Page:Home; or, The unlost paradise (IA homeorunlostpara00palm).pdf/9



This poem was conceived and partly executed several years ago; but through the constant pressure of official labors, it has lain uncompleted till a recent date. Perhaps the delay has been no real disadvantage, since special circumstances have of late given fresh interest, and, if possible, enhanced importance to the theme.

The writer has desired to present such a picture of Home as not only may be, but actually has been, substantially realized in instances almost without number. The sketch is supposed to have had its original in New England,—not because such Homes are not now widely found beyond her boundaries, but because, historically, our American Homes there first exhibited their highest moral power and beauty; so that it may be fairly claimed that from her, as its source, has flowed the purest and best social life of our country. The early settlers laid the foundations of society in learning and religion; and it may reasonably be