’Tis thus earth’s hopes, however bright,
Expire and vanish, one by one,
E’en as the shore recedes from sight,
When glides the free bark swiftly on.
Yet the redeemed, with anchor firm,
Time’s swelling billows shall outride,
And far beyond the raging storm
Shall make the port on Canaan’s side.
Oh, may this bright and blissful hope
Fill my poor heart with joy and peace,
Bid me ’mid all life’s storms look up
To yon blest land, where storms shall cease.
And when with life’s last gale I’ve striven,
And all its raging waves have pass’d,
Oh, may I, in the port of heaven,
My anchor Hope securely cast.
[Callander Patterson.]
Callander Patterson was born near Perryville, Cecil county, May 6, 1820. His education was obtained at the common schools of the neighborhood. Many years ago he went to Philadelphia, where he studied dentistry, which he has since practiced in that city. Mr. Patterson commenced writing poetry when quite young, but published nothing until upwards of forty years of age. His poetry—of which he has written much—seems to have been of a religious character.
Owing to causes beyond our control, the following poem is the only one, adapted to this book, that we have been able to obtain.
[God Is Great.]
Our God is great! and to his arm
I’ll trust my destiny;
For what in life or death can harm
The soul that leans on thee?
Thine arm supports the universe,
For by thy might alone
The blazing comets speed their course,
Revolving round thy throne.