Getting back to highlighting materials in the "Christmas in Beaufort District Through the Years" display case:
John Greenleaf Whittier wrote "Hymn: Sung at Christmas By The Scholars Of St. Helena's Island, S. C. 1863" at the behest of missionary teacher, Charlotte Forten.
OH, none in all the world before
Were ever glad as we!
We're free on Carolina's shore,
We're all at home and free.
Thou Friend and Helper of the poor,
Who suffered for our sake,
To open every prison door,
And every yoke to break!
Bend low Thy pitying face and mild,
And help us sing and pray;
The hand that blessed the little child,
Upon our foreheads lay.
We hear no more the driver's horn,
No more the whip we fear,
This holy day that saw Thee born
Was never half so dear.
The very oaks are greener clad,
The waters brighter smile;
Oh, never shone a day so glad
On sweet St. Helen's Isle.
We praise Thee in our songs to-day,
To Thee in prayer we call,
Make swift the feet and straight the way
Of freedom unto all.
Come once again, O blessed Lord!
Come walking on the sea!
And let the mainlands hear the word
That sets the islands free!
You can learn more about Whittier by using the "Literature & Language Arts" portion of DISCUS for more general information about his work and his life. (You'll need the user name and password to get access to the DISCUS subscription database from your home or office. All registered borrowers of the Library may access these databases free of charge from their home and office computers. Please request an instruction brochure at your nearest library location.)
Reminder: The Beaufort County Library will be closed Dec. 23rd, Dec. 24th, and Dec. 25th to celebrate Christmas.
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