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Excerpt from Traits of the Aborigines of America (1822)
- University of Nebraska Press
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157 Excerpt from Traits of the Aborigines of America (1822) Lydia Sigourney Amid the group Of thy new gathered family, is one, Whose humble aspect and mild eye reveal That in her heart the Spirit of God hath wrought A holy work. With gentlest hand she leads Those younger than herself, repeating oft, “How good, how merciful is He who took Us from our low estate.” Patient she strives By prayers, and by instructions, to arouse Reflection in the hearts of those she styles Her wretched people. Modest, tender, kind, Her words and actions; every vain desire Is laid obedient at the feet of Christ. And now no more the gaiety she seeks Of proud apparel; ornaments of gold She gladly barters for the plain attire Of meek and lowly spirits. Catharine, hail! Our sister in the faith! Can those who love The image of their Saviour, lightly prize His lineaments in thee? How beautiful Is undefiled Religion, mild enthroned 158 Nineteenth-Century Representations Upon the brow of youth. Its touch dispels All dissonance of feature, every shade Which darkens this dull clay, each narrow line Of cold division, and with Truth’s clear beam Reveals the graces of the pure in heart, Who shall see God. ...