Youthful Days, and Other Poems

Whilst the greatest effort has been made to ensure the quality of this text, due to the historical nature of this content, in some rare cases there may be minor issues with legibility. I have written this book with a view to impart Consolation to those of a sorrowful mind To the broken in spirit, the troubled of heart, To the widow, the orphan, the poor and the blind And if what is recorded should meet with success In accomplishing half it purposes to do, Be the good of the author, for greater or less, In proportion to that which is faithful and true. There are many who read for the sake of the rhyme Without ever reflecting on what they peruse For the poorest among us have valuable time, Which they wisely improve, or in idleness lose But the sum of the matter is easily told, And the proof is sufficient in every respect We are selling ourselves for the silver and gold Of this world, while our duty to God we neglect. And to what shall the profits of all we amass, Be directed when death has demanded its own(deg) For the glitter of wealth cannot purchase a pass, Through the portals of death, to a crown and a throne. We shall reap without fear - if we sow as we should, And have faith in the riches of grace to preserve All our labor; for God is infinitely good, And will judge us according to what we deserve.