Until they reach the ocean gi-and. And lave the undulating strand. With finny tribes the seas abound, Which dart into its depth profound, Then to the placid surface rise To greet the light that floods the skies. And bLrds, full-fledged in snowy white, Like stars, float in a sea of light ; And flowers, whose peerless beauties blend On zephyrs soft, aromas send To lull us into rhapsodies. And drown us in elysian seas. But soon the thrilling song is hushed, . The magic wand lies in the dust ; j On lightning wings the visions go, And leave us in a world of woe. cannot paint such beauteous flowers,- cannot sketch such fragrant bowers,- '. .cannot sing such magic lays, — cannot tread such starry ways,— cannot wield the magic rod, — cannot make of mau^ a god, — cannot raise to ecstacies, — Lnd with elysian glories please. 16 FJiOM APOLLYONVILLE But listen to my homely vo/ae, And breathe a prayer aB I rehearse The dreams whose mystic fetters bound, My spirit while in sleep pi'ofound, And in a vision did portray The dangers that around me lay, And caused me for my life to flee Away from that iniquity That holds the spii*it in its arms, And slays it with its fatal charms, That I the narrow path might find, That leaves destruction far behind. And every foe with valor meet, And lay them bleeding at my feet ; Or, when engaged in stubborn fight, They will, as aiTOWS, take their flight. That I may pass the pearly gate, Where chenibim in glory wait, And worship and adore the King, And thro' the deathless ages sing The heavenly chorus and refrain. And on a throne of splendor reign. m TO THE HOLY CITY. 11 PART I. APOLLYONVILLE. " For here hare we no continuing city." — Paul. The king of day had left the mighty deep, And fast was climbing up the eastern steep ; His brow shone with a diadem of light, As he was moving towards his zenith height, And darkness left its proud imperial throne, Beyond the western seas in haste had flown. As I went forth my daily work to do. The morning shadows from my path withdrew, jIn hazy garb the distant mountains lay, The forests glittered in the light of day ; [The vales put on their most bewitching charm, [The timid flocks were feeding free from harm, JArnong the trees the crystal lakes repos'd, [?en thousand flowers their loveliness disclos'd, Lnd to the gentle winds their incense flung, ''hile birds in plumage bright their anthems sung. Jefore the light the sparkling dews retir'd, — [•he mountain rills the boundless main desir'd ; I'he truant clouds were floating in the sky, Jut to the sun they dare not venture nigh. Tor hours I labored in the growing heat, — ?hen eagerly I sought the wild retreat, 18 FROM APOLLYONVILLE To throw myaelf beneath the cooling shade, Which nature for the sons of toil had made. The moss-clad knoll was charming to the eye, Where shadows did with goMen sunbeams vie ; Upon the yielding moss I calmly lay, Till gentle sleep my senses stole away ; — Imagination then from slumber woke, The bonds of will she like a ;;iant broke, And far away on vision's wlii-^s she bore. And placed me on a strange ;ind distant shore ; Then took me up a high and fruitful hill, Where stood a city called Apollyonv^lle. The rosy morn was casting forth the light. And driving from the place the gloom of night. I seemed a native of the place — at home — And soon the thoroughfares began to roam. It was a city of stupendous size, Whose domes and towers reach'd to the azure skies ; The streets were pav'd with stone, and straight and wide, And thro' the city ran from side to side. The walks were marble — finis h'd for the feet, As they reposed beside the busy street. Between the walks and streets were princely trees, With em'rald charms admiring eyes to please, — Whose roots beneath the street and sidewalk grew. And held them firm when mighty tempests blew, And like the moon among the stars of night. The fountains rose resplendent in the light ; — The waters arched the streets with rainbows rare, As up they rose into the perfumed air. TO THE HOLY CITY. t'^lt In many places gardens stocked with flowers, Lay half-concealed in amaranthine bowers : With choicest fruits the vineyards did abound, Whose vines in purple clusters hung around ; And monuments, raised to the rich and great, Whom death had call'd to meet their solemn fate, Apfjear'd like mountain peaks in golden light. As they stood forth in sculptur'd garments bright. And drinking-foimtains called the panting throng, AVho sluiced their thirst and quickly pass'd along, That others, thirsting, might the fountains gain. That they might drink, and not of thirst coinj)lain. Along the streets "which thro' the place did run, Were marble structures sliining in the sun. While other structures, built of stone and wood, In comely blocks throughout the city stood. But in some parts the buildings had gi'own old — • Were falling down, and covered o'er with mould. From times leniote the street Iniquity Was lined with haunts of vice and infamy ; — For, standing there, were houses of ill-fame. Where the licentious glori'd in their shame. On either side the gambling-halls were found. Where rioting and tumult shook the ground. \ Unto these haunts the sons of labor went, And with the tribes of wealth and fashion spent The daily gains that made the sweat-drops start, I And drove the shafts of languor thro' the heart ; iTJntil the midnight oil had burn'd away, [And in the sky was seen the morning ray. 20 FROM APOLLYONVILLE Th«n high tho domes of Stock Exchanges rose, As they their grand proportions did disclose : — Within their stately walls largo gains were made, And bags of gold in trusty safes were laid. For gain, like merchandize, the fools wore sold, The innocents were slain to win their gold. A motley crew of vile extortioners Put up their signs to gather customers. And simple souls as by a spell were bound, And drawn into the fatal gulf and drowned : — While others went to the deceitful mart, But left in agony and cruel smart. There was a noted place called Tattle Lane, Where strife and discoi-d did triumphant reign. To whom each one the knee in homage bow'd. And their fidelity and service vow'd. Each in this lane about the other knew, And every word pronounced, both false and true, Was soon pronounced again, with many more, Till all around was heard the noise of war. In sight of Tattle Lane was Gossip Eow, Where each the others business strove to know,— To see and hear the things each day were done, Appear'd enough to blush the noonday sun. The stalwart sires and matrons by the score, Were standing round and crowding every door ; And youths and maidens stood in groups around, Or, in their unkept toilets, strew'd the ground. Of all I saw no one had ought to do, But each had open ears for something new; • TO THE HOLY CITY. 21 And some were stored with news too good to koeji. Which, told to others, made them shout and leap : And if a stranger to that place should go, The winds of slander round him soon would blow. About the absent none had good to tell ;— Their ripple faults would into billows swell ; — The truth was chang'd to falsehood black as night, And character, with outspread wings, took flight ; And every one who would another meet, His color'd story would aloud repeat. Till gossip-gales would whistle thro' the Kow, And slander-tides the place would overflow. But frequently the current took a turn. And tempers hot aS furnace fires would burn. Till blasphemy, unfit for fiends to heai*, Would echo thro' the region far and near ; — And woi*ds as vile as human tongues ere spoke, Upon the car as dismal thunders broke ; — Then blows were struck, and red the current flow VI, Till each with blood had paid the debt he ow'd. Yet of disgrace no one appeai*'d to think, Nor from the light of day would blushing shrink. Yea, virtue was dethroned and crucified. And slander there was crown'd and deified ; While shame, "farewell" unto the place had said, And modesty on tai*nish'd pinions fled. I then beheld on Degi'adation Street, The two extremes which did together meet : — For there was grandeur calling to admire, While wretchedness stood near in vile attire ; A 22 FROM AFOLLYONVILLE 1 r And both would promenade this thoroughfare, As they pursued the pleasure everywhere, And often plunged into the foulest mire, Before they would from the pursuit retire, Alon^ this street were palaces for gin, Where wealth and fashion drank destruction in; And meaner haunts for poverty were found, In which all hope and happiness were drown'd. Within these haunts groat throngs would congi-egate, To drain the cup, their thirst to satiate, There wealth, like morning clouds, Hoon fled away, , And health and beauty there could never Htay. In threadbare garments Avant went thro' the place, With lines of deepest sorjow on her face ; — And multitudes of men with wither'd forms, As if the victims of a thousand storms. Would lie about upon the filthy floor, Like soldiers slaughter'd by the hand of war. And wan despair appear'd with bloodshot eyes. And wail'd the hom*s away with piercing cries. As wanes the golden light at close of day. So virgin innocence did fade away. And when I came unto Destruction Street, I found that ruination was complete ; — For reason left her high imperial throne, \.nd oi-der on that street was never known. There human fiends would ^gger to and fro, And loudly sing their ballads coarse and low ; And made the region hideous with their yells, Like maniacs confin'd in gloomy cells. TO THE HOLY CITY. 28 And multitudes, delirious, loud bloaphQined, Their frenzied eyes, like fireballs, wildly gleamed, While others, overcome and deiwlly drunk, Into the loathsome slough and cesspool sunk ; And savage hordes, as if wild i)easts of prey. Went prowling round in search of some to slay. Unto the heart the fatiil dagger went ; — With murder-cries the fetid air was rent ; — Then cold and rigid as the winter clay, And in his blood the breathless victim lay. In days before these had a smiling face, — Were beautift'd with comeliness and giacc ; But over them corruption sternly reigned, And every one with treble bonds was chained. Dreams never saw a viler place than this ; Such could not be above the " great iibysn." I then mov'd on to Ftishion Avenue, Whose dazzling sights, as stars, rose to my view ;- For gaiety and grandeur did combine, And on the mai'ble pave as suns did shine ; On either hand, high in the lucid air, A thousand structures show'd proportions i-are ; Whose fronts, transparent stood before my eyes. Stored with all sorts of costly merchandise ; Where wealth and taste their greed could satiate. And vanity could fly on wings elate. Whate'er imagination could portray, Address'd the eye with riches of di.splaj-. From hand to hand a golden current went, Back thro' those hands another tide was sent, 24 FROM APOLLYONVILLE Amid the voices sounding like the roar Of distant billows breaking on the shore. Along the pav'd and garnished avenue, The scene was ever changing to the view. Upon his high-bred steed the warrior bold, Appear'd, bedeck'd with stars of burnish'd gold The high-born nobleman, with coach-and-fom', Bowd'd to the sage of philosophic lore. The sceptred prince, in jewell'd livery, With mighty statesman walked in company ; The admirals of powerful fleets were there. With burnished blades bedet with jewels rare ; And proud commanders from the distant seaa, Were plucking fruitage from the fashion-ti'ees. The scientist and learn'd historian too, Were ever seen upon this avenue ; ^nd from the schools the half-fledged scholar came, With pompous mien to make himself a name ; ■ And high officials, from the state and trade. With wealthy citizens of every gi*ade, Appear'd in fashion's costly garb complete, Too proud to tread the dust beneath their feet. As golden fruits in silver pictures stand, The ladies did from all, regard command. For multitude they were as forest trees, And all attired admiring eyes to please. The choicest dress by human skill prepai-'d, — The jewelry which they profusely shar'd, Show'd that they bow'd at vanieties false shi*ine -.-^ The god of fashion they proclaim'd divine. ^\.. TO THE HOLY CITY. 25 > When I left Fashion Street I did repair Unto another place called Pleasure Square, Where graceful bowers and hedges stood around, And matchless flowers were carpeting the ground. The fountains in the morning light did play ; In haste the laughing streamlet fled away, And pavements smooth and bright beguil'd the feet, Of mighty hosts from avenue and street, Who from the comely, ti*ees would take the bloom. And deck'd themselves as soldiers with their plume?*!. I saw upon the South of Pleasure Square, A massive structure rising grand and fair. " Temptation Theatre " in sparkling gold, Was on its front conspicuous to behold. And when the tempting doors were open wide, No one could stop the strong and rapid tide. Which by its very weight was borne iilong, Until the spacious walls refus'd the thi'ong. It was a spring from which they loved to drink ; It was a sea in which they loved to sink ; And when the king of day had gone to rest, And all the land in nightly robes was dress'd, Then hither came the tribes of vanity, Clad in the garb of men'iment and glee, Until they crowded gallery and floor ; Whose words were like the distant ocean's roar. A thousand jets of gas threw out their light, Whiih instantly devoui-'d the gloom of night ; And from the vault above hung stars of gold, And on the walls arrang'd in fold on fold, 26 FROM AFOLLYONVILLE Were hanging choice and costly tapestries, • The wanton eyes of the refin'd to please ; Where softly cushion'd seats allur'd the eye, And bid each one their matchless comfort try. And when aside was drawn the brilliant screen, Then all attired in robes of witching sheen, The Actors on the gaudy stage appear'd, And Actresses with loud applause were cheer'd, When stillness thro' the vast assemWy reigned, And silence had her wanted palm regain'd. The thrilling tragedy at once began, And thro' the crowd the tide of feeling ran. The repartee each mind with fetters chain 'd, And o'er the soul with subtle influence reign 'd, * And as with pleasure-cords each heart was bound, 'And every soul with ecstasy was crowii'd, , Then all the multitude arose complete, •And stood exultingly upon their feet, *And then as loud as ocean's billows roar, They every one exclaim'd, " encore ! encore ! !" Then to the North of Pleasure Square I saw, A stracture stand that filled my soul with awe, It was an amphitheatre of sport, And on its front was chiselled " Ball Room Court." An edifice it was, of wondrous size, Whose turrets rose into the arching skies. The walls suiTOunded rooms whose floors were'white,. And what the eye coulcl see was clean and bright, • And there the gloom of night could never stay, A thousand lamps tni*n'd darkness into day. TO THE HOLY CITY. 27 Within these walls appear'd the warrior bold, Upon whose breast were burning stars of gold, — The mighty statesman and the noble peer, With wealth, and fashion, came their hearts to cheer The sceptred princes of the royal blood. Poured thro' these halls like waters of a flood ; And ladies proud, in gold and jewelry, With toilets which from every fault was free, I And like the full orb'd moon their face was bright, Whose eyes had charms beyond the stars of night. : Society of every rank and grade. Came to these halls in midnight joys to trade. The music starts with clear and thrilling not«s, And thro' the restless mass of beings floats, Till every nerve vibi afes like subtle wire, And every throbbing heart is set on fire, That all might blend in harmony and grace. With swiftest feet the midnight hours to chase. Then in my dream I saw upon the East, A structure where was served a nightly feast : — Upon its front in characters of gold Was " Opera," inviting to behold. The viands served within was music sweet. Of which the multitudes delighted eat. The full-toned organ with the numbers roll'd, Pianos sweet their choicest accents told, And harps took up the soft and trembling song, While violins the measures would prolong ; — Sweet were the numbers from the dulcet lute, And slow and plaintive was the gentle flute ; — ^ 28 FROM APOLLYONVILLE :l| I. " li fl A thousand lyres struck in with magic strain ; And loud the clarion sounded the refrain ; — The cornet's tones subdued the throbbing soul ; — The contra-basso did its thunders roll, And cymbals spoke aloud their startling lays, While bands of music thrilled with rapt amaze. The anthem grand broke forth upon the ear, As in the eye was seen the crystal tear ; And marches every heart with life inspir'd And solos with their charms the spirit fired ; — Duets were like the songs Euterpe sung. And with the trios sweet the arches rung ; — Amid the cheers and bursts of loud applause, That none could ere control by use or laws ; — Quartettes would like the pealing thunders roll. And with their subtle cords they bound the soul. Upon each heart the wand of music fell. That of its charms the listeners all might tell ; — While some o'er-power'd bowed down beneath its weight, And others soar'd away on wings elate. 'Twas music that the soul did most inspire, And fann'd into a flame the latent fire, / Till o'er the empire of the mind it reign'd ; : : <^^ 1 But of its tyranny no one complain'd. ; Then on the West an edifice rose high. Whose battlements embraced the azure sky. Imposing were its sculptm-ed marble walls, Inside of which were large and brilliant halls, Where all the gambling tribes would congregate. The passion of their soul to satiate. TO THE HOLY CITY. 2» Within these garnished walls the sons of toil, In games of chance consumed the midnight oil. Com*ageous sailors from the stormy main, Met with the plebians from the fertile plain, — And mountaineers, a coarse and hardy band, With the refin'd and gentle struck the hand ; And many leai-n'd professors took a seat With the untutored novice at their feet ; And scribes who were expert the pen to wield Gam'd with the hero from the gory field. The flatter'd banker who in wealth had roU'd, Sat with the man who dug the earth for gold ; And they who boasted of their dividend, With others strove, who did on interest lend. • The merchant prince who prided in his wealth, The bm'glar who had made his pile by stealth ; The artizan, with small and hard-earn'd gain ; — And day-laborers, a huge and motley train ; With noble peers of every rank and age. Together with the wise, the learn'd, the sage, Would nightly come and throng this grand saloon, Till western hills concealed the fliU orb'd moon. The crystal goblet with its ruby wine, Before the eye did most resplendent shine ; Then roimd and round the tempting goblet went. Until the thirst consuming draught was spent. The face was flush'd — ^the eye was wild and red, And like the eddy-tide went round the head ; The sluggish pulse at once with new life beat, The icy heart dissolv'd with fervent heat, — ,' ~ 30 FROM APOLLYONVILLE And as flow'd out the bitter oath and curse, The trembling fingers clasped the swollen purse ; The Nabob piled his heap of shining gold, The sight of which made fearful hearts gi'ow bold. The indigent his paltry mite ah'ay'd, And then with skilful hand the game was play'd. Unto the front the billiards quickly came, And cards with many was the fav'rite game ; While dice from others drew large patronage, And not a few with chess strove for the wage. Then soon the precious gold found other hands, And then was staked the goodly house and lands, They hung a moment on the thread of chance. That thread in sunder broke as in a glance, The fathers staked their hungry children's bread, Nor did appear their burning tears to dread. The winners boasted loudly what they gain'd, The losers in deep agony complain'd. And in despair for loss of lands and gold. They quickly with their frenzied hand took hold Upon the haft of the unflinching knife, When warmly flowed the crimson tide of life : While some who staked and lost their earthly all, Wilh cruel rage would on their victims fall. And thro' their heart would drive the fatal steel, And vengeance would, as quick as lightning deal. Of all who sought these tempting joys to try, Tho' they might be of low estate or high, No one regai-ded character or birth, Compai'ed with gain these were of little worth. TO THE HOLY CITY. 31 Bach one went hungry for the others peljf, And glori'd most in gratifying self. Then in my dream I saw on Pleasure Square, A grand pavilion rising in the air ; — And many roods of ground it overspread, While many pleasant walks unto it led. Unto the eye it was a tempting sight. With roof and walls alike of snowy white : — From scores of poles as many flags did fly, Like evening clouds that tarri'd in the sky ; 'Twas there the Circus troop their feats performed, And as it were, when hives of bees had swarmed, The people from the^ town and country round. Went in vast crowds unto this circus-ground. To rouse and captivate the multitude. The city with emblazoned prints was strew'd. Which eager throngs allured, and bound with thongs. And led away with merriment and songs. And that success might the performance crown, A gilded car pass'd thi*o' and thi'o' the town ; Drawn by a score of steeds in cloth of gold. Which wondering throngs em'aptured might behold. A band proficient, music rare discours'd, And in the gi'owing train the throngs were forc'd : — The lab'rer dropp'd the implements of toil. As thi'o' his veins the crimson tide did boil ; — The artizan of every name and trade, Must for himself behold the grand parade. • The teacher and the scholai* with delight. Stood gaping at the captivating sight. 32 FROM APOLLYONVILLE Professionalu from business did refrain, Went forth to see the ever-growing train ; — The merchant-prince his counting house forsook, Himself unto the street in haste betook; — The banker left his bags of precious gold, That he the grand procession might behold ; — The noble peer could not refrain his eyes, But watch'd the pageantry with deep surprise ; — And they whose hearts with royal blood did beat, Were pleas'd and chai'm'd the gaudy scene to meet ;- The scientist and leam'd philosopher. Felt in their hearts the deep emotion stir ; — And pleasure seekers more than tongue could tell. Before this deity adoring fell. The invalid by pains and fever bound, Leaped I'rom his couch to hear the music sound ; And from his window looked with yearning soul. To see the gilded car in splendor roll ; — And when with sight and sound the heai't was fired. Then to the grand pavilion they retired, That each might satisfy his hungry heart, With every viand from this pleasure mart. The horsemanship entranc'd the jostling crqwd, And clownish tricks created laughter loud ; — When comic songs were by the minstrels sung, With bui'sts of cheers the huge pavilion rung ; When thro' the rings the girls like arrows went. With loud applause the startled air was rent; — And all were borne away with rapt delight, Entranc'd and ravish'd by the witching sight. ' TO THE HOLY CITY. 33. If other feats with ease and gi*ace were done, They were applauded as the best of fun, — Which gaping multitudes devoui*'d with greed, I Like beasts of prey which on the carcass feed. IBut there were minds possess'd of such a store, 1 Alike of ancient and of modern lore, iThey could not take delight in things like these ; — I'Twas the menagerie their hearts did please : — ^et, passing strange, it seem'd to many there, [When they had seen the beastw they did not cai'e Po leave the tent till every act was past ; — Lnd when the throng dispers'd, they were the last. As in my dream I stroU'd thro' Pleasui-e Squai*e, saw the countless throngs that gather'd there, Lnd all the springs of bliss I could espy, ''hich every where beguil'd and charm'd the eye, — ind suited minds of every rank and mould, Llike the youth, the middle-ag'd and old. ilhese pleasures did in countless numbers rise, Lnd show'd their comely forms to wanton eyes, Ldapted to the want of every one, golden light sent by the kingly sun. J2i& pleasui'e met you at the rosy dawn, — i^was pleasm-e tamed when the day was gone — ras pleasure gi*eeted at the noonday bright, — ras pleasure haunted at the dead of night, — Vas pleasure spread her wings before the eyes, — ras pleasm'e fiU'd the soul with its surprise, — ras pleasure that invok'd upon the right, — ras pleasure on the left allur'd the sight, — 34 FROM APOLLYONVILLE 'Twas pleasure's form that follow'd in the roar, — 'Twas pleasure's voice that echo'd in the ear, — 'Twafl pleasure's song that everywhere was sung, — 'Twas pJeasui'e's shouts that thro' the city rung, — 'Twas pleasui'e's bread of which the hungry eat, — 'Twas pleasure's cup that to the taste was sweet, — 'Twas pleasure's couch on which the weary lay, — 'Twas pleasure's hand that drove all care away, — 'Twas pleasure's path each foot desired to press, — 'Twas pleasure's garb in which all wish'd to dress, — With pleasure's shoes the feet were ever shod, — And pleasure every one adored as God. Then in my dream I went to Worship Street, Where things quite diff 'rent did my vision greet : — Upon a block of consecrated land, — Stupendous temples rose on either hand, — Whose bells, melodious, call'd the restless throngs. To come and worship, and unite in songs, To praise the deities, and to adore. And at theii* shrine the votive offering pour. There Nature's temple proudly rais'd its dome. Up where the blazing meteors tireless roam : — Its stately minarets of shining gold, Amus'd and gambol'd with the lightnings bold ; — And massive tow'r adorn'd the huge fkcadc ; On either side a sculptui-'d colonnade, •Supported marble walls of snowy white, That glow'd and sparkl'd in the morning light ; — ■And as in haste I pass'd the open doors, My timid feet embraced mosaic floors, TO THE BOLY CITY, 36 That led away thro' peerless court and aisle, Of* this unique and consecrated pile. The walls and arches show'd their frescoes rare,- Gi^antic columns with proportions fair, Were wreath 'd about with jewelry and gold, And fashioned by unique and perfect mould ; And everywhere before my wondering eyes, Were altars waiting for the sacrifice. j High in their places did these altars stand ; — From worshippere the off ring to command, Who bow'd before them with profoundest awe ; And as I gazed with anxious eyes, I saw An altar to the potentate of noon, — jAn altar to the mild and queenly moon, — [An altar to the burning stars of night, — j An altar to the subtle, golden light, — |An altar to the nigged mountains high, — Ln altar to the vaulted azure sky — Ln altar to .the solid, fertile land,— Ln altar to the ocean wild and grand, — Ln altar to the woodland fair and green, — Ln altar to the balmy air serene, — Lii altar to the clouds that float in light,— Ln'altar to the grateful dews of night,— In altar to the thunder's awful crash, — • Ln altar to the lightning's deadly flash,— Ln altar to the storm that hurries by,— Ln altar to the bow that spans the sky,—. Vn altar to the bright auroral flame,— Ln altar to the flowers of every name. ^6 FROM APOLLYONVILLE As in my dream I gazod with curious eyes, A cloud of incense rose unto the skies ; For nature's priesthood to these altars went, And worshipping, their oftei'ings did present. In harmony they all began to sing, And with their notes the Temple vast did ring :— " Mysterious Nature no beginning knew, " And all her potent laws bouign and true, *^ Into existence came spontaniously, t ** And acted with the utmost harmony. ^ " In atoms first stupendous natm'e lay, *'■ Submissive to the proud, triumphant sway, " Of midnight, clothed in robes of regal statu, *' And bound the elements with chains of fate. ** But soon began to act those potent laws, *^ As the omnipotent and final cause, •" Which did beget the universe profound, *^ That nothing but infinit can bound. ** Then from the sepulchre of deepest night, ** Triumphantly arc^e the mellow light, ^* And darkness drove, on swiftest wings away, ^^ And put her diadem upon the day. ** The new-born suns put on their radiant smile, ''* And round them planets mai*shaird rank and file ; *^ In haste the comets stai*ted on their way, ^' And meteoi*s bright began to dart and play ; '^ And queenly moons 'put on a smiling face, *^ Unto the planets came and took their place. '^ Then chaos by unique and lawful birth, ** Brought into being this our mother earth. TO THE HOLY CITY. 37 The giant mountains raie'd their heads on high, And trembled to behold the new-bnilt sk^^^; — And at their feet alluvial plains repose, Thro' which in haste the laughing streamlet flows. The gentle hills found rest upon the plain, — The bowlder-sentinels stood by the main, — The hungry floods did to the deep retire, — And from the crater fled the shafts of fire, — The forest trees stood in fViU uniform, Prepar'd to meet and battle with the storm ; — And all the undulating land o'ei*spread, Upon whose fallen plumes the mammals tread. Among the hills the crystal lakes found rest, — The forest trees were mirror'd on their breast, And in their depth the star-spheres lov'd to play, As motionless the limped waters lay. Content the seas repos'd between their shores, Across their breast the mighty tempest roai-s, And when the angry billows cease to rave, The king of day comes down himself to lavo ; And oft he slumbers in the briny deep, While winds and clouds their constant vigil keep. And mighty rivers in their matchless pride, Eefuse among the mountains to abide, But swiftly travel thro' the woody plain, Until they reach the wide and awful main, Among the mountains of the deep to dwell, As pris'ners in the ocean's cavern-cell. Then nature hath devoid of foreign aid, The living ci eatui^ of all oi-ders made : — FROM APOLLYONVILLE " Spontaneously the living germ had birth, " Which nature's hand plac'd in the fruitful eai*th; — " Then soon appear 'd the tender blade of green, " And then a lai'ge and gi*aceful plant was seen; — '' The plant and flower and herb with virtues rare, " Held up their heads to breathe the balmy air, — *' And trees that teinpted with delicious fruits, " Struck down into the soil their hungry roots. " Upon the rocks the Protozoans appear'd, < *' Their forms unique the thermal watera cheer'd, " Presenting life before unknown to earth, " Which in its turn to other life gave birth. '' Next in their order came the Eadiates, " As if produced by evolution-fates, " And into families they soon were form'd *' Which everywhere the mighty ocean swarmedi *' Then by a mystery that none hath solv'd, " The Molusk tribes from these were all evolv'd, " Which we as fact most heartily receive, " And its profound philosophy believe. " The laws of evolution still held sway, " And then Articulates began to play, , . . " Some in the crystal waters of the deep, " Some wing'd the air — some on the land would creep, " Yet evolution mov'd at steady rate, " Producing the inferior Vertebrate, " Which in the sea and on the land prevail'd, *' The fit surviv'd, while the inferior faird, " Till evolution thro' the cycles raii, " And gained her latest triumph — Godlike-Man." TO THE HOLY CITY, 39 Upon this block of consecrated land, Stood many other temples, large and grand, — Their gilded towers as mountain peaks rose high, And made their homes up in the stormrent sky ; And every thing that human skill could do, Was here conspicuously brought out to view. Which fiU'd the soul with deep astonishment. And awe-emotions thro' the spirit sent. Around, beneath, above was shining gold. Which dimmed the eyes of all who would behold ; And precious stones their shades and colors blent. And to the scene their great attractions lent, Beguiling worshippers while at the shrine. And then intoxicating as with wine. Then on their carved and elevated throne, Were many gods of gold, and wood, and stone. Whose breast with warm affection never glow'd, Thro' whom the living current never flow'd ; Upon whose eyes the light would powerless fall. To whom in vain the devotees would call. Whose outspread hands a bloosing ne'er contained, Whose lips from benedictions ere refrain 'd ; — Yet at their feet the sacrifice was laid, And unto them the solemn vow was paid. And all rejoic'd their anger to appease. And sought their favor prostrate on their kneort. The gods, for number, were like sheaves of grain, That stand upon the fertile harvest plain, And some were chaste and beautiful to see, As they appear'd in 8culptui*'d livery. FROM APOLLYONVILLE While others a most hideous look possessed, Beyond what human language ere express'd, — Some in a comely human form appear'd, Some to the image of the brute adher'd, — Some, in the form of reptiles, met the eye. To some the mongrel natui'e would apply ; Licentiousness some visages defil'd, While others from their niches blandly smiled, The worshippers these temple courts would crowd, Who vais'd their voice in songs devout and loud, Their gifts upon the altar they would lay, And then upon their knees bow'd down to pray. They ask'd for bread, their hunger to remove. And that in war they might victorious prove ; — To these they sought for sunshine and for rain. That autumn might be crown'd with golden grain ;- If sickness came the gods must health restore. When death appear'd they would the gods implore, With throbbing hearts they eveiy sin confess'd, Which like a weight upon their conscience press'd ; And from the altai* went as light as air, Rejoicing that they ceas'd their guilt to bear. Of all I witness'd in ApoUyonville, The grandest spot was known as Royal Hill, -r Unnumbered trees for ornament were seen, Cldd in their robes of most enchanting green ; — Like ranks of sentinels, erect and tall, They stood, the wonder and delight of all, With graceful boughs they met the fleeing cloudy And to the lightning and the storm they bow'd. TO THE HOLY CITY, 41 As goodly flow'rs as human eyes o'er scann'd, JMsplay'd their forms attention to command ; — XJp from the mellow soil they did arise, ^ To watch the rays that lit the morning skies. Their garments were of eveiy shade and hue, Like queens, they wore their crowns of silvery dew ;— And sunny lawns laid out in modern style, Were clothed with grass as soft as velvet pile. Among the trees were nestling comely mounds, Prepai'ed to ornament the Royal grounds. Upon their crest were sculptured gi*anite blocks, And pyramids of vari'gated rocks, — And these were crown'd with vases fill'd with flow'i-s. Which tasty hands had cull'd from Royal bowers. Some weVe of rare and coatly porcelain, Of bronze, and wood, of finest shade and grain, — And fa witless mai'ble carved in every part, — And silver, finished in the highest art, — While not a few were made of ivo^y, And gold was ravishing the eyes to see. From tree to tree the thrifty hedges ran,. . Whose woven branches shelter'd from the sun ; — j And thro' the hedges by each lawn and mound, jWere walks that intersected all the ground, — lU paved with mai-ble beautiful and white, >n which reposed the morning's golden light ; L'o give protection from the noontide heat, ''ere summer-house and tempting rustic seat, 'hat did inrite the languid to recline, ind gather fruit from the o'erspreading vine. FROM AFOLLYONVILLB Among the trees the sparkling fountains play'd, Whose waters did the air perfumed, invade — To meet the light that sti-ay'd among the bow'i*s ;- Then to their place returned in genial show'rs, And then away in laughing streams they purl'd, And in a thousand eddies leap'd and whirl'd. That Eoyal Hill no harm should e'er befall, It lay within a high and massive wall, — "Whose tow'rs were strong assailants to oppose, — Whose gates were proof against invading foes ; — And none within of danger could complain, And every one without must there remain. Upon the very crest of Eoyal Hill, A Palace stood built by consummate skill, High in the air, magnificent it rose, And to the eye its splendors did disclose ; — And in that palace King Apollyon reign'd. Where he his most illusti*i6us throne maintain'd :- And from his throne the law supreme went forth, Unto the East and West, and South and North, — And every one that trod ApoUyonville, Most meekly bow'd unto the Eoyal will, — And ever strove his Majesty to please, By heartily accepting his decrees : — And round his thi'one they loyally would sing, " Forever live, thou great Apollyon king." And then to execute the Eoyal laws, And to promote the gi*eat Apollyon's cause, The Eoyal troops did ever-waiting stand, To put in force the king's august command ; TO THE HOLY CITY. 43 And all were arm'd with rifles proof and new, — Were faithful to his Majesty and true. Efficient bands with music did inspire, And fann'd in every soul the loyal fire, — With quicken'd life the failing pow'rs would start, And courage laid its wand on every heart, — And all the city was from treason free,^ — Eejoicing to obey his Majesty. • Altho* ApoUyon in his strength and pride, Within these walls of safety did abide, Yet he was wont to go the city through. To see if all unto his throne were true. Sometimes his Majesty in state would go, And other times he went incognito ; — He was at home on avenue and street, And with his subjects ever lov'd to meet, And would encoui*age them with word and smile, Lest they should be ensnar'd by words of guile. Oftimes he went to nature's temple, grand, And with the priests devoutly took his stand, That he with them might join and loudly sing. And make the courts of natui'e's temple ring, [With anthems sweet and soft harmonious lays, j Which they in triumph sang to nature's praise. At nature's shrine, devout, he homage paid, [And then the gift he on the altar laid, — {Then soon his feet the other temples trod, [Where each one bow'd unto his fav'rite god ; [And there he strove the deities to please, Lnd lent his aid to pious devotees. FROM AFOLLYONVILLE From Worship Sti*eet he went to Pleasui-e Square, To revel in the joys that cluster'd there, And satiate himself from pleasure's store, To which he always found an open door ; His Majesty quite often would prefer. The great inducements of the theatre ; — Intense delight beamed from his very eyes, While thrilling acts produced a glad surpriscf Again he was enchanted by the spoi-t, - Which, as a feast, was sei'ved at Ball-Eoom-Court ; And 'twas to him a great and precious boon, To taste the viands of the grand saloon, Where gambling tribes risk'd every thing for gain, And where the innocents by scores were slain. The Opera he often would attend. To swell the chorus he his powers would lend ; — In every song he took a leading part. As a proficient in the music ai*t. ■ ^ ■ The Circus warm'd his soul with magic fire, Of going there he ne'er was known to tire, — Each play was like a chain to bind him fast, And kept him there till every act was pass'd. In royal garb he travell'd Fashion Sti*eet, That he the tribes of vanity might meet ; — Their hands he grasp'd, and bid them all be gay, And to the utmost make a grand display. Tho' of his Koyalty he made his boast, And was suiTOunded by a martial host, Tet oft he visited each row and lane, To gaze upon the ruin'd and the slain, TO THE HOLY CITY. 45 And Heem'd well pleased with death and drunkenness. If they to him allegiance would profess. Apollyonville had neither street nor lane, Of which his Majesty could ere complain, And thro' them all he oft was wont to go, That for himself he every one might know. Then in my dream I saw the Forts and Tow'rs, That lay conceal'd among luxuriant bow'rs ; And giant castles built of solid rock, The fiercest foeman to defy and mock. Fi'ora fields of green. Redoubts in menace rose, As if they strove their terrora to disclose ; And batteries appear'd on every hand, Which did Apollyonville entire command. The well-stor'd arsenals were made secure, The fierce assaults of foeman to endure, And everywhere were trenches deep and wide. That lay, from sight concealed on every side ; j The monster guns were bristling from the tow'rs, To meet the enemy with deadly show'rs ; — [And when aloud would sound the drum of war, [Then from the Forte the monster guns would roar. Lnd sentinels, a lai*ge and faithful host, nth bay'nets fix'd were standing at their post, ^ho sounded instantly a loud alarm, len foemen ventured near and threaten'd harm. LpoUyonville thus trench'd and fortified, iis'd'up her head in majesty and pride, Lnd loudly boasted of security, Lnd frown'd defiant on the enemy. 46 FROM APOLLYONVILLE Complacently she Bmiled in wealth and ease, , And sought for nothing else but self to please, Bejoicing in her many springs of joy, Which flow'd in broadest streams without alloy. And yet I saw all round Apollyonville, A country beautiful in vale and hill. With area and resources rich and great, Where multitudes abode in grand estate. i The towns and villages were full of life. Where order walk'd the streets along with strife ; The vines luxuriant grew on fruitful hills ; And from their base the springs sent out their rills. Prom which the panting beast his thirst would quench, And timid birds came near their plumes to drench, The mountains high were cloth'd with forests wild, And at their feet the fruitful valleys smil'd ; — The full bloomed flow'rs a thousand charms possess'd. Which by the light and zephyrs were caress'd ; And from their censor's rose the incense rare. That floated out upon the bracing air. The roads like nerves thro' all the country run, The lakes and brooks were sparkling in the sun, Thro' rolling valley and by wooded hill. The flying trains went to Apollyonville. The travelling public many cars would throng, Who did to town and country both belong ; And freight of every kind was on the rail, While other cars contain'd the royal mail. * Thus all by train with swiftness and with ease, Could travel when and where as self would please. t TO THE HOLY CITY. * 41 And so Apollyonville both night and day, With every town and province far away, , , Held, constantly, unbroken intercourse By the swift-footed, tireless, iron-horse. And everywhere the telegraphic wire. Pulsated with unseen electric fire. And on its wings the messages would fly. As swift as lightning through the stormy sky, Across the mountain, and through wild and plain. Until it would its destination gain. In ancient times the place was Sinland nam'd, And thro' all time its people h;ive been fam'd For loyalty supreme, unto their king, And tribute unto whom they lov'd to bring, And in his service ever did rejoice ; — His Majesty extoU'd with heart and voice ; Content beneath his scepti'e to remain, And of his service never to complain. Beyond my sight along the Sinland shore, There was a stream whose waves ne'er ceased to roar, As swift they ran, or swell'd in billows high, And raised their night-crown'd heads up to the sky, Its dread-inspiring shores were steep and bold. And of its depth no one has ever told. The craggy rocks stood forth a mighty train, And thrust their arms into the swelling main. The mists unpiere'd by keenest human eyes, Did ever from that dismal river rise. And formed into a soul-appalling cloud, That clothed the stream as if a midnight shroud. 48 FEOM APOLLYONVILLE Long ere the first man drew his latest breath, That stream had borne the awful name of Death. Its source was at the limit of Sinland, And, started by a fratricidal hand, Flowed on until a river it became, As deep and dark as signified its name. That restless stream whose mists were dark and Flow'd from its soui'ce unto Apollyonville ; — And thence it flowed into a boundless sea Which bore the dreadful name— ETERNITY. And by a law which none could violate, Each one that dwelt within the city great, And all whose homes were in the country round Were drawn unto that dismal tide and disowned, And in that awful deep they must remain, Nor could they rise its myst'ry to explain. . But many sages in Apollyonville, Have toil'd with indefatigable will, To fathom and explore that flood profound. In which the generations have been drown'd. But what would be their everlasting lot, ' W hen in Apollyonville they were forgot, The sages 'mong themselves could not agi-ee, — For thro' the mists no one could cleai*ly see. Yet some suppos'd that in the swelling deep, They all will thro' the endless ages sleep ; — But others say they know the day draws near, When every one a trumpet-voice shall hear, And from the deep in splendor shall arise, Vnto a city in the upper skies. chill. TO THE HOLY CITY. 49 Yet more declare most certainly they know, Tho' every one must to the river go, And pass beyond its dark and rugged brink, And down into its noiseless caverns sink, Yet every one has gain'd a distant shore, Where they in joys shall dwell for evermore, And to Apollyonville will ne'er return, And of its pleasures never mo' i will learn. Thus in my dream I saw the wondrous hill, On which so proudly stood Apollyonville ; — Its stately structures did before me rise,- And filled my being with profound surprise, I look'd abroad on avenue and street, And saw the bow'rs that st 3lter'd from the heat, Some flow'rs I pluck'd, and smelt the odors rare. Knew something of the joys of Pleasure Square, And from its springs my soul desired to drink, While in its fountains I began to sink. The country round I could but dimly see, Because from morning mists it was not free; — I look'd with horror on the stream of Death, Which seem'd to hunger for my very breath, And in the city thought I must abide. Until I sunk into the dismal tide. 50 FMOM APOLLYONVILLE > ■'. ' > 1 ,.-.• PART II. THE PKBACHING OF APOSTLE. "Go thou Aid preach (he kingdom of Ood." — Jesus. 111 my dream thro- the streets of the city I stray'd, To behold all the grandeur around me displayed, While the sun was consuming the dim morning hours, . And the clear-shining dew waa embalming the flow'rs, For the darkness had roU'd down the steep of the west, And the city was waking from slumber and rest. The dark river of Death was half hidden from sight, By the clouds that remain'd when the darkness took flight , And the star-spheres no more did the blue vault adorn. And all Sinland was greeting the light of the morn. ■ . In the vault of the sky all the winds took repose. On the wings of the air the cold vapoi*8 arose, And the day with its burden of pleasures and toils, ., - ' To the multitude offer'd, unstinted, its spoils. Then a stranger was seen in a gai'b plain and neat. With a step bold and qmck, going up Worship street ; At the temple facade he remain'd for a while, And saluted each one with a bow and a smile. When around him had gather'd a dissonant crowd, From a volume he read with clear accent and loud, TO THE HOLY CITY. ftl Thon in tones swoot and clear which thro' Worship street rang, . To a Being unseen a short praise-hymn he sang ; — ^ And then down on his knees he adoringly went, — To a Presence divine a devout prayer he sent, When that prayer, ftill of unction, had come to a close, Then with feelings profound from his knees he arose, And with voice clear a^ 1 loud as the lark in the sky, Ho proclaim'd unto all of estate low and high ; — , ^* That Apollyon the great, of Apollyonville grand. And of all the vast region well known as Sinland, Had udoringly bow'd at the great and high throne, Of that Being who reigns as Jehovah alone. '■^ But he said in his heart like Jehovah I'll be, And the worship He claims shall be given to me. Then no more would he bow at the thrt)ne infinite, But with fiendish resolve he declared he would fight. And be crushed by defeat and to prison would go, Ere he'd worahip again at the throne of his foe. Like the lightning that leaps from the overcharg'd cloud, And attended by thunders terrific and loud. Far and wide ran the news thro' Jehovah domain, ■'' That the rebel Prince stood at the head of a train, ^* Who for multitude no one would ventui*e to t«ll. And the ranks of Jehovah no more would tliey swell. Then Jehovah the King did Prince Michael command, '* 'Gainst the rebels he march'd with an uncounted band, " And the battle was speedily set in an*ay, " When the foemen did courage and valor display. ^ Tho' the conflict was great and the day was hard fought, '^ All the rebels in chains to Jehovah were brought. ■ii a ii ti IL H n u iC Xi Xi u Xi 52 FROM APOLLYONVILLE (( » (( ii a <( « « <( u 'i li li II a <; <( (( (( a a a u u ti ti u Then away to the battlements mighty and strong, He ti*iumphantly led. all that manacled throng. And with arm that no longer its vengeance could keep, He relentlessly hurled them far down in th^ deep, There in darkness profound and eternal to dwell, That Apollyon might reign in the burning of hell. While the flames of his wrath thro' his being would burn, Not a chance should he have, offer'd mercy to spui'n. Then away to this city on swift wing he came, ' Its high throne to secure was his object and aim ; With its people he met and his story he told, Their submission he ask'd with a manner so bold. While his countenance shone with a grandeur andgi*ace. They supposed that he came as the king of the place. So his reign he began, and he set up his throne, — And to him Itll the people allegiance did own. Thro' the centuries long that dominion hath stood. And has nurtur'd the evil and frown'd on the good. But a long time ago a grand triumph was won, Tho' it was by the death of Jehovah's own Son, — For that Son was sent down from his imperial throne. To recover this city and make it his OMm. But the king and the people rose up in their might, - And the field stain'd with blood show'd the terrible fight. And Apollyon the king, overcome, had to yield, Tho' the Conqu'ror lay dead on the cold, gory field. But fi'om death he arose, his high throne to regain. That hereafter he might o'er Apollyonville reign. For a season Apollyon V^ throne will uphold, But the word that ne'er fails hath distinctly foretold, TO THE HOLY CITY, 53- <( u (( (< (( (( <( li li a « II a li u (( .( (; <( u (. t. (. li i. « That his throne Bhall go down and rise nevermore, And his subjects, Jehovah the King, shall adore. Even now there are signs that his throne 's on the wane y. And the prestige he lost he will never regain ; And the day is foretold but no one knoweth when, And the ^n of Jehovah '11 ret im hero again. , Then in splendor and glory he'll set up his throne, And not one to Apollyon allegiance will own ; — But an angel will chain him and lead him away, To a bottomless pit where the darkness holds sway, In his anguish to writhe and Jehovah blaspheme, * While upon him no sunlight of pity will gleam. When the Son of Jehovah in might shall return, Then this city and country *ogether shall bum. And their ashes will speak and most plainly will tell. What a terrible judgment these places befell. But beyond the dark stream is a sapphire pav'd 8hoi*e, AVhere the pilgrim in triumph shall reign evermore. If youi' life you would save and that shore you would win. Then delay not your pilgrimage now to begin. Tho' Apollyon will hinder yet if you endui*e. You will conquer each foe and the City secure. And a throne shall be yours thro' the ages unlcnown, And the crown is undimm'd when the cycles are flown.. When millenniums are past every harp is in tune. And each hand beams a palm which is victory's boon ; Every garment is pure and as white as the snow, Along streets of pure gold all the pilgrims shall go ; — No delight shall they want as the ages roll by, For Jehovah himself is a constant supply." u FROM APOLLYONVILLE Every woi-d was an an*ow that Wounded the heart, And I saw many writhe with a terrible smart, And the burning teal's fell like the rain from the cloud. As with weeping they vented their anguish aloud. The a as pilgrims they hasted away from the place, And «;hr"' Sinland they march'd with a quick steady pace. At the throne of Apollyon no more would they bow, To Jehovah the King they allegiance did vow. And resolved that the City of light they would find, And the joys of Apollyonville leave far behind. When the dimness of morn could no longer bear ssvay, BTit was yielding by force to the sceptre or day. And the bright golden sun hung o'er mountains of blue. And with brush of bright rays was dispersing the dew, — Prattling children were dotting the sidewalk and street, And fair maidens were chanting melodious and sweet. And the lab'rer had gone to the scene of his toil. And the merchant was storing his coffer with spoil, — As I pass'd to and fro to obttiin the delight, That had come with the morn to remain till the night. But as I was approaching where pleasure abounds, I was startled and stopp'd by unusual sounds ; — As I stood for a moment in painful suspense, . While my heai't wildly throbb'd with emotion intense, I beheld a vast concourse of people quite near, And the voice of Apostle I plainly could hear. When approaching that throng which vibrated and shook, I beheld in the face of Apostle a look, * Which explain'd why he spoke with such feeling and pow'r, To the crowds who had come from the mart and the bower. TO THE HOLY CITY. 55 Then in tones that convinc'd that his woi-ds were all true. " With a message I'm sent from Jehovah to you ; — " Of Apollyon I'll speak for a very short while, " As I dread not his frown and I ask not his smile. " He in ages gone by 'gainst Jehovah rebell'd, " Then by justice was tri'd and by vengeance expeli'd. " Then on wings swift as light to this city he came, " Which he conquered and call'd by its far-renowned name. " He may give you some pleasure and promise you more, " And delight you by telling of infinite store, — " He may lead you to groves where the shadow is cool. " And may tell you of water that gleams in the pool, — " You may drink from his cup and forget every woe, " And then down every street of amusement may go ; — " To the Square and the Park and the Avenue grand, " He may lead fast away with a firm, loving hand ; — " Of no ill he may say shall you ever c6mplain, " Just so long as he shall in ApoUyonvillo reign. " But his heart is as false as the bloom without fruit, " And each promise he makes with that false heart will suit. " Tho' his fruit to the taste be delicious and sweet, '' Like the wormwood and gall it is bitter when eat. " You may pluck his fair flow'rs and their incense inhale, " But the heart receives poison and never can fail. " You may lie down to sleep in his beautif\il tent, " But the nail thro' your temple is speedily sent. — " He may come to you rob'd in his garments of gold, '' But his hand holds the dagger concealed in the fold,— " With the cords of deception he binds you secure, *' And beguiles yon with visions while Ufe shall endure,— 56 FMOM APOLLYONVILLE " And when down to tho river of Death you shall go, " Where the cold vapors rise and the dark waters flow, *' He will have there to meet you in dismal attire, *' His vile agents to lead you to regions of fire, — " Where in darkness profound and in flames without light, " You shall wi'ithe in deep anguish thro' undying night ; " And the smoke of your torment forever shall rise, " And your song will be woe, lamentation, and cries; — " Where no mercy is shown and no pity is felt, " And the full cup of vengeance to each one is dealt, " But to you I have come with a message of love, " Prom the throne of Jehovah the great King above, " And altho' you've rebell'd from his sceptre and throne, " Yet he pities you still and he calls you his own. " And beyond the dark river of Death there's a place, '^ Where his people rejoice in the light of his face; — '^ There is day without night in the home of the blest, " And the pilgrim will there be forever at rest ; — '' He shall hunger no more and of thii'st not complain, '* And on thrones of pure gold shall eternally reign. <' To protect from the foe that might chance to come neai*, " All the troops of the king with their weapons appear,-^ « The Commander is faithfUl — the wairiors arc true, " And in fight they are sure to overcome and subdue. '* In the name pf Jehovah by whom I am seot, " Of your si^ and rebellion I bid you repent, , '^ And Apoilyonville leaye, and thro' SiiUand make ha«t^,^., ^ And nclonfferyonr tiilAe and your talents here waste, " And the gpieaof ApoUyoii you 9fUa^ may meet i~-. " Thp' the,j^tfe.migr^^U |»^^ J0Wrjfee^» TO THE HOLY CITY. Tho' in war you engage with the vet'rans of night, And your strength and your courage be tided in the fight > Tho* the dark cloud may rise and o'ershadow the way And the veil of the night may be drawn o'er the day;— Tho' the damsels of pleasure bewitching may smile, And by art and device may attempt to beguile ; Tho' the fountains of nectar may bid you draw near, And the roar of the lion may cause you to fear ; Tho' the ripe golden clusters may tempt on the vine. And the charms of the flow'rs may against you combine, For your life do not leave for one moment the way ; To the spies the king's secret you must not betray. If the vict'ry should hang in an uncertain scale, In the fight do your best and you never can fail; JInd when passing along thro' the darkness profound, Let your feet be secure on the well-ti*odden ground. When the sweet smiles of pleasure alloi'e on each side, And the vapors come in from the cold swelling tide, Th^n remember the way and the woixl of the King, For not long and of ti'iun^ph you loudly shall sing. As the day of your trials, and confliets shall prove. So yo^r ai*m shall be strong fiipd yom* feetahall not move? Whep your course shall be finish'd by entering the tide, Where the chill vapors rise, then tjj^iyayes shall divicfe, And with.l;ght i|i the darkni^ shall p^ thro' the miuii, And the city imperii^l with s^oiitii^g shall gain; Thro' its wi^en^p^ poirl^i triuo^p^ to go, And to wi^.ite,pui|e.s]b|:^t.^,f^,roi]^ whijie ^ snow. < Now tp you I^pp^ i^ t^e^jpq^/?f tj)ip.;^ji)g, Wl»i^h is 1^ ?rrto ^l^i^e ; 58 FROM APOLLYONVILLE " Where no groan gi*ates the ear, and no tear greets the sight? " And each face, like the sun, is resplendent with light ? " Where no hunger shall come like a wolf to the door, " And the hot flames of thirst shall torment you no more ? " Where the roar of Death's river shall never affright, " And its clouds and its vapor shall not dim the sight ? " Where with weapons of war shall no foeman be seen, " And no gore shall be shed on the fair fields of green ? " Or in chains to go down to a region of night, " There to dwell in a flame that will bum without light, " And look forwai*d with horror to ages unborn, " And to sigh, without hope, for the breaking of morn ; " While the demons of woe, with perfection of art, " In the name of ApoUyon will act well their part, ^■ " And will give you no rest from thy terror and pain> ' " But will ever upon you calamities rain. " And each temper and passion like flame will arise, " And the spectres of dai'kness your soul will sui'prise, " While the strong hand of mem'ry will smite like the hail, ^' And the di*awn sword of conscience will reason assail, " And despair, likv) a fountain, will never mn dry, " And the hot tears of sorrow will stream from the eye ?" From a heart that appear'd to be melting with grief, And in tones that appear'd to afford him relief. He proclaimed in the name of Jehovah the king, " Unto you do I come and life's offer I bring, " And of good I can promise an infinite store, <' When the din and the carnage of battle are o'er \ — '< And the joys which are now in Apollyonville found, " And the death, and the ill, and the groans that resound. /■ TO THE HOLY CITY. 59 '• Thro' the halls dark and drear of the prison bolow, " And the groans that ascend from the burning of woe, " Are now left to your choice and you each must decide, " And you all by that choice must forever abide. '• There is life — there is good, on the one hand now set, " On the other by evil and death you are met, — " But the life and the good I beseech you to choose, " And the death and the evil make haste to refuse. " For if now as a pilgrim you start in your might, " And with diligence strive for the City of light : — '' If Apollyonville now you are willing to leave, " And the name of a pilgrim content to receive ? " Tho' thy sins be as countless as stars in the sky, " Or the sands which on shores of the wild ocean lie, "#Yet as free as the night gives the clear sparkling dew, " Will Jehovah bestow a full pardon on you. " Tho' thy garments the foulest pollution may show, " From the vapors that rise from the region below, " And unfit you to dwell with the cherubim bright, " In the mansions of gold, in the City of light. " Yet a fountain is open to all that may go, *' Where the garments are wash'd and made whiter than snow. " Tho' the coixis of ApoUyon your limba may enthral, *' Yet Jehovah the King offers freedom to all, — " And his people "rejoice when the fetters give way, " And their countenance shine with the light of the day. " Now the message I bring from Jehovah Most High, " I deliver to you and I now must j)a88 by; — " I may see you no more till tjie trumpet shall blow, <' And we all to the seat of the judgment shall go. 60 FROM APOLLYONVILLE When they all who ApoUyonville would not forsake, Shall be driven like chaflF fai- away to that lake, Where their sighs fan the flames thro' the undying yeai-y, And which cannot be quench'd by an ocean of tears. But the pilgrim shall go to the City of light, " With an escort of angels in gai-ment of white, " While the music shall roll thro' the bright cloudless sky, " Lending speed to their wings as up thither they fly, " To delight in the joys of that deathless estate, " Which outnumber the trees of the forest so great, " And look forward to ages and glories unknown ; — " With the King to partake of his Imperial throne, " And be dt k'd with a crown of the finest of gold, " All bespangled with gems for the saints to behold." TO THE HOLY CITY. 61 PART III. PILGEIMAGE BEGUN. " Escape for thy life."— ^n^eZ to Lot. The sun was climbing up the eastern steep, And looking over towards the western deep ; — The shadows shorten'd with the lengthening dky, And men began to feel the burning ray ; — The sweat-drops stood upon the labor'r's brow, As he went forth the fruitful soil to plow. No storm-cloud gather'd in the peaceful sky, To sound alarm, and tell of tempest nigh. The nightly winds were waking from their rest, The billows moan'd upon the river's breast, — Among the flow'rs the damsels joyful stroU'd, That they their morning beauties might behold, — And children shouted in the growing light, Which was victorious over gloomy night. Apostle's voice no more disturb i the ear, But in his eye was seen the crystal tear, — As from that throng he suddenly withdrew, And eliger look'd to see what each would do. 62 FROM APOLLYONVILLE Procrastination raised his voice and said : — " Apostle's words have filled my soul with dread, " And I a pilgrim have resolved to be, " And soon I from Apollyonville will flee ; *' But still it is the early morning hour, " The dew has scarcely left the opening flow'r, " The valleys 'neath the mountain shadows lay, " The lambkins only have begun their play, — " The forests just begin to feel the heat, " Of that proud king who treads with burning feet, " His concave pathway thro' the azure sky, " Where all the stars of night in slumber lie. " And then 'twill take some hour of golden day, "• To drive the mists and moisture from the way, '' And make it meet for pilgrims feet to tread, " That we the path may travel without dread. " Besides, I wish to pluck the tempting fruit, " That bends the boughs until they touch the root, " And revel where the rose and lily bloom, " And see the goodly cedars wave their plume ; " To watch the fountains playing in the light, " And please the taste and gratify the sight. " And when the sun has dried the pilgrim way, " And when has come the proper hour of day, " Then heartily I will the course begin, " And tarry not until a throne I win. Then Doubt;^''' spoke with hesitating voice, About the making of a hasty choice ; — " 'Tis true we all shall to that river go, " Where mists are chill, and dark the waters flow, . • -I TO THE HOLY CITY. 63 u But 'tis beyond my pow'r to comprehend, " A deep abyss from which the flames ascend, *• And yet the darkness as a monarch reigns, — " Enslaving all with adamantine chains, " And when the stars from very age shall die, " "Within those prison walls they all shall lie. " 'Tis hard for me to think such message true, " I cannot tell what's best for me to do. " And that there should another City be, " Where they who from Apollyonville shall flee, " Shall reign as kings and priests on sapphire thrones, " And anthems swell without discordant groans, — " "Where fruits abundant bend the deathless tree, " That strikes its roots beneath the living sea,— " "Where night is vanquish'd by victorious day, " "Whose sceptre shall triumphantly bear sway " "Where comets cease to roam the vaulted sky, " And suns have burn'd till they in ashes lie ; " And if that woM as Nature shall be true, " And every victor swells the anthems new, " Yet still Apostle said the way is sti'aight, " That leads thi'o' Sinland to the City's gate, " And care is needed lest we lose the way, " And miss the place where shines eternal day. " Besides, the storm will rise and rend the air, " And fierce tornadoes will the woodland tear, " And foes determin'd will besiege our path, " And make us feel the fierceness of their wrath, " "While we beneath their feet shall lie in gore, *' And never see the shadow of that shore. 164 FnOM APOLLYONVILLE " Before I Htart another place to see, " I must be sure'that such a place there be ; " Before I seek to shun a place of woe, " 'Tis right that I more of that place should know. " And should these things be true beyond a doubt, " Are we sufficient all our foes to rout ? " And urge our way like ships before the gale, " Or shall we in the trying moment fail ? " And turn our backs and flee o'er vale and hill, " Nor stay until we reach Apollyonvillo ? " Now if Apostle I can pro-^e cori'ect, " The pleasui'es here I will at once reject, " And in a moment start that place to gain, " And with Jehovah there forever reign." When Doubtful brought his story to a close, Then Fearful, trembling, to his feet arose ; " There is a place I must believe," he said, " Far down below the dismal river's bed, " Where many go to dwell in toi-turing flame, " And wail in deep contempt and cruel shame j " For I have seen them in those vapoi*s hide, " And sink from sight into the swelling tide,* " While agony was jiictured in their face, " As if they had a vision of that place, " That filled their soul with deep and crushing dread, " From whieh, away in haste all gladness fled. " And as we wish our being to prolong, — " Instead of groans to swell a joyful song, *^ It does appear to me some City grand " And vast with open gates should tempting stand, < « '' That leads thro' Sinliimi,]U> a CHt}^ geaiu), " Which beautifiwAtt^«.,ttiii^Qii4M^bBo land. 70 FROM APOLLYONVILLE (( li (I a (I u i( ti li li li <• li II li « ti li li II ti II ti (( (( (( ti ti tt To prove beyond a doubt his message ti'ue, He promised that he would great wonders do, And all men know when at the river's side, Some heai-d his voice and came up from the tide, And mingl'd with the pilgrims on their way. Unto that city robed in cloudless day. And some who wore for years affliction's bands. Were liberated by his mighty hands. While many hearts their secrets did unfold, And hidden deeds were by his loiowledge told. Each word the prophets wrote he said was true, He who the promise made the deed would do. And when the work assigned to him was done. Jehovah to his foes gave up his Son, Who quickly seized him with their guilty hands. And bound him like a lamb with treble bands. And drew him down unto the i-iver's side, And thrust him in the deep and awful tide : — Intoxicated by their mad delight, They triumphed as he pa«s'd beyond their sight. But from that City, robed in morning light, An angel great whose face was dazzling bright. Came as a meteor falling from the sky, Unto the place where deep the waters lie ; — Before his wings the vapors fled away, The river dark shone with the light of day, — Beneath his feet the swelling waves were cleft. The deep was of its precious trust bereft, And he upon the chilly shore did stand, And promised to bis friends a £;oodly land. TO THE HOLY CITY. 71 " Where stands a City built of burnished gold, " Whose glories never could on earth be told, — " And they the tidings every where must tell, " That many might be brought with Him to dwell. " Then from that shore in majesty Ho rose, " A mighty victor over all his foes. " Beneath his feet the waves and vapors lay, " As thro' the air he urged his rapid way, — " The angels gather'd round him like a cloud, " And with a trumpet-voice they cried aloud, — " Let all the City gates be open thrown, " And let the heavenly powers the Conqu'i-or own, " And let Jehovah's Son his throne obtain, " That he as highest Potentate may reign. " Then soon the Spirit promised to inspire, " Fell on his friends like cloven tongues of fire, " Constraining them to hasten everywhere, " And unto all the glorious tidings bear. « " And as they went the message to proclaim, " They wrought great wondera in His mighty nauie. " And who refused on pilgrimage to go, " Had to confess that all these things wore so. " And some of these in spirit went away, " Unto that City robed in endless day, '^ And all its glories saw with ravish'd eyes, (' As beautiflil it lay 'neath smiling skies. " When of its glories they began to tell, " They seemed in bondage to some magic spoil, " That bound their tongue and banish'd everj^ thought. " And when, to tell the tidings, they have sfliugkt. 72 FMOM APOLLyONVILLE " They all exultingly proclaimed aloud, '* With voices firm and heads with rev'rence bow'd,- " No eye hath ever seen — no ear hath heaixl, " No human tongue hath ere pronounced the word, " That would unfold its infinite delight, " Entrancing with the grand and peerless sight. " Yea, I from certain knowledge must believe, '* That never yet did ^uman heart conceive, " The weight of glory in that endlesp rest, " With which the faithful pilgrim shall be blest. '' Now all these things and many more appear, " Upon the pages of this volume here, — " Proclaim'd in truth to be Jehovah's word, " Which from Apostle's lips we all have heard ; — '' And Infidel I challenge to disprove, '* Or from this page the rock-like words remove." Each word that Faith pronounced was like a dart. That pierced its way down deep into the heart, — Bach felt the ground he took was solid rock, And could endure the fiercest battle-shock ; While Infidel with murmurs tui-n'd away. Confessing that he had no more to say. Just then a voice was heard in accents clear, Which fell like music on the list'ners eai*, And Hope, a damsel beautifUl and fair, Began to speak with dignity of air : — '* What Faith has said we every one have heard; " And I devoutly now believe his word, — '* ApoUyonyille ne'er satisfied my mind, « The good 1^ sought I never here could And, TO THE HOLY CITY. 73 And, strange, it always has appeai''d to me, That we should sink Into that mist-clad sea, * And there remain thro' all the future years, Tho' thither we might go with burning tears ; — Or if there be a place of bui*ning woe, That of that place we here should never know ; — Or if by better fortune we should. gain A glorious home beyond the swelling main. Why should our souls be always clad with night. Until we reach that place of golden light ? Apostle hath a wondrous story told. Which to deny, great Infidel was bold, — Yet Faith declares that every word is true. And urges lis to bid this place adieu. Most gJadly now Apollyonville I'll leave,. With those who do Apostle's words recurve • For in my mind I'm fully satisfi'd. That if we still within these walls abide. Those blighting woes that now arouse our fears. Will burn our spirits thro' tho endless years. But if thro' Sinland we as pilgiims go. With gai-ment wash'd and whiter than the snow. And never fail until we cross the tide. Within that city grapd we shall reside. . For this my soul has oft with sadness pin'd, And patiently I've sought this peai-1 to find, And many times I was prep^ai'ed to see The hour arrive, when I from death made free The prize of everlasting life might gain, Beyond the deep and ^U-coq^unu&g main, 74 FROM APOLLYONVILLE " Where none ahall die of malady or age, " Or forfeit that most glorious heritage. " Now such a priceless chance I dare not lose, " And let not any here the call refuse, " But let us, every one, escape away, " Before expires the early hour of day, " That when the sun goes down the western steep, " And wo must cross the river dark and deep, " We shall have gain'd the narrow, shallow place, " Where falls the glory of Jehovah's face. " And if we meet with foes \ipon the way, " More time we'll have to conquer and to slay : — " If wounds we get upon the field of fight, " We may be heal'd before expires the light : — " And if so be that any go astray, " JBle may the path regain while it is day." When Hope, whose feelings like a furnace glow'd, Whose stirring accents like a river flow'd, Had ceased to speak, and every one stood mute, Then all expectant stood to see the fruit That must result from what so many said. Which in each countenance was clearly read. Then as the moon ascends the peaceful sky. And smiles upon the clouds that hasten by, So Love arose with comely countenance. And look'd around with a bewitching glance, Her virgin tones were sweetcjr than a lyre, And fell npon the soul like magic fire, Each by her beauty was to stillness charmed, And by her voice all strife was soon disarmed. f TO THE HOLY CITY. 76 r a « u a u u a :i i: li a a u u ii It u n ii a i< a a ii a ii u li a My soul," sho said, " now greatly doth rejoice, Because this moment I have made my choice. And have a pilgi'im now resolv'd to be, And from ApoUyonvillo in haste will flee, Lest I shall perish in the chilling tide. Where clouds and vapors evermore abide. Apollyonville ! What good hast thou to give, That I in thee might always wish to live ? Thou hast the chaff, but not the golden grain, The clouds thou hast but not the teeming rain. Of dross thou dost provide an hundred fold. But scanty is thy store of precious gold. — Altho' the shadows every whei'e abound. Yet none the real substance yet has found. Thy trees tho' fair are rotten at the root, — Thy bloom is false and yields no goodly fruit. Farewell Apollyonville, I say farewell, I am resolved in thee no more to dwell. The prospect of a pilgi*im's life to me. My soul o'erpow'ra with untold ecstas}--. And ravishes my heart with rapt delight. And lifts before mine eyes the vision bright. That makes my inmost being yearn to reign. With Him who in Apollyonville was slain. I welcome toil, and weai-iness, and woe, That may beset as I thro' Sinland go ; — I welcome storms that o'er the desert sweep, And raise the billows on the awful deep : — I welcome conflicts with the legions brave, Who with my blood may strive the field to lave,. 16 FROM A'^OLLYONVILLE " Aftbction'8 tendrils ft'om my 8oul oxtond, " To Him who is the faithful pilgrim's friend; *' And by His aid the battle I shall win, " And safely pass thro' all the land of Sin. " Mine eyes shall then behold the stream divide, *' In triumph I shall reach the other side, "■ While anthems like the mighty thunder's roar, " Eeverberate along the sounding shore, " And then I shall the Holy City gain, " And on a throne of gold forever reign." Then many more desir'd a word to say. Who without thought occasion'd some delay; — But Courage, every one desir'd to speak. To animate the timid and the weak, Said he, — " The path we go is very old, " But no where is it pav'd with shining g6ld, " That we with silver slippers on our feet, " May haste away the angel hosts to meet^ " The way is often difficult to tread, " And enemies may fill our souls with dread, <* But if we're brave the enemy will flee, " And we shall wave the palm of victory. " Now I advise that we no more delay, " For in great haste the moments flee away, " So let us all with one consent arise, " And fight our way until we reach the prize." Said Earnest with a strong emjphatic voice, " I too have made and will declare my choice, " Tho' it may be alone yet I will go, " Unto that place where living waterei flow, — TO THE HOLY CITY, 11 **■ And none shall damp the ardor of my soul, *^ Till, finishing my course, I gain the goal. " Two youthful damsels smiled and sweetly said,-— *^ The dangers of the way we do not dread ;— " Unto the Holy City we will go, " And walk its streets in raiment white as snow." Said Strength,—" My soul begins to feel the fire, " And tho' the road be long I will not tire ; — ^* I am prepar'd to climb the mountain steep, ^* And face the storms which o'er the desert sweep, " And with the mighty foemen will contend, — *' My weapons use the pilgrims to defend, " Until afar the evil lies behind, " And wo the City's open gate shall find." Decision said,—" Lest any heart shall fail, " By hearing of the foes that may assail, ** Or may not wish to leave this place so soon, " But gather fruits and flow'rs until the noon " Has come, with all its ripe and mellow store, " And at thy feet its great abundance pour : — " Stay not until the morning goes away, " And waste thy time in indolence and play, " And think the later houi-s will better suit, " To leave this place with all its flow'rs and fruit. " The longer in ApoUyonville we stay, " The less disposed we'll be to get away. " Our eyes unto the danger will get blind, " And loath we'll be this place to leave behind. ** A thousand traps are set before our feet, ^* Where'er we go ten thousand snares we meet : — ■7« FROM APOLLYONVILLE '" The pilgi'im couree its novelty will lose, " The Holy City we'll not wish to choose, i* And King Jehovah we'll not care to meet, " Nor on a throne desire to take a seat. " This instant let us every one decide, '' And not a moment longer here abide, ^' Lest these delights our spirits should enthral, '^ And on our heads tremendous judgments fall." . While these in language strong their thoughts expr ess'd My soul was rent and pungcntly distress'd ; — Tho' like the quaking earth my heart was moved, For which I had myself betimes roprov'd. Yet in my mind I made a sacred vow, That to ApoUyon's throne I would not bow. But ft'om Apollyonville in haste depart. And great Jehovah serve with all my heart. And tread with diligence the pilgrim course, Till I in triumph come unto that Soui'ce, From which all real good must ever flow. To which, we all, for happiness must go. As those who spoke, and many others, too. Were saying to Apollyonville, * Adieu " ! Apostle then appear'd not far away. And crav'd the time a few more words to say : — " I have Directories which you must take, " That safely you the pilgrimage may make, — " 'Twill be a friend — a time and constant guide, " Until you safely pass the parted tide." TliiiB saying he to each a volume gave, And told us all to be in battle brave, TO THE HOLY CITY, 79 That all might gain the city of the King, And there Jehovah's praise in tiiumph sing. Then as the pilgi'im host moved fast away, I could no more the tide of feeling stay ;—' My heai-t vibrated like tho mount of God, When great Jehovah on its summit trod. And to Apollyonvillo I said " good-bye," The perils of tho pilgrim's course to try, And every joy and victoi \- to reap, And with the company ol pilgrims keep. That I with them might cross tho swelling tide. And in the holy place with them abide. A rill of joy ran thro' the pilgrim band, When wo beheld a Chart of all the land, Upon the page of our Directory, So plainly drawn that every one could see. That from the pathway none need ever stray. Unless that faithful Chai-t they disobey. We hasten'd on with hearts as light as aii-, Nor did we for the threat ning foeman care j— Behind us lay the bristling forts and tow'rs,' With walk, and pai-k, and all the pleasui-e bowers. And all the vice in which so many steep. With all the tears that tens of thousands weep;— And all the temples on the hallow'd gi-ound, And all that did on Pleasure Square abound! Just on the borders of Apollyonville, There was a rock from which there flow'd a rill. Prom which we drank and felt our powers renew'd, And then in haste our journey we pursued. m FROM APOLLYONVILLE We Haw that rill into a fountain rise, Whose purity delighted with surprise ; — Therefrom wo took and wash'd our gaiinent clean, So that there could on none a spot bo ^'een : — The fount where we received the cleansing ft*ee. Was plainly mark'd in our Dlrcctoiy. But some unto Apollyonvillc would clmg. And with their shouts they mode the city rir g. And laugh'd and mock'd because we went away, To gain that City clothed in 2)oerle88 day ; — And some derisively exclaim 'd — Adieu ! Kot long, and back again we'll welcome you. But having wash'd ourselves from every stain, We thought of the rewai-ds which we should gain. If we were faithful to the journey's «nd. And should the thrones of victory ascend. Just then the bristling cannon loudly roar'd, And ft*om their flaming mouth deBh*uction pour'd ; The missiles whistled in the startl'd air. And bursting shells the quaking eailh did teiu' ; — A cloud of smoke the region overspread. That cauB'd each one with care the path to tread. Apollyon ti*oopB came forth well arm'c d bold, And in the sun their weapons shone like gold. On flank and roar they all began to fight, And strove to conquer by superior might, But out of range we all contriv'd to keep, Tho* on oui* knees we often had to creep. TO THE HOLY CITY. 81 If , t* PART IV. THE PATH. *• Thou wilt ibew ne the path of life."— l>a#M. The Patriarchs of bygone agos, Confess'd by all the first of sages, Beclar'd themselves as only strangers. Who hasted thro' a land of dangei*s, And never knew but that the morrow, Would bear them far beyond the sorrow. That fill'd the heart with keenest anguish. And often caused their souls to laiguish, And sigh for some to show them pity, And lead them to a goodly city. Where they in rest might tarry ever, And storm and enemy should never, Appear to rob them of their treasure, And dissipate their heaven-born pleasui*e. Thus they their burdens meekly carri'd, And not a moment over tarri'd, But climb' the steep and frowning monntain, Up from whose bosom rose a fountain, £Vom which they drew the neotral lotion, And wash'd with raptm*ous emotion. FROM APOLLYONVILLE Then safely down the gorge descended, And thro' the vale their steps they wended, — The foaming torrent safe they forded, And free from every motive sordid, They turn'd their backs on grainfield golden, And from the lands their eyes were holden, No house they built for habitation, Such things would prove a degradation, And if the road was rough and trying, And hungry wolves the prey wore eyeing, — If by forebodings they were haunted, They were not for a moment daunted. But fac'd the ill with utmost daring, And ti*od it down with martial bearing. And travell'd on with growing pleasure. That they might gain the promised treasure. If wounded, and their blood was flowing. They would not cease their onwai"d going. But bound their wounds with balm for healing. And thus the pain and smart concealing. Their countenance dismissed its sadness, And fiU'd the place with joy and gladness. If with the clouds the winds would caper, | And skies grow dark with chilling vapor. Till storms would rage with cruel madness. And drive them to the ruck with gladness, — While in groat anger it was raving. They in the cleft their sti'ength wore saving. To end their journey without failing, Like ships across the ocean sailing. TO THE HOLY CITY. 88 When on the mountain they wore standing, From which the prospect was commanding. It was as if a golden morning, Display'd its glories without warning, Until their souls with rapture burning. Were prostrate by a fatal yearning, Which made them languish for translation. Unto that glorious, golden station. Where all are clad in robes of whiteness. And like the sun shine out in brightness. And when they reach'd the joiu'noy's ending. And robed themselves for the ascending, And as their flesh began to quiver, They plunged into the dismal river. And safely gain'd the shining portal, To reign in bliss with the Immortal. Again the vision did me capture • And ovei*flow*d my soul with raptui'o : — The morning horn* in haste departed. When on our pilgrimage we started. As each declar'd much time was wasted, Down thro' the lowland quick we hasted, — The sky was bright with sunshine golden, — The winds by unseen hands were holden, — The feathor'd tribes were loudly singing, And with their notes the groves were ringing. The rippling brooks joined in the choims, Which made the prospect grand before us, — The path tho' naiTOw seemed inviting, No foes were seen prepar'd for fighting. ^ FROM APOLL YONVILLE By flowers superb the path was border'd, So that we all with steps well order'd, Combined together without cavil, The safety and the joy of travel. The trees by which we were sui'rounded, With many kinds of fruit abounded Whose beauteous shades of color blending, Was like the West when day is ending, And ever seem'd to offer pleasure, In stores beyond what we could measure ; While at their roots a shadow rested. Which like a gai'b the florets vested. Tho' to the path we all were strangers, Yet no one seem'd afraid of dangers. But still the rock with sharp projection. Would bid us walk with circumspection, Lest we should fall and in our anguish. Upon the wayside die or languish. Or wounded, so oui* futiu'e going. Would show the crimson current flowing. And we discourag'd and faint hearted, Should wish that we had never stai'ted. To make this journey, long and trying, Where hidden dangers thick were lying. If we among the flowei-s would ramble. Our flesh would feel the piercing bramble ; 3y thoiiis our garments would be mangled, Or in the wild we would be tangled. Then pit-falls in the vale abounded, By tangled grass they were surrounded, — TO THE HOLY CITY. 8& II' we should not our goings ponder And from the narrow pathway wander, The serpents in the mosses sleeping, / Would wake and at us madly leaping, ! Strike thro' our flesh their fangs of bui-ning, And deat^J prevent us from returning, Unto that path on which we started, / When from the city we departed. K Then streams from never failing fountains, That lay far up among the mountains. Came thundering down the rocky gorges, Like giants iu their drunken orgies, And foam'd along thro' wild morasses, And fled away thro' mountain passes. Then near the sti-eam the mire abounded, By grasses tall and thick surrounded ;— If i?om the path a pilgi'im strayeth. And here his onwai-d coui-se delayeth, Down in the mire he'll sink and porish, Without a hand to help or cherish. Thus on each side were dangers many, But for a time I saw not any Disposed to loiter in the valley, Among the fruits and flowers to dally. When to the path we were no strangers, These things appear'd no longer dangers. And ma ly seemed to lose their bearing, ' And walk'd the pathway without caring. But soon they stray'd among the flowei-s^ Whose odors weaken'd all theii- powers. 86 FROM APOLLYONVILLE And when the ripcn'd fruits invited, They with the colors were delighted. And hastily they pluek'd and Bwallow'd, And thro' the wild morass they wallow'd, Until their powers were well nigh wasted. And then to find the path they hasted. But by the serpents they were Idtten, And look'd like flow'rs which f'ro.st had smitten, And had not circumstances favor'd, And help'd them when they fear'd and waver d. They would have been quite ovcijwwer'd. And by the serpents soon devoiir'd. But Daring seem'd to dread no dimger. But acted like a " forest rangcj*.'' And far away upon the valley, 'Mong flow'r and moss he loved to dally. Among the thorns ho got entangled, And terribly was torn and mangled. So that the serpents coil'd around him, And in their folds securely bound him, And drank the blood that fast was streaminjr. And ere the noontide sun was beaming, He fell and perish'd in the bramble, >' Because he was resolv'd to ramble. And Bover stray 'd from the procession, And wandor'd off without discretion, Bat while he was of pleasure thinking, Down in deep mire his feet were sinking, And some could not refrain from weeping, To see him in the quagmire leaping, — TO THE HOLY CITY. 8t And every moment made it clearei'i \ That every struggle brought him nearer Unto that ton*ent wild and raving, Whose boiling waves the shores were laving, — Whose hungry jaws wore wide expanded, As if they all the host demanded, To satisfy their hunger cravings. And calm away their savage ravings. Then as we watch'd with deepest yearaing, We saw him toward the toiTent turning ; — As to the place he was a stranger, He seemed unconscious of his danger. Then down the cliff wo saw him falling, — For help we heaixl him vainly calling. But in the 8ui*f he soon was buried. And thro' the mountain pass was carried ; — As at the thought our flesh did quiver, He sank into the dismal river, Beneath the billows wild to slumber, No more to ti'avel with our number. Beside these two there was another, The idol of a doting mothei*, Who had the cup of Bacchus tasted. And thus the precious hours had wasted. He was by parents call'd a ti'easure, And gratified with every pleasure, Which had his youthfVil heart delighted, And both his mind and body blighted. When from ApoUyonville ho started, And from its joy he gladly parted. 88 FJtOM APOLLYONVILLE lie as a pilgrim was quite zealoun, \ And oft in converse he would toll us, ' How in his soul the flamo was burning, And how ho felt a couj^tant yearning, To gain that high and holy station, Whore Hhould take place his coronation. But sad it is to toll the story. While on his way to life and glory, The narrow pathway was foi-saken, And broad and dangerous paths wore taken, Beside whose marge a fountain tempted, The glass he filled and quickly emptied. But quickly he began to stagger, Afi tho' some one with secret dagger, Had i)ierc'd his heart and caused a fountain To flow like rillots from a mountain. Then sitting down among the flowers. Ho exercised his vocal powers, And sang aloud with fiendish mwlnoss, Of all tho merriment and gladness. Which in Apollyonvillo was treasured. The sum of which was never measured,— And then a palsied man resembling, Unto his feet he i-ose with trembling,— Then look'd around like one benighted, And by the darkness was affrighted, And stagger'd i-ouud 'mong thorns and bramble, And thro' the thicket strove to sci-amble. We watch'd awhile with stricken'd feeling, And saw him thro' the valley reeling, ', I m TO THE HOLY CITY. 89 Nor stay'd till he the city enter'd, Where his affections all were centrem the rock-environ'd fountain, The torrent thunder'd down the mountain. Ab shadows passing o'er the dial, So pass'd we over every trial, I TO THE HOLY CITY. 91 ( And gain'd h most delightiVil station, Upon a higher elevation : — And while wo stood a moment panting, Wo found the prospect most enchanting, The Son look'd down in all his glory, Like kings embalm'd in ancient story, — And flung his rays across the mountain, Alike on tree and rock and fountain, Which kept the forest choira a singing, While with their notes the glades were ringing, And bid the angry winds be quiet, Nor 'mong the mountains rave and riot, But drop the odors of the flowers, As clouds would drop the gentle showers. Beyond us rose the mountain higher, All sparkling with the solar fire, — It wore a robe of snowy whiteness, And tempted with its wond'rous brightness. We gazed a time tho' somewhat tired, Till impulHe new our hcui't;> incpii'cd, And made us sigh for that high station, The threshold of oui* coronation. But then a forest dense and tangled. Where many pilgrims had been mangled, By beasts of dispositions savage. Which ever thro' the forest ravage. Spread far and wide before our vision, And seem'd to mock us in derision. Altho' with ills the wild was haunted. Yet every one moved off undaunted. I IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-S) // 1.0 I.I ii21 ■2.6 1^ I 2.2 I: I u Hli ^ li£ 12.0 IL25 III 1.4 1.6 < i I ;\ 92 FROM APOLLYONVILLE Down from that peak we safe descended, And thro' the glade our course we wended, Until we reach 'd the forest gloomy, And found the soil both rough and loamy. The trees were like the oaks of Bashan, And fiU'd with dignity their station, And spread abroad their arms defiant, As did the proud Philistine giant. Their shadows by ten thousand falling, Produced a darkness most appalling, Exposing us to grievous eiTors, And haunting with their spectral terrors. ,The undei'wood was thick and trying, •Thro' which we passed with tears and sighing. jAnd windfalls, too, with broken branches, Along with mighty avalanches, I And many torrents wildly flowing. Confronted us in all oui* going ; — •While savage beasts with eye-balls gleaming. And hateful birds Trlth hidcoTis scrcaTning, j Appear'd, to make the ten'or double, 'And magnify our every trouble. I We found the air both damp and chilling, I With miasma the fens were filling, And many other things were vexing. And to the pilgrims quite pei*plexing. Then Faith, a warrior skill'd and daring, Led on the host with noble bearing, And tho' the dangers were uncounted, Yet one by one they were surmounted. TO THE HOLY CITY, 9a And Courage after Faith fast follow'd, And thro' the bramble safely wallow'd ; — , Tho' of his pow'rs Strength neVer vaunted, Yet he by hardship ne'er was daunted, And as he moved, the spectre vanish'd. His lifted hand the evil banish'd. Their conduct every heart inspired, And every spirit pulsed and fired. So getting all our weapons ready. We started off with footsteps steady. The forest wild we trod with singing. And set the shadow'd valleys ringing. And when the savage beast came near us, Oui* bristling weapons made them fear us. Sometimes a steady aim was taken, And when they heard the echoes waken, From the discharging of our rifle?, Which they befieved no empty trifles. And as the antelope anrighted, They disappear'd as soon as sighted. And let us ti'avel unmolested, So that our weapons were not tested. The forest dangers soon were ended, By Courage, Faith and Strength attended. We came unto the mount desired. The sight of which our hearts inspired, — And as we needed preparation, To gain that tow'ring elevation, We tarried by a green oasis. That nestled at the mountain's basi$:. 94 FROM APOLLYONVILLE Where streams like molten crystal flowing. And Eschol gi*apes in clusters growing, Presented good in boundless, measure, Where we regaled ourselves at pleasure. While here our pow'i-s we were renewing. We saw one after us pursuing. His bearing show'd determination, Which made us feel some consternation ; — But soon among us he was standing ; — With speech and gesture both commanding, Declar'd it was his great ambition. In spite of frowning opposition, To join the band of pilgi'im strangers. And with them share their ills and dangers, With words like these his case presented. The pilgrims all appeared contented, Altho' we knew the real danger, Of taking to om* ranks a stranger. Whose name — Besetting Sin — denoted, The work to which he was devoted, — Who in ApoUyonville had striven. And who by subtilty had driven More souls to ruin without pity, Than any knowiu within that city. But as in truth he seem'd converted, We hoped all danger was averted. When all obtain'd their proper places. Unto the mount we turn'd om* facep. And soon its steep were nimbly climbing. Where many birds their music chiming, TO THE HOLY CITY, 96 Were challenging oar approbation, And fann'd the flame of inspii'ation. Around the cliflf the road went winding, But was not difficult of finding. As each succeeding step was taken, The slumb'ring dangers did awaken, — Their jaws expanded to devoui*. Each one that came within their power. The rocks, which stunted shrubs were crowning, Appear'd to gaze with awful frowning. And say it was unwise to venture, Ajsd win no other prize than censure. But Faith rose like a dai'ing giant, And at the mountain look'd defiant. And like a Gen'ral in the battle, His weapons 'gainst the rocks did rattle, As he before the host ascended. Whom Strength and Courage both attended. Then up the rocky steep we hasted. Lest time most precious should be wasted, Until we gain'd a site commanding. Where all in safety soon were standing. By such success we were elated. Which in our souls desire created. To reach the height we had been scanning. The thought of which our zeal was fanning. GUien like the mountain chamois springing. And to the rocks and windfalls clinging. Each strove to better his condition;^ ^y striving for the high position, 96 FROM APOLLYONVILLE That rose before us quite enchanting, For which our inmost soul was pSjUting, — Whose brow the morning sun was lighting-,— Whose charms like Tabor were inviting. ! As up the steep I was agoing, Besetting Sin my danger knowing, / Came near as if my pow'rs to rally, / But seized and dragg'd me to the valley./ Tho' bruis'd and bleeding I was lying, f I I had no thought or fear of dying. But soon I from my stupor rallied. And up the steep again I sallied ; — i^ To tell my fall I seldom ventur'd, Lest I might be severely censur'd. Then oui* Directoiy we heeded. And up the mountain side proceeded, — As near the cliflf the host was going. One Heedless boasting of his knowing. Would venture near the brink of danger. To which he was a perfect stranger, Nor would he hearken to advising. Bat toss'd his head as if despising The word so kindly to him utter'd, — And as he near'd the cliflf he mutter'd, " I care not if the pilgrims censure, " Unto the precipice I'll venture, " And tho' its height may be appalling, " Yet o'er it I've no fear of felling, . " And when I'm satisfied with seeing, " Lilae righteous Lot from Sodom fleeing, TO THE HOLY CITY. 9T '• J will myself correct and chasten, '■ And on nSy pilgrimage will hasten, '' Until I reach that goodly dwelling, '• Beyond the gloomy i-iver's swelling." While on the precipice he dallied. Besetting Sin quite near him sallied, And as he spoke like one who loved him, Uight o'er the cliff he quickly shoved him. As down he went we heard him gi'oaning, Then from the deep there came a moaning, That pierced our spirits like an arrow, And seemed to burn our very marrow. And bid us of the cliff be wary. And from the pathway never vary. So Heedless taking not the warning. Ignobly perish'd while 'twas morning. Besetting Sin in haste then fleeing, Conceal'd himself beyond our seeing. As from our midst he had departed. We for the highest station started ; The fate of Heedless caused us moui'ning» But was a salutaiy warning. And fill'd our minds with deep reflection, To tread the path with circumspection. From peak to peak we then ascended. By Faith and Courage both attended, — While strength was to the utmost serving, And every falt'ring soul was nerving, Till on its summit we were standing, And found the prospect most commanding. 98 FROM APOLLYONVILLE The atmosphere was thin and chilling, The keen-edged frosts the flow'i*8 were killing,^ And while the winds were vigils keeping, Beneath our feet the clouds were sleeping ; — The giant rocks below us lying, Appeared with pebbles to be vying, And trees renown'd as forest sages. The growth of all the fonner ages, Appear'd as saplings to our vision, Fit objects to excite derision. As of the chill we were complaining, No one was anxious for remaining, So Faith the pathway soon discovered. And round the pilgiims Coui*age hover'd, And Strength each failing pow'r did rally, Till all had gained the fei*tile valley, Where fruits abundantly were growing, And many sparkling rills were flowing. To satisfy the pilgrim strangers. And fit them for the coming dangers. TO THE HOLY CITY. , 9^ (( PART V. THE DESEET LAND. They wandered in deaerta." — Paid. As Jacob, encamped in the desert, Partook of the heaven sent manna, T)mA, lay round their tents in the morning, And each for the journey was strcngth'nd. And march'd as the cloud-pilot led them. So while as in sleep I was dreaming. We all of the rill and the fountain, And fruitage delicious and mellow, Partook as our case was demanding. Which fiU'd every spirit with vigor, And then on our journey continued. The Sun in the sky was fast rising, The clouds fled beyond the horizon, While light all the valley was flooding, Each fountain that light was reflecting. The bi*ooks in the glory were dancing. The rocks in the sunshine were sleeping. The beasts in the green fields were grazing, Aii4 birds in the tree-tops were singing, All inland was i^iant and smiling. / 100 FROM APOLLYONVILLE We all were exulting in spirit, As out thro' the valley we journey'd ; — Our weapons were loaded and ready, To meet any foe in the pathway, — Or if a wild beast should approach us, To save us from awful destruction. Faith march'd in the van of the pilgrims. And close by his side followed Courage, While Strength with a countenance ruddy. And limbs that were pulsing with vigor, Was moving with firmness and caution. The way for some distance was pleasant, The trees were luxuriant and graceful, Their shadows were cool and refreshing. And were a most trying temptation. No rock caused the pilgrims to stumble, — Kor toiTent alarm'd with its roaring, — Ko windfalls obstructed our going. — Nor quagmire om* garments polluted ; — No thicket our progi'css impeded, — Nor thorns with their daggeis assaulted. The path was as smdoth as a pavement, All border'd with heather and mosses. While scenes such as these were surrounding, ' We journey'd with speed and with gladness, And seem'd to forget that a danger, Might meet us not far in the distance. But all who have thought or reflected, Must know that as long as we travel, Our feet in the snare may be taken. "i TO THE HOLY CITY. 101 "VVo found to our sorrow and anguish, Our trials not all lay behind us, For we from our Book of Directions, Perceived to our great consternation, The path upon which we were going. Conducted away to the desert Where ills without uumbor suiTOundcil, To make every pilgrim *their victim. And soon we had proof all-sufficient, — To show that a i-egion of dangers, Reach'd farther than vision extended. To them it was out of the question. That path was so rough and so rock}'. That safety lay only in prudence. And any who travell'd unheeding. O'er boulders would suddenly stumble, . And thus would their going be hindered, If bones were not fi actur'd or broken. The path we found boi-der'd with brambles Which, lacking the dew and the shower, Had faded as sere as the autumn. No spring bubbled up as we travell'd, And brooks through that region ne'er ventured. While fountains abounding with water, And lakes that were skirted with woodlauvi*ought up to high tension^ As woe after woe was sunnounted, "Till each one beheld in the distance, What stopp'd every heart from its beating, And dry 'd up the blood in its channels. And sent thro' our bodies a trembling. . Unfitting for flight or for battle. Like Midiau that lay in the valley, Whom Gideon's three hundred assaulted, The serpents by thousands in number. Wore swaiming the path we must travel. As if they were fully determined, Our blood should be drawn fi*ora its fountain, And flesh should be food for their hunger. While we were their movements beholding. Th e bones as of pilgrimbwe witnee=sed, Denuded of flesh and of sinew, Like those in the valley of vision. We knew th%t some others before af>, Like those who were fleeing from Egypt, ,., 'S" TO THE HOLY CITY. 105 Had fallen a prey to the Bcrpents. Some shriek'd in their vrildne^s of tenor, And otherH like aspen leaves trembling. Were pale as the moon in the zenith. But Faith never falter'd a moment, And Courage was calm as an evening, When nature is cradled and sleeping. And Strength was as tirm as a mountain. That heeds not the roar of the thunder, Nor shakes by the roll of the ocean. They bid us got ready our weapons, By loading with shot for assaulting. And then like an army advancing. Prepaj-ed to attack with a volley, The foemen awaiting the conflict. Tho' trembling we march'd where the serpent!* Were gnawing the bones of their victims. And as they beheld us approaching, With lightnings their eyeballs were flauhing, Then madly they rushed on io meet us. Their mouths like the gmvo were wide open, — Their tongues were pi-otrading like ari-ows*, — But as they were getting quite near us, We all raised our guns to our shouldei's. And aim'd with a fatal precision. Then each in the moment befitting, When Faith gave tho woitl of command mo ii4, His weapon discharg'd at the serpents. Thi carnage was frightfUl to witness, ^ Fbr there in the dust and the gravel. / ■■W'--r^ 106 FMOM APOLLYONVILLE The dead and the wounded were lying, Baptized with the blood that was flowing, — While those beyond reach of our weapons, And those who evaded the missiles, jRetreated in haste from the pathway, And under the rocks found a shelter. And left us without opposition. To travel the journey before us. With hearts overflowing with gladness, And praise from our tongues freely falling, The pangs of our thirst quite forgotten, We thought that the ills of the desert, Would all soon behind us be lying. So nerving ourselves we proceeded, And joumey'd quite fast fbr a season, Supposing that fountains of water, Would lie not remote in the distance. As up to the sky we were looking. Which seem'd like a furnace all glowing, A dimness was visibly gath'ring. Which told that a storm might be brewing*. And wam'd us to look for a shelter. The Sun by a ciixsle was girdled, Which hung like an omen of evil, As we on our journey were hasting. The dimness was deep'ning and dark'ning, The sunlight in haste was departing, The winds from their slumbers were waking, And moan'd as if Ub'ring in travail. That birth to the storm might be given. TO THE HOLY CITt. 107 While anxiously looking around us, ' We saw in the distant horizon, The car of the storm swiftly rising, Full freighted and groaning impatient. To empty its burden upon us. As nearer the storm car was rolling, The light in proportion was fading, — The darkness ai'ound us was deep'ning. — The orb that unrival'd pursueth His course thro' the concave of azure, And lights up the dome of the heaven, Was forced to give over his shining, And put on the garment of midnight, — Until the fierce tempest was over ; — The car of its burden was emptied. And pass'd beyond reach of our vision. The storm which upon us was breaking, Caused feelings most solemn and awful, And made us like aspen leaves ti*emble, And sigh for the end of the journey. Each voice was subdued to a whisper, Each heart as the drum that is muffled, Was slowly and mournfully beating, And big burning tears were fast falling. While we at each other were gazing, Pronouncing our words with emotion. Our hearts for a moment were gladdcn'd, By something that loomed in the distance, That might be a rock or a woodland, .^., Where shelter and safety were offer'd "i 108 FROM APOLLYONVILLE * To those overtaken by tempest. But soon in the gloom that was deep'ning, Its form was obscured from our vision, But each one obsei'ved its direction, And strove with all haste for its shelter. The winds in the van of the tempest, March'd on at the beat of the thunder, And roar'd like th%ocean when angiy ; — While raving and whirling in madness. The sand of the desert was gather'd, Which soon to a cloud was converted. And up to the heaven was taken, And then in great fury and madness, Was deluged in torrents upon us : — Like snow in the path it was drifting, Which greatly in*- ^dM our going. Half strangled we scarcely were moving. Thro' sand every moment fast deep'ning. Half blind we appear'd to each other, Like shadows that move in the twilight. Thus blinded and strangled we wallow'd, Tho'. greater was gi*owing the peril. And vigor decreased in proportion. Till Faith with a shout like a timmpet, That thi'ill'd every heart with its accents, Distinctly pronounced in our hearing, " The rock 1 Yes the rock I have sighted," Then fled to its safety and shelter. Each one his example soon foUow'd, And from the embrace of the tempest, TO THE HOLY CITY. 109 We rush'd to the rock for protection, And found gi'eat deligkt in its boHom. A spring at its basis was rising, Whose waters like cr^'stal were nparkling, — We bathfid and our eyes lost their dimness, — We drank and our thirsting was solaced. While safe in the rock's shelt'ring bosom, We witness'd the storm in its fury. Its roar like the storm-beaten ocean. Was awfully gi'and and appalling, And seem'd to beguile with its te»'x>rs. We watch'd for some moments its raving,- As up to the heaven it mounted, And mantled the sky in its frenzy, Then down to the desert descended. And then as if crazed in Its raging, It tore up the stones and the gravel. And dash'd like the wavQs of the ocean. When chased by the angry tornado. With dai'ing most awful to witness. Against the immovable baiTier, Whose cleft gave us peace and protection. Then moaning as if it were wounded. And must in the fight be defeated, /t seemed to proclaim by its sighing, The fierceness of battle was over. But soon was renew'd the commotion. And sand in huge masses went fiying, Like clouds that wei*e chased by the lightnin With i*oaring that rivall'd the thunder, u:7 110 FROM APOLLYONVILLE Away to the calm of the valley, M!(mitioncd by nionntains of gi-anite. iThon out from behind the embankment Of clouds that were groaning with thunder, And bursting with lightnings temfic, A moment the Sun in his glory, Appear'd like a monarch victorious, Whose foes by his might had been vanquish'd. But soon we beheld far above us, The signs of the tempest returaing. For Jove appear'd anxiously working, To thwart us while out in the desert. His car-wheels like oixlnance were roaring, The axles were burning and flashing. As if into flame they were turning. The car was full freighted and moaning, — By winds, like battalions of horsemen. The car of the storm was attended, Until it arrived at our zenith. And then as the winds were assaulting. And rending the clouds with their missiles, As if with the thunder they battled, And strove all the lightnings to vanquish. The storm car its portals threw open. And as at that notable period, When man by the flood was destroy'd, The rain in vast torrents descended, And beat 'gainst the rock in its madness, While lightnings were smiting its sai)unit, -And thunders around it were crashing^ TO THE HOLY CITY. Ill ) Like cannon clischarg'd from a castle. The noise of the rain in its falling, Hesembled the cataract's roaring, • As by the fierce winds it was driven, And down from the storm-cftr was hurried, And by the hot sands )f the desert. Whose mouth was wide open and thii'sty, Was taken and quickly devoured. But soon it was clear to our vision, Not long and the storm would be over,— The winds that were loud as the billows, When lash'd by the tempest to madness, ' And on the huge rocks rudely broken, Had calmed to the peace of a zephyr. And tranquilly breath'd on the pilgrims. And then thro' the clouds that were rifting, TThe sun appear'd joyftiUy shining, And streaking the desert with radiance,' Made each think of leaving the shelter, And hasting away on our journey, — When lo I in another direction, The darkness was visibly deep'ning. As when a tornado is brewing. No one from the rock would now venture, Until in our minds we were certain, The storm would no more break upon us. Not long in suspense did we tarry, For that which we saw in the distance^ As small as the rock in whose bosom We found both protection and comfort, — « \\r^ 112 FMOM APOLLYONVILLE Hail giown to the size of a mountain, . And came like an army when marching, Determined to 4W|ep all before it, And leave in its train desolation. The i-ock in whose cleft we were hiding, Appear'd to be dreading the danger. And seemed to be moved with emotion. While hearts that were firm as a mountain, Were beating with great agitation. The air that was hot and oppressive. When first on the desert we eAter'd, -^ Was now like the cold bi*eath of winter, And sent its sharp darts to our marrow. The i-oaring which first we heaixl faintly. Was now like the mighty Niagai-a, And aw'd us to flee from it« presence. By seeking a cleft that was deeper, — There hiding till danger was over. The cloud that was freighted with dai-kness, And march'd to the tune of the whirlwind, Then raised its huge form high above us, As if on the prey it were springing, Outstretching its arms to embrace us. As in its great ai*ms we were folded, Tho* safe in the rock's shelt'ring bosom. The sunlight cut oflf fvova. our vision, — The huge stones of hail began falling. As down thro' the air they wei'e hurried, As thick as the snowflakes of winter, They whistled and scream'd like the petfiols, r. TO THE HOLY CITY. iia When storms are prejiaring tbi* battle. The winds chased the rain-clouds before them, The gloom was profound and appalling, The volume of hail was augmenting. And seem'd like a downfall of crystals. The i*ock was assaulted and batter'd, And i*ound it the hailstones were piling, Like pebbles heap*d up by the billows,. Thrown in by the winds of the ocean. But still we found safety and comfort, Conceal'd in the rocks screening bosom, Beyond the assault of the tempest. The roar of the storm was increasing, — The hailstones more thickly were falling, — More fiercely the whirlwind was raving, — The sight all around more dismaying, — The desert and clouds seem'd uniting, — .The i*ook and the pilgrims to bury. That death might be sei'ved with a banquet, — While none would bewail our desti'uction. Just then we beheld 'neath the darkness. What proved to be light in the distance. Which sc{Qii all along the horizon, Appear'd like the break of the morning. When out of the deep in his glory, The day-king triumphant was rising. The dai'knesB made haste in departing, The hailstones gave over their falling, The whirlwind the desert deserted, And left us the calm and the sunshine. 114 FROM APOLLYONVILLE But fai' as our vision extended, The desert with hailstones was whitcn'd, Which gleam'd in the sunlight as silver, As if they resolv'd to ensnare us, Because they had failed to destroy. The rock in whose bosom we rested, By hail was completely suiTounded, As if by a fortress defended. In splendour the sunlight broke on us, As after the rain of the deluge, It broke on the sea that was shoreless, Devouring the chill of the region. And melting the hail from the desert. And left the air moist and refreshing. As we by the rock had been shelter'd. And suffer'd no ill from the tempest, We all with most hearty concurrence, Prepar'd to set forth on our journey. We look'd at our Book of Dii*ections, To see if the pathway was charted. And found that the waste, howling desert, — The spot where the serpents assaulted, — The rock which from tempest protected, — The path we should walk with great caution, — Were all noted down with precision. And then we all read how the tempest, Would come with the I'oar of the thunder, And leave desolation behind it ; — And all who were out on the desert, Would fall and Ingloriously parish. TO THE HOLY CITY, 11& But thoHc who made haste for the Bheltcr The rock to each one freely offer'd, Might laugh at the etorm in its raving. So off on our journey we started, Well pleas'd with the rock and its comfort,- Our hearts beating high with emotion, Because of the prospect before us. Faith moved in the van of our number. With bearing like that of a monarch, — And Courage was fresh as the morning. When dews are embracing the flowers, — And Strength show'd the might of a giant, Prepared to engage in the battle. Our leaders we joyfully followed. With steps that were rapid and steadfast. The sand with the hail that was molten, And rain that descended in toii'ents, Appear'd to be swimming in water. Which added no pleasure to travel ; — "* And brooks deep and rapid were flowing. Which gave us no rapture in crossing. But nerving ourselves we press'd forward, And soon we look'd back on the danger. And saw it grow dim in the distance. And pass from the bounds of our vision. Thus ill after ill was sui'mounted, Until on the marge of the desert, We shouted in accents triumphant. The praise of the all-seeing Spirit, Whose providence guarded our going, 1U> FROM A POL I. YOy VI L LK And HHVod from the tenn>est and nei pent**, That no one a victim had fallen. And then with one heart and one voice, . That echo'd afar o'er the desert, And roll'd thro' the valley before us. And gladden'd the beasts that were ,i<;ra/.ing. And made the bii-dn tarry and llHten. We all a doxolo^y chanted. .;:.,*■./. •' » ^ \l TO THE HOLY CITY. in • ^ PART VI. CHARACTER OF THE Pir/IRIMS. "Ye are yet carnal." — Paul. On dreains my fancy still was ftxi. Ah I lay on the mossy bed, While balmy sleep my pow'i-s enchaiiiM, Which o'er my senses sweetly reign'«l. Like Ja^'ob's tribes from Egypt free. Who went the pi-omifc-ed land to see. We all piu*sued our oi.f^ai'd way, While far behind the desert lay. We from om* garments brush'd the sand. When stepping from that desert land, That all our raiment might be clean, And that we with becoming mien. Might travel on throughout the da^-. Nor foul our garments by the way. Then Faith raised up his kingly head. And moved along with stately tread ; — Out in the cleai* and sunny sky, • His voice majestic rose on high. His eyes were like the opening morn, When night is of its triumph shorn, ^ 1 1'. 1'! 118 FROM APOLLYONVILLB His every word was full and clear, And fell like music on the eai*, And penetrated like a dart, And lodged in every pilgrim's heart ; — And when aloud he gave command, Unto the loyal pilgi'im band, That none might turn to left or right, Then Courage foilow'd in h's might, And soon with Faith kept equal pace. As if resolv'd to run a race. He did not for a moment fail, Tho' high the wind and fierce the hail, And himgry serpents could not fright, Altho' they gather'd in their might ; And now his youth appeared renew'd. As with new life he was imbued : — Before him danger fled away, Like night before victorious day^ |Ie would not boast what he would do, /But to the pilgrims would be true, / And great Jehovah always serve, i And never from the pathway swerve ; * Nor would he while his heart should beat. Before the valiant foe retreat. I Strength rais'd his mighty onn on high, ' The potent fire was in hie eye ; His words were firm, and none could doubt^ IEe was prepar'd the foe to i-out; — His rifle on his shoulder lay, His sword refVised to disobey ^ / TO THE HOLY CITY, 119 The iix)n will that niled the arm, Against the pow'rs that sought to harm. He forwaixi went with solid tread, By Faith and Courage wisely led. And trampled down with utmost force, VYhate'er opposed him in his course. Another who was little known, But in the host was ever prone To look around o'er land and skies, To see what ever might arise. Then to the leaders would resort. The thi'eat'ning evil to report, That they might preparation make, Before the cloud would on them break. His name was Watchful, so I learn'd, And had his reputation eai>n'd, And would to all assistance lend, And proved a true and con'^tant friend. His eyes were sharp — ^his stature taH,, His form erect like royal Saul, Hie ears were sensitive to sound, His knowledge was a deep profound ; And like a ti*ump his voice was clear, And fell in warning on the ear ; — Therefore, resolve at once was made, That he the pilgrim host should aid. And journey with the other three. That every danger he might see, And raise aloud the warning cry, That every foe might fear and fly. 120 FROM APOLLYONVILLE Then all were fiird with rapt delight. To see the damsels in their might, Kise up with zeal divinely great. Which all should strive to emulate, And take their leaders by the hand. That they might travel thro' the land. And from the pathway never stray, Xor be discouraged in the way. The rest their proper place obtain'd. And pi'oudly every one disdain'd To pluck the flow'r that charm'd the c^ e, Or from the stream that hm'ried by, Receive a draught the thirst to sialic. Or in its brink a lotion take, Or pluck the ripe and tempting fruit, That bent the branches to the root, Lest poison might our vitals burn, And from the path aside might turn. That wo among the shi'ubs might lie. And groan- in agony and die. We saw in our Directory, Our eyes should tm-n from vanity, And we, each weight should lay aside. And be prepar'd to cross the tide, Where all shall wear a crown of gold, And great Jehovah's face behold. Encouraged thus, we onward went. Until the force of some was spent, And by their acts I was inclined To think they wish'd to fall behind, TO THE HOLY CITY, 121 And secretly of fruitage take, And from the springs their thirst to slake. Then in my dream I soon espied, The pilgrims into groups divide ; — Some took the right and journey 'd there, While others sought the left with cai'c, And those who seem'd to journey best. Moved quickly on before the rest ; — While those who always lagg'd behind. To change their place were not inclin'd. Divided thus we trod the way, As from his throne the king of day, With open hands munificent, And heart that seem'd to throb for vent, Pour'd down the glory of his light, Till all the plain within our sight, A garb of grandest glory wore, And triumph'd in its boundless store. Then with the light there came a heat, Which all were pleased and charm'd to greet ;- It came as gentle as the breeze, That floats above the rippling seas. And over us its mantle threw, As tenderly as falls the dew : — Thus profit was with joy combin'd, As we destruction left behind. Still by the chain of vision bound, I travell'd thi*o' this pleasant ground. And saw it was inhabited, Which gave my soul no little dreiid. 122 FBOM APOLL YONVILLE Lest some should think the journey long, And yield the right to win the wrong. Then searching our Directory, We saw as plain as eyes could see, That when we left the burning sand, Before us lay a fruitflil land, Where vineyards nestled in the green, And gardens everywhere were seen. With fruits to please the eye and taste, And limpid streams in rapid haste. Pass over sands of gojd and pearls. And, form'd into ten thousand whirls, With foam and bubbles for attire, And spray toss'd up like flames of fii*e, Haste on unto their destinies. Among the em'rald forest trees. All through this plain in snowy white. Palatial dwellings charm'd the sight. Whose inmates till'd the fruitAil lands, With eyes fix'd on the travelling bands, And often used both force and guile, To awe by threat or win by smile. To keep them in the verdant plain, And over them control obtain. All this from our Directory, And others plainly we could see. As on we hasted in our might, Scene after scene pass'd from our sight, While other scenes their places took, Inviting every eye to look, TO THE HOLY CITY. 123 And all their beauties to consume, As hungry frosts the tender bloom. While all these things before us rose. And did their every charm disclose, Impressed was every thoughtful mind, That art and nature both combin'd, To fix on us enchantment's chain, T'lat in the vale we might I'emain. To some it was a bitter woe. To see the host move on so slow, And often dally by the brook. And at the flow'rs and fruitage look. But Watchful saw the danger there, And cried aloud, " Beware, beware." Yet some the warning voice despised, And with the people fraternized. But for their folly they received. More harm than many ere believed. When our Directory we scann'd. We found this was a dangerous land. For here ApoUyon's spies abide. And in the groves and vineyai-ds hide. To do the pilgrims injury, As they have opportunity. Then in the host dissension spread, And concord on swift pinions fled, .A.nd left each one without resti'aint. To nurse and cherish his complaint. In vain did Faith and Watchful seek. With motive pure and manner meek, ^ 124 FROM APOLLYONVILLE To lieal the wound, that all might flee, Together fi'om the enemy. My int'i-est was intensifled, To see the pilgi-im host divide, And form themselves in minor bands, Which dotted all these fertile lands. And each his act could justify. And give sufficient reason why, He should from others sepai-ate, And schism in the host create. Then as the bands mov'd slowly on. Thro' shady bow'r and sunny lawn, Their sayings and their doings were, Dosf'riptive of their character. As I with wond'ring int'rest scann'd. The composition of each band, I saw a man with striking face, Who fill'd a most conspicuous place Within that band, who led the way, Who always had enough to say. His namo I heai-d was Discontent, Which did his nature represent. * Most heartily could he rejoice. Because he made such happy choice. By which he found society, Just fit for such a man as he. Before that hour, as if by fate. It was his lot, tho' rich and gi*eat, In a promiscuous crowd to be, Where many things he oft would see, TO THE HOLY CITY. 125 That were orteiisiv'e in liis eyes, And quickly made emotions rise, Which pierced his soul like barbs of steel. Beyond the art of man to heal. But like the lake when winds take rest, He felt no ripple iii his breast, — As midnight skies \vith star-sun's blaze, Uninterrupted by the haze, So did his feelings burn and glow. And midnight gloom he ne'er should know. He looked ujjon with utmost pride, Each comrade trav'lling at his side, And thought him like the sinless pair. Who dwelt in Eden's gai'den fair. He felt himself constrained to sa\, Such company would make the way. Perfection to his weary feet. And ills and snares no more he'd meet. But watching with a curious eye, I saw him from his comrade shy, Then seized as by a sudden freak. The blood went cm-dling to his cheek, And as a cloud spread o'er his face, He left to find another place : — And tho' each heart was rent with pain, Yet none the mystery could explain. As sullenly he strode away, In murm'ring tones I heaixl him say. Awhile he seem'd 'mong Eden trees, With every thing the heart to please, 126 FROM APOLLYONVILLE But found they woi'e the sharpest thorn, By which his very soul was torn. As with another group he met, His inmost soul did greatly fret, And like a lion fierce and bold, His sad experience plainly told. As he recounted all his woes, His soul convulsed with death-like throeM, That touch'd with sympathy each heart, As by some unseen mystic dart. When welcomed to their joyful ranks. He with loud voice expressed his thanks, And confidently he believ'd. That tho' at first he was deceiv'd. Yet now good luck upon him smil'd. And he no more should be beguil'd. In every face he saw express'd, A heart by God and natm*e blest. And many things gave promise sweet, And told his heart that he should meet. With such good will and friendship choice, That evermore he should rejoice. But soon the sombre shades of night. Drove from his face the golden light. And as the distant thunders roll. Deep murmurs rose up from his soul, That show'd his heart was full of ire. Which flam'd up through his soul as fire. And darted from his very eyes Like lightnings flashing thro' the skies. TO THE HOLY CITY. 12t As Discontent no good could say, Of any travelling by that way, All seem'd content that he should try, Another group that journey'd nigh, That he might better luck secure, And faithful to the end endure. By finding spirits like his own, So that he might not go alone. But tho' successive groups he join'd, And thought his happiness was coin'd, He always thought the spring was loose, Which let the watei*s of abuse, Flow like a torrent o'er his path, To fill his soul with holy wrath. And as in vain he tried each band, I saw him lift his trembling hand, And vow that all alone he'd go, Tho* floods might come and winds might blow, -And cross the river dark and wide, Without a comrade at his side. And in the City of the King, Alone he would his anthem sing. Then all at once he fell behind, With none to ruffle up his mind. Then Gloomy, in a certain group. Whose countenance was on the droop, ^Profound sensation did excite. Because the damp and gloom of night, Had concentrated on his face, 'Which he believ'd a badge of grace. I 128 FBOM APOLLYONVTLLE With sorrow wiih he girt ai'ound, And olt he would with sighH profound, Express the feeling of his heart, Tliro' which had gone an iron dart. While in Apollyonville he seem'd, Like one whose spirit ever dream'd Of ills and woes and famines dire. That tore his soul like whips of fire. And made him utter hideous groans, And all the region fill with moans. But when that city we forsook, And thro' this land our journey took, We hop'd his sighs and groans would end, Or into songs and triumphs blend. But every thing he heard and saw. Would fill his soul with baleful awe. The road was rough and bruised his feet. The sun pour'd down his burning heat. His flesh was pain'd — his heart was tried. While, climbing up the mountain's side ; — The serpents fill'd his soul with dread, The tangled wild he feared to tread, He shrank before the desert storms, Was fiU'd with teiTor by the forms That prowl'd the forest dense and wild, His garb with mire was oft defil'd, — The desert fiU'd him with alaim, Where'er he tum'd the ghosts of harm, Stamp'd with the visagd of grim death, Appear'd to stop his very breath. TO THE HOLY CITY. 129 Jf lie a smiling face Hhould sco, ll indicated levity, — And laughter like the thundo-s roll, Lent lightnings thro' his very soul. AVith corners of his mouth diawn down. His visage mantled with a t'lown, Of new experienced woes he lold, That made the tide of life run cold. When of the future he would sj)euk, He could not tell how one so weak As he, could tread the foe-watched patli, And shun' the liercenoss of thoir wiath, If any would his gi'ief assuage, With face as solemn as a sage, He would declare how he wcjuld go, In sorro\ j thro' the land of woe, And bear the cross with wails and moans, And wear the yoke with siglis and groans, If one aj^proacli'd him in his grief. To minister a kind relief, It was more cruel than the gi*ave. And made his soul with anguish rave. We feai*'d when he the rest shoukl gain. Of burning woes he would complain. Then in my dream I chanced to meet, A damsel known as Self-conceit : — She could lay claim to noble birth, But seem'd to lack all real worth, Her pow'rB of mind were strong and cleai', And fitted for a high career. 130 FROM APOLLYONVILLE Hor intellect with care was stored, With all that learaing could aiford. Her motions were with ease and grace, A thousand charms were in her face, — Her speech was like a faultless lyro, And touch'd the heart with magic fire ; — Her toilet was by rule prepared. By fashion's law her garb was squar'd, And only with the rich and gi'eat, Would she in tnith associate. The greater part in every group, Before her must most humbly stoop. And to her will imperious bow. And do as she instructed how. Her constant aim appear'd to be, To act with great pomposity, And let all know by actions plain, That she could look with proud disdain. Upon each one that chanced to be, Inferior in capacity. Or chanced to be of lower birth, And therefore was of trifling worth. There were but few of all the host, Whose privilege it was to boast, That they were free from her disdain, And of her scoffs could not complain. On some she look'd with haughty smile, Because they dress'd in ancient style : — And others moved so awkwardly. Her soul was rent with agony. TO THE HOLY CITY. m h When mannera were uncouth and ride, Her month would ope— her tongue protrude, And burstH of laughter would resound, And fill the region all around. A word pronounc'd improperly, Or should the rules of syntax be Unknown to some who fi-eely spake, Of such she would advantage take. And in a tantalizing way. With haughty tones would tartly say, That Lexicons and Grammars would. Confer a vast amount of good ; — Nor could they fail of being bless'd, If they in Bhetoric should invest, If but one eye should scan their page ; But now a constant war they wage. And with contempt, as each can see, Treat order and propriety. Then many others show'd a face, So absolutely void of grace. That when one look'd with eyes refin'd, The sight would shock, or smite them blinds Thus in some way would every one, Occasion merriment and ftin, And woi'ds disparaging were said, Which to the greatest mischief led. She, like the sun, was bright and cloai*, While others were opaque and drear ; — Perfection's crown adom'd her hea^i, By faults the rest were captive led. 132 FROM, APOLLYONVILLE Another dame attention di-ew, And into some importance grew ; — Her name was Peevish, as I learn'd, Who had a reputation earn'd, Which few would ever wisli to own, If reason sat upon its throne. Her nature was a proper mate, To what her name did indicate ; — Small things her soul would over vex, And not a little would perplex. And if one talk'd in undc tones. She would pour forth most dismal g^oa^^ For she could tell as plain as day, They had some ill of her to say. If laughter fell upon her car, Her heart appear'd to burn with fear.— She was the object of their mirth, Which crush'd her spirit to the earth. In every sentence she could hear Some slight, or scoff, or wounding jeer, Whid'h like a lance Avenl thro' her heait. And tortur'd her with bitter smart. Each look was pregnant with a slight, And on her spirit cast a blight, That caus'd her very blood to pale, And made h«r bones and marrow fail. Their gestures she could not enduie, TliOir acts flow'd not from motives puie, And friendship was but hatred veiled. Which secretly her soul assailed, V- TO TEE HOLY CITY l;}3 While enmity with iron will, Her heart with anguish strove to lill. And then the sun with fatal aim, Would hurl hin juv'lins of tierce flanu> ; — A thousand wounds upon her brow. Would be to all a witness how She look'd like one that must expire, Beneath the deadly solar fii-e. And when the winds were loud and cold, She would begin to fret and f^cold, — And if a thorn her blood should start. 'Twould make her deathly sick at heai-t. The mountain was so steep and high, She on its brow must droop and die, And never gain its summit grand. From which to look on all the land. When thirsting in the desert wa}', Where sparkling brooks refused to play, She wail'd aloud her awful fears, And wet the burning sand with tears. No one could ere forget at will, When serpents did the pathway lill. She wrung her hands and tore her hair. Her face was pallid with despair, And every one she said must flee. Or for the serpents food must be. The sand and rain and pelting hail. Call'd forth a deep and awful wail. Which to the winds an echo lent, As they the burning desert rent. 134 FROM APOLLYONVILLB \^hen speaking of the pathway trod, She always was beneath the rod ; — If towaM the fUture she would peer, She always saw the tempest near, — Could always see the lightnings flash, And hear the dreadful thunder crash, How she the river death should cross, To know she always was at loss, — She fear'd that when she left its brink, She in its gloomy depth would sink. And miss the City of the King, Where all the sav'd loud anthems sing. • To her it was a sign of gi*ace. To wear a sad and fretful face. And while her heart would ache and swell, Would mournfully of trials tell. None had such heavy bui-dens borne, — 'Twas hers to feel the shai'pest thorn, — As none with her would sympathize. It caus'd her many tears and cries. \et unto me it did appear As plain as sunny noon is clear, That all a thankfVil prayer should say. Because no more who tixxl that way, Had disposition such as she, Which was a dii*e calamity. As in my dream intent I gazed, My soul was troubled and amazed. To see the charactero diverae, Which thro' the host did intersperse. TO THE HOLY OITY. 135 To study independently, Each one of this variety, Would need no ordinaiy skill, And many precious hours would kill. While of peculiar folk I thought, jyiine eye another person caught, Whose name was Headstrong I was told, Whose visage was supremely bold ; — His brow seem'd plated o'er with steel, His actions indicated zeal. Yet every one could plainly see, A leader he desired to be. And his command each must obey. As they pursued their onwai'd way. From faults he thought himself quite free, And no one knew so much as he. ,If things should take a turn for wrong, To him the fault did not belong, — The blame on some one else was laid, While he was very much afraid, Some ill would fall upon the band, For disobeying his command, If one should dare to say a word, About how he in judgment err'd. Or should a better temper show, And not assume so much to know, His wrath like furnace fires would flame, Beyond the pow'r of man to tame. *' Then with defiant look he said, While in disdain he rais'd his head, »-■ / t * e >" '..'^a *,.' 186 FROM AFOLLYONVILLE Before he wonld to such sabmit, indignaiit he their ranks would quit, And BOTer would their word obey, As he knew vastly more than they. Deception often gave offence, fieomse he ever made pretence, To breathe the air of piety. While wrong he would abhor and flee. As he his anthems loudly sang, The mountains and the valleys rang, And then his prayers were loud and long^ Aiid:«eem'd the echo of his song : — That he was upright all believ'd. But flooni we all were undeceiv'd, i>\or like the apple on the tree, iBedeok'd with tints most gorgeously, ^et 'pealh its crimson and its gold, Die bitter and the sour infold ; — So did Deception's prayer and song, HBide for a time his ill and wrong, •Dot outer show not long could hide, Vhe hidden mines of self and pride. Which often in the golden light) Were made apparent to the sight, And plainly show'd the pilgrim host} The good of which he made his boast, Was like the vapor in the sigr Hirof which the biasing meteors fly^ That holds no water in its hands, To pour upon the thirsty lands. TO THE HOLY CITY. nn With spirit foul and manner fair, Of him all had to be aware, Lest he their interest should betray, Unto the spies that throng'd the way ; — Sent by Apollyon to beguile, By every cunning art and wile, Who in the bow'r and hedge abide. Or in the fruitfVil vineyard hide. Once, mantled in a garb of grace. With pious smiles upon his face. He wander'd off among the flow'rs. And sought the shadow of the bow'ins, , Apparently to be regaled. By odors which the bloom exhal'd. But really to meet the spies. That they together might devise, A certain plan which all would suit. Whereby the most delicious iruit. Which Sinland's goodly vineyai'ds crowned, And bent the branches to the ground, ' Might to the pilgrims be suppli'd. When e'er they chose to t«m aside. And that the spies might be our ftiend^ And to us their assistance lend. That while we travel'd o'er this ground, Good will and conconi might abound. And each the other serve in turn, And that the heart no more might burn,. With all those dispositions dir^, ' That rise into a flaming fire. 138 FROM APOLLYONVILLE \ But Watchful did the host inform, • And tl rough its ranks there imaged a storm, That broke ujion Deception's head, And had he not for shelter fled. The tide of life would soon have flow'd, To pay the direful debt he ow'd. When in ApoUyonville we heard. Apostle preach the gospel word, Which smote and broke the hearts of steel. And caused the multitudes to feel, That they ApoUyonville must flee, The great Jehovah's face to see. In words that all could understand. To us was stated the comniand, That all the pleasures of the place, And all the ways and habits base, We should give up and leave behind, . And with an earnest, willing mind, Make utmost speed unto that place. Where they shall dwell who win the race. It was a source of great delight, To see the pilgrims in their might, Kise up as if with one consent, And soon the galling bands were rent. Aside the idols all were thrown, The burdens causing them to gi'oan, Were loosed as if by hands unseen, Appearing as they ne'er had been. But when we did our course pursue, . 'Twas clear as sunlight to oui* view, I TO THE HOLY CITY. The fashion of Apollyoiiville, By many was adopted still, Some would themselves wi'th flowVs adorn Ldke those^which in that place were born, ' While feathers waved before our si^ht Green blue, red, black, brown, purple,' white. And ribbons made the eye to please, Presented great varieties, And if their dress were out of style They could not go another mile. Until 'twas cut and trimmVl anJw, ,' And made more pleasant to the view Then some in hidden pockets bore. In bottles large, a copious store, Of liquid, which ^vas choice XUy said And fitted them the path to tread ' - 'Twas good for food when hunger came When thirst would burn it quench'd the flume ;- It sick it was a perfect cure, If well it made their health endure,— When cold it warm'd with magic heat — When hot It cool'd them off complete — If sad, it filled with joy their heart, By its mysterious, subtle art. . Should courage fail it made them bravo, Pivrti weakness it would always save ; ' Whatever ill could them befall. They ever found it all in all. But oft it was a painful sight, To see them test each others might, 139 \jr 140 FBOM APOLLYONVILLE Or sing some coarae and vulgar song, As they moved cai*elessly along. Then from their tongues came woi-ds unclean, Their actions often were obscene, Their sight got dim — they lost the way, And from the path they went astray, And soon were left far in the rear, ^ v But of their danger had no fear. And many others had a weed, . Which they devom-'d with utmost greed, And tho' 'twas loathsome to my sight, It made their face glow with delight. ' And as attentively I gazed, , \r. My soul was smitten and amazed, * ■ To see their jaws perpetual move, " As if they strove their skill to prove, ' While round their mouth a circle vile, 5 Their visage ever did defile,f— ^ - And from their bodies fumes arose, Which did their odious soui'ce disclose ; — And if one chanced to take their breath, ^, ' The strangulation rival'd death. Then from theii* mouth a filthy flow, fWould mai'k the path where they would go ; jAnd as they went o'er hill and dale. They could be follow'd by their trail. And many more the weed would take, ♦ ^ And into powder fine would make. Which they into their nostrils press'd. And thought themselves supremely bless'd. J TO THE HOLY OITY. But others took another way, And in one hand the weed woald lay,^ And with the other bruise and break, Uptil prepar'd, and then would take, And fill their pipes of clay or briar, Or costly meerschaum— -then with flre, Would light the weed and draw the smoke, And with each other laugh and joke : And then with uncouth steps proceed, As slowly burn'd the noxious weed ; While from their mouth the smoke roU'd out, Which fill'd the region round about. Yet many more segars prefer'd, And told their choice by act and word ; Like comets in their vapor shroud, They travell'd in a smoky cloud, And boasted of the peace and joy. Which thby possess'd without alloy. If of its evil they were told. They would declai-e with visage bold, " God's gifts they are and should be used, " With grateful hearts and not abused, " As every one can plainly see, " By searching his Directory. The rocks that lie in quarries deep, Where angel forms unnoticed sleep, Are God's good gifts to needy man. But by unholy art they can Be made a demon form to show. That man unto their shrine might go. 14a I \ 142 FMOM APOLLYONVILLE . And sacrifice to devils vile, Their bodies and their souls defile. So these disciples, without mask, Consum'd the weed and drain'd the flask. Which with their going interfered. And many in the host appeared, To dread their presence as a woe, From which unnumbered ills might flow. When starting for the Better Land, From Gossip Row some joined our band : — Among whom was a noted dame, Who bore a most exjH'essive name, Which by her conduct was supplied. And which her nature re'er belied. The plow of time upon her face, v < Did many fmrows plainly trace. While on her head the almond blow, /Began quite visibly to show, Her teeth from business had retired. The habits in her youth acquir'd. Together with her tempers base. Had from her visage exiled grace. And in its stead deformity, - Put up its sign for all to see. While she on Gossip Row abode, From haunt to haunt she quickly strode, Sometimes to cast the net for news, Again hA* treasures to diffuse. For giving always made her glad : The more she gave the more she had. V .1 TO THE JIOLY CITY. 143; TliiH dame, called Tattle, was well" known ;- From group to group she went alone, And of each one who trod that way, She something always had to say, The same aa in Apollyonville, Where she perfonn'd the royal will. When of the place? farewell we took, We thought she all these things forsook, For zeal the journey to complete, And on a throne to take her seat. Her mling passion seemed subdued, With gi-aee her soul appeared imbued. Her dispositions show'd a sign, They grew from seed that was divine. But when the ebbing cui-rent flow'd. Her zeal no longer burn'd and glow'd, And that which all believ'd was dead, JReviv'd again and rais'd its head, And show'd itself in giant form, Prepar'd to brew and raise the storm. And then from place to place they went. And as occasion might present. Would get the news and vend it round. Till such commodities were found, A plague that spread throughout the host, Like storms that rage along the coast. When she with other folk would walk, She always had some private talk. Which not a soul should ever know, Till death's dark river ceased to flow. 144 FROM AFOLLYONVILLE Then falling in with others too, She strove to learn what each one knew, ^Jid then her stock of news wonld vend, !po which she naively would append, /' For all the world don't speak my name, '' And clothe me with the blosh of shame ; — '^ These things I mention just to you, " For as the gospel they are true." Quite near me once she chanc'd to stray, And wished a word or two to say, " And tho' important they may be, " The secret is 'tween you and me. " Our leaders justly are renown'd, " And with oui* praise thoy should be crown'd, " For they are valiant men and true, " And oooany mighty acts they do, " And none could journey thro' this land, ** If they had not supreme command. " But self-esteem and haughty pride, " They cannot for a moment hide, " Which take the lusti*e from their name, " And blight the laurels of their fame. — " But for your life don't say you heard, " From me a solitary word. " It was my gi*eat desire to tell, " What secretly myself befell : — " Those sprightly damsels Hope and Love, ** Pretend themselves to be above, *' The rank and file of every band, ** Who tread the pathway thro' this land. TO THE HOLY CITY. 145 ft '' Not long ago I with them talk'd, " As we together blithely walk'd, " And as my custom was to do, ** I ask'd if any matters new, " Ha4 with their store suppli'd their mind, " And would they be so very kind, ** Upon a knoll to take a seat, " And every thing to me repeat. <■ ** But as they did not seem disposed, " Then simply I to them propos'd, " To tell some things which I had heard, " And tho' I truthfully averred, " They need not feel the least alarm, " Or think that I desir'd to hai'm, " The character of any one, " Who had his pilgrimage begun. " Yet not a sentence would they hear, " But said to me in accents clear, " That I my tongue with cords should bind, " And strive my own affaii's to mind, " And others' business let alone, " For by my tongue there had been sown, " Broadcast throughout the pilgiim host, " Dissension to the uttermost. " And then 'twa& mean beyond degi-ee, " To talk to aU I chanc'd to see, " And 'bout small things make such adieu, " No matter whether false or true, " I could not such a course begin, ^' And end without con\mitting sin. 146 FROM APOLLYONVILLE " And fui'ther I should never say " A word the pilgrims to betray, " And should be able to prove true, " And then be sure it good would do, " Before my lips would dare to part, " Or from my tongue the woi-ds should start. '• And tho' they said these things to me, " Pretending.great humility, " Yet like a lance they pierc'd.my heart, " And still I feel the pain and smart. " But their advice I will not take, " Kor with them hearty friendship make, '' For I must feed my hungry mind, " With all the news that I can find, " Then with my neighbours share the spoil, " As through this weary land I toil. " Now these a secret you must keep, " Until we cross the river deep, " And in the Holy City reign, " Where none of insult shall complain. So saying quick she strode away. And only gave me chance to say, 'IVas good advice the damsels gave. And from a thousand snares would save. And by their words she should abide, Until she cross'd the swelling tide. But soon to me it was revfeal'd, The secret she would have conceal'd. She did herself to scores unfold ; — ♦ But eveiy one she always told, TO THE HOLY CITY. 141 She spoke as to a bosom friend, And on theii- faithfulness depend, And charg'd them never to betray, What she in confidence might say. Another personage became. Important both in deed and name ; — His character was not of worth, Nor could he boast of lawful bii-th. He from the dawn of infancy, Had borne the name of Bigotry; — With statui'e tall, and form erect, And with deportment circumspect. He might to others good have done, And many high encomiums won. And yet bad nature he betrayed. And in the host he often made, Unseemly strife which evil wrought, And in its train divisions brought, That he was right he could not doubt, And thought himself to be devout, Beyond what others could attain, While they in error would remain. If in the host one chanced to say, A word about the trying way, And how we should our weapons use, And from no source should aid refuse, He would most plainly have us know. By his advice we ought to go^ And like him meet the enemy, That from the field they all might flee. 148 FROM APOLLyONVILLB But when some would his ways ignore, His heart was smitten to the core, And righteous anger in him burned, Till like a monarch pronnd he spumed, Their very presence with contempt, As if from every good exempt, And like BUjah in his ire. He would from heaven invoke the fire, That all might perish from his sight, Who fail'd to do as he thought right. TO THE HOLY CITY, 14» PART VII. PLBASUKES OP SIN. "Toni awaj mise eyes from beholding Tsni^.'^—Davuf. Still in the lap of sleep I lay, Beneath the mild and gentle sway, Of vision's sceptre rais'd on high, With all its charms before mine eye. The trees their shadow on me cas^ The sighing breezes homed past, Lest from my sleep I should awake. And visions their bright pinions take, And fly away in sullen mood, And leave me in my solitude. And like the dove that's lost her mate,. Bewail my melancholy fate. Tho' discord 'mong the pilgrims reigned,. And great and lasting triumphs gained, Which did our progress much retard, Tho' many labor'd long and hard. To counteract the deadly ill, Which many hearts appeared to 411, Tet all the host some progress made, And saw the rising evil fiuie. 150 FBOM APOLLYONVILLE We did not very far proceed, Till we espied a pleasant mead, Thro' which om* pathway ran direct, "With charms most gorgeously bedecked, And as we stood upon its marge. It seem'd a goodly land and large. And sti'ongly tempted us to stay, And wile the sunny hours away. And tho' alluring stood the bowers, Yet pass'd we by the trees and flowers. Tho' charm rose quickly after chai*m, Yet could we not forget the harm. Which from our eyes might hidden lie. And like an aiTow at us fly, That we the poison'd barb might feel. And get a wound we could not heal. When near the centre of this plain, We music heaixi, strain after strain. And soon a vast arena lay, Outspread before us like the day, A road ran from the path we trod, Where stood a gate immensely broad. And at the gate a porter stood, With countenance remote from good. His mouth contain'd a foul segar, Out from him roU'd the smoke afar. As we drew neai-, his head he bow'd, Then rais'd his voice and cried aloud, That all who travell'd in each band, Might hear his Toice and understand ; — TO THE HOLY CITY. 151 " O pass not by but enter here, '' There is no room for dread or feai*, " Your cup with pleasui-e full 8hall be, " Without a dreg of misery. " Ask what you will at pleasure's hand, " She instantly meets youi* demand, — " Let not another you persuade, " Come in— come in, don't be afraid. Just then another voice was heard. Distinct and loud in every word, Which echo'd thro' t) stagnant air. And said to all — " Be^ " '• beware " :— " Broad is the gate and wide the way, " In which the many go astray, " Wh^re death will soon with wanton greed, " Upon their souls and bodies feed. 'Twas Watchful who beheld the harm, And quickly sounded the alarm. That ere the pleasure eharm'd the eye. We might from the seducer fly. Then op'ning oui* Directory, We for ourselves could plainly see. That of this place we should bewai-e. And thro' the gate we should not dare, To set our feet or think to go^ Lest we should feel the shafts of woe. But some the warning would not heed, And towai-d the gateway moved with speed. The spacious gate wide open flew, To let the pleasure-seekers thro'. 152 FROM AFOLLyONVILLE • While wo who took the warning cry, Found safety lay in hasting by. But many things did proof present, That thro' this gate large numbers went. And soon were taken in the snare. Of whi^'h they had no dread or care. And travellers with whom we met, Beclar'd to us with deep regret, That from their ranks some went astray. And trod the wide and dangerous way. Till taken by the subtle spell, And met a fate too bad to tell. i We hasted by and took our stand, Upon an elevated land, And view'd the vast arena where, In gi-eat profusion pleasui'es fair, Astonish'd us beyond degree. As we their vast extent could see. Upon a smooth and even ground, The spacious driving park is found. Where patrons of the turf resort, To drain the flowing bowl of sport ;-^ The golden pile they quickly staked, And fi-om the flask theii- thii-st they slaked. The well-train'd steeds paw'd up the soil. And eager seem'd to win the spoil, Then out upon the beaten couree, They all exerted utmost force ; — Before the crowds they seem'd to fly, While deaf ning cheers rose to the sky, TO THE HOLY CITY. Until with palpitating flanks, They left behind the gaping ranks, While clouds of dust rose up on high. And half obscured the sun and sky. Then clad in foam of snowy white, With passion at its zenith height, Quick as a thought they poised the goal, Amid the deaf 'ning thunders roll. Then others to the water went, And at the oar their time was spent, And thither multitudes resort, To be partakers of the sport. A thousand feyes each other gi*eet, A thousand hearts excited beat, A thousand tongues their rapture tell, With joy as many bosoms swell. The bowl was emptied o'er and o'er, And Bacchus gladly they adore, * Until with shouts the air was rent • And on the winds their songs were sent. As stagnant pools pollute the air. So did their cureing everywhere, Contaminate the atmosphere, With sounds too vile for man to hem-. And deeds too dark for fiendish eyes, To gaze upon without surprise, Were revelled in with great delight, And none appeared to dread the blight, Which like the deadly frost would fall,' And gi'eedily devoui- them all. 153 I I \ 154 FBOM APOLLYONVILLE The syren tents were snowy white, And sparkled in the glowing light, And did unto our eyes appeai*, Like roses white on meadows sear. The syrens from their tents would go, And grossly wander to and fro, Or in alluring attitude, With arms and bust one half made nude. Their soft licentious lays they sang, Which thro' the vast arena rang, * And captured both with sight and sound, And then with treble cords they bound, Until as slaves beneath their chain. They hasten'd o'er the syren plain. Until they stood on ruin's brink. And ere they seemed to know or think, They by the fatal spell were bound. And in the deep of hell were found. Among the dying and the dead, Who by their wiles were hither led. Nor were they ever undeceived. Or from the treble bonds relieved. Till of their powers they had been shorn, And then they saw their state forlorn, And blushing in their guilty shame, With anguish kindled to a flame, They from the syren tents depart. To bear their agony And smart, Or be corrected by the snare, Which they refused to shun with care. TO THE HOLY CITY. 155 lu other pai*ts booths stood around, And cover'd many plots of ground, To which resorted motley throngs, Who sang obscene and vulgar songs, And filthy tales they told with zest. And mirth inflated every breast. And laughter all restraint defied, Whose echoes with the tempest vied. Sometimes the storms of wrath would roai*, And crimson rain in floods would pour, Till ghastly wounds and broken bones, And tears, and sighs, and death-like groans, And gory gai'ments plainly showed. How swift the nti'eams of passion flowed, And how like field of ripen'd grain. Assaulted by the wind and rain. They in distorted masses lay. And died upon the blood-stain'd clay. Then others crav'd the noxious weed, And heartily did on it feed, Or smok'd it with untold delight, To gratify their appetite. The table then was quickly set, And round it men would care forget, As they at games of chance would play, And chase the tardy hours away. Upon these games they staked their gold, The winners on the prize laid hold. Then round and round the cup was sent, The purple wine was freely spent, 16(> FROM APOLLYONVTLLE Till all tho tire began to feel, And then the head began to reel, And trembling seized upon each limb, As twilight hours the eye grew dim, And stupor triumph'd o'er the bi-ain, Oi* frenzy did the sceptre gain. Like those who stood on Pleasure Square, Were structures rising large and fair, Whose open doors the throngs invite, With prom ise of supreme delight :— There boys and girls of tender age. And men and wojnen took the stage, To act the thrilling tj-agedy. Or captivate with comedy. I flaw gi'eat throngs of ladies fair. And gentlemen with pompous air, Vrom Sinland's wide and vast domains, Alike its mountains and its plains. Unto these stately halls resort. The victims of their chai'm and sport. And some who left ApoUyonville, And ti'od with us the vale and hill. Until we re^ch'd the gateway wide. Then thither from us tm*n'd aside ; — The tempting door I saw pass thi*o'. And disappeai*'d beyond my view. And tho' with great anxiety, I tarried, their return to see. But disappointed turn'd away, And left them where they lov'd to stray. TO THE HOLY CITY. 157 The next resort was Music Hall, Where every one must make a call : — Its doors allui''d with open arms, Within were music's fatal charms ; — And every hoiu- this viand choice, Was serv'd with instrument and voice. The hungry ear devour'd the strains, And boasted of its wondrous gains. Then as around her \vand she flung, She spread abroad her wings and sung, And bore her votai'ies away. In ecstasy's full fount to play ;— Or thro' enchanted regions soar, And all her firmament explore, — To pluck the flow'r whoso faultless blow, Waa whiter than the vestal snow, And with enraptur'd vision see, And scan her thrilling galaxy. That heart must be encas'd in steel. Which music's pow'r can never feel. Out by itself the Circus tent. Unto the scene attraction lent, — High in the air it rose to sight. And glisten'd in the flooding light. With drum and clarion sounding loud, They call'd unto the jostling crowd, And bid them to its doors draw near, The soul- entrancing song to hear, A.nd on each sight to feast the eyes. That captures with its grand surprise, — 168 FROM APOLLYONVILLE To gather pleoHure fresh and now, Like flow'i*8 ihiX glow with morning dew ; — And in the gmnd procession join, And from the mint receive the coin, To well the pomp of the parade, Before the light of day shall fade. And oh, how many bow'd the ear. The drum and clarion tones to heai*, And to ought else they all were blind. Till they the Circus doora could find. And then in perfect ecstasy, Their eyes drank in all they could see, And gain'd an appetite for more. Which crav'd a fViU and boundless store, To which they ever might apply, Their utmost need to satisfy. And then their ears were open wide, To catch the overflowing tide Of thrilling sound that ebb'd and flow'd, And there, delighted they abode, Until the springs had all ran dry, And nothing gi-eoted ear or eye, To bid them longer tai-ry there, JThey did to other haunts repair, And further sought to gratify, ♦ The all-devouring ear and eye. Still looking round upon the scene, I saw among the fields of green Some places beaten smooth and hard, Which thrifty trees with shadows guard. TO THE HOLY CITY, 159 And many paths onto them led, Which pleasure's feet rejoiced to ti'ead, And on each side alluring flow'i*s, Turn'd up their face to catch the show'rs, The multitudes these paths did throng, With laughter loud and merry song, Their countenance shone as the light, Unmix'd with any shade of night. Some dress'd in garments plain and cheap, And by themselves they sought to keep, While silk and velvet in vast store, And every style, the others wore, Whereas the gold and jeweliy, Display'd their charms for all to see. But all made haste to gain the spot, Where they had centred every thought. Then off in pairs they would divide, And, standing at each other's side, They waited for the music's call. Then into line would quickly fall. And then began to vacillate. And move around with graceful gait, And oft would sprightly prance and leap, Yet with the music, time would keep. Until upon their heated face. The crystal dew-drops took their place, Which shone and sparkled in the light, liike stars set in the dome of night. Thus did they use their utmost pow'rs. And chas'd away the fleeting houi's. 160 FROM APOLLYONVILLE Yet still I scann'd the scenes around, Where other pleasures djd abound, Among them was the banqueting, Which did vast crowds together bring. Some would the pleasant grove select, From wind and sunshine to protect, And some preferr'd the grassy lawn. From which the dews of night had gone, While many others did decide, Within their houses to abide. But every where the throngs would go, Deep did the festal current flow. The board waa set with skillful hands, And nature answer'd all demands, — The viands flt for gods to eat, Alluring lay, the eye to greet. That every appetite might be, Replenish'd to satiety. Then round the golden goblet went, Until the r iby wine was spent, And thirst raceiv'd such ample store, It had no voice to call for more. The game and play came quickly on. And like a paasing cloud were gone, Nor left a shadow to declare, That they had spread their pinions there. To interest and kill the time, The gossip came as if in rhyme. And all were quicken'd with her fire, According as they had desire. :^^il. I TO THE HOLY CITY. 161 A goodly Park lay full in sight, All flooded with translucent light, — High in the air the fountains rose, As if their beauties to di8clos<», And kingly trees threw out their arms. Unfolding most bewitching cliaripp, And cast their cooling shade afar, U"'he golden sunlight to debar. From gate to gate the pavements lay. The hedges stood in grand array, The walks were fringed with rarest flow'rs, The bloom was on the rosy bow'i's. Between the walks a cai'pet green. Attracted by its witching sheen, And seatt- the weary to invite, Displayed their comfort and delight ; — The pieasure-loving masses here. Found many things their hearts to cheer ; — They sauntor'd 'mong the thrifty bow'i-s, And breath'd the odor of the flow'rs. Then rested in the cooling shade. Or 'neath the arching trees parade. Or round the fountains congregate. Their thirsty soul to satiate. When on the green the band would play, Its call at once the thi'ongs obey, And thither joyftilly repair, To breathe the sweet, vibrating ail*. Whatever unfolded to the sight, They all pursued with rapt delight, 162 FROM APOLLYONVILLE • And what broke forth upon the eai-, They all with great delight did hear,— The meiTy laugh, the beaming eye, Beveal'd the limitless supply, Which like a fountain fiU'd their heart, Its every pleaaui'e to impart. Yet more enjoyments -Btill were found, Broadcast o'er this enchanted ground, Inviting us with open arms, To be partakers of their charms. Whatever could the eyes entrance. Displayed itself as in a glance j — Whatever could delight the ear. The list'ning soul could plainly hear. A thousand odoi*s sweet and rare, ^ Were blending in the sultry aii-, Beguiling by their strange delight. But laden with a fatal blight. And then the place was justly famed, For every thing that could be named. Which to the taste could minister, Supplying as each might prefer. And aa we gazed attentively, That every pleasure we might see, Some thought we should make haste away, But others longer wished to stay And watch the deeds that there were done. Till to the zenith rose the sun. Just then Besetting Sin was seen, Approaching from the fields of green j — I TO THE HOLY CITY. Unto our ranks he ventured near, A8 if intent our woixis t<^hear, . And then with emphasis he spoke, And kindly would oui* ear invoke, That he might tell us of the joy, That clustered there without alloy. He felt himself constrained to say. That all these pleasures by the way, Were not the evils some believed, — Nor had they simple souls deceived, — But springs which from the desert burst, To satisfy our spirits' thirst,— And as a friend he would advise. That we such pleasures ne'er despise, But enter at the gateway wide, And be with 3very joy supplied. And wheh the eye exhausts the store. And when the taste can crave no more, And when the ear with melody, Is filled unto satiety, And odors sweet no more beguile, " And mirth withholds her beaming sb ile. Then we the pathway could regain, And hasten thi'o' the flow'ry plain, Refreshed and gladdened with delight, As grateful as the dews of night. His words were like a silver flow, And some were half inclined to go Unto thoee fountains full and fkir, Begardless of the hidden snare, 163. \ 1(J4 FMOM APOLLYONVILLE To satiato their yearaing heart, With all the blisa they could impart. But Watchful saw the peril grdlftt, And warned them of the awful fate, Which they must meet most certainl}-, Unless they would the tempter flee. The odors floating in the air, Betrayed and weakened mighty Prayer. His spirit was quite stupefied, And many times in vain he tried. To rise and break the subtle spell. That he of victory might tell. But Strength came quickly to his aid, And told him not to be afiaid, But down upon his knees to fall, And on the unseen Presence call. At once the ebbing cuiTcnt flowed, The smouldering embers flamed and glowed, The spell was broken — he was free, — Adoringly he bowed the knee, j And all the host, his accents thrilled, And eveiy heart with gladness flUed, And each fled hastily away, From pleasure's false but fair display-. I The heart of Faith with new life burned. I And from the scene his eyes were tui*ned. And on before the host he went, I While to the pilgrims Courage lent A helping hand that they might fly, And not among the plea^sures die. TO THE HOLY CITY. And as behind the tempter Uiy, With songs the pilgi-ims urged their \va\', By brook and grove and sunny lawn. Till out of sight the charm had gone. 165 166 FMOM A^OLLYONVILLE PART VIII. THE VOLCANO. ♦* Who art thou, great mountain?"— ZecfcartaA. I still in the mantle of vision was clad, And other experience most trying we had : — The pleasures of Sin lay behind us afar, The proud king of day in his transplendent car, Was getting quite near the meridian of noon, While 'neath his bright wheels lay the stai-s and the moon. The clouds of the sky like an army did march, And o'er his bright throne form'd an unrivall'd arch :— The vale which we trod in its beautiful green, Was deluged with light of a luminous sheen : — ^'^^ The winds had forsaken the concave of day, Asleep in the valley they quietly lay ; And streams murmur'd low as they hurried along, Nor waken'd the vale with their jubilant song. The birds had begun biting hunger to feel. In force they had gone to prepare them a meal, While fruits on the trees hung in clusters untold, Array'd in their garments of purple and gold : — And thousands of flow'rs made a gorgeous display^ And all thro' the valley they stood in array. TO THE HOLY CITY. m Wo journ'd along as our hearts were inspir'iT, The mountains of blue in the distance retir'd, — Before us we scann'd with increasing delight, The vale whose attractions bewilder'd our sight; — No object appear'd to the eye groat or small, To fill us with fear or our spirits appal. The path to our foot was delightfully smooth, The balm of the flow'rs all our anguish did soothe, The vei*dure clad vale strotch'd afar on each hand, Which caus'd.us to tljink of some fair Eden land, The trees seem'd as those which in Paradise grew, The mountains all rob'd in their garment of blue, Outrivallod the skies as they smil'd from above. And spread out their hands in devotion and love. No chill in the air made it biting and drear, To start without sorrow the big pearly tear ; — Each one of the host ovei-flow'd with delight, And hast^ along with persistence and might, — As if every danger and ill of the way. Had been overcome and behind us now lay. Then those who could sing rais'd a soul-thrilling song. And thro* the gi*een valley it echo'd along ; — The beasts heard the strains and were chai*m'd with the spell, I>rew near as if anxious their raptui*e to tell. The bii*d8 left their meal and came flocking around^ And seem'd ovei-power'd with the soft, swelling sound ; — The fish in the stream leap'd aloft in the air, By actions their joy they appeared to declare. Hid j^cenes such as these we made haste on our wajr, Nor would we allow them our progress to stay. i 168 FROM APOLLYONVILLE Each moment and something was lost to our sight, Each moment wo greeted new forms of delight : — We sigh'd for the good that was faded and gone, And welcom'd each ^oy as we jmss'd safely on. The prospect that open'd before us was grand, And long we believed we should travel this land, With nothing to trouble or cause us to sigh, Or meet us in battle and force us to fly : But when in the height of our triumph and joy, Our bliss in a moment became an alloy, — For while we were moving unconscious along, And filling the valley with shouting and song, A dimness began to diffuse thro' the sky And mantled the peaks of the mountains so high, The sun overpower'd withheld his bright rays, — And sat on his throne in a mantle of haze ; — The valley gi-ew narrow, the mountains came near, The beasts and the birds were bewilder'd with fear ; The fish in the brooklets gave over their glee, And hid them away 'mong the roots of the tree : And fear blanch'd the face of each one in the host. While none felt dispos'd of his valor to boast. Yet nearer the mountains continu'd to draw, Whose haze mantl'd heights made us tremble with awe, Ab eager we gazed on those mountains so high, A cloud of thick darkness appeared in the sky, And up thro' its blackness shot columns of flame, Like camion discharged with an unerring aim. And noise that appeai''d like the deep thunder's roaTi Told plainly that nature was travailing in war. i TO THE HOLY CITY. 169^ We thought of the time when Jehovah came down, His feet resting Arm on the mountain's stark crown, His garb was the darkness that hung o'er its brow. Thro' which the red lightnings did awfully plow. The smoke that i-osc up from the mount 'neath his feet,^ Did blend with the darkness and made it complete. The noise of His thunder was startling and loud. And Sinai shook and its rocky head bow'd, While words echo'd far in tlieir tones strong and cloai*, Which caus'd even Moses to tremble with feai*. With thoughts such as these flashing quick thro' the mind^ We trembled with dread and felt strongly inclin'd To turn from our course and some other way try. Which far from this terrible mountain might lie, And yet would conduct us back into tlie path, Exempt from the menace of teiTor and wrath. But Faith look'd ahead and declar'd he would go; * And, like the swift streams from mountains which flow y He ne'er would turn back but would danger tread down,. The city would gain ahd receive his bright crown. Then Courage the impulse of Faith did receive. And into Faith warp his woof he would weave. And with him would go to a triumph sublime, And share his rewaixis in a fai* better clime. Strength look'd on the pilgrims and smilingly said, He felt in his heart no emotion of dread ; — So with a strong nerve and an unyielding heai't, He would on the journey immediately starts With modesty Watchflil declar'd he would try, And see that no danger evaded his eye, < 170 FROM APOLLYONVILLE And all that he saw he would instantly tell, Which promise he kept most surprisingly well. Then all in the host hasted quickly along, And foUow'd their leaders with shouting and song ; — The cloud that we saw on the mountain's dai'k brow, Thix)' which the fierce shafts of the lightning did plow, Appear'd the whole sky to o'ercast and enshroud. Beneath which the thunders teiTific and loud, Were coursing their way thro' the mountain and plain, As if their fierce anger they could not restrain. liTot far had we gone till the air became waim, ''The dai'knesB portended a terrible storm, * And dangera ai'ound us were spreading their net, Before and behind we were ever beset, And each one declar'd 'twould a miracle be. If we should the end of this valley e'er see. Both Courage and Faith did encouragement give, And Watchflil and Strength were assm-'d we should live, And soon we in tiiumph should leave fai* behind. The region where dai*knesB our vision did blind. We cautiously pick'd every step as we went. Until we aiTiv'd where the mountain was rent, i limb of that mountain stretched into the plain^ IHiose summit we sti'ove with all vigor to gain, \jA on its high peak we quite plainly could see» IThat fiird us with awe and inclin'd us to flee. Ml active volcano lay right in our path, IHiose bowels were working in terrible wrath ; — Its wide open mouth sent forth yolumes of smoke. Which hong round it» slopes like a gigantic cloke^ TO THE HOLY CITY. 171 Tho ashos like snow-flakos were falling around, And deep'ning quite fast on the turf-covor'd ground ; — The air, like the breath of a furnace, was hot, And charg'd with the stench of the Hulphur that's bro't Along with the smoke from tho burning below, Where fountains of lava pei'petually glow. While standing quite near on this cloud-touching land, The scene was o'erpow'ring and awfully grand. We could but admire as some minutes wo stayed, And watch'd all tho scenes that before us there played, The smoke that came up thro' its rock-plated throat, Spread out thro' the sky and did leisurely float , Upon the still air like a storm-ladon cloud, ^i?^ Which down 'noath its freight toward the mountain is I bow'd. ^ The darkness was deep as the gloom of the night. And hid from our eyes all the Sun's golden light. It spread like a veil over mountain and plain. And proudly their stature and greatness disdain. Each face seem'd to dai'kon beneath its thick fold, While gloom in its grasp every victim did hold. The mountain then stood with its arms folded tight, While on its hard brow lay the sceptre of night ; — And then it began with vehemence to shako. Which caused both the hills and the valleys to quake. Its heart swelling up with most terrible woes, It labor'd in anguish and tendble throes, Like billows that thunder along the rough shore. Its bowels thrice heated did rumble and roar, While echoes came back from the peaks far away, As if they had something most awiUl to say. u 12 FltOM APOLLYONVILLE fct louder and loiulei* itH bowels did wound, |Lnd terribly trembled the niountuinH around. Jhe huge granite bfeuldern relinqui»h'd their hold, And over the brow of the mountain they roU'd : — The trees far ronown'd for their statui*e and strength, "Were prostrate and lay on the ground at full length. "Then quick as the lightning darts down from the cloud. "The mountain with thunder roar'd dismal and loud, And up from the deep of its caverns of fire, <'ame shafts of tierce flame rising higher and higher ; "The scoria gave chase to the fast-flying stones, t The darkness was vocal with hisses and gi'oans, The cloud by the flame of the crater was cleft, Which moan'd like a child of its parents bereft ; 'The thunder grew louder, the quaking increas'd, •The red shafts of flame for a moment ne'er ceas'd, The sides of the mount like the flanks of the steed, Which P*rove on the course his opponent to lead, Were rising and falling as if they did yeara, To take of our ashes and fill their huge ui-n. The lake that was hid in its bowels below, Was up thro' its throat fast beginning to flow : — Its wide-open mouth with the lava soon fiU'd, And then like a being that reason'd and will'd, It pour'd out a torrent that burn'd as it roU'd, Which look'd like a river of pure yellow gold. Down, down o'er the vast throbbing sides it made haste, The huge rocks were molten and after it chas'd ; — The fliame caught the trees, which as dry stubble biim'dy And quick as a thought into ashes were tum'd. :l TO THE HOLY CITY. ITM I The turf was consuiu'd, and the ground vvuh doop j)low'd, The hillrt in its course wore atfnghto I iin I how'd. Then down thro' tho phiin it went thundering along, And woke up tho vale with its terrible song ; — A pass thro' the mount on the opi)()Hito side, Aliow'd the escape of this horrii)le tide. It dashed 'gainst the rocks with a demon-like force, The huge granite boulder that lay in its course, DisHolv'd by the heat of this mad, fiery stream. And vanish'd away like tiie things of a dream. On, on thro' tho passage it thundered and raved, Tho steep walls of granite its hot billows laved ; While all tho vast region did glow with its breath, It hasted away to tho river of Death. Some moments wo stood on that high point of land. And watched with a shudder tho awful and grand, Faith look'd for a time, turning death-like and pale. And Fear did great Courage with weapons assail. As Watchful beheld he convulsed with alarm, And Strength lost the use of his giant-like arm ;— While Hop© with emotion did awfully shako, And all, like the mountain, did tremble and quake. Tears stood in om* eyes like the dew.on the flow'r, And moisten'd tho path like tho more copious show'r. Then we of each other requested to know, If all thought it pmdent, and forwai-d should go. Our Book of Directions we carefully scann'd, And found a good chart of this danger-strewn land, The twilight discover'd a straight narrow road, That led us direct where the lava tide flow'd. 174 FROM APOLLYONVILLE Then Faith did his vigor and color regain, And valiantly ytood at the head of the train ; — And Coui'age grew mighty, like giants of old, His look plainly show'd that his spirit was bold, — And Watchful no longer convulsed with alarm, And Strength gain'd the use of his masculine arm. Hope trembled no more, but as firm as a rock. Immovably stood 'mid the thunder's fierce shock.* *In haste we all brush'd from our eye the big tear, And Fear fell behind us and stood in the rear. Then breathing a prayer to Jehovah our King, We all did a chorus most heartily sing. Faith bid us march forward with vigor and might, Nor turn to the left nor remove to the right. But haste with all speed till the danger was pass'd. And all our forbodings behind us were cast. Like those who went forth to engage in the race, We hasted away with a quick steady pace. As on we proceeded the heat got intense, Which fiU'd many spirits with anxious suspense. Our garments were scorch'd and our eyes were half blind, The straight nai'row path was not easy to find ; A'^'^ ashes like vapor were filling the air, Thv shafts of red flame thro' the darkness did glare. As nearer the base of the mountain we came. More terribly grand was the pillar of flame, — The thi'oes of the mountain with terrors iucreas'd. The thunders were having a riotous feast, — The region ai'ound hs more fearfully shook, — The river of lava display'd its worat Iook, It TO THE ilOLY CITY. 175 And danced tbi j' the gap of the rock far below, As if it were crazed by some spirit of v/oe. While closer we came to the torrent of fire, The path that we trod rose up higher and higher, The terminal rock sti'ctch'd its hand o'er the tide, And clasp'd its strong mate on the opposite side. While under its arch roll'd the river so wild, As guiltless of harm as an innocent child. The air which ascended sulphureous and hot, — The terror and danger were quickly forgot, — We know that the torrent whose billows of fire, Were seething and welling in terrible ii*e, Must stay in the gorge which far 'neath us lay, And nature's behest must implicit obey. Our hearts beat anew with a wealth of delight, When first we beheld the magnificent sigh^^; — So over we pass'd while the hot lava tide, Went dancing along in itw anger and pride. Thus passing in triumph this bridge of firm rock, Wo hasted awav with u i^iick steady walk. The pathway wf4o euHy and clearly defin'd, • And near the volcano no one felt inclin'd. To tarry a moment or dully away. In trifling amusement the swift passing day. Then down thro' the valley the narrow path led, Where wild forest trilrjH on the green herbage fed, Asimder the mountain seemed strangely to part. And up thro' the darkness the sharp peaks did dart, The vale open'd out like a wide spreading fan. Thro' which a clear brooK in its majesty ran. 176 FROM APOLLYONVILLE While raising our voice with a soul stirring lay, Because the hot tide haci not made us its prey. The thick brooding darkness began to turn light, And soon the day king in his spleador and might, Shone out in the sky from the high throne of noon, Which was to us all an unspeakable boon. The vibrating earth became pulseless and still, In quietude lay both the valley and hill, The volcano's roar was like thunder afar, ^Vhoso bolts were all spent from his receding cur. The furnace-like air into coolness hiul turn'd. The torrent of lava which wrothfully burn'd. Its way down the slope of the mountain on lire. Did out of our vision, behind us, retire. The cloud of thick darkness appeai-ed like a pall. Which dowr »n the top of the mount seemed to fall, Thi'o' which the volcano shot arrows of flame, Which went from his bow with precision of aim. -Our feelings calmed down like the unrippl'd lake, And from the pm-e rillet our thirst we did slake. *• We breathed the aroma of myriads of flow'rs, ♦ And pluck'd the sweet fruits from the green thritty bow'rs, Delighted with scenes which on either side lay, We all full of zeal hasten'd thro' the plain way, Which sti'etch'd in the distance far out of our sight. And seem'd to be radiant with glory and light, The moontaing put on their soft garments of blue, And silently watch'd as the vale we pass'd thro'; — The biiiis sang ai-ound us their jubilant notes, Then high in the sunlif^ht they floated like motes, TO THE HOLY CITY. in The breeze fann'd our brow and the sweat drop was d'y, Not a cloud could be seen in the deej) of the sky. Our spii'its were buoyant — the prospect was grand, So forwaixi we moved an inspirited band. « Some shouted in raptures because of delight, The fearful grew boji and went forward ^vith might. And all seem'd to think that tho city was near, Its strains of sweet music we thought we could hear. ' 187 FROM APOLLYONVILLE PART IX. REST AND WORSHIP. *• His rest shall be glorious."— /,aiaA. m At very best the pow'rs of man are frail, And when ho meets the high and stubboi-n gale, That lifts the foaming billows up on high. As if they challeng'd both the clouds and skj^, ThaL strength will soon grow less. That God who did our vital forces give, And caus'd us in this world of toil to live. Did not design oui- force should never waLe, And of its failui-e we should ne'er comjjlain,' Or shun its overthrow. Hence toil will come—the ebbing tide sets in, And when it doth its onwai-d coui-se begin, If unoppos'd the fountain soon will dry, And man the wond'rous being then will' die. And none can help or save. I di-eam'd that still we on our journey went And great encom-agement to us was lent. By many joys which did oui- path suri-ound, And lay broadcast o'er all the mellow ground, As if to help U8 on. iyiiiMMNiaiatMiiiiiiL>^o!^MiiifeiM \ TO THE HOLY CITY. 179 When we in haste Apollyonvillo did leave, The thoughts of some their judgement did dei For they suppos'd that they could never tire, Or realize the waning of that lire, That burn'd within their breast. But when we strove the mountain to ascend, Or thro' the rugged vale our way did tend, The power which some suppos'd could ne'er give Forsook us as the light at close of day, And promis'd not return. When from the dread volcano we did go, The tide of life began to lose its flow, And weakness seized upon our every pow'r. And as it was the golden midday hour, We sigh'd to find repose. Just then a sight our sinking spirits thrill'd. And with ecstatic joy our heart was fiU'd, Which gave us pow'r to hold upon our coui-so, Until we overtook a numerous force, That halted for a feast. They like ourselves Apollyonville foraook, And for the Holy City they did look, But hero they wish'd to rest and feast awhile, Where nought was seen their garments to defile, Or call them forth to fight. As neai-er to the Holy Land we drew, We were astonished by the pleasing view ;— For Paradise appear'd in all its charms, As if to take us in its gentle arms, And fold us to its breast IVO, way, \ iL 180 FROM APOLLYONVILLE I . The welcome came to us like falling rain, And smiles were golden as the autumn gi'ain, 80 that we felt ourselves supremely blest, Jn such an Eden spot to feast and rest, The weary noontide hour. The sun was sitting on his noontide throne, And from the hemisphere of day had flown The truant clouds that lack'd the })ow'r to harm, Nor dare they stay to smite us with alarm, But hid beyond the mount. A gentle zephyi* fanned the fertile plain. Thro' which the silvery brooks ran to the main - The air was soft and bracing to inhale, A soft and verdant carpet clad the vale, Emboss'd with fei'ns and floAv'rs. A thousand trees beneath their fruitage bow'd, And seem'd to all to speak in accents loud. That we beneath their shadow might recline, And eat the fruit which in the light did shine. And tempted with its charms. And vines in rich luxliriance spread the ground. Which cast their fruitful tendrils all around, Whose ripen'd clusters did beguile our eyes, And filled our spirits with a glad sui'prise. And joy o'erflowed our heart. In booths prepared from branches of the trees, We sat delightfully and took our ease, Of luscious fruit we ate a gen'rous store, When filled we, every onie, requested more, - So pleasant was the taste. ^ TO THE HOLY CITY. Wo presH'd the grapo8 whose noetral juices roH'd, And till'd our vonscIw full as they could hold, And when wo had the copious vessels drain'd, Not one of all that d; ank again coniplain'd, Of aggravating thirst. When choicest fruits hsul hunger chas'd away, And thirst made haste like night before the day, And as the moon our forces reach'd their full We all began with eagerness to pull The rare and odorous flow'rs. Then all again i-esolv'd the course to try, Eecause the noontide houi* was speeding by, "When each one heard resounding thro' the air A voice inviting all to i)raise and prayer, Before we left the place. A man of stature tfUl and pleasant mien Was passing gently thro' the vale of gi-een ;— Among the stately ti-ces he took his stand, ' While round him stood a largo and pious band Of thoughtful worshippers. His face was railiant as the beaming sun When he begins his daily race to run ;— llis voice was sweetly musical and clear, And fell like zephyrs on the listener's eai-. And touch'd and thrill'd the heart. " Now let us all," he said, our voices raise, '' And tune our hoai't« to sing Jehovah's praise;"— And then an hymn appropriate he read, ♦ As Qxery one adoring bow'd the heaci. In rov'ront attitude. 181 182 FBOM APOLL YON VILLE The hymn was full of joy and gratitiul^, And sentimonte of praise each line imbuVl, — Jehovah's attributes were all exprew^'iJ, And how we all had been supremely blessed, Thro' all the trying wuy. j Devout thanksgiving seem'd to give it rhyme, And gladness made the sentiment sul>lime, — Such earnest importunity was there', As laid the clay-encumber'd spirit bace, And rais'd it to the skicM. Then all with one accord began to sing, IThich made the valley loud with anthems rin^. The distant mountain echo'd back the lays, And all the region seem'd alive with [)raisc, And all the trees rejoic'd. When we had finish'd the melodious nir, He who had call'd us unto praise and prayer, Bequested us with him to bow the knee, And at the throne of heavenly grace agree, To ask Jehovah's aid. So on our knees we all adoring bow'd, The stranger our devotions led aloud, The One unseen he did appear to see, And with Jehovah everlasting, he Communion sweetly held. Praise rose as odor from the opening flow'r, — For Oh, it was a time of mighty pow'r, — Sin was confessed with deepest penitence, For every one was guilty of oft^ence, ' And humbled in the dust TO TEM BOLT CITt. m With contrite heart for pardon we did ifie, And ask'd that heavenly lAe«sing like the d«W, Might on our spMts All throoghout the wa^, That of the host no one mi^t ever stray, Oat of the narrow path. And when in prayer we ceased to bow the k'ft0e, The stranger open'd our Directory, And from it read that every one might know, About the trying way which we must go. To gain the place we sought. And as he read awhile and then explain^, We plainly saw that every one who gained, Admission to the New Jerusalem, And from the King received a diadem, Must tribulation have. And tho' sometimes in Eden we might seem, And of the tSireatening ill no more Would dream, Yet dangers would confh>nt us all the way, Until we reach'd the closing of the day. And crosa'd the dismal tide. But if we studied our Directory, Where lay the evil every one could see, And if our every step we took with care. And bravely met the evil everywhere. It ne'er could do us harm. And when the toilsome journey all was o'er, And every one stood on the river's shOi'e, No one would wish *his trials had been less, Or that he thither went without distress, And mighty confliois too. r" .184 FROM APOLLYONVILLE The concourse then their voices all attuned, And in a song of triumph they communed With Him who called us from Apollyonville, That His good spirit every heart might All Unutterably full. The thrilling song our spirits all inspired, And every heart with holy zeal was fired, The tide of feeling to its climax rose, As of a stream whose water overflows. Its smooth and sandy shores. Each one resolv'd that dead to every joy. He would more earnestly his time employ. And faithfully Jehovah's mandates keep. And pass triumphantly the river deep, And win the holy place. The sti'anger then began his text to read, Which told how we from bondage had been freed^ And in the path of life and freedom went To fight the foe until the day is spent And win a crown and throne. And as he spoke each one attention lent, For to the heart his earnest look was sent, ^ And every woixi he spoke was bold and clear, And fell with emphasis upon the ear, And chaimed the throbbing heart. " While in Apollyonville you did reside, << And walk'd its thoroughfares of pomp and pride^ " You sang aloud the songs of libeHy, « And thought yourselves the fVeest of the free, Nor knew that you were slaves. TO THE HOLY CITY. 185 " But when Apostlo'H words rh lightnings flash'd, " And thro' your houIs like mighty thunders crash'd, " You felt the pow'r and saw the Htartling light, " And then arose with energy antl might, And left the fatal place. " The path, tho' saft^ display'd a vast array, " Of dire and wiloful enomioH that lay " Conceal'd in ambush to annoy and vex, " Or, showing fight, would harass and perplex, That you might fall or flee. " You found the mountain's side both rough and steep, " From rock to rock you were compell'd to leap; " The wild morass its dangers did present, " Where some in search of flow'rs and fruitage went. And never more return'd. " The serpents which your going did withstand, " The threefold storm upon the desert land, " Besetting Sin whose wicked treachery, " You every one were hon-iti'd to see, * * You have not yet foi'got. " The gi-eat array of pleasures Sin did show, " By which tho pathway caus'd you all to go,— " When some the gaudy pleasure to behold, " Found dross where they anticipated gold, And in the snare were caught. " The burning mount whose head was capp'd with night * Thro' which were thrown the shafts of awfhl light, ' " And down whose steep the burning torrent ran ' " The bridge which did the awf\il chasm span, Ai-e scarcely out of sight. iO^ ^^'^ ^ «^ w IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) // <,^4£, ml 1.0 1.1 11.25 Hi us 12.5 ■^ 122 |2.2 U IIA L^ ! 1S6 FSOM APOLLYONVILLE " And novl' unto Jebev&b great give •pYAimf—-' *^ For ideroies pluit your hearts adoring rdse, " His grace aUd providence now glorifjr, " Because he leadc( to joys that cannot die, Beyond the stream of Death. * And bow before his throne in mighty pnayer, " Upon him casting all your woe and care, " That he may lead you with a fatiier's hand, "And safely bring you to that better laiid^ Far from your mortal sight. " Tho' you may think the trials all are o'er, " And that between you and the river's shore, ■" A long unbroken plain without a woe, '** Will smile upon you as yon onward go, , To gain yom* heavenly home. ♦* Yet such is not the case you'll surely find, " For every ti'ibulation's not behind, •^ " But till you reach the river's stormy shore, •^* The cloud portentous will arise and pour Its missiles on your head. " If pleasure spread her net before your feet, " And if in ptMtlanx strong the foe you meet, ** Or should the waiy .prove rough or broken be,, " As you can lelam from your Directory, Be sure to overcome. <' Pot iiybVL ktoep the path ahd persevere^ " The rlufitpiifit evil nevet need you fear> — " Before ypur onward march it will give wfcy, « Or like the lava-tide will harmless play, Far do#n beneath your feet. •vt. s\_ lk\.:__ TO TME MOLY CITY, 189 " An unseen )uuid your going will uphold,-^ ** Will give you paw'r and make your spiidt bold, " And fill your cup with bleesings to the brim, " " And lead you till the light of day grows dim/' ^hen take you gently home. And as he took ibis seat, the eager throng Broke forth into a sweet and rapturoiis song, ' And every heart for joy did leap and dance, And •very eye told pl^nly by its glance Its inw«ttd, deep delight. ' Then Faith stood up and told his simple tale. How he, in trjFing seasons, did not fail, And that in every future conflict, he Would strive to oy^eome and conqueror be. And safely cross tiie tide. And Ck>urage stood as if a giant strong, Whose head and shoulders rose above ^e throng. And spoke about the mount that burned with fire, And how lath's wcmls his spirit did inft|»re) And gave tiiem victory. Strength thou^t the pfuit its story plainly told. And taught qb in the future to be bold, For tho* we travelled through both fire and blood, That met us like an overflowing flood. Above them we should rise. And WatchfVd thought we need not dread surprise, For never w.'iuld he close his wakeftil eyes, Until he stood upon tie sounding shore, Where swelling billows all their fiiry four Upon the fisariess rooks. ^ 188 FBOM APOLLYONVILLE I I' Hope said, " I'm anchored to the solid rock, " Nor do I dread the fiercest earthquake's shock, " For what has sav'd me in the trying past, " I know will save me to the very last, " Of this short dangerous way." And Love declared, " I now am crucified, " And to all carnal pleasures I have died, . < " While life divine is throbbing in my heart, ■ " And in pure joy I share a generous part ; — " Of life and joy I boast." . - And Meekness said, " My soul is like the stream " Whose waters in the lucid sunlight gleam, " And glides along as noiseless as the light, " That breaks the sceptre of the gloomy night, » . " And may I faithful prove." And others rose who had a word to say, * About the tribulations of the way, And how new fire thi'o' all their being burn'd, As of the way they more and more had learn'd, They too would win the prize. When all who wish'd their testimony gave. The stranger, like a warrior, calm and brave, Declar'd thro' all the Land of Sin were found Vast multitudes who never heard the sound Of glorious gospel grace. " And in the great Jehovah's treasury, " The funds are low and soon will cease to be, " And you are asked that treasmy ^ fill, " As lakes rep' onilh'd by the crystal rill, Until they ovei'flow. , TO THE HOLY CITY. lg§ Then to the treasury large numbers came, Not seeking to acquu-e renown or fame, And of their store a golden oifering gave, ^ "Which show'd they would the lost and ruin'd save, Pi'om endless misery. But many more possess'd of treasui-e vast, Into the treasury their offering cast : — Upon their fingers white were rings of gold. That shone with precious stones of worth untold. To make a gorgeous show. A golden watch with jewels rare and bright, Was handled with unspeakable delight. And chains of gold were lying on their breast. While in the richest garments they were dress'd, By fashion's pattern made. But when they came their off'rings to bestow, \ They did not wish to make a pompous show, \ So from their jewell'd hand they di'opp'd a cent,| Then from the treasury in haste they went, 4 And seem'd quite satisfi'd. Then all joined in a chorus sweet and loud, And on our knees we all adoring bow'd. And when the benediction had been said, We all arose and on our journey sped. With hearts serene and glad. The ah* was still — the light was soft apd mild, No deadly taint the crystal brook defiled, The beasts were feeding and the birds were glad, And not a spirit in the host was sad. As singing we went on. n! i I ! •iWW FmM AFOI^I^YQNVILLB She mellow soil floured oar wilJUig feet, 2f in the path an ill we chanced to nwet, "It from our presence seemed in haste to fljjr, Wlule U^,4n4 gladness beamed from every' eye, And care was cast flpray. With firm and steady steps our leaders moved, And for the host their great affection proved :— And there wap, great and universal joy, Without a rieing danger to annoy, Or stay the flk)wing tide. :-ii .''•-: lA- v/:i ':.v "H ;-:-]'. i TO TBE m>LY QITT. in */■' ■ \ PART X. HORROR 0(P BARENESS. " He hath led ive A9d brought me into diHrkneM«"— I dreamed again ;— 'the hour of noen was past, The monaveh of the day had left his hi^ Imperial throne, an^ slowly mov'd away, With burning feet, to tread the western steep, That he might find heyond the haee-olad mount Another throne, and cast his peerless smiles On other kiids, or shed his gl<»ry on The bonndlesa sea beyond our mortal si^^t. The broad and fertile vale its bosom bared To catch the warming rays, and o'er it draw A robe of golden light. The mountains ih)m Each othte stood apart as if to giro The falling light a boundless field on Whioh To play, while they appear'd to diiiw their robes Of haze, of sombre hues, around their breast As if content out in the cold to dwell. The timid clouds shrauk firom the king of day And nestled in the bosom of the stream Of Deatli, notsdar'd tA'idse and ftiee t'ie flh«ft8 Of fire hurl'd by hifi majesty. ^ winds n '. 'f'^ 192 FROM APOLLYONVILLE As if by unseen angel hands were held, Nor could they hold their carnival upon The wide and fruitful plain. The sycamore And giant Bashan oak — the stately pines And aromatic cedars stood with gi-ace And dignity, nor did they move, as like An army we went marching by. The flow'rs Began to look as if the noon were past And soon their preparation must begin For close of day. On every side the beasts - , From grazing had retir'd and lay upon The warm and mossy ground. The joyful birds With golden plumage deck'd gave o'er their songs And hopp'd around among the shrubbery. The silvery brook, unconscious that the sun Had left the thi-one of noon, ran gently on Its course. From what we with our eyes beheld We fondly thought that long we would enjoy ; The mellow light — ^the fruitful plain and all The grand and soul-inspiring scenery. Each one felt strong, and life in every heart Beat high. With zealous fire each eye appear'd To flash, and all were bold to meet the ill Which might our path beset, and rise above Its pow'r to harm. The motions and the look Of each betray'd a joy that had its seat 1 eep down wijbhin the soul. Thus on we went While songs that spoke aloud the feeling of The heart rose from uncounted tongues, and thro' The valley did reverberate. Then free TO THE HOLY CITY. 193 And full of life the convereation wise Dispell'd the dull monotony and whil'd The horn* away. In manner such, the host Much progress made. Then Watchful look'd Ahead, to see if any sign appear'd Portending storm, or telling that there might ^ Be tribulation nigh at hand to burst Upon us suddenly, and try us to The uttermost. But nothing could be seen To cause alarm, or rouse our fears, savre that The mountains in the distance made great haste And toward each other ran as if to clasp In fond embrace, requiring us to climb The rugged steep, or seek some narrow pass By which we might proceed, and safety find Where danger holds her carnival. We ^^ad Not ti'avell'd far until we came unto The place where both the mountains seem'd to join In one, and left no place through which we might In triumph pass. And as we all drew near The mountain's base, we found its sides were steep And awfully precipitous, which made Ascent impossible. But as we looked around Inquiringly, to see how we could get Beyond the mount, we saw a limpid sti*eam Eoll deep and tranquil from a narrow pass That lay conceal'd behind a woody grove. Thro' which we could perceive some pilgrims had Already gone. As our Directory We did examine well, we saw that we T ll 1 i Ml! ! i ! m FBOM APOLLmNVILLE Were right, and thi^o' the narrow path mnstigo To gain the destiny ii^ich we desir'd. Thus satisjd'd that we in safety 'ft path Were fonnd) we did strMghtforward go that soon We might the mountain \a«9» behind and gain The pleasant land beyond. The wntws of The brook we found rose to the loins, and oft Would lave the rocks on either side the pass :' And made the going difficult And then The boulders of the way were angular. And sharp, and wounds would oft infiict and all Found stumbling t)Fa» a comiaon thing. Tet still * Each one felt sure tii»t all, the £M*ther side Would reach without material harm. The walls. ^1^ Of adament, on either side, stood scores* [ Of feet above our heads, and 1^ us this \ Alternative of passing on od ouir escape out of The jawB of black despair. Then Slaith And WctchfUl both be(gaa to grope about Hie granite giant in tJbe ' Pass. Not kmg And they had found seme points of loek alike Projecting from the hotikler aUd the mdli t 1 , TO TEE HOLY CITY. 199 Of adamant on which they could their feet In safety rest and gain the sammit of The rook that lay acrbss our path. Ahd wbeii Its euhiinit they had reaoh'd it' thrillitig' ^hoili They rais'd which Warm'd our hearts ifind JSlled us all With joy, for then we knewtiie obstacle Was overcome and on our journey we Could go. Then Strength and Courage took their stand Beside the valiant two who gained the summit first. And then to us their hands they reached afar And one by one we gained the spot on Which They stood, and thbught the danger past ; but soon We found it otherwise, for as we thought To leave the rock we found the water was So deep that should we onward go our lives ICight all be sacrificed. But when we tri'd Its depth we found that we could wade or swim Whichever suited best. We then slid from The rock into the swollen stream until We bottom touched. Then some with water tt The neck waded along while othe^^i swam Till all had reach'd the dry and solid ground, Yet still the darkness reign'd supreisie and rain In drenching torrents fell Upon our heads * As fell Hie solar fire upon Amittai's son. ' ^ Still Faith and Watohftd mov'd along and Stuea^ And Courage never fidl'd altho' we saw Hot ^ere we went. A little farther on ^ The Pass was flmoothj ami dry unto our fi»et Which greatly eadi one's coic^dence ini^i-eMed, m 200 FBOM APOLLYONVILLE in ! i III II li li ! And clieer'd us on with bold and steadfast steps. Fast as the darkness would allow, along We went, and all the while breath'd prayers that light Might dawn that we might see the pathway that W© trod, when suddenly the Pass parted Asunder causing us to think we might Have left the mountain in oui* rear. Beneath Our feet were grass and shrubbery, and trees Which in the darkness interfered and oft Bistress'd us as we press'd along oui* course. . While in the midst of this extensive plot - And passing thro' the clumps of trees we found The soil was soft and miry to our feet And sloughs that reek'd with danger lay across Our path, and into which we might sink down At any time and foul our garments with The silt. And here and there the windfalls lay Full length before our feet, surmounting which Endangered life and limb. To lend more dread And terror to the place it was a haunt For beasts of prey and from the caverns of The rocks they often went, to rend and to ]>eTOur, and as we gix)p'd along we heard Their savage growl and saw their eyes like balls Of flame which in the darkness gleam'd and rent Bach heart with tensor and dismay. Sometimes They came so near that we could feel their breath Upon our face which made us think our guns Might of important service be. Then huge And hatefUl birds flew o'er our heads and cleft J I TO THE HOLY CITY, 201 The darkness with their wings and made the gloom Most hideous with their savage cries. Around Om* feet the serpents hiss'd and show'd their stings And eyes of fire. With all these things combin'd The place appeai''d too horrible for man To set his foot upon. That terror might ; Not lack a single element to make It quite complete, grim spectres mov'd around And oscillated to and fro and in The darkness danc'd and with their hideous forms They haunted and tormented as we went ' » Along the marshy way. Our cup was full Of bitterness and not another dreg - - . .. Did it seem possible to add thereto. , Most fortunate it was that tho' the rains Had fallen fast and tho' the brook was deep r To wade, yet all our weapons and our store Of ammunition was kept dry. And now That hateful birds and savage beast came near . And made the region vocal with their yells We grasp'd our weapons tight and mov'd along, Prepar'd for all assaults made by the fierce And hungiy demons of the night. And when Their burning breath fell on us like the heat Of summer time, and each one shuddered at Their awful roars and threat'ning growls, wv alX Discharg'd our weapons in the gloom which made Them from us flee in haste that we unharm'd Might travel on unto the journey's end. In many places brambles were quite thick >■,/'«' n fl 202 FltOJH APOLLYONVILLE And hungry sloughs with open mouth lay ne»r, Impatient for the prey. Altho' we walk'd With greatest care yet oft our feet were torn And blood was let, and some in walking by The sloughs got mire upon their gai*b which was Not easy to remove. All thro' this horn* Of sore distress we never failed, but slow And steadily we travell'd on and soon Were in the narrow Pass again where loose And crumbling rocks unseen by reason of The gloom came roaring from the dizzy heights 3oth in our van and rear, and spread throughout The host great terror and dismay. But we Sad leam'd from our Directory that from Our heads one hair could never fall without Jehovah's providence. This kind regard Of our Almighty King to us reveal'd, Our terror-stricken spirits greatly soothed. And yet the darkness was not broken by One solitaiy ray of light — ^the mist And rain alternate fell which seem'd to all Like darkness felt. And still the way was rough Aud dang'rous, for the fallen stones lay thick Ai*ound and cover'd all the path which made Us in the darkness slip and stumble as If wine had robb'd us of our steadiness. Ajs in the Pass we long had been, each thought The end assuredly was near, when all A roaring heard which as we hasted on Much louder grew until it sounded like TO THE HOLY CITY, 203 The thunder of the angry sea, when lash'd By mighty winds until it breaks in wrath Upon the rooky strand. We found it was A cataract most dangerous to ascend. Not only was it steep and high, but fi-om ' Its base unto its summit craggy rocks Stretched forth their aiins to lave them in the stream, Which with insane delight rush'd down the gorge. Then foaming, dashing, whirling round and round. And in the awful darkness tossing up Its spray, which on us fell so cold it chill'd Us to our very hearts, while murm'ring low And rumbling loud, then roar'd like thunder nigh At hand it cours'd its way as if it wish'd To terrify the hideous spectres of ' » The gloom. With slow and steady steps we neai* The monster drew, that time we might not lose In tht, .<3nt. Strength grasp'd the hand of Faith And Courage listened for the voice of cheer Which Watchful promis'd should he find ascent Was not impossible. Thus going on They bid us follow in their steps, with firm « And careful feet, lest in the dark we slip And fall into the seething cataract, And there be drown'd, or sacrifice our lives Upon the cragged rocks. Our weapons to Om* backs were strapped and at command we march'd Along. Then Watchful found a jutting rock That rose above our heads, which he believd Would bear our weight. When Faith examin'd it 204 FROM APOLLYONVILLE f 1 I He said it could not move, and up its side We every one could climb. A moment more And every one was on its summit safe. Then Faith put forth his hands and felt the wall And mov'd along until he found a rough And steep ascent, laved by the angry floods As they came thund'ring down. Then from the rock We clamber'd up the jagged steep, while at Oui' feet the madden'd waters rav'd and foam'd With harsh and threat'ning roars. Altho' ascent Was slow and difficult, yet every step We took some new advantage gave. The rocks Themselves seem'd anxious to give aid, a^ up The steep we went, for many jutting points And crevices gave opportunity To gain some higher ground which greatly made Our hearts rejoice. Then all at once Faith cried ^ ioud " The summit of the cataract I've gain'd," which made each heart leap with Profound delight, and gave us all new life To finish the ascent and take the ground and stand , Where Faith in triumph stood. And when we had This latest danger overcome we thro' the gloom Proceeded on our way, that soon we might Get out of darkness into glorious day. But little farther had we gone until The rain had ceas'd, and then the mist grew thin And disappear'd, which let some rays of light Upon us fall, allowing us to see Each other's forms like trees that mov'd along. TO THE HOLY CITY. 205 Then suddenly we left the narrow Pass, With all its gloom and ghosts and roaring beasts "With flaming eyes, and hateful birds that scream'd For prey, and serpents venomous whose stings Appear'd like shafts of flame, and swollen stream And rock and cataract, and stepp'd into A broad and lovely plain that was aglow With all the warmth and splendoui- of the sky And Sun without a cloud. We could not for Some moments realize the change, for of A truth we seem'd translated to some world Where day sits on the throne and over flow'rs ^ And mellow fruits her sceptre sways. But oh ! That naiTow Pass— that darkness horrible— That gloom profound as hell itself— the beasts That prowl'd around and gnash'd upon us with Their iron teeth— the giant rock that lay Across oui- path— the sloughs and adders with Their gleaming eyes, and tongues of flaming fire — The savage vultures screaming as they cleft The darkness with their wings — was far too full Of terror to escape a thinking mind. , V a 206 FBOM APOLLYONVILLE "'.) 1 •:■ . • 's I • •■• PART XI. I III \i\n\ i; II THE HIGHEE WAY. '* An High Way shall be there."— Isaiah. m Oace more the subtle dream my spirit bound, And with her golden chain she wrapp'd me round, And led me forth beside a peaceful rill, Which ran meandering by a gentle hill. Behind us lay the mountain and its Pass, — Its rocks and cataract and wild morass, — Its grave-like gloom and hideous beasts of prey, And haunting spectres hiding from the day, Bark clouds repos'd upon the mountain's height, . Thro' which there never shone a ray of light. There lay before us and on either hand, A rolling plain fair as an Ed( a land. Our path now went between the mountain high. And Death's dark streain that strangely look'd quite nigh The mountain seem'd with solar light to blaze, ^e stream was clad in robes of dismal base, And trees with fruitage all around were seen, And flow'rs enchanting deck'd the vales of green. 19ie birds sang anthems in the peaceful bow'r. Which bore us onward by their thrilling pow'r. P^(»w»"""i TO THE HOLY CITY, 207 ■.*" But Boon the rooks began to multiply, And marshy places caused the host to sigh ; And then the chilling winds began tb rise, And threat'ning clouds began to pall the skies. The gloom that lay upon the stream of Death/ Was agitated by the wind's cold breath. As thro' the plain we all made haste away, The stream of Death much neai*er to us lay. And right before us we could see quite plain, The mount was skirted by the dismal main. And then we might be call'd across the tide, And in the Kew Jerusalem abide. Such thoughts as these our anxious minds possess'd, And with emotions deep disturbed our breast. But still 'twas little past the noon of day. And shadows just were length'ning in the way, ,, And long and weary might the journey be. Before we could the Holy City see. Just then a man down froui the mountain cain^e, And fojlow'd us as one pm'sues the game \ With step elastic and with look serene, He hasten'd o'er the fields of vernal green. And overtook the host upon the plain. And sought our utmost confidence to gain. We from his look no bad impression drew, His every act was open to our view, . His every word like heavenly music rang, Which made us all upon his accents hang. He kindly bade us stay his words to hear. And he to every one would make it clear. ,J(!^V r I ( 208 FROM APOLLYONVILLE :i!! There was a better way on which to go, Than in this rock strewn valley here below. ,? * You did do well ApoUyonville to leave, * And for that city none of you will grieve, ; But as you every one can plainly see, * The path has tried your utmost energy. ' Tho' many times your triumph might abound, ' While in the path of duty you were found, ' Yet I have been commission'd by the King, ' And unto you good tidings now I bring, ' About a Higher Way where you may go, ' " * And thus escape the many ills below. ' It is a way cast up on high for you, * That with delight you may your course pursue. * It nms along the mountain's summit high, ' Beneath a cloudless and refulgent sky. ' Your feet will rest upon the solid rock, ' That ne'er vibrated with the earthquake's shock. ' 'Tis not a. mount whose bowels burn with fire, * Whose open mouth shoots out the flaming spire. — ' Whose head is capp'd with clouds of densest smoke, ' Whose granite throat the waves of lava choke, — ' Whose awful presence smites the heart with feai*, And quickly starts the big and burning tear. No sloughs or marshy places there are seen, '^ All border'd round with foliage of green, Where careless ones might unsuspecting fall. And drink the bitter wormwood and the gall. There is no dang'rous steep up which to go, , Whose head is white with everlasting snow, " ;; # TO THE HOLY CITY, 209 " Where biting winds come from the polai* seas, " And would your very blood and marrow freeze. " No poisonous fruitage on the trees abound, " Such things thro' all the way are never found, *• And those who travel by this higher way, '" Will not upon the stormy desert stray. " The pilgrims there no wild morass will see, " And fiery serpents will not make them flee : — " The drifting sand or rain or cutting hail, " That higher pathway never can assail, — " For should they gather and attempt to rise, " They cannot mount up to those crystal skies, " But harmless they may far beneath thy feet, " Upon the mountain's side most daring beat, ; ' " And flash their light'nings thro' the vale below, " Pursu'd by savage thunders as they go. " Thro' all this mountain way no Pass is found, " Where roars and screams of beasts and birds resound, " No darkness felt the hideous spectres haunt — " No serpent tribes the timid pilgrims daunt, " Or dance around like satyrs in a glee, " When nothing but their flaming eyes you see. " The vast array of pleasures Sin displays, " To fill the soul with wonder and amaze ** Upon the higher way are never seen, " To tempt you by their grand and witching sheen, " And burning thirst which soon the life devours, " Can never hide within its wayside bow'rs, " And spring upon you as its lawftil prey, " And leave you cold and ghastly by the way. 210 FROM APOLLYONVILLE " Out of a rock a oryscal river flows, *' And runs beside the path the pilgrim goes, " It shines resplenc! :)nt in the mellow light, " And all , ** His gloomy form was never brought to view, " For on the margin of the crystal tide, " There grows at intei*vals on either side, " Luxuriant trees which plenteous fruitage give, " That all may eat, be satisfi'd and live, '' And huoger^s shadow never doth appear, « To blanch the face or smite the heart with fear. U* The garments too are wove of finest woof, V" Which matches perfectly with wai-p of proof, .** They fit the person and are snowy white, " Like jewels rare they glisten in the light, " And wearing keep& them ever bright and new, *^ And showing makes more charming to the view. The »lsj is always clear — the air serene, The light shines forth without a cloud between. Among the flow'rs the brambles never grow. Whose odoi*s freight the zephyrs as they blow, " And those with whom you must associate, " Kay not belong uhto the rich and great, " But in their lives and piety are pure, " And for disease have found a perfect cure. " Upon this higher way no ravenous beast, " Will ever try on pilgrim flesh to feast, " Ferocious birds will never cleave the air, *^ Nor are they seen upon that mountain fair. (( « (( (( TO THE HOLY CITY. 2]1 (( « « it u <( " And enemies need give you no alarm, " For none are there to do the pilgrims harm, " So long as they pursue the mountain way, » << Surrounded by the sunshine of the day ; " For on the sandy desert they abide, * Or in the swamps and wild morasses hide; — They haunt the darkness in the narrow Pass, '' Or lie conceal'd among the trees and grass. That grow beside death's cold and dismal sti'eam. And thence go forth upon their wily scheme, But on the mount you fai* above them stand, And should you fight you have the upper hand. If you in battle use your skill and might, << You oan a thousand legions put to flight, » " And onwaixl go until at setting sun, " You shout the strife is o'er — the vict'ry's won. •' Now as it is a most convenient time, " I would advise you all the mount to climb, " And walk with those who wear their garments white, " And triumph always in supernal light. " For if you once get on this higher ground, " And taste the rai*e delights which there abound, " You will no more desire the valley way, i " In which so many pilgrims go astray, " And where you to the utmost will be tri'd, " By daring foes with which you must collide. '' As I am do^e I bid you all Farewell, << To other band^. I must this story tell, " That they and you its blessedness may know, ^' *And on this mountain way together go." 'i ' ! /' M I |i ; ii i m ■1 .,: . II,.,,, ili i : I 11 212 FB,OM APOLLYONVILLB Thns saying he departed from oui* sight, Like one who hasted to begin the fight. We cast our eyes up to the mountain high, That lay just underneath the arching sky. The light upon its brow did concenti'ate, Which made us yearn to gain that high eutate. Then our Directory we scann'd anew. To ascertain if what we heard was true. The mountain way we clearly saw portfayed, Prom which the golden sunbeams never fade, — " Yea, all we heard was written in that book. Which when we read, their meaning we mistook- Tho' dangers might our every step attend, - " Yet we resolv'd the mountain to ascend, « • t And if we could its golden summit gain. We would not of the rocky steep complain. Then Faith declar'd that he would lead the way. And not a step behind would Wa.tchful stay, And Courage would inspire the fearful heart. While Strength would constantly his aid impart ; — And Hope and Love would hasten right along, As JoyM animated with a song. Sat Doubtful said " Not all that shines is gold^ " 'Tis but the few the * Higher Way' behold, " Beside, the mountain air is chill and thin, — " The gain is small altho' the height we win, " And who would climb this rough and frowning steep, " That he on better harvest fields may reap ?" Fear thought while we were low we need not di*ead, The pridie that lifbeth up a haughty head, TO THE HOLY CITY. 213 But if we should thro' tiibiilation gain, A higher way whose glories never wane, Our spirits will inflate with vanity, And then adieu unto humility. But this advice no one felt free to take, As all were anxious the ascent to make. So Faith went on nor would he more delay. And Watchful foUow'd quickly in the way. And Courage greatly cheer'd the timid soul, And Strength would aid each one to gain the goal. Then each mov'd quickly at our leaders' call, And into marching line began to fall, And soon we came unto the mountain's base. Where all implor'd the aid of special grace. To climb with will and energy the height. And journey on beset with faultless light. Faith look'd above and rose as if on wings. And like the lark which in the azure sings. His dulcet tones re-echoed far and near. That all the host his stirring words might hear,. Till every one the inspiration caught. Which made his heart glow like a furaace hot. Then one by one we left the plain below. And swiftly up the mount we strove to go. The jutting rocks our timid feet secured, And all were strong and the ascent endored.^ Yet as we climb'd we stoutly were oppos'd, By startling ills which strangely were disclo'-'d^ But all our leaders were like giants bold, And grasp'd the rocks with unrelaxing hoM. 214 FROM APOLLYONVILLt; \ 1 i 'I And all tlie host display'd an energy^ Becoming those whin would the highway see. As farther up the pilgrim host would go, * The startling tribulation lay below, And every effort with success, was crown'd, As up we climb'd to gain the higher ground. Encouragement our etery heart did fill, And mov'd us onward with determin'd will ; — Each moment found us farther up the mount, Until we came where was a crystal fbunt, Which lay expos'd to the refhlgent Sun, From which a score of rills rejoic'd to run. The water was like honey to the taste. Of which we drank with eagei*ness and haste. Above the fountain stood a pleasant mound, Which was with trees of rarest fruitage crown'd. Whose ripen'd clusters charm'd the eager eye, Which all might take, tho' none for gold could buy.r And while exulting o'er our latest gain, We look'd below to scan the rocky plain. And in our hearts we felt a joy profound. Because we stood upon the goodly mound, Where pleasant fruits our want could satisfy, And fit us to ascend the mountain high. This goodly spot afforded proiipect fair,' And sweetest odors fill'd the bracing air, While on the mountain's brow there seem'd to grow, ' The rarest trdes with garments white as show. With force reniBW'd and spirits soaring high, We started off the mountain steep to try. •^W-T^" TO THE HOLY CJTY. 215 Beneath our feet was hard unyielding 8oiI, On which we went without consuming toil ; And then the ground was yielding to our feet, Where neither pleasant shade nor cool retreat Appear'd to glad our eyes or offer rest, With whose supreme delight we might be blesH'd. ^nd then our energies began to fail, As when we met the desert sand and hail, But Faith was bold and Coui-age fill'd with zeal, Made to the flagging host a strong appeal, Which fiU'd our hearts with inspiration's fire. And nerv'd our bodies that we might not tire. Another height before us proudly lose, And promis'd richer glories to disclose. With longing eyes its shining form we viewed, And then with eagerness the path pursued, That led away unto the golden height. Whose ti'ees produc'd the fruitage of delight. * 'Again with utmost energy we strove. And calmness in the warp of zeal we wove, Then dauntless urged our footsteps up the stec[», — From rock to rock we all did sprightly leap, Until beneath our feet the summit lay. And we could see quite near the mountain way. The atmosphere around was full of life, * And every breath wm the infantry whistied and sang, Their shouts 'bove the din of the fierce battle nuig, Yet none of them waver'd or flinch'd on the field, Or gave indication of purpose to yield. TO THE HOLY CITY, 22» Then out on our flank general World led his force, Himself mounted on a caparison'd horse ; His aim was to get well around in our rear. So that in the centre of fight we'd appear. The regiment of Lusts in the battle engaged, And Sin their commander waf greatly enrag'd. His hand grasp'd a sword that was thirating for blood, As sw^atdrops of fmy roU'd down like a flood, — The ground he would swallow, nor would he in truth Give quarters to aged or yet to the youth. And yet other forces receiv'd a command, In ambush to lie far and wide thro' the land. Our Gen'ral-in-Chief bid his vet'rans be brave. And show with what prowess they all could behave. Then Strength led the infantry hosts to the field. Content to be slaughter'd befoi*e he would yield. The batt'ries of Dauntless were brought into range, And shots with ApoUyon began to exchange ; The storm of th ^ battle grew terribly wild. The dead and the wounded in mountains were pil'd. The shells from the fleet the swift meteors chased. As they thro' the path of the thunder made haste ; — Then down 'mong our vet'rans exploding they fell, And no one could ventui*e the damage to tell. The fieldpieces pour'd out their steel-pointed hail, The Fort did the fleet with their Armstrongs assail, \ The shells scream'd aloud as they cut thro' the air, \ The sword brightly gleamed in the cannon wild glare ; The scene, of the kittle was lurid with fire. The 1*011 of the thunder was deeper and high'r, /^ 230 FROM APOLLYOJSVILLE I I The gi'oan and the wail in confusion were blent, And up thro' the smoke-mantled azure they went ; — The shouts of commanders insjiirirrg and clear, W^nt forth like a whirlwind and smote every ear ; The foemen came on with a firm, steady pace, Nor yet did they flinch tho' death star'd in their face. Then out to the left general Valor was sent, And soon in the battle his forces wore blent. The vet'rans were mighty — the conflict was lici-ce, And many brave hearts did the sharp bay'nets pierce. Faith went thro' the army along with his stafl', His voice like the whirlwind that scatters the chaff, And di'ives in confusion away from the field, Caus'd some in the conflict to tremble and yield. Then charge after charge was return'd with defeat, Arid yet did the foemen the onslaught repeat. Until it was doubtful which triumph should gain, And over the vanquish'd exultingly reign. Still higher the storm of the battle did rise, The smoke and the dust form'd as clouds in the skies, And faster was flowing the hot crimson rain, And higher were heap'd up the mountains of slain. Yet louder the dreadful artillery i-oar'd, From rifles the flame and the IjaUatiines still i)Our'd, And brighter the blades in the cannon's light gleam'd, And faster and hotter the crimson tide streamed. The wounded lay groaning all over the field, Whose current of life on the ground had congeal'd. Then far on our flank one was seen all alone, Who look'd to hfi playing the part of a drone :— TO THE HOLY CITY. 231 He seem'd not to wish with the foemen to fight, . ^Tor was quite willing to lend us his might. He look'd like a ti*aitor who'd gone from our ranks, And earnestly wish'd for our enemies thanks ; — His conduct we fear'd and his name we could guess, Tho' chang'd in appearance and diff 'rent in dress. So one with his rifle took calm steady aim, For which we pronounc'd him unworthy of blame, And down fell the traitor in garments of" gore, And none could believe he would trouble us more. Not then did the storm of the battle abate, Tho' wounded and slaughter'd for numbers were great, If conquer'd we knew that our journey was o'er. And ne'er should we dwell on the coveted shore. Then those in command bid us charge double quick, Nor fail when we came where the fighting was thick. Our enemy flinch'd and retreated apace, And we follow'd on like the steed in the race. But soon they wheel'd round and retm-n'd to the fight,, "Which prov'd to the utmost our prowess and might, . For those wto in ambush were out of om* view, Sprang forth as a leopard the prey to pursue, And up came the prince with the army resei-ve, And enter'd the conflict with daring and nerve, And blood likfe a river roU'd down thro' the plain, Still higher wer^ swollen the mountains of slain. The shot and the shell that pour'd in from the fleet, With shot and with shell from our ordnance did meet, The hail from, their rifles which whistled around. And rent in their fury the blood-moisten'd ground, 232 FROM APOLLYONVILLE Was mot from om' weapons with steel- jiointed hail, With which their battalions we all did assail. Om* swords from their scabbaixls as lightnings tlum flew, And met with each other as closer we drew, Eesistance was stubborn — the onslaught was brave, The forces like tempest continued to rave. Then Faith and his Staff had a di%ult work, For many the contest were willing to shirk, ' And some in the thick of the battle appear'd. As if the pi'oof weapons of foemen they fear'd. And soon it became quite uncertain to all, What should in the end our brave wai-riors befall. Just then we beheld o'er the river of Death, Where thick vapoi's lie like a demon's foul breath, A shore loomiijg up in its mantle of light. Where clouds never I'ise and the dai-kness of night, Ne'er shadows the region and exiles the day, And like a pi'oud monarch its sceptre doth sway. And out from an haven of sunshine and calm, 'That lay in the bosom of myrtle and palm, A fleet in steel aimour appeard on the tide, W^hose guns we obs^ervM thro" the. poi-tals thrown wide, , Their pennons nnd ensigns were waving on high, Their armour was bright as the sun in the sky. The tom])ion was drawn and the torch was appli'd. The roai' of their guns with the loud thunder vie4, The dark clouds of Bmoke by their lightnings were I'ent, Aa down to Uie fleet of ApoUyon the^ went. The 8teeV'pf a scorpion gleam'd, His face like the flash of the red lightning beam'd, He writh'd in his chains till he foamed as the sea, Turn'd sullen and pale as a captive could be, Then put on a frown that was fiendish and wild, And vengeance he swore as defiant he smil'd. As he was a waiTior chivalrous and brave, We thought it but right that his life we should save, And he ud a pris'ner should with us abide, Until we Hhould cross o'er the dark swelling tide; Or if from his wounds he should sicken and die, We'd make him a grave where in peace he might lie, Or should he with us to the dark crossing go. He'd drown in the river and sink into woe. As over the field of fierce conflict we went. Where weapons and wai*riors together were blent, Great Lusts by the hundred were scatter'd around. And thousands of Pleasures were piling the ground. And Doubts were heap'd up like the stones in a field. While Fashions like grain to the sickle did yield. Black Crimes were like trees that were charr'd by the flame. Mown down on the field with perfection of aim, And then spreading over one half of the plain. Were thousands of those who in ambush had lain. Our wounded the hand of attention received. And over their anguish we sorrow'd and grieved : — The matrons and damsels perform'd well their part, For many were skill'd in the medical art. TO THE HOLY CITY. 237 The fainting they soon with their coiilialB restoi-ed, And into their wounds precious balsam was pour'd, And all unto soundness then quickly roturn'd, And health's glowing flame in their being yet burn'd. But some by thie guns of the foemen were slain, In garments of gore they were strewn o'er tlie plain ; The body of Coward lay far in the rear, And Fearful and Doubtful had fallen quite near, And Peevish and Fretful and Gossip were found. And Halting and Careless all cold on the ground. While Mirthful and Tattler and Gloomy and Slow, No more in ranks of the pilgi'ims would go. Then Headstrong and Stubborn lay fai* to the right, Unstable and Lukewarm were slain in the fight. And Tippler was found in a deej), loathsome mire, And Habits by score had succumb'd to the lire. Deception and Wavering were shot thro' the heart. And Worldly and Fleshly were slain at the wtart ; And far on the left Discontent had been wlain. Where he all alone had been treading the plain. And others like sheaves in the harvest tield lay. Whose hearts had been pierc'd in the tei-rilile fray. We gather'd them up in their garments of gore. And then to the cold and dark river we bore, And buried them deep 'neath the billows Jiigh swell, And left them alone in the great deep to dwell. Then Joyful went forth in a loud song of praise. And chai'm'd every one with her soul- thrilling lays ; " Sing ye to Jehovah the great and high King, " Let each that hath being His praises now sing ; — 238 FROM APOLL YONVILLE " O lift up your heart and your voices attune, " And with the groat Fountain of being commune. " Sing loud hallelujah's to Him on the throne, *' His greatness and glory and triumph make known, " The fleets of ApoUyon with canvas and steam, " All bristling with cannon came up the dai'k stream. " "With lightnings the gloom of the river they rent, " Above the high billows the missiles were sent, '' Their thunder the plain and the rocky mount shook, " The tribes of the forest their grazing fonsook, " The peaks of the mountains exalted on high, " The echo return'd like a voice from the sky, • " While trees were affi-ighted and quaked to their roots, " Arid cast from their branches their uni'ipen'd fruits. " The hosts of Apollyon had covered the land, " His Highness in person was first in command, — " Their weapons were proof and each obe was well train'd, " Superior advantage by tact they had gain'd. (' But Faith cried aloud. Let the battle begin, <' And then all around was confusion and din, " The storm of the battle was awfully wild, " And soon all the plain with the slaughter'd was pil'd, " And when every heart was in dread of defeat, " Jehovah to aid us sent over his fleet. '• And on a bright cloud many spirits of light, *' With smiles and allurings assisted in fight, " The hosts of Apollyon the battle gave o'er, '• And fled for their life by the cold rivers* shore. " The fleet as a cloud by the tempest was driv'n, " Their guns were all silenc'd, their armor was riv'n, TO THE HOLY CITY. 239 (( tc (I II l( li ({ « <( tt il ti il To sight they were lost in the mists of tho tide, And back to Apollyonville quickly did glide. The Castle defending Original Sin, By Fleet and by Fort we in triumph did win, The rock and the cannon were laid on the ground, And scatter'd with fragments the region around. Original Sin is a captive in chains, And writhes in his madness and torture and painH. O sing to Jehovah the gi*eat and high King, Thro' valley and mountain let anthems now ring, Let woodland and meadow re-echo the song, Let brooklet and river the chorus prolong. Let zephyr and sunbeam take up the refrain, Jehovah triumphant forever shall reign." 240 FROM APOLLYONVILLE PART XIII. THE EXECUTION. " Mortify your Members." — Paul. t could not yet the bonds of vision break, Nor could my soul from slumber yet awake, Therefore my restless mind appear'd a home, Thro' which my thoughts continued still to roam, And while beneath the magic spell I lay. The host victorious sti'ove to find the way. Whose outlines soon with joy our spirits fiU'd, As if laid out by hands divinely skilled, The flow'r had never seen the fatal frost. And torrents wild the way had never cross'd. The trees luxuriant stood on either hand, And flung their choice ai'onias o'er the land. The valley round was iHiU of springs and sti'eams. Like those of which the thirsty often dreams, — ^The air was mild as in the harvest time. And clouds began the Western steep to climb. But still we saw the mighty king of day, Was not dispos'd to tarry on his way, And look'd as if he lov'd the Western steep. That he beyond the purple hills might sleep. TO THE MOLY CITY. 241 And make his nightly Veet the mighty sea, Whose vast expanse portrays eternity. As on we march'd Death's vapor-mantled-tide, Lay full in view, beyond oui* vision wide. Whose dismal swell broke o'er where we must go. Surcharged with lamentations and great woe. Upon our left the mountains rais'd on high. And thrust their peaks far up into the sky. The path look'd smooth and shone with mellow light, And not a foe was seen to give us fight ; And as we all the battle field forsook, And yet again the narrow pathway took, No longer would we taiiy in the plain, Whose grass and flow'rs display'd their crimson stain- Faith grasped his blade — mov'd cautiously away. As if some mighty foe in ambush lay. And Sti'ength arose and show'd his mighty frame, As if a giant whom no pow'r could tame. The face of Courage show'd the solid rock, Which dared the thunderbolts to scoff and mock ; The eyes of Watchful like the star-spheres bright, Defi'd the onward march of gloomy night. These heroes went before us in the way, The other generals did their word obey. So on we mov'd with quick and steady pace. As cheerful smiles enraptured every face. The matrons and the damsels loudly sang. And with their anthems sweet the region rang j The chorus echo'd up the mountain side. And floated out upon the mist-clad tide. 242 FROM APOLLYONVIILE But Sin-Original with fetters bound, We could not leave upon the battle ground, So he in chains along with us must go, Eut made us feel he was a captive foe. As on we fearless went we found the way, Quite near the phill and gloomy river lay ; — The mountain too was not by distance dimn'd. Which gorgeous flow'rs and golden sunlight trimm'd. Ari we resolv'd no time should run to waste. Along the path we went with utmost haste ; But Sin-Original appear'd in pain, And in his frenzy writh'd and gnawed his chain. And much we were retarded as we march'd. As he complain'd that thirst his vitals parched, He never wish'd Jehovah's face to see. But from His presence would as lightning flee, — He would be true and prince ApoUyon sei-ve, As none allegiance better could deserve; — And he declared if once his chains were off, He would deride our King and at us scoff; And well he knew his chains would soon be rent, And with his freedom he would be content. So soon as progrees we began to make, A man came near who did suspicion wake, Tho' time and toil had chang'd his form and face, Yet all were sure he was the traitor base. Who, we suppos'd, was slaughtered in the fight, When great ApoUyon'd forces took their flight, And we the victor's triumph sang aloud, And to our King again devotion vow'd. TO THE HOLY CITY. 243. He wished to join our ranks and with us go, And we should never find he was a foe. Then putting on a calm and quiet mien, As if he had among the angels been. He came into the centre of our host, And of allegiance to our King made boast. So with a noble pride he trod the way, As if in haste each mandate to obey. But soon we saw his conduct was perverse. Instead of blessing he would prove a curse, For Sin-Original he seem'd to love, And hover'd round him like. a gentle dove. And many things would do that were not right. For maqy times he strove with all his might, To break his bonds and set the. captive free. That he ApoUyon's face again might see. And had not Faith come near with all his staff. The bonds would soon have flown as winnow'd chaff. From what we saw we all were satisfi'd. That he who had his cause with ours alli'd, Was of a verity Besetting Sin, Who over us did many a ti'iumph win. Who, we believ'd, was by our*weapons slain, And left to bleach upon the battle plain ; But strange to say he was alive and strong, Well pleas'd the pilgrim host to be among. And if rebuk'd because of treachery. He always seem'd his evil course to see. And good behaviour promised all the way, Until we reach'd the city cloth'd in day. 244 FROM APOLLYONVILLE And as we joumey'd on some made complaint, Because Besetting Bin had scorned restraint, With Sin-Original he still would be, And ever sought to give him liberty. But if this son should liberate his sire, They of their fiendish a«t6 would never tire. And in some evil hour will thrust us thro'. And with our blood they will the ground bedew. Then our Directory we sought to know, And be instructed of our wily foe, And there we saw in language strong and plain. That every foeman should at once be slain, — With us they could not 01*088 the swelling tide. And gain the city on the other side. If they should live until we reach the shore, They will annoy and vex us evermore, A Leader's Council was at once conven'd, Wheii all in haste their information glean'd, Faith o'er the Council did with tact preside, And Strength and Courage stood on either dide. And all the vet'rans in the awful fight. Stood round them in their armor burnish'd bright, While all the host the trial came to hear. And each his witness bore in accents clear. Then our Directoiy we search'd with care, And found in nuiny parts ivith our lays ; The crystal air with songs inspiring rang, As every one with heart elated sang : — We heard the valley way take up the strain, And bear it out into the dismal main. i 254 FROM APOLLYONVILLE The fragrant trees appear'd to take delight, And wav'd their branches in the sunbeams bright ; The bii-ds full-fledged in snowy plumes appear'd, And by the soul-inspiring lays were cheer'd. , Nor did we halt but sang and travell'd still, In imitation of the flowing rill. With life renew'd our hearts with gladness beat, And urg'd us swiftly on with willing feet, — Our spirits like the flowing tide rose high, Our gratitude embrac'd the arching sky, And joyfulness did more and more abound, And sweet content our every spirit crown'd. The sun was sinking fast as on we went. Across the plain the trees their shadows sent. The stream of Death rose clearer to our view, Above the gloomy swell the cold winds blew, The vapors rose and mantled all the tide. Within whose folds the savage prey-birds hide. The gloom began to take an angry form. And show'd itself preparing for a storm, The thunder car roU'd up the mist-clad stream, The latent fire began to bum and gleam ; — Across the valley-land the storm 'd to burn, The crimson and the pui-ple hues would go. And like a flood daik night would overflow. Just then a mighty ship came up the tide. Which did within the clouds of darkness hide. It steam 'd unto the place where we must cross Ail if to scatter us as worthless dross 262 FltOM APOLLYONVILLE That wo the Holy City might not gain, And never on its thrones of glory reign. The poi*ts were open'd and the guns appeared. The cannon's mouth was of the tampion clear'd, The lightning flashed, the thunder loudly roar'd ; The shot and shell out of cannon pour'd ; The mighty shells exploded in the cloud. The solid bolts the mountain's basis plow'd, But every missile fai* below us fell Tho' each was thrown with all the might of hell. It was not long when from the farther shore. We saw the light and heai'd the thunder roar, And then a stately form was on the tide. Which swiftly came out from the other side. She cleft the deep as lightning cleaves the air. Her light alarmed the darkness with its glare. The cannon like the vengeful lightning flash'd, Their roar was like when awful thunders crash'd \ Her ensign proudly wav'd above the gloorn^ Like vernal trees array'd in choicest bloom. As she drew near the other ship took fHght, Her guns were silenc'd, and with utmost might She steam'd away down thro*^ the vapors dai'k, Without a missile having struck its mai'k. From this wo learn'd the danger all was o*er. And we in peace should gain the farther shore. And that a guard the crossing would defend, Until we all should from the tide ascend, Then Joyftil smil'd and Watchful spake aloud, And Prayer upon his knees adoring bow'd, TO THE HOLY CITY. 26a And thro' tho dark'ning sky a song arose, That spako of conquest over all oar foes. It weleom'd night with all its gloom and cold, How glory filled the soul it sweetly told, How peace sat throned in every pilgrim's heart, And we no more should feel the bitter smart. From BOi*row's shafts as thi'o' the soul they smote, And caus'd it in a sea of tears to float. The tide of Death it coveted to fol-d. And spoke of flight to them that 'gainst us waiT'd, It magnifi'd the prospect in our view. And spoke about the Faithful and the True, When of the aty of the King it told, Its notes of harmony like thunder roU'd, The stream of Death — the dark'ning sky did sing, As it proclaim'd aloud Jehovah's King. i^.j tu FROM APOLLYONVILLE PART XV. THE CROSSING. " How wilt thou do in the swelling of Jordan?" — Jiremiak, Again I di'oam'd. The monarch of the day Who sat upon his burning throne and cloth'd Himself in robes of lurid flame, and shed Abroad throughout the hemisphere of day His wond'i-ous light, and wai'm'd all nature witli HIb magic fire, and every throbbing heart Made glad with his seraphic smiles, had sunk Into the deep, and only sti'aggling rays Told where he found a sepulchre. And all Around a painfVil quiet reigned supreme. Hie gloom by sadness was embrac'd. A spell Profound all nature held with grasp of steel. A deeper dai*kness clad the swelling tide, And spread itself across the valley land. Up o'er the mountain's side it slowly crept, * And wrapp'd us in its terrifying folds. And O how cold the atmosphere became. All ihro' our frame we trembled fearftdly. Olie quaking trees shook off their faded ^u*b, .And naked stood to deck themselves with robet TO THE HOLY CITY. Of mist and gloom. And every flow'r grew sick, And pallid tnm'd, bow'd down its head as if In prayer for the return of day. The birds Had ceas'd their songs and every one had hid Himself heypnd onr sight. As it had been ; . Thro* all the higher way the clouds all lay Beneaith our feet and not one could unto The arching sky ascend to threaten us With storm. And as the darkness clad the land. Below and climb'd up to the sky, the stars Came trooping out as if they wonder'd why The sun had laid his sceptre by and stepped Down from hia throne, that night might take the orolM^ And universal empire have. Tho' one By one at first they came to view it was Not long until the dome of night was all Aglow with orbs that throbb'd and shone as if . They were the cheinibim sent forth to calm And cheer us with their presence as we thro' The swelling tide must go. And then sometimes A meteor started from his place of rest. And darted tiiro' the starlit dome of night, As if some bird of plumage bright had broke Its cage and sought its fireedom in the clear And open sky. The zephyr and the gale Alike had gone to- rest and slumb'ring lay Upon the tide which we must cross. No stir Or noise was heard except the hideous swell* That broke upon the rocky strand and sent Its echoes over mist-olad; vate aod mount. 266 FROM APOLL YONVILLE And thus we found eurselves as down the steep We all began to move. Tho' every one Was satisfi'd the way was safe, and each Would gain the other shore, yet every heart Had throbbings wild and strange and there were few Who shrank not iVom the black and chilly tide And wish'd the other shore were gain'd. Tet words Of cheer were heard and shrinking hearts grew brave. Faith scann'd the trying steep — look'd out upon The swelling flood, and seem'd to see the place We thought so soon to gain, then spoke in tones So sweet and clear that every one their whole Attention gave. " Do'nt fear," said he, " to trust ^* The King who bids us to his palace come, *' And at his hand receive a crown and with " Him reign. Unto ApoUyonville He great " Apostle sent, that we might run the race " That now is past and with Him ever in " The Holy City dwell. We by his aid '< Climb'd up the rugged steep and Sinland view'd " In all its varied scenery. His hands " Unseen, directed by the wild morass *' And sav'd our souls alive. As we pass'd o'er *^ The desert way and serpents thirsted for « Our blood, the weapons taken from His fUU « And gen'rous arsenal vast numbers slew, " And others put to flight. When desert winds *' Broke from their anchorage and rais'd high in « The air the burning sand — and when the rain <* Broke from the freighted clouds and by the winds TO THE HOLY CITY. 267 " Was fiercely driven thro' the darkened sky, " And lightnings, thunder and destructive hail " Their terrors all combined, that we might fkll " As Jacob's tribes and never see the land '' Of which we promise had, yet He that we " Might shelter have, prepar'd the rock that hid " Us in its cleft And let us not forget " When in our path the burning mountain lay, " Whose throbbing flanks vibrations sent thro' all " The land — ^whose smoke-crown'd head an open mouth " Beveal'd, fVom which shot out the shafts of flame " That cleft the clouds, attended by a wild " And fiery flood that bum'd its way among " The rocks and like a river ran acrolis " The vale unto the awf\il stream of Death, " And yet the arching rocks an highway made " For our escape, so that we left the mount " Behind and joyfUlIy went on. And when " The horror of great darkness put us all " Unto severest test, our goings were '^ Held up until we all came forth unto " The light unharm'd, as Daniel came out of " The savage lion's den. The camp where Sin's " Ten thousand pleasures held a carnival " We had to pass, and tho' a thousand snares " Lay at our feet, and tho' as many more " Of carnal joys display'd thoir charms, yet from << These vanities our eyes were tm*n'd, and in " The snare we did not fall. 'Tis true when first " We strove to gain the Higher Way, we by FROM APOLLYONVILLB <* Besetting Sin were led astray and miss'd ** The prize, and found ourselves with garments torn '< Upon the plain in agony of mind, " And bodies bruis'd uid torn. Yet from that fall ' " We all recovtr'd soon and strove our loss " To compensate, by greater faithfulness. <' Then when ApoUyon's fleet came up this tide ^ Which rolls beneath our feet and which we all « Must cross, and on its shores ten thousand foes '* Appear'd and all must fight or flee, we took " The field and strove for mastery, when to ^* Our aid Jehovah's forces came and all ** Our foes were slain or put tc flight, while we " Took Sin Original together with " Besetting Sin his son, and bound them fast ^* With chains unto a rock, that by our hands '* They might be slain. And when this sire and son ** Lay buried in the stream of Death, we sought " For higher gix>and as one goes forth in search ** Of goodly pearls, and soon we clapp'd our hands ^ And sang /or joy of heart because our feet '* Were safely planted on the solid rock ** Which made our going sure. So all can see, ** Tho' many trials met us on the way " Yet %11 have l)een for good and not for ill : — ** And now our pilgrimage is at an end ^ And down the yawning cteep we go into *^ The stream of Death, the palace of the King ** To gain and in it ever dwell, with Him *f To reign. " Fear not," I say, " fear not the dark TO THE HOLY CITY. 2C9 " And swdUing tide, for He who sav'd us on " The field of fight, will save us in this dark '* And trying hour, and bring us safe to land. '* O trust Jehovah now for in Him hides " Eternal might, and in our weakness it " Is perfected." When Faith his latest woi-d • Pronounced, the voice of Courage fell upon Our ear as thus he spoke : " When I began *' This pilgrimage I was enjoin'd in woixls " Pronounc'd with emphasis to persevere ** Until I pass'd the golden gate and took " My throne inside the palace of the King " And with him reign. But when the trying hour '' Came on and all the force of deadly foes " Was hurl'd against the pilgrim band, my heart " Beat anxiously and from my face the blood " Made haste away. But never would I turn " My back upon the foe, but fac'd the ill " Whate'er it was, and so have overcome, " And now I stand upon the brink of Death s " Dark siream and fear no harm. Altho' the waves " Salute me with their roar I dread them not. " Tho' cold and black the waters are, I have ^ A peaceful calm pervading all my thoughts, ** And hold my inmost soul in ecstasies, " And fbom the gloom I do not shi'ink, and when " J batlle with the waves, above them I " Shall rise and gain the Port I love where I " Shall never more be tri'il but be with those ** Who rest in peace and reign for evermore. 270 FROM APOLLYONVILLE Then Prayer adoringly bow'd low as if Before some King of peerless dignity, — And while the teai's of penitence flow'd down His cheeks, he told the sins and follies of The way and absolution ask'd, and praise Betum'd for aid bestow'd and victories Achieved, and ask'd Jehovah's help to beai* Us thro' the midnight tide, the golden shore To gain. " I cannot glorify myself," Said Strength, " for ought that I have done but pow'r '' Divine into my soul has been infus'd, '' Therefore I have endur'd and in the hour '' When trial came I conquer'd all and here " I stand prepar'd to meet the billows dark, *' Disarm'd of ev'ry feai*, and tho' a weight '' Both pi*ess roe down I soon shall shake it off " And lightly walk upon the surging tide, " And with immortal youth and vigor be " Bndow'd." And Watchful said, " I in the dust '' Would hide my face and into nothing sink *• Because of my infirmity. Yet for ^' The foe I ever was upon the watch, '* And trust my life has not been spent in vain. As soft as gentle zephyi's blow across The vale at eventide, spoke Love and told TJ0 all how in her heart the altar fires ^ Had bum'd, sometimes with brilliant flame and then With flick'ring light, but incandescent heat Now thro' her being went and purg'd all dross Away and made her as the sunlight pure, TO THE HOLY CITY. 271 And kindle in her being's depth such strong Desire to see the King and all his saints That she could triumph in this hour and meet The waters cold and gloom profound, and go With smiling face to get the promised crown And worship at the high imperial throne. Hope had been tried and many times felt sad But as the lark mounts to the sunny sky And sings her songs so could she rise and sing, Kor failure di*ead. And now within her soul She felt salvation's well spring up and soon The tide of Death would lay behind and she Be lost in full fruition in the palace of The King where more than expectation could ^ Portray would be enjoyed and realized. And each desire be more than satisfied. The face of Joyful shone as brilliant as The stars and verified the words she spake, Her voice was rich and clear — her being seemed With music to vibrate and thus she sang Her latest song this side the stream of Death : " O glorify Jehovah'tf great and awfVil name '' And swell his praise abroad among the bright " And countless stars of night, and let them all " In chorus join and roll the echoes back. " His warm paternal heart has ever toward '^ Us beat and smiles have radiated from " His countenance upon our souls thro' all . " Our pilgrim couree and in the trying hour " When tribulation's fiercest storm broke on 972 FBOM APOLLYONVILLE ** Oui' head His unseen hand oui* shelter was " And we were safe. And when the path was hard ^ To find His finger pointed out the way and we ^ In safety went, and here we stand prepared •* To cross the tide and to the Holy City go. " O let us all with cherubim bow down " And worship Him who sits upon the throne. " Sing, Sing aloud his wondrous song and leL /*^"^ " The volume thro' the univerae, that all " May hear and every heart adore. Take up " Ye angels bright, the wondrous song and let ^ The thrilling chorus never fail until " The cycles of eternity shall cease to move. ** And nOw across the stormy tide we go •* And fear no ill, forgetful of the things ** Behind, rejoicing at the thought that we ** Too, soon shall tread the palace of the king ** Part, pai-t ye waters cold, ye billows back, ^ That break in terror on the sounding shore — " Yes, part as Jordan's tide when Jacob's tribes " In triumph went to take the promised land, " Hush, hush ye winds and let the waves be still ''As when Jehovah's Son rebuked the stormy sea " Commanding peace, and universal peace ^ Triumphant reigned." No more was said iBut eveiy face shone like flEice of Him Who was transfigured on the mount and gave Unto his chosen friends a foretaote of The brightness of His glory infirite, And eaoh appeared impatient to depart TO THE HOLT CITY. m The City's gates to pass its brightett crowns To Win and wear. We had already gone Some distance down the steep and as the gloom Intensii'ed beneath our feet the stars Far brighter shone above our heads. Each step We took made steeper the descent until We all began to slide instead of walk, And suddenly we found ourselves close by The tide upon the shore, where billows wild Were breaking all around. Such darkness deep There held us in its grasp and o'er us threw Its garb we could not go by sight, but as We took each others hand led on by Faith, We march'd down where the angry billows broke- Where light appeared. A mighty rock before Us rose whose outlines we could dimly see By reason of the light that flicker'd round. An open door invited us to enter in. Its massive walls rose high on either side- Between which walls a narrow way led out Into the sui'ging tide. And as we passed along A light around us shone as when within The prison cell it shone around and cheered Christ's ministers, but none discerned the source From which it came. But as we passed along That gallery we instantly wera changed. Our bodies worn and frail and seemed a weight Too heavytoo be borne and caused us down The steep so swift to slide, relax'd their hold And from us fell and on wo quickly went J 274 FROM APOLLYONVILLE Etherealized as light and shining like A flame. Quick as the lightning's flash, appeared A crystal car to give us passage o'er Onie seething flood. It was a vehicle Of vast capacity and shone like flame. Its walls were strongly built to stand assault From billows wild and fierce. Its wheels were bright And dazzling to the eye, and look'd as if Consolidated fire. Its fVimiture Was such as mortal eye had ne'er beheld And mortal heart ne'er dreamed. The seats And couches were provided by the Son Of great Jehovah, and were sent across The flood for our accommodation to Onie other shore. The door was solid pearl And wide was thrown to welcome us. As by A single thought we entered in and on The couches sofb and grateful all reclined While in our midst were beings brighter and More glorious than ourselves, who came across The tide to guai*d us to the City's rest. They spoke such words of cheer and comfort to Our hearts that gladness took the place of dread And anxious care and smiles as sunlight play'd On every face and beamed therefrom as rays Of light beam from the brightest stars of night. Then quick as thought the crystal car began To move and bear its passengers unto Onie farther shore. It i*oird upon a bridge Of light and cast its glor}* round and shone TO THE HOLY CITY. 2W Upon the billows dark so that we saw Them in their naked savagery. Ourselves Made free ft*om the corruptible and cloth'd In white array, were brighter than the stars. Each seraph from the other shore, was like An orb self-luminous and fill'd the car With light ineffable, which thro' its walls Transparent shone and chas'd the vapors and The darkness far away. Yet fierce and loud The cold winds blew and wrathfully the waves Went forth, and high they mounted in the aii* And dash'd their spray upon the car whei*e we Beclin'd, drawn by a lightning engine thro' The deep, which by a mighty angel was Controird. On, on the lightning engine flew And bore the car along with equal speed — Whose burning wheels on golden axles flash'd Ajround with a velocity beyond our thought. Out on the angry b^lows black and wild We look'd and plainly saw them stand erect As walls on either side unable to Bo harm. With utmost satisfaction we Look'd out upon the wild and awful scone As we were safely sheltered in the car That flew with thought-like speed across the bridge Of light, between the dismal walls that dare Not ventui'e near to hinder in our course. How soft the couch on which we all reclin'd, What calm and sweetness reign'd within that cai* Where angel sat. How softly roH'd those wheels m FROM APOLLYONVILLE Of flame upon their glitt'ring track. What joy Bose from our beings depth and like a fire Spread thro', and with its untold fUUness ull'd Us all unutterably full. As with The swiftness of a thought we flew along Scanning the walls erect — ^the waves that roai''d And toss'd their spray on high, the gloom that lay Upon the restless tide, the angry clouds That hover'd overhead — as quick as beats The heart the shores immortal burst upon Our sight, and instantly the City rose In grandeur to our eager, ravish'd eyes. Whose jasper walls and golden battlements Produced an ecstasy of joy. Quick as The lightning's flash we reach'd the radiant shore, And left the crjrstal car and stood upon . A sapphire pave, which led away unto The City's gate. We for a time stood still To see the land upon whose shores our feet At last were plac'd. Just then we realized Our vision so intensifi'd that we Could clearly see the things beyond the range Of mortal sight. From imperfection free, We felt no weariness. ApoUyonville We all had left to gain this goodly shore, And preserved thro' mtmy ills and woes t . To witness what we here beheld, and now Our wish was strong to scan ita matchless plains And fea«t our vision on its dazzling shore^ Far as immortal eyes ooidd see, the land TO THE HOLY CITY, 27 Jr In beauty lay. The soil was such as words Can ne'er describe — so mellow and so full Of life, its vegetation was produe'd Spontaneously. And O, such beauteous trees The landscapes beautified. Each one appeared A living emerald, and bow'd beneath Its store of golden fruits, or proudly stood In robes of faultless bloom. And then such flow'i's As cover'd all the vast and goodly land Imagination ne'er portray'd. Each shade And hue as well as form exhibited Perfection absolute. The odors from the flow'rs Eose up and mingled with aromas from The trees and fiU'd the atmosphere so full That Lebanon with it could not compare. And everywhere throughout the land were walks Laid out enchantingly and gamish'd with All kinds of precious stones, so pure that feet Immortal could not possibly receive A stain. And living brooks whose waters look'd Like liquid crystal ran out from the walls Of the metropolis of this divine Inheritance, and water'd it in all Its pbrts. , No ripple could be seen nor yet A murmur stirred the ear a» gently o'er The golden sands they flow'd. And many birds Of plumage snowy white sipp'd water from The brook— drew honey fh>m the flow'r, and sang Upon the em'rald trees, their songs of praise Then 8oai*'d away and floated in the bright 278 FROM APOLLyONVILLB And fragrant atmosphere. And not a cloud Bare venture near — no mist or vapor dimm'd The glorious light, and no miasma fVom The foul morasses mingled with the scent Of tree and ilow'r. The chilling winds remain'd Gose by the stream of Death, nor could they pasH Beyond its shores, but calm serene and flush Eeigned most triumphantly, so full of life And peace that every breath appear'd to fill Our deathless being more than full. The shore Was like a Bainbow drawn between the flood Of Death and the immortal land Whose every color most enchantingly Was blent, so that if one should walk thereon He walk'd among prismatic colors which In perfect harmony combined — his feet Firm on the solid light. Before we mov'd We cast one glance beyond the rainbow shore And saw the river Death which we had cross'd. Kight sat as King enthroned upon its breasts Whom none but the Omnipotent could e'er Depose. His robes were mists and vapors cold And damp. The homage he received was fh>m The doleful waves that roar'd and roU'd around And broke in thunder on the rocky strand. The shining bridge on which the crystal car So swiftly and so safely pass'd, far down Beneath the cold and angry waves, for the Divided waters had together come, so soon As we pass'd o'er. With admiration and . TO THE HOLY CITY, Astonishment we look'd uiwn the dark And awftil deep profound, which we had left ;Behind, and while we on the HapphireWe B^mained and view'd that black and Heething tide The rainbow shore— and all the goodly land Our rapture seem'd complete and ere we mov'd Wo foUow'd Joyful in an anthem of Delight which they within the City heai-d ' 279 IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) V A % iA 1.0 I.I 1^128 |2.5 1^ l^ III 2.2 \^ IIIII2.0 1.8 11.25 nil 1.4 ^ Ss /a o / ? p..cf l\ -4 280 FROM APOLLYOJS'VILLE PART XVI. THE HOLY CITY. " That great city the holy Jerusalem." — John. The spell of my dream was upon me once more, And all had pass'd over the bright rainbow shore ; — The flesh with its weight of corruption was gone, And all had the garb of salvation put on. High up on the pavement of sapphire we stood. From which with our glorifi'd vision we could Behold all the land as before us it lay, Bedeck'd with the li^ht and the beauty of day. Around us were standing the tall em'rald trees, With fruits and aroma our senses to please, Each flow'r was a mirror reflecting the light, Whose petals were throbbing Kke star-spheres of night. The walk and the stream emulated the West, When Sol in his purple and gold sinks to rest. As life and salvation flow'd in at each breath. No more did we look towai-d the river of Death. Our vision expanded as moments sped by. And knowledge extended her hands to the sky, Ambition was panting to be satisfied, With glory that cover'd the land 9» tide. TO THE HOLY CITY. 281 ght. The guards who came o'er the dark stream in the car, ' Whose faces were brighter than night's brightest star, Stood near us and watch'd as we view'd all the land, , High up on the pavement resplendent and grand. Then out from the gate of the City there came, A convoy of angels resplendent as flame ; — As flashes of lightning their countenance glow'd, And down to the pavement their bright garments flow'cL Along the smooth pavement of sapphire they sped, While Michael the Prince was the captain that led ; Before us they stood in their splendid array. Their brightness outvieing the monarch of day. Their feet were like gold of the seventh refine, Their girdles of topaz did sparkle and shine ; — They gave us such welcome as angels can give, And told of the mansions in which we must live ; — They came they inform'd us direct from the king, That they to the pilgrims His gi'eetings might bring. Then Michael the Prince in the van took his place. Whose movements were peerless for beauty and grace ; And others renown'd for their wisdom and might, Stood round him in garment resplendent and bright ; And seraphim took up their place in the rear, And all to the pilgrims stood lovingly near ; — While angels according to order and rank, ^ In phalanx for marching an*ang'd on each fliuiik. v^ We stood in the midst of these beings of flame, ., While awe and devotion our spirit o'ercame. As noiseless as light all the angel throng moy'd, A guard to do honor each one of them prov'd. 282 FMOM APOLLYONVILLE A& Michael commanded our motions were slow, While we toward the City continued to go. And as he informed us our voice we should raise, And aiug to Jehovah an anthem of praise, So Joyful began and the rest gave their aid. And anthems were sung as the archangel bade. The City which we in the distance had seen, Befulgent with light of ineffable sheen, Triamphantly rose to our glorified eyes, Aad liflted its battlements up to the skies. Adoring we ventured our way to pursue, Vntil the bright portals unfolded to view. Then each remain'd silent and stood in amaze. And tarried awhile on the City to gaze. lis wall was of jasper and shone as the sun, And seemed the full length of the country to run, And up in the azui'e were bright comets roam, Arose in its grandeur, its light mantle dome. Its gates were of jjearl and wide open they stood, And welcom'd us all to its glory and good ; The'towers thereof were a charm to the eye, As they without number rose up to the sky, Smboss'd and embellished with wonderful skill, Bf Him who performeth His own sovereign wilL Tbe walls and the towei*s on foundations did stand, for beauty and sti*ength were exceedingly grand ;r- Tbe foundations lay on the adamant rock, That never convuls'd with the earthquake's dread shock. I^eir number was twelve — on each other they laj, Tho' different in color yet shining like day, TO THE HOLY CITY. 283 loek. And garnish'd with jewels both precious and rare, Surpassing in splendor the fierce lightning glare. Amazement our feelings o'ercame and subdued, And great admiration our spirits imbued, While waiting the City divine to behold, Whose brightness outrivall'd the finest of gold. The bittlements far in the azure remov'd, Enchanting resorts for the glorified prov'd, Who down on us look'd with their charm-mantled face, And captui"'d our hearts with their beauty and grace. Then toward us they reach'd out their scintillant hands, As if to invite us to join their bright bauds. Not long we remain'd the high walls to behold, But mov'd slowly on where the mansions of gold Present'd attractions to ravish the eye, Where saints with each other adoringly vie, In worship and anthems that echo around, And fill all the City with rapture profound. As nearer the gate of the City we came, Tfie glory broke forth with the splendor of flame, Which made us appear to be walking in fire, Disarm'd and unrob'd of its burning attire. We soon reach the gate tbat was thrown open wide, Pi'om which glory flow'd as a swift-running tide, And angels appear'd in their garments of white, And fonned into ranks at the portals of light, ■ ' And Oh such a welcome as sounded al<7ud. As low at the gate of the City we bow'd. Then Michael led on while the bright cherubim, Jehovah extoll'd with a soul-thrilling hymn. 284 FLOM APOLLYQNVIZLE Vfe heard the loud voices of uncounted thi'ongs, Who fiU'd the whole City with anthems and songs ; — Then quick as a dream in the deep of the night, We all stood inside of the City of light. And oh, such a world as this City appeai''d, Such sights and such sounds as our spirits then cheer'dj What stores of salvation therein were display'd, What fields of perfection our vision sui-vey'd ; — Amazed we all stood in deep silence to view, The scenes which attention invincibly drew. We saw in the midst of this City of light^ A throne lifted high and ineffably bright, On which sat Jehovah in garments of flame, Which down to the base of the sapphire throne came. Then Michael in front of the host went alone. And led us all up to the front of the throne. With vision immortal the sight we endured. And Michael each pilgrim most kindly assured, A blessing would come from Jehovah to all. When down at his feet we adoring should fall. So each bow'd his head and his homage he paid To Him on the throne with salvation aiTayed : — Then worshipping low we beheld the bright face. On which we paternal affection could trace; — His dignity such as no words can declare — His majesty cannot be known by compare : — Contrast with his face and th« bright sun is pale, And thousands of lightnings in splendor would fail :—^ Bis eyes were unrivaU'd by star-suns of night, And nothing whatever escap'd from his sight. TO THE HOLY CITY, 285 The snow that cornea down from the mint in the sky, Could never pretend with his white locks to vie : — The warp of his garments were rays from the sun, The woof without hands from his glory was spun, — The fabric was such as Jehovah became, And made him appear as if rob'd in pure flame. His feet were like gold of the seventh refine. And brighter than suns they did glitter and shine, His hands were as lightnings portending no barm, — No missiles they grasp'd to o'erawe and alai*m. A girdle prepar'd of the finest of gold, Sun'ounded his being sublime to behold, And crowns bright and starry reposed on His brow, Their grandeur and glory distinctly told how That jewels most precious — of numberless kind, Their beauty of color and splendor combin'd. To give a perfection becoming the King, To whom every creature his homage should bring. The throne waa majestic and ravish'd our eyes, Its magnitude great and built up to the skies ; — Its splendor outrivall'd the hot glowing flame, And out of it glory unspeakable came. Upon a foundation that never csm move, It stood all the cycles eternal to prove. And vast colonnades of a sculpture divine, And jewels most gorgeous their glories combine ; So b^f.uty ivnd brightness each other embraced. And thus with their splendor the high throne they graced. From under the base of this imperial throne, A life-givir^ tide with a deepness unknown. \ 286 FROM APOLLYONVILLE Flow'd out without mui'mur or rijple or stain, And straight as an arrow it went thro' the plain. Its banks were bestudded with jewels and gold, Which mingled their beauties in grandeur untold. Approaching the place whence the still waters flow, Wo saw round the throne a magnificent bow, As when the bright sun on the rain-cloud doth shine,. And gives us the seal of the cov'nant divine. Jehovah the Father upon us then smil'd, Jehovah the Son who had man reconcil'd, Jehovah the Spirit whose aid we obtain'd, The Three and the One who forever had reign'd, Upon His high throne as the Monarch of all. Who worshiping stand and adoringly fall. And pay him such homage and worship and praise, As ought to be paid to the Ancient of days. He gave benedictions to all in the band, And welcom'd us all to thifl City so grand, Jehovah the Son from the throne then stoop'd down, And took in His hand an ineffaole crown. And gently He plac'd one upon every brow. And thus He fulfiU'd His sure promise and vow. While shouts thro' the City did echo and ring. He loudly proclaim'd that each one was a King, Because we receiv'd an endowment of miiofht, And on the hard field had o'ercome in the fight. He also to each gave an evergreen palm, ^ Bndow'd with the fragrance of spices and balm. Then armies of angels came near the high throne, That they to Jehovah allegiance might own. TO THE HOLY CITY. 287 And pilgrims who enter'd the City before, Along the broad streets in vast multitudes pour, Until the high throne is encircled around, By those who with glory and triumph were crown'd. As if with one voice they in harmony sang, And thro' the whole City the loud praises rang. And down on the pavement of sapphire we fellj As if we were forc'd by some all conquering spell. When worship was over wo all did arise. And gazed on Jehovah with glorifi'd eyes, His smile like a flood of salvation came down. Which added great splendor to garment and crown, And gave us a ri.pture surpassingly grand, That spread like a flame thi'o' the glorifi'd band. Then Michael came near us with smiles on his face, To lead us away to examine the place. It needed no eflbrt to bear us away, For thought was the motor that all must obey ; — The City was built on a beautiful square, ■Whose measure was taken with consummate care. The streets of the City were paved with pure gold. Presenting a glory of brightness untold, And straight to perfection they led to the wall. Where gates of salvation were open to all. Who come to the City to reign with the king, And with the bright angels his praises to sing. Som% streets at right angles to other streets run. To show that the height of perfection is won,— Thus making each part of the City a squai'e. That all the perfection of beauty might weai*. 288 FROM APOLLYONVILLE From throne unto wall doth the living tide flow, Where flow'rs never fading spontaneously grow ; — The banks of the river are studded with trees, With fol'age immortal the vision to please ; — The season was vernal thro' cycles untold. The fruitage was ripe and in cluster of gold, Invitingly hung on the low bending spray, And on them ne'er rested the hand of decay. And those who are crown'd in this City of light, Are chai'm'd and alltu''d by the beautiful sight, And thither they come and partake as they will. And thus to their comfoi*t their beings they fill. The mansions that stood on each side of the street, , Wherever we wander'd our vision would greet ; — They rose to our sight both majestic and high. And rivall'd in number the stars in the sky. They were without hands built of finest of gold, Thro' ages eternal they never grow old : — No crystal was ever transparent as they, Or glow'd in the light of the high noon of day : — And high 'bove our heads they most gloriously rose, But no imperfection could any disclose. No glory was wanting in structure or street, Or river or trees or whate'er we might meet. For all with perfection entire was endow'd, And glory hung over them all as a cloud. The streets of the City were border'd with flow'rs, The walks were bestudded witii luminous bow'rs, Where glory and blessing immortal recline, And everything wears a perfection divine. TO THE HOLY CITY. 2&9 Then near the white thionc was a stairway of light, With beauties resplendent ascent to invite, And tho' it was lengthy it could not us tire. For thought lent its aid to vehement desire. As flame spreads its wings and mounts up to the sky, So quickly we mounted the staii'way so high : — Altho' we had left a whole City behind, Another we found of identical kind ; For here we beheld the* ineffable throne. And Him we adored as Jehovah alone, The bright jasper walls in the distance we saw, — The high gates of pearl which inspir'd us with awe, — The streets were as those which beneath us far lay, And sparkled like dew in the light of the day. Tho' various the mansions yet all were of gold, And shone as the stai's which at night we behold, And walks were made charming by fair em'rald bow'rs. Which grandly contrasted With roseate flow'rs. then stair after staii* in their glory and light. We left far behind us in taking om* flight, Yet stair after stairway we saw 'bove us stand. Up which we ascended as thought gave command, Each stairway presented a City complete, With mansion and bulwark and jewel-pav'd street. As up the last stairway of light we did go, And left all the plains of the City below. The bright azure sky was spread over the place, And suns on us smil'd with their bright golden face, And comets went trailing thro' regions remote, Where moons in full orb in the ether sea float. 290 FROM APOLLYONVILLE And yet this gi*eat City dispons'd with thoir light, Jehovah the Triune had Hcatter'd the night, And flooded the City with glory divine, Which everywhere did with equality shine. — Then off to the battlements quickly we went, '' ' And over its Jasper adornings we bent; — •' yfo seem'd in our height as if plac'd in a star, ' . That lay in the deep of the heaven afar, Fi'om which we look'd down on th'e fair rainbow shore, And all the vast country to scan and explore. The river of Death to our eyes seem'd a chain, That stretch'd far away until lost in the main, We watch'd the vast prospect with growing surprise, Then up the high tow'rs as a flame did we rise, To scan the great City and learn its extent, As from the high station the view would present. ■ With great admiration the place we sm-vey'd, — ^ With beauty and light and perfection aiTay'd, — Then quick yet as gentle as falls the sun's ray, We went to the throne oui* devotion to pay. Adoring we bow'd and tidumphantly sang. The courts of the City with loud anthems rang, ■ And over the river the sweet music roU'd, And all thro' the City oui* rapture was told. Then Michael address'd us in accents so sweet, In woi*ds so emphatic I must them repeat ; — " This City," he said, " is beyond oui* compare, " 'Twas built by Jehovah an absolute square, — " Its length and its breadth and its height are the same, " And looks to the view as the bright solar flame. TO THE HOLY CITY. 291 •' When ineaHur'd by furlongs twelve thousand we find, ■ And all its proportions are perfect in kind, '• And worthy of Him who upon the white throne, '• Is sceptred and crown'd as Jehovah alone." And as in this City we ever should be, The face of Jehovah forever to see, , He from us would go and beside the throne stand, Prepar'd to fultill great Jehovah's command. Before the high throne he adoringly bow'd. And " holy, thrice holy," he shouted aloud, •' Let all in the City Jehovuli adore, '• His praise in loud anthems proclaim evermore.' Then we to the mansions of glory made haste, And enter'd their portals with purity graced ; "We mingled with those who in ages of yore. The weight of infirmities patiently bore, — But started aa pilgrims this City to gain, And now in its palaces glorifi'd reign. We talk'd of the age when the firet of our race, Eesplendent appear'd in their innocent grace, How wicked ApoUyon rebellion produced, And man from the throne of Jehovah was loos'd, And all were subdu'd and brought under his sway, And each was content his commands to obey. But some in ail ages his sceptre forsook, And unto the City their pilginmage took, And cross'd o'er the tide and have enter'd this place, To dwell in the light of Jehovah's bright bright face. Now myriads on myriads the mansions possess, Who shine as the sun in their luminous dress, 292 • FROM APOLLYONVILLE And multitudes greater, are now on the way, And soon at the throne their devotion will pay. The ages to come will the numljors increase, Until the rebellion forever shall cease, And all in this City shall reign evermore, " And at the high throne of Jehovah adore. With Prophets and Patriarchs freely we talk'd, As we thro' the midst of that groat City walk'd ; — Each moment new faces appeared to om* view, To othjrs we bid but a transient adieu, — We drank from the river that flow'd from the throne, And breath'd the aroma from flora full blown, We pluck'd the rich fruitage from tall em 'raid trees, Which flung out their odCrs our senses to please. The calm of contentment created sm-prise, And spread thro' our being as light thro' the skies ; — As far as the moon is outshone by the sun, Po far were our notions of glojy outdone. Whatever we saw with perfection was cj'own'd, And hai'mony absolute freighted each sound. While every desire overflow'd with del'ght, And pleasures shone out like the stars of the night. To mist shall ere rise and our vision obscure, ^he heat of the sun we shall never endure, — ^Ko frost will come neai* us to smite us with pain, Or strive o'er the flora supernal to reign. The deep crystal river that flows thro' the place, Whose source isoonceal'd 'neath the throne's shining base, Shall ne'er be disturb'd by the storm or the gale, Fw ne'er will they rise and this City assail. TO THE HOLY CITY. 293 ig base, The leaves of the trees from their age will not die, And fall to the rool; to lay sapless and diy ; No ralnclouds appear to discharge their content, The ether is not by* the sharp lightning rent ; — No ear by the thunder is ever dismay'd, Against us the hailstones will ne'er be array'd ; — The autumn and winter ne'er venture around, And ne'er in the City their triumph shall sound ; The light of the City shall never know wane, And night with his sceptre can never here reign. Jehovah triune is th^ glory and light. And all the great City is radiant and bright ; — Disease shall not come and with weajjons assail. And wear us away till our energies fail, No limbs shall be broken, no ulcers shall smart, No pain like an arrow shall enter the heart, No fever shall lay its hot hand on our brow, Tiio foul loathsome plague will its furrow ne'er plow. In gastly aiTay shall no famine appear, The cry of the thirsty we never shall hear, With earthquake the City shall never vibrate, Nor flaming volcanoes destruction create. The deadly miasma will never arise, And look thro' the City with covetous eyes ; — The horror of darkness we never shall fear, The roar of the lion no more shall we hear, The scream of the vulture that teareth the prey, Will never be faeaixi thro* the unending day. The mountain so steep with its summit so cold, Will ne'er stand before us with teri-ors untold, 294 FROM APOLLYONVILLE The miiy morass where the erring were lost, The swift, boiling river which all of us crossed, Will ne'er cast reflection inside of the gate, That trouble and anguish they might there create, The wide burning desert were serpents bore sway, And strangers oft faint 'neath the hot solar ray, Where fierce lightnings flashed and the harsh thunders roll, And missiles of torture strike deep in the soul ; Where black clouds arise and present their huge form, And sweep the hot desert with terrible storm. Our eyes shall not see nor our hearts melt with fears, Nor give an oblation of wailing anfl tears, The Pleasures o. sin which a cai'nival held, Where many a soul had his requiem knell'd. Where snaring pavilions stood tempting around, — And sensual enjojnnents were cov'ring the ground. Will never be seen in this City of light, Nor cast a dark shadow oui* spirits to blight. As far as the night stands remov'd from the day, So far stands the quaking volcano away. The turbulent laver that rose as a tide, And madly rush'd down o'er the mounts heaving side,. Can never dismay us with thunder or flame, Or vcntm*e against us its weapons to aim. As long as this City eternal shall stand, The house of the bless'd in the midst of this land, ApoUyon's vast ai'mies will ne'er pass the gate, And war and rebellion he'll never create. The roar of their cannon we never shall hear, Their sharp gleaming blades never more shall we fear,. TO THE HOLY CITY. 295 The fleets that came up on the mistmantled tide, Drew near and against us their cannon they plied, Theii* shot and their shell in this place shall not fall, To mangle the saints and the angels appal. Invong the bright mansions no evil haunt stands, No Sign to allui'e us, attention commands, — The riot parade thro' the jewel-pav'd street, The eye of the multitude never shall gi*eet. No work shall be done that shall cause us to tire, No mansions consum'd by the fierce burning fire,^ Destruction comes not from whirlwind or flood, And murder ne'er staineth the City with blood. No robber is seen bearing treasure away, The burglar hides not from the light of the day, And rebels in bands for dominion ne'er strive, Nor master the slave thi-o' the City will drive. The kings who have reign'd by the torch and the sword, Will never be able the river to ford. And those who have sti'iven each other to rend^ Oaa never the bright sapphire pavement ascend. No idols of gold in this City appear, ^ And never a spirit their vengeance will fear ; The pale face of envy none ever shall see, And malice so deadly here never can be. Bevenge with his weapons went down in the tide, And hate with the sinless could never abide. No tear dims the eye and no sigh moves the breast, Attention, deep sorrow will never arrest ; No fire of fierce anger lies hid in the heart, Which m»y like the spark from the smitten flint start 298 FROM APOLLYONVILLE Illwill was o'ercome in tho terrible fight, And evil desire will ne'er venture in sight, — No lust with lewd visage will walk thro' the street, — With drunkards and gamblers we never shall meet, And none will ere dress in the garb of despair, Nor yet will be aw'd by insanity's glare, — And gloom shall not shadow the saint's beaming face, The outlines of care the most skillful ne'er trace, No heart feels the touch of depravity's hand. And pride never speaketh the word of command, — The seed of impatience was never here sown, The damsels of vanity ne'er shall be known, Oppression and bondage are terms never heai'd, Aid cruelty 1 no one shall utter the word ; — The garments of bigotry ne'er shall be wora, No garland of fashion the saints shall adorn, And doubts shall not stand as if ready for war. Alarms ne'er shall break like the waves on the shore, Then blessings abound as the fullness cf light, Each One like the stars in the azure is bright, Sweet peace like a morning when nature is still, With calmness the City forever will fill, And love like the heat of the great orb of day, Which over the face of creation bears sway, -Surronndeth the throne of Jehovah the great. And from his bright visage the beams radiate. And in his pure creatures it burns like a flame, And stamps on their foreheads its wonderfhl name. The saints by its bonds to each other are bound, Ito -raryi as an halo their being surround, TO THE HOLY CITY. 297 It glows in their face like the bright i-osy morn, The rarest of jewels that ever was worn. No feeling ariseth where love is supreme, But such as is tender and pure in extreme ; — No thought can be form'd but is stamp'd with its seal, The mint whence it came it will sui'ely reveal, Each word that is said with affection doth glow, Each look tells the fountain from which it doth flow. Yes, love is the spring that controls eveiy tongue ; — That temper'd each anthem the saints ever sung, — It moveth the hand and directeth the feet, And causeth the heart with its rapture to beat, ' It mantles the visage with glory and smiles, And captures attention with innocent wiles. And up thro' the soul rise the pure springs of joy, Which flow thro' the being without an alloy, As long as the cycles eternal prevail, Those full flowing rivulets never can fail J Each face is serene with a gentleness sweet, And meekness holds sway with dominion complete. Truth shines in full splendor like noonday's bright sun, Thro' ages unending its cycles will niD, . Delight as a jewel each ci'own doth adom^ Which they in the City so proudly have worn ; And all thro' the future its glory will-shine^ Whose radiance with truth and with love will combine. Longsuffering and patience are both satisfi'd ; Their virtues and graces no more shall be tried, Then worship and isong sweet employment shall' give. For such is the life that the glorifi'd live. 298 FROM APOLLYONVILLE The multitude countless as st^ars of the night, All splendidly i-ob'd in their garments of whifce, Stand round the high throne and adoring they fall, Jehovah then crown as supreme over all. Jehovah the Father we praise for His love, Who sent His own 8on from the bright throne above, To bi^eak from our being the chains of our foe. That we from his bondage in freedom might go, And enter this City its king to adore. And with him in triumph to reign evermore. Jehovah the* Son the immaculate Lamb, Who made Himself known as Jehovah, I AM, Who came to Appollonville seeking the lost, Determin'd to save us tho' blood it might cost ; — We sing how He yielded to be crucifi'd And sank in the darkness of Death's swelling tide. The waters gave way and the billows were cleft. The dai'k swelling river behind Him was left; Ge show'd His great pow'r over demons and men, And back to His throne and His Father again. In fHumph refurn'd having sinnera redeemed. While glory and majesty fi*om His face beam'd. A fountain He opened and fill'd it with blood, And in it we wash'd and wei*e cleansed by the flood, And now in the light of His face we shall live, And homage eternal w« to Him shall give, Jehovah the Spirit the last of the Three, ¥^ equal in ^ory His attributes be, Who came to oar aid and our natures made new. And helpM uji to bid prince ApoUyon adieu; TO THE HOLY CITY. 299 The Spirit divine we shall praise evermoro, Together with Father and Son we'll adore, Whose presence was with us to comfort and bless, And sav'd in the time of our deepest distress, And gave us a title and right to this place, With unclouded vision to gaze on His face. Jehovah the Triune exalted on high. With anthems eternal we all magnify, — And praise like an halo His throne shall surround, And like His bright glory shall ever abound. As long as the walls of this City endure, As long as the throne of Jehovah stands sure, As long as the cycles eternal shall go. The anguish of parting we never shall know. No cold tide of Death thro' the City shaU roll, Wliose billows shall rise and o'erwhelm the soul. And bear it away never more to return, — Tlie desolate leave in their anguish to bum, : And go thro' the streets like the mourners of yore^ While tears from their eyes like the rain-drops shall poulr. Forever deliver'd from parting's sharp sword, The blessings of meeting unite as a cord. And hold us in one thro' the ages unknown, And bind with its gravity firm to the throne. The portals of knowledge are open to all, With voice sweet as music inviting they cat), ^ *, To study the myst'ry that Deity shrouds, Exploring the river where luminous cloudsy Are like the shekinah that plainly reveal'd, . The place where Jehovah his face had oonceai'd. 300 FROM APOLLYONVILLE The annals that tell how the universe came, With uncounted o»'bs of ineffable flainc, Arc for us to searcli and their treasures possess, Which openeth their casket of jewels to bless. Some seek, information how bright angels fell. And fled from this City in torment to dwell. The wonderful scheme which Jehovah did plan. Which had for its object the rescue of man. Are subjects of thought for the glorifi'd mind. And seekers rejoice in the treasures they find. The manner in which the great Spirit Divine, Makes light in our heart from His countenance shine. And washes oiir spirit as white as the snow, And saves it forever from sorrow and woe. Will Aimish reflection for ages unknown, Whose cycles in turn will revolve round the throne. The problem of life which the wise have revolv'd, Is there to the ignorant easily solv'd ; — The problem of memory, conscience and will, SHiall many a page of discovery fill. HQW,body and spirit united could b^, Eaofi one in the City most plainly will see : — How spirit' can live when the body shall die, — How ^irit can see when the flesh is laid by; — How hearing and taste to perfection shall rise. When by the cold river the moptal flesh lies, Will fiirnish i^Aflectloa to saints glorifi'd, The knowledge of which as the light will abide. The treasures of love.whioh tikro' ages have grown, Are stor'd in thaarohvves that^talld near the throne, TO THE JiOLY CITY. 301 Invite all the Baints as to a great feast, That all may partake, both the greatest and leabt. Acq^uaintaace is made with the martyrs of old, Who went to the slaughter contented and bold, The chain and the stake and the strong iron bfu*, Threw open the door of the bright crystal car, TVhich bore them safe over the dark swelling tide, That they with Jehovah might ever abide, And gain the reward which the City ensures, To him who the prison and furnace endures. Then Prophets and Judges from trials severe. Have cross'd o'er the river and now they appeal*, Before the high throne in their garments of white, And go thro' the City as angels of light; And these tell the story of ages remote. Of which the historian but sparingly wrote. Then all when they will to the battlements go, And view the bright orbs which around them do glow, Sy thought and desire they are borne far away, That each for himself may the star-worlds survey, And quick as the wish can take form in the mind, So quickly the City they leave far behind, And thro' the vast regions of ether they fly, To study the systems that fill up the sky. For worlds without number in ii)fixdi4 space, Abound and revolve in their own proper place. From orb unto orb as the lightning they go, Till system on system they visit and know. Each one has new features and laws to reveal, Which quicken the spirit, fervor and zeal, 302 FROM APOLL YONVILLE. And life in new forms in these systems abound, And creatures peculiar to each world are found. The ages eternal will not be too long, For glorifi'd beings to travel among, And study the worlds of the vast universe, Whose greatness no angel can ever rehearse. When mov'd by the wish they as quick as the Hgus Will back to the City Imperial take flight, To won^hip Jehovah the Sovereign of All, With deepest prostration adoringly fall, Before the high throne of the Great Triune King, With anthem and chorus His glory to sing. • The End. / ilii,