purpose,--ardent in reproof
To those who stood from duty's path aloof,--
In public gatherings or in private hall,
To warn the giddy of impending fall,--
Rebuke the forward,--lead the fearful where
A mighty Rock did Israel's Lord prepare,--
Instant in duty,--though severe, yet kind,
She showed the vigour of a heaven-led mind.

Of ardent temper, quick and flashing zeal,
Keen as high polished but too brittle steel,
In earlier life =JAMES CRESSON= had been found,
Like a high steed when first in harness bound;
But grace had tempered, and obedience wrought,
A change of character in word and thought,
His ardent feelings felt love's holy calm,
Fitting a follower of the lowly Lamb.

A pointing finger to none other shown,
A secret whisper to none other known,
Bade =ARTHUR HOWELL= hasten on his way,
Where a secluded country grave-yard lay.
A few sad mourners stood beside a grave,
Where "dust to dust" a solemn language gave.
Soon from his lips burst forth the ardent strain--
"I know not who this coffin may contain,
"But my good Master, in whose power I came,
"Now bids me clear from wrong an injured name.
"She who now rests within this narrow bed,
"By slander wounded bowed her sorrowing head;
"Accused of that, in which she had no part,
"She died in innocence--a broken heart!"
--As from a stranger came these words, a thrill
Of secret, wondering joy, the mourners fill;
For she who died, told, as approached her end,
That God a witness to her grave would send,
Who to her innocence should boldly bear,
A clear, convincing testimony there.
And He whose ways are wrapt in mystery still,
Blindfold his servant led to do his will!
--Oft to the grave this servant of the Lord,
Was sent to preach the everlasting Word;
To rouse the thoughtless from delusion's dream,
Memento mori was his frequent theme.

When Pestilence her raven wing outspread,
When terror swept the living from the dead,--
When love's own ties were severed in affright,
And duty's call had lost its wonted might,--
=OFFLEY= and others, a devoted band,
Before the march of terror took their stand.
They nobly dared in that dark hour to make
Themselves an offering for the people's sake.
He was accepted! Great the church's loss,
She mourned a faithful champion of th