A CHRISTMAS OFFERING: BY MRS. ELIZABETH DIMOND, OF BRISTOL, R. I. PROVIDENCE: PRINTED BY KNOWLES AND VOSE. 1847. MRS. SMITH, PROVIDENCE, R. I. DEAR FRIEND: You may be surprised to hear that your old friend, in her eighty-fourth year, while musing upon God’s mercy and wisdom, has brought forth this little poem on Creation; which, together with others, permit me to inscribe to you, wishing you a prolongation of the prosperity and happiness you enjoy. I am yours, &c. ELIZABETH DIMOND. BRISTOL, R. I., Dec. 18, 1847. [Illustration] A CHRISTMAS OFFERING. THOUGHTS ON CREATION. Says the watchman, “And what of the night? It often brings seasons of sorrow, When dark and beclouded with sin; But ah! it may sweeten to-morrow, If a ray of God’s favor breaks in. How dark and how gloomy was Chaos; But God by his own matchless plan, Call’d this beautiful world from its darkness, And did safe on its axle-tree hang! And Jesus, our Savior, was present, For his was the word of command; He spangled those orbs in their greatness, For good and for glory to man.” The angels in wonder stood gazing, Till Sol darts his beams to their view; “What is there in the East that is blazing-- That pearls all the drops of the dew?” “’Tis the Sun,” Great Messiah then answered, “’Tis the Sun,” say the angels, “’tis true; From thee it beams glory and greatness, And bears up thy own title too.”