CHAPTER III. HIS RETURN TO HUDSON, AND THE PUBLICATION OF HIS FIRST VOLUME OF POEMS. My brother left Berlin and returned to Hudson in October, 1810. The improvement of his mind, and a speedy preparation for the ministry, are the objects before him. December 9th, we find him entering the Hudson Academy as a pupil under the direction of Mr. Ashbel Strong, a very competent classical teacher. He was there occupied until the 24th of August, 1811, if not longer. At the same time he was constrained to engage in the business of the world, in order to defray the expenses of his education. On the 11th of May he received a power of attorney from aunt Mann, the administratrix of Dr. John M. Mann, for the purpose of attending to the settlement of the estate in her behalf. Previous to this, he assisted her in the collections. Besides attending to these various concerns, he must at this time have been very much occupied in the exercise of his poetical talent. In the fall of this year, he presents to the public, a volume of poems of one hundred and eighty pages, under the signature of Osander. His motives and feelings, and the peculiar circumstances of his case, are displayed in the dedication, the recommendations, and the preface attached to this volume. The title of the volume is "Miscellaneous Poems, on Moral and Religious Subjects. By Osander. Religion as it is, I'd show, Mild as the zephyrs of a morning sky, E Sweet as the breathings of an April air, Hudson, 1811." It is dedicated "To the Rev. Samuel Blatchford, D. D.” "Rev. and respected Sir, "When a youth just entering into life experiences the disinterested kindness of an amiable and respectable friend, how can his heart but glow with gratitude. Such a youth am I, Sir; and the urbanity of your conduct towards me, joined to the solicitude by you expressed for my welfare, has caused impressions never to be eradicated. As a small expression of my feelings, permit me, Sir, thus publicly to dedicate to you my thanks, together with this little volume: which, however it may fail in intrinsic merit, is certainly not wanting in good intention. With filial reverence I am, Sir, Yours, &c. OSANDER. "Hudson, (N. Y.) November 10th, 1811." "The young gentleman, who, under the name of Osander, proposes to publish a volume of Poems, has presented to us such papers as are satisfactory concerning his character. His design is to acquire, from this publication, such pecuniary assistance, as will enable him to prosecute his studies with a view to the gospel ministry. Believing that the profits arising from this publication will be sacredly appropriated to the above object, we cordially recommend him to public notice." SAMUEL MILLER, New York, August 16th, 1811. "Having had the pleasure of perusing several of the Poems which compose this little volume, and my opinion concerning them being solicited, I do not hesitate in characterizing them as possessed of considerable merit. If the author's muse be young, it well deserves encouragement. "The motive which has induced Osander to this undertaking, is, in itself, interesting, and the public will have an opportunity of aiding in the accomplishment of a purpose which has for its prospect the promotion of piety, and the service of the church. SAMUEL BLATCHFORD. "Lansingburg, July 26th, 1811." The author's Preface I also annex.-" The eye of criticism will, unquestionably, discover errors; but, to a juvenile work, it is hoped charity will be extended. Peculiarity of situation, is all that drives the author into the ordeal of public opinion at so early an age." He was 22 years of age when this work was published. The spirit of pure benevolence and ardent piety is breathed in these pages; and though much of the elegance of poetry may not be discovered, yet we meet with a display which is still more attractive, even the unfoldings of that youthful mind, which evidently has loosed from earth the grasp of fond desire,' and whose full soul pants for immortal blesssedness. We present a few extracts. The following is an extract from a piece entitled 66 SIN FORGIVEN." "Sweet are the visions of the eve, That float in fancy's eye; And sweet the hour when troubles leave, When dark afflictions fly." "But sweeter still the joy that flows From sin forgot, forgiven, Yes, sweet the peace the sinner knows, Whose hopes are raised to heaven." "Oh, may the lot of him be mine, 66 THE CHRISTIAN AFFLICTED." "God, on high, beholds the pious man; And smiles upon him Then with strength his own Hastens to rescue-sudden the billows cease, And looking upward, sees its God its friend." Under the title, "The Path of Virtue, or the Virtuous Clergyman," he has the following as the first line"This is the peaceful path I love." "COMFORT.' "But is there nought to cheer the sight? No star to gild the gloom? May not some blessing, beaming bright, Illume beyond the tomb?" "Ah yes, there is a treasure dear, Which mortals may obtain, A joy to dry the falling tear, "Religion lights our scanty day And gilds beyond the tomb: 'Tis this which cheers the dark'ning way, And shines thro' years to come." "From Heaven she came her father, God A balm for wo she bears— She points the way a Saviour trod, And drives afar our fears." Respecting the judgment day, he observes," Man's feeble pen may sketch, and sketch in vain-it is for the day itself to disclose its terrors-and, (thanks to our Redeemer,) its joys." The following is an extract, which we give, on account of the sentiment. 66 PRAISE THE LORD. "Jehovah reigns, let Heaven rejoice, "He look'd-dark chaos gather'd form! "Thro' all immensity he moves, But chiefly marks the home he loves, The humble, contrite heart." He occupies a number of pages in warm commendation of that noblest of all Associations, the "Bible Society." In describing the influence of a copy of the Holy Scriptures on the wretched inmate of a dungeon, he observes, "He clasps it to his bosom ! Hopes anew! And I will praise thee! Oh I will praise for ever!" He thus closes the piece. "Oh thou who heard when Abraham call'd, and who Grant me this prayer! May thy rich grace, like dew of heav'n descend, |