True American. [volume] (Steubenville [Ohio]) 1855-1861, 1855-08-15
For the True American.
AN EVENING RAMBLE.

air as it played along the dale, scented by |
the grateful odOr of the many flowers that
boautify the landscape during the moaths
of Summer. That traveller Of six thous- |
and years was fast sinking beneath the
western horizon, around whose pathway
shone a magnificent array of clouds as
suming various forms, from the smooth
dale to the craggy steep, edged with
brightness like unto burning crimson,
on which the eye refuses long to rest.
Whilst musing thus on the wonders of this
vast creation of beauties, and of natures
utilities around me, so well fitted for the
qualification of the human mind, | still
pursued the pathway leading to the sum-
NIT of the hill. The canopy of green
leaves above, and the rich grassy couch
beneath, seemed to press an invitation to
cease the further pursuit of my evening
walk. But this asylum for the wandering
mind, POSSESSED many allurements to
call halt or to quit the scene. After the
lapse of few moments, and having at
tanned the desired spot, there were objects
that suggested new themes for reflection.
The old worship mansion, and the church
yard surrounded by few remaining speci-
mems of once an unbroken forest, save an
occasional spot where two-thirds Of CEN
tury ago was to be seen the humble hut OF
the red man. A relict Of former times
and the work of our ancestors is this old
mansion of lowly mein, the exact date OF
whose erection, l know not. But that it
was built and worshiped in by those who
shared in the revolutionary struggle, is
point beyond dispute. Here, soon after
the declaration of peace, IN the unlnter-
rupted enjoyment of the heritage of liber-
ty, met our grateful sires, fresh in remem-
brance of Divine inteposition in the bring
ing about of mighty events, and in full
unity of purpose, freed from the presence
of dissension, and directed, as | have faith
to believe, by the benignant influence OF
heavenly love, that bushes rebellious MUIR
mur and every discordant passion-that
raw of "undefled religion" which takes
away the sting of death and despoilS the
grave of its victory, warmed the hearts of
those worthy patrons; where tumult Of
mind, and restlessness of soul, (peculiar
to our day. insinuated itself not for
the bane of sin in form of envy and SER
pent revenge found no room to twine itself
about heart ruled by the influence of
the precept 'love thy neighbor as thyself.'
To roam few moments among the solemn
sepu,chures of the dead, ere the lamp Of
day has withdrawn his beams and the lit
9 tie world about Inc puts on an aspect o.
lowering sadness, | must dcsist from fur
ther notation of thought on this place o
interest-whose early worshipers, (strang
ers to the influence of opulcncc and pomp
mingled prayers that we doubt not ascend
ed upon the wings of devotion in swee
acceptance to heaven. Here the soul o
the good man was warmed, and the hear
of the sinner melted. Whilst musinl
thus the soft breeze of evening comes fortl
like the "voice of God in the garden
, CITY ofsthe dead Dust to dust ! Quie
. resting place of one who in boyhood's haE
Il py hours, mingled with us in our intantln
diversions, tho ere, the "golden bowl
had dilated into manhood greatness, or tn
b "silver chord gained its elastic spring
x death consigned thy body to the cofhr
which was borne here and is consun
cd away in the cold and silent grave
. / feel (in humble imitation) with the in
mortal Webster at the tomb of Shak
~ speare, to repeat the soliloquy of Hamle
l. "To be or not to be-"
"Earth's highest honors end in here he lies,
o And dust to dust concludes her noblest song
y This little stone is all here left
u To mark the spot where gloom
in Shone ro and our then impressive hearts
n. Sent DER the youthful tomb.
= Till then it was our boyish glee,
=. Had felt no chide to mirth,
l'' When deaths fell work to each displaye
De The destiny of earth.
How bright our childhoods sunny hour
70 How sportive was our noon,
of But these fond pleasures were GIT
OE llfes most precious bOUn
- All. early years, with bouyant hope,
u" Thy expectations iade'
use For oft has death sacrifice,
of These on her altar laid.
Nv Wv No blight upon thy spirit shone.
lie IL wore no tlnts Of ealth,
Nor Affections uear had loosed their hold,
to To give indifference LiIth.
cos Beyond the years of blisoful youth,
Where vice aud sorrows bloom,
ouS Thy gaze OH burning folly was
a. Environed by the tomb.
!, to
-, The - beauties here Of life,
-, BY inspiration taught,