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424 M. C. CANFIELD. Not for his threaten'd state and crown Did they in silence flow, No selfish fear that spirit bound Of royal, crafty foe. 'T was for the holy ark of God He wept and wrestled there, Beseeching that his gracious Lord Would guard it from each snare. The rosy light fell on his form, The soft breeze stirr'd his hair, And peace from heaven was gently borne. In answer to that prayer. His soul grew calm with faith and love, His eye with fervour bright— The strength that cometh from above Had nerved him for the fight. He sat amid that little band Of noble Christian men, And seized with eager joyful hand The truth-confessing pen. "Nay! stop me not!" he quickly cried, "I would confess my Lord! Take, take from me these marks of pride, My ermine, hat and sword. To me the Cross of Christ is more Than all these toys of kings— They pass with life—it rises o'er The wreck of earthly things. My Master's Cross! I'll bear it high While life and breath remain, Christ, Christ alone! I'll dying cry, When other hopes are vain! Then let me humbly place my name Upon this speaking scroll— Ye men of God, be mine your shame, Your conflict, and your goal!" AMANDA M. EDMOND. 425 Thou brave old man! where'er thou art, 'Mid courts at princely board, How beautiful! How true in heart! Thou servant of the Lord! Thou veteran in that glorious fight For Christ, for heaven, for truth, Faith gave thine aged arm the might Of strong, undaunted youth. First in that band, the noble few, Thou stood'st with bearing high, "I must confess my Saviour too!" Thy watchword and thy cry. No wish for honour, praise, or fame, Glow'd in thine aged breast, Ye never shone more honour'd name On proud, imperial crest. And long when his who triumph'd there Has pass'd from mortal sight, Thine yet shall live more radiant far, Engraved with heaven's own light! AMANDA M. EDMOND. MRS. EDMOND was born in Brookline, Massachusetts; her maiden name was Corey. She was married at nineteen, and soon after made a tour through the most interesting countries in Europe. On her return she published a volume, entitled The Broken Vow and other Poems; nearly all of which were written between the ages of fourteen and eighteen. This is sufficient to deter any one from searching out their faults, or making a show of them when found. They are all dictated by a truly religious spirit; and, therefore, claim respect for the author as a Christian, whatever may be thought of her abilities as a poet. 36*
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