710
RIDLONS OF HOLLIS, MAINE.
"While in the dark and dreary night,
Around the camp-fire's glimmering light,
Where sleeping comrades near me lay,
I bowed my head and tried to pray.
"When there upon the cold, damp ground,
No peaceful angels gathered round,
But chains of guilt my soul confined,
And weighed upon my troubled mind.
"As on the lonely picket's line
I walked, these thoughts employed my mind,
Of home and friends, who gathered there
At nine o'clock, to kneel in prayer.
"Yet through these scenes of toil and strife,
The Lord preserved my worthless life,
And through his care and guardian grace,
Restored me to my friends' embrace.
"When safe at home the vows I made,
And calls of God I disobeyed;
I walked destruction's awful road,
And shunned the just commands of God.
"But soon my darling, dark-eyed child
Was taken to the spirit world;
My home was made a lonely place,
And still I spurned my Saviour's grace.
"While wicked thoughts my mind employed,
A messenger in haste appeared;
He said my mother soon must die,
And wished to see and counsel me.
"Her loving heart soon ceased to beat;
The work of life was made complete;
And while her friends around her mourned,
The angel took her spirit home.
"I then my life and works reviewed,
And solemn promises renewed;
I changed my course, and sins confessed;
God heard, and oh! how I was blessed!
"My soul was filled with holy love,
And all my thoughts were raised above;
I loved the straight and narrow way,
And praised my Saviour night and day.
"My home was like a paradise,
My heart the Spirit's dwelling-place;
I told the news to all around,
What glorious comfort I had found.
"I had to leave my friends and home,
Through valleys, and o'er hills to roam;
A 'woe' upon my soul was laid,
If I refused, and disobeyed.
"My home I loved, my friends were dear;
More precious still did souls appear;
Through storms and calms I since have been
To warn my dying fellowmen.
"The gospel trump I love to sound,
When anxious sinners gather round.
God gives me raiment, food, and friends,
And I must preach till life shall end.
