The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1866-05-09
GFoR THE CENTRAL PRESBYTERIAN. I
GLEN-WILLOW FARM,
Anriz DIST. 1866.

Dear Children, each welcome visit
of the Presbyterian, "Aunt Agnes
turns with growing interest to the column
of =" Household Words" In imagination
she looks upon the happy faces of the
many little readers all through our sun
ny land, who pour with delight over those
sweet poems and stories, calculated alike
to amuse and instruct. How glad she
would be to know you all But as that
is impossible face to face, with Mr..
Browns kind permission, we may form a
pen and paper acquaintance, which l
trust will afford US pleasure and profit.
Now | suppose Mr.. Black-eyes and
Miss Blue-eyes, and little Puss Grey
eyes are all looking curiously over this let
ter, and saying, "Who is Aunt Agnes "
-" where does she Hue9" etc., ETC.
Glen Willow, like many of your sweet
homes, lies quietly nestled among the
beautiful mountains of "OM Virginia.. ="
Do you not love the fair blue mountains
guarding our valley-homes, like sentinels,
year after year? David, the "sweet sing
er of Israel, was an admirer of noun
tain scenery. You remember he was once
but shepherd-boy, tending his fathers
Aocks upon the hills of Palestine; but
when he reached manhood, he became a
poet, and wrote the book of Psalms. In
one of these he says of God; "thy mer-
cy is in the heavens, thy faithfulness
reacheth unto the clouds, and thy right
eousness is like the great mountains. -
See if you can find that text, and the
following striking comparison. Gas the
mountains are round about Jerusalem, SO
the Lord is round about his people, from
henceforth, even forever" How many
bright eyes will look out the city of Jeru-
salem on their maps of the Holy Land.
and observe how completely it is enclosed
by mountain ranges?
The Psalms formed part of the temple
service among the Israelites. They were
set to music, and sung by large choirs,
accompanied with various instruments,
unknown to us, but similar to our harp,
flute, organ, trumpet and tambourine.
The ancient Hebrews were exceedingly
fond of music. David himself was {
skilful musician. While yet youth, he
VAS summoned -tn-sh~-6.ure-of-
Saul, where, by means of his musica
talent, amiable temper, and engaging
manners, he became a general favorite
He often performed, upon the harp, tc
soothe the melancholy spirits of the King
David was poet, musician, warrior
statesman and Christian, all in one.
hope you will each take your Bible, ant
read the remarkable history of this
great and good man for yourselves. Yor
will find it recorded in lst Samuel, from
the I'd chapter, to 1st Kings 2nd chapter
May you all strive to emulate his vir
tues, and avoid his faults.
David was King for forty years; bu
he has long since exchanged the crown o
, royalty for a Seraph's diadem th'
mantle of earthly state for the ''whit
robes" of the "blOod-washed throng
above. He plays now upon a COLDER
harp before the ''King of Kings
Let us, dear children, follow so clOsel,
in the footsteps of the good shepherd
whom David loved, that we may fnall,
Join him beside the "still waters, an
among the green pastures of tn
: hsavmly Canaan"
Your loving, AUNT AGNES.