THE SOUTH CHURCH. 18.'j 



It numbers seventy millions; 



Its wealth, though new, is vast; 



While on and upward ever 



Its tides are rising fast ; 



The tide of immigration, 



And of nature's swift increase, 



Fresh wealth from seas, mines, prairies, 



New arts of skill and peace ! 



THE PAST. 



Count back five thrilling decades: 



See ! Changes manifold 



Within our city's limits 



Have swiftly been unrolled. 



To tell them fills the volumes 



Of Andrews and of Camp. 



Schools, mansions, churches, factories; 



For hills and farm and swamp, 



One road, a few spare houses. 



The stage-coach, sheep in flocks. 



The loom, dye-tub, and tailoress, 



Plain homes, few bars or locks ! 



Our people all were kinsmen; 



A homogeneous clan; 



Whereas, we now are specimens 



Of heterogeneous man. 



The soul was then New England's, 



Devout, hard-working, staimch; 



But now is cosmopolitan, 



From many a foreign branch. 



The Puritans ! brave settlers ! 

 And their sons who kept the faith ! 

 Embodying Christian virtues 

 That conquer sin and death; 

 May we emulate their manhood. 

 And love the path they trod, 

 Devoting their best talents 

 To an humble walk with God; 

 Till at last we join our loved ones, 

 When Jesus speaks the word, 

 And in bliss with them mherit 

 The fullness of the Lord ! 



