Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1878-06-30
CHRISTIAN AND CHRIsTIANA.

E. @. Ste,isnan's Poem al the Golden Wedding or
VILLAIN +. Dodge, Of Neto York;
Who has not read-what man that loved
Good English. pious speech, and valiant deed
The rare old book I'm which John Bunyan proved
His poets heart alive beneath his creed?
Who has not In his fancy travelled long
With Christian on that ancient pilgrimage,
Shared all his fears. and lifted up the song
After the battles 1t was bis 70 wage.
Or with brave Christana followed on,
Choosing the path her lord had trod before,
Until the heavenly city. almost won
Shone like a dream beyond the river S shore?
Well. it's a goodly tale. we think. ard close
The book We have from childhood read, and say,
The age OF miracles Is past! Who knows
The joyous saints the pilgrims OF to day?"
Yet still sereney shine the midnight stars,
And there are wonders left US to behold
IL we but think to lcok between the bars.
Fen now before our eyes, his large heart warm
With the fine heat that Shames eur colder blood,
Stands Christian, in as true and living form
As that In which old BunJan's hero stood.
Long since this happy pilgrim, STAFF In hand,
Set out, yet not alone-for by his side
Went Christiana also toward the Land
Anear whose boundaries they now abide.
Each day less distant from the City's Gate,
Through shade and sunshine hand in hand they
pressed;
Now combating the foes that lay in walt,
And now In pleasant meadows lulled to rest.
Early the Palace Beautiful they found,
Where Prudence, Charity and Faith abide;
The Lowly Valley little had to wound
Their gentler hearts devoid of scorn and pride.
The darker Valley OF the Shadow of Death
They passed but with them One, they knew, was
near,
Stayed by whose rod and staff the Psalmist saith
The toiling pilgrim shall no evil fear.
And many seasons atterward they dwelt
In Vanity's great city. There apart
From all things base and mean, they humbly knelt
With prayer upon their lips and pure of heart.
He, too, has fought with giants-those that lurk
By day and night he did his Masters work,
Hoping house not made with hands to win.
And Christiana from the outset took
sweet Mercy for asguide and bosom friend,
And sought with her the poor in every nook,
Giving as one that to the Lord doth lend.
Together thus they climbed above the pass
Where from the hill delectable it's given
To gaze at moments through the shepherds glass,
And catch far-Off, rapturOus glimpse OF heaven.
Sorrows they knew but what delight was there
Led oftentimes where the still waters flow,
Dr. In green pastures guided unaware
To trees Of life that hung their fruitage low!
Now, ere the pilgrimage is ended quite,
Its WEAKNESS forgot, they seat them down
IN Beulah, in country Of delight,
And rest season ere they wear the crown.
Here, after half century they breathe
Air fresh from Paradise and here renew
Their wedding VOWS, while unseen watchers wreathe
For each ehaplet, sprayed with golden dew.
Blessing and best amidst their household group,
Christian and Christiana here await
Their summons. knowing that the shining troop
Will bear to each token, soon or late.
md we who gather near ourselves too blind
To see undazed the light of heavens grace
heir well-lOved visageS behold, and find
bright reflected glory in each face.