Our hearts beat upward, and our feelings move In homeward currents up to those we love, Where uncorrupted nature's beauties glow-- Where life's pure streams from endless fountains flow. And there the sixth, the spirit sense will lead, If to its dictates we give earnest heed; And its refining process will prepare Us for a full and free reception there; And _there_ we'll talk of nationality With the celestials of eternity. ADDRESS TO PARENTS. Written For, And Read Before A Polysophical Assembly In L. Snow's Hall, In The Winter Of 1854-5. With much respect, fathers and mothers too, The muse, this evening, humbly unto you, In Zion's name, would proffer an appeal Upon a theme involving Zion's weal. As Zion's welfare is our mutual aim, And our united interest I will claim, Not the indulgence of the listening ear, Nor flattering plaudits sycophants would hear, But your attention--thoughtful, calm and grave-- Your sober judgment earnestly I crave. You all are stewards of what you possess, And may abuse, or use in righteousness; And thus the children you most dearly love, Either a blessing or a curse may prove. The infant mind is like an empty cell, Where good and evil find a place to dwell; And may, by culture, be enlarged and filled, And truth and error, one or both, instilled. Let healthy, vigorous limbs inactive lie, How soon they wither, and how soon they die. And without exercise, the mental powers, Weak, unsupplied with proper, useful stores, Will not attain to their diplomaed worth, Nor shed their own inherent lustre forth. We cannot powers and faculties create, But 'tis our province both to cultivate; And while life's busy scenes are hurrying through, The most important is the _first_ to do. You want your sons prepared to carry on The work you have commenced, when you are gone; In high important offices to act-- As Zion's judges, business to transact, In things momentous, for all Israel's sake, With the salvation of the world at stake. Inspire their hearts to earnestly pursue Improvement; and inspire your daughters too. Prompt both to mental labor, while the mind, Like pliant boughs, is easily inclined; While they with readiness and pleasure take Impressions which the sculptor's chisels make. Your sons, as heralds, soon may go abroad, To face the world and teach the truths of God; The wise, the erudite of earth to meet, Knowledge with knowledge, mind with mind compete; All their attainments criticised and tried Before tribunals of ungodly pride, Where no apologies will be received, And no mistakes and errors be retrieved.