Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1888-12-27
RANpolPH.

Saturday, Dec. % was the occasion of
Rev. A. L. Billiards. S5th birthday. A
poem written by his daughter-in-law of
Chatsworth, Ill. was sent to him that
day.
In eighteen hundred three the 22d of
December,
A pair of twins were born in Francistown,
New Hampshire.
Two helpless mortals the care of parents
claimed,
Ambrose and Andes the little boys were
named.
Their father was cobbler toiling day
by day,
Their mother, well, we brothers know
she had no time to play,
For several sons and daughters had been
born TO them before,
So economy and industry were practised
more and more.
Months passed by, the babes began to
creep,
One day into their fathers shop they
thought to take peep
Ambrose saw, lying on the floor near
where he was sitting
Something he thought would make nice
eating.
He picked it up and into his mouth it
went
With cries of pain the air was rent,
The frightened parents for relief did
hasten
The child poisonous caterpillar had
eaten.
There was no hope, the babe was DOOM
ed to die
In a short time his home on earth was
changed for one on High.
The other babe was left, lies battles a
lone to fight,
Gods ways are so mysterious and yet
they're always right.
Years sped on, the babe became lad
with industry endowed,
Willingly he helped his father and sue
cess his efforts crowned.
But when boyhood was over. and he a
man was made,
He worked at this and that, nor ignored
the blacksmith's trade.
Like other men he found it was not good
to be alone,
If | only had a mate he thought, we soon
would have a home.
4 home of our own, How grand seiz-
ed with the inspiration,
He shortly took to himself a rib, her
name was Lydia Lincoln.
Still there was a restless longing to be
doing something good,
For the blessed Master, who had washed
him in His blood,
And he longed to tell the story to those
who lay in sin,
OF his own conversion and how Jesus
took him In.
BY grace Divine he enlisted as soldier
of the Cross,
Fighting to refine the gold and consume
the dross.
He has eomforted the dying and soothed
the sorrowing heart,
And gathered lambs into the fold, that
will never more depart.
He has met with sore temptations and
trials not few;
But Jesus was his captain and safely
led him through.
On lions walls hes stood for eight and
fifty years,
A Sayiour's birth proeaiming, dispelling
doubts aud fears.
During these years, four children were
born, his home to bless,
The sons, they numbered two, the
daughters were no less.
The Youngest son died before to man
hood he had grown
The other three have established homes
OF their own.
But oh there comes a sadness which
cannot be controlled,
As the death of their dear mother, fond
memory doth unfold
How we stood by her open grave as the
sun was sinking in the west
And listened to "home of the SOUL as
they laid her down to rest.
This servant of the Lord was left in SAD
ness and alone,
The golden chain was broken and his
dear wife was gone
To her reward in Heaven where the wea-
ry are at rest,
In those heavenly mansions prepared
for the blest.
Since that sad event, thirteen years have
passed away.
His step is growing feeble and his hair
is silvery grey.
Another helpmeet and companion most
worthy he has chosen
To comfort his declining years as on
ward they hasten.
And when on earth his work is done and
finished all his labor,
Nav he peacefully pass over Jordan's
cold stream to reach the heavenly
harbor
Where he'll hear the swell done thou
faithful servant as he enters the
city of gold
There to dwell with the glorified where
no one grows old.
xvHer rnpSHAN