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206   ELIZABETH BOGART. 

But plain the words which from the preacher came; 
A preacher young, and all unknown to fame; 
While youth and age a listening ear inclined, 
To learn the way the pearl of price to find. 
The solemn hymn, to ancient music set, 
In many a heart response of memory met.
To me, it seem'd departed Sabbaths hung 
Upon those notes, which gave the past a tongue 
To speak again in voices form the dead, 
And wake an echo from their silent bed.

Oh! what a power hath music! how it sinks
Into the spirit's foundation-depths, and drinks 
Familiar draughts perchance long buried there, 
And blend the scenes that are, with scenes that were. 
All Nature seem'd to hail that Sabbath morn, 
With sight and sound religion to adorn. 
The hills with verdure crown'd, majestic stood, 
The water'd valley, and the vocal wood, 
Whose leaves, stirr'd by the breezes' viewless wings, 
Whisper'd in worship of the King of kings, 
While birds in freedom chanted forth their lays, 
Untaught, unwritten, to their Maker's praise.   

So calm, so beautiful, that lonely spot, 
‘T were well that there the world should be forgot; 
And every thought attuned to sacred themes, 
Cast off awhile life's vain, distracting schemes. 
I love a country church, where'er it be! 
It brings back happy memories to me. 
It cancels years, and shadows pass away, 
And forms beloved now mingled with the clay, 
By Fancy's touch, recover life and breath, 
And I forget that they are thine, O Death! 
Still tenants of the grave; to rise no more, 
Till the last trump shall sound, and time be o'er. 


A. D. WOODBRIDGE. 

MISS WOODBRIDGE is a worthy descendant of very worthy ancestors; three of whom were so eminent for their godly and charitable lives, as to be chosen by Mrs. Sigourney, in her Biography of Pious Women, to set forth the brightest examples of religious excellence. They lived at Stockbridge, Massachusetts; and the subject of this brief notice, who was born in Penobscot County, Me., spent the happiest period of her childhood and youth among the hills of Berkshire, "the Switzerland of America." Her first poetical efforts were published in the village paper, and in Mrs. Child's Juvenile Miscellany. Afterwards she contributed to the New York Mirror, and wrote many tales and poems for the annuals, which were then in their palmiest days. In May 1836, she became a teacher in the Albany Female Academy; and in ten years from that time, removed to a similar institution newly established in Brooklyn, where she still pursues with mingled gentleness and energy, her useful and honourable, though often wearisome, vocation. This is much simplicity and religious hopefulness about her effusions, which are mostly inspired by the feelings of friendship and sympathy.  

LIFE'S LIGHT AND SHADE. 

How strangely in this life of ours, 
Light falls upon the darkest shade! 
How Hope, sweet spirit, comes to aid 
The heart oppressed by care and pain; 
She whispers "all shall yet be well!" 
We listen to her magic strain, 
And yield the spirit to her spell. 

How oft, when Love is like a bird 
Whose weary wing droops o'er the sea, 
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Transcription Notes:
---------- Reopened for Editing 2023-06-29 10:03:22