,a ,,christmas ,,offering3 ,,by ,,mrs4 ,,elizabeth ,,dimond1 ,,of ,,bristol1 ,r4 ,i4 ,,providence3 ,,printed ,,by ,,knowles ,,and ,,vose4 #ahdg4 ,,mrs4 ,,smith1 ,,providence1 ,r4 ,i4 ,,dear ,,friend3 ,you may be surprised to hear that your old friend1 in her eighty-fourth year1 while musing upon ,god's mercy and wisdom1 has brought forth this little poem on ,creation2 which1 together with others1 permit me to inscribe to you1 wishing you a prolongation of the prosperity and happiness you enjoy4 ,i am yours1 c4 ,,elizabeth ,,dimond4 ,,bristol1 ,r4 ,i41 ,dec4 #ah1 #ahdg4 ,illustration ,a ,,christmas ,,offering4 ,,thoughts ,,on ,,creation4 ,says the watchman1 8,and what of the night8 ,it often brings seasons of sorrow1 ,when dark and beclouded with sin2 ,but ah6 it may sweeten to-morrow1 ,if a ray of ,god's favor breaks in4 ,how dark and how gloomy was ,chaos2 ,but ,god by his own matchless plan1 ,call'd this beautiful world from its darkness1 ,and did safe on its axle-tree hang6 ,and ,jesus1 our ,savior1 was present1 ,for his was the word of command2 ,he spangled those orbs in their greatness1 ,for good and for glory to man40 ,the angels in wonder stood gazing1 ,till ,sol darts his beams to their view2 8,what is there in the ,east that is blazing-- ,that pearls all the drops of the dew80 8',tis the ,sun10 ,great ,messiah then answered1 8',tis the ,sun10 say the angels1 8'tis true2 ,from thee it beams glory and greatness1 ,and bears up thy own title too40 ,great ,sol1 arise6 and spread thy lustre high-- ,go warm the earth1 and decorate the sky6 ,when thou retir'st1 the silver moon will rise1 ,with pearly radiance1 o'er those spangled skies6 ,without a cloud to intercept thy way1 ,go1 clearly shine1 and make the evening gay6 ,god saw his work was great1 when it he view'd1 ,approved the same1 and then pronounced it good4 ,and why this garden1 walled so rich and fair1 ,with glittering stone that is beyond compare-- ,with walks1 and bowers1 and interwoven scenes1 ,with silver rivulets that roll between1 ,tossing their golden pebbles in the stream6 ,here richest fruits1 in clusters ripe and fair1 ,and variegated blooms perfume the air2 ,here beast of every kind1 playful yet mute1 ,and birds with plumage gay1 and warbling throat1 ,chanting to their ,maker with melodious note6 ,and is the richness of these fruits conceal'd1 ,that grow spontaneous in this fertile field8 ,is no one here these sweets to taste8 ,and none the banquet share8 ,within these walls is a majestic form1 ,graceful and noble as the rising morn6 ,adam6 survey thy wond'rous form1 and see ,the image of thy ,god is stamped on thee6 ,be grateful1 then1 and be obedient1 too2 ,for this respect is to thy ,sov'reign due4 ,and here are richest fruits in store for thee2 ,and all is thine1 except that hallow'd tree3 ,and should'st thou touch it1 thou shall surely die6 ,i have pronounced6 ,ask not the reason why40 ,then ,adam bows assent1 and walks the rounds1 ,to view the beauties of these fertile grounds-- ,he stops to listen to the bubbling stream1 ,that gently trickles down the sloping green2 ,and on his way he views the crystal pond ,where gold-fish play4 ,delighted with the scene1 he looks above1 ,adores the greatness of the ,god of ,love4 ,but day is done3 ,beyond the western hills now sinks the sun4 ,adam with wonder views the evening scene-- ,the first fair twilight he had ever seen4 ,but now with drowsy sleep his eyes are pressed1 ,for ,god has sanctioned all creation rest4 ,in ,christian attitude kneels to the shrine1 ,and offers up his prayers in words divine2 ,then to his mossy pillow ,adam goes1 ,nought to disturb or break his soft repose4 ,he sleeps secure till morning light appears1 ,and birds of ,paradise salute his ears4 ,then o'er some loaded bough his arm he's flung1 ,addressed his ,maker with his morning song4 ,then to the willow'd meads he did repair1 ,to view his flocks1 and see them gambol there4 ,with scrutiny1 he sees each has a friend2 ,in his own bosom he thus contends3 ,but why am ,i exempt1 my mind is good1 ,and ,i've a speech well to be understood---- ,but here's my ,sov'reign40 8,adam1 answer6 why ,that downcast look--that soft1 expressive sigh8 ,will not a ,paradise for thee suffice80 8,great ,sov'reign6 oft ,i stand in ecstacy1 ,viewing the greatness of thy ,deity6 ,i know thy works are infinite1 supreme1 ,and canst answer every wished for scheme40 8,adam6 ,i see thy faith is strong2 ,speak thy request1 nor hesitate too long40 8,a friend1 a partner give to sweeten life1 ,and then these rural scenes are ,paradise1 ,then1 ,adam1 sleep6 and to thee ,i'll give ,a form for whom thou'lt ever wish to live4 ,then from his side the ivory bone he takes1 ,a beauteous woman of the same he makes4 ,but ,o6 our hearts are bent on pleasure here-- ,the disappointment oft times is severe4 ,but ,adam wanders forth we know not where1 ,and leaves alone the unprotected fair4 ,the fiend1 on search1 the separation knew-- 8,this is my time1 and ,i'll improve it1 too3 ,say1 beauteous ,eve1 hast thou no greater mind1 ,than to these simple flowers to be confined8 ,take this delicious fruit1 and then you'll see ,that greater glories are in store for thee40 8,that is forbidden fruit2 ,o no6 not ,i2 ,for if ,i eat1 then ,i must surely die40 8,misrepresented is the fruit ,i give2 ,i eat the same1 and yet you see ,i live40 ,her innocence had never known a lie2 ,so to his treacherous art she did comply4 ,she took the apple6 ,when she ate the same1 ,the poisonous juice had tainted every vein4 ,but ,adam comes4 8,say1 lovely ,eve1 where is thy beauty fled8 ,where is the bloom that tinged thy cheek with red8 ,who has been here80 8,a treacherous friend6 and ,i believed his lie3 ,i ate the apple--,i alone must die4 ,in some remotest corner let me be1 ,and die alone1 dear friend1 unseen by thee4 ,dear ,adam1 do not grieve2 ,perhaps thy ,god will grant another ,eve40 8,no other ,eve shall e'er entwine this heart3 ,bone of my bone1 from thee ,i cannot part40 ,he ate the apple1 while all nature grieved1 ,and every leaf became a sensitive4 ,but oh1 the black'ning cloud to heaven arose1 ,and all the horror of their sins exposed6 ,and all was silent till ,god's holy ,son1 ,array'd in glory1 to his ,father came4 8,father of mercies6 let thy will be done3 ,oh1 cast the sinner's burden on thy ,son2 ,for ,i alone their advocate will be1 ,and their redemption will be found through me4 ,for when this world is peopled o'er with men1 ,then ,satan will resume his power again-- ,so blind their eyes1 and cause their hearts to sin4 ,i will be mortal--,i will dwell with them1 ,and cast this monster to his lowest den4 ,for on the cross sinners will raise me high3 ,for their redemption willingly ,i die40 ,but what does ,god require for sins like this8 ,believe and live1 and ,christ secures the bliss4 ,,sweet ,,home4 ,this permanent home6 ,o the thoughts how sublime2 ,to chant with the angels with voices divine6 ,to know as we're known--how delightful the scene1 ,where no sin and no sorrow can there intervene4 ,home1 home1 sweet1 sweet home4 ,dear ,jesus1 our guide1 thou hast purchas'd this home1 ,by thy blood-streaming side our redemption was won2 ,draw us by the cords1 all bedew'd with thy love1 ,then safe we shall rest in thy bosom above4 ,home1 home1 sweet1 sweet home4 ,our ,father has told us1 in accents of love1 ,to look to the star that doth glitter above4 ,no eye ever saw1 and no heart can conceive1 ,of the glory unfolded to saints that believe4 ,home1 home1 sweet1 sweet home4 ,,on ,,the ,,departure ,,of ,,my ,,grandson4 ,and is this little darling doomed to roam1 ,and cross the treacherous ocean for a home8 ,and must the cruel barque his cradle be8 ,and must the billows waft him far from me8 ,how oft1 when grief has crowded round my heart1 ,i have caressed him1 to forget a part3 ,how oft ,i've long'd his dear departed sire ,could view these fleeting charms that ,i so much admire4 ,i1 in the infant1 could the father see2 ,which binds the tie so doubly dear to me4 ,oh1 thou auspicious ,power6 send thou thy aid-- ,protect the worthy mother and the babe4 ,oh1 thou bright orb of night6 be thou their light1 ,to guide the helmsman in his onward flight2 ,then may the father1 with unsullied joy1 ,clasp in his arms his much loved wife and boy4 ,illustration ,,on ,a ,,frosty ,,morning4 ,one frosty morn on window high1 ,this beauteous leaf was traced ,by ,nature's art2 her hand supplied ,the crystal square to grace4 ,angelic ,nature1 how divine ,thy brilliant beauties be6 ,no ,india pearl1 though rare refined1 ,can vie1 bright frost1 with thee4 ,,after ,a ,,snow ,,storm4 ,oh1 ,abby1 dear1 have you the scene survey'd1 ,and viewed this beauteous carpet ,nature's made8 ,not only in one spot its beauty's shone1 ,but every building wears a milk-white dome4 ,how did you like the grand1 majestic throng1,a ,waving their banners as they wade along8 ,their noble bells they called a grand review1 ,to see this beauteous carpet cut in two4 ,illustration ,,to ,,my ,,granddaughter4 ,my dearest child1 thy features oft ,i trace1 ,and view the opening beauties of thy face2 ,i see thy bosom1 as the matchless dove1 ,impressed with virtue and the seat of love4 ,thy pleasing smile1 more sweet than morning dew1 ,will gain the heart of him that's formed for you2 ,but if the youth should offer you his hand1 ,don't be in haste1 but let the bargain stand4 ,consult the friend who ever loves you best2 ,for in her council you may safely rest4 ,oh1 may your days be cast in ,fortune's bower1 ,there safely dwell1 and bless the tranquil hour4 ,may ,fortune smile1 to grace thy peaceful lot1 ,and strew thy path with sweet forget-me-not4 ,,to ,,rosalie4 ,sweet ,rosalie1 say1 will you take ,this tiny gift for friendship's sake8 ,yes3 ,friendship will forever shine1 ,upon a brow so fair as thine4 ,then may the union lasting be1 ,between dear ,isabelle and thee4 ,oh1 ,i forgot2 'tis sweet ,may-day1 ,when ,flora paints the mead so gay4 ,go to your own romantic bower1 ,and gather there the choicest flower2 ,entwine your wreath with snow-drops1 too1 ,and then 'twill more resemble you4 ,,lines1 ,on presenting two ,italian images1 in the attitude of dancing1 with tambourine and bowl in hand1 to a friend4 ,dear ,madam1 we of late have left our homes1 ,to view the beauties of your stately rooms2 ,i do admire them6 they're so grand and neat2 ,and with your kind consent ,i'll take a seat4 ,seat1 did ,i say8 ,oh1 no2 ,i meant to stand2 ,because1 dear ,madam1 we're at your command4 ,but where's ,miss ,china ,aster8,b--that's too plain2 ,the sweet-stock ,gillyflower shall be her name4 ,i hear she's very good1 as well as gay2 ,perhaps she'll intercede for us to stay4 ,and where is grand-mama1 who's so discreet8 ,we'd bow respectfully before her feet2 ,and cousin ,hannah1 she is mild and meek-- ,her argument ,i love2 it is so sweet4 ,ladies1 should you consent for us to light1 ,the green-room ever would be our delight4 ,we're very fond1 you know of rural scenes2 ,and white is beautiful beside the green4 ,you see we often step the merry dance1 ,but 'tis with your consent that we advance4 ,you dislike music1 ma'm1 we have been told1 ,and our is simple--centres in the bowl4 ,ladies1 should you dislike for us to stay1 ,kindly conduct us o'er the ferry way4,c ,madam1 my friend upbraids me for my chat2 ,i have to speak for both4 ,should you like that8 ,,the ,,reply4 ,oh1 why are you so far from home1 ,on this cold night abroad to roam8 ,has your behavior been correct8 ,i am unwilling to suspect4 ,walk in4 ,don't stand2 pray take a seat2 ,a stranger ,i will always greet4 ,you praise my house and call it splendid1 ,and praise its inmates1 too4 ,if a mere compliment's intended1 ,civility's your due4 ,i'll give you shelter for the night1 ,and view you by the morning light2 ,if1 on acquaintance1 you should prove ,worthy of ,madam ,flora's love1 ,then grandma will not plead in vain1 ,nor cousin ,h----1 with her sweet strain4 ,miss ,gillyflower will be delighted1 ,to take in wanderers benighted2 ,so ,i consent2 call this your home1 ,nor ever from your goddess roam2 ,at her command1 among her flowers1 ,spend all your thoughtless1 playful hours1 ,contrasting with her vivid greens1 ,your white robe1 which transparent seems4 ,though music has no charms for me1 ,i'm not opposed to others' glee3 ,you and your friend may dance and sing1 ,and welcome the return of spring2 ,and when the ,general returns1 ,and gratitude each bosom warms1 ,thank him for all the good ,i've done-- ,for he and ,i1 you know1 are one4 ,then be content2 no boat nor wherry1 ,shall take you t'other side the ferry4 ,,lines1 ,addressed to a lady on the arrival of her husband in ,new ,york4 ,how sweet is the dawn of the spring-- ,its ordorous blossoms how gay2 ,the birds on the boughs sweetly sing1 ,and drive all our sorrows away4 ,and here are rich blessings anew2 ,true1 ,heaven is good and is kind2 ,the return of your partner to you1 ,will bring a sweet peace to your mind4 ,and oh1 how happy he'll be1 ,to find you enjoying good health2 ,for1 oh1 lovely ,sarah1 you see ,that you are a part of himself4 ,your aid1 gentle breezes1 do lend1 ,and waft him safe over the sea4 ,you must not forget1 my dear friend1 ,who it is that returns him to thee4 ,,to ,,the ,,friend ,,of ,,my ,,youth4 ,to thee1 my friend1 ,i wish a happy year1 ,with friendship true1 and with a heart sincere2 ,may this new year a bounteous blessing prove1 ,and calm the bosom of the friend ,i love4 ,may that connubial tie from her be loosed1 ,till some fond ,damon shall the bondage choose2 ,and then with care she'll mind the nicest part-- ,join not the hand till you have won the heart4 ,there needs no caution1 then1 methinks she'll say2 ,and with a flirt she throws my scroll away4 ,but still ,i see her take it up anew1 ,and say1 8,i'll read10--because her heart is true4 ,the happy year again the theme she'll lend1 ,with anxious wishes for our absent friends3 ,may the dark curtain of the winter scene ,be calmy drawn1 and spring-time blessings bring4 ,then let the gales be gentle1 kind and sure1 ,and speed the barque on this her destined tour2 ,while ,may's sweet breezes waft them gently home1 ,ladened with riches from a foreign clime4 ,then their return will crown the jocund year3 ,old friends1 old scenes1 and all they hold most dear ,will crowd around1 and fill each heart with love-- ,each voice with thanks to him who reigns above4 ,illustration ,,to ,a ,,young ,,lady4 ,my dear young friend1 ,o may you e'er be blest1 ,and may your bosom be the seat of rest2 ,may each succeeding day new pleasures bring1 ,all pure and lovely as returning spring4 ,a little fortune be your happy lot1 ,and on a rising green erect your cot2 ,around your bower may blooming hawthorn spring1 ,and intervening flowers fresh fragrance bring4 ,may deeds of honor crown your frugal board1 ,and ,heaven's rich blessings be your great reward1 olian harps your nightly windows grace1 ,and softly lull you to your balmy rest4 ,,on ,,the ,,death ,,of ,,an ,,infant4 ,sweet ,josephine1 thou hast left this drear abode1 ,to be an angel with thy ,father1 ,god6 ,there1 in sweet strains1 thy little lisping tongue ,will chant the praises angels never sung4 ,farewell1 dear babe6 ,a last1 a long farewell1 ,till we in heaven with thee shall ever dwell4 ,illustration ,,on ,,seeing ,a ,,lovely ,,child4 ,how sweet is the dawn of an infant-- ,how fondly caressed is the smile2 ,the mother1 though tired and weary1 ,forgets all1 when blessed with her child4 ,when the beautiful bud has expanded1 ,and opens its bloom to our view2 ,oh1 then we see with advantage1 ,what ,nature intended to do4 ,and now she can play and can prattle-- ,with her doll and her toys loves to dwell2 ,and who upon earth is so happy1 ,as the dear little girl1 ,abby ,bell4 ,a ,,wish ,,for ,,the ,,sailor4 ,may the winds and the waves prove auspicious to thee1 ,and waft you safe on where your wishes may be2 ,then ,heaven befriend you1 and reward all your toil1 ,and load up your ship with a pressure of oil4 ,illustration ,,footnotes3 ,a ,after a great fall of snow1 sleds1 with cattle attached1 filled with men and boys1 with floating banners and merry bells1 cut their way through the snow2 thus making the streets passable for lighter vehicles1 and for foot passengers4 ,b ,a name applied by a friend1 denoting freshness and vivacity4 ,the ,gillyflower united denotes the sweetness of her temper4 ,c 8,o'er the ferry way10 the residence of my friend's brother1 a delightful farm situated between ,bristol and ,newport1 called the 8,elam ,place40