Page:Oregon Historical Quarterly volume 25.djvu/110

92 the Circuit Rider to the statesmen who tread these capitol grounds, and the students who throng the halls of learning across this highway. It is most fitting that this noble statue should be erected by filial love and in testimony of the worth of those who did so much to shape the moral and religious life of this frontier commonwealth. Looking upon this monument, children and children's children will swell with pride as they remember how the Circuit Rider lived and died; and they will vow to walk themselves the shining way. This monument will teach children's children to reverence the dust sleeping in sacred plots sweet with the odor of wild flowers and under the shadows of the sanctuaries built by the heroes here commemorated.

Amzi Smith, a New Jersey pastor, served fifty-three years in little country charges. The son of another preacher paid tribute to his memory in words that might be written of many a Circuit Rider:

"Six hundred dollars was the most he earned

In any year, so far as I am aware;

For two and forty years he lived on that,

Or less. Riches unsearchable he preached,

And drew his pittance for his household needs.

And yet he seemed to think it was enough.

I do not know that ever he complained.

Perhaps it was enough, for he was fed

And clothed. His wife, the boys and girls, the horse,

All had enough. He had his work to do,

And did it faithfully, as unto God.

And where he labored hungry hearts were blest,

Sinners became good men. The village smiled

Where Amzi Smith abode.

As God blessed Obed-Edom and his house

The while the ark was there, so did He bless

The towns and fields and hamlets where this man

Dwelt, with God's glory in his humble soul.

O God, let not that race of giants die;