Chapter 3

Ring, ring, went the bell; and then, O, what a hustling! All knew 'twas the signal to part; What searching for bonnets and boxes! what bustling! All hurrying, eager to start.

We left ere the shadows of evening were dimming The broad fields and woods all around; And with our swift steam-horse, again we went skimming Through village, and meadow, and town.

We soon reached the city, and after the saying Of cheerful "Good night," to our friends, We sought our own home without further delaying, And the rest night to weariness sends.

'Twas a blest, happy day; and oft in my dreaming That cool, shady grove do I see, With its bright little spots where the sunlight lay gleaming, And all that was pleasant to me.

And much do I hope, when again, my dear mother, The summer shall come with its flowers, Our teachers will kindly allow us another Such Pic-nic, mid Nature's green bowers.

RAIN DROPS.

"O mamma, how fast it rains! Do see those bright and sparkling drops, as they fall so rapidly on the green walks and beautiful flowers! Just see how revived that little fainting flower looks on the farther border. It was but yesterday I thought it would die. It drooped its head as if to avoid the rays of the scorching sun; but now it is as fresh as any on my little bed. Who was so kind, mamma, as to send this gentle shower, purposely, as I should think, to save my favorite flower?"

"'Favorite,' my child, did you say? I thought you loved them all."

"Oh, I do; but this one looked so sickly and faint, and I have watched it so anxiously, that it really seems dearer to me than all the rest; just as when we are sick, mamma, you watch us the more constantly, and love us the more tenderly. But who did send the rain, mamma?"

"It was God, my child, who caused the gentle showers, not only to cheer your heart, by making the little flower revive, but to bless all his children. Have you forgotten your little verse, about God sending 'rain on the just, and on the unjust?'"

"O no; I remember it well. I think he is very kind to remember everybody. I am sure I shall always love him."

"I hope you always will. He is a lovable being. He delights in those that are good, and is always ready to cheer and bless them."

OBEY THE RULES.

A careful regard to all the rules of a Sabbath school,--the rules touching the library, those concerning the time of entrance, the general exercises, the demeanor of the pupils and the recitations,--will greatly facilitate the business of the school, relieve the officers and teachers of much of their labor, and make the school itself beautiful for its order and harmony, and invaluable for its usefulness and success.

THE WAYS OF PROVIDENCE.

"God moves in a mysterious way, His wonders to perform; He plants his footsteps in the sea, And rides upon the storm."

We may understand by Providence the all-providing care of God over his creatures. He is our staff. Without his aid and support, we should sink; all our efforts would be of no avail. Without his sustaining power, we could not endure the cares and troubles attending this life. He cares for us in the broad day, urging us to resist temptation. He watches us by night, that no harm shall befall us. Mighty was the power of our Savior at the marriage feast, when he turned water into wine, and many were the miracles he performed during his stay in this world, in healing the sick, the lame, and the blind. The ways of God appear mysterious to us, because we cannot understand his motives. We know that all he does is right, and for our good; therefore we should not indulge a murmuring spirit at anything that may happen to us. It is our duty, as we cannot understand His manifold ways, and all-wise purposes, to study deeply the Holy Scriptures, and be willing to be taught by those wiser and better informed than ourselves. We should confidently rely in God's wisdom and knowledge, which are so much greater than ours; yielding all things to him; looking forward to that bright and happier world, where there is no sorrow, and striving to make ourselves worthy of his love, which is unbounded.

Philanthropy.--He is the wisest philanthropist who employs his energies and resources in the promotion of virtue.

Preparation For Death.--He who is prepared to live, is prepared to die. And he who thinks and feels aright, is prepared for both.

TO ALBERTA.

And thou art gone, Alberta, No sound shall wake thee now; The dreamless sleep thou sleepest, Death's shadow on thy brow.

Like a bright summer flower. Borne by rude winds away, Whose odors yet shall linger, Though the fair form decay,--

So, long thy spirit, wafted In fragrance back to earth, Shall bloom in memory's bowers, Mid plants of heavenly birth.

We tune our harps to sadness, And songs of sorrow sing, And to the Father's altar, A mournful tribute bring.

No more thou strowest flowers Of sunshine o'er our path; Thy song forever silent, Thy voice is hushed in death.

Yet not for thee we sorrow, Thy sorrows all are o'er; Thine earthly journey ended, Thou'st reached that happy shore,

Where spirits blest are waiting, To welcome thee above; There evermore to lead thee In realms of peace and love.

And hand in hand with angels, Around God's throne to stand, Warbling sweet anthems ever, Amid that heavenly band.

Farewell! we would not wake thee, 'T were vain to wish thee here; A Father's arms receive thee, Sleep on, nor danger fear.

Rise! and in Jesus' kingdom Thy blissful station take; A Father's house is open, To life immortal wake!

OBT. Alberta Richardson, aged 8 years and 4 mos.; a beloved member of the 2nd Universalist Sabbath school.

THE DISCONTENTED SQUIRREL.

A FABLE.

In a wood, pleasantly situated in the southern part of ----, there lived a squirrel. One day, as it was viewing the departure of some migratory birds from its neighborhood, it could not prevent the escape of a deep sigh, accompanied with the exclamation, "O dear! I wish some land fairy would make me a bird. I could then soar to a great height, or dart swiftly through the air. Even if I were a little fish, to play about in the water, I should be much better satisfied than in living here all my life, and having nothing to do but gather nuts and acorns."

At that moment, a fairy, who was near, having heard the soliloquy of the discontented squirrel, immediately complied with its wish, and changed it into a beautiful bird. This amazed the poor squirrel very much, and when it attempted to call the attention of its companions by its customary chatter, its scream ended in a song.

The squirrel now thought its happiness was complete, and it concluded to make use of its wings by a visit to some distant land. It had not gone far before a storm arose, and it was obliged to take shelter in a tree. It now began to wish it was in its snug little nest with its former companions.

The storm was soon over, and our bird again started on its journey. But just then a hungry hawk, who had watched it for a long time, pounced upon it. Fortunately, the fairy, who was near, seeing the bird was sufficiently punished for its folly, took compassion on it, changed it into a squirrel again, and placed it safely in its own tree. The squirrel was ever afterward contented.

Moral.--Every one should be contented with his lot; for every station in life has its own ills.

SCHOOL STREET SOCIETY.

This Society, which has exerted an influence in the Universalist denomination second to that of no other, was incorporated December 13, 1816. The meeting for organization was held at the Green Dragon tavern, on the evening of January 25, 1817. Major John Brazer was chosen the first Moderator. The Standing Committee consisted of John Brazer, Dr. David Townsend, Edmund Wright, Daniel E, Powars, Lemuel Packard, Jr., Levi Melcher, and John W. Trull, who were directed to ascertain where a suitable lot of land could be procured on which to erect a house of worship. After examining several lots, the one was selected on which the church now stands, in School street, and it was accordingly bought about the first of May following.

The original means for building the church, was a subscription for shares of one hundred dollars each; one hundred and thirty-nine shares being taken by forty-three persons. Of this number, after a lapse of nearly a third of a century, the following are still spared to us, as willing supporters of the Society and cause to which they devoted the meridian of their days, to wit: William Barry, Daniel E. Powars, Winslow Wright, Joseph Badger, Caleb Wright, John W. Trull, Samuel Hichborn, and Job Turner.

On Monday, May 19, 1817, the corner-stone was laid, and within it was deposited a silver plate, the gift of Dr. David Townsend, with this inscription: "The Second Universal Church, devoted to the Worship of the true God: Jesus Christ being the chief Corner Stone. May 19, 1817." The building of the house was carried forward with energy, and on the 25th of August the Chairman of the Committee was directed to address a letter to Rev. Hosea Ballou, asking him if it would meet his approbation to be considered a candidate for the office of pastor. The house having been completed, it was voted to dedicate the same on Wednesday, October 15, 1817. The Rev. Thomas Jones was invited to preach the sermon, and Revs. Edward Turner, Hosea Ballou, and Paul Dean, to conduct the other services as might be mutually agreeable to them. In consequence, however, of the Cattle Show at Brighton taking place on that day, it was afterwards thought expedient to postpone the Dedication until the succeeding day.

On the day following the Dedication, the Society met for the purpose of selecting a pastor; and the Standing Committee were instructed, by a unanimous vote, to invite the Rev. Hosea Ballou to that office, at a weekly salary of twenty-five dollars. This vote was communicated to him in an appropriate letter from the Chairman of the Committee, to which the following reply was received:--

Boston, Oct. 24, 1817.

Sir,--The call of the Second Universalist Society in Boston, inviting me to the labors of the Christian Ministry with them, together with the liberal terms which accompany said invitation, has been duly considered. And after weighing all the circumstances relative to the subject, so far as my limited mind could comprehend them, I have come to the conclusion that it is my duty to accept their call on the conditions therein stated. I largely participate the "peculiar pleasure" afforded by the consideration of the unanimity of the Society, and entertain an humble hope that, with the continuance of this harmony, we may long continue to enjoy all spiritual blessings in Christ Jesus.

The Society's most humble servant in Christ,

Hosea Ballou.

To John Brazer, Esq.

He was publicly installed on Christmas day, December 25, 1817. Sermon, from John xx. 24, and the Fellowship of the Churches, were given by Rev. Paul Dean; Installing Prayer and Charge by Rev. Edward Turner, and the Concluding Prayer by Rev. Joshua Flagg.

At the annual meeting in May, 1818, the thanks of the Society were presented to Lemuel Packard, Jr., Esq., for his generous donation of a chandelier for the use of the church. The clock now in the church was the gift of John Brazer, Esq., probably during the time of the building of the church.

In the summer of 1822, Mr. Ballou received an invitation to become the pastor of the Second Universalist Society in Philadelphia, at a larger salary than he was then receiving. In a letter to his Society, Mr. B. states, that they are under no engagement to him beyond the term of six months; and that, his salary being barely sufficient to support his family, he felt bound to lay the invitation of the Philadelphia Society before them for their assistance, in any decision he might make in regard to it. The Society was accordingly called together, and by a unanimous vote his salary was raised to thirty dollars a week. This vote being communicated to him, he informed them in reply that the salary voted him was fully and abundantly satisfactory to him, and that he accepted it with pleasure.

During the year 1836, the Society built the vestry in the attic story of the church, and the following year, 1837, the interior of the church was altered by a new pulpit, ceiling, introduction of gas, painting, &c. at an expense of nearly five thousand dollars. And in the year 1840, the Society purchased the organ now in the church.

During the first years of the existence of the Society, the singing was considered of a superior order; and it may be interesting to some of the younger members of the Society to know that, in 1833, the Standing Committee approved of the selection, by the choir, of Miss Charlotte Cushman, as the leading female singer. Mr. Win. Barry, one of the original proprietors, and at present one of the oldest men of the congregation, conducted this part of public worship for several years.

In 1840, the subject of an associate pastor was first brought forward; and, in 1841, commenced those unfortunate difficulties in regard to it, which continued with little interruption until the fall of 1845, when the proprietors were called together to act upon a proposition to sell the meeting-house and wind up the affairs of the Society. This proposition was, however, rejected, by a decisive vote of more than two to one, out of one hundred votes cast. During this period, the pulpit was supplied one half the time by Father Ballou, and the other half by Rev. T.C. Adam, from May, 1842, to May, 1843; by Rev. H.B. Soule, from May, 1844, to May, 1845; and the other two years by the Standing Committee.

That portion of the Society who voted against the proposition to sell, had, early in that year, taken counsel together in regard to the future prosperity of the Society. Father Ballou expressed a willingness to be relieved from all active duties as pastor of the Society, other than those he might choose to perform as senior pastor, and also to relinquish his salary if the Society felt that with their whole means they would be able to secure the services of one who would again unite them together. Accordingly, September 28, 1845, the proprietors were called together, and his proposition was accepted. They also unanimously invited the Rev. E.H. Chapin to become junior pastor, at a yearly salary of two thousand dollars; and on the 8th of November the following acceptance of their call was received by the committee through whom the invitation was tendered.

Charlestown, Nov. 8, 1845.

_Brethren:_--

The invitation to become associate pastor of your Society, which you have extended to me, is hereby accepted. Preliminaries relative to the time when I can assume my connection with you must be the subject of future communications. And that God may bless this decision to your good, to mine, and to his glory,--is the prayer of

Yours, Fraternally, E.H. Chapin.

To the Committee.

Br. Chapin was installed January 28, 1846. The sermon was preached by Father Ballou, from I Peter iv, 10 and 11. Rev. Messrs. Cook, Hichborn, Streeter, II. Ballou 2d, Skinner, Fay, and Cleverly, took part in the services. At the annual meeting in May, 1846, a committee was appointed to express to Rev. Hosea Ballou the feelings of high regard unanimously cherished towards him by the Society, in consideration of his long and valuable services as their pastor; and to assure him that their prayers for his welfare were still with him in his relations as senior pastor of the Society. To this, the following reply was received by the committee.

Boston, May 25, 1846.

Messrs. Benajah Brigham, Joseph Lincoln, and Bela Beal,

_Brethren_:--

After having enjoyed so many years of pastoral connection with the Second Universalist Society in this city, and having served the same so long a time with constant solicitude for their spiritual prosperity and with a consciousness of my many imperfections, I find that words are insufficient to express the satisfaction I feel on the reception of the unanimous vote of the Society expressive of their approbation of my services, as pastor, and their prayers for my happiness in my present position as senior. You will, brethren, accept my thanks for the acceptable manner in which you have communicated the vote of the Society to me, and assure the Society of my fervent prayer for their spiritual prosperity under their junior pastor.

In the bonds of the Gospel,

HOSEA BALLOU.

At the annual meeting in 1847, the Standing Committee were directed to invite Father Ballou to sit for his portrait, and that the same, when finished, be placed in Murray Hall. This work was successfully executed, and Father Ballou expressed himself highly complimented by the action of the Society in regard to it.

Early in 1848, the Society were called together to act upon the following letter from Brother Chapin.

Boston, Feb. 5, 1848.

_Brethren_:--

After, as I trust, deliberate and proper consideration, I have concluded to take up my connection with your Society, and accept of the invitation from New York. I might extend this letter to great length and yet not express the feelings with which I do this act. I can only say that I do so with the utmost kindness and with deep gratitude, and shall always cherish, with unalloyed satisfaction, the harmonious season we have passed together. I invoke God's blessing upon the Society you represent, and to you personally tender the warmest sentiments of personal regard.

Fraternally yours,

E.H. Chapin. To the Standing Committee.

At the same meeting, February 20, 1848, Rev. A.A. Miner was invited to become the junior pastor of the Society, at the same salary which had been paid Brother Chapin, and on the 15th of March, the committee received the following letter, accepting the invitation.

Lowell, March 15, 1848.

_Brethren_:--

The invitation which I received at your hands, to become associate pastor of the Second Society of Universalists in Boston, has been duly considered, and is hereby accepted. Although this decision seemed compatible with my duty, it has not been arrived at without a severe trial, both on account of the existing ties it will sever, and of my conscious unfitness for so responsible a station. Trusting, however, in Him who is always able to help us,

I remain,

Yours in the Gospel,

A.A. Miner.

To the Committee.

On the last Sunday in April, Brother Chapin preached his farewell sermon from the text, "And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among them which are sanctified." Acts xx. 32. Brother Miner was installed May 31. Sermon, by Mr. Chapin, from John x. 10. The other exercises were performed by Rev. Messrs. Dennis, Mott, Ballou, H. Ballou 2d, Fay, Streeter, and Cook.

Under the ministry of Brother Chapin, the Society was united and prosperous; and under the present ministry of Brother Miner, that union and prosperity are unabated. May the favor of God grant them a long continuance.

THE EXAMPLE OF THE BEE.

The little bee, by instinct alone, is taught the necessity of faithful labor. In the summer, it collects honey from every flower, that it may have a supply of food for the approaching winter, when the flowers have all faded. But children have reason, instead of instinct, to guide them; and should be industrious in childhood and youth, in gathering the sweets of knowledge and virtue for spiritual sustenance in the winter of life.

THE MORNING WALK.

Children, in the early morning, When the sun's first rosy ray, Bright'ning on the distant hill-top, Gilds the tall spire o'er the way, Raise the heavy, sleepy eyelid, Welcome cheerfully the light; Nature's time for rest and slumber Passes with the hours of night.

While the air is freshest, purest, And the city seems at rest, Rise, and while the eye beams clearest, Roam with me, an out-door guest. And abroad we'll gayly wander, Till the hour for breakfast calls; Passing through those streets that lead us To our lofty State House halls.

Enter now our glorious Common! On its beauty gaze awhile! As the glowing sunshine greets it, See the "face of Nature smile!" On the broad, smooth walks tread freely, Sentinelled by stately trees, Whose green leafy boughs o'erarching, Herald every passing breeze;

Casting, too, at brightest mid-day, O'er these paths a pleasant shade; Blessings on our City Fathers, Who this wise provision made. Here, just opposite the fountain, On this block of granite rest; While with eye and ear attentive, Admiration is expressed.

See the living spray-drops leaping, Crowned with dancing diamond light; Midway hangs the bright-hued rainbow! Is it not a dazzling sight? And in what a gay confusion Do the waters meet below! Now compare this stone-paved basin With the "frog-pond," years ago!

Rustling leaves, and murmuring fountain, Fill with melody the air, Blending with the wild birds' singing,-- Such sweet sounds can banish care. Notice, how the grass is laden, Thickly gemmed with sparkling dew, Which at eve so gently falleth, Thus its verdure to renew.

Viewing these fair works of Nature, With the art of man combined, Are our thoughts not tending upward To the Author of mankind? Yes, with grateful hearts we thank Him, For our lives so truly blest; Asking strength to meet time's changes, Faith to think them for the best.

We must learn life's varied lessons, Their deep meaning must unfold; Sad or merry, they will yield us More true wealth than mines of gold! Hark! the breakfast bell is calling! Hasten to your homes away! Let us hope to meet here often, Welcoming the early day.

TRUE SATISFACTION.

To the faithful teacher, there is no greater pleasure than is afforded on each returning Sunday, by his labors with his class. Wielding Christian truth in the full exercise of human affections, he moulds the young heart as with a hand divine.

Punctuality.--One of the beauties of the Sabbath school is the punctuality of its scholars and teachers.

FEMALE EDUCATION.

In ancient days female education was almost entirely neglected, and woman's intellectual powers were left to slumber. Her mind was a barren waste, exhibiting no rich, luxuriant verdure, diversified only by a few outward accomplishments, which served to please the fancy of the stronger sex. The Spartan woman, distinguished for her sternness of character and warlike disposition, looked with shame upon a son who could return from battle unless victorious, ever teaching him, from his earliest infancy, "to conquer, or to die on the battle-field." All the gentle and amiable qualities of the heart were repressed in their growth; and, while Sparta offered to her _sons_ the rich boon of intellectual culture, her _daughters_ were thought unworthy of the gift.

And Athens, that great and mighty city, exercising a most powerful influence over the civilized world, distinguished for her legislators, her philosophers, and her historians,--what was the condition of woman there? The slave, rather than the companion of man, she knew not that, were the storehouse of knowledge opened for her, she could come forward and stand on an equality with the "proud lord of creation!" Rome, too, the metropolis of the world, denied to woman her proper station in society, not dreaming of the hidden gems of thought which lay undiscovered beneath the thick incrustations of ignorance and superstition.