Page:The Granite Monthly Volume 10.djvu/38

 28 The Old North Church of Concord.

They had no corporations then to fear,

And no hand-organs rasping on the ear.

They lived on venison and salmon-tront,

And on the whole knew what they were about.

In fact, our friends, the aborigines.

Of trouble borrowed none, and lived at ease, —

Indeed had no one but themselves to please.

Into this Indian paradise there came A white man from the south in search of game : 'Twas Ebenezer Eastman, known to fame. This Ebenezer was of great renown, And claimed as pioneer in many a town. Behind him came the Walkers, Bradleys, too. The Ballards, Farnums, Abbotts, Smiths a few. The Kimballs. Chandlers, Holts, — good men and true. With Christian zeal their manly hearts were warmed : Here in the wilderness a church they formed. They laid out present Main street, straight and wide, And built a meeting-house close by its side ; Divided land in lots of equal size. And in their ways were circumspect and wise.

When they had finished preparations all. The Reverend Timothy Walker had a call To settle as their pastor in the fall. For over fifty years he led his flock — In times of peace and in the fearful shock Of Indian wars brou^lit on by foreio-n hate, When many settlers met their frightful fate. He served them faithfully until the end, A As pastor, justice, counsellor, and friend.

For them his house was made into a fort ; For justice pleaded in a foreign court ; He faced the storms upon the ocean's breast; His life he gave to labor — not to rest. No doubt he had his hair done in a queue, Wore silver buckles and knee-breeches too. We think he could distinguisli right from wrong ; We know his cane was nearly five feet long. We think he rather liked his joke and fun ; We know that he could handle sword or gun. He christened children, funeral sermons preached, Joined man and maid when proper age was reached ; Attended to his duties, great and least.

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