OEMS Q BY THE P elPt E P E T iX<:»j«W't!«)«l<>>;5>^^^?«>^^KKi;»J^li?J?^{?;^i?>;>;5Jy>>rJt>^ A| ll I ;| i ;5: f >;^ :| ;;;;|;i;| | ;f f jli T THE LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES w. w y \ <^ ..llLCErj l-Ri^M A I'mOTOI.KAIM IV 1. WHEELER & SON. MARGATE.) POEMS AND PROSE BY JOSEPH G\A/YER, WITH A SHORT AUTOBIOGRAPHY ALSO Anecdotes of and Personal Interviews with THE Late REV. C. H. SPURGEON AND others. London : Published by F. Perraton & Co., 28. Kirhy Street, Hatton Gardens, E.C., FOR Joseph Gwyek. MDCCCXCV. This Book is respectfully dedicated to Mrs. C. H. Spurgeon, as a slight token of the Author's deep appreciation of his acquaintance with her and her dearly beloved late husband Charles Haddon Spurgeon. Printfd at "Caxton House," St. Mary's Road, Soutliampton. PREFACE " Do not trifle : earth is groaning Under wrongs and burdens sore : Be in earnest : put thiy shoulder To the work that hes before. Every hour is more tlian golden, Every moment is a gem ; Treasure up these hours and moments, There are princelv pearls in them." H. BoNAR, D.D. When a man reaches sixty years of age he has seen enongh to estimate most of the things of earth at their real vahie. If he has any powers of observation at all he has fonnd that much that seems solid is mere shalow, and much that is subdued and seemingly humljle and in the background, is after all the true basis of all the solidity that may belong to human affairs. The frown that would once have daunted him has lost its terror, for he has learned its impotence ; and the smile that once would have spurred him on to vanity has lost its power, for he ha? found its emptiness, nay, even perhaps its falsity. So in presenting this volume to our readers in the autumn of life we do so, not longing for the praise of men, or craving for the blame of others, but just expecting it to be received at its true value, whatever that may be. If but one soul is convinced, that even in this doubting end of the century the real things are the things of faith, hope, and love, and God, our object is attained and our labour is not in vain. A book may be a better one for a simple man to read because a simple man has written it, and it is possible that the records of a man mixing with all classes, doing lousiness in many towns, and sowing beside all waters, in his own blundering untrained way, may wake more sympathy and fellow feeling than would the cold superiority of a giant intellect and a university training. 8141SS '\^'e send this Iwok out as the record of the thoughts and doings of a man wliosc licart boats for his fellownien, and wlio sees in the prince or the peasant the fellow sinner who needs the cleansing l>lood, and tiie saving grace of Christ. Wiiat it may accomplish we leave to the Holy Spirit ; only anxious that fame and glory be the result to the Almighty power that we believe is ruling in the midst of all the anarchy, despotism, priestcraft, and faithlessness that is apparently around us. Though the waves beat strong about the Rock, the Cross still towers above and points to Hetiven, with its arms outstretched to a fearing world, shines with its glory of l)romise to any who would despair. A\'e make no pretension to higher thought or clever versification, but gfve our thoughts and experiences just as it comes to us, ins|Mred by our surroundings, and the always evident Divine designs in life. jMany of these pieces have been written in aid of the stricken and sorrowful. Some deal with the joyful experiences of life, but many record the dark day, when the forces of nature, or the feai'ful mischance startle with fear and dismay. "Why these things are so, we know not, we leave it to the provi- dence and wisdom of God, but one lesson we learn from them, and this we leave with you, " Freely ye have received, freely give." CONTENTS 14 Autobiography — page. Repeated enquiries which led to my writing this my second volume ... ... ... ... ... ... 5 Fire at Cow Cross Street, which destroyed the Plates of my previous book ... ... ... ... ..". ^ Encouragement received and Providential Guidance ... 6 Good results through reading my tirst volume, 19 years ago 7-8 Early life and Birthplace ... ... ... ... g Conversion and Christian Experience ... ... ... 10 Coming to Penge — Marriage— and first connection with the Penge Tabernacle in its beginings ... ... ... u Growth of Penge Tabernacle — Begining to Write — Royal Patronage — prolonged Illness and Recoverv — Joining Bentley's Firm ... ... ... ... ..^ 12-13 Mr. Scott, the Temperance .Advocate — Work — Sudden Death and Burial ... Meeting with Mr. Elford, his joining the Temperance Cause, his 50 years' work, Triumphant death and after — death influence ... ... ... ... ... ... 15-17 Commencement of friendh- intercourse with the late Rev. C. H. Spurgeon ... ... ... ... ... 18 His Wit, Humour, and how He became an .Abstainer ... 19-20 Interview with Rev. Vernon Charlesworth ... ... 21 Further personal intercourse and friendship with the late Rev. C. H. Spurgeon ... ... ... ... ... 22-23 Personal Sketch from my .4nnual for 1885 ... ... 24-25 John B. Gough's Birthplace and Short Sketch of His Life ... 26 John Williams, a Balaclava Hero ... ... ... 28-29 Sketch of Golf Ground and Cemetery, Bournemouth — Rev. Ossian Davies' Ministry and Church — Salvation .Irmv at Boscombe — and Rev. W. Minifie's Work at Lansdown Road Baptist Church ... ... ... ... 30-31 Removal to Lyme Regis — View of Devonshire and Temper- Workers — also Temperance Work at Beckenham with an Old Penge Tabernacle Member .. ... ... 33-34-35 Visit of Czar of Russia — Personal experience of a Temperance Address on the occasion in Windsor Park ... ... 35 Closing Page with Author's best wishes to all ... ... 36 Folkestone ... ... ... ... ... ... 37 Slip at Sandgate ... ... ... ... ... ... 40 Heme Bay ... ... ... ... ... ... 41 In Memoriam — Prince Albert Victor ... ... ... ... 42 CONTENTS (Continued). I'AGK Koval Marriafje ... ... ... ... ... ^ Hirth ol tlic Fiitmc Htir to tlic Throne of Great Britain ... 46 In Mcintiria! ol .Mary .\nn Tipple ... ... ... 47 HoiniienioiUli tjarciens ... ... ... ... 48 In Memoriain — .\ Brother Forester ... ... ... 4g Walcliinii I'l^" Fi'st R.iin after a Lon.i; I)roii).^ht ... ... 51 In Memory of Mary Kennelt ... ... . ... 52 Lines presented to a Younj^ Woman ... ... ... 53 St >nji of tile Cuckoo ... ... ... ... ... 53 Tile -Mysteries of Life ■•. ... ... 54 In .Menioriain of Eleanor J.ine Rcll ... ... ... 55 Lines written at Bournemouth ... ... ... ... 57 " I will never leave Thee " ... ... ... ... ^j In Lovinjj Memory of Harriett Mitchell ... ... . 58 F'lowersshed Fraj^rance .'^weet ... ... ... ... 59 Lines Written at Portslield Elmsworth Shepherd Hill, Northclose (>o Slan/as on the "Grand Old -Man " .. ... ... 62 An .\pt Kepiv at a Temperance Hotel .. ... ... 6^ On the Sabb.\th ... ... ... ... ... 63 Storm at .Margate ... ... ... ... ... 65 Sketches of Margate, Kamsgate, &c. ... ... ... 67 Kide .\round the New Forest ... ... . . ... 92 Ride from Bournemouth to Wimhorne ... ... ... 98 In -Mcmoriam — Lord Tennyson ... ... ... ... 103 Bournemouth, Boscombe, and surrounding Towns ... .. 105 A Tricycle Ride from a Brighton Centre ... ... ... 108 Be Fat'ient, Mothers ... ... ... 12S Life's R(jad ... ... ... ... ... 130 A .•^ing from the perusal of my first •' Life and Poems witli sketches, &c." SntHce to say that our most gracious Queen took a copy to a patient at Clewer Hospital that he might read it. I heard the tale from the patient's own mouth, as he in tears told me of her POEMS A!sD PllOSE. great kindness to liim, and said that in conversation with her he seemed to forget her dignity as she talked and sympathised with him just like his own mother. Perhaps I may as well tell liow this came about, or a doubt may linger in the minds of some, though I know not why, as all wlio know the Queen and her beloved family, have found them to be most generous and kind and unasuming to all. We see this in every distressing calamity that occurs, an I why should it not be so. Are we not all made of one blood, witli a fellow feeling of human sympathy, no matter what distinctions of position, wealth, honour, or influence may be amongst us. This man had the misfortune to break his thigh, and was taken to Clewer Hospital, and as he also suffered from heart disease he could not go under chloroform. Her Majesty's doctor told the Queen the operation would be dangerous, so she went to see him herself, and after talking most kindly to him for a time she gave him the present that the had brought wrapped up in jjaper for him to read. It was my work, so the man told me himself. I have already had about thirty letters from Sir H. Ponsonby of acknow- ledgement and thanks from the Queen for my writings. Another case I will tell here. My book was read in the jungles of Africa by a sailor, who knew my name, and wrote home a most kind letter to his mother expressing the pleasure he gained from it, with many others to whom he showed it. No doubt the great day will reveal many trophies won for the Saviour by the instru- mentality of this book, through reading its touching incidents, especially as God's own word is secure, and He has promised that His word " should not return void, but it shall accomplish the purpose whereto He sent it." One other and the last instance I must here record in which good resulted from the reading of my work. A servant at Anerly once told me she had just come from witnessing her father's death in the Isle of Wight, and with tears she told me that the last words her father spoke on earth, were thanks for her ever reading my work to him. It had been the instrument in the hand of God of his conversion, and he had, his daughter said, gone safe home now to heaven, I asked her "had she still a mother," she said, " Yes, she is bedridden, I am going home to nurse her now and my brother and sisters." I think she said four of them, and she had to keep them. With j^rophies of this kind for earnest God fearing work it gives pleasure ,-n the midst of my many sorrows to know that God does and will POEMS AND PROSE hononr any humble work done for His jijlory and the good of men, " XoL uiiLo us, but unto His name be all the glory." H this should come before any of the members of this Isle of "Wiglit family, as perhaps it may, how pleased I should l)e to liear from tluni, and I now so often travel through the Island I could call on them. I said this should be the last, yet I must record one other instame as told me by the night attendant on a lady. This lady lived ao Ancrly, was a Roman Catholic, and was forbidden by the priest to read any of my works as they would upset her mind. He knew that she had my book in her possession. The attendant told me that many times she liad to read the simple story of my life toiler in the silent hours of the uight, and that her mistress she believed, received good from it, although told by the priest not to read or hear it. How often does God use, and liow often has He used good books to bring conviction to the heart and understanding by the Holy spirit blessing the reading of them. Should this short account of my book excite in any, or many, a desire to see it, and sufficient orders come to me to reeo'ip me for the exjcnseof republishing thesiime withan enlarged aim, and health and life ] ermit, we think it not imj)Ossible we may do .'^o. Such an event could even now be accomplished, but that will altogether depend on the sale and the encouragement I receive from the I'lesent editions. If any receive any s]x.'cial pleasure, profit, or cnce.uriigement pk'ase do not be so unwise as many jieople who receive good from ministerial friends, either in their preaching or otherwise, and keep all to tliemselves and scarce ever tell their I>ast(;r a word about the good they are the instruments of to them. If so, al)andon such ideas, and occasionally at least let them and us know that we are lielping you in your upward and heavenward road, f)r if by God's grace you liave been arrested in your downward career by all means let us know sometliing about it, as all workers in the ]\T!ister's A'ineyards have discouiagin'^' times, and often like the jiidphet of old, lament and say, " ^Vho hath believed our report, and to whomhath the arm of the Lord been revealed." My intention \\!is to give in this introduction a short resume of my life, but as I have already in my writings given an inkling of it 1 shall now take a few pages only just to give a desire for more should there be a further publication. POEMS AKD I'ROSE. I was born at Redlynch, near Downton ^^ ilts, f I>«^^^^^ annals and our family Bible tells me, on the l.th of ^oAember, 1835 • I do not like some ladies over 30 wish to conceal my age. I am 'therefore, getting to be an old man in my sixties, and have Led'lonrenoS'.h to know a little, although I iee\ it is but very liltle. At Redlynch, on the bordei-s of the New Forest, my father cul ivated man/acres of our freehold land, as well as a small farni he rented Zm Squire Goffe, at Hale, so that our lives were not those of drudgery and poverty. My dear T^Iother died when I was eight years old. I was the third child of nine who formed the family ; one brother and a sister S older than myself. I can well recollect the last i ness of my Smother, and seeing her in it. She ---^^^.^'^{'^^^^^^ confinement and never recovered. I knew but iitt e of ' mothe^^ ministering loving care, although so young I recol ect her loyng Sand tender fove. Her death was a great trial to my dear fSher and to all of us, although we were mostly too young rightly to know our loss. I went to live with my uncles and grandmother at Lodge Farm near Downton, about a mile and a half from my home. Of the nLe chSn, one, a younger brother had died There were thus dght little ones left, but the Lord fits the burden to the back. He has been to our dear father and to aU of us, a very present help m time of trouble. I went to Downton British School, and on Sundays to Downton Wesleyan Sunday School. Thus I was surrounded by influences for goodTbo^h at home and abroad ; my uncle was a class leader of the Wes evan Church. My boyhood days could be graphically depicted s'pentamV all the 'rustil^ scenery of a lonely farm house, nearly a mile from any other house. At about the age of seventeen I left, to spend a short visit to London, and was so enamoured of my surroundings there, that i determined to brave any difficulties and remain ^^ London I soon obtained a situation at Bevmgton Neckinger Mills, Be^^^ mondsey, and remained in it about nine months and saw a g eat dealof sin as witnessed in the characters of those who were my fellow emploves. Naturally I was no better than these, but my pre^lous Sung surrounded'me by God's providence -^^ someaung ^^u^ made ine resist many of tlieir sins and temptations ^^^^^^J^^^ I obtained a situation at Messrs. Broad and Sons, ^^ ool Stap.eis, lU . POKJLS AXD PKOSE. of Bermondsey. Here I spent some nine or ten years of my life mostly ill the happiest way. The masters were connected with the AVesK^yan (jluirch, and liere soon, through attending the ministry at Hill Street Methodist Free Church, Peckham, I had come under deep conviction of sin fur many weeks, but through, divine grace I was brought to experience tliat cliauge of heart, called in the gospel of John, the New Lirth ; " Except a man be bora again, he cannot see the Kingdom of God." It was at break- fast time in our couutin;T house at Bermondsey Street I experienced tliat change, wrought by God's spirit in my heart, and then and there I was able to rest by faith alone on the merits of Christ, and pleading His precious blood was enabled to say '' Abba Father, My Lord and My God," and the Spirit testihed with my spirit "that I was born of God." "Old thing had passed away, and behold all things had become new," as tho new life I then lived was a life of faitb on the Sou^of God, "who loved me and gave Himself for me." For some months after my conversion I had a peace which passed all understanding. I felt I must "tell to all around >vhat a dear Saviour I had found," but soon I found trials came fast and thick, but they only grounded me more hrmly on the liock Christ Jesus, and I experienced that whom He loveth He loveth unto the end, for " He giveth unto His Sheep eternal life, and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of His hand." I then joined Eye Lane Baptist Church, as being in more accord with my views. This was a great trial, as I had become so closely ccnnecteil with the Methodist Free Church, yet I have never regretted the step I took, and believe it was the true leading of Providence with my soul. Joining the Sunday School I soon became closely connected ■with all its divine associations. My first Sunday School address I gave in Kye Lane Baptist Churuh before Mr. Congreve, now of Brighton, who has built at his own expense tho splendid Baptist Chapel at Hove, now presided over by tho Kev. David Davies, formerly of liegent's Park Chapel, London. In later years on g^ing into business I became connected for a short time with the Metropolitan Tabernacle, under the Kev. C. H. Spurgeon. My after associations with Mr. Spurijeon became of the most friendly nature. POEMS AND PROSE. 11 It would be too long a task to follow all the leading of Provi- dence through its winding turnings. Suffice it to say I left the Metropolitan Tabernacle and came over to reside at Penge, from whence I married my wife on June 4th, 1864, at Old Croy- don Church, since burnt down. Here we soon became connected with the Penge Tabernacle cause in its very earlist infancy. Although I had grown very cold in divine things for upwards of a twelvemonth before this, here I was aroused and sought and found a fresh grip of divine things. The Loid gave unto me the joy of His salvation, then I taught transgressors His way, and sinners were converted unto Him. I did a goodly share of Evangelistic Avork in the open air and elsewhere, and tried in my humble way to preach Christ and Him crucified to the people. He says, " I, if I be lifted up will draw all men unto Me." I soon joined the Temperance work, so that my engagements for Evangelistic Services and Temperance platform work became most arduous, while an increasing business and other calls upon my energies soon strained those energies to the utmost limit, but still I felt like the Master that "I must work the works of Him that sent me Avhile it is day, for the night cometh when no man can work." I was laid aside for nearly twelvemonths with diseased bone in the leg, the pain causing a large abcess ; it was most unbearable, and to make matters worse I had to go into St. Thomas' Hospital, which was then carried on in the Surrey Gardens where Mr. Spurgeon preached while the Tabernacle was being built. It was thought that I should probably be compelled to have my leg amputated, but the Lord restored me without this trouble, and thanks to His kindness I am able now to walk about better than I ever was able. After beings tliere for two or three months I came out with all my resources drained and had to begin life afresh. Now it would be too long to enter into the details of all the harrowing trouble that came to our lot, but the Lord fulfilled His promises, " thy bread shall be given thee, and thy water shall be sure." I am here tempted to tell how the Lord removed my gloom and sorrow respacting the bread that perisheth ; I became somewhat desponding as to the future of earthly things, but being led to buy a large mass of burnt clay ballast, wliich lay behind the Penge Pharmacy, giving but thirty shillings for it I was able to make upwards of £30 of it, and the work of sifting it really restored me 12 I'OKMS AMD PROSE. to Iiealili, Just then my wife sickened with fever for weeks, and laid between life and (ieatii for several days, but the Lord restored her and We coinnieiiced business in a small way and soon made a really thrlviuLj i)usiuess until ai^aiu my health broke down. Surely mine luis been an up and down hilly life, and yet by God's grace we continue to the present day. The Penije Tabernacle has jjrown from a little one to a thousand. We are led to exclaim, " what hath God wrou<:5lit, and who are these that fly as a cloud and as the doves to the window." I commenced al>out this time publishing an almanack, and jn-efaced it with local an 1 p )pular events of the year, and for nearly twenty years I continued it, patting from £30 to £40 per year for adver- tisements in its pages, without paying a single canvasser. I put in from year to year my own Poems, which were written on a variety of subjects, and many p'>unds collected for various charitable and philanthropic objects through the sale. About this time my popularity rose to its zenith, in consc'iuence of my writing verses on the recovery of tli ■ Prince of Wales, which verses drew from ller IMajesty the (^) nee n, and other members of the Royal Family, many letters of appreciation ; about this time also 1 was made somewhat popular in London and elsewhere. l>ytlic publicity re nlting from my catching a swindler at London Ilridire, who aftci'wards got five ycai's ti'ansportation. The whol • affair is described in my book, in many pages of verses. Thi'ouirh my last illness four years ago, extending over a twelve- month, I was obliged to give up my business, and liave for neai'ly three years been travelling for l!entley and Co., and find tliis has given me an op; ortunity for an increase;,! information of all parts of the country, which I hope my readers will find interestir.g upon perusal, and hope also they will find my life's work has not been in vain. Here I should like to dcscrilx? how I first became a traveller for the nspected pro[irietors of this firm, and I woidd say 1 have worked for upwards of three years with them in the ureatest unanimity and <;ontent. Xever once to my knowledge lias any unpleasant ess crop[)ed up the whole time. The jiartners are kindness itself to me, and seem thoroughly to appreciate my humble endeaNonrs to serve them, which a])prec;ation (rorjx'usates for any unplea.santiiess, such as occui's in any sphei'e of life, es]i(C- lally that of the road through having to meet with so many POEMS AND PkOSE. ^^ i-n Hn ^hp whole the tradesmen are ^SWI^n^d,^" m^^^^^^ ^, «°^ it -'• ^ SralUife is to'a great extent what we make ,t our«,lves, fears. Well the poet puts it— Begone unbeliet, My Saviour is near ; And for my relief, Will surely appear. Will OUl^iJ inj-FiJ-^"-- "'•■n : s^-r^ ""^- -'^'■^?' we' want you as our U-av„ er ™<^^^^'^'; „„" g„S for it, but sUll ;:ras nSo^I '^:ir:^t^^&=:^M;: Verts for ..an, ^^^?' T> . i-;n iiv «ii,] to me "By all means take it on, these Mr. ^^[tram k nllj^ud to^ goods wdl sel \\ell, tlit) ^! y ^^^l^^V; ^u„suve of riding- about the the man f-^l-t. ^-jf ^.^ ^^^^^^^^^^ coun ry selUno- ^^eii goods ion inu^ ^^^_^ ^^ ^^_ ^^^1 may introduce to tlie tradesmen s notice. Those wl» are acquainted with Mr Bertram k™w we^^ he - no fulsome eulogy for any one but I H ""g" '"« J^ .■■«?, j^^ £ toward me might be. --f|;j^„^^>',i ' Sy olme tJuf 1 ma, S'«'s!;;"irfh,SC"k:o:vn"and on fntimate terms w.th thenroprietorsfo.- over twenty years. ^ rf f .vv ^vith this I will now relate a cu-cumstance Closing my ife story ^^th this i m no ^^^^^^^ ^^^ connected with my book. A lady usea 1-i POKJIS AND rUOSE. interested by my rliyines, I asked her if she would like to read my book as I tiiought, probably she might be amused if not interested in its pages. tSlie perhaps had an idea that she was going to have a pleasant amusing reverie upon its perusal, but ealliiig upon her afterwards and asking if she had been aniuscil she saiii, " No, but I have been greatly interested in reading the book, and if you are i-iglit sir, I ain wi-ong, I have never experienced that change of heart you speak of," In tears she told nie of the impressi(jn it had produced in her heart of searching for better things, aikl I trust that some day this lady will be found amongst " the liloodbought throng," who have " washed their rob^'S and made them white in the blood of the Lamb." I heard C. H, Spurgeon once say that such books as the " Dairyman's daughter," " The Little Cottager," and the "Shep- herd of Salisbury Plain," and others of their kind would bve and bye be shown to have done, by divine instrumentality, more good than all the splitting of straws so general to theologians. So by God's blessing I hope some good may be accomplished through the reading of my humble efforts. Another instance I will recite of how a bright jewel was won to the Temperance cause, who has accomplished by his extraordinaiy genius and talent a great deal of good in that cause, and in the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The Primitive Methodists had taken possession of the room used by we Laptists in Hawthorne Grove, Penge, upon our lemoval to Penge Taber- nacle. I told them whenever they liked to send over their preacher to dine with us they could do so. They sent us a ]\Ir. Eifonl, a preacjher of no mean order, who for nearly twenty years was like an angd in our house, and wliom I had the pleasure of coiniecting, through a curious coincidence with the Temperance Work, the story of which coincidence may be interesting to our rea'lers. The temperance star was then in the ascendant. As he \\;is in my house on Sunday dining, and spending the afternoon, I K.Id him I should have to leave as 1 was going to the funeral of a dear fellow worker, who had died suddenly, and was to be buried in Forest Hill Ce.i etery. It was [Mr. >'c >tt, of Peckl am, a worker in the sewers beneath the ground, yet who for years had done good work in the Temperance and Gosi)el work, lie was a genius of no mean order, and an original talented speaker for a working man. Mr. Eiford accf)mpanicd me to this funeral, having read the account of him in the Tempjrauce Star, and was so struck by the sight of I'OEilS AND PROSE. 15 the thousands who followed and packed the way leading from the Melon Grounds, Commercial Road, Peckham, right up to the Forest Hill Cemetery, that, he said to me, " Mr. Gwyer, if this is the outcome of Temperance work, this deep respect that all pay to his memory ; even publicans and others, never again will I touch a drop of intoxicating drink ;" and he never did, aud Mr, Elford for nearly twenty years worked hard and gloried in the Temper- ance work, as in the preaching of the glorious gospel of the blessed God. He always had an open door at my house, and no one was ever more welcome whenever he came on Sundays or week-days. He was a bootmaker and I could tell how this good man of God was often tried in temporal things. The miles he used to walk and the arduous Avork he did for the Primitive ]\lethodist Cause is well-known by some of their older ministers and members, as he preached the Gospel for nearly fifty years. I think he has told me he preacheA vrhen only seventeen years of age to large congre- gations. Certainly you would like to hear how this good man went home to Heaven. I had been saying to my wife " How is it Mr. Elforil does not come," when lo after dinner a minister one Sunday called at my house, and told me " Mr. Eiford is seized with illness,' and would not die without seeing you ; will you kindly go- and see him at once." I did so. He lived at Sutton in Surrey, I shall never forget going into his bedroom. His thin Avan face lit ap with a heavenly smile. " My dear friend Gwyer," he said, " my desire is granted, I f t,-el now like Simeon, when he said " Lord now lettest Thou Thy servant depart in peace according to Thy word." " Come, said I, whats the matter." " I am going now " he said " ta be with Jesus which is far better." " Oh, come " I said " you may De getting better." " Never, never," he said with emphasis " I am going home, I am dying now ; do not think by my talk that my mind is gone, never was intellect brighter or my memory more acute. I do not know where Heaven is, but this I know I am going to be with Him whom I have long served, and whose Gospel I ha\-e for nearly fifty years tried to preach, and trusted him amid all my creature imperfections." The tears of joy ran down his furrowed face as he told me this^ and I felt the place was hallowed. "Xow, friend Gwyer, I must hear your voice once more in ])rayer. You and your dear wife have been kindness itself to me for so many j'ears. I have enjoyed the ho?pitality of your huml)le home, surroun:led by your dear children, and now I am going home, and by and bye " We shall 16 POEMS AND PROSE. meet beyond the River wlicre the billows cease to roll." And, as I jionrL' I out my soul to (Jo'l in jii-aycr for our dear brothor, and prayed that tJod would supiH)^ his dear wife and beloved children, and *^ive him in his own ming home along a dark lane one Sunday night, I poured my heart to God in prayer for my dear children that God would save them all, and this prayer is answered. One of my sons is in Jersey preaching the Gospel with much acceptance to the people. And all my children are in the good way. Cheer up, now, good- bye, we shall soon meet in Heaven." He further told n;e that for nine weeks he had only beef tea, yet .ilthough he had exj)erienced fifty years of the love of God in Jesus Christ, he liad felt more of that love in that little room, and on that bj 1, than ever he had been able to preach about in fifty years. "We thought as we left him for the last time on earth of one of old who said "lict me die the death of the righteous, and let my last end be like his." I hink he passed away some three or four days from this interview. '" I am tenijttel to tell of other goo 1 done by the death of Mr. Scott. He was to have given a teni[ieranre address in the open-air the same week in which he died. I was to take the chair, being taskel by the Temperance Society to do so, but when liis death was heard of we could (;li;ain no suitable supjily. I had to lill up the gap anl give an a Idress, and I asked if there were not some young men who would Jill this vacant ]»lace in our ranks and identify thenisehes with tlii^ gran 1 Temperance Crusade, and especially we •wantel, I sai I, intelligent Christian men to advocate the claims of the TemjK'rance cans,-, and denouncj the drink wiiich was blast- ing, bligulii.g, an i mil '.ewiiig happy homes, and ruining the bodies POEMS AND PROSE. 17 and souls of many thousand people every year. There were tliree brothers standing, by name Hutchings, who were members with us in the Penge Tabernacle, and strange to say such was the effect^ that Stephen Hutching said at a meering when leaving for Australia, " It may not ba generally known how it was that myself and my brothers joined tlie Temperance ranks, and then he recited to a large crowded meeting at the Penge Hall the incident that I have related, and how he and his two brothers at this out of door meeting, under these untoward circumstances, each one of the three on the spot pledged themselves, unknown to each other indivi- dually, to become abstainers, and have been so ever since, and he said " You all know the work we ha\'e accomplished, and Ave are now determined to m on in the same in a foreiirn clime if God spares us, amongst strangers. So be encouraged fricnil Gwyer and other workers in the good cause, " In the morning sow thy seed, and in the eve withhold not thy hand." This man was Stephen Hutchings, gardener, of Penge, the man who first wrote asking ilr. Spurgeon to send a student to Penge. Mr. Cox came, who was the instrument used in commencing the cause, and building the tine Pengj Tabernacle. His two brothers are dead, John and Charles, but kept to their pledge till death, and were good workers in the cause. Mr. Hutchings possesses with his family a good quantity of freehold land in Australia, and still carries on the Temperance and Christian work. He is in a good pjsition, and has done a grand work in Australia. At one time, in Penge, he was in such dire distress that I asked a crentle- man for a small gift for him and family. This gentleman gave half a sovereign for him, and afterwards found him a lot of Avork. This gentleman's name may be told here. It was ^Mr. Croaker, an lionoured and beloved deacon for many yeare of the Penge Tabernacle. So we see our influence is not lost even at death, for Mr. Scott being dead yet speaketh. Sow seeds at random where- ever you be. Surely such a life like Samuel's, devoted from early life to the Master's service, is more honourable than wielding aii empire or wearing an earthly crown, unless wearing it in the feav of the Lord, and doing everything for his glory an I the g>od of men. To be honoured of God in being brought to Him in early life, and being instruments of good in leading men throng'. i (lod's grace from darkness to light, for "he that couverteth a sii^ner ieom. the error of his ways, hideth a multitude of sins." ^ 1 J roh.M.S AND rilOSE. ^ly experiences of the late beloved C. H. Spurji^eon, comincnct-d a few weeks after he came to New Park Street Ciiapel. I went to liear liiin preach on Tliurstlay eveiiiiii^s, and continued to hear hiui for nine years, beinj^ eni[)loyed tlien at Messrs. Broad and Sons. I Well remember Mr. W. Olney telling Mr. IJroad •' We have got a young man at New Park Street, who is destined under God to do a remarkable work in the Master's vineyard." "See, said he, if my wonls do not come true." This induced me to go and hear liim preach, and those who remember the old times will bear me out in saying that earnestness was not only marked upon the preacher's utLerances, but solemnity pervaded the whole services. We all felt that " it was none other than the liouse of God, and the very gate of Heaven." Soon, a bitter persecution commenced, and Mr: Spurgeon became the song of the drunkard, and was ■caricatured in the comic papers. By these means his notoriety •extended, and crowds came to hear the young P»aptist preacher. Soon after the building of the Metropolitan Tabernacle I joined their communion, as 1 had a business in Walworth, but soon after left it for Penge, where I stayed till I became nearly the oldest juember of the Penge Tabernacle. AVe first worshipped in the room in Hawthorne Grove, since which two large chapels have been built. Last year the new one at a cost of six thousand pounds, where a large congregation meets, and a good work is being carried on under the ministry of the Rev. J. Wesley Bond. There is now a membership of six hundre 1. f>urely in this we may well say " what has God wrought." " The litt'e " las literally " become a thousand." When Mr. Spurgeon ■came to reside at AVestwood, Beulah Hill, Norwood, I became on very friendly terms with him, and often hal business to do with him or his that brought me into close contact with him. Mr. Spurgeon was one of the wittiest and most friendly gentle- man tliat one could meet. One could not be in his company a minute without feeling quite at home, and he always courted con- versation from one. He was a master of puns, but never of those •which could injure and annoy. I remember once, his taking me "by the arm and leading me to the bottom of his garden at West- uood, and telling me how he came into possession of that house an'd grounds in a most curious way, indeed, most remarkable, which I ai M not at liberty to relate here. SuflRce to say, it was a most wonf.'erful providence, and I know Mr. Spurgeon viewed it in that light. " The privacy of the place won my affections," and now POEMS AND PROSE. 19 he said, " what do you thiak ; the builders are again making inroads upon our home as you see. Tliey have begun to build at the bottom of our garden. I have purchased these plots so that they cannot build at the back of my garden, what do you think is best to be done to make it more private that people may not be looking over ? " "Well," I said, " they all like you, so they all want to look at you, but I should advise you to plant some poplar trees in front of your plots, and they would grow up almost in a night like Jonah's gourd. They would be bare of leaves whilst you are enjoying your second summer at Mentone, and the trees would be richly covered with leaves to shield you and your beloved ■wife from the gaze of the pablic when you are at home, moreover, Mr. Spurgeon, you had better have some apple trees planted so that then you can walk among the apple trees of the wood." "" You are a funny fellow Mr. Gwyer," said he, " As if you were not of the same type," I replied. He received this joke with a hearty laugh, which all who knew him will realise. We walked arm in arm together in his meadow. I remember the spot well, and I should like to commemorate the place in the same way in which Wilberforce's oak was commemorated, when he brought about the abolition of the Slave trade. " Comrade," he said to me, " when I think of all the goodness, mercy, and loving kindness of our God " I am lost in wonder, love, and praise," and all that He has wrought instrumentally through me in this great city and throughout the land amazes me. I am amazed at his taking a countryman from that little village and town of Colchester ;" and as he said it the tears ran down his face and dropped on his boots, and we wept together for very joy. Oh ! the deep humility of that man ; he was ever ready to confess he was most unworthy. Surely I felt like Moses who had to take off his shoes when he saw the bush burning and the place whereon he stood was holy ground, lie could scarcely have felt more than I that this was holy ground. No one was ever more ready than C. H. Spurgeon to give all the glory to God for all the good accomplished. On another occasion we were at AVestwood carting some hay. Mr. and Mrs. Spurgeon were about us off and on all the day, and as we were shaking up the hay together for a short time before carting, as I did not consider it quite ready, he said to me, what- ever you and your men may require to drink there is ginger beer, lemonade, cocoa, tea, coffee, and milk here. If any stronger drink is required you must go to my neighbour ovt-r the way, for 20 POKMS AND PROSE. WO do not «;ive it house-room at Westwood." I said, " Hut how- came this about ? this has not always been your ex|>erieMce respect- ins^ the drink." "Xo," he sivid, " but it hius of late years. I saw- some declensions of ciiurch meml)ers throuirh the drink ; alas^ some in the church of which I am pastor, and I made a solema pledge that I would never touch another drop," a pledge which I believe he kvpt inviolable to the last. He hail no misgiving about their convursioii, but their fall was great all through the drink. Would that all seeing it in the same light would resolve on the same Christian, manly, and heroic way of action ! But still we must not be too harsh. To their own Master they stand or fall as Christ's servants, not under law, but under grace. In the afternoon we were busy carting the hay, and I was pitching the hay from the van to the stack. Mr. Spurgeon said to some one standing by the stack, "Why, how true is the old adage, 'it never rains but it P'jui'r^.' Why, here we are blessed with two poets on one day : there is friend Gwyer on the load of hay, and here comes C.mrleswoi-tli (the Master of Stockwell Oi-phan Home) down the garden." When I had finished, the perspiration was streaming down my face, as it was a very hot day in June. I ssiid, "Mr. Spurgeon, what did you say just now ? " Mr. Charlesworth wivs standing by his side. Wlieu he rej-»eate.l his words, 1 rjulied, '■ Why, Mr. S. I cull this hard prose not poetry, what say you Mr. Charlesworth ? and it strikes me you have something l)esides px^try-writing to do with all those young boys of Mr. Spurge. )n's at the Orphanage." Mr. C. replied, " 1 know I have." ^Ir. Spurgeon joined heartily in the laugh. He then dilated to me on what happened some time ago t ) liiai and Mr. C. in London. They had just got into a hansom cab, when after a little pleasant conversation, Mr. Charlesworth took out some [)aper, which Mr. Spurgeon was in hopes had i)een a legacy left to the Orplianage, when to his dismay he heard it was a poem on himself. (^uick as thought he whipped the paper out of Mr. C.'s hands, and tore it up in front of his lordship, and was in hopes that that would have been the end of it. Xot so, however ; for one night at a large meeting at the Tabernacle, after Mr. Charles- worth had ended his address, this said poem, to Mr. Spurgeon's dismay, came on as a tail-piece. " Why," I said to Mr. S., "did you take the chiiir on this occasion?" He replied, "Yes." "Well, then, I should have called him to order at once as being too personal, and stopped him." But Mr. C. H. S. said, " You s.-e what a pompous gentleman he is. The papers next day would have had displayed in ? ._ ■m:^m3JMKii^ MA.PLE ROAD PENCE ■« s,^^,^^,'; ^":^,^:;^^^ ;.^ See Page 11. POEMS AND PIIOSK. 21 large type, " An unseemly qnanel at tlie Tabernacle last night, between Mr. C H. Spui'geon and the Headmaster of the 8tockwell Orphanage. This would have been must unseendy would it not, so 1 was obliged to let him finish it." Two months ago at West Cowes Regatta I met Mr. Charlesworth, with a IJaptist minister, and taking a short walk with them, spoke of this occurence and of pleasant times we had together with the dear departed, and Mr. Charlesworth inade the remark, " Just like him Mr. Gwyer, we shall never behold his like again, shall we, we both knew more of him than some folks." I do not know how I have been led into this strain of writing on Mr. Spurgeon, but I think it may be more interesting to some of my readers than my own history. Let that be as it may it rests agreed that I put what I like into my own book, so I will continue a little more with these, my most delightful recollections of the friend whom I so greatly loved, and who through grace I look some day to greet in the New Jerusalem. I had "collected a goodly sum for many years for the Stockwell Orphanage, nearly all in pence, through the medium of my rhymes, and when taking, I think £2 to ilr. C. H. S. one afternoon. Miss Thome told me he wanted to see me round in the library. This happened to be a Thursday afternoon, and I saw his notes in front of him and was reminded that it ^A^s his preaching night. He told me to take a seat close by him and shook my hand heartily. His two secretaries were sitting at the large table. He said to me, " Why, you must be known as well as I am, to collect all the money in pence that you do for our Orphanage." "Oh no," I said " it is your Institution that draws it." '• Not a bit of it," he said, "unless they knew you they would not give it," so you see he would not take the praise. " Be that as it may, so we work and you receive, to the Lord be the praise." " Do you ever have any unpleasant remarks made respecting these collections." " Well, very rarely, as the roughest men I think believe that it all goes in the channel collected for, and many of this class give me a penny." ''Well," Mr. Spurgeon said, " if there is a word said, shall I tell where I think it comes from, is it not from your own tradesmen." "Yes," the other day I called upon a draper, he said he would give me something, BUT ! « Well," I said, " what is the But to do with ? " " Well," he said, " you must have a motive for all this collecting that is made each year." I said he was quite right, I had ; "But how," said he, '22 POl'MS AMU IMlOSh;. am I to know that it irocs for that object." ""Who do von donbt, Mr. Sjmri:voii, the Institution or myself ?" '* Xo, not exactly in that way," he said, " hut you nnist do it to get trade or notoriety." l>ut 1 had that without it, and if so tliat had not to do witli him, as motives which are luiseen are unknown, but the work is seen and known. " Well," I said, "I do not want YOUR peimy," and a happy thought came into my mind. " Do yon know how you cm get a good advertisement ?" "Xo," he sai(L "Til tell you then ; wlienever a lady comes to buy a silk dress mai'ked in your winih)w at live or si.\ pounds, and a hat at twenty or thirty shillings and has jtaid for them, kindly pull her sleeve as sluj passes the do(n- and say, 'Excuse nie madam,! know how libeial yuur heart is towards the poor, I have a collecting paper, and should like to see your name with the others on it,' and tlieii she would go and tell others what a liberal hearted man vou are, and vou would have your sh(j)) crowded with customers buying ymir silk divss material, and hats and other things, all through your kindness and liberality, as the public would think nmcli of you and are always so fond of giving." jNIr. Spurgean after a hearty laugh at my recital said, "that served him well right." ""Well now" Mr. S. said, "allow me to congratulate you on your last poem." I looked around and saw a pleasant twinkle in liis eye, and thought to myself what's on the board now, as a short time before he had told ^Ir. Sanuiel, pastor of the I'enge 'J'abcr- nacle, " that if I could write i)oems as I sell potatoes, I should make a mark in the world, and my rhymes are not exactly like the Irishman who could only play two tunes on his litldle ; when he had done one he said, do you want to hear t'other?" I said, " what poem Mr. Sian-geoni'" He said, "On thj liulwarks of Old England," calling up Tennyson, "How is it you wrote that, I consider it very gooil, the l)est I have seen of yours, by all means send it to Alfred (meaning the then Poet Laurtate). I stood t;i> and asked ^Ir. S to rub that little praise well in between my >lionld;'r blades, as his jiraise like oil was running down my back deliglilfidly. 1 turned round and saw that his luce shook with laughter, in which his two secretaries joined lieartily, then he said '• you know ilr. (Jwyer, I only say what I think, and by all means send it to Alfred." He knew 1 shoidd get a letter l)ack fi'um him, which would do me good in business ; for asking me if I had sent afterwards, on my replying " Xo," he said, " You have done wrong." He had an eye for our temporal, as well as our POEMS AND PUOSE. 23 spiritual good. Afterwards I sent the verses I had written on Mr, Spurgeon's decease, and received from Lord Tennyson a very nice letter in reply. One day ^Irs. Spurgeon sent to 'Ail)le I conM lind none. Oh, how I wisheac'.i beJroom in every hotel an I lod;iinLi' iioiise was suppliel with a copy of God's holy word. Jj)okin in (iod's hands of l)i-ini;in,!^ divine liirht to dear Mr. 8pQrgeoii. AVhen lal)onrin<>- under a dee]> conviction of sin he enteivd a little Primitive Methodist C'iiapcl near Colchester, and tljis text was given ; It was, " jj >ok unto Me, and he ye saved all the ends of the earth." Hj lojke I l)y faith t'la' S:ind';iy morning, and received the adojttion of s,)n>lii]». " iH'inii;- justified l)y faith, he Lad peace with God, through our l.or 1 desus Clnist." I am continuing notes, 1) it a'.n now writing in a hedroom in the John li. Gongli Temperance Hotel, Sandgate, which was Luilt to commemorate the great orator and re^-aimel drunkard, mIio laid one of tlie stones in the wall on the oUth anniversary of his first leaving KSairlgate. "What hope for any desponding one there is in this. If such a man could be saved, not only from t!ie drink but from sin by God's grace, and snatched "as a l)rand from the burning," surely all can be saved who are brought to see their own sinfulness. What thousands were reclaimed from both drink and other sin by liis instrumentality. I myself l)ecame an abstainer through hearing his graphic and thrilling lecture at Exeter Hall thirty-eight years ago, and continued so for three years, but having signed no pledge and not attending other temi)erence meetings, when an attack of illness came upon me I again took moderate stimulants, but never to excess. The unfaithfulness of an abstaining friend, ^vho, on my expressing a desire for stout instead of dissuading me, actually sent out for it, largely contributed to this regrettable declension. Ten years after I became an abstainer fully pledged; signing Avith a man that often gave way to excessive drinking that I might stand by him. He was an intelligent Scotchman, and I know for years, as long as he \\as in my knowledge he kept the pledge. roj:.Ms AXD PROSE. 27 I hare iijver regretted this step, it having tavnecl out to be a great s ifeg-aard in many tempratioiis, and a more powerful example to others tiian I could have otherwise shown. There is a little house near here, opposite to the spot where GougM was b.jni, and in tiie wall is a stone bearing this inscription^ JOHX B. GO UGH, Tejiperaxce Orator, Born 22nd August, 1817, in a cottage near this spot ; Died in America, 18th February, 1886. In the " J. B. Gough " Temperance Hotel, above one hundred people slept on the occasion of the Sandgate Landslip, by the kindness of the raan;r-er. Verses on this event may be seen in this book, which realizjJ seventeen shillings and sixpence for the Sandgate Fund, and a iii-:e amount for the Liberator Fund, in pence as cjUected by their circulation. This affair, sad as it was, took place without loss of a single life, a fact which seemed to us at the time little short of the miraculous, and CO many others too who witnessed the sad havoc made at the time. I liappened to be at Sandgate at the time of the Guy Fawkes Carnival, 18'JJ:, which on account of rain had to be postponed a day. Coming home from the Carnival, on entering the Hotel and coming into convei'se with a Balaclava hero, bearing the name of the missionary " Martyr of Erramango," John Williams, I found he was seventy-eight years of age, and^had enlisted in t'.ie Sappers' and Miners", on January lUth, 1840 ; afterwards incorporated with the Royal Engineers ; the Duke of Cambridge, after the Crimean War, bringing this about with the remark that these men knew as much as the Koyal Engineers. He was before enlisting by trade, a stonemason, and had also learnt the art of diving. A vessel was sunk outside Balaclava harbour during a gale in 1854, blocking the entering of our vessels. He was orderel to go down and cut the mast which he did. He has been a pensioner for thirty-one years, and has also been a ])rominent member of the " United Service" Good Templar Lodgv, Xo. 2,2.'Jo, founded in 1871, ever since it was formed, going tin-ough all its oifices. He with his wife also Buffered by the landslip. His wife being an invalid was kindly cared for by the station-master of Sandgate. She has since died in the Infirmarv at Folkestone. 28 poi;m.s a.njj ruusE. I Wii'^ soi'iy to liL'.ir tluit tliis old ami valued servant of our nation is only in tlic receipt of five shillings weekly, u fact 1 was told, not by liinisolf, Imt l»y a ijcntlenian. Not enoniijli to keep body anil soul toi,a't!ier. I liopj this pulilieiiy may make things easier for the aged saint for tiie few years, perliaps months, that he may remain in this world. I heard he is in connection with a Christian church. After a few years, comin*:; from the Crimea he received his pension and was jtut on at Shoi'iicliire camp as tiie manager and inspector of the araius, and supe;inLended tlie whole of the drainage of the camp. About four years ago Oeneral Nicholson was inspecting the Com- pany and the works of Shorncliil'c, as he was Inspector (ieneral of Fortilications, Head of the Kugineers. Tiie General was afterwards promoted to be (rovern-u- ol' (lihralia-, b;it has since. died. MceJng Williams he said, " Oil I "' and took hold of his hand and shalive the same amount to vou." So he got all the guns up. After taking Bomersonnfis he came back to England, and quickly went liack to the Crimean War, after fonr days. In this time the experiment before related took place. The Admiralty had made arra!;geraents witli the j rinci[!al Whitstable diver, Mr. Dean, to go out and blow uj) the Ihissian ships that were in the way of our ship? getting to Selia-tapool Harbour. The engineers wonld not give <)\vr the (li\inL; appaiatus to the Admiralty until AVilliams came home to try thuse 'j.^periments. INfr. Dean suav the experiment at AVoolwich and said to him, *' Where did you learn this." He said, " it must be a very poor Sapper that docs not underotand that," and the officers turned their backs and burst out laughing and said, " This is liow we bloiv Tip all our fortifications," and Dean said, " I could not do better myself." " Then tell me where you learnt the, diving?" "Over the wreck of the Koyal George at Spithoad." "What," said Dean, "under General Paisley ;" " Yes, Sir, he was my com- manding officer at the time." " And did you know me there 1 " *' Yes, Sir, a blowing up a ship, the Southsea Castle, and you nearly blew us out of the water." And Dean said, "Yes! yes! yes ! I know it well, and we used to hoist the flag." Williams also told me an incident which occured in the trenches at Sebastapool. A bomb shell falling near him, he laid flat down on the ground ; the bomb bursting actually tore up the earth and covered him over. His comrades thought he was killed, but when he was uncovered they found him unhurt, and he continued his fighting in the trenches. One day when instructing some men in the ait of diving with his apparatus, going down flrst in the Sebastapool Docks to show them how. to his surprise on feeling about, he found a cannon on ■wheels with the horses harness attached. They drew it up with 30 POKMS AXD PllOSE. ropes ho jMit roun in tlpir haste mn^t hnve unharnessed the horses ami escaped, runniii;^' the ouniDU into tlie ^vaters of tlie dock, to keep it from the clutclms of our avniy. Williams said that this incident served him well, twenty-iive years after^ at Shorncliffe camp. 'J"ho mnjor's servant came to him one day as he was at work, and asked liim if he knew anything about diving. " Why do you ask that," hi' said. -'Is your nam.' AVilliamsi" "Yes." '* Then you are the man these officers have been reading about in tlie Journal of the Crimea, liow you found a cannon." Ever after this the}' seemed to regard him in a ditl'erent light. I slu)uld like to describe a Sunday T spent at Bournemouth, December Sri, l89i. I penned some verses on "The Sal)l)ath Dawn" in the early morning, and then I wended my way to the Eichniond Hill Congregational Church, where the eloquent Rev. Oasiau Davios ministers to a most aristocratic congregation. The cliurch is one of the finest and prettiest that I have ever seen. It is lighted by electric light. I attended the morning prayer meeting before the service, at wliich the pastor presided. There earnest supplications were made on behalf of all church ■workers and chuiches. We listened to a thrilling discourse on the text "The fool hath said in his heart there is no God.", The preacher said he must be rightly designated in tlie face of all that we see in nature, provi- deuce and grace. He told of an Inlidel dining with a Christian ; the sceptic remarked, " how nice this pudding is." " Well," said the Christian, '* it has had no cook, according to your principles." "You say this beautiful earth came by chance, without a creator." He said, you might as well say St. Paul's Cathedral and West- minster Abbey and such places, have been built without architects or builders." Altogether it was a most profitable time. We then wont through the Golf ground that had been opened on the Wednesday of my arrival. This ground occupies about seventy acres of heathy common laml, which with another eighty acres luul been made over to the Corpniation of iJourncmouth, by Sir George Meyrick, the Lord of tlie ^lanor, after paying out the various men who exercised common rights on the land. The Cor- poration liad si)eiit about twidve thousand pounds in making roads^ laying ouc ihe ground, ['ianiing shrub.-i and building. poE-ALs AND PKosK. :'r The Corporation being allowed to sell nine thousand pounds- worth of the land, fur the pui'pose of meeting' the expenses, surely the £3,000 has been well e :pended and will bring into Bournemouth. athletics of every de^ciption, for they are now making cricket and- football grounds on part of the other eighty acres. This will take the point from the remark I heard made at ^Margate recently, viz : — that B jarnemouth was greatly composed of sick folk in Bath chairs ;. but we ought to remember that they were there from other places, to enjoy the healing Ijalm of Bournemonth and recruit their health. Wending my way tarouga the golf ground, I came on the right to Bournemouth Cemetery, where the silent dust remains in quiet and ease from strife. We could not but admire this cemetery, a prettier one we never saw. Here lies much that was beautiful in life, and now in death is surroundeiby beauty. Here everyone should pay a visit ; it may remind them of their last earthly home, and may show them life is so brief in which to do all the kinlly acts that they can do for their fellows. •' So let us live that we may dread, The grave as little as our bed." Entering the Cemetery, one sees on each side of the roadway,, about fifty of the most beautiful monkey trees I have ever seen. There is a beautiful shrubbery and firs and pines growing in all their profusion. The cemetery Church is one of the finest and largest ; as forsooth everything in Bournemouth is fine.. I am like the Americans, fond of large things, but in monetary matters, I am more like Southampton in the doggrell rhyme following, which I heard a short time ago : — *' Bomsey on the mud, Southampton on the stones. Romsey eats the meat, Southampton picks the bones." Not very complimentary for Southampton. If this verse had been quoted in verses on the •' Beauties of Southampton," we perhaps should have had the " kick out," so we had better let it be here, but not because they do not eat meat at Bournemouth. The butchers' shops were laid out on Friday as though the bones would take a lot of picking before they were seen. I then, wending my way to Boscombe, began to find dinner had been forgotten, and searching my pockets, found a slice of bread 32 POEMS AND PROSE. and l)uUt.r and tliivc aiiplt-s, and really had a sumptuous dinner in this humhlo ivpasL which I enjoml, havinjT the best of sauce, even better than HentleyV, in a keen apjietite which made a remarkable Tclish. Findinj,^ myself at Boscomlie Salvation Army Barracks, and seeiii;4 the color-serurant with the tiivj; I asked if I mi army, and found l:e was one of their soldiers, having been converteil through their instrumentality. He told me that seven years ago, he with others went to disturb the meeting held by two young female cajjtains, hut the Lord met him, convinced him of sin, and saved his soul. We meet many such cases when going through the country. iMav the Lord bless them as He has done m all their work and labor of love. It was pleasing to know this' soldier was standing true to las colours, though gone to seek employment elsewhere. After taking tea with a respected friend, late of Cpton Park, Loiuhiii. I came back to Bournemouth and heard a talented and fluent P.aptisL miiiistei-, reminding me of tl;e old days at Park Street when C. 11. Spui'jvoii tir.-t i egan his ministry. He was the Rev W :Minihe, late of the Pastors' Colleo-e. We did hear that an aristocratic London Church had been trying to decoy this young pastor to more lu.Kurious pasturage. Sheep stealing seems to me bad POElI-5 AND PROSE. 35 enougl], but when officers of churches flagrantly try and steal by^ siiiful pelf the shepherd of the flock, when he is doing a grand work in the sphere in which he is working, the sin ought to be well punished, if they are not hung for it, as men used to be for stealing our four-legged sheep. This somewhat unsettled the IDCople, but we hear to the pastor's credit he has withstood the temptation, and is still to remain, till God pleases, the pastor of Lans downe Baptist Church, Bournemouth. They are contemplating building a larger church, and friends will do well to assist them in their strtiggles, as they are crowded out, being packed like bloaters jii a case. Mr. Minifie preached a sermon from the ten lepers, only one return- ing to give thanks, and he a Samaritan. He said the most unlikely got saved, and those who were the greatest sinners generally showed the most gratitude to the dear Saviour for their cure, "hence tO' night there might be the poor drunkard, or the great sinner who had gone deep into sin, who would return like the Samaritan, to- give thanks for the Divine healings, while the most moral and self righteous Pharisee would be amongst the nine. The w^hole sermon was fraught with useful lessons of gospel truth. The Lord's Supper was celebrated after the service, and all through, the day was full to overflowing of spiritual blessing. Some eight years ago I had the removing of a family from Penge to Lyme Regis in Dorsetshii-e. "We had some four miles to go from Axminster Station. It was in the month of May, and the country looked in its prime. Three out of the four miles was up hill, and as we looked back over Devonshire, with its hills and vales, its rivers and woods, and green fields of corn, and meadows- with grazing cattle, Devonshire lay as a panorama of beauty before us, and we realized God's work in nature as excellent. The birds were singing their songs of grateful praise, and gratitude- seemed stamped on all around. When at the top of this hill, looking down into the placid waters of Lyme Regis, with a background of hills, we saw Devonshire in all its pristine spring beauty, whilst in front were miles of ex- pansive blue sea, forming a sight most beautifid to behold on that spring evening. After we had finished our removal the next day^ we were intent to see all we could of the place. Picking otit an elderly man from about a dozen fishermen, I said, " Here my friend, take a walk with a stranger to this neighbour- POEMS AND I'UOSE. lioo.l this eveiiini;," not o!f .'riii'^' hi u iinythini^, aivi ho accompanied nie at once. I t.ioiv^^'.it of tie M i>tei', as II.; callel His disciples from the craft, ami sai^l to Peter, "" Follow ^le, and I will make you Ushers of men." My old fisherman was about Go years of a;j;e, He told me how the waters had made inroads into the land since he ivas a boy, he liaving been l);)rn there. He took me to a p )int, and showed me where acres of land one morning' tundj'.ed into the sea, and a roal that was not allowed to be used by any heavy tralHc for some years past, for fear it would do as the land in Sandj^ate did. He showed me the corner of a ■churchya/d that, ha I alrea ly one morniuLi' deposited several coffins into tile sea buneath. So at s;>me parts of our coast the land recedes, while at other places the sea gives way to the growing land. As we travelled along together, I asked him if he had by grace found the road to Heaven yet, and was he on it ; '• No," he said, " but he had a great desire to get on." I told him t!ie royal road to Heaven was repjntance towards God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. I found he attended the Baptist church, and his brother, he said, "wa^ aCiiristian and a chapel keeper of the same church. We theu ■came upon s,)me stalwart fine looking fellows. Never imagining they were lifeboat men, I picked out the oldest and said, *' My friend, the stream of life is getting narrow for you, have you yet found the heavenward road ?" " Thank ftod I have, for many years," was his frank reply, " ask my men if I have not." He had been the Captain of the lifeboat for many years, and had with his ■crew been the nuan-i of saving many a shipwrecked mariner, and I found th_'y were nearly all total abstainers. To hear some people talk you might supp jse that no one could face the storm but those "who drank spirituous liqours, but this is a fallacy, as in the lifeboat crew at Eastbourne there are many abstainers as here ; we conclude all could be so if tht-y chcie, and all would be far better without the lii'e water than with it. Then I commenced a Gospel Temperance address, and got a good many listeners of the well to do sort as there were many there. A barrister who heard, said he was so much intereste I in our address, that he must give a friendly word, which he did. It was quite a treat to hear his oratory and pungent s])eech. A collection was then made for the Lifeboat Institution, and about £1 Os. subscribed, a soverign of which was given by the banister, so we were enabled ito do a little in the good work even though on business. The next POEJIS AND PROSE. morning we went off by the coacli foi- tlie station, and left Lyme Eegis and sweet Devonshire behind fur the dingy London smoke. The father of the Duchess of Eiinburgh, tlie then Czar of Paissia, paid a visit to this country in the year 1874. Coming up the ri\-er Thames, his vessel got aground near Gravesend, which mishap impeded his landing on British soil for several hours. As we were waiting at AVindsor for the royal train to arrive, I improved ih^ time by giving a Gospel Temperance address in Windsor Park to a goodly and attentive audience, mostly aristocrats and well to do people. A gentleman present, who was a New York banker, gave me his card, and invited me to visit him, if ever I went across the *' herring pond " to America. I Lold him the only thing that would pre\enr, my doing so was the lack of the dust that i saw by his card he dealt in. This temperance a Idress did me good service some years after. A lady stopped nie wjien I was out with my van, and sai*I to me, '• Will you tell i\lr. Gwyer to call upon me, my address is in the Crvstal Palace Road," at the same time giving me her address. *' Tell him, he will remember giving a Temperance address some years ago, in A\'indsor Park, prior to the arrivai of the Czar of Russia. I was amongst his appreciative hearers, and told my husband how I had been interested in his address, and how, if ever we went to li\e near the Crystal Palace we would be customers to him." I said, " Yes madam, I remember it well." '• bat," said she, "surely you are not the gentleman I heard.' "Well," I said, " My name is Gwyer, and I remember giving the address you speak of." She then became a customer, and continued as long as she lived in that neighbourhood. My friend, Mr. Baker, now of Southend, and I, conductcl a Gospel Temperance Open Air Meeting one Sunday afternoon, in Prince Arthur Road, lieckenliam, many years ago, to an audience mostly composed of brickmakers, navvies, and men of that sort. Amongst the crowd were several lads, who listened very attentively as I described a christian teetotal home, with all its joy and comforts. I told them God was able to change the hearts of any of their fathers or mothers, who by sin Avere depriving their children of these things, if only the lads would ask Him in faith to do so. One lad unknown to me, took me at my word, and asked God to save his father, who was a drunkard, and we must not say surprising to relate, his father a short time after was brought to attend a Primi- tive Methodist Chapel, and got savingly cou\'erted and became an 3G poems and I'UOSK. abstainer, aivl the eliililivn ex[)iTieiicerl tliat my spread. Our upward thoughts to God thus led. 'With merchandise its ships did see ; Those migiity towns upon the sea. And from their funnel left in line Their long and smoky vapours fine; To Watt's mind while yet a boy, Which gave him then the greatest joy, This latest power of steam not know^n, The kettle lid revealed alone. George Stephenson the railway king, We ever must his praises sing ; Now what without this mighty force Could guide these great Leviathan's course| But still a providence most kind Revealed it to the youngster's mind. One vessel bound for London Town, Now others gliding channel down. P'rhaps one for China or Japan, Or to Egypt for the Soudan. The fishing smacks they spread about, And singing boatmen too were out. The mansions large they towered high, And hazy clouds sped long the sky. The marine gardens promenade, A pleasant sight it truly made ; Some lodging houses fine and tall, Were built just neath the sandy wall. These homelike residences seen. 88 FOLKESTON'C. Are slieltered from the cold winds koen. Beforti \vc quit this lovely spot, W'hicli now two hours has been our lot, At lifeboat house jist built we stay A pleasant \isit tu it pay. It has seven hundred pounds just cost, We know this money wcMi't l)e lost. The Lifeboat i? a ladies' j^ift, To save poor mariners adrift, While Folkstone promises to pay A.II future debts incurretl ihis way. Lifeboats round our sea girt isle, Shows lovinj^ deeds in best of style; Our nwble lifeboat crews so brave, Save m.my from a watery grave. Lci's send our contribution ih'-n, To cheer these brave and va.iaiit men ; One other thing on beach we se fl 1;,' stones we h ive rhymed ; Then ninety-nine w^; tra\elled o'er, And sixty-six put down before. In climbing up a steepened hill, W^e use our energy and skill, Now here's a seat and down we sit For rest we want, a little b:t. Our Saudgate rhyme we g ive to one, And now will tvll wnat it has duae: A gentleman was passing by — As on the Leas we stepped up high, Our rhyme of Saudg ite g ive to hi:n, It did from hi.u a shiiliu;.; r.in. We're tempted now to tell his natne, FOLKESTOXE. 39 And us we hope he will not blame ; He lives by death, suffice to say, By burying those who pass away. For his kind act and deed we'll praise, And when are stopped our humble lays, This our wish when passed from here. He'll bury our remains with care. We asked his name, he Handbrook gave. And kindly to us did behave, His mansion on the Leas can sse, In front of the wide rolling sea, If you the beach to Sandgate walk, And with companion you should talk, The sight you'll find a pretty one, At least we found it beat by none. There cabbages so large did grow, Near sea, with ebbing tides that flow, They did potatoes dig in May, We saw them as we passed that day. We must not touch on Sandgate here. We've shed before the falling tear; But still we hope there's brighter store. Reserved for it than heretofore ; God works by means that's sometimes strange, Disasters oft he doth arrange. To teach us lasting good each day, That we may trust the Lord alway ; And when our troubles blind our eyes, Our faith shall know His purpose wise. Now since we wrote the rhyme above, We know full well that God is Love ; We heard from some, two months ago, The darkened cloud did rainbow show. An ornament the pier doth stand, Victoria's name much loved, so grand ; One Penny is the only charge. To visit it and walk at large. We could write many verses more; For we have lots of rhyme in store. Of Folkstone and its healthy clime, And mansions large could put in rhyme. The truth of all, you sure will find. And Folkstone people very kind. 40 DISASTROUS SLIP AT SANDGATE. THOUGHTS SUGGESTED BY SEEING THB DISASTROUS SLIP AT SANDGATE. i ^ I We oft are awed witli trembling fear When gazing on some trouble near, But unbelief hides light from view, Of mercies that are ever new. A pretlier view could scarce be found Than Sandgate's scenery miles around ; The hills protect from Northern wind, The bracing sea-breeze suits mankind. Alas ! the 5th of Alarch, at eight, The people were in greatest strait ; The earth began to move and quake, And many hearts seemed like to break. With anxious fear — what does it mean ?— As out their houses miny came, The walls they cracked, and ceilings fell, And many now the story tell. If it had been a midnight scene Far greaicr had the horror been ; For if they all had gone to bed Most likely some would now be dead I A little girl did lose her sight (So we were told) on that dread night, No other accident occured, A miracle, indeed, we heard. The John B. Gough's Hotel, they said, Found many folk a nice, warm bed ; And all the friends most kindly sought To shelter neighbours, as they ought. In God's kind providence there's room To praise His Nanie amid the gloom I For, wliile exposed to dangers many, No sudden death occurred to any. HERNE BAY. 41 To Sandgate send a brighter day, Though this disaster shades their way; May cheerful givers aid their loss, To help them bear their heavy cross. If John B. Gough had been alive He would have helped the funds to thrive; For ^ood he did — his birthplace there — In gratitude his place we'll share. Our Queen subscription, too, has sent, Her heart is always kindly bent. With tender sympathy and care — God spare her long to us down here ! The rirh will send a generous gift, To give the sufferers a kind lift ; The poor will give their humble mite, To light the shadow of the night. WRITTEN ON THE BEACH AT HERNE BAY. I sat upon the pebbly beach, To hearken what the sea would teach, It taught me lessons rich and rare, •Of Gud's kind providence and care. The rolling waves and ebbing tide. And calm and spray, and storm beside, Reveal God's wisdom, grace and love, Which shine resplendent from above. And as I gazed across the sea, — I'll tell the lessons it taught me ; The changing scenes of life, at best, Are like the tide — they have no rest. Close there the children build with sand, A garden planned, like one on land, 'r But soon the tide will sweep away The efforts of their childish play. ,^- 42 ruixcE ALiiii::T victor. So like tlic cliildron playing there, W'e buiUl our castk-s in the air, Till down tlit-v come witli such a dash, And ail our castles gone to smash. Is there another lesson tauglit Of house that's built upon a rock. How storms antl tempests rage in vain. Yet safely doth the house remain. " So I by Faith in Christ shall stand, All otlier ground is sinking sand ; His righteousness my only plea, And that He lives and died for me." IN MEMORIAM OF THE LATE PRINCE ALBERT VICTOR DUKE OF CLARENCE, Bora January 8th, 1S64. Fell asleep January 14th, 189a. The fourteenth of this month we mark, A cloud fell grim, and black, and dark, And like a pall it hung that day, When Albert Victor passed away. The paper decked in mourning spoke, To those whose hearts were nearly broke, Of him who late we did esteem, Whose sad departure seemed a dream. O Lord in pity hear the cry — We know that Thou art ever nigh, Thine ear is listening to the prayer ; Of all who cast on Thee their care. ' To those whose loving hearts are riven, ' May Thy snpporting grace be given, Heal their bereaved hearts, we pray. Be, Lord, the parents help and slay. PRIXCE ALBBET VICTOR. 43 And while in pitying thought to-day, We pray for those bereaved who stay, A darkened Palace home to mourn, The loss of him who's from them torn. Those bitter pangs and trials given, Be ladder steps to lead to Heaven, May tV^y be sanctified by grace, And Lad us all to seek Thy face. The sisters and tlie brothers too. Their sweet affection ever true. This sad bereavement such a grief. Lord only Thou canst give relief. For his beloved, betrothed bride, Who looked to be his joy and pride ; We pray she may supported be In all her bitter agony. Our Queen beloved, her trials great. May she in prayer with patience wait ; Cheer thou her h;art, O Lord we pray Her failh be strong on this dark day. ^^ The Nation mourns with loyal heart, In tender s\ mpathetic part. Condoling Royal hearts bereaved, And prays that soon they'll be relieved. Albert Victor loved his mother, Father, sisters, and his brother; Affection great marked here his stay, Was kind disposed in every way. His resolution formed was high, To do the right, he said he'd try ; . And at the Blac'King School did say. Clean boots the best, my boys each day. Although the Nation reckoned here, - < Upon his head the crown he'd wear, j We hope that bright upon his brow, The Saviour's crown is shining now. """^vw^ ■». 44 t:ie r )Yal mahriagc. Blest Jesus wipe the scalding tear, Which on their cheeks will sure appear, Wlien vi.sitin;4 tlie silent tomb, And with Tiiy light remove the gloom. Thou who did'st weep at Lazarus' grave, Jesus so mighty still to save, Speak to eacli soul and gently say I am Thy life, Thy t.aili, Thy way. And while the Nation mourn with those \N'hose promised joys are turned to woes, For ever)' worn anJ tear-siauicd lace, We asked the Father's iuve and grace. 17th January 1S92. THE ROYAL ^L\RRL\GE, Of His Royal Highness tlie Duko o{ York, to Her Serene Highness Princess May of Teck, on Thursday, July 6th, 1893. The Duke of York, in nuptial ties. Is bound to Princess ^Iay, The joyful news resounding flies, The empire's various way. A happy life we wish them both, And may they long be spared To prove the virtue of their troth, Their confidence is shared. With health of body and of mind, , Give pleasant times we pray; Lord grant them this, for Thou art kind, And guide them in Thy way. The good man's portion may they share— ' Sweet children round their board, May they be free from pain or care, - With blessings from the Lord. THE KOYAL MARRIAGE. 45 His parents we respect ahvay ; both Prince and Princess too ; The parents of our Princess May, Give Lord a blessing true. Our gracious Queen's great hearr of love Is deeply touched we know, £ And for lier children's c.'iildren strove Her loving care to show. i Her s\ mpathy doth mt there end, bht; loves her siil>j -cts so, Thit wlien calauiuies attend Her purse strings quickly go. The fireworks, fi le, in grand array, bliow fortli the joy we led ; Mav cht-eriul tidings greet iiieir way, 'JNlid future woe or wt al. The nation joins in jabiiant song To wi^h them cheerful glee, Anii hopes in distant future long The Duke our King to see. Along the route are mottoes grand, God bless the happy pair, Long may they live m this our lanu. Thou God of Bethel hear. The Prince and Princess, bless, O Lord! The Duke and Duchess both, Give to them all a cheery word. And to the pair betrothed. God bless our gracious Queen, we pray, Spare long her life to reign, Impart great joy to her ahvay, If this Thy will contain. John Bull's old England, join in one, Kind greeting give we all ; " From mansions to the tot there's none But blessings on them fall. " .. 46 THE FUTURE UEU\. Most costly presents, too, were sent Witli gitts and jewels rare. For rich and poor, they both were bent To showtlie love they bare. No Royal W'eddinpj ever had More links of lovin;^ chord, With loud acclaim we're sure 'tis clad Willi blessings from the Lord. Upon the Royal heads, we pray, Heaven's benediction rust, To Bridegroom and to Princess May, God give that which is best. May they so live 'mid honours here, To seek for heaven above ; Come joy to them or sorrow's care, Be cheered with Jesu's love. Then when earth's race by them is run ; (Life's schooling days soon glide), May they each hear Christ say : " Well done, In heaven with me abide." THE BIRTH OF THE FUTURE HEIR TO THE THRONE OF GRE.\T BRITAIN. The bells rang out most merrily All o'er the country cheerily, To tell an infant Prince was born, Who may some day the crown adorn. From Richmond Park the news was spread, Tiiroughout the worUl it soon was read, The cannon loud did shake the earth, To greet the Royal infant's birth. God bless, we pray, the mother dear, Guard Thou the babe with Thy great care, Each may Thy providence preserve, And may both live Thy cause to serve. ilAEY AXN TIPPLE. 47 The telegrams were sent with speed, The telephone was much in need, The papers sent the news abroad To rich and poor, countess and lord. For wheresoever you may call. You find the Duchess loved by all ; Here kindly feeling won her fame When Princess May was still her name. The Duke as father now we know, In him a parent's love doth show, His wife and son, so very dear. He always now will love and cheer. The mother's Ducal mother bless, Blest Jesus, with Thy righteousness; She knows that faith's a greater gem Than any earthly diadem. The Prince and Princess bless we pray. Now their grandson is born to-day ; May gratitude their hearts inspire To live with aims both true and higher. Our gracious Queen both true and good, We long her love have understood ; God bless we pray our noble Queen, Long be her line in safety seen. For all their honours incomplete, Unless they prize Thy mercy-seat, And though temptation them assail, Thy grace for them will never fail. June 25th, 1S94. IN MEMORIAL OF MARY ANN TIPPLE, AGED 43 YEARS, Who passed away December 5th. 1893, and was buried in Grays New Cemetery, December nth, who left nine children to mourn her luss. Their mother's landed now in heaven, Her bark to harbour safe is driven ; While here encountered many a stoim, But now is safe from any harm. 48 ilOLUNK.MOLTU GAUUEXS. She ne'ei could think so short her stay, Behind the loved ones passed away ; But Jesus took her home in love, To dwell wuh liini and them above. The children nine now left behind, Who mourn bereaved both parents kind, The Lord will give His helping hand, This promise guod for ever siand. riind up their hearts by G Head's balm, T.ieir griefs assuage, tiieir sorrows calm, Give them, O Lord, Thy grace we pray, r'rovide and guide them all their way. And though they mourn kind mother gone, .\nd Father loved whose race Is done, A brother late so true and brave Was drowned beneath the ocean's wave. Raise up for these bereaved, O Lord, Helpers, according to Thy word, Tnc widow and the fatherless, And orphans Thou \vilt ever bless. WRITTEN IN BOURNEMOUTH GARDENS. While travelling for T. H. Bentley & Co. The feathered songster's notes rang sweet, The blackbird's song our ears did greet, It dipt it's wings in flowing brook, It's plum ige beautiful did look. The Rhododendrons all in bloom. In Bournemouth gardens there is room And scope for sweet poetic muse, Grand thoughts of nature to infuse. The trees, and varied shrubs looked green. Sweet coloured May and flowers were seen ; To those in search of vigorous health, jf The pines are full of odourous wealth. IX :sieaioriam:. 49 That June's Lord's day will ever be, Loved for its song-bird melody ; The river Bourne's bright waters clear, Will long remain to us so dear. The river pictured hfe to us, Amid its worry and its fuss, Our life stream glideth swiftly by, Into the sea of eterniiy. So teach us Lord while here we stay. Like this bright stream do good each day. That when our voyage here is past, We may find peace in heaven at last. lOth June, 1894. IN MEMORIAM. Verses penned through paying a visit to the graveof a brother Forester, beloved — the late Mr. Thomas Deadman, who died on Easter Sunday, and was buried In Beckenham Old Church- yard on Friday, April 22nd, 1892, and who had also been a respected neighljour for upwards of twenty years, and was much respected by all who knew him. His late beloved wife was buried in the same grave 15 years ago. A brother Forester lies here ; A friend so true and neighbour dear. We've known for twenty years or more — Till now his life's short journey's o'er. His wife some fifteen years ago Much loved, he lost, a crushing blow. But as in life they both were one, They're joined in death beneath this stone. So life's short journey soon is done ; It's fleeting moments quickly run : God give us grace to live aright, And shed abroad His Spirit's light. •0 IX MEMORIAM- By his f^rave side we slicd a tear His voice seems sounding in our ear; Our lives are short it seems to say, — And all are passing swift away. AfTection's tribute on this mound ; Encircling wreaths which fade around Yf-,t show tlie love that's followed thee, W'iii bless thy loving memory. To rhyme the wishes here we'll try, Though sad at heart we heave a sigh ; Here's one " our loving tribute pay, To our dear Father this dark day." Little Willie has shown his love He had for Grandpa now above; And in his simple loving word His tender s\ inpathy we've heard. ^ A wreath of wild ilowers now we see \ To bless (iraniipa's sweet memory ; From Sissic tlc-ar, anc' brotlier Fred, Whose young hearts mast have nearly bled. And yet a grander wreath we view ; From clearest friends '• styled old and true;** In lo\ing memory to him, Who dia wiiile here their friendship win. Then many loving wreaths we read ; Spoke tender words to him who's dead, Consoling those who mourn his loss, Wiio feel it such a heavy cross. i To all the dear ores left we pray ; Be Lord to each their help and stay. And bring them all to meet above, With iiim to share Thy home of love. , , '" DKOUGHT AT BOURXEMOUTH. 51 WATCHING THE FIRST RAIN AFTER A LONG DROUGxHT AT BOURNE.MOUTH. The rain comes pattering down at last, We hope that long it wiil rain fast ! Tlie earth's wide gaping mouth shows widej As asking it on every side. The pasture's dry, and parched and bare, The tarmers need it everywhere ; O may tiiese sh jwors of lieavenly rain Resacitate tlie earth again. The cattle grazing on th-j mead, So inucii ih-y d<) the r:un tirops need; The featht-rea tribes they hiiig with glee, '"Ti5 real hap,iiij4 from the south, This earl)' morn at fi^e v.-e lo-e To hear tne grateful cawmg crows. O may our gratefu' pr:i\ er arise. To pr.iise the Lord fjr He is wise, And thou^di t'tie dr. >ugic has been so long. We'll praise ILm wii.i a ciicerful song. May all our thoughts of His great love And His compassions fiom above. With earnest zeal our faith inspire. To live a life for Christ eniirt;. Like showers reiresii tne eartn brlow, S(; !u;a\enly showers will God bestow; For sovereign gracii our liopc and stay \\ ill j:uidt: us mrougn our earthly way. Our iai;h will soon be lost in si::h:. When we shall leave this earth- / night, H- ar jesus say to us '• \\ ell uouc." '; in sorrows drought's now past and g ne. 23ra June. I Q3. 62 MAY KLNXETT. IN MEMORY OF MAY KENNETT. Born 8th May, 1S91, in High St., Beckenham, Kent, fell asletp 25th May, 1892, was Interred in the Crystal Palace District Cemetery, Elmers End, Beckenham, on 31st May, 1892, Our darling babe is now at re?t, So short her journey to the bl^.^r. Her feeble bark to harbour drix^n, So soon she's landed safe in Heaven. She was so frail and weak while here, And down her face oft ran a tear, But Jesus wiped them all that day, And took our babe to Him away. Though only turned the twelvemonths old With joy her prattling tongue oft told The love that dwelt within her heart, And now in ours is left a smart. These tender tendrils how they twine. In sweet affection to combine. Parental love's drawn close together, Death alone can ever sever. We named her May, and strange to ^ y, 'Twas in that month she passed away ; Our sweet May bud in Heaven will bLcm, Unprisoned by the silent tomb. So teach her parents here, O Lord, To walk according to Thy word. Give grace to equal all their need. For thou are still a Friend indeed. And whtn we meet on Canaan's shore, We'll see our babe, a babe no more But praising God with angels bright — A worker downed in heavenly light. So when our earthly course is run We hear the Ma.«.ter's word " Well dons* Resounding from the heavenly shore, By Jesus wiien our journty's o'er. 3rd July, 1892. A VGL'Xa WDMAX. 63 PEESEXTED TO A YOUNG WOMAN. On her 21st Birt'iday, October lUst, 18U2. On a bed of sickness, l"n?ly, lan2:uishini^ in pain. In London Hospital Xelliu laid, but UfWT did comp'ain. The days seemed loiiy, and weeks and months passe I. by She bore affliction patiently, siie let tliat God \vasni2^h. In all her agony of pain s.ie said, I know He loves me now, [bow. For Jesus helps me by His ,2"i'ace, and to His will I No complainini; word, ungrateful, would she say. Although the bitter pains, kept by i;er nigiit and day. The cancer wrouiiht its deadly work, for eiu'ht lonof years or more. [scanty store, She's now a sufferer at home, fed by ut-r mother's The Lord bv this affliction, brono-ht her to feel her need The Saviour sought His wandeiing sheep, her to His fold did lead, [full and free She found His pardoning grace and love so rich so And will throughout her life, howe\"er long or short it be. [from heaven so great, Five years she lias enjoyed this blessing, a boon It has kept her in the wintry night and cold, and sultry's summer heat, [with many a thorn. So come what may, though rough her road, and strewn A diadem will by-and-by through grace her head adorn. SONG OF THE CUCKOO, As heard at ' Northffeet, Uth May, 1892. As I lay musing on my bed. Some grateful thoughts pass through my head; I heard the Cuckoo's first glad lav On this the fourteenth day of May. Remembering winter now is past, Although so long it seemed to last ; Its biting winds, its frost and snow, Are gone for weeks just now we know. D MVSTiilUKS OK l.Il'K The Cuckoos licketl all up the mud, And Howers rtp[)far from burstiiii; bud; lie briii;j:^ wii.i liim sweet melody And guuisome is his plaiuLivc glee. Our lives with all their varied change, God's provi leiice doth wise arrange ; His counsels are a channel deep. His loving kindness doth us keep. But p'raps there may be some who see These lines and say, theyie not for me ; I'm still a wandeier from the fold, And hnd the uoild is bleak and cold. Now Ciiristsaith "sinner enti'r in, My graje can conipier all your sin ; Come unto Me, ye weary one, 0.' all who come, I'll cist out none." CDme then in pLMiitence and faith, Believe the wonl that .lesiis saith, And all your sins He will forgive IJecause He died that we may li\e. Then yours will be a happy life, Amid its contliets and iis sM'ife, And you with us will join the song Some day in heaven's etjrnal thro.ig. THE MYSTERIES OF EIFH. The keys of life lb- hoMs in hand, Thoii'ih ron'^M t.ie p itii l\*: lea Is aright ; ThroU'^ I l].)\veiy mea .s oi- desert land. His 1 )viiig kindne.-s snines so bright. The roa 1 we take is. sometimes straight. Then long it cro.)ke i turnings be ; The nig.it seems very long an i uark, The Kevs of li.e lie no.vis for me. ELEAXOR JAXK lii::L.v. Each trembliiirr .«ainfc He'll safelv o-uide And makes him too in o-mce to orow' His promise tina is on our si te ° The keys of life He holds we' know. In darkest doubt we Ion;; ha 1 been Tlie night s>.em(. i black with storm ahead ; Uur laitii beclouded scarcely seen He holds the keys of life" we read. We tempted sorely were, and sad A\ hicu on our spirits Ion-; aid stay, But faith triumphant ma le us "iad He holds the keys of life alway. ' In our pei-plexity we sought 'Sweet paraon at tiie tiirone of o-vace • And faith applied Christ's blood t'iiai bouoht. He holds the keys of life could trace. ° 55 IN MEMORIAM OF ELEAXOR JAXE REEP, Who fell asleep in Jesus Au-ust ] Uli, istc;, A<.ed IS Years- buried m Old Xonhheei. Churchyard AJgusf ICth. ' "I love them that love .Me, and those ihat seek .Me early shaJI find Me.'^ Some verses now we would indite. Lord o-uice our pen wuile tlms wj write liie parents, hearts l)ereaved to cheer, For loss of her they lo\e 1 so dear. Thou who did'st weeji at Lazarus' crrave, Dear Jesus merciful to save, Kow thout,di their hearts are crushed and sere 1 iiy love remaineth evermore. ' In pity look on them, near Lord. Sweet co.nfort send from Thy liicst word ; Foi' Jesus once f-nkl, we have rea i, " The Damsel sleeps, she is not deai." ELK.V.VOn JANi: ! ELF "She's safe in Heaven at home with Me, Lila\ioMr bletl, Has now a crown upon ner ncai. Three weeks she bore' the irrea'cst pain ; To her (Jod's will it did eonta-.i ; And then lier soul went, sateiy iiome To liear her ^Muster's words " wed uoiie." Lord, Thou alone can'st give relief ; Her parents' iiearts now wmiiu- with grief ^ Bind up tiieir open wounds wc p.'ay i>y (j Head's headng bahn to-day. lier brothers and her sisrers mourn Now their love I sisier's from t iciu .jorus May grace in cail\' life bo given. And so may eacu n.ect iici' ia luaven. Her dust in Xorthfleet now doth lie, Within the Parish (.'nurcliyard iiiu'u ; An ancient churcli of many a yea,'. And thousand forms once loved ciwell here. Now weary, worn, bereaved and sa 1, 1'ell Jesus all, He'll make thee giad ; He'll turn to joy thy great sori-ow. Thee heavenly blessings give to-morrow. While thou art treading life's rough road, To Father's heavenly blest abode ; Jesus will soon say thus to tliee ; Chme home, my child, and dwell with Me. 28th Si;i>TKMm;u, ittl);i. tf B0FRNK5I0UTH. 57 WRITTEX AT BOURXEMOUTIt Through seeing the tirst verse hung up in mv beJroom. " Mv Jesus as Thou wilt. All shall be well for me ; Each chanirins; future scene, I gladly leave to Thee." Then come to me what may, I leave it to Thy care ; I know th.at as my days, Thy promises I siuue. These riclies will sustain My soul iu every strife, 'Twill ease me in all pain And will preserve my life. Then when my race is run, As soon it sure wi'l b'', I'll hear the Master's word "well done," Come home my child with Me. «I WILL NEVER LEAVE THEE NOR FORSAKE THEE."— Hi:b. iii., 5- Written at the Red Star Temperance Hotel, Poole, Sunday, September 3rd, 189.^. When our hearts are :'ai -.t and sad, His promises do make us gl.id ; "I will not leave in t'me of nt-ed,'' Should quicken all our heavenward speed. If doubts or fears perplex oni- v.ay, " I'll not forsake," sliall be our stay; Our trials here are sent in love, Prepare us for our heaven above. 58 IIAUUIKTT MITl'HKLL. If friemls fjir of removed be, lie's said, *' ril ever be to tliee A refuj^'e and a stroni^liold too. And guide thy i> illi thy journey through. For God will aid us by His grace, Jf long yur stay, or short our race ; '• I'll never leave thee" clieers our hearts And heals theiu of their inward smarts. AV'hcn tcnipteil sore, and sorrows press, We'll plead the Saviour's rig!iteoLUiiess ; Our advocate's gone up on higa. And hears the groanings, or tne s!gh. In sickness or at lonely death, "I'll never leave," the Master saith ; "I\Iy grace is strong in love and pj-.ver," " My stall" supports the dying hour." And when on Canaan's shore we meet, Tne ransomed spirits us will greet ; And we shall hear in Christ's own word, Enter the joy of Thy blest God. IN Lovixcr ^r R:\ronY of Harriett mitchell, •Died November 17th, In'.H'. Our tender Mothor's race is run, Hei" constant work on earth now ilone. She's heard the Master's welcome \ oice, Enter my glory and rejoice. Full threescore years and ten had she Past on this frail iiHirtality : Still wisely ordered are (Jod's ways. For these are man's ajipointed da vs. A sufferer she for many years, H_-r face oft wet with sorrows tears ; Hut .Jesus wiped them all away : She smiles in llea\en's Eternal day. FLOWERS, J>li uK \V.(;ilT. He's dressed the eartli in u'lecn, To cheer aiil do us good ; Tlie trees lUc'w t'olia^^'e s«jen, The fields provide us food. The drought as well, Tie's sont It long with us did last ; His hand witii hlessi ugs [)cut. The raius now j) )uriiig fast. So \vc obey His will, So we would til row away Our own preten led skill. And live by faith alway. What stupid folly this To doul)t oui' Fathei''s love; We many blessing's miss. He's promiseil from above. In wintor time may we I>y faith rest on His care, Or sumuier'e calm it 1>l', We know the auswere I ])ra3'er. WRITTEN AT PORTSFTELI) ELMSWORTII SHEPHERD HILL. NOliTHCLOSE (Near tiie Sea, Isle of Wight). The Isle of Wight so sweet its scene, ^Vith hills, and vales, an 1 sea ; And studded here an.l tnere are seen Sweet homes that wouM suit me. Speak not to me of city life, With all its chatiiig care ; But let me live with my dt/ar wife Ou this sweet Island here. ISLE OF WIGHT. 61 The larks high up with cheerful notes, These sougsterri up on iiio^ ; Praise God so loa i wicn bursting throat, To copy them would I. The insects humming round I hear, And birds of chirping glee ; And cackling hen just caught my ear, With prancing foal I see. The trees their varied foliage round, And nestling near the wood ; The cattle grazing all around, All speak that God is good. The welcome baa of sheep aiiead ; Their young were calling out, And o'er tlie pastures wide they spread Till shepherd dog's about. So may we then in fields bj seen, When Jesus leads tac wav ; We know like iiuta tiie time to glean, When Boaz conies our way. And when the Sliepaerd's dog doth bark, For kSatan oft does- roar, Though like a lion prowling dark, God's sheep he tempts the more. The hedgerows circling fields of corn. With honey suckle grow ; And wheat aud other grain adorn, This Island home below. The pastures pant, the drought is bare. With gaping cracks the earth. Is longing for the siiowers down here ; Send Lord the treasured worth. With heat and drought, we see the cows All scampering up the mead ; Their tails nigh up did us arouse. And filled our heart with dread. 62 TiiK (;kand old max. S(^ ]);iiits our soul forlivinu' stream, Like cmi'lIi's dry parched land. TUI from God's fountain forth it teem, By grace alone we stand. ( > niay tlie streams of heavenly grace X:)\v saturate our soul ; No drougiit of eartli we there can trace, Tiiy touch can make us wiiole. Then when our life's short jonrnoy's past, Thon^li rouu'h the storms of life ; Our soul will safe lie ancliored fast Beyond the reach of strife. 30T1I Ju:^E, 18'J3. STANZAS OX "THE aUAXD OLD MAX,"— W. EWART GLAD.STOXE AXD HLS BELOVED WIFE. As life is drawin:^ to its close, Give to our gallant friend repose ; Good Lord he Thon to them most near, At eventide t!;eir hearts to cheer. Lot the.n Tiiy grace an 1 gl«')ry see, And linnd)!e trust alone in Thee. Be Thou to tl'.em a I'efuge strong. As Thou liast iKvn to iheiu so long T'.ie measures fraught for good we pray, AVith victory ci-owned he some day, And thoun'ii they meet with many a hlow. Like others passed which well we know. For good laws on our statute book. The "Crand Old Man" hath ne'er forsook, O'ercame the ohsta.des so great, And honors manv for him wait. TEMPERAXCK HOTEL. 63 But still there yet is work to do, AVliicli lie our gallaut leaJer truj ; Until they're passed will not for.sake, On statute book these laws to niai:e. ]\Iay our loved Gladstone with his wife, Have (Jod's protection all througii life ; And His rich grace be each their stay, Until in heaven they meet some day. Aunist, 1893. AN APT REPLY AT A TEMPEEAXCE HOTEL. Entering t!ie house at Basingstoke, I thus L.ie onversation broke ; Please tell nie now what is the cl:arge, For l)e h'uoni aiiw, clean ,and la"ge. "\Vi:cre 1 can lay uiy weary hea;l, Upon a soft an 1 downy bed, And rise refres;ied at morning light. Resuming work witli brisk dc.ig.it. The host replied, " I cannot say, Refres.uncnt comes peniaps nut t!:at way ; But still I think you'll like my bed To rest to iiigiit your busy Ilea 1. Refreshment does depend we rini, Upon the state of health and mind, But as my charge is very small. It suits Commercials one and all." OX THE SABBATH. The Sabbath dawns, bles.sed day, In Zion's courts we meet to pray Amongst the saints to bless liie Lord, In harmony, with sweet accord. €4 ox TUK SABBATH. Thnngli here at RourncTiioiitli far Froiii home, "We do not feel we are alone ; The Lord is still our lu)pe and stay, To cheer us on our tartnly way. Show, [jord. Thy servants how to pnucb, Apply the niessaire uiiU) each ; "May they the Spirit's Ussoii leani. That all our hearts with love may h:irn. Disperse we pray tlie irlooai of eaith ; Fill up witu joy our harreii deart.i. Into our heaits k't si)iMU'iaiice friends be doing To lot these men be lured to ruiu. Is^o wrecks so numerous on the sea As strong drink make* around to bo. One othei tbing we heard one day, And li'iw at Margate tbis we say, Wliib' lauiicbiiig b.ial mie. day in storm And inaiiiieis were suil'ering barm, 8ome live i>v six were luixwains niany, And so tbe Wink's undone by any, ;. In inture, tbongli a no\ icr, we . ; Woidd recjininieinl ibat one tbero be, /^ Then Ai o;i's falib- will conu; t ue, '' One give c)n van to move as well." We answered, " Few days do we stay; Soon round tlie coast we are awav, We're Beiitley's traveller you know. Selling some ions wliere'er we go : Many poun is we've taken here. Selling our g)oas with greatest care ; And early morn's the only time 68 SKETCHES OF MARGATE, OCC. We can write down our flowiiiLT rhyiiie. How stry granil emancii»ation freed ; I>iit only three years old was I, "Wiien we obtamed sweet liberty. Just then niv father died. I've heard, From my own mother's bless.'d word." " Where did yon live," we then replied, " IJefore your own dear father died ? " ^'In Southern Cirolina. State, Cotton Plantation too first rate." " Pleas;; tell mj now, how you became Possessed of your fall free man's name." " Our master's name was always given, Until our shackles all were riven. McAlister I'm named you see. In father's master's memory," We for this information thanked, / In Margate's verses it shall rank. At Wenham's Coffee Stall l)y sea, Give in this note ajid breakfast see. We must rcBunie our notes again. Our verse on Margate must contain A word of th« .J(;tty's renown ; ♦"Vowdcd when Londonur'ii come down. 'Vhcre Sally, Molly, Jam, and Kit, B 70 SKETCJUvS OF : AnCTK, Scr. Oft on its scats loivj liom-s do sit. And watch the i-'hl) and liouiiii:- tide Vnd cahn and storm o\r oi-caii wide ; And both thu jjoor man and tl.c jiwr. In close proximity sit liirc: Xor is tiiat such a miiility sloDp, l''romptus though of friendly sort : We told how Justice Clarke wonld take, Bentley's line lielish ease to make Wlipn long drawn cases did ai){X'ar : From tickling found his throat 'twonl I clear. Some loving couples looked our way, We fear they will be old some day. Now this excited many a smile, From fairest ladies for a while : While we de])icte(l I'.eiitley's I'disli. The very thing they all should cherish j SKETCHES OF MARGATE, &C. 71 And if our Lemon Squash they use, The men will not their wives abuse. So on the sands some thousands heard, Our Temperance speech, so plain in word ; We j)ray the seed sown, then may prove The root to grow strong drink to move. And while we thus did spin on rhyme, "We by this speech used well our time. Some readers, perhaps, are glad to know, The way we thus the seed did sow ; The Minstrels Black had placed around' Some chairs upon ihe sandy ground : And for some time they were absent, For lunch we heaixl, they just then went ; We stopped right in and thus begun. The rhyming verse that here doth run ; The precious seed of truth Ave sowed ; Our priceless time, too (juickly flowed. In Perkin's machines you read Of Bentley's goods what we have said, When bathing, there you ought to go, Our Testimonials read you ki;o\v. Ou Sunday's you must never come, No Lord's Day work by Peikin's done ; Now we must never fail to sketcli How Punch does all the children fetch ; And many, too, of older growth, To see his pranks were nothing loth ; Punch well hi^ Judy doth caress, He gives her kisses and doth bless, But soon his sticks in use wc tell, To re]>rimand and thrash her well. Once we did hear a parson say Old Punch had charms for him alway, If round the corner he could spy. His own delight was vei'y high. The acrobats with drolling too. Some laughter gave to not a few ; While clown and fool with funny mien, So clever on the sands are seen, While thousands sit about and loll, 72 SKETOHES OF M\Tir,\TE. Sc^. Vino ciHiks 111 llu:s;iuasaivUKi'l«-', So"^ikccluian.n,thou>^Ut we there. liaildcuretul castles m the aiv; Tiie tides of time swee]) them .nsay, And we are left in hhaik dismay, ruUrin Christ by faith we stand,^ - VllutluT -round is sinkiiiii'^^aml; The banks of earth ott break uc know, i;;afaitlMnOluMstwdlstn.n;.^e go, TUl wlieu the tide ut de.th IS un. {y, slull in harbour h.-ar " well done Ti:./Towni;andw-c'd not leave outside, Their music echoed far aud ^f-> These nu-u d.serve the hi;^he>t p.ai.c, Civ.. th.Mu a copper then always. Th.- ph^'t..-raphers' busy art Takes portraits on the sauds so .ma , Wlnl..r..-utlev's Lemon S.piash so nice, 1, sold Ih.re at a mod.-rate price ; Your fruit ;vnd cakes and swcyts en imd. And found kind i.'ivers ^'Verywhe e Tlu-v said their .luarterswea-e at 1.W, i..nd them some cash, .nd 1<'";\>-; ^'^^"• ^\^. our,, lor mouths were crippled too, So kindlv ph'ase this tor them do. A childnm-s service ou the sam ^;^:;rt:d;:ti;;::^h^ihr^:;M-'---' ^•!:tS, how Christ th..irh>ve did win. On Sunday also, one -an luai' Salvatiuu A.niy band so clear, Their lotimouies very bright. ^ God's panloning^race gives th.mdel.,ht. Th. I'KM'tists too. a m.M.tmg lu'ld, -l-,,j,,,kuut truth. ar.v..ry bold, SKETCHES OF MARGATE, &C. 73 The pastor, Mr. Briggs we heard, Most earnestly speaks out God's word ; And they collect for objects good. Full many pounds we understood. For Doctor Baruardo's homes that day, Collections were we're pleased to say, Five guineas haste to him to send The last half- crown was from a friend. The Wesleyaa's have a mission band, "Who pray and preach upon the sand, And thousands there the gospel hear Who nc\'er to a church go near ; We wish these friends to take a leal: From out the Baptists' gospel brief. Tlr-ow overlward what people say ; Collect for objects good alway. Lco Satan's cavillers only, hnd Excuses varied as their mind ; Doc'or Steplienson's home you've got, CoUe:;t, for it, forget it not, 2\'.) matter what the cavillers ?A\y, C )lie;l> for orphans any day. Ta' J'egatta on its day took place, Tiic .letty full of weaUh and grace; Aiid pleasant men and modish way, Of t!io.-;e who took this holiday ; Tii'j smiling ladies we could see, "Were just ai happy ai could be ; T le s..eetheart3 too, of ladies fair, Wc.-e watching o'er them e\-cryw]icrc ; Tiie day was line, the sight w;u grand, AVi:'i sunshine on bath sea and land, A:i.l moret'.Kii that we're pleased to say, Oar Margate Coastguards vron the day. The cliffs were lighted up at night, AA'itli bril'.ia it fireworks glorious light. "We further could relate yon know, ' sturdy rowers in the sliow. Tire Ma^'gato Fort Arcade we eoc ilig!i u}) above the rolling j^ea ; A a'i'^ht, in store of trr'.vjderir jjrcat, 74 SKETCHES OF MARGATE, Ac. "Which yoii will think, we siiy, fii*sb rate; As vesi-ols puss of e\ery sort, A-sailiiii; up to Lomloii port With nierchaiulisL', a precicnis fix'ight or many hundred tons of weiu,'ht, Whilst others v^o'iny:, out to sea, To forei<>u ports pass fref|uently : In summer days lai'ne l»()ats and uraiid, With freights of luuuan souls are erannned, And when on briny sea you (piaff The vifjorous breeze, 'twill make you hiugli, liestore to you your health auain And drive from you all weary pain, And thus while you enchanted are, You find your sorrows driven fai' ; So to the Fort a visit pay When speudinjr ilargate holiday. Jubilee Clock Tower may be seen, A tribute to our jn'racious (^ueeii : .\nd^ Albert Terrace, ^bu-ii'ate too, To honour !L;-o()d Prince C'onsort true ; Larji^e ]\[arine Palace l?at!is we say \vc held in lii,i;'ii esteem t;)-{hiy: k joins the Fort and Jetty pier, 'i'iie swiunninji' l)ather.s watched wit'.i cave. \-\>Y sixiKMice only sum so small, Which suits the p:)cket of them all, AVith prixate baths l);itli hot and c^i'.d, • ),ic Shillin^■ only c'larii'ed we iv I )ld. The Grotto and the Cavern too, A Druidical Temple true, A million studded shells arc thci'e, Grouped in wi'caths and fiowei's \\ ith care. This shellbank bedded in cement ii'eveals tlie Druid's [renins bent ; Then to this shrine a visit pay. When you to ]\Iar<^ate go one day. Lord Samper's wild beast show to sco Mliene'reat ^yiarfjate vou mav be : >Ve luu'sed a cub some years a_irv I her infant there, And tendi'd it with v acclilul care ; lie c"ied like other infants do, As if his h' art wonl I break ; its true, 'J'he ])nc'!ess nursed her cliiid lir.-t-ratc, Awhile the carriaf>-e did her vaii. AVhen a Sunday, we at iMa'^-,;!'.- ^la\•, A", a friend's hunse we s^jcnd the day ; *.t eve to AVestpile C.ia lel .i:-o, Tiie AVesleyan cause, you sliou d know ; ()>ir host is Chapel Steward there. And ol' its business takes great cae ; "With pleasant walk along the heacli, Our couversc did ricli lessons tcac.'. The sea in grandeur for us sj>rca . Our thouglus to (iod are up.vani.- lei : The earth full burdened with its fo ;d AVliich Ood su])plies so sweet and good. The yellow corn in slioc'is we see, Olad autumn August memory ; AVc talked of life, its shades and lights, Its sunny days and darkened n'ghls .•')oth health atid s'ckuess too a e sent, Our children too are only leiic 'j'o draw our thoughts t*) One above, For Ciod does all his chiluren lo\e ; Their death is precious in lis sij,dit, In life or d'jat. all tl'in^'' \\x light \ bKKTCHE.S OF BlRClilKGtON, iSLK OF THAXET, kc. 7? Onr friend was called of late to part, His dear son's death ne'er broke liis heart, The broken heart God's balm doth heal, All that He does is right Ave feel. "We muc'i enjoyed this pleasant walk And alsu protital)le talk, An 1 at the chapel soon arrived To come no parson had contrived, Tliis Sunday eve no preacher there 'J'avned up a^ all from anywhere ; Taoy asked us, wonld we kind'y take Th'j service, and them happy make, Tiie liord gave u^ a word U) say, AVe hope tae rig'ht one on the way ; Our hearts did baiMi wit'.i love we ki;o\v W lilc Da'ki.i'j: o'er His g/acc nS: > v ; He tone le.i oir.' h'p-; wit.i live c ki, H.iinc, And thus vte praise His holy i;a:ii . In we.j.k:ijss uid we sov the seed T le spirit ujip si ui in our ncju. W.ie;i slia'iliig naadi the g •am we f jlt, A trues: ;nea.niig language spe!t ; "W'.iile, said our f.ie id iu kiiiuly v.or,'", 'j'o-nig 10 wj've hai wita us tnc Lo;;'. Witj tliis iu mind, while homeward u )r.i>d, Waa^'j stiM igja id wondrous leadiiigo /uLMid. O'A Hire li lu'tou v.e mu^t not ;ki ), AV'.ii'.e we u.i.oug.i Isle of Thane: trip ; Tneje sea siAa liomes of m )djrii date, Just suit the folk of style and state. Lately a village quie' and old, liut now its called a town we'tC told : Its country lanes a. id walks a;e gi'aud, And high in our es:eeni dj stand. \i'e mention now within our page lUrchington Caurcli is of great age, U will repay a care.'ul visit, Search it through uud do not miss it. I'ov mariners its shingled spire, (! uid.s vessels from the rocks aud mire : \S\Xik iu Uw chiu'cU, we know its tvue, 78 SKKTCIIE.S OK IlIRcniXfiTO.V, I>I,K OF THAXET, AlC. Tiic iifospel also .h. WiUi six <;nind bulls, whose iiierrv pjiil OIL makes the saddened joyful I'eel ; Ttie ri -li a:id joor WolIi Llieiv have wed, Some thousands to the altar leil ; lleivroo, the sinner and the saint, Have poure I to (iod their soul's coni|ilaint ; Here too tiie careworn and the sad Have found lich jjrace to make them i,dad, Andsouu'iit (lod's iiardoninu" h now with Him al)ove, Within its hoary ancient store, Lies honored dust of days of yore. The painter and liie poet too, Lie there : Kossetti j;"ood and true. AVitli space for ten centuries found, For worthy ones from miles ai'ounth Some years auo we moved from here, A lady home lo Anerly there ; On Sunday morn to Mai'i^'ate walked. And with clieeiful comjjanions talked : And thus b'Jtiuiled the len_<;thencd way. And pleasant memoi'ies last to-day. Some four miles thei-e it is about, A [)lea>'o, ( )ur sk'.'tcli just now is there you know ; ')Ut wlicn we're out, like bees on \ ini;'. We gather honey home to bring ; For this digression pardon give. And buy our books that we may live. \'() pretty (}\\i'\ I'ark pay a visit. 7ou will be i)leasi'd if you will (juiz it ; And Waterloo's grand Tcjwer we see, A 'id y-L ikjl [iiiy a sinjjdc fee. SKETCHES OF RA:MSaATE, &C. We must soon lialt upon our way, Or \v(! shall have too much to say ; Near Birchino-ton, .St. Nicholas see, This too an ancient memory ; Tlie Church near thousand years is old, And built of sea worn tlint we're told ; While Sarre is from there a mile, You can with profit stay awhile. The Wanstei'ne channel so we read, Was then a mile in width 'tis said, ]^nt narrow now its stream is found, What once was channels, now dry ii;round ; The coaching half w^iy home is Sarre, Where they a Httle wnile do tarry. The visitors, refreshments get, Tlie hor.-es, too, they " get a wet." From Ramsgate and from ^largate jetty They daily run to Canteihury ; We Monkton, too, with ])!easure traco Some mile an. I ha'f from Sarre place : This p'etty village you will say AVill give you pleasure on your WLiy. If you s'.iould frv^m Old ^linstei- go, To Sarre you pass it you know ; From pious monks it took its name. We wish not here to spx.id their fame. St. Mary's Ciiurch will well repay, A visit or a longer stay ; A lady there does highly foast, For three good husbands did her toast ; Frances iJlecheden her name. Three husbands win her honoured fame : Sixteen hundred and eleven she died, Her friends they grieved fi-om far ar.d wide. Old village stocks near church we see, Of old notorious memory : AVe fjuickly now our \erse must end To other business must act end. Oar verse we hope's not peimel in \ain, Our Thanet sketch will long remain A tx ;pliy at when dear lady did you buy Oil" honoreil i) :)ok, you value hi^di ? " " y.y neiij^hbour kind, lent it to me, 1 (! )uld not purchase it you sec." " W'nv ma laui,'" thus to her we said, " Ol' sLiMnujesl la lies we have read ; Jlo.v ould yo;i dare to hinder us, AVita sucli a lot of useless fuss. You've inndered u-; a lot of time, Wifi a'l vour uushiuu' talk of rlivme. •Vtid yet you say you can't atVord a'o Itay, v,-e don't i)elieve a word, ^Vjlv lioases m.iav vou possess ; ]f true tiie book you would posscf:s." IV-riiap* readers may think us m.).-,t ludc, 'j">) los'j two hundred pounds we stood, Two sliillia;;^ >vas the i)ablished price, Six thousand s.);d out in a trice ; Then lire in Cv)Wcroiss Street did rage, De^troytwl tlie paxvs of e'/ery pa.ie ; Sn '_'er. y;(ur friiMids t.o pui-chii.se on, And then oui' arduous woi-k is done. W'ii caan )t )uil)li.sh without cost, r.rin<4 out the money, 'twont be let, 'J'.) Hroadstair.s you by rail can po, Or its a pi-"tty walk you know : Or you can ride for litt'.e clui'-ge, lu \VLi^'ijouit*« butli line aud largo, SKETrnES OF BTIOADSTAIRS, &C. 81 Find huuses tiieru ot" yivut tlmiuwu, Whicli iu youv thary .-Miuiikl go duwu, lik'uk HoLisu, forsooth, where Dickeu's lirst For writing novels had a thirst, Where weeks and months he spent each year Making liis varied books appear. And it some time you wish to wile 8eo liouses here of ancient style, Things, too, of ancient date and style, Attract our fancies thoughts awhile. At Broadstairs, too, are relics found As you may see for miles around ; York Gate, hve hundred years has stood in Harbour ^Street ; if speak it could, What* scenes it would depict of } ore Of our forefathers gone before. In Household Wori-ls, Charles Dickens drew UI i;road>lairs pier a jjictuio true, AVliiie on the balcony he then Penned down his thrilling tales of men. "When jaded by life's toil and spent Oft to quiet Eroadstairs he was bent ; And thus his strength renewed with zest. Its briny Avaters health posses't. s'-.With an old tar we conveise had. His graphic talk made ns so glad. A\'e asked liim, '' Had he ever seen At Eroadstaiis Dickens when lie'd been " Why, Sir, I was liis Ijoatman liere And daily rowed luni out witli care, A kinder man not lueathed than he, And also jiaid me well you see." "Dear friend, life's diawiug to a close, Its ebbing tide with «]uickness Hows, Xow, aie you on the lieaveuly road To our good Falher"s bl.;st abode, If not, dear fiieuJ, (.onie now you may, Our Saviour ble^t turns none away, Who knocks in faith at mercy's door Will lind urlocked its treasuie store. God give you grace we humbly pray. Repentance unto life to-day." ^^ SKETCHES OF BROADSTAIRS, &C. With parting slirtko of hand and clieer ^^^; tamed away witli starting tear. ()nr l.ady I'.radistowc gave name 'i'o ancient lionian relic I'aine. A Hint Chapel upon the way At iJroadstaiis see wliile there you stay. < )hl mariners saluted it J'.y luwering tup.sails just a bit, And tlius implored the Virgin's aid Tn answer to tlie honour paid. Tiiose superstitious days are o'er AVc fain would wish for evermore. The ladies like Droadstairs we hear, It suits their children loved and dear : The country round looks (juite as grand As any places in our land. TTere ndics, ton, of olden time ^^'e fain would mention in our rhyme. For we were here Regatta J)ay And much admired it in our way, Thousands here of every station And lady swells in proud elation. We saw a handsome lady fair In sm.ut bicycle suit dressed there. Her pretty dress and jileasant mien. Is why within our sketch she's seen ; AVe called her " Miss," but soon we heard *' IMy wife, Sir, please," in kindly word, We entered into converse sweet, Well pleased this happy pair to meet. We gave tlie " Royal Inf uits " verse And still kept on to liold converse ; " We are upon our holiday, Pleasant has been our happy way." AVe thought they'd figur.; in oursketcli And our fair readi-rs' fancy fetcli, " A Tricycle skcitch, we'er on," we said, *' That in th(t future you may read A fortnight's tour we had last year Through Isle of AVight, so(»n will appea:.'* X few thittjj's uuw we note with care, f^KETCHES OF BROADSTAIRS, &C. 83 At Bvoadstairs saw Regatta there, The little boat.s so swiftly rowed, the same »f Margate, too, ]!ut we must haste for hours are few. Tiic tislu TV, too, of Kamsgate's good, And tons are caught we've understood, And s(!nt t,o lUllingsgate each day 'I'o tlius provide good food alway. (let up at early morn, at four And s(!e a feast of lish in stoi-e, The ]ileasure boats we can't leave out, And lishiug smacks do lie about ; It you a shilling pay, y(m know. You can out there a-lishing go With a large smack that draws a net "With gallant men a hardy set. SKETCHES OF BROADSTAIRS, &C. 87 Go out witli them, you'll find this true They will the tish divide with you, AVhich you can to your lodgings take And will your wife most pleasant make. L)o not neglect when coming here To enter in the house of prayer. In varied sanctuary meet " And thus surround the mercy seat." Your purse should ever open be Tliat all your sympathy may see, In winter season bear in mind Tliey cannot then the money find. On East Cliff Albion House is seen "Where lived in early life our Queen, Duchess of Kent, her mother dear. Did with her daughter live just here. It climliing- Jacob's ladder mind From Pier to West Cliff you will find A flight of stone steps, leading high, A grandei" siglit you could not spy. To Minster old a visit pay And to the churchyard make your way, Augustine's memorial cross If you don't see, you suffer loss ; It was buik by Lord Granville good, iSince eig.iteon-eighty-four has stood : They say it marks tlie very site Where .Si'int Augustine did alight. King Ethelbert's statue, we met The mem:)i-ies grand we don't forget ; The eai'ly date does history fix As five hundred and ninety-six. Here wa^ Saint Augustine's well. Where did this saint his thirst dispel, We here cnshi-ine within our page Augustine's well of hoary age. Nor nmst we from our sketch leave out, Sweet I'egwell Bay we'll write about, Its here we penned a poem long lu vouutrei' vears when we were stronsr : Some quarter of a century past 88 SKEETCHES OF BROADSTAIRS, &C. Ami now our autuinn tints arc cast. We sat upon thatclitV that morn With health in ns a<,'ain new born. Willie walkiii_«,Mliroui,'h St. Lawrence, we To a baker reatl our poetry. " From these sweet verses you have read, *' Where can I f our foi'cfathcrs. we are told ; Who fought out life's allotted strife And long have entered into life. \V(! often tliiid< in old churchyards Of timer; of Karls, of Dukes, and Lord.-, Who fought tlieii- l)attles through the land Where now these crumbling ruins stand. .'Icmentocs of their warlike mien Xo mor(> those darkened days are socn; When rvw\ anarchy and strife rompcllcd all men to light for life. The I'ich and peasant l)oth here lie Their mortal dust dissolves close by ; Oh, would that kindly mea-;ures here Li life Were fraught with godly car;'. In times of need, some kindly ijcc 1 Would deck the grave with Wreaths itid ■r\ SKETCHES Oi' MINSTER, &C. 8$ How frail and short our life at best, Ere comes the final judgment test. Oft epitaphs misleading are, For praises high they spread afar, But that the truth they do not tell, Many who read them know full well ; May we all learn in life's short stay Tiiat acts of kindness cheer the way, By sovereign grace meet those above Whom we have won by acts of love. So read us now, nor wait instead, Until some day you hear we're dead; And now tlie loait entices much To give an historical touch, The third King William oft stayed here. At Minor House, a mamion near. In sixteen hundred iifty seven One Henry Crispe was seized and drivoa, Three thousand pounds he had to pay, Being found Puritan that day ; I^ov/ noted too for shrimps alway, The finest caught is Pegwell I'.ay, And laigest lubsters there abound As any on the coast around. The fishing there is (piite a trade. The lobster pots are strongly made. Here, too, the place, so we aiv {nld, Where landed Augustine of n],l. Here lioman armies too did land. And terror spread with eveiy band. The epitaphs of those now dead, Are in St. Lawrence churchyard read, They're strangely funny, you will say, Though we can't spare a longei- stay. Old Minster Church will well repay A visit from you on your way. There's some old things we revel in, Such as this Minster walk within, Churches, Castles, and Gospel old Have all a charm for us we're told. While 'neath their hoary roof we stand do SKKTCHES OF SANDWICH, &C. Awed by their age and meraory grand, The gnawing tootii of time i^< shown, To us in cruiubling granite stoue^ A deep soU'ninity creeps o'er, While thinking of the days of yore, And whih^ our thoiiglits the future view, It matters mucli what here to do. While thoughts like these do us impel, If we are Christ's, all things are well. By Him again have we Ixfun born, Now by His love we're not furhnn ; And we can Ablja Father say. Our darkest night is turned to day, There in the future shall we lie, In Heaven with Christ most happily. But you who live in sin think nut, That this will ever be your lot, Unless jour heart is changed by grace, You'll never see the Saviour's face ; No matter what your honours here. They're Heeling, frail, and full of fear; Your health and treasured wealtli may go, But if we're Christ's alls well we knuw. If by the Spirit's Avo]-k within, We'i-e cleansed and purilicd from >in, And live by faitli in ('hiist ahvuy And love the thniiie of grace eacli day, Then bye and l)ye when life is past, We'll reign with Christ in Heaven at last. Our sketch we soon will liave to close, But news of Sandwich must disclose, We think it is tlie (ptaintest town That in old England is set down. The Isle of Tlianet shaied its fate, Away from very earliest date ; Anno Domini Si.^c hundred too. As a port t'was known all England through. Then merchants with tln-ir shipping trade, An honored name with wealth had made, But war, that savage monster, strife, Soon Bucked the blood from out their life, /; SKETCHES OF SANDWICH, »tc. 91 ]i! eiglit humlred uiid fifty one, 'J'lio King of Keut a .seu light wou, Took vessels nine, so records say, And left the Danes to dread dismay, Tliis was enacted near the town, Since then tlie seas receded down. Two liundred years from this ngaiu ]^Jor .Sandwieli was in greatest pain. JJecanse the Danes with sword and fire. Fell havoc made of it entire. But then in great (j)ucen I>ess's reigu Sandwich did dourish once again ; ISIore factories were huilt with speed, Wlien men of Khxnders took the lead, In sign of wliicli you still can trace, The Dutcli House in the Maiket Place, These srirriug tales I'emind us still, Of men of grit and strongest will. Three parishes with chuiches old, Historical mementoes hold, To all the chuiches then repair See the records and ulfer prayer. What good men uur forefathers were To huild these churches everywhere, Our verse prulunged, we know, has been Of things in Thanet we have seen, AVe hope not prosy much or tame, Though oft we fear its been the same. To an old man of sixty mind, AVe feel our readers will be kind. And make allowance for our age, V>y friendly reading of our page, Tlieie's nuiny a rare and tempting sight, To give our fancied pen delight, Ihit our long Thanet yarn must drop, Our reader's patience soon will stop. -0-: 9^ lUDE AROUND THE NEW FOREST. Personal reminiscences of a Ride on the Tantivy Coach of Messrs. Ames Brothers, from Bourne- mouth, around the New Forest, iicptemher 7th, 1893. 48 miles. This inoniinu: .Mr. Ames did say Now, Welcome on my coach to-day ; You will enjoy a pleasant ride To view the country lar and wide. So now we try to tell the tale Of thinixs we saw tlirouijfli hill and vale ; And startinjj off this morn at ten "With ladies fair and gallant men. Mounted Tantivy's coach so o-rand Of Ames' Brothers,' four in hand, A ride so sweet thronuh country rare, Seven shillings only for the fare. We had relays of hoi-scs fast, "Which made the miles glide (juickly past, AVith brisk converse and cheerful glee The hours I'olled l»y most mei'rily. The ladies' company so nice Gave all a relish just like spice ; Their happy joyous converse sweet Gave just the zest we love to meet. The IJourne's most famous mouth we leave, The " llapjiy journey " we receive, And drive by Boscombe ]iast the Chine, In rugged beauty very line. The guide tells out in language clear The deeds of old of many a year ; Old English history repeats And all our question quickly meets. We cross the Stour and thus arrive, As o'er the bridge we slowly drive, And enter Chri^itchurch, ancient town, And bulicut poiuLs we now joL down, lllBi: AROUND THE NEW FORESt. ^Pj Up on the hill the re, on the right, The ruins show a pretty sight, A Norman Castle once so hold, Upon whose Avallsald Time has told. The Priorv chnreh, where many a sain^ Has poured to God his sad complaint. In ^Yorshil) humlde, howed in ]n"ayer, How many God lias answered there. There, too, liaAe many a ]ian- been wed, And sacred vows IVom lips long dead Have bound affection sure and fast, Those old love stories of the past. Please, readei'. ])ardon for this break. This sketch net'ds light and shade to make This licence often we i"e(|nire For pictures gi\cn by J, Gwy^T. An old thatched Inn of ancient time, The '• Cat an I FiildKj,"" next we I'iiynic, Six hundretl years its course has ran, 80 Ave are told, tiuce ti'ade began. AVe stopped for food and wiitcr here, Of horses we must take great care, These juvcious gifts are hel|)S indeed, Our strong and faithful friends in need. AVith lemoiKide and ginger beei', And varied drinks our throats we clear ; And then refreshed and full of glee, The New Forest we go to see. As on our route again we start, The liorses trotting with good heart, Sweet nature new refreshed with I'ain, Autumn's rich tints are cast again. The golden grain just housed with care Leaves fields all ready to prepare ; Our grateful thanks to God we'll raise, For food supplied in all our days. bi iilDE AROCNh Tin-: new forest. The jiurtridiTes l»y sportsmeii sought AiX' of'toM n]» to liomlnii hron^lit, ;V wx'L'k ;iu,(> as taiiiij as cits Hut now as w iM as any bats. Kow of a j^lorious scene wc tell, l*»y Sir (icorg.' Meyrick's land, known well; The Forest (iate we enter in And here the Forest 'j.!adi'S heii'in. Six miles l>roiii;',iL iiyndliiu'sL Lo our \ iew, 'I'lie nohle trees aroun I us i>Tew, The air was tilled with ra[>tnr()us song Of birds, who praise 1 the whole day lontj, IJongh jionies with their colts so young, And |iigs who I'oamel the ti'ees among. Ami shee]) who to our minds did show A scone of titty years ago. AVIicM wc, not far from hei'e did keep Ami tended then our uncle's shee[), When sad a thunderstorm arose And lilletl our childish heart with woes. Wc rushed tor shelter to a house, With heart as tinud as a mouse, AVhilc loud and long the thumler roared Aiid sorrow on our voung head i):jured. Such rattling cla]K. so loud, the sheep We i|uiLe forgot to lend oi' keep ; The sheep so frightened went astray And homeward fonnd their straggling way. Wc through the Forest sobbed and cried, As in the shades of night we plied Our homeward path, its course to take. And sobbed as if our hearts would break. When, lo I we found them at the fold, Let not " like silly sheep " be told ! Wc found our sheep secure that day, Two miles or more they found their way. tllDE AROUND THE NEW FORlSST. §5 All men are not so wise, we ween, These slieep teach us a lesson keen, For though like them we g'o astray, We cannot tiiid our homeward way. "We need a Shepherd in the storm "Wiio will our straggling ranks reform ; "Who will not leave us in alarm, But safely fold us from all harm. Now to resume our tale again. And points of interest retain ; ]\Iiss Braddon's house upon the right, The novelist whose works are bright. In Lyndhurst at the Crown Hotel, Wei-elisli luncheon laid out well. "V\'ith '• Bcntley's .Sauce," which takes the cake, And keen oiu' appetite does make. The jovial hostess' cheerful word Told us of things that had occurred, She seemed for .sure (juite u[) to date ; We hungry ones her viands ate. Next at a fine old church we look, "With pillared aisle and shady nook, Some epitaphs we penned with care ; Sir Frederick Leighton's picture's there. The Queen's ht)use then we go into, The old Court Room in this we view, "Where many curious things are shewn, Some interesting ones we own. A relic hangs up there of old, King Rufus' stirrup, we are told. Of Norman days, those days of force, It tells its tale of knight aud horse. Relays of horses here do wait, And tired horses go to bait. While we again get on our way, To further share our happy day. de tllDE AKOUND THE XEW FOREST. AVe Lyiidhm-st Iwive witli liii])})}' mind From Stony Cross more buaulius lind, iSouLlianipton's Waters ;::nind we view, And miles of country landscape too. "We l)y the Forest Kennel run, And nuise on s]tort that they have done, And Minslead I'ark jnst on the right, Shines j,Mily thron,<;-h tlie trees ho hriu'lit. Sir AVilliam Harcouvt's house we view, AVe ho])e the nation's heart beats true, To show his worth and houourcd fame, "We speak in praise his noble name. Amid our joy wc give a thought. To those who are to sntlViing brouglit, From Xetley's ward our warriors brave. Have often gone, to till the grave. r.ut oft renewed in health and strength, They face the foe again at length. Our thoughts of Crimean time prevail, Aud of the blessed Xightiugale. The horses half npuii the hill, And for sonic minutes they are still, AVhile we walk down into the plain, "Where Koyal Uulus once was slain. Tlie guide, invoice bolh loud ami clear, 8aid •• spend only ten minutes here," There's twenty-tive miles yet to go, Aud you will want to dine you kuow." We view the iron Kufus stone. For kings must meet death quite alone, Ko arrow, from the bow that's shot, AVill luiss its aim, if such our lot. "We view with pleasnre and surprise, A few yards on Ijefore our eyes, Two trees are joined, unite twined together, Uuk and chestnut i^uaintly tether, RIDE AROUND THE NEW FOREST, 97 We climb right up the hill again, And ihid our coach does now contain A cargo, valuable and rare, Of ladies beautiful and fair. Our gallant Jehu drives with speed, Witli careful ribbons keeps the lead, And through the forest, beauteous sight, The A^aried landscape gives delight. Right in tlie road there stood a calf Which made the people loudly laugh, It then moved off so verv slow. We feared the horses it would throw. Just like this calf we see some men, Who play the whole day long, and then They only stick in others way, And vain expect a harvest day. We soon at Ringwood stop for tea, A beverage that refresheth thee, And stimulated now we start With prancing horses fresh and smart. We now liave fourteen miles to go, Its scarcely seems it can be so ; The steeds from Lyndhurst will rest here And fresh ones take us on with care. We passed a smithy ; shod wa? thei-e. Sir Walter Tyrrel's horse witli care ; That horse's slioes placed the wronir way To guard liim from his track that day. The Avon near, he then did crosj, With danger great and risk of loss, Bat soon his journey here did close, He quickly our of England goes. Tlie trees with apples gaily hung, Tkeir fruit to cool our parchcl tongue; And pears and p'.ums our eyes did greets 4 ad bku^^bvViit^ wei-e vip^ aud swyet.' 98 A. RIDE FROM BOURNEMOUTH TO WIMBORN'E. At six, we reach sweet Bounicnionlli Town, So gliid Lliiit we lire iiere j)Ut. down, Tlie ride we can well reeoniniend To strangere, or to any friend. Personal remi?iiscences of a Bide in the Tantivy CuacJi of Messrs. Atnes Brotliers, from Bourne- mouth to Wimhorue a/id bad:, Septeuibtr 8th, 1893. 10 miles each way. On Friday Mr. Ames did say " I have a .slioi'ter ride to-day. Could you to Wiinborne now contrive, To take a lovely country drive." " My Tantivy coach starts at three. You can at Winiborne get your tea ; You'll say the drive is very i-are, I think the weather will be fair." In just a word we now would say, How rhyming verse came in our way, Suffice to say the I*riiice of AVales Could since his illness tell the tales. In London then, we wrote in verse. Some simple stanzas, very terse. Upon his illiK^ss which we know, The nation felt a serious blow. A gentleman these verses found, And scattiTcd them for miles around ; They l)rouglit I Ik- tear di'op to his eye And spread our name both far and nigh. To our most gracious Queen he sent, These simple verses which were bent To bring the tears to Royal eyes. And thus our fame to advertise, A HIDE FROM BOURNEMOUTH TO WIMCORXB. 9D The Qn een sent to us her best thanks, Her letter now the highest ranks; Three other Royal letters then, And from the Prince some nine or ten. While twenty others from the Queen Convey her thanks for poems seen, These humble verses that we write Once more in journals see the light. Since then we write on merrily, As in our books the public see ; We leave this egotistic style, For precious time we must not wile. Our notes of Wimborne wo resume. Though not in best of rhyming tune, In beating thus about the bush Oar writing some may think profuse. The Ames Brothers we should say Do now four coaches run each day ; They are well known both near and far For enterprise (|uite up to par. We stai't now as the coach is full, We hear this is the usual rule, And yesterday we realised The fact, and so were not surprised. Our driver ha? a pleasant grace, And witty humour lights his face ; We presently may perhaps atford To give our coachman just a word. The guide is bland, courteously free. And that we wish in him we see, Ani as he figures in our sketch, "We perhaps from him some thought may fetch. On leaving Bournemouth soon we view A Cemetery, its wall looks new, But fifteen yeurt? it has been there. Host precious dust to keep with care, 100 A RIDE FROM BOUENEMOUTH TO WIMBORNE. Though Bonrnemnutli is a pretty place, .Still lii'i'e ^riiii (luath \vt; have to face ; tVe must not moralize too much, Or we shall give too dark a touch. On left and right is Talljot Wood, Guide said, " A lover's walk " so good : "At Winion " dladstone" chops the hair From Whigs and Tories, dark or fair." Ou counties two, the people perch, On left of Winton, Moordown Church, In Moordown village we were told. The little school is very old. At Christchurch Priory we do peep, Which on our memory will keep ; Pass " Horse and Jockey," sporting name To this four miles, we find we came. Then Pedhill drying ground so trim. Our kind ivsj)e('ts tiie Laundress's win ; " Here d(;nkey died," said guide, "one day Because he could not have his way." Anslcy Vicarage now we pass, ^Vhere lives the friend of every class, The(iospel lived and preached can win Our .Saviour's wandering blieep to Him. Pretty " How " village we pass by. Asked liow they named it, wonderingly : Names are sometimes strangely given, Only o:ie will lead to Heaven. We.'^t Kinsou Village in our road, All I Colontd Uiisseirs sweet ahodo ; Ci'.mea:i hero, who lived here, H is memory cherished far and near. At Oolphiii Tun, amiimtestay To water horses ou the way. That brought a'oiig the coach so fast, A:i I .■j'-etrjrv delightful passed. A lUDh FROM BOURXEMOUTH TO WIMIiOTlXE. 10^ Soon on the road with fresh deli'/nt, The view to all, a pleasing sight ; A relic too, of olden time We now put in our simple rhyme. Upon the right, old Kinson Church, Where many people for it search . Nine centuries their debt have paid Since first so firm its stones were laid. On left, a large dimensioned dam Proclaims the Waterworks Long Ham, Supplying Bournemouth from the .Stoiir Quarter million gallons an hour. The water filtered pure and sweet, Djth up to date true science greet ; We hope all towns will lessons take From our poor AVorthing's great mistake. The Councilmen of Bournemouth bear A noble character we hear : The Mayor and his honored clan Will still do all the good they can. We ride to Wimborne, bear in mind, To this digression please be kind, For here we do confess our fault And not so long again will halt. Then close at hand, four cross roads meet, Poole, Ring wood, Bournemoutli, AVimborne, Now on the road to Wimborne haste, [greet, Our four in hand no time to waste. When lo ! the finest sight that's seen Makes our company feel serene. There on the right Lord Wimborne's seat Where Albert Edward friends did meet. On this we must not paraphrase The bait is tempting to our gaze. For Bournemouth Recreation Ground He opened then midst cheers profound. a 108 A RFDK FROM BOURNESIOUTIl TO WIMISOENE. " Flaj^s and festoons," the *rnide did say, " Were closely hung for miles that day Alonj^ the i-oiite were thousands seen To ciieer the son of our loved Queen." AVith ririi,fht()n people loii!,^ do live ; Hove church we found wlien there aso, ]Men of f^reatest iv^c iloth know. The Pyramids are mountains hi,L;h, In (grandest heiiiht they scale the sky ; So yon can l>i-ii{hton's "(pieeiidom" trace. See from the Downs the walerin:jht Shines IJrijjjhton forth in da/.'/linj^' fl; mo, Its li<:;hts do credit to its name. "We walk its Sunday promenade. And wonder how the fashions made Here ladies fair, with pi'etty face. Help on the sunshine of the place ; It seems a pity that j^'rim death, "Witli fell disease should load iiis bre tli, To take away such beauties fair With smilinjij face and riches rare. Here dandy i^ents do stalk about. And (puilT their spirits and their stout : A TRICYCLE RIDE, ETC. lOD' While still most ijoodly men they are, Who'd drive the stuff from tliem afar. Here mansions are of sumptuuus style ; Hotels where you the time may wile, To give a view of Brighton's grace, Would till a book for this one place ; And if from Londo;i you should start, Don't criticise and be too smart, For Brighton only second is To London in its mightiness, Its environments too are grand, As any in our native land. Oo to the Devil's Dyke, and see The grandest nature mystery ; The great Acjuarium see, now mind, A thousand sorts of fish you'll find ; Some tons are daily caught off here. Sent to London with haste and care. We must no longer halt, or stay. With our three wheeler we're away ; And now we ride down Promenade, Which bv most clever men wiis made. hi Our steed is oiled and painted smart. And oir we go with a good heart, And Hove we soon pass tlirough, and call On shops, for Bentley's suits them all. They say we know that man is Gwyer, For he to try docs never tire ; We orders get which act lik'j oil, Our fi'iends to push is pleasant toil. We fear some reader, perhaps may say This is an advertising lay. But they must bear in mind this thought. That we no sketching tour had sought. But paid by Bentley's firm, and sent To sell their goods we were intent ; If here digression you'll permit. We'll tell a tale that this will fi^ A gentleman in Patsy's land, Did at a peasant's door once i:tand. He asked him then which was the w;iy, Tae road that he should take that day. 110 A TRICYCLE RIDE, ETC. "Will you (lour Sir, come in and dim', "We've jiisL eoimiieiRvd, liave iiie and mine; Yoifre welcome as the flowers in May, Come rest with us ji time an]ied, "She has more ri^ht than all beside : Her youni; ones pay the rent each year, And thus provide we ha\e no fear." So this we now of lientley's say. They pay our rent and l>oard alway, And were it not for them you'd not This book been able to have bought. If us yon would help o'er the stile ; All l»entley's <;oods jdease bny on trial ; A wink as u'ood os yon have heard. To those not blind, as sin;^Mni; bird. Our steed resumed, we're olf atrain, Our sketcli must real news contain : Yet still a little sjtace is nice. If not bouear. In Liberators' (b'eadful smash, The culprits I wouM like to thrash." When in the morn we out did go. This lady said, " How do you ilo, Can you dear Sir, a moment spare. While I to you my woes declare. A TRICYCLE RIDE, ETC. 113 .Seventy-four years is my age, We here record it in our page. Her bank showed a goodly sum, III hosiery trade for years had come; Her hosiery business she liad sold, The LiberatoL* she was told Was safe as any bank that's found, lu any ph\ce all England round, We knelt and thus to her did say, We'll pour our cry to God this day That He would aid the widow here, And screen her with His tender care ; We knew the Lord our prayer had heard, The widow's trust was in His word. This case is one like many more, We hear as we go England o'er. The guilty consciences must know They caused this misery and woe. The\Shoreham Poor Law gives we're glad Some shillings weekly tliis case sad : She still lives there, and does not know How she's provided here below ; ■God answers prayer, He doth provide For all His saints the whole world wide. We must not further linger now. Or friends with us will have a row, With watching, waiting, patience pressed Our pretty course with sunshine dressed. Across the bridge we go with speed It was a pleasant ride indeed ; Our horse is ready for the fray, We leave Old Shoreham quick that day, These incidents do thrillings make, Exciting interest through a brake ; They'll surely help to spread our book. If in its pages some will look ; The ups and downs of life are many, But few e\perience learn, if any. The cap we make will suit most all. Whoever on these lines may fall ; O give to us the country fair. AVith pleasant homesteads e\-erywhere. 114 A TiaCYCLE KlDi:, KTC, 'I'iie sprins; wlicii startini; litY- is born ; The suiiinicr lit-Ms of Lrrowiiii,' ctnni, Or aiituniiis < he spares. For trifling losses thev sustained They murmured long and sad complained. Thank God, its over long ago. Xow Worthing's healthy well we know : When next a sea resoi-t you seek. Go down to Worthing for a week; Or longer time will you repay, If you at pretty Worthing stay, Though sad the news which hero we've told, We've written Avhat we did behold. On iron steed away we drive. And thank the Lord Ave're still alive ; Along the lanes in p'easant mode. With clear blue sky abo\e we rode. Xow in the village Augmering, We did some tra'le which made us sing; We found a titled man li\ed there, "^Vith mansion large and park so rare ; He much respected is, we heard From many people's ready word. To liittlehampton we did come, And much enjoyed the ride we'd done ; This quiet watering place is smart. So trim and nice, laid out with art; The children and the sick ones there Enjoy a pleasant seaside rare ; 118 A TKICVCLE HIDE, ETC. Tilt' walks and coniitry lani'S are . 121 We wonlcl rccr>unt to you awhile, ]^()\v lie once iiei2)e'i us o'er the stile. The lirst ajclress to youui^ we gave, A\'e sought by grace their souls to save. Tiiis gentleman was present then, AVhen tirst we sougiii- the erring men ; Though then with tremulous voice we stood ; *'Dear friLuJ," he said, "'this gospel good. Will not be cast ott', you shail liear. The gospel message you must bear." Some forty years ha\e quickly tlown Since j\Ir. Cougre\e's act was done, This deed to us Avas very bi'ight. The very thought brings heavenly light. Kind words ne\ er die, no, never, Kor from our memory can they sever ; Sow then, thy friendly seeds broadcast, They heavenly harvest bring at last. We should here like to tell one thing. That back to memory now doth sprinn- ; A cold we caught both hard and bad, For many weeks we serious ha 1. " Gwyer," said he, " upon our way, A cough may end in deatli some day, Lay up some days aud don't go out^ You better not be now about ; Put mustard plaster on the skin, 'Twill drive the cold from cliest within ; Nitre and some medicine too. Will soon some relief bring to you." We then restored and well again, From all our aches and all ( n: pain ; His free recipe we give to-day. Cost us but fourpence by the way. Now Brighton's grace, we've told before, So of it now we say no more ; Now Sunday's over, wit'i its rest, Sure God's day is of all the best. Strength renewed in body and mind ' For active duties do wj lind. So up betimes, we oleaa and oil Our iron steed for this week's toil ; A TIIKYCLK UIDK TllltOIflll LKWES. \V(.' moniiL jitoft ;iiil Koon esi)y Tlie lii'Ui's road on lii'iiwiii;^ iiiilh. T'l lifwcs ti^;lit iiiilfs now wc gi ; The sun soon sliows with liui-jiaij;; glow; All iiiiturL- panted for the rain. But from the sky came not a drain, But still the ride was very t-weet, The Sussex hilly air we greet, O \\u so bright ; The previous day s.iiue business done K'er came the settiu'^: of the sun ; From Lewes up t > Eastbourne we "With p'easure ri le in chei;rful glee. Some fifteen miles or there ab )ut, "We pla.'e the journey on our route ; A TRICYCLE EIDi; mcM LEAVES TO EASTBOUEXE. 123 Onr tricycle did sei've us well. Tiirougii all the things tliat ns befell. Now half way on the road we name, A curious incident that came ; A haggler with his pony passed, Was trolling long the road so fast ; We followed near behind his cart. When soon a conversation smart; " Take hold, my friend, behind you see, And take your rest, and talk with me." In arm chair fashion then we sat And entered into happy chat ; We only guided then our steed ; The haggler walking met onr need. " The country's looking bad," my friend, " We hope the drought here soon will end ; "The farmers," said this man to us " Are always making grumbling fuss." " But those who Avear the boots that pinch, Can gnage their length just to an incii ; In all the varied things of life, We've straggled weary of the strife ; So kindly we must be to all. For heavy losses on some fall." Now we began to tell to him. Of witty humours terse and trim ; That wiiich we heard of licwes Jail, To him we did repeat the tale Of what one yesterday had said, "That's the Sussex Hotel ahead." The man replied, "Yes, Avell I know. Six months last year I there did go ; I found there not the best of fare, ^ly stomach oft was empty there." " Your conduct good," we ask, " or bad ; Tiiat bitter time to spend you lial ; " *' Now as you ask the truth you know, How that I had to prison go : T'was not for bad 1 think you'll eay, That I to ])rison went that day. You see my aged friend up tlieie, I rabbits ferreted with care ; «» 124 A Ti:iCV(I,K IMDK KKOM I.K-.VKS . TO EASTCGl-IINi:, I do iilleu'c I Llit'ie was ciui.r'.i : Tlic kcc'itcis swore with liiuiii I f.)r.i,'!it ; "Within those shnihs i;]).)ii tlx* I'ij^'-i, WiLS were 1 IVncltL'il mai iiii;!it ; The sequel this, an 1 thus I \wut. And to till' Lewes jail was sent." *' Please tell nie where yuii leai-t:e I iW.s trL\do, That for yon sncii sad troultio ma ie, And life with aijony aliouiid Till you in jail six months wei'e found." *"Twas Kedlvneh, Wilts, tlie county's r.auie. Where I learnt ferrettin<,''s j^reat fume." **"\Ve lived at ReUynch, too, in youtli, Anil what you say we know is truth."* He further did relate that day. How lie had hoped to leave that way. *'Now' shepherd's name was j);"etty known By us, fur pijachin;; to us shown. "When ([uite a boy <>n laiKcr's farm, We used to think it ilan no l.aim. We asked the fatlu'r for his lh:y. To ferret with us tlun with joy; Now can you see tiie drift we ween, How the conuuenceiiieiit thr.s Lad Lccn." We sowed the seed in early youth, This poor man sad hail i"iaj)ed in truth ; So in the future, every day. Be onlv iiood see.l sown alwav. We will not mention here his name. Or perhaps some day he may us blame. Suffice to say at Downton School, We both were tau«;ht by the same rule. Where Mr. Read, a master kind, Taui^ht both the Bible rules to mind ; Now we this errinLC lirother sought, By kind entreaties as we ou^ht. In this lone lane we preached the Word, As inessaj;e counn;;' from the Lord; "Come now to Christ, dear friend," said we, **IIe for us hum; upon the Tree, ThroULrh ix'TUtence and faith we may Receive His pardoning,' love to-day." Though perhaps we s!;a!l not meet again A TUICYfLE r.ri)E, POLEGATB TO EASTBOURNE. 125 "We hope the word ^vas not in vain. God fi'rant tliat he a jewel rare, May in the ]\Ia3ter's crown appear. To Poleirate now at last we come. Sweet converse with our friend is CcWi ; Now Bentley's sales we do pursue, And a good stroke of business do. Some four miles now to Eastbourne we, Of pretty hilly country Fce ; And up the Eastbourne hill we climb, When reached we sec a sight sublime ; "We stand ai;d caze as stru(;k with awe ; Such beauteous landscape there we saw. 0, God of nature and of grace. Thine own wise handiwork we trace. A gentleman with ladj fair, Viewed the landscape with us there, We sat upon our iron steed, And penned a poein you can read ; This inspiration very rare, Did wile away the morning there. These hillv summits oft remind Of Pisgah', ]Mos('s left behin ', That diaries Wesley did sh(/W in verse, In sweetest hymn, botli ricli and terse. So we on climbing up life's hill. Like Israel's host, aghast stand still. In looking back on life's rough road. We long and pant for He iven ;d)0(le. This Eastbourne hill gave us delight, We never s^hall f r Cj .h^^ s;_l1 t ; These foretastes of our Ltaveuly rest. With natures pictured carpet ai-est. From growing grandeur on tlie hill, To Eastbourne came with right g-od will ; Our day's hard work is nearly done, As easy down the hill we I'un. With interest all Eastbourne teems, It really 1 ke to Er'ght m s.^ms. On Sundays 't!s a sight to see. The grand parade in front of sea ; Notable places of each kind. This noble town's nowhere behind. 12C A TRICYCLE RIDE, EASTBOURNE AND PEVENSEY, Of Leaf Hall comfort we partake, A liome of pleasure here we make, We recommend its fame to all "Whene'er at Eastbourne they may call ; Its near the sea, and you can sight The blue expanse of waves so bright. Along the i)romenade such views Of dresses rich of many hues ; For winsome mien, and beauty rare, ^o nation can with onrs conifiare 'Tis also lighted up at night, ( AVith very bright electric light. And as we walk the jiromenade, We see how tine tlie place is made For here a day or two we stay, To sell our goods, our simple way. Some orders get at Eastbourne too, For ]jentle3''s firm so good and true. Kow in the morn we haste away, With cooling breeze begin the ihiy ; Our carriage clean, and trim and smart, And oiled M'ell with all our heart We speed along the level road. And fly to reach our own abode, As long the dusty road we run, VV^e soon begin to feel the sun. Pevensey Station we arrive, To halt awliile, we here contrive ; While bread and cheese, and jjinger beer. Solaced our heart and gave us cheer. On tradesmen here we call and try. To sell our goods, but these don't buy, Pevensey castle here we see With many centuries memory ; Then speed along the beaten track. The sun's warm rays upon our back, Ten miles tlirough meadow land we ride. The grounds seems scorched on every side. The cattle, too, looked very thin, Because for months no rain had been ; A fariiu'r saiil to us that day, "We soon should starve upon tlu'. waj' ;" A TRICYCLE KIDE, EEXHTLL Xyj) HASTINGS. 127 " Xo ; not like that my friend," said we, " God will supply our needs you'll see ; "We will not here the dearth complain, But will in faith ask Him for rain." AVe hope the farmer's thoughts that day, AVere drawn from earth to Heaven away. Then quick o'er level crossing rail, The wide expanse of sea we hail. A dip into the sea Ave gave, Which perhaps did from a sunstroke save ; And had a good long bathe that day, As o'er our back the billows play. We never shall forget this dip. It gave us vigour fur our trip ; We now arrive at Bexhill Town, Where many Londoners come down ; We ply again our wonted trade, And here some customers were made : Some few miles more we have to go, Before we Hastings reach you know. Through St. Leonard a pretty spot Although the summer is so liot ; The shops well stocked, are large in size. Which here we can well advertise ; We through it into Hastings run. And so a fortnight's journey's done. Please keep this fact always in mind ; The coastguards all round cliffs you fiti, All throusrh the weariness of nisht. They hail each other with deliglit. We merely speak of this to-day, To thank them for their cheery way ; For much depends on them we know, Our safety watching as the}^ go. We could, 3'es, many pages write Of Hastings varied beauties sight, For Ha sting's has a charm ahvay. In cold and wind, and frosty day : Here warm from north east winds that blow> 'Tis sheltered by the cliffs you know. Soon invalids restored are. That come on here, from near and far. 128 EXDINC; A rO" TN':GnT"S TI.ICYCI.K IIIDK-.IOI.^TG HOME. A\'t liomewaiil wend by imH mir w;vy. And muse upon our oiisy tl:iy. Ami as wo think of all that's [last, Our iliyining vurses long will last. From home a fortnight wc have been. And many jileasant thing-; have soon ; A fewofthct>e in ihymo have given. And thus to please you all huve striven. "We put now on the iron road. Our wheeler for our J'engo aboilo : "While in the train we hie away. In Juno, through Kent, that brighest dciy, And think of all tliat we have done, From morning dawn to setting sun. Our rambling verse will suit wo hope, Our varied leaders every scope. Their numerous errors jileaso forgive, We try a useful life to live. On Friday afternoon we start. Some eighty miles so trim and smart ; And now the steam di'aws us along, Through England's garden full of song. The land looks dry and scorehcd, and bara^ But still the Lord for us doth care ; So sure our hopes shall anchoie 1 bo. On His sure promise strong and free. He said. He will sujiply our need, If we will follow Him indeed ; At last at homo we did anive, To pleasant greetings all alive. BE PATIENT, :\[OT{[ERS. Be patient, mothers, with children fond ; Although their faults n:ako you despond; I know you have enough to bear, Your little ones re(|uire such care. Be not too stern with infants, play. Like kittens, sportive, qnick, and gay ; A tender ]>lant, a fragile stem, Is oft a figure true of them. BE PATIEN'T MOTHERS. 129 A blighting" frost, a sadden chill, These tender buds will often kill, And so a cold, a congh, or pain, Can soon your strong lieart break in twain. You may have anxious hours and long, To test your motiier-love s;) strong, When your dear child is laid aside, And oft the swelling tear you hide. Your darling's face is wan and white ; The eves have lost their lustre bright ; Tue parent's eyes are soaked in tears. Tiieir voices hushed iu soleuia fears. The doctor looks, he shakes his head, Tlie lia;)py spirit now has fled ; This Iamb is hou-e I within the fold, Frjui worldly chilling wiuis so cold. To see tliose eyes with langiiter shine, You'd give all in the world is thme ; Or hear those feet sound overhead, The music of their merry tread. Then prize the trust you have just now, AVear not a frown up ju your bro'.v ; "While children play with merry glee ; May mother's faces smiling be. With cheerful song its often given. That cliildren piiut the way to heaven ; Your mother-trust is gi'eat while here. Train up your children in God's fear. Sow well the seed of truth to-day. In their young hearts waile home they stay ; Let your example always be A copy that tlie child can see. AVith earnest prayer and watching tend, Anl God will bless you in the end ; Tneu soon the reaping tinij will come, Waen you and yours ^ire gathered home. Eamsgate, August 8th, 1802. 130 life's road. LIFE'S ROAD. Life's road at times is rough and lonely, A1l1ioii;j;1i 'tis dark, there's lij^lit withiu, For Jl'.su's love brings joy and peace ; His blood has washed away our sin. With Jesus we are never friendless, For He will never leave, no, never, His love's an everlasting love. The world nor iSatan cannot sever. We're often tired and sometimes weary, For trials come in manv a form ; Our daily streugLh He doth measure, And guides us safe through every storm. In saldened days as dark as night, His tiery cloud protects from ill ; Then we will sing our song of prai:3, For all our sorrows He dotii feel. So helpless weak and very frail. We lean on Jesu's loving arm ; He strengthens us with all His grace. And nothing then can do us h:irm. We're waiting, watching for our Lord, In ho])e with patient faith we rest : Increase these gifts in us we pray. Then when Thou comest 'twill be bc3t. So liappy then, resigned and safe. We leave our future in God's care, Whate'er He sends will be the best, For gracious blessings it nmst bear. Leighton Buzzard, 13th January, 1803. A SONNET FOR THE NEW TEAR. 13 J A SOXXET FOR THE NEW YEAR. Time flies by moments swift away, And soon will come the closing day, Another year has quickly passed, To thousands it will be the last. Great God, Thy saving truth impart, Engrave it deeply on each heart ; May we, each moment, as it flies, Improve and its true value prize. With deeds of kindness fraught with love, With gracious impulse from above ; Mav those who taste of heavenly iovs. Hold lightly all these earthly toys. The world is still in darkest night, Shed forth, Lord, Tliy gracious light ; O may the Gospel win its way, And shine resplendant — as the day. Break hearts as hard as flinty stones. And cause to live the driest bones ; Give life, and grace, and faith to thosc, A.ud save them from their direst foes. What'er in store for future life, May patience bear us through the strifo : And when our days are ended here. May then our souls in heaven appear. A TRICYCLE SKETCH, RIDE THROUGH THE ISLE OF WIGHT, JULY, IS'JO. Our verse on Isle of Wight received !More praises than we had believed ; When once before we penned our views, For our kind readers to peruse. 182 A TaiCYCLB SKETCH, COWES. When sketcliinp: it a little bit, "We knew but hltle then of it : Since tlieii we wandered o'er the isle, By rail, and road, and coach in style. Last year we tricycled it too. And now depict its scenes for you ; We land in Cowes our iron steed, A hui .Inly it is indeed. If we could use a pi inter's brush, Onv scenes on canvas soon would rush, Some charniini,' rnralistic views, Of land and sja, and cliff we'd use. From Cowes to Yarmouth first the ride ; Findini; an Inn by the wayside ; Thou,i:!i four miles only had we been. We beauties all arouml had seen. Tiie hostess in a cheerful mode. Showed us our ni'^'ht's secure abode ; AVe much enjoyed onv homely tea, It left a happy memory. To bed for rest we soon did cro. And ])cacefiil slumbers soon did know, And woke refreshed at early morn, To face life's battles, sun or storm. With cj^gsand bacon for our fare. Fresh butter too, a breakfast rare ; Our host and hostess kindly said, "Of you, dear Sir, we've of Leu read. Your versatility is great, You really write, we think first rate; Perhaps, Sir, you do not know that this Is just the place, yon sliouM not, miss. Wiirhf s Island's higliest hill is t'.iere. And if you clind» its steeps with care, A sig'.it you see b nil great an I graad. Better than any foreign lanci." A. TRICYCLE SKETCH, COWBS. 183 Enamoured of delightful stay, "We climbed its steeps and spent the day, And sitting on a rural stile, We thus the time away did wile. "We penned a poem down, so loug ; We call it here our rtistic song ; The sun shone forth with burning ray, Until the heat chased us away. Earth's gaping mouths did open wide "With sterile drought on every side ; "We in the beauteous bay did dip, And land and sea joy both did sip. Then wandered back tlirough afternoon. And tea was ready very soon ; Tw;) la lies staying there did say, "Will you take tea with us to-day .J"" And thus in conversation wc ; '■ Your name is ilr. Gwyer v> 8 see, We've read with interest your verse, Such pleasant reading nice and terse." " Your name we see you spell tlie same, As did our friend, John Gwyer by name, He must related be to you." " He was my father its quite true." " Well now, dear Sir, we're coming round, Y'ou are the Joseph we'll be bound. In fifty two to London went ; We will remember the event." "If you another person guess, Mysllf t" would bt still, not be less." Now forty years of scanning back. And viewing life's most rugged track. An object lesson good was sought From all the mercies God hat;i wrought, The tea was endel. then we had A pleasant ride to make us glad, 134 A TRICYCLE SKF.TCII, YARMOUin, Wf lauiiiiLfd Lhuu uiir inm steed, " And oil the roiid we went ahead : liile's jounievs short we thoii.iiht ut best, While'lookiiiV' back we all contest. How short and transient is the upan. Allotted here to nmrtal man : It scL-UK'd l)nt yesterday we thon,i?ht. When hrst great London town we sought. So little then it seemed to be, Such notoriety we should see ; The scorching sun's hot burning ray, In cooler eve is fled away. Through villages we speed along, As liappy as a marriage song ; Some LwcUe miles now we have to go, To Yarmouth's pretty iiarljour know. We halt awhile, and here we soon Do sell our goods in best of tune ; On village grocers here we call. Get orders eiv the darkness fall. We turn to left, and on the road. Pass cheerful homes of sweet abode ; In hedges, honeysuckle grows. And to'our nostrils fragrance blows. For sickle soon will ready be, The golden yellow corn we see ; The horses prancing in the mead. And lowing cows their stomach feed. The eventide with cooling breeze, Sweet blowing throng. i umbrage )UR trees. And on the way, wliaL co you Lliiiik, AVe at a cottage asked a drink. Our verse on Tennyson we gave ; They other rhymes of us did crave; The" lady sii 1, " Why, it is siraiigo. Your rln-nun- verse takes wi.l'-L range." A TRICYCLE SKETCH, FRESHWATER. 135 Then she brought us stanzas so rare, Which we .soon .scanne.l with earnes:: care ; 'I'litjii pleasant Laiic ; then mount our seat, Tnus friends, our ride was quite a treat. At Yarmouth late we tlien did halt ; •So sweet the day without a fault ; And ^lorijheus our eyes did steep, In nature's sweet restorer, sleep. This host and hostess, too, we praise, For ail their kindness in our lays — We eai'ly rise, resume our toil, l!y giving iron Horse some oil. Refreshing breezes now we got, A thong. 1 the Weather was so hot ; Oi' Dentiey's well-known goods so rare, A sti'okeof business did with care. Fi'om Yarmouth t!;en, two miles we ride. And i/er the country far and wide : Fi-eshwater ;.oo, late honored !:ome, Of Tennyson whose work is done. In going d>;wn Freshwater hill, Wt_- tried our brake wit'i firmest will ; Alas I alas I it would not act, We miisL in ,eed re\eal the fact. We t::en wcr.' iravelling with goo.i speed, Anl ha I a shocking time of need ; Tlie hill was ioivj; and very steep, Our s:ee.l its quickest pace did keep. We tlionght :it once what would be best. It was an ordeaFs trying test. For killed we thought we sure should be, But guided to the Hedge wei-e we. The wheels were doubled up like tow, And we were shaken mu(di you know. Then had repaired our Iron .Steed, And sold the goods the grocers need. 136 A TRICYCLE SKKTCH, OARISBROOKE. In quickest haste we search again, And Ikntley's orders soon obtain ; rht'si' onk-rs like some fra;,n-ant spice, Come Uowing in so very nice. Now hasten quick to Newport we, Of scenery f.)urteen miles Lo see. Of liilly couiiiry very grand As we ride tiirough this pretty land. "We sliould like much to lialt a bit, And try our lian 1 at pleasant wit ; And o"er ihe Island's widest range, Our I'hyme slioLdJ ring its merry change. "We hurry our journey on with will, Vor we must never iiere stand si ill, 'i'lie sun is sinking in the west ; Cool evening hree/.es are the best. To push bur iron steed along Eight miles an hour is no n)ere sonj ; The journey here is (piire ;t treat, The scenery \X'ry hard to beat. Onr I'oi'm is fifteen s'one or more. Dead weiifht to drag from hill t.) door : Now Newport : soon we hail the town, linn from its hilly summits down. Our hostess now in kindly s;ieceh, " Fi'om Fi-eshwat.r now you Newport reach ;" "We halt awhile and spend some time. In penning down our flowing rhyme. A shoii time spent at Carisbrooke, And notes upon the castle took ; The ])rison bouse of Charles is there, And his sweet daughter love I an 1 fair, Who rested on th(i blessed Word, In all the troubles that occure 1. Then tea, with butter fresh, and egg, AVe iiang our hat upun the peg. A TRICYCLE SKETCH, NEWPORT. lo7 And soon forg-et the toil that's past, "When back to Xe\\'[i&rt come at last. In slippers pnt cnr weary feet, Soft rest to tired souls is sweet. For rest to bed we soon retire, Used up by energy's bright fire. At early morn with vigour new, Onr work with ardour we pursue. Some orders here at Newport get, As good as we have ever met : So pleasure is combined this way AYith doing business day by duy. In Xewpurt Church there may be seen. Placed there by our most gracious Queen, A monument of marble rare. To Charles the First's sweet daughter fair. Reclining on the book with case. The precious Bible which did please. And charm this maiden, princess fair Within her dungeon sad and cirear. Her Saviour took her while she read His promise sure upon her bed ; Ne'er let the darkened days of yore, Come back again as heretofoi-e. Good Lord, speed on Thy chariot car, Send gospel tidings near'and far. Our journey now resame we must. And face the heat, the stones, the dust. Though tempting baits of history stand. Alluring us throughout the land ; To Brading's village next the road, Leigh Richmond's cottagers' abode. The ride transporting is vre tell. O'er hilly country down and dell ; We've here a moralizing fit. And on the down sit down a bit. l;]8 A TlllCYCl.K SKHTCll, llKADlNCi. Of heat and dust, and work we tire, It draws from us our latent fire ; But our tlirt-'c wlieclcr we must say Has been a friend to us eacli day. It works with will, it wants hut oil, To roam the Island's fertile soil, And i)ass the yloi'ious landscape slight, Where hill and dale give great delight. The rippling yellow corn alway, Is getting riper every day, And soon with joy there will he borne Into the barns the ripened corn. The trees ha^■e autumn's lovely tint, The crowded gardens smell of mint ; From lirading once again we hie And down the hills wc soon espy The Little Cottager's old honie, And to its pretty thatch we come ; Old thoughts press fast and thick just now, Leigh ilichmond's feet trod here we trow. Oft up those winding stairs has he, With loving heart, gone tliere to see The cottager in sickness lail. And daily visit to Inr i>aid. To pray and read God's blessed word ; The ])r()mise of her Idesscd liord. Old Brading looks of ancient date. Old things charm us, yes, some first rate. Old churches and old castles too, Both draw our commendation true, While down the village on our ride. We view the mall house on left side. These landmarks we can never pass, Though many vanished are, alas ! 'Tvvas here we heard the vicar had, His parish school to make them glad. A TRICYCLE SKETCH, BliADING. 189 And often here the Word he spake, And stony hearts the Spirit brake : This landscape we cannot forget, The gems of tour wliich here we met Our nature is to moralize, And some for this call us not wise : ^y^i loose our brake and down the hill. On tour one cannot long stand still. Xo further precious time we wile ; St'o houses built in ancient style : 'I'licn visit next the church with glee. And chanced a marriage there to see. \V!i[!e walking in the churchyard ground, ^\'e heard a very happy sound. And on enquiry then did stay, To see a wedlock forged that day. 'J'hc rustic church, old fashioned aisles, AVith basin pulpit, iron rails, AVe thought of all the days of yore. When scanning Richmond's journals o'er. Here too. the place where first the light, ])awned in his heart of darkest night ; AVhen God's great candle did dis}).ay. Its sure and saving power that day. Uur reader perhaps, may know, how he Became empowered his sins to see ; His ruined state by nature lost. And saved by Christ at such a cost. This hca\"cnly birth and change s.) new, As shown to Nicodemus true — i Jear Wilberforce, a christian grand. We wish you here to understand, Was instrument to clear the way, This gem to bring to Christ that day. Dear reader, here the motive's told. That made Leigh Richmond very b.)ld, 140 A TRICYCLE SKETCH, BRADING. The gospel which he preached with power, Was blessed by God in every hour ; The cobtager gave good report, To young iind old of every sort. And drawu by Jesu'p wondrous love, The theme of Him wlio reigns above ; Til' Dairyman's daughter was saved too, Another jewel clear and true. But here we must not longer stay, But hasten on our joyous \v:iy ; The cottager's saved daughter's grave, Does just our notice quitely crave. In churchyard hire, close by we see The stone raised to her memory ; Has liichraond's rhyme both good and terse, As all the vicar's other verse. The ot'ier relic here we name, In the old porch of ancient fame ; Close liy the churchyard h.ere we tell. The village stocks once used so well. Poor drunkards there they used to put ; "What immbers now it stiil would suit, But il" you sign the Temperance pledge, 'Twill save disgrace we do alledge. Here grocers shops, a few there are, No pli asure must mv l)usiness bar, For T-Ciitley's pays th- rent alway, So we on business ride away. In calling on some grocers three For Bentley's good rich order see ; A.n I thus while we descant on themes. Our pocket with their copper teems. At Hrading Village Inn we stay. Refreshed by rest upon our way : The Wheatsheaf Inn its called yuu know, From the thatched cotlugo juat below. A TRICYCLE SKETCH, ST. HELENS. 141 Some bread and cheese and ginger beer, AVere relished well you need not fear ; We talked of all our journey past, And thus the evening soon went fast. The host an;l hostess both became So very kind that both avc name ; Some farmers tlicj'e that spent the eve Weve kind to us, you may bi;lieve. Our readers always will in me, A really staunch Teetotaler see ; Altliougli we nmch dislike tiie drink, They often of us Idndly think. Our speech though strong, they bear in mind, If ill our teaching we arc kind ; They talke;! of all the Island o'er, This knowledfje added to our store. The faithful dog, the farmer's friend, Stuck closely to him to the end ; To weary bodies rest is sweet, "\\'e did that nicfht this blessins; u'reet. AVe rose betimes at early morn. For vigorous health just then is bom, The men wlio rise up early find A healthy body, vigorous mind. We scan the garden neatly kept. All weeds from it so cleanly swept, AVhile fruit does hang upon the trees, Kustled by balmy morning breeze. The grunters too, are in the stye, They like a scratch, we know not why ; They talk to us, and grunt with ease, And very much they did us please. The cackling hens and crowing cock. Showed by their number a good stock : Now breakfast we in best of style, Much relish it and rest awhile. [\J A ri;i(Y(M; skktch, st. iIelenV. To village next, two miles we ride ; St. Helens pretty liTeeii so wide ; Our Iron Steed we ji'et astride, And start attain our hapi)}' ride. Here houat'S budt in modern date Look comely cosy and tirst rate ; We ply while here our wonteil work, For we our Imsiness must nuL shirk. For our employers are so kinil. The houi's too lonp,' we never Jind, Jhit then we must not ever tell. Or scoldel we shall be right well. For our dear IVieud, .Tohu Hums does say, Eight hours enough for any day. From Helens on to Bembridge go, About two miles or nearly so. AVe pass close by an old friend's home, And thiids' of all the good he's done : At St. Helens we jiass the night With a gardener, with great delight. About twelvemonths before this time, We recollect this in our rhyme, We found that sucli a man was rare, And as we'd little time to spare We asked him where to get a bed, To lay that night our weary head. He asked his wife, "Could wo not take This gentleman, my dear, and make Him comfortable just for a night ?" She answered (piick with air so bright, "Yes John. Fll do my best my dear. To niake him h;;ppy don't you fear." So to the cottage on the hill. We went atoiur with I'eady will; We shall not soon foi'get this treat, When with the gardener we did meet, A TIUC'YCLE SKETCH, KYDE. lit Tht'v ivad and ])i)nuere;i poems o'er, And waiitcl us to send tljem more; No easy i'(;ckiiig did we need, 7or we were very tired indeed. SYe rose refreslicd to start ai;ain, For work doth Providence ordain To brino- us to the needful rest, Which He well knows for ns is liest. "We quite at home with them did feel, Quiet did o'er our spirit steal ; (iod's providence directs, we know, Our path throuu'h life where'r we go. Now of Ryde Flower Show we heard, Just dropped in a most casual word. This gardener gained the first prize tl:ere For Chrysanthemunis, rich and rare. An honour this we felt so great, A pleasure we could never beat. What honour next can be in store. We thought while poudering this fi'.cL o'er. His brother out of berth we heard, A gardener till some hitch occured, While breakfasting a letter came About a berth and to his name. " Yes," he said to me, " its true. Read the kind letter quite all through." We did do so, and thus it said, " Will you dear Sir," and then it read. *' Kindly give all the winter through, A lecture monthly, or perhaps two, On Botany please write and s;i\-, We want to know without delay." Well, did we think what can this mean, How such coincidence has been, How one should come off with tirst prize, And one be botanist so wise. 1 4+ A TUICYCLE SICETCir, DEMBUIbGlJ. Exiiiinstcd not this stnuii^c event, How sfraiiti'clv there wx' hrsL were Fent ; " I'crhajjs, .Sir, you'd like Lo |l;() with iiic, The ghiss and garden just to see." It w;!S a treat of choicest kind AVe did in all our journey lind, "We carried with the greatest care Some tiowers he ga\e us very rare. A member of Parliament hvcs here If to his house you keep q:iite near "Pwill bring you down to IJenibii'.lge mart; You'll see the house is very smart. Adjoining this of n.uc'.i renown, Is I^aily Jjowe's lioi.se well laiil down ; " Please tell me who tins member is ? I should perhaps like his name to quiz" " Some time with me he oft does spend," "And would to you an hearing lend : "' "What is his name, please tell me pray," "That we may call on him to-day," For royal tokens oft we've had, St. Stephen's members make us glad. "Frank Ooldwoll is his family name. Of Hacknc}' Wick, won honored fame." How strange was this ; in time of yore, No friend of ours we liked much more ; Why on the Temperance platform we Were years ago allied you see. We'll call on him this morn we vow, And ask him how he is just now. While at his door we gently knock, We feel a kind of nervous shock. We saw him then with smiling mien. " Mr. Gwyer where have you been ? Yes years ago we worked togethei- : Lats at flight, a^li sorts of weather." A TRICYCLE SKETCH, BEMBEIDGE. 145 " Both on the TemiDeraiice platform we, Spent liappy lioars most earnestly ; Life's ^"aried scenes which here below, Both calm and storm^ as well do show How short and fleeting seems our stay, "When looking back upon onr way," Some twenty minutes now or more, Of recollections old in store. Of how we fought the battle old, The drink fiends curse we often told ; AVe farther could detail at ease, Other converse which did please. Alas ! alas ! this bitter gall. That's known and drank by neai'ly all, He tokl us then in plaintive tone, Of Liberator guilt he'd none ; His character we hope is right. And out of all he'll come so bright. Well now we must resume again, And information too obtain ; "VVe must apologise to you. For this digression from our cine, Our tour's on Isle of Wight yoii know, Our rhvming verse should casv flow. So now we hasten on our wav, To BemlcJdge ^■illage there to stay. Bembridge once a seaport large, Great ships did here tiieir freights discharge. But small craft only now do come. And scarcely any work is done. The Harbour of late years ma le long, By sea wall of cement so strong ; Full many acres thus to be, Is land reclaimed from the sea. The Hackney member we have seen, Has Bembridge Harbour Master been. 14G A TRICYCLE SKETCH, BEMIiRIDnE. He now some months luvl gone away, And lives in (Jrovdon to this day. KenowMK'd the liil)erar()r stands. As buvin*' ut' tlie.-c Bcnibridife laiids. If ]ini'c]iases like tliese were made, No wonder ad that lias bi'en said, For thus the stronj;"esL bank "iwonid break, Such course but fnuiies or madmen take. Xow some don't like our open speech. But we such companies would teach, That they can't play with honest toil, Or wind within theii' artful coil, And devil's mask, the widows poor, With starvinu" orphans in the door. ^Ve must not stroiii^'er laiiiiiia^e use, We hope their prestage they may lose. They take to aid tlieir wicked plant. The sacretl Scrij)tures used as cant. They wi-onii' the ])oor althouendii'idge hill, A mansion grand rcmaineth still. And as we view the Park Estate, We think its l)eauty is lirsL-rate : Here lives a head which does contain The precious ore of fertile brain. His engineering skill docs tell. In ships like towns he's built so well. We leave this merchant prince and pray That we may meet in Heaven some day. A TRICYCLE FiKETf'H, BRADING. 147 Xow clown to Yarbi'idge soon we ride, And through oui' niintls sweet memory's glide ; To Shankhn and to Sundown we, Did there some trade which gave us glee, Shanklin and Sandown both are known, With Ventnoi', each a beauteous town, The prettiest places in the Isle, Which our affections do beguile. We now returned upon our way. Again at Brading we did stay, Through Ehnhcld, a village sweet, Where we the folk did kindly greet. Elmfield to St. John's we come ; Now into Ryde our journey's done, We halt awhile, and view the place, And now of it with give a trace. The town capacious is, and grand. As many found in England's land ; The residents a homelike sort, And here the fashions all are taught. And there good business quick we did, And to the Isle good-bye we bid ; \t Chaplin's store we left our steed, It was to us a friend indeed. Our Tricycle at Penge we found, Conveyed there safe, and trim and sound, About three shillings was their charge, ; We think it not so very large. Our sketch of Island hill and dale ; We hope in interest will not fail ; Some pleasant memories on their way. We hope they will indeed convey. Although our hives a little funny, Leave out the sting and eat the honey, And when to Isle of Wight vo'.i go. May rich enjoyment to yon flow. 148 A TRICYCLE SKETCH, RTDE. llow soon a danger nii;jjlit hefiil •Tbe weary travellers, one an>l all, How we scaped dani^er you l]a\c read. At Freshwater as we have said. But now another oiic arose, AVhicli thruatened nrre to end our woes; The boat was steaming from tlie pier, We thought no danger then was near. The porter beckoned us in haste, That we from train may no time waste, And as we on the gangway stepped, It fell, and we to jump were left. We gave a leap, and on the deck Alighted very near a wreck. Till- cai.tain called in language strong, " AVhat porter did was very wrong." His deed was kindness meant to me, It might have been my death you see ; A gentleman in kindly tone, 'My danger has to me since shown. " My friend," said we, " do yon not know IIow dangers round us ever flow. How much importance 'tis you see That we in grace should ever be. AVe steamed over with pleasant trip. Of briny ocean hud a si[t. And up to London soon went we. Safe housed at home as smig could be. THE ISLE OF WlclTT. The present governorship of the Island is heM by the Queen's son-in-law, H.li.H. rrincc Henry of Battenberg, who is n!;o honorary Colonel of the Isle of Wight (Princess IjCiUrice's) Eifk' V(;lunteers. He is much respected and belovcil for his gcuiaJ ur- banity and fi'icndly do])i)rtmeiit to nil. In isol wc rea i that the number of the inhal)itants of the Island was only 2:i,U'J7, but when THE ISLE OF WIGHT. 149 the census was taken in 1891 it had increased to 78,263. This is owing ro the improved state of the Island and to the increased convenience or railway traxelling. During the past year was coimneneed a new branch, ruuning from Merstone through Godshill and Whitwell to Sd. Lawrence, wliich will be found a great boon to visitors. AVhen in the Island iu the early part of ]\Iarch last, 1895, we heard w'lile riding from Newport to Veutnor, that the pre\"ious week the two gangs of worknit-n liad met in the tunnel (St. Lawrence's) and completed it. It is nearly three quarters of a mile long, yet so accurate were the engineers, that when they met they were only some thre^ or four inches out. Certainly this seems remarkable. Wt- hope with the incre^.^jd railway accommodation the directors will see tiie desirabihty of reducing their railway rates, as we are certain that this would prove a benefit, not only to the visitoi-s but to all concerned. Twopence per mile is really an enormous sum nowadays, when the Great Eastern and the Tiibiu'v and Southend Railway Companies only charge about a halfpenny a mile, to say nothing of excursioi's wliich are "much cheaper. There ai-e, we know, one or two trains run in the Isle on eacii line for a penny a mile, but they go at inconveniejjt times. AVe wish here to tell the visitors hov»- to cope with this in the cheapest manner. They can get (in summer only) a weekly excur- sion ticket on either Railways, for 7/0 on the Eyde and Cowes, and 5/- on the Ryde and Ventuor by which they can travel by any train for seven diiy<. (iet the ticket directly upon landing at Ryde, Cowes, or any other railway station. The Island covers an area of 150 square miles, or 95,680 acres, and its circumference is about 60 miles. It is in the County of Hampshire ; it is not so small a place after all as some Mould suppose. The farms and liomcsteads are numerous. In writino- of the Isle of Wight we are remin led of the Amei-cans' complaint as to England, viz : — that he could scarcely turn r. an ;d without falling into the sea. Such views are held by some we think as to the e.\:ent of the Isle of Wight. We heard a laughable, thotigh truth- ful tale from an old resident of Ryde the other day. He tofd us that about forty years ago there was a barber in Pier Street, Ryde, named Barnabas Wild, who challenged a London professional walker for a sixty mile walk round the Is'and. When they had done thirty miles to Freshwater the London walker was dead beat lie could not walk any further. The Isle of AVight puzzled him, as he had enlj been used to walk on level ground. Wild said' to K 150 THE isLt: ok wkjut. him, "Lotus now walk into Yciitnor to dinner" (another fifteen miles), hut the professional declinoil saying, he would cull the harher in future the champion, at least of the Isle of Wij^lit hills. Our late tricycle ride revealed to us that it was not such a small place after all, althouj^h since then Ave have had rides in vehicles, and walks in various parts that we did nob then even touch, lately forsooth, the ride from Newport to Vcntnor, throug'.i (iodshill, Wroxall, and St. Lawrence was of the most picturesque kind. To sketch and moralise on all events would take too lon, may seem to be digressing, but it is like the Irishman's pig. found in p;igos 109 and 1 10, and all is tish that comes to our net, and fortunately we know how to catch thorn, as our readers know expenses are incurred in compiling a work of this descrip- tion, yet we are satisfied if wo can but instruct, interest, and aiuu-o our readers and do them good. Wo are induced to toll another incident of a vimv singular kind resulting in our buying for 11 gentleman wo kuuw a tow months ago a thousand pound house. This was brought aV)out in consequRUco of writiu'-jas mentioned the \lher Foro-ti-i'. For proprictyssake we must leave out Ix'tli names here, auHiw to say wo drew a conimisioii for buying the house, the verses havinj^ boiMi my int rcHliiction to partie.s to the business who were relatives of the brolher of whom I had written. We cannot litid .» bcttftr place to mention the fnrt of o'lv writing vwrsos on a stile, m a meadow at Portslicld, Klinswortli, THE ISLE OF VlfiHT. 153 Sheplierd Hill, ITortliclose, our first halting placo for the night on our tricycle ride from CowiS, which verses can be seen on page.s r,0 and 61. Seeing a man in the meadow carting, Ave read them to him. '• Very nice," he said, " very pretty verses, I understand your drift." We found he was the dairyman, and rented the farm, and he t.)Iil us how his young son some years ago had been the means of his own, his mother's, and the whole family's conversion in the village through his inducing them to go to the chapel, and the word was blessed to their conversion. We hid a very iileasant and profitable conversation with him and his v/ifc, and })ai-toDk of bread and cheese and milk at his house. Matt, xi.. 25, " Thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babeii." I will tell another i:;ci lent we heard the o^her day, in reference to the Local Veto liill. A temperance speaker at a meeting of the IMizpali Band at the Stratford Conference Hall, told of a little boy who brought home a kitten. His mother at first forbade him to keep it, but on his entreaty relented, but knowing his mischevious tendency told him he could only have ]iart of tlie kitten, the head must belong to her, the body to his brothers and sisters, and he could liavo the tail, thinking that tluis he would not pull the kitten about. But presently heaiing t!ie kitten crying jiiteously, the mother callini, '■ You naughty boy, what are yuu doing witli the kitten. " " Nothing mother, I am only standing on iny end, its your end that's kicking up all the row." So the speaker said,, "the Veto Bill is our part of the kitten and we can't help it if the other part makes a noise," If our readers think we digress too much, they must remember we are only standing on our part of the kitten. While in the Island I met a curate, who informed me that my first verses written on the Island three years ago, had induced him to have the grave of the Dairyman's Daughter repaired and put in good order. We were heartily glad to hear of this. There is another pretty ride we liad from Newport to Sandown through Arreton. Here is the parish church where the grave of the Dairyman's daughter can be seen, and at Hale Common on the right, about three-quarters of a mile away still stands the Dairy- man's Daughter's homestead. We saw as wo passed the cows grazing ki tke meadews even as they did ia her day, bringing us 154 THE ISLE OP WIGHT. memories of Lcigli Iticlimoiul. A little way from this is the villap:e called Lake where two roads meet, on the right to Shauldin and on the left to Saudowu. AVe will close our sketch of the Tsle by advising our readers when at Slianklin by all means to take a walk as we did on one line summer afternoon in 1892, thronL::li Shanklin Chine and the Land- slip, one of nature's true phcnomencn, throuii-h meadows, copse, and wood. As it was towards autumn we pickcvl some nuts, linding at the same work, a family we knew from Upper Norwood. AVe soon came out at Bonchurch. The old church will repay a visit. From the hill we saw a line sis:jlit of OTeat grandeur which cannot be surpassed, the hilly Island on one side, and the bright expanse of blue sea on the other. Thence we camo down to sweet Veutnor, nestlel in warmth in the winter, protected from the cold north-t-ast Avimls at the side of the hill. Thus ends the Isle of AVight skc'tch, which we hope will be read with interest, amusement, and proht. VERSES ON THE BEAUTIES OF SOUTH AAIPTOX AND SURROUNDING NEIGHBOURHOOD. We oft are asked, when peiming down. Our verse on some renowned town : " How do the thoughts occur to you. To write such pretty lines so true, ?" " Ideas from you like heavenly sliowers Fall on the dust to raise up flowers ; Your thoughts are like a mine of gold, A quarry deep, and grand, and old." Such kind expressions caused that we Southampton kej)t in memory ; Yet yesterday when asked by one, " The promised lines have you yet done ? " BEAUTIES OF SOUTHAMPTON'. 155 " No," we replied, with crimson flush, x\iid then the thoughts began to rush Into our mind in quickest haste. We pearls and diamonds must not waste. Why this renowned old town does yield A plenteous golden harvest field, Where sheaves of information lie, AVhere Doctor Watts was born to die. AVliere the good doctor spent long years, As in his diary oft appears ; How small events suggested hymn, Of God's free grace, and man's great sin. Eich legacy of verse we know The Church will ever prize below : No matter what the sect or creed. They guide and cheer in time of need. While thousands did the Doctor hear, With eloquence he preached most clear : Above Bar Congregational, Saw many sinners, burdens fall. One Sunday morn, while here we stayed, A garland at his feet we laid : We rose and saw at early morn, His monumental visage worn. Our flowing verse must speed along, And leave the man of Godly song ; Here others climbed the ladder, Fame, And left on granite their good name. Lord Palmerston, a burgess too, Southampton boasts, a man so true : His manly statue there is placed, In solid gi-anite nicely faced. Here preachers, poets, statesmen true. Have lived and worked for me and you ; And some that's here respected are. And greatly loved both near and far. 156 HBAUTIE.S UK sOUTHAMPTO-V. Canon Wilberforce liis nuirk nia;le. Is luvcd by u'l of every j^ra le. He does the Teuiperance c-.uise expound, And strikes the drink fiend to the ground. He's none were Canon's oft arc heard, At Westminster, to preach the Word ; Sdutliampton f(jiks do nioui-n, when here He tried to dry the widow's tear. And yet aiiothei' preacher great, A Welshman at Above Bai' Gate, Pastor T. Nicliolson his iianic, This verse we know he's sure to blame One Sunday staying here was spei't, To Wilberforce's Churcli we went ; The Gosp-'l thonglit to hear him preach. But found he was not there to teach. The Congregational close by, AVe entered accident ly : The pastor Howell touched cur case. We felt attracted to the [)!ace. In language eloquent and true, He told what daily we s ;ouId do : We penned in rhyme hLs sermon down, Perchance to scatter through the town. Last year, one Sunday staying here, We heard a semion ricli and clear ; Oss'ian Da\'ics was tlie preacher, We thought him a most earnest teacher. Here the elected Mayor wc heard, Came out in state to heai- God's word, With Councilmen in robes so grand, A noble sight to grace our land. The crowd did pack Abo\e Bar Gate ; Such crowds on Doctor Watts did wait, The preacher's Celtic voice so sweet, Of Gospel mailors piu'c did treat. EBAUTlES OF SOU'J'IIA-\Il'tO^^ lo7 Since taen wlieii \\e on Sunday stay, At lioarnemoLitli fair upon our ^\ ay ; We wend our stepi to his fine elm v'a WiiiLjli on t!ie steep hillside does p.A-li. A c'lui'cli, t'.ie grandest we have seen, Lit bv elejtric ii"" it serene ; Anl what a treat is there in stove, True preaching of the Open Door. Our verso all parsons cannot be, So now we end this theme you see ; Unless to say tliat we could write, Of past and present talents bright. We are re;ninded here to halt, Or we shall find ourselves at fault ; Southampton and not Bournemouth we Must in (jur rhyme depicted see. Its avenues and roads are fine, \V^ith spacious walks and leafy pine ; The pvettie-t in Old England's land Soutnampton environs do stand. On Sabbath eves some thousands walk, Young ladies fair, with sweethearts talk. And homely wives with their dear mate, And loviiiir children on them wait. o While jubilant song of ftathered bird, On these tino trees is ever heard ; Dog Carlo wagging cosy tail. His master's woi'd and glance doth hail. With finest parks, Southampton Town Is richly blest to its renown ; The shrubs an i flowers like girlanl show, And trees with beauteous foliage grow. Fine churches to \ of every creed, To meet the varied fancied neuvi ; Where your Creator you can praise. All through your earthly pilgrim days. 158 BEAUTIES OF SOUTHAMPTON. So inncli renowned of ;incienL dat", SouthauipLou boasls Altovu iJar (iatu, Tlifir Library free, a treasure <;'reaL And Ordnance Survey is lirst rate. And liouses lartje with gardens rare, And fruit and liowers j>;ro\vs everywhere ; Tlie iK'oi)le too, in pleasant nioile Home euiuforts have in their abode. We saw the debtor's Prison wall, Its nsaj,'e u'one beyond recall ; It onlv tells of darker diuu now, In these eulijijhtene:! times we trow, •May Education free be^et, A moral honour scorning tlebt. And this brini;-s us to ask the Town, Why did they put Prince Consort down To i)acka dai'k old piison wall ? A man so loved by one and all. Our gracio'.is Queen cannot have seen The ]tlace of her betrothed we ween ; We will not rest until we hear His statue is removed from tliere. Xo Royal Prince has ever found ^[ore real lovers all around ; Then ]ilace his manly form and mien Near Palmerston upon the green. A tribute now we pay to one, A goodly action she hath done, A drinking fountain shows iier care. For man and beast she placed it there. A .Tnbiiee remumbrancc block. And to keep time a gi'and Town Clock ; This gift of Miss Savers we tell. And all the people thank her weil. BEAUTIES OF SOUTHAMPTON. 159 Sucli gifts so generous as these, Will always worthy people please ; If others rich thus moved should be, Blessed will be their memory. Southampton Docks of largest kind, "With foreign treasures full you'll iind, And welcome greetings often seen, To those who long abroad have been. The Royal Pier is there so fine ; Electric light so bright doth shine ; Pavilion, too, where thousands meet, Hear music fine, the greatest treat. Southampton has Infirmary, Of Royal uote and memory ; With one hundred and fifty beds, AV^here sick ones safe can lay their heads. In Fanshawe Street its built so grand. And highly prized on every hand ; Send author stamp their cause to aid, And doubly then you will be paid. The places near of note we'll name Rufus stone of Xew Forest fame ; Were the Red Prince in death laid low", By Tyrell's arrow shot from bow. In summer, three times weekly go, A splendid coach and four you know ; Where Page's coachmen drive with care, For a small charge a ride most rare. If ever there one is locked up. To Winchester he goes to sup ; But constables are very kind To those who keep the law in mind. We can but praise the Volunteers, With swords and helmets, guns and spears ; Their practise is a pretty sight. And really gave us great delight. h)0 TRH5T AN» PRAT. Tlirir lavL^e ilrill hall was lately raised, And ill St.. Mary's lload is praised ; This noble army aM our days, AVe will iiraise liiLrhlv in our lays. To Is'e ui Wi-ht fine boats do ^'o, Yes, very often to and fro ; The Island home with beanty scene, And f ivouritc rest of onr i,'ood (,>ne.'U. Go then, we wisli you in onr rhyme, Take holithiy when yon have lime, Your better half will say we're right, When at:, Southampton you alight. 8th Jiilv, iN'.il. "TRUST AND PRAY." In times of trial trust the Lord ; " T will not leave the • " is His word. In troubles six with tliee I'll be, And in the seventh not leave thee. When darkness hides 11 is lovely f;u^e, He cheers and keeps us by His grace. The darkest nights brings morning light, All that He does we know is right. All things together work for good. The calm or st.irm, the smooth or rude ; 'I'o those w!io trust the Lord alway, He is the Rock, the Hope, the Stay. Cheer up, ye saints, let happy glee Tpon thy f:ice let worldlings see Tlie happiness that Jesus gives, Who dietl for Thee, yet for Thee lives. Who reads these lines, and does not know The joy that Jesus gives below : Repent of sin, believe the word, WiiL'u pardon soon for you is heard. oeptember, 1894. O MEM0RIAM PHINCESS ALICE. 161 IN MEMORIAM PRINCESS ALICE. Great God we bow before Thy face, And humbly seek Thy saving grace, To take us by the hand, and lead And help us in the time of need. Death with its sombre cloak has cast A gloom o'er ali the recent past, By taking one that's loved so dear That thousands shed the scalding tear. Our Princess good, was loved by all, (No matter where), on whom we call, Her kindness will be treasured long. And all her kind deeds spread in song. She nursed her father with great care, And helped to easc^ his pain while here, She sang to him that wondrous glee, Oh " Rock of Ages cleft fjr me." She nursed when ill her brother dear, So ill, all thought his end was near ; This t inching episode will be, A tribute to her memory. Her tender care helped him to raise. For this she well deserves our praise, Ht-r skilful patience well we know Was seen in all she did below. To sick and wounded she became. At lionie or hospital, the same, Like F"l('reiice Nightinga'e, we've read. Our Roy,Al Princess nursed and fed. The soldiers ail liave lost a friend, Who stuck to them ri-lit to tlie end, Her worth is known tc; rich nnd poor, Her memory fragrant evermore. 162 IN MEMORIAM PRINCESS ALICE. Midst wives shs was a model too, Which they to copy well would do, And kinder mother never breathed, This all most surely do believe. We would condole with all in grief, And gladly give them some relief, We know how hard the stroke has been, To our beloved gracious Queen. Her husband left does deeply mourn, Because his wife from him is torn, Help each, O Lord, "Thy will " to say, All through this dark and gloomy day. The Children dear now left behind, Miiy they tlieir mother's Saviour find, O Jesu be to them a friend, And lead and teach them to the end. Her loss her royal brothers grieve. The sisters each, O Lord relieve, We would with all bereaved condole. Embrace with sympathy the whole. We mourn not for her royal birth, But for her love and real worth, We greatly grieve the loss of one. So truly gicat in good deeds done. The humblest peasant's prayers ascend. And with the rich they sweetly blend, Imploring grace in time of need, To bind the broken hearts that bleed May this bereavement prove to all, A voice from heaven that loud may call, " Prepare to meet thy God "' it says. For death may soon cut short our days. December 23rd, 1878. LIFE OP THE QUEEX, ETC. 163 A FEW EVENTS IN THE LIFE OF HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN. AND THE ROYAL FAMILY; AND THE DEATH OF THE DUKE OF ALBANY. In childhood days when gathering round Our humble hearth, I've often heard From my dear father's lips the praise, And my young heart drank every word. He oft would tell us of our Queen, Prince Albert also, too, the Good, And as in years I older grew, I then more fully understood. At school, again, I too was taught, To love and to revere our Queen, And often my kind master told Of loving deeds he'd read and seen. About her Majesty beloved, Prince Albert too, as well the same, And all these loving lessons taught, Grew strong as I a man became. " Prince Consort, rightly named the Good " He once upon a time did say, The noble Prince had written high. That all who chanced to pass that way. On the Royal Exchange we see, A gracious tribute to his praise, Which follows, *' The earth is the Lord's And the fulness thereof" always. If our good Prince, the master said. With all his learning, wealth, and fame. Could humbly say, that all he had, Was only lent through Jesu's name. Now boys, he said, in future mind. In all your anxious thought for wealth. Remember too these gracious words. The Lord can give you peace and health. 164 LIFE OF THE QUEEX, ETC. At early age I came to town. Scarce seventeen years, ;iot any more; It soon hcf^ m to see the si^h:s, As London town I travelled o'er. I saw the grand procession pass. It through St. J.iniL-s's Park did glide, When Prmcess Royal was v.-edded, And her betrothed sat by her side. The thousands congregated there, Near hlled the Parks that gladsome day, The hurrahs loud that rent the air, Were heard for many a league away. There sat the bride in colours giy, As they drove with steady pace, The Queen looked happiness itself, A smile lit up Prince Consort's face. The day was cold, intensely cold, But packed were we so cloae together, T'was I here as warm as summer heat, We scarcely felt the wintry weather. The trees were all bereft of leaves, And in their naked branches seen Wrre boys and me-n of every clan. Rejoicing wiih tiieir Prince and Queen. Before I now reverse the scene, I iiere anotncr i)art portray. And while I now i:i verse reh.arse, I want some tender words to say. The close of eightcen-;-ixty-one, Brouglit lo us all the d<:epest grief, It tf)ok from us one loved so dear We prayed great Uud give lluu relie . To her uur wiviovved Queen an.l house; Be ihou a imshand to her, Lori!, Biiul up ihv.' t)rok ;:i h aris bereaved, Co.isole and ciiecr uicm by Tny word. LfFE OF THE QCTEEN, ETC. 165 Our gracious Prince had won esteem, In every circle far and near ; His loss was keenly felt we know, For he was loved by all so dear. Our lives are changeful, vexed, and frail One day with joy we're filled so great, The next some trials cross our way. And then a sunbeam does await. The years now passed so slow along. Such sad reflections of the past, In sorrow deep our Queen did mourn, But hoped dispelled the gloom at last. ^ Another nuptial now we note, The Prince of Wales his wedding day, I there became an honoured guest, Amongst the crowd in bright array. His Royal Princess how she's loved, Her face — betokens her kind heart, And while along the route they drove. The Princess bore an active part. And as we slowly drove along At night, all London shone with light, For loyal love ran very high, It was a dazzling, splendid sight. God bless the Prince and Princess too. Came shining forth from many a gem ; Long may they live and happy be, And bless our Queen as well as them. Another wedding now I note. Princess Louise, though nobly born, We'll give to her our highest praise, For wedding in the house of Lome. Her husband's gifts are known to all, The Princess too has talents rare, If 'tis thy will, Lord, give an heir, And o'er him watch with loving care. 16(J LIFE OF TnE QUESN, BTO. What changing scenes our lives go through. Hark ! so still, not a sound is heard, At Sandringham where all was joy, 'Tia hushed and still without a word. The Roj'al Prince is sick and weak, His wife is watching by his bed, His mother looks so anxious there, And sister Alice props his head. Some days and weeks in deepest grief, They wondered ever how 'twould be. But God his healing virtues sent. And soon they did His wonders see. In answer to his people's prayers, The Lord did graciously attend ; The Prince was soon restored to health. And prayers and thanks to God did blend. The Duke of Edinburgh next wed, The noble sailor true and brave, We saw the grand procession pass. And not a ripple on the wave. Such numbers, 'twas a glorious sight, The Duchess and the Queen so gay, The ihrong they prest on every side, And loyal cheerings rent the way. I once in verse tried here my hand, [eyes, .^nd sketched the things that struck my So new will cut this short and sweet. Or 1 shall not be very wise. The next event I call to mind, Was when the Queen the medals gave. To gallant soldiers from the East, Who did so bravely there behave. At Coomassie, too, the strife was quelled. Sir Garnet with his men we'll praise, The honours great given on that day Shall high resound in these our lays. LIFE OP THE QDEEX, ETC. lC7 We witnessed there in Windsor Park, The grandest sight we ever saw, When our beloved Monarch gave, Her touching sympathy to all. Years now rolled on with steady pace. And softly blew the southern wind. The Royal house had health and peace, And all arouud was biythe and kind. But, ah ! death lurking in its lair, The bow is bent, the arrow flown And lodges in the fairest one That e'er the glorious sun shone on. Our Princess Alice smitten down Just in her happy brightest day ; The Queen's great sorrow for her loss Seemed dark without a glimmering ray. But hope inspires us with a song, For death is but a conquered foe, Our Royal Prmcess sought the Lord, And all, through grace, is well we know. Her life was fraught wdth kindly acts Where'er the place she chose to dwell, And now she's safely housed above, Her household bless, O Lord, as well. We simply note in grateful praise. Though dangers thick have flown around The Queen's dear life has been preserved And now in health she's safely found. The deadly weapon once was aimed. But God in mercy great was spared ; And now a joyful note we'll raise, And millions too this song have shared. Last year we note the death of one. Who passed away, with deep regret, Who in the service of our Queen A truer servant never met. 168 LIFE OF THE QUREN, KTC. From early youth to ripened age John Brown did wait on her with care, No wonder then whf;n called to part, She felt the trial hartl to hear. But death makes no distinction heie, The rich must part, the lowly p^o, The summons sure wilt call for all. For all will have to die we know. Then let us each great kindness show To all whate'er may be their lot. For high distincition soon will cease, Our own experience this has taught. Before I close these simple lines, I note a death with deepest grief; The news from Cannes give all a pang. May those bereaved h.ive sweet relief. Dear Lord, support them by Thy grace, Bind up the l)leeding heurcs we pray ; Our Queen, beloved, and D;ichess too. Give consolation every day ! The Duke of Albany we know ; His life we cannot but admire: His gifts and talents too were rare, We'll praise his memory on our lyre. The mantle of his honoured sire, Seemed fallen on his youthful son ; And this inspired our future hope To wish his life might long be run. The nation mourns with deepest grief, And sorrowing drops the falling tears; Great God, with sympathetic eye. Help each to cast on Thee their care. To all his royal brothers dear. And sisters too, givu comfort Lord ; And may this sad bereavement help To cast themselves upon Thy word. We ask, if 'tis Thy gracious will. Spare long to us our Qu'^en to reign, And in her last declining years Do thou her future steps ordain. MARRIAGE OF PRINCESS BEATRICE. 16$ Guide our beloved Queen, O Lord, In all her future course we pray, Through all her varied chequered life May light be here along the way. And when her crown is laid aside, And all her earthly honours cease, O may she hear the welcome word, Well done I for ever rest in peace. 6th April, 1884. LINES ON THE MARRL\GE OF H.R.H. PRINCESS BEATRICE, TO H.R.H. PRINCE HENRY OF BATTENBERG, At Whippingham Church, Isle of Wight, July 23rd, 1 885. I'll try to form my muse in verse, And some few lines will now rehearse, To write in praise of her just wed, Who to the altar has been led. Princess Beatrice, our love has won, By all the kindly deeds she's done; The sick have oft her visits had. To comfort them when they were sad. This youngest daughter of our Queen, Who long has her companion been ; And often cheered Uer aching heart, When through bereavements called to part. With kindly words, the daughter's cheer, Has helped the Queen her cross to bear, While arduous duties ot the state, Have taxed her energies so great. We're pleased to hear, she still lives near Our Gracious Queen, her mother dear. Will always thus be close at hand To cheer her in our native land. i:6 3IAUR1AGE OF PULVCESS BEATRICE. But now the nuptial knot is tied, May sweet affectionate e'er betide ; Tlic liri])py royal pair through life, May love abound and banish strife. May years be many, sorrows few. And children nuni'rous j^iven too; As olive branches round their board, All blessings earth can thcni afford. With health of body and of mind. Long may the bride and bridegroom find, Ma}' prosp'rous gales speed on their bark. And Christ be guide when it is dark. And all along their future way, Tiie Bible shine as bright as day ; Its truths alone will guide them riglit, And lead them o'er the darkest night. To England's maids we give our praise, And worthy mention in our lays ; The presentation which they made A Uook whose truths will never fade. I low many a loving earnest prayer Ascends on high to bless the pair; From many an English hearth and home, To keep them safe where'er they roam. God bless, we pray, the mother dear, Preserving her when danger's near ; And all her children, too, we pray, Be brought to Christ, the Living Way. And when their earthly honours gone. And all their work below is done, O ma}- they hear the Master's cheer. " Come up to heaven and enter here." To meet the loved ones gone before, WHiose trials here have long been o'er; Our Queen beloved at eventide, Protect her Lord on every side. Dgust jid, 1885. IN MEMORIAM OF THE EMPEROR OF GEEMANY. 1?1 IN MEMORIAM OF THE EMPEROR OF GERMANY. A child of Royal birth, A man of sterling worth, Has passed away from earth, The Emperor of Germany. He patiently did bear His sickness long while here, And we have shed a tear For the Emperor of Germany. He's gone to meet above The ones he used to love ; And on the shining shore, With Jesus evermore. The Emperor of Germany. VERSES IN SYMPATHY FOR THE BEREAVED EMPRESS OF GERMANY. The Empress bless, Lord we pray. On this her dark bereaving day. May Gilead's balm soon heal the smart Of her sad, stricken, broken heart. May all her orphan children, Lord, Find true the promise of Thy Word, Kind Jesus, be to them the way That leads them to eternal day. And when their earthly honours o'er. And they safed housed on yonder shore, He'll greet them, whom He loved while here, In Canaan's land, when they appear. nt JUBILBK OF yUEEN Vlt'TORIA. TII€ JUBILEE OF THE RETOX OF HER IMPERUL MAJESTY VICTORIA, Queen of Great Britain and Ireland, iinJ Empress of India. Again we strike a joyous chord. Its loyal theme well suits « hard, In jubilant notes of highest praise, We'll Bound it forth iu these our lays. For fifty years has reigned our Queen, And many changes has she seen, Her long and peaceful reign still sheds Rich blessings on her subjects' heads. The year of Jubilee is here, There'll be rejoicing far and near. Spare longer, if Thy will it may, Our Queen beloved, Lord, we pray. We cannot glance at all the go:)d, (Since on her brow the crown has stood), Which lustrous statesmen have achieved, What aching hearts have been relieved. The slave has lost his clanking chain. In her beniyn and gracious reign ; Though Wilberforce and Pitt have gone, They lieard their Mruster's word, "well done. What noble statesmen has she liad To make her country's heart more glad ; Such names as Lawson, Gladstone, lU-ight, Would cheer the gloom of darkest night. But otlier men have marked their name Upon the marble scroll of fame. Who figured high upon the earth Although they wore of humble birth. REIGN OF QUEEN VICTORIA. Ifj Lord Beaconalield, forsootli, was one, The nation owned Avhat he had done, He climbed the ladder from its base, And did all obstacles efface. Good Richard Cobden bronght a Bill Before the House, with heart and will-. It took the tax from off our bread, And starving thousands then were fed. The tax then in her reign so good, Removed from papers, tliat which stood A barrier great for mind and thought, Now man is better read and taught. Yet many more both good and trae Each side of politics we knew, Whose names would Avell adorn our verse, Were we to make a casual search. We cannot help but mention here. Lord Shaftesbury to memory dear. With Morley and Lord Cairns the same These tell abroad Victoria's fame. The Queen has played an active part, (For she has got a tender heart), Relieving sufferings of the poor, And helping from her ample store. Nor can we leave out one great name, Which o'er the world has spread in fame, Charles Haddon Spurgeon here we mean Whose loyalty we all have seen. The Stockwell Orphanage stands high, And will preserve his memory. And as 'twas reared in her sweet reign Her subjects will its strength maintain. Our Queen through chequered paths hath trod. Been chastened well with sorrows' rod ; But still our trials work our good, Which she, we know, has understood. 174 JUniLEU OF QUEEN VICTORIA.. Om- colli anil dark December day Wlieu from iier heart was torn tiway^ Alliort the Good, her husband dear, Then on her < rod she cast her care. And otlier trials, sharp and sore, We wish not here to mention more, But only say OoiTs fjrace has been A help to our beloved Queen. From many thousand hearts and homes. Has earnest jirayer to heaven been borne, God save t)ur Queen, we often pray, In every dark aud gloomy day. At eventide may it be light, To aid and lielj) her in her tight As now the shades of niglit appear, "We pray Thee, Lord, her heart to cheer. We also pray that God would bless Her children, too, with righteousness; For has Tie not said in His word. The prayer of faith is always heard. Then answer, T^ord, their father's prayer, And drive away their mother's fear. And bless her children with Thy grace. And bring them all to seek Thy face. May peace and plenty e'er abound, Encin.'ling all the world around; May righteousness exalted be, In every place of dignity. And now, in closing this brief rhyme, We know liow (juickly ilies the time ; Aud when her eaithly troui)les cease, God grant to her a heavenly peace. 1587. MARRIAGE OF THE DUKE OF FIFife. 175 THE MARRIAGE OF H.R.H. THE PRINCESS LOUISE OF WALES WITH THE DUKE OF FIFE, At Buckiugluim Palace, Saturday July 27th, 1889. To-day a Eoyal Nuptial's tied, Embracing people far and wide In kindly sympathy and love, Which is akin to that above. Princess Louise and Duke of Fife Are now united, man and wife ; We pray their future life may be. In love and health, spent luqjpily. May life be spared, and wealth abound. To cheer them through the world around ; And Olive Branches be in store, To deck their homes for evermore. Old England with the thistle too. Is bound around in union true : The land of Scot is honoured rare. With our Princess, beloved, and fair. May prosperous gales speed on their bark, And shield them from the tempests dark ; Great Captain be to them their Guide, And lead them to Thy heavenly side. The presents given were rich and rare, And sent by love, with greatest care, These tokens of affection may Be pleasant memories on their way. The day was bright, and thousands were In crowds they waited here and there, And thi-onged the way along the route, Which did the smiling ladies suit. ^o It seems as if 'twas yesterday, I stood along the Queen's highway ; For hours I watched the teeming crowd Then burst hurrahs both long and loud. lit IN MBMORFAM LORD SHAFTESBURY. This scene described in verse above, Was seen bj thousands, moved l)_v love; When Prince of Wales and Princess too, Were both allied in wedlock true. But years have come and gone since then, To day the scene's renewed again. With their sweet daughter, charming bride, And bridegroom sitting by her side. We send our greetings on to-day, To cheer her parents on their way ; They're loved by ; all we know 'tis so, In every clime where e'er they go. Relatives of the Duke of Fife, We wish a happy joyful life, Congratulations rich we send. On all may heavenly blessings blend. Nor will we? no, we cant't leave here, Until her father's mother dear. Our own beloved and honoured Queen, Our coniial greeting love has seen. Our Queen, we pray Thee, Lord, to bless. And crown hei' reign with righteousness, And all her offiqiring some day meet. Through grace, in heaven, at Jesu's feet. IN MEMORIAL LORD SHAFTESBURY. The noble earl has passed away To the bright realms of endless day ; His life with fragrant honours crowned, And many mourning friends are found. His racm'ry'll long bo cherished here, Whi!i' Ihousamis shed the falling tear ; But faith has taught us then U> know In heaven he rests from earthly woe. IV MEMOTtlAM LORD SHAFTlBaBimT. 177 In early life the Lord he sought, And well he has the battle fought ; For God has kept him by His grace, And brought him home to see His face. His name has been a household word ; For fifty years and more we've heard, In works beneyolent and good Lord Shaftesbury's name has always stood. For thirty years we've known him, too, To be a friend both kind and true ; And often seen his manly form Presiding meetings large and warm. The poor have lost in him a friend Who's kept to them right to the end ; And many mourning children, found In town and country all around. At Shortlands station. Dover line, We saw the noble earl last time ; We shook his hand with hearty cheer. And said we're pleased to meet you here. He greeted us with pleasant smile. And kindly spoke to us awhile ; We told him we had known him long, His mem'ry's now endeared in song. 'Twas when he opened on the day. The workmen's talents for display ; Tne exhibition near the station Drew ladies dressed in highest fashion. Two shillings was the ticket price. We purchased one in quickest trice ; We soon were asked to show our ticket, We shall not soon forget our visit. We said, please ask these ladies near To show their tickets now they're here ; And do not think our coats the test, A generous heart beats in our brt»*st. 178 IN MEMOniAM LORD SHAFT ESBTHIY. We do not like to think it hard, Altbuui^h it happed to be " Penge Baixl ; " Our business near wius n)akiuj^ liay, Or we had not been there that day. We shall not soon forget his speech, It stuck to us just like a leech; 'Twas on the cooking of ])lain food, " Said many spoilt it when 'twas good." " He said few could potatoes cook : " We put his speech then in our book, An I little thought 'twonld serve our rhyme, Although it comes now in good time. With other words both good and rare, " Said art and science too were thei'e : This does our hnest feeling bring Into the smallest tiniest thing." We heard friend C. H. Spnrgcon pay A tribute high to him one day ; Lord .Shaftesbury's work was nearly done, His race below was nearly run. He would arise with heavenly oil, Anointing one for holy toil ; To hll his place, Lord Aberdeen, Of all men else is best we've seen. "Lord Shaftesbury's been a friend indeed. To me in every time of need ;" This at the or(»hans' fete we heard. And can avouch for every word. Oome then lets rally round the man Assisting orphans all we can : Now this philanthropist is gone The childi'en shall not suffer wrong. Our coater friends will know his loss. They feel his death a heavy cross ; He'ii l)cen to them a friend indeed, Aud als* othei'ti in their need. SPRING THOUGHTS. 179 We shall not soon their gift forget, For kinler hearts he never met ; The donkey, too, which they gave him, We hope is still in best of trim. His death speaks loudly to us all, And does to highest circles call ; Let those now learn if they would win The highesL fame, they must shun sin, And consecrate to Christ their life, 'Twill keep them then in every strife And land them safe on Canaan's shore, Where all their trials will be o'er. Shaftesbury's hoary head is crowned, Because in righteousness 'twas found ; For the bereaved, Lord, to-day Bind up their broken hearts, we pray. A FEW THOUaSTS OX SPRINa. (Written at Elmer's End, Beckenham). In pensive mood and quiet thought, From Nature's bounteous stores I sought, And not in vain ; the landscape view Showed Xature dressed in garments new. The larks were warbling forth their lays In songs of sweetest, loudest praise From out their throats, against the sky Came grateful praise to God on high. The cuckoo's plaintive notes were heard. And songster thrush and sweet blackbird ; If you at night had passed this way You'd heard the nightingale's sweet lay ; The chaffinch chii-p, and cawing rook — I put their music in my book — Eeminding me the winters' past, Although so long it seemed to last. 180 A NEW YEAR RHYME. The primrose and the daiey, too, And otlier flowers, how well they grew The tulip sweet and lily fair. All seemed to say, be banished care. The springing gnuss and bursting bud, And va: ied trees Llie landscaiie stud ; Warm southern bieezes fan my cheek, And Shirley hills my glad eyes greet. If God, my Father, clothes the field. With riches plenty makes it yield. And then adorns the earth with flowers, And sends us down the April showers, ! then, my lips, tell forth the praise Of His great goodness all my days ; For His kind Providence and gi'ace Through all my journey I shall trace. 1 sat upon those stones and mused. As oft before I there had used ; And now I leave these thoughts with you, Trusting they'll find an echo true. A NEW YEAR RHYME. May the New Year be bright to thee, Laden with blessings may it be, Each morn with grateful feelings rise. To praise thy Maker good and wise ; Throughout each hour and through each day, As through the year time glides away. We wish that joy may fill each heart While choosing Mary's better part. May health and plenty be around. And foes be few and friends abound ; Each rolling month a.s they pass by, Thy gracious li'ssing crowned the hour. 188 IN MKMOKIAM OF JOHN BEIQUT. Ill consort with p:ood Cobden too, Conferred ji^reat blessings not a few ; For soon 'twas passed 'mid shouts of praise, "Which rang amid our youthful days. How well he fought, and also won, The franchise Bill ; what good its done, The poor through it a vote receive — And Ballot Box their fears relieve. His warning voice was raised on war, "Wliich thrilled the nations from afar ; The Russian war would ne'er have been Had statesmen caught his peaceful theme. And how the Irish Church he sought To disestablish it ; he brought Both justice, elo(juence and wit, AVhich proved the key to nicely fit Another word in praise we'll say : His loyalty was seen alway ; Our Queen and Royal House did love Our world-wide friend, gone home above. Wreaths which bedecked his cofRn lid Showed loving-kindness deeply hid : From Queen beloved, down to the poor, John Bright was loved by all we're sure. We now will pen another line. Which will our sympathy combine To those so dear who mourn !iis los?, May Jesus help them bear the Cross. And now his work on earth is done, And he has heard the word " Well done ; Come up, thou blessed, and dwell with me ilirousiaout a long eternity." IN MEMORIAM LOtlSA SUNSHINE. Igd IN MEMORIAM— LOUISA SUNSHINE. I was asked by a relative to write an epitaph on the death of a maiden named Louisa Sunshine, who was a great sufferer for eight years, and who died at the age of sixteen, on the 17th Febrni.. '. 1893. She said before her death, seeing her mother crying by her bedside, " What are you breaking your heart about me so for I know I am going home to be with Jesus, will you dear father and mother and sisters meet me there by and by." Only a day or two after this she gently passed away at Canning Town, one of the brightest lambs to be for ever in the Saviour's fold. I wrote the following lines, which her relatives printed on her Memorial Card :— Sweet name, Louisa Sunshine bright. So radiant now in Heavenly light ; Good-bye, dear girl, our daughter dear. We cannot stay the scalding tear. No chilling winds ; no aching heart Will fill again our sorrows smart, Thou wilt with Jesus ever be. May we through grace some day meet thee. ON OUR FIRST VISIT TO BOURNEMOUTH AND NEIGHBOURHOOD. Down here at Bournemouth we've just spent A happy week of sweet content, Of all the seaside towns we've seen, We reckon this to be the ([ueen. Its balmy, bracing air doth charm, In coldish weather seems to wann, The oily pines with perfume shed Health's heahng virtues on our head. If wearied out with lamily care. And business pressing everywhere, 190 BOURNEMOUTH AN*D NlilOHBOURHOOD. Take our iidvice, to BounieniouLli <^o. And lioalLli and viironr yoiril soon know. The promenade and trarden tine, The tlowiiii; lii'ook and flowers ('(imbine Witli warl)hni; hirds the'ir nuisic sweet, To make onr happiness complete. The invalids' liiu- walk was shown, By thousands wl'11 the place is known : Protected by the <;racet'ul trees. And seats to rest at cosy ease. Restore to health, Lord, we pray, If this Thy will, without delay, And may tlieir lives from henceforth provo Thedeht they owe, to Thee, of love. If some, Lord, are marked to die. Prepare them for Thy throne on lii^h ; Tlirouirh Christ may thev find i)ardon here And then enjoy Thy lii'aven uj) there. Of churches ami of chapels too. In Bournemouth there arc not a few ; Most built in Gothic pointed style. Which makes them look a noble pile If you would like to liave a ride. See the New Forest far and wide ; The old time coaches, too, are there, With four-in-hand at moderate fare. The journey's made almost sublime, By f^uide who wiles away the time, As he depicts the scenes of old. Which Lnt^lish histt)ry tloth unfold, Uptni the beach the tinest sand In all old Enj^dand's happy land, Where children ])lay with merry glee. And make sand houses near the sea. So like those children there, we thought, We castles in the air have wrought, Which earthly tides soon swept away Like Liberator's wicked play. The boatman, too, yes, one we saw, He said he was without a tlaw, Uf languages suid three he knew, BOURNEMOUTH AND NEIGHBOURHOOD. iSl Which made him doubt the Bible true : We said if thus it is with thee, A single language best suits me : For if it makes one doubt God's word, To learn another is absurd. These boatmen kind and frank and true, They'll spin a good yarn out to you ; Give them a chance to earn a crust, By rowing you and yours you must. There's mansions large and hotels rare, AVhere you can get most sumptuous fare, Cafes and restaurants so fine, Take Bentley's Relish when you dine, This lovely sauce has won such fame. (Please don't forget its well known name), From Land's End down to John-o-Groat, In grocer's shops it can be bought. For us it means our bread and cheese, So if you'll order, us 'twill please. The Lemon Squash of Bentley's try, Their Lime Juice, also, ranks most high. The t.iade>men, too, their shops are grand, And large as anv in the land : And all your orders they'll discharge, Esteem them highly, small or large. So give the local men vour trade, Your name with them will never fade. You'll find their prices will compare With Stores in London or elsewhere. Before you homeward bend your way. Give pretty Isle of Wight a day ; The steamers daily ply out there, A pleasant trip at moderate fare. If through the Island you should go, You'll find their charges very low, But by the rail their charge, my ! Just walk if able, and them defy. We must now draw to a quick close, Though rhyming to us easy flows ; Our yarn we fear has been too long, Please reader pardon for the wrong. 192 IN ilEMOUIAM EAJIL GllANVlLLE. IX MEMORIAM— MARL (IKAXVILLE. Earl Granville now is jrone safe home. His life's pjrcat work wns nobly done, And now is crowned his hoary head. With grateful thanks as all have rea 1, We well remember sides he took, With people whom he ne'er forsook ; A friend was he to all oi)prest, lu every place his memory's blest. Some fifty years he guarded well Great Britain's glorious name we tell ; A statesman good, as true as steel, And all the world his loss will feel. We read with pleasure in the Times^ Of measures good in all its lines, Although in pages four contained, Not one foul blot his life had stained. In amity he loved to bless, Mankind of every clime and dress ; In all his measures fraught with good, Up for the jwor he always stood. With silver speech, yet tongue of fire. His thoughts were flashed along the ^\ ire ; The press took up his every speech, And did the world his lessons teach. He aided Cobden pass his Bill, While many feared this steepest hill, But (iranville saw the good 'twould bring, And make the hungry folk to sing. The Exhibition of Fifty-one Owefl much to what he'd kindly done ; His wibty sutishiiie full of gle(>, Gives bweetness to his memory. THE LOSS OF THE ELBE. 193 The cheapened loaf made widows glad. And children full, who once were sad ; For brothei-s' weak he made a stand, And now his praise rings through the land. For every useful measure wrought, His powerful influence he brought, And all knew well which side he'd take, Good laws our statute book to make. The Grand Old Man is left behind, His bosom friend so good and kind ; also. You are a faiihful servant of oiir blfsst-d Lord, for you turn your talents constantly to the best account. The cheque received with many thanks. I Yours heartily, r C. H. ^srUKGKOX. ILLNESS OF REV. C. H. SPURGEOK". 203 ON THE ILLXES3 OF THE REV. C. H. SPUEGEON. Dear Spiirgeon now is very ill, And at the point of death lies still, That fertile brain, that power of will Lies postrate now on Beulah Hill. Kind watchers round the good man's bed, Oft gently raise his drooping head, His own dear wife's soft heart has bled, While him with nourishment she's fed. Our prayers to God alternate rise. For He is gracious, good, and wise ; That if His will, our friend arise, Though now so weak and low he lies. Our friend so sick, we all love him, Like her who touched the Saviour's hem ; We plead Christ's merits full to brim, His healing virtues never dim. 'D Thou art, good Lord, our Father, Thou Cast heal, though to Thy will we bow, Yet wilt Thou not our prayer allow, For Jesus sake restore him now. Though doctors medicine and art With all their skill is kind and smart ; Great healer do Thy skill impart And keep his faintly beating heart. Yes all the prayers sent up to Thee, On golden tile Thy Son shall see ; He pleads for His own saints that we The answer to our prayers may see. l\Iay he again soon preach the word. Who we in times gone by, have heard His eloquence no more deterred. While we again our loins do gird. 204 THE LATE REV. C. H. SPCTIGEON. May his beloved wife we pray Have grace sufficient for this day ; His sons be comfortod and stay, Surrounded by Thy love's bright ray. As Thou wast wont in days gone by To scatter blessings far and nigh, So now on Jesus we rely, And leave all to His wisdom high. Nor shall we ever ask in vain, For Thou dost never give us pain, Unless Thy will should it ordain, And then a blessing 'twill contain. July 14th, 1891. THE LATE REV. C. H. SPURGEON, Perhaps it would be interesting to some of my readers to hear of a conversation which took place a short time ago between myself and tlie Rev. John Rodger, Presbyterian "Minister, of Bournemouth, which shews the wonderful memory of the late Rev. C. H. Spui'geon. This minister, with one of tlie clmrch elders accosted me thus one day in Old (,'hristchurch Road, Honrnenioutli. " Mr. Gwyer, how do you do." I replied, " very well thank you Sir, but I have not the pleasure of remembering you ? " " My name is Rodgers," he said. "The Presbyterian Minister"' I said. He said, " Yes." " But how do you know me," said I. "I know you by your writings," answered he, *' I want to see you at my manse to-night, can you come up ■'" I said, "if possible I will." I went as promised, and we had a very pleasant talk together for more than an hoiu". He told me amongst other things of his meeting with Rev. C. H. Spurgeon, at Mentone, some years ago, and how he had induced his doctor to go and hear Mr. Spurgeon preach in a room of tlie hotel. Tiie doctor was a (rerman, and a very clever man, and author of several medical works, but, was sceptical in his view.s on religion. With me ^Ir. Rodgers said, he seemed to tui'ned everything serious into riilicule, but he like all of us fell under the .^pcll of Spnrgeon's sermon, which was on the sul)ject of tlie " One Faith." I saw he was deeply impL'tssed and felt afraid to disturb the seiious THE LATE REV, C. it. SPURGEON. 205 thought that his countenance gave witness of, yet I asked him when leaving, ' What do you think of the preacher ? ' He said, ' I thought he ought to have four tongues, to tell his me^^age to the North, East, South and West, so that all may hear the news.' I cannot say positively that this sermon was the means of the doctor's conversion, but I have every reason to believe it was the beginning of better things in him." Mr. Rodger told me another incident which remarkably illustrates the tenacity of Mr. Spurgeon's memory. He met him with Rev. Yemon Charlesworth on the cliff at Bournemouth, leaning on his arm as he was ill at the time. ]\Ir. Rodger said he went behind Spurgeon and touched his shoulder ; he looked round and bethought himself and said, " You canny Scotsman, Mr. Rodger," although he had not seen him for ten years, and that at a mere holiday meeting at Mentone. ]\Ir. Spurgeon went up in the afternoon'^to his manse and had a pleasant hour with him and his family, I can hardly leave this subject without a passing reference to Mr. Spurgeon's death, which sad event occured at Mentone on January 31st, 1892, and his burial which took place on February 11th, at Norwood Cemetery, London, although so much has been written for the Christian public about these events. Never will the scene be erased from the memory of any of us who witnessed this funeral. The large number of carriages, and the great crowds which lined the road from the Metropolitan Tabernacle to the Cemetery at Norwood, and the impressive funeral service conducted by the Revs. Archibald G. Brown, of the East London Tabernacle, and A. T. Pierson, D.D., the Bishop of Rochester (Dr. Randall Davidson), closing with the Benediction, Last summer I paid a visit to his tomb, which is a splendid one of granite and marble, with a life-like medallion protrait. As there" was no one about, I knelt by the side of the tomb and asked the Lord to enable me by His grace to live such a life as he would have had me live. Whoever may read this, I advise, whenever opportunity occurs, at least once to visit this sacred spot where all that is mortal of our late dear friend is interred. 2U(J IK MKMOniAM, UKV. C. ». SPUUGEON. IX M^::^^ORIA:\I liEV. c. h. spurgeon, Born June lOth, 1834, at Kelvcdon, Essex ; Fell asleep in Jesus at Mentone, January 31st, 1892. Our friend, safe landed on the shore With storms and tempests never more, Has heard his Master's word " Well done,' His crown of p:lory now is won. What must it ho to hear Him sjxjak, Who ne'er a bruised reed did break, To gaze into his Saviour's face And drink of His unljouuded yracc. Acclaimincj angel throngs now raise, Their jubilant notes of lioly praise ; In bright array before His Throne Presenting Jesus' loved one home. Redeemed souls take uj) the slraiu. And send the echo back again ; Their Hallelujah's loud proclaim Hosannas to His mighty name. Jewels, which in his crown appear. Shining like diamonds bright and clear, Which he was here the means to win From Satan's slavery of sin. The latest words he spake while here. Were to his friends who waited near ; " The good light I have fought, and I Have kept the faith till now i die." Without a pang of pain, or fear. He found the banks of Jordan near, His happy spirit took its flight. To regions of Innnortal liglit. To ^Irs. Spurgeon here we send Tlie tender sympathy of a fri(,'nd, Her heart with this bereavement sore J)c stayed on God for evermore. I>f ilEMORIAM, REV. C. H. SPXJRGEO^T. ^0? The Lord sends nought to us but good, Oft bitters make our sweetest food, Her faith be strong, her hope be bright, While walking through this darksome night. Her " Book Fund " started years ago, Has Pastors often cheered we know, May friends still aid this cause to-day, And well support it — this we pray. Be Thou to her a husband. Lord ; And to her noble sons afford Great strength of heart, we humbly pray, And grace that's equal to their day. The aged father left to mourn, ■ The loss of him, his son first-born : A At eventide to him be light. As heavenly objects charm his sight. To his brother and sisters left, And all the dear ones now bereft ; May consolation come alway, Fi-om Thy rich stores of grace each day. Now John Ploughman's work is done, Where shall we find so strong a one. And yet the cause is God's, and He His Joshua soon will let us see. For all his goodly works we pray May liberal hearts be moved alway ; The Orphans find God's people still, Will guard them in this world of ill. Their leader's gone, each Christian more, Must toil to fill God's garner store ; The Church is in great trial Lord Thy guiding hand to them afford. And when our race on earth is run, May we too hear His word " Well Done," And then on Canaan's happy shore. Our friends shall meet to part no more. February 4th, 1892. 268 AN OLt> llORSft SHOti. AX OLD IfonSK SHOE. "\MiiIe at Bournemouth for a stay, In ninety-five, on fourth of ^lay, The dazzling sun on steel shone bright, An old horse shoe gave me delight ; Its diamond brightness in my eyes, Showed me a treasure of surprise, Truth 'twas only iron and steel With live old nails that one could feel. I saw in it good luck and worth, Of precious ore dug from the cartli ; But who conceived this old horse shoe, Would bring me treasured honors true. Yet such we oft in life have found, Rich treasures at our feet alwund, To bring us wealth if ta;'t we liad To gather them and make us glad. So I to my dear friend 1{. White Gave this old shoe with great delight. And wrote within its curious tread, The following rhyme which }K?rhaps you've reaJ. " I've found on road an old iiorse shoe And brought the present, White, to you ; Good luck to you I liofie 'twill bring, And make your goo 1 wife swcvtly sing." If you the ])leasure wish to ([uiz it. Pay Shaftesl)ury Temiu'rance House a visit, If some there be wiio do not know it. The giver's name is the Penge Poet. So when at Bournemouth for a stay. Call at the Siiafteslniry on your way ; Hung in the dining room the shoe, A welcome warm to Bournemouth too. Where I for years lia\'e found a home When oft to Bournemouth I have come, ^ly gift is very poor I know, This old horse shoe and rhyme I .»how ; Buk let this gift remind us all To (juickly heed afi'eot ion's call. That you in kindness ne'i-r may tire. Is hero the wish uf old friend Gwyer. PV^PW^n TIIH RAILWAY DOli - UVA.V " (SW rar,e 209). THE RAILWAY DOG "HELP." 209 As inatrnets draw tiie steel things near, An offered gift 1 give you here, For every four books sold for me, An extra one I'll give to thee. THE RAILWAY DOG "HELP" AT RRIGHTOX STATION. The railway dog named " Help" is deral, With deepest grief have many read, This noble canine Help you see. Collects for railway orphans he. Oiie thousand pounds collected sure, And though now dead collecting more ; For nine long years, " Help " spent his time, On Britain's varied railway line. This gallant dog died at liis post, And in the service his life lost. So may we learn to bless and aid, Like " Help," the widow and orphan made ; This epitapli be ours when gone, He cheered the orphan sad and lorn ; So may we live like " Help," to bless The widow and the fatherless. PLEASANT REMINISCENCES OF THE ISLE OF WIGHT, While travelling through it in July, 1892. While through the Isle of Wight we roam Wc find a home away from home. Most kind respect we have from all. From everyone where'er we call ; In cot or castle, mansion too, Yes everyone is kind and true. Its hills and dales — bold, rugged scene — Have charmed us much wherever seen ; The cows are grazing in the mead, The sheep ai'el)leating as thev feed. The horses prance witli sportive play In pastures' sunny holiday. 210 THE I?LE OF winnT. Tlie hen with their lari^c broods we sec, The chickiiii,' inoLhor's ectiusy. From s])eciliiij,' train we see the giirht : Tl)e (jnick-;4i)nc hunnit's' tails arc white. "Wild pii^cons in the jieas we see, Look liajipv a^ can ever be. The rip'iiiii;,^ corn on vale and hill All garners soon will richly fill, Both man and beast our God supplies. For his rich mercy never dies. And I'rnit of every sort we find, A luxury for all mankind ; Vegetables how well they i^row To satisfy man's wants below. Potatoes, too, a floury sort. We much enjoyed as we took part. Apples and pea'rs they stud the trees. And flowers are sucked by busy bees, And birds they warble in the wood. And larks on hiirh sing God is good. The landscape with green trees adorn, And hills smile back the rosy morn. The beans entwining round the stick, And children playing pretty tricks. Shanklin is our favourite spot, And if a fortune had been our lot, A house we'd build and make our home, To end remaining days tliat come. Sandown, too, and Vent nor mild In wintry cold would suit this child. To Carisbrooke we went one day. Though short our visit there to stay ; The Castle put reflection's thought, And lessons useful us it taught. King Charles was once imprisoned there, His face was wet by many a tear ; " Uneasy he who wears a crown," Could then with truth be written down. His daughter, too, a cluld of grace. Died in a room in this dark place, A monument most costly, rare. Of the young Princess, very fair, ',1^:1 THE ISLE OF WIGHT. 211 Put there hy our Most G-racious Queen — In Newport Church may now be seen ; Her head recUning on the book, The Bible blest she, ne'er forsook ; Her happy sphit borne above, While pondering o'er the Saviour's love. As Elizabeth so let me die. Resting on Thy Word, feel Thee nigh ; Hear Thy blest Voice in tender word, " Enter the joy of Thy blest Lord." And all the tourists take a pride In lovely, hilly, blooming Ryde ; The breezy, open promenade. The finest in the Island made ; The air salubrious, bracing, kind, All those who visit it will find. A warning now I give to you, Spend one penny instead of two ; A weekly ticket of seven-and-six Will stop the Railway's little tricks, For by the week you'll find you'll pay, But little more than cost per day. Then hie away to Curtis true For ticket and for guidance too. His famous dog then ask to see, Enquire his noble history ; And hear a deed that once he did. That does the acts of men outbid ; He saved a little seven-years' child From drowning in the waters wild : The story and each portrait clear In the Animals World appear. At Arreton, too, we took a glance. Which made our hearts with joy to dance. The Dairyman's Daughter there did go, As all our readers sure must know. But should you not, buy soon the book, And in its pages (juickly look. She went to show her frock so grand, As proud as any in the land, But God met her in love and grace, She sought and found the Savioiu-'s face. 212 TJIE ISLE OF WinilT. Leigh Richmond <^ood the book did write ; T'haa brightened [lomes as dark as night. When loving couples kiss and sit^h No doubt thi'V like the hedges high. But when the landscape I would see I wish they were cut down for me ; And you would find, farmer Iwld, It would increase your store of gold, For ghadinrj hedges spoil the crop, So, out with hook, and quickly lop. The hedges, though, are beautiful With ferns and flowerets sweet and full, With honeysuckle, hop and tare, All join to make the Island fair. One day to Freshwater we went, Determined we were, fully bent Tennyson's residence to see, We so admire his history. We were informed he was away At Haslemere for a short stay. If we could take a glance at him. He would our admiration win ; We much should like to speak a word To him we read and much have heard. Tennyst)n with thy great fame That ever followeth thy name. Thy eventide be light to thee And blessings crown thy memory. Upon thv brow, with hoary hair. May God watch o'er thee with great care ; And when thy earthly race is won Be thine to hear Christ's word " well done,*' And when through grace we meet above We'll talk together of His love. AVe scarce could have the Island home Whore oft our QutM^n beJoved does come, And, therefore, down to Cowes wo went, For oft upon hor track we're bent. So wo took train, went down to see The Queen land then upon the Quay — Bat our opinion of the town Was not enhanced by rain pouivd dowTi. ON OLD Humphrey's grave. 213 It is proverbial, so it says, The (^)ueen fine weather has most days. Her loyal subjects waited long Without a murmur 'mid the throng, And though the rain came down in showers "We waiting spent two happy hours. Her pleasant face looked calm and bright. The knows God's dealings with her's right. We pray God bless our Gracious (^ueen, Although in deep bereavement been ; Bind up her wounded heart, we pray. With Thy rich comforts every way. The Prince of Wales and Princess, Lord, Give all, we pray, a cheering word, And though their hearts were riven sad. Thy grace can heal and make them glad. LIXE.S PEXXED OX YIEWIXG THE GRAVE OE " OLD HUMPHREY.-' 5th APRIL, 1895, IX ALL SAINTS CHURCHYARD, OLD TOWX, HASTINGS. When there a visit will repay. " Old Humphrey," thy pen is still, thy voice is heard In all the printed volumes of thy word, Beneath this stone lies now thy mouldering clay ; But thy happy spint's in Heaven's eternal day. Thou didst while here no plea or merit claim. But sought for mercy only through .Jesus' name ; Who pardoned thee in youth, and thy young heart won ; And through grace kept thee, till thy work was done. So may I live, Lord, I pray, to cheer the sad, Warn sinners, comfort saints, and make them glad : And when like them my chec[uered life work's past, Be mine the joy to hear Christ's "well done" at last. OX FLOWERS. The following lines were suggested while watching three j-oung Ladies making Wreaths in a Florists Shop, in Broad Street, City. Flowers are gorgeous, rich and rare. Their varied perfumes scent the air. They speak our Father's love, that's sent In odourous sweetness to us lent. 214 ON FLOWERS. Tiie fraf^rant colours of the Rose Arc iR'aiuirul wla'i'c'or it i^rows : The Lily Lull, ami whiLt* its Ihnver Blooms sweetly in t!ie saininor hour. The Honeysuckle auil Violet too 80 sweet their scent I'or nie and you ; And when along the lane's we've been Primrose and Buttercups we've seen. T'lie Daisy peeps its little head : At early spring; it takes the lead, The iSnowilrops too are dressed in white, "Which ; elioquerc 1 world we stray. Teach us, Lord, in Thy good way In prayer and I'aith to walk ; If trials in our jiathway rise,. To make us (lucstiun Thou art wise. Then of God's love we'll talk. For oft the joys of earth are found, Like cords to bind our souls around. Our heavenly glow to damj) : Sweet ties of sacred greeting show To aid Thy saints while here below. This will our kinship stanij). Some earthly flowers so sweetly bloom, But they rcnuind us of our tomb ; So soon they fade away. God loves the jiaraclete of grace ; Its everlasting bliss shall trace Through all their heavenly day. VERSES ON THE .SHOCKING BOATING FATALIT\, Three Young Men from Tlnchestcr drowned at Yalding, on Whit-Monday, 1895. On Monday morn, the third of June, With spirits high in best of tune, A happy party rode through Kent, THE SHOCKING BOATIXG PAfALlTV. 221 From St. Margaret's Rochester they went. Miss Wimble and Miss Streatfield had Their Bible Class to make them glad ; With them arranged a rural treat, Two brakes with fonr-in-hand to meet, FvnTu Rochester to Snodlaud they Through Mailing Town sped on their -way. The hop was climbing up the pole, And joy o'er their young spirits stole. The may in flower so sweet was seen, The shrubs and trees in living green. The landscape was a picture grand, Of Kent, Old England's garden laud. The blooming fruit trees did adorn The scenery, with its fields of corn. The larks sang sweetest notes on high. When soaring up, they touched the sky ; While singing birds of humbler lay, With music charmed them on their way. From INIalling next at Yalding halt, And none witli them could find a fault ; The horses trotted on so well, And happiness to each befell. All at Yalding needed tlien Refreshments, both for horse and men. And all as happy as could be Within the Institute took tea. These ladies Avorked with heart and will, For love to Christ their hearts did fill. They cherished much, their class we know As all their loving deeds do show. Nor will we leave the Curates out, Both Ayres and Lewis on the route. For through the day all eyes had seen Their kindly chivalry and mien. Alas ! the sweetly calm is oft, More treacherous than the storm aloft, Speeding on its course so clear The river's Avaters glided near. Attracted these young hearts to cleave, Alas ! the verse we scarce can Aveave For chokings in our throat appear '22-!l THE SllOCklNO BOAtlXO F*AtALITY. And from our ey^s tlu; f.iUinj; tear ; Wliat stiaiiLjc III tilt lasting fatc^ they greet, Amid tlieir joy three deaths to meet. These dear young folk two lioats got there, And up tlie river rowed with care, Wlien all at once an nccident Capsized one boat, ami down they went. We scarcely could the truth belit^ve, Three dear J'oung men were drowned that eve In river without a ripple, Voung men Bennett, Kemp, and Ti[iple. Hero •.»'e enshrine young Ihickitt's deed, Who risked his life iu time id' neetl, To save his comrade Tipple there. We praise him that he did so dare, Until curates on the scene too late, Yet did their best with bravery great, Within our verse we will give birth, To lu'aiscs of their nral worth. Iu hopes to save them all alive, Into the river quick they dive ; Alas ! this was to them denied, We write their loving valour wide. To the bereaved, Lord, now scud, With gnee their broken hearts attend, Thy healing balm to them apply, Assuage the groaning tear anclsigh. To all the friends now wrung with grief. Give Thou a sweet and calm relief. To those dear ladies kin lly give Cousoling grace that they may live, For we know well the bitter smart This sad event strikes to their heart. The curates and the vicar too, To each Lord give Thy blessing true, May this event though sad the tale. To all bo warning not to fail. JAMHS TAYLOR. TIIH (ilPSY f.W A,yr 22.^;. JAMES TAYLOR, THE CUPSY. ^2^ JAMES TAYLOR. THE GIPSY. The subject of this narrative was born at Ruslibrook, near Bury St. Edmunds, in a gipsy tent, surrounded by all the evil influences and hardships to which this wandering class are exposed. His father and mother were gipsies, and James Taylor of wliom we write, followed for many years their usual course of life. He had a brother and two sisters. His father died of small-pox when James was only a month old, so that his poor mother was left to struggle and provide for her cliildren the best way she could, and they were often greatly pinched by poverty and anxiety. Those were the so-called good old times ; good forsooth in what, save ignorance, poverty and vice, especially among the working classes, with all wages mnch lower than at present, and all kinds of provisions at fabulous prices, bread three times as dear as now, meat much dearer, tea such a luxury that few could in Inlgc in it, six, seven, and eight shillings a pound, while sugar fetched about Gd. per lb., and clothing and everything of that nature was at an equally dear rate. Thus those in constant work were only just able to ke^p bo.lv and soul together. There was no free education as now. 1 n such a time, amid such circumstances, James grew to take part in tlie actions of life, in the greatest poverty, and exposed to all the influences of evil to which his race and craft were exposed, with no father to check his downward course. It is but little surprisino- that the seeds of sin sown in such a hot-bed of vice soon grew to a rampant harvest. It may be profitable to follow his history througii boyhood and youth up to manhood. He heard scarcely a sentence without oaths and curses ; the Bible was unknown to him as he can neither read nor write, and, in his own language, if he could he should ne\ .-r have thought that gipsies had any right to its blessed truths and sweet experiences which he has now known upwards of twenty-three years to be his happy lot, through " repentance towards G )d and faith in our Lord Jesus Oln-ist." Is not this a "brand jylticked from the burning." Oh how erroneous are some of oui- views respecting the recipiants of " the glorious gospel of the blessec' God," for does He not say, '• I came not to call tlie righteous, but sinners to repentance ; they that are whole need not a physician, bi t they that are sick, I came to seek and to save that which was lost." 224 JAMES TAYLOH, THE GIl'SY. James Taylor Lrrew up in vice and (IriinkeiiiK'ss, and at an early age was an innuile of a jail, doinj; several months at dill'erent times for IjreaUinjj; the law. Now came the time when this vessel of God's distinnuisliini,' s^raee and merey was bronuht to His feet, that love and grace sliining resplendant in the conversion of this jewel for the Master's crown. James was brought to the foot of the Cross in deep penitence and huml)Ie faith in Jesus Christ as his only SuAiour and friend. We camiot do bettor than It t him tell us in his own words, which his daughter has wriLten d(jwu aD ids dicLaLion for our guidance in this biographical sketch. We may say that after hearing- him speak at open air meetings in Siiatfoi'd High Street, to hirgc crowds, in connection with the kStratford "Mizpah Hand," on Sunday mornings during the last suunner, l.s'.)4, and previous year, \s'.):',, wc were led to have a ([uiet chat with him and thougliL that tlie simple annals of his life would make an interesting pivot to hang a few thoughts upon, which may, by ihe Holy Spirit's working, 1)l' the means of arresting and converting some who are still in the same blindness, ignorance, drunkenness and sin. which for years was the position of James Taylor. His deliverance from the power of sin antl Satan came about in the following way : — Some twenty-three years ago, three brother gipsies. Smith Brothers, who since have been made most useful com[)aiiions of James, got savingly converted to (rod and induced him to go and hear that honored servant of God preach the gospel, Mr. Henry Varley. A revival broke out amongst the gipsies at Hford, in Essex, and James and many others wei'e converted to Goil, and now he sings with joy — " 0, happy day. that Hxed my choice. On 'iiiee my Saviour and my God ; Well may this glowing heart rejoice, And tell its raptui'es all abroad." For twenty-three years he has lieen made a power for nmch good, and many will deck his crown of rejoicing in that day when Christ Cometh to nuud»er up II is jewels. He conuneiiced testifying directly after his conversion and has contiimed doing so ever since. He soon abandoned the gipsy life, coming to live in Stratford, joining eleven years ago in the work which is now carried on at the Conference Hall, the " Mizpali iSaml." that hive of zealous workers in the Master's vineyard. They hold se\eral large JAMES TAYLOK, THK GIPSY. 225 meetings during the summer months on Sunday mornings and evenings, and on week nights in various places in the open air, and many listen to the gospel and are led by their instrumentality to receive the blessed message of salvation, and many a home has reason to thank God for these services. Here James Taylor has worked these long years in faith, prayer, and zeal, as well as preaching and testifying in the lodging-houses and Mission Halls. Visiting race-courses and hop gardens of Kent, his voice has often been heard lifting the Standard of the Cross, He has been many years an engine-driver in a Canning Town factory, and is much respected by his employes, so he is like Paul wlio woi'ked as a tent maker while he preached the Word of God. 'We have often seen the crowd shedding tears while listening to the simple but true story of his conversion. His life with such an ungarnished sanctified testimony cannot but be owned of God to the salvation of many sinners. He is now fifty-five years of age, and it is the earnest pi-ayer of all who know him, that his life may long be spared to still fui'ther do the Master's service. We could enlarge the story of his life's work even to a book, but fearing that would not j erhaps attain the ends of a small pamphlet we have withhoMen, but after reading this, let no one despair of God's mercy, who hath said, "I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked." — Ezek. xxxiii., ll ; and " AVhosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved." — Acts ii., 21. " Him that cometh unto Me I will in no wise cast out." — John vi., 37. Let none Avho read this narrative think that because they have not gone to the same length in sin as James j'aylor, they do not require the same change, and think they are not so bad as lie was ; but remember we are all judged according to the light we have. Christ's own words were more scathing to the Phai'isees than they were to those who were sinners and knew it. lleineml)er a:l must have the new l)irth, which Jesus told to Xicodemus ; all need Conversion. "Ye must be born again."' We will mw close this sketch with T,iylor"s own words, written by his daughter at his dictation. "My name is James Taylor, born at Rushbrook in a gitsv tcit, netir Bury-St. Edmunds, Sutfolk. My father's name was ^Villiam Taylor, and my mother's maiden name was Sai'ah Robiiison. Shortly after my birth my father was taken ill, and it turned out 220 JAMES TAYLOR, THE GIPSY. to be sniiillpox, and wlien I was a month old my father died and left my mother a widow with four children, two uiris and two boys; the eldest boy's name John, the yoiinL,'est; mine, James; the eldest sister Providence, the youiif^est sister Matilila. My father was buried in fiavenham Cluirchyard, Snll'olk, so my mother had to gal u ii\in,i; the best way she could for her four children, so we were brou<^ht up in travelling the country from place to place, by sellinii' a few thing's that we used to make. The same as most t-l, which came welling up from the heart of his devoted and alfeetionatc teachers Our space forbids us writing more, although we con 11 weave the story of his short life (with his grit and backbone, fur he was none of your jelly-tish type of young men) into many ])ages of foolscap and type, but we are continually remimie 1 our i>ld. Tell iiini I consider he is acting in a very brave manner. Dear Mother, it cuts me up very nmch iKjt to be near p loi- father when he bivathed his last. 1 am so sorry that Sar.di and Fanny were away, too. I know how he nuist have longed to have seen our faces once again, before he left us for ever, but we nuist take it for tlie best. Dear Mother, the Captain received Fainiy's letter safe, and he gave it to our Chaplain, lie sent f.)i" me to his cabin. 1 went — he showed me the letter, and sjjoke to me very nicely indeed, lie said he could sympathise with me very much, as he lost his own father when he was about my age. lie knows (! rays very well, and told me whenever he could do anything for me, he would be very pleased. Sarah has written me a very uice letter, [)oor girl. I know she mustf feel it \ery acutt-ly, she wms such a favourite of father's. (J ive Uiy very best love to Susan, tell her 1 am often tliinking of her, and I am glad she was fortunate enongii t(» see the last of poor father, and to be at home to give you her givat help in yoni- great trouble. Also give my very best love to Jack, Annie, Harry, Albert, and kiss darling little Nellie and Florrie. You must take great care of youi'self now, for all our sakes, and do not give way too much ; for it will ahno.st break my heart to hear yon are in ill- health, for it only makes me wish the more that 1 was at home by your side to help you on. '■* About the half-pay, I am told you will be sent another paper, aud it will give you instructions how to go on. 4^ Dear Mother, 1 will do as you say about leaving the service. J. think it is best to let things go on as they are for a time, but you * Nellie and Flonic are now provided for. COPY OF LETTEK. 2oO must be sure and keep me acquainted as to the state of things at home. Don't keep auythiiii;- hack, and then I shall really know- how jou are getting on, and be able to "ive you the best of my advice. J iim very soi'ry to hear al)out Mr. Hills being so queer, poor old c'.iap. I am afraid he won't be long behind ]ioor father. Only 1 1 think how father must have borne his pain, and yet never 111 uruuire 1, these last few years ; but he looked pretty well when he bid me good-bye at Loudon IJridge. Little did I think I was 1 )oking on his dear old face for the last time on earth ; but he has now lost all his tiouble and pain, and has left tis to enjoy the rest of everlasting peace of the Better Land, where I hope to meet him in some future time. I cannot keep back the tears as I write these lines — it is terribly bitter to lose a good father, like ours has been to us ; but I must comfort myself with the asburance that I have still got a good loving mother left, I hope, for us for many long years to come. '" ^'end my best love to our relations. I know you must be gratefid to Aunt Ruth, Aunt Rose, and Uncle Kebe. They are proving true friends now, in our time of trouble, as is also everyone who knew ns. Thank you \ery much for the Memoriam Card. It is very nice, and I think that favourite verse of father's is very apjiropriate. I tuink I must draw this letter to a close now, as the time is drawing nigh to do some work. It is a very pretty place we are lying at now — it is in Turkey. I would go ashore, only I don't seem to have any heart n )W for sight-seeing. We are on the ci-uise now. We have bjen to two places, Syracuse and Xapplia. [ tliink W8 sail for Acre nest Tuesday. I am getting on all right, and am quite well. Very best love. I remain, Your affectionate, loving Son, ROBERT G. TIPPLE. 0. Seamen H.M.8. Victoria, No. 26 Mess (not IG, as you put it), Malta, or elsewhere. Write soon, and keep a good lieart. P.S. — Dear Mother, you must excuse me writing to you wdth white paper, but I cannot get any black-edged on board ship. * His mother is also since dead, only surviving her Husband and Son until the following December, 1893. Verses on her death can be read in this book. 236 VEUSES ON llOHERT GEORGE TIl'PLE. IX MEMORIAM OF UOnERT GElOliGE TIPPLE, Of Grays, Essux. JJoni -Msl I )ecL'inl)er, 1.S74 ; Passed away 22nd June, 18l);i, on Board 1 1. M.S. VictMa. (His Father died Jive weeks before, and his Muthtr six months after his death). Beneath tho eror-restless .sea, ^ly lovinj,' sou is there, And hundreds more, whose memory To parents' hearts is dear. For a few days had only passed, His father's death was heard ; This o'er his young heart sorrow cast, He sent his mother word : *' God bless you, mother ih-ar. jn>t now ; To Heaven (h'ar Fathers gone. That you shull want I'll not allow Now father's work is done. "For God, dear mother, will [)rovid(', He's never left us yet ; So we will in Him e'er abide — His promise don't forget. " I saw the Chaplain yesterday. Your letter then he read ; He kindly then to me did say, ' I see your father's dead ! " In youth I lost my father, too, And therefore for vou feel : I will d'l what I can for you, And soon your grief will heal. •* I asked him then to portion you, My loving mother, dear, A pound a month I thought would do — In London get it there." THE LOSS OF H.il.S. "VICTORIA." 237 In this, our humble lay, you see, Though he, with hundreds, more, Lies sixty fathoms 'neath the sea, We praise him evermore. His loving mother, who's bereft, And others loved so dear, Thou, Lord, the widow's Friend, art left For comfort, still, and cheer. And Thou, dear Lord, wilt never leave The widows' cause Thou'lt plead ; Help them this promise to believe, The orphan's guide and feed. THE LOSS OF H.M.S. " VICTORL\." Can it be true, the tale we've read, Some hundreds precious seamen dead ! Drowned in the sea, on a blight day, In waters calm, without a spray ! But such it is, we know it's true ; While war exists these things we rue — Our ships are handled with such skill A slight mistake may hundreds kill. Some statesmen smile, and laugh they may When war is looming on our way ; Yet still we know the Prince of Peace Shall haste the time when war shall cease. If righteousness exalt alone, What then for warfare can atone ? Whose preparations lead to woe, And deal out death to make a show. But, still, we will not furthur chide, Although our guilt we cannot hide, Admiral Tryon now is dead — We cast no slur upon his head. -38 A IioVaL ClIACK. lint yt't jinotlicr word we sav : Siicti power no single man slionld sway, And Maikhaui, like a man of steel. Should have refused to turn the wlicel. W'ii know the name Victoria well. Though sad the fate the shii) Ix fell : (Jur Queeu beloved (God bless, we pray) Was deeply tcjuchcd that awful day. With heartfelt sorrow now we mourn For those who from tlitur homos are torn, iheir fathers and rhc.ir mothers dear, Sisters and Itrothei's, shed tiie tear. i'.ind u[) bereaved liearts, Lord, I "onsoliiig grace send through Thy Word ; tiive to them each of Gilead's balm, -vnd may their future life be calm. A million precious money lost, ]>esides the human gems it's co.st ! ISo wonder, then, the nation smarts With taxes high and l)roken hearts. A llOYAL GRACE. Lines suggested by a conversation with Steplicn Saimders, at .Vliun \'>.iy (on July lOcli, 1S95, whilst ascending the Clitil, who was born at Tolland Bay, I.'W.. oil August 23th, 1813, and who has made sand baske.s tilled \> ith shells and cut sand stones for the past twenty years, hi the course of which conversation he related to ine his being honoured bv Koval patronage, on August 9th, 18S7, through the Prince of Wales landing li.s J acht at Alum Bay for a couple of hours. • Eighty-two years their course ha\e run, Since lir.-t my life on crth begun. In that small luuulet Totland Buy I first beheld the light of day. In troublous times I then wius born, ;Mid licrcest battles '^^empest storm; Old B()iia})art(> then vainly tried llis spear to thrust in Britain's bide. A ROYAL GRACE. 23^ But One did tlivust the tvrant foe, Old England's God from Heaven v,e know ; No prowess to our arms give we For conquering praise belongs to Thee. "When I was two, great "Waterloo "Was won by Iron Duke so true ; The cruel reign of Bonaparte Had sent a thrill throufrh every heart. o But God decreed he stopped should be In his mad reign of devilry ; The battle waxed both strong and hot. Soon conquest to our arms was brought. On St. Helena's lonely Isle, 01.1 Bonaparte his time did wile ; Soon fled away his warlike mien, And peaceful joy again was seen. For pinching poverty did fall Into the lot of nearly all ; Though sovereign mercy rich and rare, AVas seen all through it everywhere. In early life a sailor I, "When storms and tempests loud ran high ; For nearly forty years my lot, A sailor on the ocean wrought. When in a Bombay typhoon blast. Near thirty years since then ha\e passed ; My legs, entwined in rigging high, "Were broken both, I feared to die. But God in mercy spared my life. Amid the tempest and the strife. Though could not work for foui' long years, "Which brought from me most bitter tears. My wife and I such hard times had, "With our eight children often sad, The Lord restored me yet again, Although a cripple oft in pain. ho A ROYAL GEAOE. For twenty years on Alum Bay, In siuunier on this clitl" I stay, I make sand baskets, lilled with shell, And to my kindly patrons sell. In ei^'hty-seven, on August nine, A huly customer was mine, tShe (juite entranced me with licj' talk, And stayed till up her friends did walk. She asked me then my work and ai^e, Her ton^nie so sweet did me en,i;aye ; Her husband sat there by her side, A ha])pier pair I ne'er espied. She asked the price of all my ware. Her husband lauu:iied as he sat there ; She paid me double for the same, And asked me if 1 knew her name. " Xo maam," to her I did reply, " But la ly true, I can't deny ;" She then a soverei,<;"n gave to me, " Princess of Wales in me you see." " ^\y lins]);uid sitting on the bank. The Prince does for your converse thank," The Prince of Wales with laughing face, With his cigar I now can trace. " Do you smoke, my friend," he said, " Yes, jolly tars are sure, you've read ;" He gave his pouch then (juick to me. And lit my i-ipe with his fusee. P)ach Christmas since from them we get, For eight lor.g years have kindness met, A sovereign i,o cheer our home, We thank thom for such kindness shown. God 1)less, w( pray, the happy pair. Of Royal per>onages rare ; hfh'd give them each Thy saving grace. May all thcii- household seek Thy face. IN MEMORI/JI OF MATTHEW TVENHAM. 241 The Queen beloved, we pray Thee still, To bless while climbing up the hill ; At eventide, be Lord her stay. And cheer and bless her home alway. "When rich and poor in glory greet, As in the Heavenly land they meet, We'll praise the Lord for all His love. Throughout the endless day above. IN MEMORIAM OF MATTHEW WENHAM (of MARGATE), Who died August 8th, 1893, Aged 18 Years. Our hearts are stricken sad and sore, Our first-born son's short journey's o'er, The Lord knows well our bitter grief, And He alone can give relief. His presence always charms our home, The cat she purred to see him come, He made the young ones always glad, And cheered our hearts when they were sad. His sickness short and great his pain, We ne'er shall see his like again. Tills rose was cut before 'twas blown. The Master took liiin for His own. Though Jesus wept at Lazarus' grave, He's mighty still to bless and save. For He can bind up broken hearts. His balm can heal their inward smarts. May Hia consoling grace be given. To every heart bereaved and riven. Speak Thou the word of comfort, Lord, Send promises of Thy blest word. Once Jesus touched at Nain the bier, The great Physician always near. And though the tears now blind our eyeL His purposes are kind and wise. 242 THE FOUR SEASONS. do with us, lionl, on this dark day, Wlieii to the grave we wend our way, The Way, the Life, the Truth art Thou, Give all sufliciont grace just now. And thouf,'h we leave the form of one "We dearly loved whose nice is run, Ijord, dry up our tears we pray, In Heaven we'll greet our sou some day. AVe sisters and his brothers mourn, Now ^laUhew from our home is torn. Jkit we shall meet him on the shore, 111 Heaven some day to part no more. Cheer uj), dear friends, he is not dead, He only sleeps so Jesus said, This sheep " I'll gather to my fold" And safe secure from frosts and cold. August nth, 1893. THE FOUR SEASONS. The spring witli all its promised buds, And future hope of ciieer, Is come again our souls to bless, Soon plenty will be here. God sends the glowing summer months To yielil a rich repast ; In beauty and in verdure too, Tlioui^h short they seem to last. The autumn's waving fields of corn, And luxious f:u ii He sends, Providing food lor man anil lieast, For all our wants attends. The winter comes with shortened days, Witii cold, and frost, and snow, With hanging icicles al)Ove, Ail show God's good we know. ALATt:\r:va colltsion in' the channel. 24?> So may the seasons as they pass, Speak to our hearts and say, Improve witli persevering grace, Each minute of each day. And when life's eventide shall come. Our work on earth shall cease : May we enjoy a Home of rest, With Christ in perfect peace. ALARMING COLLISION IN THE CHANNEL. THE STEAMER " SEAFORD " SUNK. Escape of 300 Passengers and Crew. The fog did "Lyon " steamer bide, Which struck tlie "■ Seaford " on port side ; They slackened speed in darkness dense, The fog in Channel was intense. Had passengers have known, forsooth, The time so short, the real truth, In hah" an liour t" would sink i)elow, A panic would have been we know. Rut God in mercy oft dotli hide Fiom us greao trials near our side. And often mercy shows us here The safeguard of His (i uardian care. We will brave Captain Sharp enshrine In this our simple verse and rhyme ; His name in future memory Will long remain and cherished be. With coolness, yet with quick survey Heroic deeds were done that day ; Well he aud crew their powers did use, AVithout a minutes' time to lose. Such gallant bravery its true Have won our praise for chief and crew, To all their varied posts to haste A. moment's time thej did not waste. 244 ALARMING COLLISION IN THE CHANNEL. In quickest word he gave command : " All boats l)e lowered ; on duty stand, Three hundred souls help me to save From siukiug in a watery grave." So Captain Sharp's most kindly word In plaintive tones was plainly heard, The Captain of the " Lyon," too, With generous heart was kind and true. With his good crew did all they could To aid and help we understood ; He slackened " Lyons " speed with care To " Seaford's" port drew then quite near. In coolness and with valorous speed. Both Captains then their crews did lead, All passengers assured to save Obeying orders that they gave. If this you do, the Captain said. All safe to port you'll soon be led ; No panics or distressing cries Were heard but most were very wise. Attended to the orders given, And terror stricken none were driven, But truthful still this sketch must be, A sight of some the crew did see. They nearly lost their lives 'tis true, Trying to save their baggage too. For dear life spared our thanks we give 'io Thee, Lord, while here we live. Just time to Siive there lives, indeed, Thy kindest Providence decreed ; To this collision sad one came, ^listress Peai'slow wn,s her name. Into the water she did fall Just rescued at the seaman's call. By iluoiv, tlu' mate, so bold who dived, ^Vith her on deck again amved. A WALK THROl'GH THE NEW FOKKST. 245 With broken ankle most severe. Thank God her life is spared still here ; With broken legs two ladies found, Command all sympathy aroand. One gentleman with broken arm ; These saddenel cases gave alarm ; Restore them, Lord, to health again And (|uickly heal their aches and pain. At Newhaven the crowd was great, With bated breath and fear did wait ; Here we conld touching scenes portray ; Congratulations great that day. From grateful hearts in tender tone, 'Twould melt a heart as hard as stone ; We pray T.iee, Lord, receive the praise, Their humble vows within our lays. The contrite prayer from hearts that Ided, Be truth of all their future said, From lips that scarce could speak a word, Thouirh God alone their vows had heard. A PLEASANT WALK THROUGH PART OF THE NEW FOREST. New Forest has great charms for me When heather and sweet fern I see, Beech, Chestnut, and the royal oak Of good old times hath often spoke. If these ould tell their truthful tale They would so many things reveal. The pines" rich odour doth us greet. The scented turpentine smelt sweet : j-he blackberries bestrewed my way Throughout the Forest glade that day, With luscious ripened frail that morn. While fitting background to adorn, Autumnal tints of varied sheen ]\Lxde pictures beauteous to be seen. Q 246 A WALK THROUGH THK NEW KOUEST. A solemn sermon was tlie sight Of fulliiii: leaf with colours brif^ht ; For we all f.ule just like a leaf, Our life at lon<;est is but brief. Then help us, Lord, our time to spend In deeds of kindness to the end. Christinas l)erries and ho<2:<,'aes rare Bes{>eak a winter <:rim and bare ; liy rich Autumnal colours shown The artist's handiwork is known. The birds sang sweet with ijleeful song True music as I walked alont:, "While ru^<;ed scenery did adorn The forest t^lade on that blest morn. The ponies wild with their fine foals Gave pleasure through my forest strolls, The milking cows, too, roam at large And gracious gifts for us discharge : "While pigs and sheep and calves fed there On grass and acorns, best of fare. While memory holds her seat I'm sure It will retain this morning's tour, I saw New Forest all alive In October, eighteen ninety-five. Xow to an orchard rich I went. On apple buying I was l)ent, A treasure this I sought to seize Which hung profuse upon the trees. Some miles from here I thought, of where, I bought five hundred bushels tiiere ; My birthplace, Redlynch, was the name, "Where apple-buying won my fame. There apples were l)oth large and nice. But we did dilTer as to price. Three miles from Lyndhurst Road I'd walked And with sweet nature well had talked. Then Lyndhurst Church spire came in view, A i)icture grand 'twould make for you. Upon the roiwl I'll not forget, Old Thomas Taylor then I met. His smiling face gave me delight. And shovel on his back so bright. A WALK THROUGH THE XEW FOREST. 247 I shook his hand and asked his name, His avocation, age and fame : " Daily working this road I ween. For thirty-five years I have been. At Lyndhurst Church, I too, was wed, And born eight miles from here," he said ; " Lyndhurst Old Church, dear Sir, I mean, Before the grand new one was seen. Mv aije is onlv seventy-four, And work's a pleasure as of yore. At Christmas next our wedding day Quite fifty years have passed away." " You should not now be left behind, Keep golden wedding, bear in mind. And is your wife agreed with you To pass life's journey loving through ? " " My wife, lier name is Hannah, good. To me a good wife always stood ; At birthday next slie's seventy-one. She's won my love for all she's doiie." " Then flitch of bacon yon have earned If in each heart love's always burned." " I've always one," he said, " dear friend. Which to our wants doth e'er attend." " Why this is grand," I said, with glee, " Good bacon on the rack to see, I much should like a rasher rare ;" " Were you at home 'twould be your fare." " Now what's the price you get per week ?" " Twelve shillings is the price I seek." This noble man does live so high And with his thrifty wife does try To garner up their little store. And plenty had their whole life o'er. I asked him then, " How do you fare ? Have you found Christ a Saviour here ? Are you upon the heavenly road To our dear Father's blest abode ? Are you in ' Rock of Ages cleft ?' Then in the storm you'll not be left. To all His sheep eternal life He giveth them, despite the strife." 24:8 MV SIXTIETH nillTHDAY, From iiif, ii straiii^er, kindly heiird, Tlie old iimii Llion liad ( Jod's own word ; I told him tliL'U the Gospel plan How (]od coidd save rehellions man. Through Christ, the Life, the Truth, the Way Has open door for us to-day. If wo in penitence and faith Believe the message Jesus saith : " Come unto ^le ye weary one, Of all who come I cast out none." 5th October, 1S'.>5. :\ry stxtihtii birthday. November seventeeuth, ninety-five, Thauk God in health I'm still alive, For sixty years have passed away Since first I saw the light of day. What changing scenes I too have .seen, The rolling years so short hath been, Our lime seems only like a tale, God's word says this, which cannot fail. It seems but yesterday to me I skipt in hopeful youth and glee O'er heath, and moor, and village green, The months and years so short hath been. lUit still old time to me hath brought liich treasures by its lessons taught ; The loving-kindness of my God I've seen in all his chastening rod. I will not murmur nor complain For what is best He doth ordain, From this my joyful natal day Give daily grace throughout my way. ]\[y Wiltshire birth-place, Kedlynch home. Is dear to me, though years have Hown, Since ^^other lavished on me there Her rich maternal loving care. At sweet seventeen from home I start To London Town, so gay and smart ; I heard its streets were paved with gold. Not truth I found that thus was told. MY SIXTIETH BIRTHDAY. 249 Deluded thus and sad misled Have thousands been, I'tc heard it said. God's grace at nineteen years found me A wanderer from the fold to be, Christ's love drew my young heart to Him And conquered then my love for sin. Sweet pardon at the cross received, When I a penitent believed, " "My chains fell off, my soul went free," I did of God's gift taste and see. Since then I've told to sinners round, " What a dear Saviour I have found." To boast I cannot for I'm weak, But bruised reeds *' He will not break ;" God's grace alone can keep my heart From Satan's wiles and fiery dart. Ee Thou my guide. Oh Saviour, friend, Help me to battle till the end That when draws nigh the day of life, " Well done," from Christ may end the strife. Written at Beating's Temperance Hotel, Xorthavi Road, Soiitliampton. LIFE-BOAT COLLECTING IXCIDENTS. I was not a little amused at being accosted by a young man as I was collecting for the Life Boat Institution ni the Isle of Wight a few weeks ago. This collection, which amounted in seven days to £7, I handed over to the respected honorary secretary, Mr. Shephard, of Newport. Altogether I have collected for the Life Boat Institution, Surf Boat Margate and Dover Home upwards of £24. The young man said, " I should like a job like you have got I suppose you get well paid for it ?" I replied " Yes I do or I should not do "it." " Just so," said he, " I thought so." " Well, why don't you apply for it," I said " but what sort of a character have you ?" '* Oh that I tliink will l)ear inspection" he said. _ " But," I said, " Have you nothing to do then ?" " No," he said. " But if you were equal to it, could you afford to sacrifice your time ; have you any private means ?" " No," he said, " but you get paid ?" " Yes, well," I said, " but perhaps my pay would not suit you." " How much do you get in the £ ?" he said. " Nothing," I said, " in that way." He reminded me then of the young man who went to the Saviour. He could not stand this 850 LIFK-BOAT OOLLECTINO IXCIDKXTS. cruisical test. I tokl him fiirLlier I had the privile<,'e of puttino; ail ailvertisciii(.'iit in my l^ook U)V tlu/m fire of cost. 1)UL I iniicht have said this is noL the only jiay we ."), is an iinbrcilf, though not l)ad enough to need ])uttiiig away. Another £2.")0, a lawyer cheated me out of, and now we are partially kept i»y my own beloved married daughter." '* Well," I said "this is sad, do you know the Friend that sticketh closer than a brother ?" " Yes, tliaiik (Jod," she ivjilied. "Then you are not jioor, for soon you will exchange this po\erty for a crown of riglueousiicss that fadetli not away, and that no Liberator smash or roguish lawyer or breaking bank can rob you of." This is a sample of many cases I come across when going up and down the countrv. THK LATi': KiiiKMAX sriiA(;ri-: (Sei' Vnje^rA). -^- „--r^^7^-=^ THE STRAND EXPLOHION. 251 THE STRAND EXPLOSION, Octx>ber 29th, 1895, The Fireman Sprague's Death and Funeral. His post, this gallant fireman found, Called by his duty to the ground, He braved the dangers of the spot And awful death was thus his lot. Sprague's gallantry and noble deed We will extol whilst our hearts bleed, We gladly tell within our verse How flowers were heaped on the car hearse. His valour won him true renown And loving tributes do him crown ; Thousands for miles did line the road As he went to his last abode. His funeral was a sight to see Which will remain in memory, The sun shone out with radiance bright And seemed to mock their sorrow's night. The cortege marked Sprague's gallantry And glory crowns his memory ; These gallant firemen, true and brave, Shall ha^'e our thanks for lives they saved. Each doth alike the danger share, God's providence doth many spare. With tear-dimmed eyes no one spoke loud, And every heart with grief was bowed. They stood in patience close array To see a fireman's funeral day. The plaintive sound of muffled drum Broke in upon the low toned hum, With solemn awe and music slow The funeral passed mid murmurs low. And many a father standing there, And many a mother breathed a prayer For noble fireman strong and brave Who might some day their children save. The crushed and battei'ed helmet graced The coffin upon which 'twas placed, 252 TlIK STRAND EXPLOSION. For tell long hours Sprague uprighi stood, ^lidst stone and mortar, hrick and wood. How much deceased was loveil, we know The grand disphiy of flowers did show, The solemn marchini: iiremen true .Symholed the h)Ve of not a few. . Lord Carrin<,4oM did lead the way, Jdlin liurns too did his grief display, And (\iptain Simonds, too, did guide, The weeping widow liy his side. The constables our praise did share For keeping such good oi'der there. The Vicar, too, so kin;! did come From out his little village home, To truly praise Sprague's memory In funeral sermon tenderly. In kindest sympatliy we'll aid The widow and the orphan made, May riod support them well, we pray, 111 tliis great trial of that day. Each relative and par iit bless Witli saving grace, Christ's righteousness, To all of us this warning be 111 midst of life we death do see. In such a time as we think not Our end may come, this death hath taught, AVh' ne'er the summons us may call — 'Twill come, now soon, to one ami all — ^lay we through grace be ready found. Our lamps well trimmed with oil abound. To hear the Bridegroom's blessed word, Enter the joy of our blest Lord. Beneath the clods at Highgate rest The fireman's cemetery corner blest, The i)recious dust of heroes grand, AVho did like rocks at duty stand. Their lives at various tires were lost, With honours (piick at such a cost. Left wives and children and each friend. Like Sjirague did his, to them we'll tench And though we know this rhyme is poor, We wish that we could olVer more. nOJ^SDJVlPTIOJl ^^ AND ALL CHEST DISEASES. INTERVIEWS with OLD PATIENTS and NEW CASES, By MB. GONGEEVKS COMMISSIONER. NINETY-FIFTH INTERVIEW, With Mr. FIDDIAN, Albion Works, Longlands, Stour- bridge, relative to the case of his Son. "ADVANCED CASE OF CONSUMPTION," Which icas published in tJic weekly journals, November 21st, iSSg. Briefly summarised, the history of this case, as already pubHshed, is as follows ": — Towards the end of the year 1887, Mr. Fiddian applied to Mr. Congreve on behalf of his young son, who was, according to the medical report, then in an advanced stage of Consumption. The illness had arisen from a cold after bathing, followed by cough, blood spitting, periodic dyspncea, pain in the side, flushing, night-sweats, loss of appetite and strength and general wasting of body. Afler following Mr. Congreve's treatment for a few weeks, a wonderful improvement was manifest. This improve- ment continued, and the patient became well and strong. Armed with these particulars, I recently called upon Mr. Fiddian, at his house, Longlands, Stourbridge, and asked him whether the statement was correct in every particular. "Yes, all correct." he replied. "Before I sent to Mr. Congreve my son had been ill about six months, attended by two doctors. One of them gave him up-said he couldn't do any more for him: his lungs were entirely gone." " But I believe vou afterwards had reason to believe there was hope for him?" " Yes ; when he had been taking Mr. Congreve's medicine for six weeks, he began to improve, and in course of time he got better. Since then he has never suffered with his chest." I had the pleasure of seeing Mr. Fiddian, jun., and found him well, hearty, and strong, taking an active share at a forge connected with his father's business. Mrs. Fiddian, too, spoke very highly of the medicine. It had recently cured her of a cough the doctor had failed to relieve. Like all who are really grateful for benefits received, Mr. Fiddian willingly consented to my making public what he had told me. MR. a. T. CONGREVE'S work on Consumption, «S:c., in which are detailed the Causes, Symptoms, Progress, and Successful Treat- ment of this scourge of England. — With nearly Four Hundred Cases of Cure. Also on Cough, Asthma, Bronchitis, &c., &c. The Book will be sent, post free, for One Shilling, hy the Author Coombe Lodge, Peckham, London, S.E. IN^ IVI E IVIOFM AlVI SIR HENRV ROISSOIMBV. Died at Oshorii" CoKarie, hie of Wii/Jit, 21st Xnvfinher, iS'.iG. Buried in W/n/)/)iiin CIntrchi/ard 2Gth November. AVilli (lcL'i)ft.st sorrow we liavu rcatl Sir Henry Ponsonby is dead ; To Lilly Ponsonby we send, Our synipatliy do Jicr attend. Tlie nows his cliildir-n doar roceived, /I'bns by tht'ir I'alhrr's deatli bereaved, "We know has caused them bitter Rrief, "We piay tbal (lod may give relief. ]Ie]|) ;\11 to say IVoni Clod's own word ""^I'liy will be done, not ours, Lord." For fiiity years he's been tlic guest And servant of our Queen, the best. Hei' Royal Consort too did sliare "While on this earth his watchful care, His I'eitile brain and tenl<- mid .<<•/// to T. H. Sri' l'Hi:\so\, Uoiiiicr Jioiiil, London, N.E. Nearly 5009 Orphan or Waif Children Are now being Maintained, Educated and Taught Trades in Dr. Barnardo's Homes, Tlias constituting tJie Largest Familg on Earth, Applications for Urgent Cai-es are received at any hour of the Day or Xiglit. Destitute Cliiidreu of any age or creed, of either sex, and of any nationality, are eligible. The most searching iiKjuiry is made into every application, l)ut no really destitute Boy or Girl is ever rejected. 28,000 Children have been received since 18GG. From fifty to sixty fresh cases are admitted weekly during the winter months. Al)out 1,500 young children are now boarded out nnder the auspices of the Homes. Technical training in some one of the fourteen handicrafts carried on in the Homes is given to every lad capable of receiving it. All the girls are brought up in cottages on the family system. 8,042 trained and tested children have already Deen placed out in the Colony. Of these over 9b per cent, have been successful. Four Lodging Houses and a Night Refuge are accessil)le in London thronghout all hours of the day and night to homeless Waifs and Strays seeking temporary shelter, and eight " Ever Open Doors," as well as other branches, are constantly in operation in as many Pro\"incial Towns. In all 82 separate Homes, dealing with every age and class of destitute and needy childhood, and '24: Mission Branches are included within the scope of these Institutions. Donations and Subscriptions will be giatel'ulh- recei\ ed by the Tirasiiiri; WiLMAM Fowler, Esq. ; by the Chairman of Coininiftcc, Samukl G. Shkppakd, Esq. ; by the Vicc-Cliairinaii, Howard Williams, Esq. ; by tlic Founder and Director, Dr. Thos. J. Barxardo ; or by the Bankers, London ANU Soltii-Western Bank, and Messrs. Prescott, Dimsdale & Co. JOHN ODLING, General Secretary. /S l§ 2G, Stepnej' Cause?fay , Lo/idon, jBJ, THE PERFECT CLEANSER. Dolphin Paraffin Soap Give it a fair trial a?id co?npare the effect with any other 'Soa2y in the Market ; its tasti7i(/ prope?'/ies, cornbined 7t^ith its great cleansing power, ?uahes it the best of all Soaps. DOLPHIN SOAP for the LAUNDRY ! DOLPHIN SOAP for the KITCHEN ! DOLPHIN SOAP for the HOUSE ! If you want " White Linen,'' USE OOL-RHIN SOKP. If you want ^^ Pure Homes,'' USE DOLRHIN SOKP. If you want your Clothes to last, USE DOL-PHIN SOT^F^ If you tvant to save Money, ^ USE D01-.RHIN SOKP. To be obtained of all Grocers and Oilmeiu FURNITURE REMOVERS, Plate, Piano, Picture and Luggage Stores, 48, QUEEN'S ROAD, (OPPOSITE EYE HOSPITAL), Large and Small Safety Van Owners. DEIiL & DEIiL Include in their Estimates of Bevioval, the taking down of Bedsteads, Wardrobes, and Chimney Glasses, and refixing same in new residence. The pacJdng of Dinner, Tea, and Dessert Ware, Ornaments^ Glass, Books and Wine, and the 'unpacking of same. DELL & DELL • Make no charge for the use of Cases and Crates hi removals from house to house. London Ad^^ess— 141, IJATTERSEA PARK EOAD, S.W. Ba^kees— LOXDOX & COUNTY Co., Ltd. THE Spurgeon Orphan Homes. STOCKWELL ORPHANAGE, Clapham Road, LONDON, S.:iAZ. President S Treasttrer—TiKy. J. A. .SPTJRCtEON, D.D. Head Master— Rkv. VEKXUX J. CHARLESWORTH. gl gome axxb J^tcljool for 500 |Jatl)crlc00 (Slijilbtani, AM) y? ^enraojpial o^ the Beloved PotiRcdep^ G. S. SIPTJIE^G-EOnsr. No Votes Required. The most needy and deserving cases are selected by the Committee of Management. THJi MANAGERS UEgUIUE ITEN THOUSAND POUNDS A YEAI^ IK VOLUNTRY CONTRIBUTIONS. All monies sliould l)e sent Lo the President, ;id(li'essi!il to (lie eai'e of the .Secretary, j\1ii. F. (i. JiAi)])S, StucUwell Orphanage, Clapham Road, London, S.W. NOTICE TO INTENDING BENEFACTORS. Our last Annual Report, containing a Legal form of Bequest, will be gladly sent on application to the Secretary. ^ogiil Rational |^ife-§oat Institution, Incorporated by royal Charter. — Supported Solely by Voluntary Contributions. Patron— HER MOST GRACIOUS MAJESTY THE QUEEX. «$. A I> I* E A Ij . ♦$» )^HE Committee of the Royal Xatioual Life-boat Institution ^-^ earnestly appeal to the British Pul)lic for Funds to enable them to maintain their 303 Life-Boats now on the Coast and their Crews in the most perfect state of efficiency. This can only be effected by a large and permanent annual income. The Annual Subscriptions, Donations and Dividends are quite inade(]:uate for the purpose. The Committee are confident that in their endeavour to pro\-ide the brave Lifeboatmen, who nobly hazard their lives in order that they may save others, with the best possible means for carrying on their great work, they will meet the entire approval of the people of this the greatest maritime country in the world, and that their appeal will not be made in vain, so that the scope and efficiency of our great life- saving, service, of which the Nation has always been so proud, may not have to be curtailed. The Institution granted rewards for the saving of 649 Hves by the Life-boats in 1894, and of 141 Hves by fishing and other boats during the same period, the total number of lives, for the saving of which the Institution granted rewards, in 1894 being 790. Total of lives saved, for which Rewards have been granted, from the Establishment of the Institution in 1824 to 31st December, 1894, 38,645. The cost of a Life-Boat Station is at least £1,050, which includes £700 for the Life- Boat and her equipment, including' Life-Belts for the crew, and Transporting Oarriajje for the Life-Boat, and £35o for the Boat-House ^Slip^vay extra). The approximate annual expense of maintaining'- a Life-Boat Station is £100. Annual Subscriptions and Donations will be thankfully received by the Secretary, Charles Dibdin, Esq., at the Institution, 14, John Street, Adelphi, London, W.C. ; by the Bankers of the Institution, Messrs. Coutts and Co,, 59, Strand; by all the Other Bankers in the United Kingdom ; and by all the Life-Boat Branches. «te.^ ,^^v^u«ngw^-:,^^^ r:.^^^?^^^: -sb, :^%^ Jiy.^D::'^'-'' Jc^ JD SITUATED WITHIN J> MI NjTtS WALK O F THE EAST STATION. CHARGES 5THICTLY MODERATE * ^V*^/' 1^?-'% ""^m Coffee liouin, DraivuKj Boom, Coninwrcial lioom, 2 Dining Booms, 2 Billiard and SnwJdiKj Booms. Shipty-T^irpe ■«• Bedpoom?>. Also Private Sitting Rooms and Assembly Room in which Parties of loo can dine. :-u-:- UoT, Cold, and Sea AVateu Laid ox to Bath. fiournemouth Offers great advantages to summer visitors, in the possession of a Fleet of very fine and well- equipped EXCURSION STEAMERS CHIEF AMONGST WHICH ARE, THE ' Monarch,' ' Victoria,' and ' Empress/ THEY PLY SEVERAL TIMES DAILY BETWEEN BOURNEMOUTH and SWANAGE, Make daily Excursions to one or more of the attractive points in the ISL.e ••• OFi ••• iAZ:iGHT, Or on the coast, between BBIGHTON, on the east and DABTMOUTH, on the ivest, with frequent trijJS across Channel to CHEBBOUBG or one of the Channel Islands. Details are published weekly, and all information can be obtained on application to D. SYDENHAM, (Local Manager, Coseus & Co. Limited). Office— ROYAL MARINE LIBRI\RY, BOURNE7V5CUTH. The Soiifha))q)lon, hie of M'ifjhl lO SuiitJi of Eiif/hiiut lioijal Mail SteiUii PdcJxcf Gompam/, Limited. i ,s < ','.1 '' ' " ■• -IrlrT. t- I.I The followinfj Cnmmodioii<; Saloon Rteamcr??. PriiiCL' of W'iilus, Sok'iit (,)uim'ii. Il-r Majesty, Princess Helena, Princess iieatrice, Prince Tieopold, Carishn-oke & Sontiuunnton. Make ici^ular p;issa;4cs several time-? tlailv between — SOmiAMl'TOX. COWKS. KYDK, SOUTHSEA and I'OKTSlvA. KXCl'RSIOXS at CFlEAl' FAK'KS are also made dnrini; tlie suinniei Season, .tnd SPECIAL EXCTRSIOXS to \\'e\ inoiith, Hri.ulUon, Southsea, Sea View, Alinn Hay, Hournemoiiili and Swanaj^e. Tniic 'J'tihlis, E.vciirsioii Pioj^riiniiius iiiul full piirticiilnrs ohttiiuai iit llic ConiNiin's Of/iccs—i, HIGH STREET, SOUTHAMPTON', and WEST COWES. I.W. H. B. KENT & Co., GENERAL* FURNISHING IRONMONGERS. EUctro-Pliite, Cnfler/j, BdtJi.s and Japan lied Qood.s of all dcserijdioiis. liij'piiajille's Coo/ling a ltd Heating litouea. 48, ABOVE BAR, SOUTHAMPTON. AMERICA £2 10s., J^rom Fo/kesio?ie, Ijondon, Hull, JVen^- casl/e, a?id Ijeilh. CANADA £2 10s., By splendid fast Royal Mail Steamers ; First-Class accommodations for married and single people. £1 secures passage available at any time in one month. Steamers go 8 times a week. Shipping Agents to all parts at the Loivest Rates. Apply — KE TEC E lE^ I IsT C3- T O ISr ' S , PARADISE STREET, MARGATE- ERNEST GORE, //, "BE OAT) .SlRUUl, MAnGAlU, (Xearly Opposite Police Station). Verfumery and Toilet Bequisites, Hotels, Schools, and Families attended. All kinds of Oi-namental llaiv Work executed at the'shortest notice. TXUSTEN'S Old-Eslablished Ham & Beef House AND DINII^IG ROOMS, (Opposite tin- Toiiii Halll- ESIABLISHED iS^j. Beanfeasts and (.'hoir Parties Accommudaled. Well-aired Beds, BOURNEMOUTH. J. P. STONE, COOK, CONFECTIONER, Bread and Biscuit Baker, And PUBLIC CATERER. 7eas, Ztmc?ieons y dinners, "Picnics and Choir ^a7^ties provided for. SPACIOUS DINING BOOMS near St Peter's Church and Pier. Orders by Post promptly attended to. The HYGIENIC BAKERY & RESTAURANTS, 64, OLD CHRISTCHURCH ROAD, AND 79, H0LDENHUR8T RD., BOURNEMOUTH. :-o-: TauratRB, Noa. lit k 217- TsLEORxrHic A.DbUE«6 — "Stoae'c lUaUwaat, C. POOSS, CYCLE MANHFACTHRER, AND 41, Catherine Street, Salisbury Ulustrated Price List of the 'LITTLE GHAMPIOK' 0"V7"iT ^^va:A.Is^■u•:F'^ca?TJI^E!.• Any Machine supplied on the Hire Purchase or Easy Payment System^ or Liberal Discount for Cash. Alterations and Repairs of all kinds at Lowest Prices for Net Cash on delivery. ^erambutaiors , Mail Carls and :Sai?i Chairs for 6'aie or Hire. Any Goods supplied on Easy Payment System or Big Discount for Cash. Agent for the following Makes :— jBowr, Quadrant, Centaur, Peregrine, Su7ibeam, Bonnickf New Bapid, and Manufacturer of the Celebrated "LITTLE CHAMPION" Cycle. TO EMPLOYERS S SERVANTS :-()-:- HeXH ERINCTON'S, PARADISE STREET, MARGATE. Having over 35 Branches, can put Employers in Communication with Servants, and can supply- same within few hours notice ; also Good Servants Suited Quickly. An ;v(l(lress('(l .stumped envelojie will receive prompt reply. Branches — London ami jM'incipal towns ol" Enu;liind, also Scotland, Ireland, France, Germany, New York, Toronto, Montreal,, New Zealand, Australia and South Africa. The Larcjest Agencj/ in the World. JAMES W. GURNEY, (late :\[. A. claggett), T0^IC:BU2CH-E'E, 7^0UI.7i;'n£jn, and /licensed 'y)ea/e?' hi Game, 1, -if ^awleg -9. §tpeet, •* ^apgate. ■:-o- CART ATTENDS WESTdATE DAILY. S. GODDING'S, ~ Reli£tl3le Boots £i,nd Sluoes. KEADY-MaDE cloth ING of Every Description. V()\i\V.R OK Mill Lane & 133, High-St, Margate. SUITS TO MEASURE— A SPECIALITY. T. WHEELER & SON, PHOTOGRAPHERS & OPTICIANS, QUEEN STREET, MARGATE. ^FtigtiG photogF>aphg m all it§ a?E:E^nycs :m:oidei^.a.te. I?isla7iia7ieous ^of^h^aiis of Chitdreii a specialit}^ , Views of the Neighbourhood, Opalines, &c. Spectacles accurately suited to all sights. OCULISTS' PRESCRIPTIONS CARRIED OUT. •:-0-:- PLEASE NOTE THE ADDRESS JOHN METTAM, IN g;?anite, marble and stone, EATON ROAD, MARGATE. MoiiiiDieiifs, Toiiih.H, HeaiUtones, &c. , executed diul Lettered in heat Style. A variety of Monuments in Stone, Marble and Granite always on view. Estimates given to Builders nnd General Mrsonry. All Orders receive prompt attention. SCOTT St CO.. Fancy Glass Spinners & Venetian Engravers FINE ART GLASS and CHINA DEALERS, /, ://^r ,/(•//)' J/(f/'(/((/e : .y, J/ic V'/cr, J£a.s7h()n?'7ie, Crests, Monograms or any Special Design Executed on the Premises. Dejjot for English, Continental and Oriental Goods. Xai.u i,r Monoiirmn A'/ij/ravid mi (Jtufm Cv]>s, Tinnhlers, ^Sniit Unities^ AVr., AViiii.i; W^v AVait. BEACH HOUSE TEMPERANCE HOTEL, FAMILY AND COMMERCIAL, Is situate! on the South Pnrnrlo. r.pnr tlio Pier. riiiutcrruptcd sea views from most of the rooms. TERMS MODERATE. TARIFF ON APPLICATION. J. Pi. JEFFEBSON, Manager. STEWART DUNM'S ^icuvalrti^^l^-'^^^^'^^l} or^Tcrnc atonic, 77/r Sjiccifu' lifutci/// ftif Ni'iirdhjid, Fiict'-^ci'., is- i}4(X., and 2S. 6d., IJV I'OST -Jil. KXTKA. THE MODERN PHARMACY, I "f list opposite SI. (icori^i's L'hnnli). 98 & 100, HIGH STREET, o eK i_. k: E isx. When ill this popular watci-iiiu- phice, a call at oiii' IMiai'iuacy is rcMjuested. Genuine Whole Meal Bread. H. BROOMFIELD, GROCER, TET^ DET^LER. AND PROVISION MERCHANT, BAKER, MEALMAN AND CORN FACTOR, CroiArn Buildings, LYNDHURST. Huntley <£• Palmer^ s Celebrated Rending Biscitit.s. Calcex of { very description, made to Order, ■:-()-:- BOOTS AND SHOES, STATIOXKUY, Ac. Established over Half a Centui-y, and Worth its lYeight in Gold ! No no II red n'i/h " Go/d Medals''' mid " 'Special D/'plojnas,'' reco/junended by Ihe Medical 7^j'o/essw/i. Clarion's Embrocation IS A Extracted from the Choicest Herbs and Roots, it contains neither Minerals or Poison. Bmj a Buttle thi^ daij ami test its Healliuj Powers. Kindly read the following one out of thousands :— CLYNCHiH Lt)lH,K, CdSTKl.m, CoGALWAY, April jOtli, /,SVy5. SiK, — I enclose P.O. and Stamps j/o. lUr which kindly send nie a Bottle of " Clarkson's Embrocation." I mi}.iht pdd "(as I am writinj; direct to vou lor the lust time) thai 1 have used your valuable Embroca- tion for 20 Years with unparelled success, and liave introduced it to the Chemists and .general public in every place 1 have resided. I have ahvavs considered it a public duty u> siiow to others the means to relieve sufferinji, which " Clarkson's Embrocation " undoubtedly does for every kind of pain its eftect is little short of " Maijical," and 1 have particularly noticed that when once used by anv pers(^n, he or she as the case mavbe, is never without it after, which fact speaks for itself. 1 could fill a whole sheet of Foolscap with cases of cures I have seen. Nearlv everv class of disease is relieved by its use, and every class of Rheumatism is benefited, if not cured almost instantaneoiisly, and 1 know of no other preparation I can speak half SO highly of. Yours gratefully, ARTHUR STENNING. Sold bv all Medicine Vendors at 13 -, 2/9, 4/6, and II '- per bottle, or Post Free, from CURKSON & CO.. Surrey House, West Cowes. A. BANGHAM, THE ORIGINAL MARGATE CYCLE WORKS, CECIL- SQUT^RE, (Kslablished 1872). Near General Post Office, P cr > O 3 CD 13 O o O Hicyclcs, rc-rainbulalMrs, Mail Carls & Wicker Halh Ciiairs for Sale or Hire. Mititcilcs, WriiiiicK, (ui.'i Sloirs, niiil till kiiuls of Domestic Miicliiiiciy. OSrOTE THE .A.'DIDT^-Er-S- A. BANGHAM, Cycle Works, Cecil Square, Margate. Sole Mamifacturcrs of the Margate Cycles. \ THE TALK OF MARGATE. Wlit'u down t ) ^lavu'utL' von niav roam, R. WSN HAM'S Coffee Stair.s a home, r»et\veen the st-atijus close at. hand, In " al fresco " style doth stan 1. To see it there you cannot fail, Just as you tnrn the Cliatliain i-ail I So take refres'nnent on your way, When you u'o there for a short stay. You there can get at clieapest fare, Jamaica Coffee, rich and rare, AVit'i Ham Sandwiches when you dine. Or C;;coa of " Aroma" hue : While AVenham's Tea sj stroiii;; and hot, So cheap and good it cau be b(night. His Cake, Fresh Bntter good, and Ureal, Are best, the VisiLors have said. His Sausages and Eggs are uice, And all is ready in a trice. The Visito!-s, tliey like his ^tall, And smiling children on him call. A liner drink you never mef, Than Beutley's Lemon Squash can get ; His Lemonade and (linger Beer, Will help to dri\"e away dnll care : Now five and twenty years and more. At Margate's been R, Wenham's Store. J- GWYEIl. W. JARMAN, '■EAST MARGATE" DAIRY FARM, CATHERINE YILLA, ST. PETER'S ROAD. Families supplied with Geimine Milk and Cream at any hour of the day. ■\r\^\jr\y\^^f> Superior Sliorlhoni diuf A!({cnny L\ncs kept for Invalids mid Infants. Hay e JO a heard of Ilenfy Jones J; Co's Celehrafcd 7^rej)(i?'ations ? IF NOT, READ THE FOLLOWING. Kolene! Kolene! Kolene! A WONDERFUL DISCOVERY. An Invaluable rie|iaratit)n for Sot'tuniiij,', .Striiiigtiirnin^, JJcaiitirying ami Promoting tiio growth of tlic Hair, allaj-ing irritation ami ('ji'ansing thn Skin of the HeaJ. Sold in Id. & 2d. Boxes and 3d., 4id. & 6d. Pots. Why have Tiring Days and Sleepless Nights with the Baby ? If your child is Cutting its Teeth use the CHILDREN'S ♦ TEETHING ♦ POWDERS, PREPARED BV HENRY JONES & CO. YO U WILL FIND THEM AN 1NESTIM.\BLE T R K A 8 U K E. Do not suffer from that dreadful Cough. Try the FAMILY COUGH SYRUP BOTTLES 6d. & I - SAMPLE BOTTLES 2d. TEMALINE.— THE new petroleum jelly. An Invaluahle Family Ucamdy I'nr t'iiainnjil liamls, I'hillilains, W'oiintis, Sores, Skin Diseases, IJiicumatism, etc., ete., etc. ALso for ("ouglis, Colds, Son; Throats, IJronehitis, Wliooiiing Cough, cte. Sold in id. and 2d. boxes and 3d., 4.^d. & 6d. Pots, GLOSSILINE, The Perfect Starcli Enamel, unrivalled for imparting a Ijcautiful Glos.s aud Stillness to all kiud.s of Linen, &c. Sold in Id. Packets, ALWAYS LOOK on the BRIGHT SIDE OF THINGS. HKIGHTEXS EVEKYTHINQ- In Id., 3d., (id. & 1/- packets. Also Silver, Green & Blue in 6d. packets: Jones" Dalmatian Powder. — The most powerful Insect Destroyer known. Id., od. and Gd. boxes. HENRY JONES & CO., 34.J^3 )randd'n'o?'l/i Iloadj Jjondou, 6\1K f) D FiiKija i Carman and Contractor AND 103, HIGH-ST., MARGATE, ■^i- KENT. 1^ We move with the times. Furniture carefully Packed & Warehoused. ^ ~ - ~ ' B,e7novals to all iiarts in Town and Countr//, hij Bail, Boad or Sea (render E. A. P't jjersonal supervision), hy careful and experienced pacliers. All orders by Post, Wire, &c., punctually attended to ESTii^j^TES :fk.ee. The Largest Sale in the World. PANNETT S HEDEN'S RREP7XRED HBR3S. All ifiirninted piin^. 7iV careful of /rortJiless imitations. Basil, Bay Leaves, Celery Seed. Lemon Thyme, Mixed, Majoram, Mint, Parsley, 1(1. Packets, per <,n'os.s ... ;, new shape, screw to[) ... ... '-'i/i') Qtv. Pints, new shape ... li/C. Imperial | pints ... :^/(I \ 'Vii Biisil, Piiislcy, l.ciiioii Thyitu; Tiuni- i^oii, and Mini, (nl. /■(/■ lio.cit cwiiu, Cclcrv Scai if- 9Iow8P and Gapderp S^ed^ of all kirpd§ sAvi;i) wri'ii r;in:ATi:sT ( ai:k ijy tiik i;i:st i:N(;i,isir citowKiis. j4/so Choice i/a/jor/ed coNec/io/i oj Astefs, fS/oc/i'Sj iOc. ORIGINAL PA(Mvi:iiS OP THE WELL KNOWN a COSMOPOLITAN 5> / ducted to all parts. 40, Rendezvous Street, AM) 0>M3, THE LEAS, FOLKESTONE VALUATIONS MADE FOR PROBATE. PERKINS' Sea Bathing Establishment GO TO E. A. PERKINS, §tancg \ draper, 103, HIGH ST , FOR A I.I, KI.M)S OF DRAPERY, FINGERINGS, BERLIN WOOLS, Etc. V° / C. BOARDMAN h SONS, 54 to 70, BROADWAY, Stratford, London FOR FIRST-CLASS DRAPERY DEPMRT7VYENTS. Art, Gents' Gloves, Outfitting Books, Hosiery, i Perfumery Baby-Linen, Handkerchiefs, Ribbons, China, Haberdashery, Removals, Costumes, Japanese Ware Silks^ Cloths, Dresses, Furs, Flannels, Flowers, Linens, Lace, Shaw^ls, Soaps, Leather Goods, Stationery. Maatles, Millinery, Trunks, Wools, Furnishing, Needlework, Etc» Ek,. Etc. Terms- Gash with Orde--. AVi-itc for Puttenis o- Lists. 111 consecinence of the vast quantities of Low Priced TEAS, which have l)een thrust upon the Market, the Pul)lic Palate has become so vitiated, that really FIXE TEA scarcely finds favor at the present time, Init to Connoisseurs who can appreciate this most important article of foo;l, is strono-ly recommended ARMAGALIiA The RICHEST, PUREST, and most EASILY DIGESTED of all TEAS, Sold at I 10, 2/-, and 2/4 per lb. For those who wish for a perfectly pure Ceylon Tea at a moderate ])rice, there is none to e pial TAGACATTA, ONE aXJALITY. ONE PRICE. 1/6 per lb. Where Price is an object, as in the case of Large Families, Schools, or Public Institutions, 9 Blend of Ceylon and Indian, at i 4 per lb. "Will hear comparison with the much-vaunted " FIXEST TEA" the World prodnces. Ask vonr Grocer for either of these Teas, and if he does not keep thein, crive him our Address, but if he still refuses to procure them, send us Stamp.s for amount require I, and the same shall be f)rwardei at on^e P08T FREE. ARMSTRONG & Co., 41, Great Toiarer Street, 0/h' of the most Plea fiunt (1)1(1 Comfortable Homes a llsifor to the Isle of ]Vi(/lit cdii meet idth is the, Solent Teraperance Hotel Hambro' Road, Ventnor, 0//e of l/fe hesf posit ions in yenino?\ South .'Aspect. 7'\tci/f(/ //fc JWh' /*ier. ) isi/ors' 'Dran'iNf/ '/loom fiiih spieiiflid fSea F'ro?ii, WILLIAM MILLER, Proprietor. Boarding Terms from 25/- to 35/- per Week or 5/6 per Day. [Af.k for Tinc'ii 'Bus nl tlic Stiitioii). j^s-oivE AT-isiTos-s' book:. Pleasant six wcl-Us. A LjiMtcful resting place. Mucli enjoyed my visit, ricascd with cvL-rythinji. I'lcasurt; in rccomincndinjf. Leaves nothinj^ to be desired. Received the j^reatest kindness. Comfort and economy all in one. Sorry to fjo, hope to come ajjain. Cominj^ a}.;ain as soon as possible. Most enjoyable ; certainly come a^ain. Third visit ; we hope it won't be the last. Xever enjoyed 14 days so much in my life. Position of the Hotel everythiii}^ to be desired. Excellent accommodation : reasonable ciiar^es. .Moderate charges, comfort and pleasant society. A happier Sabbatli 1 never spent away frmn home. Will stron^lv recommend oar friends to visit Ventnoi' and stay at the Solent. .Mr. William Xoble : " Have been most comforlable duiin;^ six weeks' stay at the Solent." The Rev. I)i'. and Mis. Clifft)rd, Westbonrne I'ark ; " lOxceedinjjly com- fortable durin.L; our stay at the Solent." Mr. Thomas Cook (of excursion fame! : "1 have much pleasure in beariiifj lesliniony to the entire satisfaction which has been afforded durinj^ three weeks' stay at the Solent, liii p.m. 'I'ca i.:',(i p.ui. Sanilaj/s — Dinner, I.:')ii. Tcii, 5.1.'), Slipper, y.(t. The Pantechnicon Yard, 68, HIGH ST., PLAISTOW ; 50, KEOGH ROAD, STRATFORD. Chtef O0ce—aS, £[i'(/h ^Ireel, 7'laf6lofr, Furniture, Luggage, &c., Wai'eliousetl. Large Brakes for Schools. Beau feasts, &c. First ('lass Wedding Carriages k. Cabs alwaj's on Hire. A'u coinicction icith any oHicr Finn frddiiii^ wifh a siiuihir name Patronized hij H.I.M. tlie E)nj)re.ss of AuHria and H.M. the Queen uf Sirede'/i. HU CHHLET SUISSE. 5 & 6, THE ARCADE, BOURNEMOUTH ; 40, King's Road, SOUTHSEA ; And 26, Union Street, RYDE, I.W. -o- Tea, Coffee and Chocolate, Ginger Beer, Lemonade & Soda "Water. Ices and Jellies of eveiy description. Chops and Steaks. :-o-: ORDERS PUNCTUALLY ATTENDED TO. RANDELLS New Cafe Central Restaurant 5^tt^ ^cutpcraucc Jlotcl, 42, MARKET PLACE, GT. YARMOUTH. :-()::- Central Situation. Commanding Position, Terms Moderate No Charge for attendance. Contracts for Large or Small Parties. ACCOMrvIODATION for CYCLISTS BEDS F R O 7V^ Is 6d. Comfort, Cleanliness, and Economy. A Zar/7e Tloom on Ground F/oor of CrfJ'e. Seats /or /20 fo d/'nr. A Cf(/f((cioiis /toom Oil Ifirst Moor for sc/ecl Tar/les up to 60. Private Parties well accommodated by the day or week. All modern appliances. LIGHTED THROUGHOUT BY ELECTRICITY. J x/"vy xyx.»"v*x . Orders by Post, Wire, or Telephone receive prompt attention. G. H. AMES, BROS., gIob GQASiTEr^s ^ Dbalbi^s, The Oxford Riding School, Oxford Road ; The Victoria Mews, Commer- cial Road ; and the Tantivy Coaching Stables, St. Paul's Road, BOURNEMOUTH. TELEPHOXE Xo. 28. AMES' Tantivy Coaclies, wiLli Tliree Relays of Horses, run daily for the season. Special Drive 48 miles to New Forest, Lyndiiurst, and Riifns' Stone, Fare 7s., Box Seats. 10/(). Leaving" Bourne- mouth Scjuare at lO o'clock. The o;uards thoroughly exphiin all plac(;s of Historical interest and otherwise. While their Defiance Coach and Char-a-Banc run daily to sun'ounding places of interest of shorter distances, price ranging from 2/- and 2/G. yo Wimborne S CujijordOj' '2aniiyj Sj- , etc. Riding taught in all its branches hy exjjert Masters, Saddle Horses, Dog Carts, Buggys, with or without drivers. Grooms in Livery if required. Horses taken in at Livery. Good accomaiodation for Private Coach- men. Good selection of Carriage Hordes, Cobs and Ponies always on hand for Sale, Job, or Hire, by Day, Week, Month, or Year. ORDERS with DespaUh hy POST, WIRE, or TELEPHOXE. ■ . . - -- — ,- . ■ , - , . PLEASE ADDRESS— MTV^ES, BROS., Coaching and Livery Stabie3, Bournemouth. HOPE BROTHERS, Furnishing & Manufacturing Ironmongers, 35, h:igh: street, TUNBRIOOE :^EL-L-S. Gas Fitting in all its Branches. BelUianging on, Improved Principles. -^v SRINISeV. i^ Up ho Isle re?', Undertake?', and 'JJeddi?i(/ Man ifj'actuj 'e?\ 29, GROVE HILL RD., TUNBRIDGE WELLS. InvciUoi' .iml Maiuifaclurcr of Patent adjustable Hox Uttoinaii, Couches, Louiij^cs and Chairs. Lid fitted laith Spinney's Patent Hinges to open ou cither side. These convenient articles of Furniture can be instantly adjusted by a Child to any desired position, and will be found invaluable for invalids and others desiring perfect rest. FORM A BED FKKT in LFNGTH. CYCLES! CYCLES!! A Large Stock of Cyclcsj- reruinbtthitors, Mail Carts, Sewing Machines, Mangles, Wringers, Pianos, Anierietin Organs, Har- mouiuiiis, Ciiildreu's Strong Toys, (tc, lor Sale or Hire. C. TIMBERLAKE, 41, High Street, Tunbridge Wells. ^xoKi^x^i ^xoxfx&xon gcalwe, FRUITERERS and CONFECTIONERS, Dane Hill Supply Stores & Clifton Street, NEW MILK. NEW LAID EGGS, I THE SHAFTESBURY, S^emperance anit Cammnvctal patel, BOARDING HOUSE & RESTAURANT, 31, ♦ TRIANGLE, ♦ BOURNEMOUTH, ^ W. TERMS STRICTLY MODERATE. Private Fainilies will find home comforts away from home. Beanfeasts and Large Parties specially catered for. GOOD ACCOMMODATION FOR COMMERCIALS & CYCLISTS* Hot Dinners daily, from best joints, Chops and Steaks. WELL-AIRED BEDS. Five minutes %vaUc from Pier and West Station. Tariff free on applicalion. Oldest Established Temperance Hotel in Bournemouth. R.WHITE, Proprietor. •ailop W ^(Ixhii fl?akep, 8, TERMINUS ROAD, BRIGHTON, NEAR THE STATION GATES. Z/adies^ Jackets made to Order. Cleam?i^, 'Eepairi?i(/ , a?id Alteratio?is, :-o-: Agent for the Bessemer Machines, Cash Price £9 17s. 6d. Non Slipping Tyres, Ball Bearings throughout. Guaranteed 1 year. And all other makes of the Bennett Scorcher Steel Cycle Co.^ St. Albans, Herti. HEALTH BEFORE WEALTH. Ensure Health and Happiness by the daily use of THE BES DISINFECT ■T^r.J Throughout the Household. Fkish the Drains and Closets with a solution, i to lOO. Use it in the Bath, 1 spoonful to 2 i^allons of water. Use it in the Laundry in conjunction with 'iJEYES SOAPS PROTECT AGAINST ALL UnHy ailed for Tiu'tly, jDifrabiliO' <(fff^ Chea/j/icss. BEWARE OF SPURIOUS IMITATIONS. In cas- of inaljilitv to obtain Jeyes' goods of any Chemist, Groce;-, or Uilumii, apply direct to lleai Ollice, 64, CANNON STRS Ij o 3sr 13 o i u < c (J •-** > O (D S CO CO I CO a; Q O ^ - > tu Q S2 >- ^ UJ if w fa u •/■. if o o - >^ n CO w H > ? w Q H 03 fa ^ ^. '— z^ 5 2 £ 5 T: — ^. — ~ <- — '^, . • r -^ w - x; ;x. X; - >0 ^ •I ^ y. Y. < z:: ^ ^. — — ^ ■/. f. /. ^ /^, X, -- H >-< -- '^ X -A - '-^ '-^ ^ ^ ;.^ ^ ' ^ Z^ '^^ _ *>v — ^^ ■<^ K-^ '^ uc y, ^ - ^ P^ a H ^ C :c '^ '^' ^ ~ rj2 ^ /— s <^ H— ''^ /^ O ^ '/^ o o o ac •■-( (k u ri o •d o I— UJ >- ^ I UJ >- —J UJ DC CO DC UJ CL, CO ^ S 5 3 g ° 3 2 2 S5 ^ ^^ - "IS S OJ o 2; s <» -H CC 2 3; .t: « >i be ^ =3 OJ i:-! OQ ^ "^ ^ S O > u a ■4-t •O 5 o O _ ^ 5i :e . .^ - 1 i I 5 O =+-! cS —5 O -^ -4-:) '72 ._, •5 "^ -1-3 -■ ^ ^v ^ -^ . 5 fcc ^ - - 05 B ai en ^ 05 >- -4-i '^4-1 O o 03 - ^ i-i ■^ CC "5 03 -5 ^ 03 j:!?" Js bx) S r . ■if o ^ be 2 03 ^.2 3 o S '^ bfj ^ S >-, ^3 1 03 CS _2 ^ ^3 O &► -tJ — ' --I— -: 2 ^s 1— ( — 052 ^ ;^ r^ o o CM} o (i CO > CO c/2 3 O da 2; . o ". o d C o ^ o •^ tr! w Q ft! a B s w o « ~ O ^ c» Eh w O Q VINCBNT'S NEURALGIC MIXTURE. Made fro/ti the ':Prescrij)/t'on o/ a cele- hraied 7\trfsi((n '/*Uysfcia?i. In Bottles, 1/6 and 2/6, Post Free, FROM ]?HAI^MA6BUrUIGAL ©HBMISIl, 63, Commercial Road, Bourneraouth. W, OATRIDGE, (OPPOSITE THE PIER, DEAL), BAKER, ^ PASTFJyCOOK, And CONFECTIONER, CAKES and PASTRY of Eoenj Description. :-(): orer/oo/ii/t// ///r 7)o/rns. :-()-:- GOOD BEDS, livcrv accommodation for Larj^e Parties. WILSON'Si DINING ROOMS, FAMILY & COMMEFICIAL HOTEL BOARDING ESTABLISHMENT. HIGH STREET, RAMSGATE (LATE "THE RAMSGATE LIBERAL CLUB"). Handsome Commercial Rooms. Separate Stoc. and Shoio Hooms ivitli Excellent Light. Good accommodation for Private Parties ^vith Separate Rooms, from 26/- to 35/- per Week. GO Sed§ fponf^ U. to §§. 2 very ltir\ge ^Bedrooms /'or Cjycie T^arf/es contahiUi(/ 20 am/ /J V^Vr/.v, //- per ni(//ii or 61- per heeA' eac/i. :-o-:- Orders by Wire, or Post, will meet with prompt attention. <':. WEEK STREET, MAIDSTONE. :-()-:- First-Olass Hotel iiucomiin) latioii witli every I loiiie Comforts for Commercials and Visitors. Terms Strictly Moderate. :-()-: COMMERCIAL ROOM TARIFF. Breakfasts or Teas, toith E(j(js, Is.; Bacon and E(j()s, Is. 3(1, ; Fish, Chojt, or Steal-, Is. 6(1. Dinners as per Bill of Fare. Bedroom. Is. 6d. Nu ClIAlMiE KOIt AtTI.XDANCK. GROUT & SANTER, Proprietors. HILLSDON k HILLSDON, .MANrFACrrilERS Ul'' ^igb-GIa?,5 9ap I^illing Gcjd^, Buffalo Bill f^i/le?,, I^ogal pplmo Gyele^, SPARKBROOK BUILDINGS, FOLKESTONE, And Snargate Street, Dover. Ci/cles in all the /{est and Modern makes. Jiejiairin,;/ in,
    iii(l iu\iitiiit Otihc, l.oiidon lunl Miiinhcsirr G. TIDY, And BOARDING ESTABLISHMENT, /3a. Vrsfrr/f '/2on(L Lil//r//(f//f/;/(}/{. ■:-o-:- Guud Accominodatinn l<>r Kamilies and Parlies. I'rivate Rooms. V,/;. — TcriiK Still I'osI h'rcc on tipf'lhiilioii THE TEMPERANCE Permanent Building Society 4, LUDGATE HILL E.G., Has upwards of £75,000 Ready for immediate Advances on Instalment of Ordinary Mortages. Business Transacted Quicklk and Cheaply. Deposits received at 3 per cent, interest, Withdrawable at short notice. Apply to EDWARD WOOD, Secretary, STAMP E. MENTOR # CO., % PHOTOGRAPHERS, q THE EXCELSIOR STUDIO 9, OXFORD ST., SOUTHAMPTON, U, High Street, Neioport. Isle of Wight; dc 240, Old Christchurch Boad, Bournemouth. ELEGANT ENAMELLED PHOTOS Of Yourself, Relatives, Friends, Public Buildings, Local Views, or any Article you wish to Advertise by sending your Photo to Southampton MADE IN SJHEETS LIKE POSTAGE STAMPS, 25 for 1/6. 50 for 2/6, 100 for 4/- Gummed and Perforated, ready to mount on Letter Heads, Business or Correspondence Cards, Visiting, Wedding, Christmas, New Year, Birthday, or Memorial Cards. // sending order please mention J. Gwyer's name, the Author of thi^ Book- HILLSDON 8l HILLSDON, Gun & Cycle Manufacturers 14, HARBOUR ST., FOLKESTONE, And 181. SNARGATE STREET, DOVER. Humbers, Singers, Psychos, S^vifts, Raleighs Enfields. SKND FOR CATALO(!UE AND UOTTOM PRICES. Lddifs tdaijht I0 rule ivil/iout a fall. OF FINE ART & GENERAL WOOD'S i=»Kf ENT "Lightning" Release Hooks. These Hooks are saital)le for every purpose ; they have under- gone the several tests, an I are ,n"iving uubounled satisfaction to all that use them ; and their extreme simplicity and immense superiority ovei' the unsafe and quickly broken spring hooks in present use is astounding and marvellous. They IXSTAiVTANEUUSLY KELEASE fallen or kicking horses; they are constructed ENTIRELY WITHOUT joints, screws, or rivets ; their narrow and elegant shape accords better with the chain ; they are much STilOXGER and [XFINITELY SAFER, as the escape of pole chains fmni the preseiiL hooks is frecjuent, dangerous, and annoving, but escape from these Hooks is UTTERLY IMPOSSDiLE!' They are Smaller, Lighter, (^uicke ", and Neater, are not art'ected by ice, mud, rust, or water, they enter the smallest rings without the trouble of opening, no slackness occurs to chain on fastening hooks ; they are easily and instantly opened with wet, cold, orthiekly gloved hands, without danger of getting pinched hngers or thmnbs. They are SELF-FIXING, saving trouble, inconvenience, and the EXTRA EXPENSE of forging to chain : they instantly lengthen, or repair bi'oken chains, and in four seconds a {>iece of plain chain is transformed into a })erfect pole- chain. In stables, for pillar reins, rack chains, leads, halters, etc., their wear is un- limited, and for these ])urposes t'.ieyare in\ aluable, as they preserve animals from the many severe injuries inflicted by the other hooks, and in hres would often save them from destruction. The POLE STRAP HOOKS are exceedingly handsome, they are simply slipped on to the ordinary pole straps, and fastened in a second to the Kidney-link of the hames ; they enable the horses to be instantly attached to, and detached from the pole without unbuckling the straps, and fallen horses are released with the same ease and rapidity as with the pole chain Hooks, saving much time, avoiding cutting the harness and injury to horses, carriage, and occupants. They will OUTWEAR SIX other spring hooks, will never fail, and the springs which are concealed, are guaranteed for TEX Y''EARS. Write for particulars and illustrations. PRICE PEIC PATH. No. 2. No. 3. No. 4. No. 5. ) Polislied Steel, Beautifully Finished. 3('9 4/- 4/3 4/6 \ Po.stage 3d. extra. 3/- 3/3 3/6 3/9 Electro tinned. Pole Strap Hooks from 5/- jier Pair. Be,st quality Polished Steel Pole Chains Avlth Patent Release Hooks complete. Phaeton or Victoria 14/6, Brougham or Landau 16/-, Coach or Omnibus 17/6 per pair. To he obtained from Sndillers. Codeli B/iilders, etc., or direct from Messrs. Wood & Walter," Lightning" Release Works, Folkestone- Telegrams, " LIGHTNING," Folkestone. New Popular Book by the late G. H. Spurgeon. Crown Svo, cloth gilt, levelled hoards, 2s. Cheap Edition, stiff covers, Is. WHAT THE STONES SAY; (iK SERMONS IN STONES, BV C H. SRURGGON. WITH NOTES BY J. L. KEYS, For T'd-cuty-th'C Years. Scoctaiy and Literary Assislaiil to tlie tatc C. //. Spiirilcoii. Introduction by Pastor THOMAS SPURGEON. WITH TWENTY-NINE ILLUSTRATIONS. EXTRACTS FROM LETTERS AND REVIEWS. Rev. Joseph Angus, D.D. "This most welcome volume has all the iiit>;eiiuity, humour, and power of its author ; the very stones cry out and honour him." Rev. Prebendary Barker, M.A., Chaplain in Ordinary to Her Majesty. "I have read with much interest the little hook, ' Sermons in Stones ; it is (]uitc equal to anything- which ^\v. Spurgeon has ever written. There is the same yenins of i)lainness, illustrative 'point' and effectiveness. The lessons are hrouglit out with much clever- ness and simplicity : no one can read the book without being in- terested and profited. "Teaching by illustration is the lesson of his proacliing and writings ; may more of us learn it, as he learnt it, fi'om the Great Master. I wish every success to the little volume, with its inter- esting and instructive appendices." Mr. W. Hind Smith, (Y.M.C.A., Exeter HaU). " I have been much interested and have prolited by reading * Sennons in Stones,' by the late beloved Pastor C. H. Spurgeon. I wish every member of the Y.IM.C.A. could and woulil obtain a copy, and derive the same pleasuie and profit that I have done mvself." Rev. F. B. Meyer, fe.A. (.i I have much enjoyed reading 'What the Stones Say.' It brims witli the unrivalled power of illustration and genius which we always associate witli the name of the late pastor of the Taber- nacle : and is a useful addition to his other books of illustrations. It ousfht to have a wide circulation." ■&^ Rev. Geo. C. Lorimee. LL.D. (Tremont Temple, . Boston' U.S.A.) " ' The stones speak ' indeed in Mr. Spurgeon's lecture, and their varied 'sermons' are full of grace and beauty. What they say ought to be pondered, not only for the value of the lessons taught, but as an illustration of what open eyes and spiritual discernment mq,y gather from the works of God. Nor is the work of Mr. Keys in the volume unworthy of a place by the side of that prodticed by the master. The infjrmation gathered, the facts given, and the arrangement of the whole, are entitled to the highest appreciation." The Sword and the Trowel. " Mr, Keys was the privileged possessor of a vej-hativi report of Mr. Spurgeon's notable lecture on ' Sermons in Stones,' and he wisely decided to publish it. In very copious Notes he has inserted extracts from various works, such as he believes the beloved lecturer would have been Ukely to incorporate into his work if he had been spared to see it printed. All ^Mr. Spuru'eon's friends should purchase this little volume." The Freeman. " This volume reveals the great preacher's mastery of the art of illustration ; science and art, history and legend, anecdote and simile yielding their lessons at his command. ' Sermons in Stones' were the possibilities of a poet's dream, the book before us is the dream realized. The notes and illustrations by the editor, and a commendatory introduction by Rev. Thomas Spurgeon, enhance the value of the book, the paper, type and binding of which form a worthy setting of a choice mosaic." London : CHRISTIAN HERALD PUBLISHING CO., Ltd., Tudor Street, E.C. Ma3' be ordered of any Bookseller, or will be sent, post free, on receipt of the Published Price, J. L. Keys, 45, Beckenham Road, Penge, S.E. The folluicififj is the Contents of J. Givijer''s Previuu VoliDne^ entitled, Life and Pcetns, liamlde round tJt Crystal Palace, Gliinj)ses of departed da us, iCc, dc; 26^ Page, 8vo, Gilt Edijes, 2J-; Published in 1875, 6,00^ Copies then sold. SUBJECT. PAGE. Parentage, Cliiklliood ft School-days 5 First Impressions of London ... H Bad Habits ... ... 10 Youlliliil Freaks ... ... 1 1 A Narrow Kscape ... ... 1 .: Kelijiioiis Awakening ... 1.^ Conversion ... ... 14 Experience ... ... 17 Tract Distrihiitinfi ... ... iS .\ case of Distress ... ... H) Became a Teetotaller ... 21 Effects of Total .M^stinence ... ::-' Baptism ... ... ... ^.1 Commence Business ... 24 Difficulties ... ... 2^ Sal-ibalh Breaking ... ... -'' Gettinii Married ... ... 2» Bcnj^e Tabernacle ... ... 29 Hospit.d Life ... ... 30 False Teachinj^ ... ... 3^ Perplexity and Deliverance ... 33 Commence tlie Potato Trade ... 34 Squire O'Connor ... ... 35 Kecojinised by Royalty ... 3^' Christinas |ov ... ... 37 The Lost P\)imd ... ... 3f< Prayer .\nswered ... ... 39 Berm<-iidsey "Hell" ... 40 Concliulinjj; Remarks ... 41 Letters from Royalty and others 43 POEMS. A Token of Loyalty ... 4.^ On the Recovery of the Prince 4') A Thaiiksj^iving ... ... 47 A Nati Ti's Trial ... ... 48 Lines 1 1 the Thanksgivinj^ Day 49 Marria;.e of H. R. H. the Duke of Ell iiburj.;h ... ... 51 Birth o the Younj.; Prince ... 52 Illness of H. R. H. Prince Leopold 53 Shah of Persia's Visit to Enj*lanfl 54 Visit o: ilie Czar of Russia to Kii.Llland ^(f In .Memory of the death of Napoleon 111. ■ ... ... 5« Cominijof a^^eof the Prince Imperial 59 A New Year's Medley ... Oo SIHJKCT. I'AUI A Soldier leavinjf his Sweetheart for the .\shantee War ... ( The Return of Sir Garnet Wolseley ( Some Friendly .\dvice to the Electors i>f lOast Surrey .. Tile Wreck of the" Norlhlleet." The Wreck of the " Rolhsay."... Destruction ui the .Vlexandra Palace Doctor Livinj^stone Death of .Mr. Charles Dickens... Old and New Year, i.S()9-7o ... Ciiildhood and Youth A Re\ii-w of the Past Four Ye.U'- Touch Not, Taste Not Sunday >chool Treat .\nnual New Year's Tea to Pai ents Try before You Buy Toall who Travel by Rail in Penj^'e f Important to Tradesmen in Sydenham and Forest Hill The Cabmen's Do<4... X'isit to Beddinj^ton Park Marriage of Rev. J. Ilasley Police Orphanage Fete, 1S74 .. i-^7.S In aid ol the Bellew Fund ... ii Enlargement of Penge Tabernacle Sunday-school... ... u Penge Tabernacle Sunday-school Treat ... "... IC To a Clerg\nian ... ... It On Buikling Galleries to Penge T.diernacle ... ... U Dr.Todd's lecture on the poet 'Burns' ic I On entering Penge Tabernacle after its Enlargement iS: Renovation X//.s//r^/ /SS(J Messrs, Urry & Harley, MANUFACTURERS of the VECTIS CYCLES, Works— LUGLEY STREET. NEWPORT. Depot— BIRMINGHAM ROAD, COWES. Repairs executed with Promptitude. CHARGES MODER.\TK. ACCESSORIES AT ROCK BOTTOM PRICES. A Medtcme Chest m themselves. :-o- SILVER PEARLS OF HEALTH (OTJ^STEXjESS.) SILVER PEARLS OF HEALTH are oue of the most useful aud Pure Domestic Medicines of all, their extraordinary properties have gained universal reputation as a mild, safe, and efficient medicine, which has been marked over and over again, therefore, can l>e fearlessly recommended even for the most delicate constitu- tion, as well as the robust {who may he sxibjected to a temporary derangement of the system), they act directly upon the Liver, hence they are a Great Purifier and Strengthener of the Blood. SILVER PEARLS OF HEALTH rapidly relieves and cures Headache, Sickness of the Stomach, Vomiting, Bilious and Liver Complaints, Indigestion. Dispepsia, Fulness after Meals, Want of Appetite, Dizziness or Swimming in the Head, Wind, Stomach Spasms, Cough, Pains in the Back and Shoulders, Gravel, Flying Pains, Rheumatism, etc. Also they are most valuable to persons of Sedentary Habits (in small and occasional doses), removes Chills, Heat Flushes, Low Spirits and General Nervous Affections arising from Debility, caused from non-circulation and Flow of the Blood necessary to produce the Healthful habits of the Body, therefore it will be readily understood they are most Beneficial to the Weak and Suffering as they can be taken at ANY and ALL times without the slightest fear ; undoubtedly they contain properties which are a great boon to female complaints generally. In Boxes, 7id., i/i|, 2/3. Double Size, 4/3. INSTANT CURE fbr TOOTHACHE ■^ KNTI-ISeURINe. ^ Gives immediate and permanent relief from all pain of decayed teeth, by Destroying the Nerve, arresting decay without injury, at the same time forms a Stopping and saves Extraction of the Tooth. In Packets gid. Double Size ijih each. Prepared and Sold Wholesale and Retail by MESSRS. BARTON & CO., ]Vla.nuf£i.ctu]?in^ Chemists, EAST PECKHAM, TONBRIDGE, KENT Numerous Testimonials have been received for the above preparations, and can be seen at the proprietors, who will send either of above pre- parations, post free, on receiving the price of the preparation required if not abl'i to obtain of the Local Agent or Chemist. FIELD'S HOTEL. iTEMPERANCEi. o c - T3 C r •O B bo c o o u •o o o o ^ l8, TRIANGLE, BOURNEMOUTH. :-(!- : Boanl atul Kesi(li'ii(;e 4/- and ;">/- per diiy, ;!o /- wctkly nrcorlinj; rooms selected in senson of tl e WdV. to J^eave's Food, ^or ^^^f^^^t-'- €l)il^vcn. 2^nlnlIi^c^ :-o- " Admirably aclai)ted to the wants of Infants."- Sir C. a. Camekon, MA). " Highly Nutritious."-- Lanxet. Kupairs of every des- cription. Low Cliarges. Pfonipt attention. k^^^eS^ Mangles from '6hj- 8e\ving ^ Macliiiies, Lamps and Oils, at FEAR'S, 40, Pevensey Road. Easibouroe. ^^ ,.,_^,^'&A. I.FEAR'S ^ ^^^^=^FOR YOU AI^E ON THE RlCnT^ 'FOR he's ThfE CHEAPEST AMD THE BEST THAT& QLjT^A -^ g^ His TOOLS APs^ ^^S^fe^^NO. ^^•VVf-r.N YOUVE taken YOfR. GOATOKCE TO '.U.^\ ! FOIlllEWOiST f0K,13UYiriG G'.tAP AND a'Hl> TOOLS i ^■UL' AF^E SURc-TO CZT AjiD IN So Doir-iG VOU AR& O.V THP VVRP''^ ^ CO rt * ''J H 2 o +j o ^ U CO , « Qi 0) ^ O ■ O w (D O U. j5 cd ■— pq o w o; O V Q, Q, ^ ^s c3 ^a — £ 2 O i; >. ^ ^- O ^ *if^-^ 03 o o CO CO O LU O i s LU Q- Q ^ (3< CO uu LU I o ^ ?5 yj ^ »* «M ■ ^ ^^ a> • o o ■*^ Q. ^ V cd ?s en ^ ^ -5^ 5i •^ ^ •^ S ■s ic s o o o o o (f):^ « :« P ex -< 2^ 2 - H ^ o Ol PI «: ^ ■< '■^' o 2 o 02 o n4 >u v^-::_c3't:;^ 5$ ft o ^ — cc .*E 'Ec -o o ■so sS "^ pq 00 ^ fe ^ .2 ^ S «C Patronized by ^^V ^^ v^^aK Patronized by H.R.H. The Prince SS^^^T^^S K.M. The Queen of Wales. ta^^^^^a^^^k^ ^^ Sweden. Royal Farm Dairy, 98, Commercial Road, BOURNEMOUTH, i W. BADGER, Proprietor. THE HERNE BAY NURSERIES, HIGH STREET & EDD iMGTON. CADE BROS., A choice selection of Windoia Plants, Cut Floirers, Fresh Cut Cucumhers, Tumatocs, Hot House Qrajpes, Pots, Peat, Mould, etc. jTrcft!) >7fgftal)lr0 from our ?3titJnigton ilurer rjj. Landscape Gardeners. JShrubs ami Trees of tlie ClioieesL kinds at Cash Price. Gardens kept in order by tlie year or otherwise. ALL KINDS of ENGLISH and FO!^Eiar>I BULBS. Telegeai'Hic Addkess— " cade, HERNE DAY." Established 1845. TAILOR ^aual W IJaGht ©catfittep. Hosier, Glover, Hatter, etc. :-o-:- AATJ^TEJE^IPJ^OO^S & ZjI^TEIRIES. 105, HIGH ST., COWES, I.W. (Close to Pier and Rail-way). YOUNG'S JOB & POSTINe ESTABLISHMENT. Good accomtno(/ah'oii for Horses atid Carn'ac/es at Jjirerj^, 3, Union Street & Pier Hotel Rlews, Ryde. Horses and Carriac^es of all descriptions for Rire, by Day, Hoii7 , Mile or Job, it Moderate Charges. Price List on Application. ■:-o- Orders by Post or Telegram punctually' attended to. JOii^ WJILLIS. RIVERDALE FOOD MILLS, lieivisham, London, SOLE MANUFACTURER OF NUTRITIOUS GERM ^ FOOD WARRANTED PURE. ABSOLUTELY PURE. FOR YOUNG AND OLD. (§apeP5ede?, Oatmeal ij all otf^ep 9oods 'lou?i// C//f7ff?^rff /nffv he sr//>/)' /?// on //lis J^ood. None Genuine without the Registered Trade Mark. T}i ^ fulloirintj Letter has htfii, received from a Centltmau : — " I ilia 73 yuiirs of age, and iiiuit. say, Djct )!i Wali.is, your Germ Food lias dune inc very inn<-li nood." •:-o-:- 6'o/(/ /jj' ((// Grocers tn I he /j/ii/ed J\i/i(/(/om Price ONE SHILLING per Tin. Study your Health, and take WALLIS'S GERM FOOD. SHEPARD BROS., Railway & General Carriers, Castoms' Shipping and Forwarding Agents, IMILIT^I^Y CO ^TIELi^OTOI^S. Assents to the LOS'DOX &■ SO[TH WESTERN, GREAT U'ESTERX & GREAT XORTHERX RAILWAY COM PAX I ES Fast Cargo Boats for Conveyance of General Goods and Merchandise running daily to and from the Mainland. Furniture removed. Packed c^ War e housed. Fnniitnre, Pictures, Glass, Pianos, &c.. Removed in Larg-e Lock-up Vans 1)Y Eoad, Rail or Sea, without cliano'e of Carrian-e — ALL TROUBLE & EXPENSE of PACKING AVOIDED. PERSONAL SUPERVISION. ESTIMATES FREE. From the Ki:v. Ci.kmknt Smith, Rector of Whippiniiham, Isle of Wight :— ''The removal oi the Furniture was carried out in a most satis- factory manner."' Other Ti'stinioiiitjls can be seen on Application. OIFFIC-EJS-- 42, QUAY STREET, |is|£^f3QP5^ 19, SEA STREET, j hsle of wtghti. .^^u/ 20h 7\' QLA 7, S O U'/ //AMT2 O.Y, Payne I Birdseye, RETV^OVAL CONTRACTORS And Warehousemen, 70, ♦ WOODBINE ♦ GROYE, ANERLEY. @xterp§ive 2)epo§itopie§. ESTI7VY7XTES F^REE. IJitue far (irautiucutitl Jlcmctxrale^ :-<)- Good quality Second-Hand Furniture purchased to any amount. ^evie'ffs of l?ie AtilJi07^s prepzous n riling s We have received a copy of the fourth edition of Joseph Gwyer's Life and Poems (commended by Royilty) puhHshed by the author, Ivy Cottaj;e, Penjje, and we can only say that Mr. Gwyer's aspirations are most praiseworthy and do him great credit, and that we prefer to refrain from depreciating that which is so well intentioned and so thoroughly indica- tive of laudable zeal and ambition. — Lloyds Weekly Loudon Xficspiipc'i; August 26th, 1877. By kind permission of Me-;srs. Bradbury, A