The aegis & intelligencer. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1864-1923, 1890-12-12
The Egis & Intelligencer
Bel Air. Md, December IL. 1880.
THE PARISH.
versus the Present.

Retrospection Versus the Present.
AT reception given at the rectory of ST. Georges
arish, Perryman. on November 25th. the follow
lg original lines were read by member OF the
aggregation ::
In languid idleness, behold
!. t.George's parish, grave and old,
"Spesutia," solemn thoughts imposed
Her aiSleS untrod her portals closed,
And brought to view, the Rectory lot
Presented but lonely spot.
No face appeared. with sunny smile,
The weary traveller to begulle-
The house was closed, the lawn unkept.
The vines dropped low. as one VINO wept
10 mourn the loss of friends no more
And all a veil of sadness wore,
But bark one April morning bright
Life springs to the neglected site.
The matrons with zeal untold,
And gentle maidens. young ana DID,
Arrived with all the household arms.
Which, showing their domestic charms,
They welded with homely grace
And renovated every place.
And strong man left his avocatlon
To help repair the situation.
A merchant from this little town
Refused not humbly TO kneel down
Upon his knees, and tack and tack,
TIL each neat room did nothing lack,
Till every board in every floor
Was covered as in days of yore.
But after work so low. twas right
TO raise him to a dizzy height.
The end of which is, we are certain,
nat lie KNOWS now 10
And think, doctor tor day.
His books and phySic put away.
And proved, indeed, that he's no novice
In aiding with household office.
Then, those who noticed, even saw
The stern disciple ofthe law
Arrange, unpack and make suggestions.
And straghten over the crooked questions.
Assured no spot had been neglected,
We waited then for the expected.
Twas in the month OF budding May
The Rector came. our hope TO stay
The work renewed diSpelled the gloom.
And opened with the summer bloom.
Like il. whose fragrance fingers still,
Its tender mission to fulfill
Inspires to deeds before unthought
To be in love and kindness wrought
When nature gives her autumn call,
The leaves and flowers responsive fall
But all their nurture feeds the root.
Gives strength TO bear the perfect fruit.
So We. as churchmen here enrolled,
Should at her call our gifts unfold.
She asks but such as we possess,
Our true proportion, more or less;
A single act of mercy done,
a sinner from temptation won,
A little child in kindness led
The path of truth and right to tread;
All ask our present time and powers.
But like the withered leaves and flowers
They will enrich our store of grace,
And fit us for higher place.
Our Rector as our leader stands.
His followers should uphold his hands
And for this end We gather here,
To comfort him and give him cheer.
What is required to make good preaching.
The brain, TO work with eager force,
Must be supported in its course
And it's but anatomical
That organs astronomical,
CThough very proSy we confeSs)
Give great impetus TO success
Granted, their portion due of food
That's nourlshng as well as good.
All we attempt. in word or men,
Must cater to the king Hygiene:
To him we give an earnest call
To WELD his Sceptre over all.
OF these offerings. all unsought,
We each our little 1.-THE have brought.
The turkey from his noisy throat
Sounds forth the true Thanksgiving note
The chicken. with an easy grace,
Aspires but to the second place;
The duck, with unmelodious quack.
In toothSomeneSS win nothing lack
We add the unpretentious ham.
Which to the hungry proves no sham,
And little SundrieS, grain and fruit,
All to their places humbly suit.
And, too the pumpkins yellow cheek
Presents Itself for praises meek.
With some 1t holds place quite high.
Especially the pumpkin-pie,
Should You like this ready made.
Why order on 1.-The Parish Aid"
1t ever waits with willing hands
To satisfy your just demands
For this indeed, 'twould be pity
If we'd not find a taCO committee.
The pumpkin has a stubborn rind.
But be assured that we could find
A youth, who with manly grace
Would swiftly pare it from its place;
And then we'd have maiden shy,
With nimble fingers make the pie.
Too modest to display-but then.
We have them-Our array of men,
And there's no reason to abuse,
For generally they pay their dues.
You've seen our DANES, with zeal confessed,
Give welcome to each coming guest
You've heard our girls, in AIRY notes,
Trilled from their pretty little threats,
And felt their voices sweet impart
New harmony to every heart.
They're gems-not girls of brilliant hue,
But OF sterling merit, too;
With such, you know. we'd sadly part.
But. at a thrust from Cupids dart.
We'd label each-our love cOnfessing,
An nnappropriated blessing
We thank you for the interest proffered.
The entertainment we have offered
To every effort We have made
In working through The Parish Add
Fem.