University of Virginia Library

We 're fond of Missions, and rejoice to lend
Our ready aid the Gospel light to send
To chase the gloom that clouds the Pagan's soul,
And haply make his broken spirit whole;
To take the wanderer led by sin astray,
And win his footsteps to the better way.
No cavilling voice at schemes like this I raise,—
All this is well, and to the nation's praise.
Still let the work with growing force proceed,
That kindly answers to the Heathen's need.
But O that some brave proselyte would come
And preach good morals to the folks at home!
O that the next Australian whom they get
Safe in the meshes of the Gospel net,
Straight to our country may be kindly brought
With all the Christian doctrine he has got,
That he may teach it, uncorrupt, and clear
Of all perversion, to our Heathen here!
Accursed War, and deadly lust of Gold,
These and their horrors let his eyes behold,
Now,—in the moral summer of the days,—
Here,—in the focus of the Gospel blaze,—
How would he beg the doctors to explain,
And solve the puzzle ere it turned his brain!
And when their best excuses he had heard,
How would his breast with honest zeal be stirred
To teach our graduates in the Christian school
The simple lessons of the Golden Rule!
And how, the while he spoke with pleasure true,
As one unfolding something good and new,
How would the wings of his amazement soar
To find their ears had heard it all before!