The Lansing state Republican. [volume] (Lansing, Mich.) 1855-1874, 1862-07-23

The following poem appeared anony ymousiy IN one o
the earlier numbers Of the Atlantic Monshy Its au,ho
Dr. Holland and Daniel Gray was the poets father
1t Is . most beautiful life picture
II shall ever win the home IN heaven,
For whose sweet rest humbly hope and pray;
In the great company VI The forgiven
shall be sure 10 md old Daniel Cray.
knew him well in fact few knew him better
For my young eyes Oft read for him the Word,
Anc saw hos mse1iy from the crystal letter
he drank the lie Oi his beloved Lord.
Old Daniel Gray was not a man who lifted
On ready words his freight of gratitude,
And Was not called upon among the gifted,
In the prayer meetings OF his lelsADOrhood-
He had few ot-.a=hioned words and phrases,
Linked il with sacred texts and sunday rhymes
And suppose that IA hls prayers and graces
I've heard them all at least a thousand times
/ see him now-hs form, and face and motions
HIS hoLaespun habit aad his silver hair,
And hear the language OF his tEite devotioas,
Rising behind the straight backed kitchen chair
! can remember nov the sentence sounded
''He!p US, U Lord, to pray and not 10 faint
And how the "cOnque:ing aud o-coaquer rounded
The Io;tier aspirations Of the saint.
He had some notions that did not improve him
He never kissed his children, they say,
And finest scenes ana farest flowers woold move him
Less than horse shoe picked up IL tie ~ay.
He could see naught but vanity in beauty,
And noughs but weakness IN a fond caress,
he pitied men whose views Of Christian duty
Allowed indulgence IN such fooiishness
Yet there was love and tenderness within him,
:. And am told that when his Charlie died,
Nor Natures uer,i nor gentle words couIu
From his fond visions at the sleeper's side.
And when they came TO bury little Charlie,
They found fresh dew drops mingled in his hair,
And On his breast "A rose bud, gathered early,
l4
My good old friend was very hard on fashion,
And held its voIariss ia loity scorn,
And often burst into a holy passion
While the gay crowds went by on Sunday more.
Yet he was vain, Old Gray, and dia not know it;
He wore his hair impaired, long and plain,
To hide the handsome brow that swept below is,
For fear the world would think that he vsin.
He had a hearty hatred Of oppression
And righteous words for sin Of every kind
Alas, that the transgressor and transgression
Were linked so closely IN his honest mind.
Yet that swee, tale of gift without repentance,
Told OF the Master, touched him to the core,
And fearless, he could never read the sentence
"Nei;her do i condemn thee sin no more
Honest and faithful constant in his calling
Strictly attendant Oh the means OF grace
Instant IN prayer, and fearful most OF falling
Old Daniel Gray WAS always in his place.
practical old man, and yet dreamer
DE Thought that IN some strange, unlocked for way
His mighty Friend Ia Heaven, the Great Redeerner
Would honor him with wealth some golden day
This dream be carried in q hopeful spirit
Until IN death his patient eye grew dim,
And his Redeemer called him 10 inherit
The Heaven of wealth long garnered up for him.
So il ever win the home in Heaven.
For whose sweet rest humby hope and Draw
In the great company Of the forgiven
shall be sure 10 find old Daniel Gray.