And their phrases, though all Not deficient in points, A grammarian would call Rather weak in the joints; And the aspirate sound Was adroitly misused, And The Language all round, Was assaulted and bruised; While the tunes that they sung In bewildering throngs, Had been married, when young, To hilarious songs; And the folks in that place, Who this loud racket made, Were not bounded by race Or condition or shade. * * * * * Now I love my own meeting, My own cosy pew, While mentally greeting Friends quietly true; And the Gospel dispensed With a dignified grace, Born of reason clear-sensed And a faith firm of place. I love the trained voices That float down the aisles, Till the whole church rejoices With God's sweetest smiles. Have no sneer understood For the rest, when I say I had rather get good In a civilized way. So this meeting had grated Somewhat on my heart, And ere long I had waited, I thought to depart. But a young man arose, Looking sin-drenched and grim, As if rain-storms of woes Had descended on him; No such face you'd discern In a leisurely search, If you took a chance turn Through a civilized church; But his words, though not choice, To my feelings came nigh; There was growth in his voice, There was hope in his eye. And he said, "I'm a lad With a life full of blame; Every step has been bad, Every hour was a shame. And for drink I would pawn All within my control, From the clothes I had on, To my heart and my soul. I have drank the foul stuff In my parents' hot tears; I have done crime enough For a hundred black years; But I came to this place For the help that I craved; I have seen Jesus's face, And I know I am saved." Then a man rose to view, When this youngster was done, And he said, "This is true; That young man is my son. He was drunk every day, And such terror would make, That I spurned him away From my house, like a snake. We have suffered the worst That can come from heart-fears; He is sober the first I have seen him for years. I am full of such joy As I never yet knew; And now, Robert, my boy, Home is open to you!