Page:What cheer, or, Roger Williams in banishment (1896).pdf/169

 XLVI.

"My purchase feigned!" our Founder quickly cried— "God made that Pagan, and to Him He gave Breath of this air, drink from yon crystal tide, Food from these forest lawns and yonder wave: Yea, He ordained this region, far and wide,  To be his home in life, in death his grave. Is thy claim better? Canst thou trace thy right From one superior to the God of might?"

XLVII.

The Elder answered: "Thinkest thou this land For demons foul and their red votaries made? Did not Jehovah, with his own right hand,  Tempest for Israel when the Heathen fled? Does Plymouth's Church less in his favor stand?  Or spares he devils for the savage red? As to our title, then, we trace it thus: God gave James Stuart this, and James gave us."

XLVIII.

"God gave James Stuart this!" our Founder cried, Up-starting from his seat as he began, "God gave James Stuart this!"—a choking tide Of kindling feeling through his bosom ran, To which his better part free speech denied, Since all the Christian strove against the man, And strove not all in vain;—yet, bursting forth, His soul came big with grief that stifled half her wrath.

XLIX.

"God gave James Stuart this!—I marvel when! Fain would I see the deed Omniscience wrote; Elder! there are commandments counting ten,  Which Great Jehovah upon Sinai taught;