"Thus viewing the medium of vengence so clearly,
The man with the scourge is alarmed for the first,
Or they might have finished their lives very nearly,—
That noble young woman prevented the worst.

"Wherever this gospel is preached to the nations,
The act a memorial shall be to her name,*
While warriors, and heroes, and men of high station
To shades of oblivion descend with their fame.

"She told me her story with tears and deep feeling,
When I was a youth,—I remember it well,—
A moral impression indelibly sealing,

Which should in the cause of humanity tell.

"Nor would I suppress the unbidden reflection,
That woman, in various relations to man,
Has given to kingdoms and nations protection,
But no missionary, until Mother Ann.

"But was she the first?' with surprise you enquire,— 'Of honorable women there were not a few,

Will history tell of no female Messiah,

Until Mother Ann, neither Gentile or Jew?

"Not one who adventures to cross the dark ocean,
The Gospel to carry to some distant clime?'
Nay, none! till our Mother, who showed a devotion
Which millions will honor in all coming time.

"But now to return to our sister's narration,

With which, at the time, I was deeply impressed;
The heart is unfeeling, and void of sensation,
Which does not discern that she truly was blessed.

"Well might she rejoice at dispersing the riot,

From God's holy servants averting the blows; 'Twas her happy mission the tumult to quiet, And give to her dearest companions repose.

"They kneel in the valley without wrath or doubting,
And fervently pray for their enemies there;
Then lift holy hands, with angelic shouting,

Their sweet consolation serenely declare.

"At the close of this day of severe persecution,
(A day and a night their life in the deep,)

They gather together at this institution,

Recounting the deeds at which angels might weep.

*Bethiah Prescott Willard.

66

Says Mother, 'Well, James, you were cruelly treated,
But you must forgive them who did you the wrong.'
'Forgive them, my God,' was the prayer he repeated,
When Mother resumed her melodious song.

"All join in the chorus for praise and protection,
To Mother extended on that fearful night;
What spirit could give this pacific direction

To hearts thus oppressed without justice or right?

"Not one single murmur, or thought of resentment,
But perfect forgiveness their voices employ,
And in this retreat of celestial contentment
They join the sweet music with angelic joy.

"The story as told us is so evidential

Of Christ and his gospel, we're not at a loss,
In all we discover the one thing essential,—

The power of salvation, the power of the cross."

ADDENDUM.

On pages 70-75 of this history the reader may find an account of a legacy in the will of Leonard M. Parker, for a school fund, with conditions annexed. This fund, according to the implied request of the donor, was placed in the hands of Dr. James O. Parker, as treasurer, by the trustees of the fund.

Dr. Parker assumed his trust July 12, 1856, and was continued in the office until 1872, when, on account of suspicions on the part of the town and the trustees, his name was dropped and another appointed in his place. At the time of this change the funds had amounted to $8,151.52. Of this sum Dr. Parker paid to his successor in the office of treasurer, at the commencement of the fiscal year, June 30, 1873, the sum of $3,654.67, retaining in his own hand the balance, $4,496.85, which he promised soon to remit. This promise, though often repeated, was never fulfilled. Frequent calls and demands were made by the treasurer upon the ex-treasurer, for

the money, but without avail. At length, weary of waiting, the town appointed a committee to collect, if possible, that portion of the funds remaining in the hands of Dr. Parker,-if need be, by a suit at law. This sum had amounted, June 30, 1882, to $7,597.27. But after a painful litigation of several years, it has been decided, since the pages of this history have been printing, that the loss can never be recovered, owing to the poverty of the defaulting treasurer.

The costs of litigation, which must be paid from the residue of the funds, have been found so great that little can be left to carry out the plans of the donor. The town has, therefore, entered into a compromise with the residuary legatees of the estate of Hon. L. M. Parker, by which the remnant of the funds may be devoted to any legitimate town purposes.

Thus, through the default of his kinsman, in whom he confided above all others, the noble purpose of Mr. Parker has been defeated, and the town deprived of a lasting good to coming generations.