Howdy, Our conclusion, Part 2 - "A Father's Advice to His Son, Leaving His Home for California" by Rev. John D. GARDINER(died September 13, 1849) "When Fascination spreads her charms But to allure, betray, destroy, Think then a father's faithful arms Are thrown around his wandering boy. So keep him from the fatal snare, Sprung to entrap his youthful feet, And lead his heedless footsteps where Pale ruin holds its gloomy seat. What pangs must rend thy father's soul, To find his consels all are crossed, Are set at naught, without control, And his beloved son is lost. Oh! think what mouning, anguish, grief, Would bathe thy kindred all in tears, That one dear youth in life so brief Should cloud in night their future years. Should those bright hopes that gild thy sky, And cast their spendors on the west, Fade on thy sight, grow dim and die And heart sink down with gloom oppressed. Should sickness chain thee to thy bed In California's distant land, No brother there to hold thy head Nor sister take thy trembling hand, Trust then, my son, that Guardian Power Whose eye beholds the sparrow's fall, He'll watch thee in that lonely hour, Whose gracious care is o'er us all. Then, if beneath the evening star, Beside the great Pacific's wave Thou find'st an early tomb afar, His grace will there thy spirit save. Or, if upon thy safe return Thou find'st no more thy father here, Pay one sad visit to his urn, Drop on his dust one filial tear. May God's rich blessings on thy head, Descend in showers of heavenly grace And keep you safe where e'er you tread As we here end this fond embrace. So live, my son, while here you stand On Time's bleak ever-changing shore, That we may reach that better land Where sons and fathers part no more.": NOTE: The elder GARDINER died on September 13, 1849. Have a nice day:-)), Bob Norris in Dallas <BNorris166aol.com>