A pointing finger to none other shown, A secret whisper to none other known, Bade =ARTHUR HOWELL= hasten on his way, Where a secluded country grave-yard lay. A few sad mourners stood beside a grave, Where "dust to dust" a solemn language gave. Soon from his lips burst forth the ardent strain-- "I know not who this coffin may contain, "But my good Master, in whose power I came, "Now bids me clear from wrong an injured name. "She who now rests within this narrow bed, "By slander wounded bowed her sorrowing head; "Accused of that, in which she had no part, "She died in innocence--a broken heart!" --As from a stranger came these words, a thrill Of secret, wondering joy, the mourners fill; For she who died, told, as approached her end, That God a witness to her grave would send, Who to her innocence should boldly bear, A clear, convincing testimony there. And He whose ways are wrapt in mystery still, Blindfold his servant led to do his will! --Oft to the grave this servant of the Lord, Was sent to preach the everlasting Word; To rouse the thoughtless from delusion's dream, Memento mori was his frequent theme. When Pestilence her raven wing outspread, When terror swept the living from the dead,-- When love's own ties were severed in affright, And duty's call had lost its wonted might,-- =OFFLEY= and others, a devoted band, Before the march of terror took their stand. They nobly dared in that dark hour to make Themselves an offering for the people's sake. He was accepted! Great the church's loss, She mourned a faithful champion of the cross, Gathered at mid-day--soon the race was won,-- Long e'er the evening shades his labour done! --Two of the worthies linger of that day-- =LETCHWORTH= and =WISTAR=--hastening fast away. Shrewd, witty, eloquent,--with ample store Of all that schools could give of classic lore, Sarcastic powers opposing views to chill, When such the purpose of his subtle will,-- A learned lawyer, =NICHOLAS WALN= could sway, A jury's feelings in his youthful day; But soon, like Paul, when the unseen One spoke, Humble he bowed and bore the Christian yoke; Gamaliel's lessons ceasing to repeat, He lay a learner at the Saviour's feet. Simple of heart, and of a feeble frame, Feeling unworthy even Christ to name, Yet raised by Him of living hopes to tell, And show his power,--himself a miracle,-- =JAMES SIMPSON=, like his Lord, from things around, Fit subjects for important lessons found; A cloud o'erspreading, or a bird on wing, Would to the theme in hand instruction bring. Filled by his Master wonderously he shone, His emptied vessel scarce could stand alone!