Poetical works of Asa S. Boyd; together with an allegory of The journey of life ...

Front matter

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UNI'^D STATES OF AMERICA.

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Preface

The contents of this volume were written under various circumstances, and at various times and places; running through a period of over twenty-live years. Some were written beneath bright skies, and some beneath lowering clouds; some in seasons of sorrow, and some in hours of rejoicing; some in tears of grief, and some in tears of gladness; some in the quiet grove — fanned by heaven's zephyrs — and some in the crowded city — amid the jostling throng; some in the balmy morn, some at sultry noon, some in the shades of evening, and others in the lone midnight hour, and others, even at the advent of the morning star ! Some were written when the author was but a boy, and others amid the cares of busy manhood; and all, I trust, under the shadow of the wings of the '• Son of Righteousness; " softened by the dews of Hermon, dripping from the olive branch of peace — nourished by the "Root and the offspring of David."

The most of the poems were written for the comfort, encouragement or amusement of myself, family and friends, without any thought of ever having them published, or seen outside of the circle of my friends.

Some of them have appeared in newspapers from time to time ; and many requests have been made of the author to have them published in book form. An appreciation of their merits has been frequently expressed by many — convincing the author that it is his duty to offer them to the world, which he now does, hoping his "labor will not be lost; and that the sower and reaper may rejoice together.

The writer will feel well repaid if he can lift the weight from any burdened heart, and bring to view the bright side of the pictures in the darkened chambers and hallways of life, and lead any who are longing for light and liberty, love and peace, in smooth and pleasant paths, to higher plains and holier.

On the latter pages of the book there will be found some selections from the writings of J. Henry Boyd, a deceased brother of

The Author.

CONTENTS. |lr

PAGE.

"Let Your Light Shine Before Men "

Criticism ------

Have We No Work To Do ?

Hope and Caution . _ _ .

Friends - - - ^ .

"Arise, and Let Us Go Hence " -

The Good Shepherd - . . -

Christmas - - - - .

"Jesus of Nazareth Passeth By"

Why We Praise The Lord -

I Will Eeturn - - - - -

"Meet Me in the Morning, Mama "

Speak Kindly - - - . -

Life - - - -

Be Not Dismayed - ^ - .

Song of the Morning - - .

The Cup and Saucer _ - - -

The Water of Life - - - -

Beauty ------

Welcome to 1884 ... -

An Acrostic (My Granddaughter)

In Blessing We Are Blest - - -

Ills and Aids - - . .

Let In The Light ... -