A home with my darling wife, Along with my children dear, Away from trouble and strife, From sorrow, danger and fear; Let some be gloomy and sad, I shall be happy and free, My wife be joyful and glad, And our children full of glee. No storms shall darken our path, The way is open and straight, Ne’er yield our reason to wrath, But aim for Heaven’s wide gate; ’Twill open and let us in, And the Lord be glad to see, Living in Heaven with Him, My wife and children and me. THANKSGIVING DAY. In this beautiful world, Where love’s flag is unfurled And given free scope to wave and entwine; It does not become man To complain of the plan, Established by a Creator divine. And on Thanksgiving Day While we sing and we pray, And give thanks for the rich stores we possess; Our hearts should open wide, To the poor by our side, And take measures to relieve their distress. For happy is the part, Where there’s love in the heart, To lighten the sorrows of one in need; And peace comes to the breast, When we help the distrest, And, O God, what joy comes from a good deed. PARENTAL ADVICE. Composed for the occasion of the marriage of my daughter, Flora, to Howard C. Beck, June 17th, 1891. Howard and Flora, there’s a beautiful land, Where trees and flowers grow pretty and sweet, Where many kind friends will lend you a hand, And line with pleasure a path for your feet. ’Tis not among stars that twinkle with light, ’Tis not in the moon so cheerless and cold, ’Tis not just beyond great shadows of night, To reach it requires no silver or gold. This beautiful land is easily found, Its gates are open to virtue and worth, Where peace and good will and reason abound, This beautiful land is this lovely earth. If you would enjoy this beautiful land, And crown with glory the days you have spent, Let heart beat to heart and hand join with hand, And travel thru life in peace and content. Your aim should be high, your walk should be straight, Your lives fill with joy your parents and friends, Your record keep bright and honor your state, And tread the true path where happiness tends. Howard, should Flora once chance to go wrong, With kind loving words the stain wash away, When she shows weakness then you should be strong, And quarrels never will darken your way. Flora, should Howard a moment be weak, And stray from the path that leads men above, Don’t hasten to bring a blush to his cheek, But cover his fault with mantles of love.