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diff --git a/old/52865-h/52865-h.htm b/old/52865-h/52865-h.htm deleted file mode 100644 index de51db5..0000000 --- a/old/52865-h/52865-h.htm +++ /dev/null @@ -1,4222 +0,0 @@ -<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" - "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd"> -<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en"> - <head> - <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=utf-8" /> - <meta http-equiv="Content-Style-Type" content="text/css" /> - <title> - The Project Gutenberg eBook of Home Poems, by Kate Louise Wheeler. - </title> - <link rel="coverpage" href="images/cover.jpg" /> - <style type="text/css"> - -body { - margin-left: 10%; - margin-right: 10%; -} - - h1,h2 { - text-align: center; - clear: both; -} - -h1 {page-break-before: always; } -h2 {page-break-before: avoid;} - -p { margin-top: .51em; text-align: justify; text-indent: 1.5em; margin-bottom: .49em; } -p.indent { text-indent: 1.5em;} -p.f90 { font-size: 90%; text-align: center; text-indent: 0em; } -p.f120 { font-size: 120%; text-align: center; text-indent: 0em; } -p.f150 { font-size: 150%; text-align: center; text-indent: 0em; } - -.space-above1 { margin-top: 1em; } -.space-above3 { margin-top: 3em; } - -.space-below1 { margin-bottom: 1em; } - -hr.r5 {width: 5%; margin-top: 1em; margin-bottom: 1em; - margin-left: 47.5%; margin-right: 47.5%; } -hr.chap {width: 65%; margin-left: 17.5%; margin-right: 17.5%; } -hr.full {width: 95%; margin-left: 2.5%; margin-right: 2.5%; } - -table { - margin-left: auto; - margin-right: auto; -} - - .tdl {text-align: left;} - .tdr {text-align: right;} - -.pagenum { - /* visibility: hidden; */ - position: absolute; - left: 92%; - font-size: smaller; - text-align: right; -} - -.bbox {border: solid 2px;} - -.center {text-align: center; - text-indent: 0; } - -.smcap {font-variant: small-caps;} -.u {text-decoration: underline;} - -.poetry-container { text-align: center; } - -.poem { - display: inline-block; - text-align: left; } - -.poem .stanza {margin: 1em 0em 1em 0em;} - - .poem span.i0 {display: block; margin-left: 0em; padding-left: 3em; text-indent: -3em;} - .poem span.i1 {display: block; margin-left: 0.5em; padding-left: 3em; text-indent: -3em;} - .poem span.i2 {display: block; margin-left: 1em; padding-left: 3em; text-indent: -3em;} - .poem span.i3 {display: block; margin-left: 1.5em; padding-left: 3em; text-indent: -3em;} - .poem span.i4 {display: block; margin-left: 2em; padding-left: 3em; text-indent: -3em;} - .poem span.i6 {display: block; margin-left: 3em; padding-left: 3em; text-indent: -3em;} - .poem span.i22 {display: block; margin-left: 11em; padding-left: 3em; text-indent: -3em;} - -.transnote {background-color: #E6E6FA; - color: black; - font-size:smaller; - padding:0.5em; - margin-bottom:5em; - font-family:sans-serif, serif; } - - </style> - </head> -<body> - - -<pre> - -The Project Gutenberg EBook of Home Poems, by Kate Louise Wheeler - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most -other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of -the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - - - -Title: Home Poems - -Author: Kate Louise Wheeler - -Release Date: August 21, 2016 [EBook #52865] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK HOME POEMS *** - - - - -Produced by Larry B. Harrison, Paul Marshall and the Online -Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This -file was produced from images generously made available -by The Internet Archive) - - - - - - -</pre> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_i" id="Page_i">[Pg i]</a></span></p> - -<h1>HOME POEMS,</h1> -<p class="f90"><b>— BY —</b></p> -<p class="f120"><b><span class="smcap">Kate Louise Wheeler</span>.</b></p> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_ii" id="Page_ii">[Pg ii]</a></span></p> - -<p class="center space-above3"><b>Copyright 1897,<br /><span class="smcap">By Kate Louise Wheeler</span></b><br /> -All Rights Reserved.</p> - -<p class="center space-above3"><b>TELEGRAPH PUBLISHING CO.<br />NASHUA, N. H.</b></p> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_iii" id="Page_iii">[Pg iii]</a></span></p> - -<p class="center space-above3"><b>AUTHOR’S PREFACE.</b></p> -<hr class="r5" /> - -<div class="poetry-container"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i6">I am a New Hampshire girl. I have written</span> -<span class="i4">these poems in the interests of Christian Endeavor.</span> -<span class="i4">My friends are so much pleased with them that I</span> -<span class="i4">have had them published for our mutual benefit.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i22"><span class="smcap">Kate Louise Wheeler.</span></span> -</div></div></div> - -<p class="center space-above3">To<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_iv" id="Page_iv">[Pg iv]</a></span></p> -<p class="f120"><b>MY BELOVED MOTHER</b></p> -<p class="f90"><span class="smcap">These Verses are Inscribed</span>,</p> - -<p class="center space-above1">BY<br />KATE L. WHEELER.</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">“Thou’lt ne’er be poor nor quite alone,</span> -<span class="i1">Whilst thou a mother call’st thine own.”</span> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_v" id="Page_v">[Pg v]</a></span> -</div></div></div> -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p class="f150 u space-above3"><b>CONTENTS.</b></p> - -<table border="0" cellspacing="2" summary="Table of Contents." cellpadding="2"> - <tbody><tr> - <td class="tdl">The Old Granite State,</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_1"> 1</a></td> - </tr><tr> - <td class="tdl">Thy Place,</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_2"> 2</a></td> - </tr><tr> - <td class="tdl">Constancy,</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_3"> 3</a></td> - </tr><tr> - <td class="tdl">Fairest Days,</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_4"> 4</a></td> - </tr><tr> - <td class="tdl">My Petition,</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_5"> 5</a></td> - </tr><tr> - <td class="tdl">Imperishable Melodies,</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_6"> 6</a></td> - </tr><tr> - <td class="tdl">Mother,</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_7"> 7</a></td> - </tr><tr> - <td class="tdl">Hidden Treasures,</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_9"> 9</a></td> - </tr><tr> - <td class="tdl">In Life and Death,</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_10">10</a></td> - </tr><tr> - <td class="tdl">Progress,</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_11">11</a></td> - </tr><tr> - <td class="tdl">Only a Little Fellow,</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_12">12</a></td> - </tr><tr> - <td class="tdl">Under the Pines,</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_14">14</a></td> - </tr><tr> - <td class="tdl">Prayer,</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_15">15</a></td> - </tr><tr> - <td class="tdl">Our Baby,</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_17">17</a></td> - </tr><tr> - <td class="tdl">A Halo,</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_18">18</a></td> - </tr><tr> - <td class="tdl">The Deserted Farm,</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_19">19</a></td> - </tr><tr> - <td class="tdl">Seed Thoughts,</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_22">22</a></td> - </tr><tr> - <td class="tdl">School,</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_23">23</a></td> - </tr><tr> - <td class="tdl">The Graces,</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_25">25</a></td> - </tr><tr> - <td class="tdl">Sunshine,</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_26">26</a></td> - </tr><tr> - <td class="tdl">“What Shall It Profit?”</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_27">27</a></td> - </tr><tr> - <td class="tdl">What He Said,</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_29">29</a></td> - </tr><tr> - <td class="tdl">Home Lights,</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_30">30</a></td> - </tr><tr> - <td class="tdl">Clouds and Comfort,</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_33">33</a></td> - </tr><tr> - <td class="tdl">Action,</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_34">34</a></td> - </tr><tr> - <td class="tdl">“For You I am Praying,”</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_35">35</a></td> - </tr><tr> - <td class="tdl">Sincerity,</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_36">36</a></td> - </tr><tr> - <td class="tdl">The Veiled Future,</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_37">37</a></td> - </tr><tr> - <td class="tdl">Labor of Love,</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_39">39</a></td> - </tr><tr> - <td class="tdl">Do Your Best,</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_40">40</a></td> - </tr><tr> - <td class="tdl">Immortality,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_vi" id="Page_vi">[Pg vi]</a></span></td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_41">41</a></td> - </tr><tr> - <td class="tdl">In the Hall,</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_42">42</a></td> - </tr><tr> - <td class="tdl">At Night,</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_43">43</a></td> - </tr><tr> - <td class="tdl">Only,</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_44">44</a></td> - </tr><tr> - <td class="tdl">The Holy Dream,</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_45">45</a></td> - </tr><tr> - <td class="tdl">Harmony and Heaven,</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_48">48</a></td> - </tr><tr> - <td class="tdl">The Dandelion,</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_49">49</a></td> - </tr><tr> - <td class="tdl">Lives and Leaves,</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_50">50</a></td> - </tr><tr> - <td class="tdl">To-Day,</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_51">51</a></td> - </tr><tr> - <td class="tdl">Darkness and Daylight,</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_53">53</a></td> - </tr><tr> - <td class="tdl">Within the Gates,</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_54">54</a></td> - </tr><tr> - <td class="tdl">Over-Sight,</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_55">55</a></td> - </tr><tr> - <td class="tdl">Going Home,</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_56">56</a></td> - </tr><tr> - <td class="tdl">The Gardener,</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_58">58</a></td> - </tr><tr> - <td class="tdl">At York,</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_59">59</a></td> - </tr><tr> - <td class="tdl">Peace,</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_61">61</a></td> - </tr><tr> - <td class="tdl">She Sleeps,</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_62">62</a></td> - </tr><tr> - <td class="tdl">Affluence,</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_65">65</a></td> - </tr><tr> - <td class="tdl">Christ Divine,</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_66">66</a></td> - </tr><tr> - <td class="tdl">In After Years,</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_67">67</a></td> - </tr><tr> - <td class="tdl">Faith,</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_69">69</a></td> - </tr><tr> - <td class="tdl">United Effort,</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_70">70</a></td> - </tr><tr> - <td class="tdl">My Soul,</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_71">71</a></td> - </tr><tr> - <td class="tdl">The Text,</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_72">72</a></td> - </tr><tr> - <td class="tdl">Ethel, [In Memoriam],</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_73">73</a></td> - </tr><tr> - <td class="tdl">Love’s Roses,</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_75">75</a></td> - </tr><tr> - <td class="tdl">Influence,</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_76">76</a></td> - </tr><tr> - <td class="tdl">Lift Up Thy Heart,</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_78">78</a></td> - </tr><tr> - <td class="tdl">Two Paths,</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_79">79</a></td> - </tr><tr> - <td class="tdl">Steadfastness,</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_81">81</a></td> - </tr><tr> - <td class="tdl">Volume One,</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_82">82</a></td> - </tr><tr> - <td class="tdl">Happiness-Killers,</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_83">83</a></td> - </tr><tr> - <td class="tdl">Recompense,</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_85">85</a></td> - </tr><tr> - <td class="tdl">Why?</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_86">86</a></td> - </tr><tr> - <td class="tdl">Class Ode—1885,</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_88">88</a></td> - </tr><tr> - <td class="tdl">Two Sides,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_vii" id="Page_vii">[Pg vii]</a></span></td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_89">89</a></td> - </tr><tr> - <td class="tdl">The Changing Current,</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_90">90</a></td> - </tr><tr> - <td class="tdl">Sleep,</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_92">92</a></td> - </tr><tr> - <td class="tdl">Life’s Day,</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_93">93</a></td> - </tr><tr> - <td class="tdl">A Poet,</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_94">94</a></td> - </tr><tr> - <td class="tdl">Thanksgiving,</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_95">95</a></td> - </tr><tr> - <td class="tdl">Musings,</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_96">96</a></td> - </tr><tr> - <td class="tdl">Seeking and Striving,</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_98">98</a></td> - </tr><tr> - <td class="tdl">Some Day,</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_99">99</a></td> - </tr><tr> - <td class="tdl">The Awakening,</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_101">101</a></td> - </tr><tr> - <td class="tdl">Love-Letters,</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_102">102</a></td> - </tr><tr> - <td class="tdl">Regret,</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_103">103</a></td> - </tr><tr> - <td class="tdl">Christian Soldiers,</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_104">104</a></td> - </tr><tr> - <td class="tdl">A Question,</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_105">105</a></td> - </tr><tr> - <td class="tdl">Sweetest Music,</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_106">106</a></td> - </tr><tr> - <td class="tdl">At Last,</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_107">107</a></td> - </tr><tr> - <td class="tdl">His Promise,</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_108">108</a></td> - </tr><tr> - <td class="tdl">Life’s Crucible,</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_109">109</a></td> - </tr><tr> - <td class="tdl">My Choice,</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_110">110</a></td> - </tr><tr> - <td class="tdl">Endeavor,</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_111">111</a></td> - </tr><tr> - <td class="tdl">Service,</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_113">113</a></td> - </tr><tr> - <td class="tdl">Crowning Light,</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_115">115</a></td> - </tr><tr> - <td class="tdl">Nonce,</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_116">116</a></td> - </tr><tr> - <td class="tdl">The Goal,</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_118">118</a></td> - </tr><tr> - <td class="tdl">A Question Answered,</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_119">119</a></td> - </tr><tr> - <td class="tdl">Grandmother,</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_120">120</a></td> - </tr><tr> - <td class="tdl">Diligence,</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_123">123</a></td> - </tr><tr> - <td class="tdl">The Baby,</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_124">124</a></td> - </tr><tr> - <td class="tdl">God’s Love,</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_126">126</a></td> - </tr><tr> - <td class="tdl">Release,</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_127">127</a></td> - </tr><tr> - <td class="tdl">Easter, [To M. M. M.],   </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_128">128</a></td> - </tr><tr> - <td class="tdl">Eminence,</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_132">132</a></td> - </tr><tr> - <td class="tdl">The Here and There,</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_133">133</a></td> - </tr><tr> - <td class="tdl">Air Castles,</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_134">134</a></td> - </tr><tr> - <td class="tdl">Little Joe,</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_136">136</a></td> - </tr> - </tbody> -</table> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_1" id="Page_1">[Pg 1]</a></span></p> -<hr class="full" /> -<p class="f150"><b>POEMS.</b></p> -<hr class="r5" /> - -<h2>THE OLD GRANITE STATE.</h2> -<p class="center">The New Hampshire Christian Endeavor State Song.</p> -<p class="center">Tune, “How Firm a Foundation.”</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">The State of New Hampshire is dear to us all,</span> -<span class="i0">Her hills and her mountains respond to the call,</span> -<span class="i0">Her onflowing rivers in gladness awake</span> -<span class="i0">To sound forth the praises of Old Granite State.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">Her heroes undaunted in times of distress</span> -<span class="i0">’Neath the flag of the union went forth with the rest;</span> -<span class="i0">When duty is calling and danger is nigh</span> -<span class="i0">The Old Granite State will conquer or die.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">Her sons and her daughters are loyal and brave,</span> -<span class="i0">’Neath the banner of Christ they march onward to save;</span> -<span class="i0">In the battle for right which they undertake</span> -<span class="i0">As firm as the granite in Old Granite State.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">From loftiest height to lowliest shore</span> -<span class="i0">New Hampshire, our home land, is our’s evermore!</span> -<span class="i0">“For Christ and the Church” she resounds the glad call,</span> -<span class="i0">The Old Granite State sends a greeting to all.</span> -</div></div></div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_2" id="Page_2">[Pg 2]</a></span></p> -<h2>THY PLACE.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">Do not dream away life’s morning,</span> -<span class="i2">Rise to bless as does the sun;</span> -<span class="i0">Let no shadow fall about thee,</span> -<span class="i2">Till thy given work is done.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">Look not downward, to the valley,</span> -<span class="i2">Blessings come from heights above;</span> -<span class="i0">Falter not upon thy journey,</span> -<span class="i2">Let each effort teem with love.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">Tho’ thy life work may be humble,</span> -<span class="i2">Keep a brave and trusting heart;</span> -<span class="i0">Do it well, it is thy portion,</span> -<span class="i2">God himself assigned the part.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">There is not on earth another—</span> -<span class="i2">Even monarch of the throne—</span> -<span class="i0">Who can fill thy place so nobly,</span> -<span class="i2">As thyself, thyself alone.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">If a few shall rise above thee,</span> -<span class="i2">And the world their deeds applaud,</span> -<span class="i0">Do not let their fame depress thee,</span> -<span class="i2">None can judge thee save thy God.</span> -</div></div></div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_3" id="Page_3">[Pg 3]</a></span></p> -<h2>CONSTANCY.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">He makes the most of life, who soonest learns</span> -<span class="i0">That ’tis not best to try for heights too high,</span> -<span class="i0">Nor yet to be content with vales too low;</span> -<span class="i0">But day by day upon his upward way,</span> -<span class="i0">Accepts the possible for which he yearns,</span> -<span class="i0">Rejects those things that far beneath him lie,</span> -<span class="i0">And asks the strength of slow success, to know,</span> -<span class="i0">Which gains the Heaven for which we mortals pray.</span> -</div></div></div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_4" id="Page_4">[Pg 4]</a></span></p> -<h2>FAIREST DAYS.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">The sun is flooding all the land and sky,</span> -<span class="i2">The waves are dancing o’er the deep blue sea;</span> -<span class="i0">The world is gay and yet, they say, not I—</span> -<span class="i2">Since absence makes a gulf ’tween you and me.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">When you were here the clouds were in the sky,</span> -<span class="i2">The rain-drops fell, the sun was hid from view;</span> -<span class="i0">The world was dull and yet, they say, not I—</span> -<span class="i2">For my gay world is centred, love, in you.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">When you are near no matter what the sky,</span> -<span class="i2">No matter what the sea nor what the weather;</span> -<span class="i0">The world is gay and so, my love, am I—</span> -<span class="i2">The days are fairest when we are together.</span> -</div></div></div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_5" id="Page_5">[Pg 5]</a></span></p> -<h2>MY PETITION.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">O let me say one little word,</span> -<span class="i2">Ere I depart,</span> -<span class="i0">To soothe one sorrow,</span> -<span class="i0">Teach one truth,</span> -<span class="i2">And help one heart!</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">O let me sing one little song,</span> -<span class="i2">Before I go,</span> -<span class="i0">To wake one wanderer,</span> -<span class="i0">Lift one load,</span> -<span class="i2">And wing one woe!</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">O let me breathe one little prayer,</span> -<span class="i2">While yet I live,</span> -<span class="i0">To bring one blessing,</span> -<span class="i0">Heal one hurt,</span> -<span class="i2">One sin forgive!</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">O let me write one little song,</span> -<span class="i2">Ere life is o’er,</span> -<span class="i0">To cause one comfort,</span> -<span class="i0">Save one soul,</span> -<span class="i2">Forever more!</span> -</div></div></div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_6" id="Page_6">[Pg 6]</a></span></p> -<h2>IMPERISHABLE MELODIES.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">Around the world they ring to-day,</span> -<span class="i6">And they will ring forever;</span> -<span class="i2">Like beauteous birds that sweetly sing,</span> -<span class="i2">Good cheer and comfort they shall bring;</span> -<span class="i0">And saving souls along the way,</span> -<span class="i6">Will be forgotten never.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">Both autocrat and peasant poor,</span> -<span class="i6">With heaven born inspiration,</span> -<span class="i2">Composed these grand and soulful themes</span> -<span class="i2">That wake the dreamer from his dreams,</span> -<span class="i0">And shall, while patriot rights endure,</span> -<span class="i6">Arouse a loyal nation.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">The mighty chimes ring out the fame</span> -<span class="i6">Of him who wrote with feeling,</span> -<span class="i2">And while sweet symphonies prolong,</span> -<span class="i2">He lives again to move the throng,</span> -<span class="i0">And preaches in Jehovah’s name</span> -<span class="i6">From spires where bells are pealing.</span> -</div></div></div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_7" id="Page_7">[Pg 7]</a></span></p> -<h2>MOTHER.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">In all the wide world there is not another</span> -<span class="i0">Whose name is so dear as the sweet name of mother.</span> -<span class="i0">The babe’s tiny head finds it’s most perfect rest,</span> -<span class="i0">When pillowed from harm on the fair mother breast;</span> -<span class="i0">The youth, from all sorrow, temptation and care,</span> -<span class="i0">Seeks the warm mother heart and finds comfort there;</span> -<span class="i0">The woman, whose virtues are whispered above,</span> -<span class="i0">Will daily thank God for the dear “mother love;”</span> -<span class="i0">The man, be he lover, or husband, or brother,</span> -<span class="i0">Will ever hold sacred the love of his mother.</span> -<span class="i0">Tho’ the years may have turned her tresses to gray,</span> -<span class="i0">And the rose from her cheek may have faded away,</span> -<span class="i0">Tho’ her step, once so light, may have feebled with age,</span> -<span class="i0">And her eyes may have grown too dim for the page,</span> -<span class="i0">Tho’ the hand that was once so dainty and fair,</span> -<span class="i0">May have changed with the seasons of toiling and care,</span> -<span class="i0">Tho’ the voice that to youth and it’s freedom belongs,</span> -<span class="i0">May have lost all its sweetness for lullaby songs,</span> -<span class="i0">Yet the years that shall make the dear mother grow old,</span> -<span class="i0">Will but add to her nature a blessing untold;—</span> -<span class="i0">Tho’ they rob her of youth, she retains, as a prize,</span> -<span class="i0">A love more mature and a counsel more wise.</span> -<span class="i0">Tho’ her life lose it’s sunshine and burdens oppress,</span> -<span class="i0">Yet the love of the mother will never be less;</span> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_8" id="Page_8">[Pg 8]</a></span> -<span class="i0">Tho’ her children may wander away from the fold,</span> -<span class="i0">And the world shuts them out in the darkness and cold,</span> -<span class="i0">Tho’ their friends may prove faithless and sin may allure,</span> -<span class="i0">Yet of mother’s true love they can ever be sure.</span> -<span class="i0">Tho’ to far away lands they may wilfully roam,</span> -<span class="i0">The fond mother’s prayer will be guiding them home.</span> -<span class="i0">If they climb to the height of honor and fame,</span> -<span class="i0">They should whisper, in credit, the dear mother name.</span> -<span class="i0">Her love inspires all that is noble and good,</span> -<span class="i0">And Purity reigneth o’er sweet mother-hood.</span> -<span class="i0">Tho’ the great word applaud, the praise of another</span> -<span class="i0">Is nothing compared with the praises of mother.</span> -<span class="i0">The earth home is dreary, when she is away,</span> -<span class="i0">Her presence adds sunshine to each changing day,</span> -<span class="i0">And Heaven, in it’s glory, will be the more fair,</span> -<span class="i0">When the spirit of mother shall find entrance there.</span> -</div></div></div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_9" id="Page_9">[Pg 9]</a></span></p> -<h2>HIDDEN TREASURES.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">Beneath the waves of ocean blue,</span> -<span class="i0">The precious pearls are lost from view;</span> -<span class="i0">Within the darkness of the mine,</span> -<span class="i0">The gold and uncut diamonds shine;</span> -<span class="i0">From human sight beneath the sky,</span> -<span class="i0">The little seeds in waiting lie.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">Within the mind, like pearls of white,</span> -<span class="i0">Some hidden thoughts await the light;</span> -<span class="i0">Which, brightly polished, shall outshine</span> -<span class="i0">The varied treasures of the mine;</span> -<span class="i0">And like the seeds that wake to flowers,</span> -<span class="i0">Shall bless and brighten all life’s hours.</span> -</div></div></div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_10" id="Page_10">[Pg 10]</a></span></p> -<h2>IN LIFE AND DEATH.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">I see her smile in sleep</span> -<span class="i0">And to her crib I creep</span> -<span class="i0">To kiss the baby face where dimples play;</span> -<span class="i0">I smooth her sunny hair</span> -<span class="i0">And breathe to God a prayer</span> -<span class="i0">That He will teach me how to lead the way.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">I see her smile in sleep</span> -<span class="i0">And to her couch I creep</span> -<span class="i0">To kiss the saintly face where peace doth stay;</span> -<span class="i0">I smooth her silvery hair</span> -<span class="i0">And breathe to God a prayer</span> -<span class="i0">That He will teach me how to find the way.</span> -</div></div></div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_11" id="Page_11">[Pg 11]</a></span></p> -<h2>PROGRESS.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">He, who to elevate himself</span> -<span class="i2">Labors with earnest will,</span> -<span class="i4">Forgets, that should he wisely try</span> -<span class="i4">To elevate the minds near by</span> -<span class="i2">And public needs to fill,</span> -<span class="i0">Will still continue to advance</span> -<span class="i0">And while their cause he does enhance</span> -<span class="i2">Will be their teacher still.</span> -</div></div></div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_12" id="Page_12">[Pg 12]</a></span></p> -<h2>ONLY A LITTLE FELLOW.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">He was only a little fellow</span> -<span class="i4">With a very plain little face</span> -<span class="i2">And his teacher said,</span> -<span class="i2">With a shake of the head:</span> -<span class="i4">“Dan never can keep his place.”</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">He was only a little fellow</span> -<span class="i4">With a mouth neither rosy nor sweet</span> -<span class="i2">And his father said,</span> -<span class="i2">With a shake of the head:</span> -<span class="i4">“Dan always is under my feet.”</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">He was only a little fellow</span> -<span class="i4">With eyes neither brilliant nor gay</span> -<span class="i2">And his mother said,</span> -<span class="i2">With a shake of the head:</span> -<span class="i4">“Dan always is in my way.”</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">He was only a little fellow</span> -<span class="i4">With a little turned up nose</span> -<span class="i2">And his sister said,</span> -<span class="i2">With a shake of the head:</span> -<span class="i4">“Dan must keep away from my beaux.”</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">He was only a little fellow</span> -<span class="i4">With tumbled apron and hair</span> -<span class="i2">And his brother said,</span> -<span class="i2">With a shake of the head:</span> -<span class="i4">“Dan is out of place in there.”</span> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_13" id="Page_13">[Pg 13]</a></span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">He was only a little fellow</span> -<span class="i4">But at last there came a day</span> -<span class="i2">When every one said,</span> -<span class="i2">With a shake of the head:</span> -<span class="i4">“Dan never was in the way.”</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">He was only a little fellow</span> -<span class="i4">Yet the neighbors came in to weep</span> -<span class="i2">While the baby face,</span> -<span class="i2">In a rose-decked place,</span> -<span class="i4">Was calm in eternal sleep.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">He was only a little fellow</span> -<span class="i4">Who left his books and his play;</span> -<span class="i2">At the Saviour’s call,</span> -<span class="i2">Where there’s room for all,</span> -<span class="i4">He will never more be in the way.</span> -</div></div></div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_14" id="Page_14">[Pg 14]</a></span></p> -<h2>UNDER THE PINES.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">Under the pines, on a summer’s day,</span> -<span class="i0">I list to a whisper from far away,</span> -<span class="i0">And, lying low, with my half-closed eyes,</span> -<span class="i0">Behold the beauty of fairer skies.</span> -<span class="i0">Some say ’tis the sound of the sighing sea,</span> -<span class="i0">Whose distant murmer steals over me;</span> -<span class="i0">Some say ’tis the baby breeze instead,</span> -<span class="i0">That rocks in the branches overhead;</span> -<span class="i0">But I know it is neither wave nor breeze,</span> -<span class="i0">On shining sands and in leafy trees;</span> -<span class="i0">’Tis the music sweet of a voice divine,</span> -<span class="i0">That whispers peace to each pensive pine.</span> -</div></div></div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_15" id="Page_15">[Pg 15]</a></span></p> -<h2>PRAYER.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">Pray not for self if thou wouldst be most blest,—</span> -<span class="i0">The prayers for others are for self the best.</span> -<span class="i0">Christ is not first if self be first in prayer;</span> -<span class="i0">He blesses most when we for others care.</span> -<span class="i0">Forget thyself if thou wouldst Christlike be,</span> -<span class="i0">Praying for others, some will pray for thee.</span> -<span class="i0">While self’s own burdens are of prayer a part</span> -<span class="i0">“Thy kingdom come” is prayed not from the heart.</span> -<span class="i0">Pray not for light to solve thy problems right,</span> -<span class="i0">But be thyself to other souls a light.</span> -<span class="i0">God gave thee mighty strength to help the weak,</span> -<span class="i0">And yet thy prayers of thine own weakness speak;</span> -<span class="i0">God gave thee power to comfort and to teach,</span> -<span class="i0">And lift souls up to heights they strive to reach,</span> -<span class="i0">And yet thy prayers ascend to His white throne,</span> -<span class="i0">Pleading for comfort for thyself alone;</span> -<span class="i0">Thou prayest too for wisdom and release,</span> -<span class="i0">And hands to draw thee upward into peace,</span> -<span class="i0">Forgetting that which Christ would have thee know,—</span> -<span class="i0">Peace comes to those who make peace here below;</span> -<span class="i0">Forgetting that His arms shall draw thee near</span> -<span class="i0">Only as thine are held to others here;</span> -<span class="i0">That wisdom comes to thee each passing hour</span> -<span class="i0">By teaching others what is in thy power;</span> -<span class="i0">That comfort comes by thy own word and deed,</span> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_16" id="Page_16">[Pg 16]</a></span> -<span class="i0">Which comforts others in the hour of need.</span> -<span class="i0">If thou wouldst pray for self, ask God to give</span> -<span class="i0">More power in prayer that other souls may live.</span> -<span class="i0">To live right is to pray and to believe</span> -<span class="i0">That Christ will hear, and that “thou shalt receive.”</span> -<span class="i0">Two gifts are thine, if thou wouldst pray aright,—</span> -<span class="i0">Peace here below, and Heaven’s eternal light.</span> -</div></div></div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_17" id="Page_17">[Pg 17]</a></span></p> -<h2>OUR BABY.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">When baby’s soul is claimed beyond the skies,</span> -<span class="i2">And little eyes are closed in final sleep;</span> -<span class="i0">When angels hush our darling’s cooing cries,</span> -<span class="i2">What words are there to comfort those who weep?</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">When broken playthings, lying on the floor,</span> -<span class="i2">And treasured toys have all been put aside,</span> -<span class="i0">When baby wakes to play with them no more,</span> -<span class="i2">And fondest hopes that brightened life have died;</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">When dimpled hands no longer seek the face,</span> -<span class="i2">And baby lips no more shall feel the kiss;</span> -<span class="i0">When tiny feet have found their resting-place,</span> -<span class="i2">What shall be said in such an hour as this?</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">When baby’s crib is idly standing near,</span> -<span class="i2">And cherished form is laid from human sight,</span> -<span class="i0">When loved ones think they even now can hear</span> -<span class="i2">The little cry that woke them in the night;</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">When mother puts the baby gowns away,</span> -<span class="i2">And ’round her neck can almost seem to feel</span> -<span class="i0">Those clinging arms, whose touch will with her stay,</span> -<span class="i2">What helpful thoughts can Sympathy reveal?</span> -</div></div></div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_18" id="Page_18">[Pg 18]</a></span></p> -<h2>A HALO.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">No mortal can unhappy be</span> -<span class="i2">Who lives for other’s good,</span> -<span class="i0">And takes an interest in the lives</span> -<span class="i2">Of happy brother-hood.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">Depression that destroys the mind</span> -<span class="i2">Will thereby disappear,</span> -<span class="i0">And gloom will all be swept away</span> -<span class="i2">In radiant atmosphere.</span> -</div></div></div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_19" id="Page_19">[Pg 19]</a></span></p> -<h2>THE DESERTED FARM.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">An unkept field, whose grasses greet the sun,</span> -<span class="i2">And pure, white daisies spread like fallen snow;</span> -<span class="i0">The shady nooks, where trout brooks gaily run,</span> -<span class="i2">And, ’mong the trees, the farm-house quaint and low.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">Like some worn soldier on the battle fields</span> -<span class="i2">It stands upon the old familiar ground,</span> -<span class="i0">And to the past it’s former strength it yields,</span> -<span class="i2">While naught but desolation broods around.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">’Neath shutters closed the phœbe builds her nest,</span> -<span class="i2">While near the eaves the little sparrows fly;</span> -<span class="i0">All undisturbed they sing their young to rest,</span> -<span class="i2">As did a mother in the years gone by.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">The wicker gate is falling to decay,</span> -<span class="i2">The narrow paths with growing weeds abound;</span> -<span class="i0">The long, low shed thro’ which the sunbeams stray,</span> -<span class="i2">Is leaning eastward to the grassy ground.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">The barn door creaks upon it’s hinges old;</span> -<span class="i2">The prop that stayed it from the winds that blow</span> -<span class="i0">No more stands guard against the heat and cold—</span> -<span class="i2">The summer’s rain and winter’s drifts of snow.</span> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_20" id="Page_20">[Pg 20]</a></span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">The lofts, once laden with the new mown hay,</span> -<span class="i2">No longer echo with the merry din;</span> -<span class="i0">From beam to beam, where children loved to play,</span> -<span class="i2">The spiders many a silken cobweb spin.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">No more the tinkle of the distant bell</span> -<span class="i2">Disturbs the hush of daylight’s waning hours;</span> -<span class="i0">The pasture bars, beside a covered well,</span> -<span class="i2">Are twined with grape-vines and with fair wild flowers.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">The “Bouncing Bet” is growing near the gate,</span> -<span class="i2">The climbing roses bloom beside the door;</span> -<span class="i0">The brave “Sweet William,” left alone to fate,</span> -<span class="i2">Has struggled upward thro’ the grass once more.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">The clover blossoms, pink and white and red,</span> -<span class="i2">Fill all the balmy air with perfume sweet;</span> -<span class="i0">The honey-suckle proudly bends it’s head</span> -<span class="i2">Close to the door-stone worn by many feet.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">Where once a maiden slied a bit of green</span> -<span class="i2">Within her shoe, and there expectant stood,</span> -<span class="i0">To-day the self same “Grandma’s pride” is seen,—</span> -<span class="i2">A little bunch of fragrant southern-wood.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">The low-eaved porch supports the clinging vine,</span> -<span class="i2">While thro’ the roof the summer rain-drops fall;</span> -<span class="i0">Upon the floor a rusty hook and line,</span> -<span class="i2">A well-worn bench and silence over all.</span> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_21" id="Page_21">[Pg 21]</a></span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">A well-sweep, overgrown with moss and mould,</span> -<span class="i2">Shelters a hornet’s nest within it’s nook;</span> -<span class="i0">Above the running waters clear and cold</span> -<span class="i2">An old tin dipper hangs upon it’s hook.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">The dull-edged scythe swings idly in the sun,</span> -<span class="i2">A grindstone crumbles ’neath the maple’s shade;</span> -<span class="i0">A cart-wheel and the faded coat of one</span> -<span class="i2">Who long ago beneath the sod was laid.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">Tho’ gone the smile of each familiar face</span> -<span class="i2">And merry voices break no more the calm,</span> -<span class="i0">Yet Memory sweet shall hallow all the place</span> -<span class="i2">And flood with peace the old deserted farm.</span> -</div></div></div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_22" id="Page_22">[Pg 22]</a></span></p> -<h2>SEED THOUGHTS.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">The celebrated Author pens</span> -<span class="i2">His thorough thoughts from depths of mind,</span> -<span class="i0">And they are not in proper place</span> -<span class="i2">Until the depths of our’s they find.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">The wisest reader may perceive,</span> -<span class="i2">In writings that shall ever live,</span> -<span class="i0">A reflex of his own wise thoughts</span> -<span class="i2">That to the world he did not give;</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">But to the mind of him who learns,</span> -<span class="i2">They are as seeds of knowledge brought</span> -<span class="i0">That soon take root and rarefy</span> -<span class="i2">Into a whole great field of thought.</span> -</div></div></div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_23" id="Page_23">[Pg 23]</a></span></p> -<h2>SCHOOL.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">Life is a school for all mankind,</span> -<span class="i0">Where daily lessons are assigned</span> -<span class="i2">And each may do his best;</span> -<span class="i0">God is the Master who will teach</span> -<span class="i0">The truths that lie within our reach</span> -<span class="i2">And leave to us the rest.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">Each has his proper place at start</span> -<span class="i0">And each can learn his little part</span> -<span class="i2">If earnestly he tries;</span> -<span class="i0">Altho’ his standard may be low,</span> -<span class="i0">He surely to the head will go</span> -<span class="i2">Who on himself relies.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">Each has a chance among the rest</span> -<span class="i0">To do his worst or do his best</span> -<span class="i2">And his must be the choice,—</span> -<span class="i0">Either to break the golden rule</span> -<span class="i0">And cause confusion in life’s school,</span> -<span class="i2">Or heed the Master’s voice.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">The discipline is not severe,</span> -<span class="i0">Altho’ the Master we should fear</span> -<span class="i2">To keep us from a wrong;</span> -<span class="i0">There is no need to sigh and fret,</span> -<span class="i0">Or to despair, with lashes wet,</span> -<span class="i2">Because our task seems long.</span> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_24" id="Page_24">[Pg 24]</a></span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">The lessons that so oft’ we spurn</span> -<span class="i0">We know that some time we must learn,</span> -<span class="i2">Then why should we delay?</span> -<span class="i0">He stays behind who is the dunce,</span> -<span class="i0">The wisest does his task at once</span> -<span class="i2">And goes upon his way.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">The Master’s sympathy prevails</span> -<span class="i0">With him who tries altho’ he fails,</span> -<span class="i2">For He will help not chide;</span> -<span class="i0">When rest and honors have been won</span> -<span class="i0">He hears the Master say: “Well done,”</span> -<span class="i2">And he is satisfied.</span> -</div></div></div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_25" id="Page_25">[Pg 25]</a></span></p> -<h2>THE GRACES.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">Faith, the angel of my prayer,</span> -<span class="i0">Hope, to lighten every care,</span> -<span class="i0">Love, to lift life’s heavy yoke,</span> -<span class="i0">These the graces I invoke;</span> -<span class="i0">But the greatest of the three</span> -<span class="i0">Is the last—sweet charity.</span> -</div></div></div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_26" id="Page_26">[Pg 26]</a></span></p> -<h2>SUNSHINE.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">The sunshine makes the flowers grow,</span> -<span class="i0">They cannot thrive in shade;</span> -<span class="i0">If naught but darkness did they know</span> -<span class="i0">Their brightness soon would fade.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">Our lives require the sunlight’s glow,</span> -<span class="i0">They cannot thrive in gloom;</span> -<span class="i0">If naught but darkness did thy know</span> -<span class="i0">Bright hopes would never bloom.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">The sunny smiles that make life bright</span> -<span class="i0">And bless the passing hours,</span> -<span class="i0">Will do for souls that need the light</span> -<span class="i0">What sunshine does for flowers.</span> -</div></div></div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_27" id="Page_27">[Pg 27]</a></span></p> -<h2>“WHAT SHALL IT PROFIT?”</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">Will it matter, by and by,</span> -<span class="i2">When he calls us each by name,</span> -<span class="i0">Whether you, or whether I,</span> -<span class="i2">Win earth’s honor and earth’s fame?</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">Onward, in the rush of life,</span> -<span class="i2">For the prizes of the race,</span> -<span class="i0">Shall we mingle in the strife</span> -<span class="i2">Crowding others out of place?</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">Shall we seek Ambition’s goal,</span> -<span class="i2">Where the earthly treasures stay,</span> -<span class="i0">Passing by some helpless soul</span> -<span class="i2">Who has lost the Heavenly way?</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">If no kindness we have shown,</span> -<span class="i2">Seeking to be first of all,</span> -<span class="i0">Shall we gain a “welcome home”</span> -<span class="i2">When we hear the Master’s call?</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">When life’s busy day is past,</span> -<span class="i2">Will He question you and me</span> -<span class="i0">Who was first, and who was last,</span> -<span class="i2">In the worldly victory?</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">If earth’s laurels we have won,</span> -<span class="i2">And Heaven’s glories are denied,</span> -<span class="i0">Shall we hear the words: “Well done,”</span> -<span class="i2">And our souls be satisfied?</span> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_28" id="Page_28">[Pg 28]</a></span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">Ere the prize we seek is gone,</span> -<span class="i2">And the triumph comes too late,</span> -<span class="i0">Love of fame shall urge us on</span> -<span class="i2">But the angels whisper:—“Wait.”</span> -</div></div></div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_29" id="Page_29">[Pg 29]</a></span></p> -<h2>WHAT HE SAID.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">“Come and play with me,” he said;</span> -<span class="i0">And I saw his curly head</span> -<span class="i2">Peeping thro’ the fence below.</span> -<span class="i0">He was four and I was three</span> -<span class="i0">And he beckoned unto me</span> -<span class="i2">So I could not say him no.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">“Come and live with me,” he said;</span> -<span class="i0">And I saw his manly head</span> -<span class="i2">Where the threads of silver grow.</span> -<span class="i0">He was passing forty-three</span> -<span class="i0">And he pleaded long with me</span> -<span class="i2">So I could not say him no.</span> -</div></div></div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_30" id="Page_30">[Pg 30]</a></span></p> -<h2>HOME LIGHTS.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">When the work of day is over,</span> -<span class="i2">And the weary hours are past,</span> -<span class="i0">Home lights, gleaming in the distance,</span> -<span class="i2">Fill the soul with joy at last.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">Tho’ the trials have been many,</span> -<span class="i2">And the world has proved unkind,</span> -<span class="i0">Lights of home make burdens lighter</span> -<span class="i2">And refresh the wearied mind.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">Some one where the lights are shining,</span> -<span class="i2">Knows that you are very near;</span> -<span class="i0">Some one waits to bid you welcome,</span> -<span class="i2">And invites to rest and cheer.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">Some one loves you; all life’s crosses,</span> -<span class="i2">Which have seemed so hard to bear,</span> -<span class="i0">Are forgiven and forgotten,</span> -<span class="i2">When you see the home lights fair.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">Some one knows that you are weary,</span> -<span class="i2">Some one waits to clasp your hand;</span> -<span class="i0">Some one watches near the home lights,</span> -<span class="i2">Who will surely understand.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">Footsteps falter now no longer</span> -<span class="i2">O’er the distant homeward way;</span> -<span class="i0">There’s a message in the home lights,</span> -<span class="i2">At the close of busy day.</span> -</div></div></div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_31" id="Page_31">[Pg 31]</a></span></p> -<hr class="r5" /> - -<div class="poetry-container"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">When the work of life is over,</span> -<span class="i2">And the weary hours are past,</span> -<span class="i0">Home lights, in Eternal glory,</span> -<span class="i2">Satisfy the soul at last.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">Tho’ earth’s trials have been many,</span> -<span class="i2">And the world unkind has been,</span> -<span class="i0">Lights of Home dispel life’s burdens,</span> -<span class="i2">Christ will bid you:—“Enter in.”</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">Some One, where the lights are shining,</span> -<span class="i2">Waits to give your soul release;</span> -<span class="i0">Some One waits to bid you welcome,</span> -<span class="i2">You shall find both rest and peace.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">Some One loves you; all life’s crosses,</span> -<span class="i2">Which once seemed so hard to bear,</span> -<span class="i0">Are forgotten in the glory</span> -<span class="i2">Of the Christ, who greets you there.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">Some One knows that you are weary,</span> -<span class="i2">Some One gently takes your hand;</span> -<span class="i0">Some One knows your every weakness,</span> -<span class="i2">He—the Christ—will understand.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">Footsteps falter now no longer,</span> -<span class="i2">O’er the weary earthly way;</span> -<span class="i0">There’s a message in the Home lights,</span> -<span class="i2">At the close of life’s brief day.</span> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_32" id="Page_32">[Pg 32]</a></span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">Thus on earth, and thus in Heaven,</span> -<span class="i2">Gleam the distant home lights fair;</span> -<span class="i0">Some one waits and some one watches,—</span> -<span class="i2">Some one here and Some One there.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">Blessed home lights! May they ever</span> -<span class="i2">Shine for you and shine for me,</span> -<span class="i0">In the shadows of earth’s journey</span> -<span class="i2">And through all Eternity.</span> -</div></div></div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_33" id="Page_33">[Pg 33]</a></span></p> -<h2>CLOUDS AND COMFORT.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">Tho’ clouds arise, in fairest skies,</span> -<span class="i2">And sunlight glories steal away;</span> -<span class="i0">Tho’ snow-flakes fall, on roof and wall,</span> -<span class="i2">Till all the world is chill and gray;</span> -<span class="i0">Yet why complain? The earth shall gain</span> -<span class="i2">An added glory from on high,</span> -<span class="i0">For rain and snow that fall below</span> -<span class="i2">Will bring more sunshine by and by.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">Tho’ doubts we find, within the mind,</span> -<span class="i2">And hope and pleasure steal away;</span> -<span class="i0">Tho’ trials fall, to one and all,</span> -<span class="i2">Till life itself looks cold and gray;</span> -<span class="i0">Yet why despair? God has a care,</span> -<span class="i2">And He will comfort while we sigh,</span> -<span class="i0">For griefs and tears, within the years,</span> -<span class="i2">Will bring more blessings by and by.</span> -</div></div></div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_34" id="Page_34">[Pg 34]</a></span></p> -<h2>ACTION.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">Action is the golden key</span> -<span class="i0">That unlocks doors to set us free;</span> -<span class="i0">Thro’ which the trusting heart that sings</span> -<span class="i0">Shall find it’s way to better things.</span> -</div></div></div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_35" id="Page_35">[Pg 35]</a></span></p> -<h2>“FOR YOU I AM PRAYING.”</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">When the hush of early morning</span> -<span class="i2">Ushers in the sunbeams fair,</span> -<span class="i0">And another day is dawning,</span> -<span class="i2">’Tis for you, I breathe a prayer.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">Somewhere—all my love confessing</span> -<span class="i2">Ere the busy day is here—</span> -<span class="i0">You will need the morning blessing,</span> -<span class="i2">While the angels hover near.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">Tho’ I hear not what you’re saying,</span> -<span class="i2">And I know not where you are,</span> -<span class="i0">Yet for you I shall be praying,</span> -<span class="i2">While the sunbeams fade the star.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">When the moon-beams softly stealing</span> -<span class="i2">Thro’ my windows come to play,</span> -<span class="i0">And in robe of white I’m kneeling,</span> -<span class="i2">’Tis for you I fondly pray.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">Somewhere—all my love confessing</span> -<span class="i2">Ere I close my eyes in sleep—</span> -<span class="i0">You will need the evening blessing,</span> -<span class="i2">While the angels guard and keep.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">Tho’ I may not share your pleasure,</span> -<span class="i2">And I may not know your care,</span> -<span class="i0">Yet while God’s great love of treasure,</span> -<span class="i2">I shall breathe your name in prayer.</span> -</div></div></div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36">[Pg 36]</a></span></p> -<h2>SINCERITY.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">To self and to God be loyal and true,</span> -<span class="i0">Fear not what others may say or may do,</span> -<span class="i2">But what at best you appear;</span> -<span class="i0">Gird on your armor and stand for the right,</span> -<span class="i0">Honest in purpose and earnest in might,</span> -<span class="i2">Then shall your soul be sincere.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">Banish each doubt and deception and dream,</span> -<span class="i0">Be the real saint that to others you seem,</span> -<span class="i2">Dare to face tempters alone;</span> -<span class="i0">Lift up your banner and fear not the foe,</span> -<span class="i0">Valiant in service wherever you go,</span> -<span class="i2">Sincerity claimeth her own.</span> -</div></div></div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_37" id="Page_37">[Pg 37]</a></span></p> -<h2>THE VEILED FUTURE.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">A baby played beside a covered well,</span> -<span class="i2">And peeping thro’ he saw the waters clear;</span> -<span class="i0">He clapped his hands, enchanted by the spell,</span> -<span class="i2">And knew not that the Reaper hovered near.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">The sunlight flooded all the summer sky,</span> -<span class="i2">A little bird sang sweetly from her nest;</span> -<span class="i0">While troubled waters hushed his piteous cry</span> -<span class="i2">The baby soul had found it’s perfect rest.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">A woman stood among the flowers fair</span> -<span class="i2">And ’neath her bridal veil she blushed unseen;</span> -<span class="i0">She said: “I will,” and breathed a silent prayer</span> -<span class="i2">And knew not that a shadow fell between.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">An angel led her from the sacred place</span> -<span class="i2">And whispered of another’s priceless love;</span> -<span class="i0">While smiles yet lingered on her happy face</span> -<span class="i2">The bride’s pure soul had found it’s joy above.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">A manly figure near an altar stood</span> -<span class="i2">To consecrate his life to God on high;</span> -<span class="i0">He thought the future promised every good</span> -<span class="i2">And knew not that his summons sounded nigh.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">The Sabbath sunshine bathed his cheek and brow,</span> -<span class="i2">And Hope deferred, now triumphed from his eyes;</span> -<span class="i0">While thrilled his soul with an unspoken vow</span> -<span class="i2">’Twas called to nobler work in Paradise.</span> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_38" id="Page_38">[Pg 38]</a></span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">When skies are brightest threatening clouds appear,</span> -<span class="i2">Thro’ deepening shades the welcome sunlight steals;</span> -<span class="i0">When hearts are happiest sorrows hover near</span> -<span class="i2">’Tis well for us that God the future shields.</span> -</div></div></div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_39" id="Page_39">[Pg 39]</a></span></p> -<h2>LABOR OF LOVE.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">He planted a tree, on the old home land,</span> -<span class="i2">Where the summer sunlight stayed,</span> -<span class="i0">Tho’ he knew full well he should never stand</span> -<span class="i2">’Neath it’s fruit and pleasing shade.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">He penciled a book, in his life’s last year,</span> -<span class="i2">When the inspiration came,</span> -<span class="i0">Tho’ he knew his heart it could never cheer</span> -<span class="i2">With it’s gold and certain fame.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">But the leaves of his tree grew, day by day,</span> -<span class="i2">While it’s fruit the hungry fed;</span> -<span class="i0">And the fruit of his book will ever stay</span> -<span class="i2">While it’s leaves are daily read.</span> -</div></div></div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_40" id="Page_40">[Pg 40]</a></span></p> -<h2>DO YOUR BEST.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">Make the best of life to-day—</span> -<span class="i2">Take what God has given;</span> -<span class="i0">Do not falter on the way—</span> -<span class="i2">Each step leads to Heaven.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">Tho’ the journey may be long,</span> -<span class="i2">And the way be weary,</span> -<span class="i0">Make it shorter with a song—</span> -<span class="i2">Days will seem less dreary.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">Let the sunshine fill your heart—</span> -<span class="i2">All it’s shadows hiding;</span> -<span class="i0">Do your humble little part—</span> -<span class="i2">Leave to God the guiding.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">Do not soar to highest things</span> -<span class="i2">’Till you have a reason;</span> -<span class="i0">He will give the soul it’s wings</span> -<span class="i2">In his own good season.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">Little robins in the nest—</span> -<span class="i2">Ere their wings are stronger—</span> -<span class="i0">Learn too late that it is best</span> -<span class="i2">To keep patient longer.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">If you cannot do to-day</span> -<span class="i2">What you hope and plan,</span> -<span class="i0">God will show a better way,—</span> -<span class="i2">Do the best you can.</span> -</div></div></div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41">[Pg 41]</a></span></p> -<h2>IMMORTALITY.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">To live and learn, to die and to forget,</span> -<span class="i2">To be forgotten in the by and by;</span> -<span class="i0">If this is all, why need we linger yet</span> -<span class="i2">To do our little part, or even try?</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">But is this all? We learn and we forget,</span> -<span class="i2">And are forgotten, on this earth below;</span> -<span class="i0">We live, we die, then, freed from vain regret,</span> -<span class="i2">We live again, and greater wisdom know.</span> -</div></div></div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_42" id="Page_42">[Pg 42]</a></span></p> -<h2>IN THE HALL.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">In the brilliant hall I waited,</span> -<span class="i2">’Mong the merry moving throng;</span> -<span class="i0">And I thought he was belated,</span> -<span class="i2">For it seemed I waited long.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">Music mingled with the laughter,</span> -<span class="i2">Like a hush from Dreamland sent;</span> -<span class="i0">And the dancers followed after,</span> -<span class="i2">While the moments came and went.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">Manly faces smiled a greeting,</span> -<span class="i2">Tender glances woke love’s song;</span> -<span class="i0">But my heart tho’ wildly beating,</span> -<span class="i2">To one only did belong.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">Soon he touched me on the shoulder,</span> -<span class="i2">While his head to mine he bent;</span> -<span class="i0">And tho’ other looks grew colder,</span> -<span class="i2">Yet my soul was quite content.</span> -</div></div></div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_43" id="Page_43">[Pg 43]</a></span></p> -<h2>AT NIGHT.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">At night when all the world is still,</span> -<span class="i2">And stars in glory shine,</span> -<span class="i0">There comes to earth a whisper sweet</span> -<span class="i2">Of peace and love divine.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">And gazing upward to the sky,</span> -<span class="i2">Where million lights appear,</span> -<span class="i0">We seem to see the heaven beyond,</span> -<span class="i2">And feel that Christ is near.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">The weary day is past and gone,</span> -<span class="i2">The angels sing again</span> -<span class="i0">Of glory to the God on high</span> -<span class="i2">And “Peace, good will toward men.”</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">We seem to hear beyond the night</span> -<span class="i2">The music soft and sweet;</span> -<span class="i0">And laying all our burdens down,</span> -<span class="i2">We rest at Jesus’ feet.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">Our trusting hearts and hope of heaven</span> -<span class="i2">Have banished doubt and care,</span> -<span class="i0">And Christ is waiting to forgive,—</span> -<span class="i2">To answer every prayer.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">This love immortal is our guide,</span> -<span class="i2">And shorter seems the way;</span> -<span class="i0">Beyond the stars and night of earth</span> -<span class="i2">Is home and endless day.</span> -</div></div></div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_44" id="Page_44">[Pg 44]</a></span></p> -<h2>ONLY.</h2> -<p class="center space-below1">By courtesy of Ladies’ World, New York City.</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">It was only a gleam of sunshine</span> -<span class="i2">After a day of gloom,</span> -<span class="i0">Yet it brought it’s warmth and blessing</span> -<span class="i2">To a dreary, darkened room.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">It was only a strain of music</span> -<span class="i2">Wafted upon the air,</span> -<span class="i0">Yet a heart caught up it’s meaning,</span> -<span class="i2">Till Peace was a sovereign there.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">It was only a smile of welcome</span> -<span class="i2">And a loving clasp of the hand,</span> -<span class="i0">Yet it made the world an Eden</span> -<span class="i2">To one who could understand.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">It was only a word, low spoken,</span> -<span class="i2">To a spirit burden cast,</span> -<span class="i0">Yet the angels sang: “Good tidings,”</span> -<span class="i2">For it saved a soul at last.</span> -</div></div></div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_45" id="Page_45">[Pg 45]</a></span></p> -<h2>THE HOLY DREAM.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">His reverend head was bowed upon his hands;</span> -<span class="i2">When in the lamp-light, thro’ his study door,</span> -<span class="i0">Sleep’s angel came, who wisely understands</span> -<span class="i2">How burdened hearts can be revived once more.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">The day, with all it’s quiet hours, was past;</span> -<span class="i2">The sermon, that his weary brain prepared,</span> -<span class="i0">Had, with a hopeful heart, been preached at last,</span> -<span class="i2">And yet it seemed that not one listener cared.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">Life’s crosses looked too great for him to bear,</span> -<span class="i2">And Hope was crushed beneath his spirit’s weight;</span> -<span class="i0">His soul, at last, had yielded to despair</span> -<span class="i2">And prayed for freedom, ere it was too late.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">The answer came, but not as he had prayed,—</span> -<span class="i2">Life conquered death and sleep had mastered all;</span> -<span class="i0">Like some fond mother gently now she stayed</span> -<span class="i2">To soothe, and bless, and wake him at her call.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">Sleeping he dreamed that, on her heavenly way,</span> -<span class="i2">The angel Death had listened to his prayer,</span> -<span class="i0">And led him upward to the endless day,</span> -<span class="i2">Beyond the valley known as Heart’s Despair.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">Above, the gates of Heaven were swinging wide,</span> -<span class="i2">And he beheld the City of the King;</span> -<span class="i0">His angel friends were standing close beside,</span> -<span class="i2">Who, near the throne, the songs of Zion sing;</span> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_46" id="Page_46">[Pg 46]</a></span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">And, as he looked, a chariot of gold</span> -<span class="i2">Was passing o’er the pavement pearly-laid;</span> -<span class="i0">A gleam of heavenly light he could behold</span> -<span class="i2">Whose radiance warmed his soul and with him stayed.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">“Who passes?” cried he; “Tell his honored name,</span> -<span class="i2">And whither will the golden chariot go?”</span> -<span class="i0">“To all the world,” the answer sweetly came;—</span> -<span class="i2">“’Tis Christ, the King of Heaven and earth below.”</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">Then, in the brightness of that blessed light,</span> -<span class="i2">He followed on, with never-tiring speed;</span> -<span class="i0">The chariot wheels he ever kept in sight,—</span> -<span class="i2">For strength was given, in the hour of need.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">The chariot stopped, beside a crystal stream,</span> -<span class="i2">And Christ, descending, loosed the reins of gold;</span> -<span class="i0">Then, gazing downward past the heavenly gleam,</span> -<span class="i2">“Here lies the earth,” said he; “Come and behold!”</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">The follower came, as comes the wandering dove,</span> -<span class="i2">When seeking shelter from the storms of night;</span> -<span class="i0">And as he looked from that great height above,</span> -<span class="i2">He saw below a strange and sickening sight;—</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">The earth was there, like some great marshy tract,</span> -<span class="i2">With crowds, like blind men, wandering to and fro;</span> -<span class="i0">Some struggling upward, others falling back,</span> -<span class="i2">And crying out: “We know not where to go!”</span> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_47" id="Page_47">[Pg 47]</a></span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">He saw among them many of his own</span> -<span class="i2">To whom he preached the word of God each year;</span> -<span class="i0">There stood the little chapel, built of stone,</span> -<span class="i2">Where once he grieved, because some would not hear.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">The darkness came; he heard their piteous cry,—</span> -<span class="i2">Weeping and moaning sounded thro’ the air,</span> -<span class="i0">As, one by one, they lost “the way” near by</span> -<span class="i2">And souls were yielding to a death’s despair.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">He saw it all as never seen before,—</span> -<span class="i2">His eyes were opened, now he could not stay;</span> -<span class="i0">Standing with Christ his spirit did implore:—</span> -<span class="i2">“O send me back that I may point the way!”</span> -</div></div></div> - -<hr class="r5" /> - -<div class="poetry-container"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">Dreaming, he woke; the lamp was burning dim,—</span> -<span class="i2">The moon-beams thro’ the casement softly crept;</span> -<span class="i0">A revelation had been made to him</span> -<span class="i2">Which changed his heart, the while he sweetly slept.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">Despair departed, love for life-work came;</span> -<span class="i2">The holy dream had made the man more wise.</span> -<span class="i0">He knelt to breathe a prayer in Jesus’ name,</span> -<span class="i2">While angels sang in peaceful Paradise.</span> -</div></div></div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_48" id="Page_48">[Pg 48]</a></span></p> -<h2>HARMONY AND HEAVEN.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">Our souls are made of harmony</span> -<span class="i2">To sing and live forever;</span> -<span class="i0">For Harmony and Heaven are one</span> -<span class="i2">Where discord soundeth never.</span> -</div></div></div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_49" id="Page_49">[Pg 49]</a></span></p> -<h2>THE DANDELION.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">One day, in spring, I took a walk</span> -<span class="i2">And spied, within a field of green,</span> -<span class="i0">A slender dandelion stock,</span> -<span class="i2">Upon whose top a flower was seen.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">Soon after, passing by the place,</span> -<span class="i2">I noticed that the flower of gold,</span> -<span class="i0">Whose stiffened stalk had lost it’s grace,</span> -<span class="i2">Was turning gray and growing old.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">To-day, upon the self same ground,</span> -<span class="i2">I see a stalk undecked and spare;</span> -<span class="i0">The flower that once was golden-crowned,</span> -<span class="i2">Has lost it’s gray—it’s head is bare.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">How like a child is this gay flower,</span> -<span class="i2">With golden hair and graceful mien,</span> -<span class="i0">Which comes to brighten many an hour</span> -<span class="i2">And add a charm to dullest scene!</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">But soon the golden turns to gray</span> -<span class="i2">And middle life comes on apace;</span> -<span class="i0">The gray then hurries on its way,</span> -<span class="i2">And old age comes to take it’s place.</span> -</div></div></div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_50" id="Page_50">[Pg 50]</a></span></p> -<h2>LIVES AND LEAVES.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">Our lives are like the leaves</span> -<span class="i2">That waken to the sun;</span> -<span class="i0">Some fall from airy heights</span> -<span class="i2">Ere Youth has scarce begun;</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">And some are tempest tost,</span> -<span class="i2">By an opposing power,</span> -<span class="i0">And driven blindly on</span> -<span class="i2">With every passing hour.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">Some cling to their support,</span> -<span class="i2">In darkness and in light,</span> -<span class="i0">And grow from day to day</span> -<span class="i2">More perfect, strong, and bright.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">God grant that lives and leaves,</span> -<span class="i2">When sunny days are past,</span> -<span class="i0">May find, from adverse winds,</span> -<span class="i2">A resting-place at last.</span> -</div></div></div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_51" id="Page_51">[Pg 51]</a></span></p> -<h2>TO-DAY.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">’Tis not so hard to do what God desires,</span> -<span class="i2">If, while we trust and labor on and pray,</span> -<span class="i4">We look not back upon a Past decried,</span> -<span class="i4">Nor forward to a Future yet untried,</span> -<span class="i0">But do what Conscience prompts and soul requires,</span> -<span class="i2">And live within the hours which make to-day.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">The Past is gone. The failure and the wrong</span> -<span class="i2">We cannot expiate by vain regret;</span> -<span class="i4">Forgiven have they been, and if to-day</span> -<span class="i4">We wish to live more nearly as we pray,</span> -<span class="i0">We must awake a grander, sweeter song</span> -<span class="i2">Within those hours which have been given yet.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">While pondering o’er the failures of the then,</span> -<span class="i2">We make a failure of the now and here;</span> -<span class="i4">For life to-day shall lose it’s sunshine bright</span> -<span class="i4">If it recalls the shadows of last night.</span> -<span class="i0">While past mistakes possess the minds of men</span> -<span class="i2">The heart itself will have no power to cheer.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">To-day we breathe, we move, we speak, we live,</span> -<span class="i2">To-morrow’s sun for us may never rise.</span> -<span class="i4">All that we do, or hope to do, or say,</span> -<span class="i4">Must be confined within our short to-day,</span> -<span class="i0">And all the blessings that our life can give</span> -<span class="i2">Must be out-poured before the daylight dies.</span> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_52" id="Page_52">[Pg 52]</a></span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">As we shall hope for nobler, higher things,</span> -<span class="i2">While up life’s mount we seek the Heavenly way</span> -<span class="i4">We must not measure, lest we may despair,</span> -<span class="i4">The height to be yet gained by work and prayer;</span> -<span class="i0">But like the lark, who soars and yet who sings,</span> -<span class="i2">Make most of time God gives in our to-day.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">If future plans awaken thought and mind,</span> -<span class="i2">And we shall say:—“Some day, some hour, not yet,”</span> -<span class="i4">We rob the now of that divine reward</span> -<span class="i4">Which follows duty, given us by God,</span> -<span class="i0">And in to-day no pleasure shall we find;</span> -<span class="i2">And thus to-day becomes a past regret.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">There falls upon us yet the morning light,</span> -<span class="i2">And if to-day we gladly do our best,</span> -<span class="i4">Our life itself will be most pure and sweet,</span> -<span class="i4">For the to-days make up the life complete.</span> -<span class="i0">The “little things” are pleasing in God’s sight,</span> -<span class="i2">And humble duties nobly done bring rest.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">Then, Soul, awaken from thy drowsy sleep!</span> -<span class="i2">Dream not of past nor yet of future days,</span> -<span class="i4">But rouse thyself to-day to grander things.</span> -<span class="i4">The smile, the word, the loving deed take wings</span> -<span class="i0">To bear thy soul and others up the steep,</span> -<span class="i2">Where Life Eternal sings its endless praise.</span> -</div></div></div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_53" id="Page_53">[Pg 53]</a></span></p> -<h2>DARKNESS AND DAYLIGHT.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">When shadows fall, and earth is gray,</span> -<span class="i0">Life seems less grand, the heart less gay;</span> -<span class="i0">The things that vexed in morning light,</span> -<span class="i0">Have grown to sorrows in the night.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">When morning dawns, and earth is bright,</span> -<span class="i0">Life seems so grand, the heart so gay,</span> -<span class="i0">That Sorrows, nursed all thro’ the night,</span> -<span class="i0">Wakened by Wisdom, fly away.</span> -</div></div></div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_54" id="Page_54">[Pg 54]</a></span></p> -<h2>WITHIN THE GATES.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">Live not for self,</span> -<span class="i2">But live for God;</span> -<span class="i0">Expect on earth</span> -<span class="i2">No great reward.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">When life is o’er,</span> -<span class="i2">Thy Self shall stand</span> -<span class="i0">Within the gates</span> -<span class="i2">Of Promised Land.</span> -</div></div></div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_55" id="Page_55">[Pg 55]</a></span></p> -<h2>OVER-SIGHT.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">Earth is not filled with sunshine bright—</span> -<span class="i2">The rain-drops sometimes fall;</span> -<span class="i0">And buds that might have seen the light</span> -<span class="i2">May blight at tempest’s call.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">Life is not filled with sunshine bright—</span> -<span class="i2">The tear-drops sometimes fall;</span> -<span class="i0">And hopes that might have seen the light</span> -<span class="i2">May blight at sorrow’s call.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">But God, who sends the rain and tears</span> -<span class="i2">And knows what things are best,</span> -<span class="i0">Will also send the faith that cheers</span> -<span class="i2">And guides us to our rest.</span> -</div></div></div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_56" id="Page_56">[Pg 56]</a></span></p> -<h2>GOING HOME.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">“I am going home,” she whispered,—</span> -<span class="i2">“Home to mamma and the rest;</span> -<span class="i0">So I’ll put away my playthings,</span> -<span class="i2">For I think that home is best.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">Mamma will be there to meet me,</span> -<span class="i2">And I’ll sit on papa’s knee;</span> -<span class="i0">All the others will be waiting</span> -<span class="i2">With a kiss for little me.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">Look! it’s getting dark already,</span> -<span class="i2">But there’s nothing much to fear,</span> -<span class="i0">For it only takes a minute,—</span> -<span class="i2">Home, you know, is very near.”</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">So she put away her playthings,</span> -<span class="i2">While they smoothed her golden curls,</span> -<span class="i0">And she sweetly smiled in parting</span> -<span class="i2">To the little boys and girls.</span> -</div></div></div> - -<hr class="r5" /> - -<div class="poetry-container"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">“I am going Home,” she whispered,—</span> -<span class="i2">“Home to Jesus and to rest;</span> -<span class="i1">So I’ll put away my burdens,</span> -<span class="i3">For I think that Home is best.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">Loved ones will be there to greet me,</span> -<span class="i2">I shall see and know them all;</span> -<span class="i0">There will be a glorious welcome</span> -<span class="i2">For the little me grown tall.</span> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_57" id="Page_57">[Pg 57]</a></span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">Look! the night is quickly coming,</span> -<span class="i2">But there’s nothing I can fear,</span> -<span class="i0">For it only takes a moment,—</span> -<span class="i2">Home, you know, is very near.”</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">So she put away life’s burdens,</span> -<span class="i2">While they smoothed her silvery hair,</span> -<span class="i0">And she sweetly smiled in parting</span> -<span class="i2">For she found her Saviour there.</span> -</div></div></div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_58" id="Page_58">[Pg 58]</a></span></p> -<h2>THE GARDENER.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">He who shall sow the little seeds,</span> -<span class="i2">Must wait for them to grow;</span> -<span class="i0">Some day when he a solace needs</span> -<span class="i2">The pure, sweet flowers will blow.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">When wintry storms their peace shall take,</span> -<span class="i2">And they are lost from sight,</span> -<span class="i0">These little seeds once more will wake,</span> -<span class="i2">To Heaven’s eternal light.</span> -</div></div></div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_59" id="Page_59">[Pg 59]</a></span></p> -<h2>AT YORK.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">The moon-light falls upon the sea,</span> -<span class="i2">And leaves a path of glory;</span> -<span class="i0">The waves creep high upon the shore,</span> -<span class="i0">And roll the shining pebbles o’er;</span> -<span class="i0">Then, running back in noisy play</span> -<span class="i0">To meet the ever-dashing spray,</span> -<span class="i0">Like loyal lovers, gay and free,</span> -<span class="i2">Repeat the same sweet story.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">The light-house, on the lonely isle,</span> -<span class="i2">Where shadows now are creeping,</span> -<span class="i0">Like sentinel, so true and brave,</span> -<span class="i0">Stands forth to stay each coming wave;</span> -<span class="i0">In raging storm as well as calm</span> -<span class="i0">This stalwart giant fears no harm,</span> -<span class="i0">And thro’ the night keeps watch the while</span> -<span class="i2">The fisher folk are sleeping.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">A little boat now comes to view,</span> -<span class="i2">And, in the path of splendor,</span> -<span class="i0">It seems to drift with idle oar,</span> -<span class="i0">To distant moon and unknown shore,—</span> -<span class="i0">Till human vision, at its best,</span> -<span class="i0">Can scarce discern, on ocean’s crest,</span> -<span class="i0">That tiny speck that rocks the two</span> -<span class="i2">To love dreams new and tender.</span> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_60" id="Page_60">[Pg 60]</a></span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">The stars are peeping from the blue,</span> -<span class="i2">The “milky way” revealing;</span> -<span class="i0">A row of houses, on the sand,</span> -<span class="i0">Like line of fronted soldiers stand;</span> -<span class="i0">How dimly, thro’ the deepening night,</span> -<span class="i0">The cottage candle throws its light,</span> -<span class="i0">While breezes blow the curtains through—</span> -<span class="i2">A glimpse of home life stealing!</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">Some faint reflections on the deep</span> -<span class="i2">And to wet sands are creeping;</span> -<span class="i0">While, from the light within the tower</span> -<span class="i0">Whose steady glare reveals its power,</span> -<span class="i0">A path of red on land and sea,</span> -<span class="i0">Where waves make sweetest melody,</span> -<span class="i0">Reflects and soothes the mermaid’s sleep</span> -<span class="i2">Its hourly night watch keeping.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">O beauteous evening! Peace above,</span> -<span class="i2">O’er sea and shore is falling;</span> -<span class="i0">On such a calm and glorious night</span> -<span class="i0">The human heart is nearer right;</span> -<span class="i0">God seems so great, and Heaven so fair,</span> -<span class="i0">That man and earth can not compare;</span> -<span class="i0">On night like this, the souls that love</span> -<span class="i2">Are roused to higher calling.</span> -</div></div></div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_61" id="Page_61">[Pg 61]</a></span></p> -<h2>PEACE.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">When we ask the reason why,</span> -<span class="i2">And we question: “Is it right?”</span> -<span class="i0">When we search for hidden truths,</span> -<span class="i2">Praying for the needed light;</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">When our way looks long and lone,</span> -<span class="i2">And the sky seems dark o’erhead;</span> -<span class="i0">When our blessings all are gone,</span> -<span class="i2">And the sorrows come instead;</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">Then, like sunlight thro’ the gloom,</span> -<span class="i2">Comes the peace for which we prayed:—</span> -<span class="i0">“Let not your heart be troubled,</span> -<span class="i2">Neither let it be afraid.”</span> -</div></div></div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_62" id="Page_62">[Pg 62]</a></span></p> -<h2>SHE SLEEPS.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">“She sleeps,” they said;</span> -<span class="i0">With noiseless tread</span> -<span class="i2">They pass their way;</span> -<span class="i0">She will awake,</span> -<span class="i0">At morning break,</span> -<span class="i2">In endless day.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">“She sleeps,” they said;</span> -<span class="i0">Some tears are shed</span> -<span class="i2">From loving eyes;</span> -<span class="i0">To-day she sings,</span> -<span class="i0">With King of kings,</span> -<span class="i2">In Paradise.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">One stands apart,</span> -<span class="i0">With breaking heart,</span> -<span class="i2">From all the rest;</span> -<span class="i0">His grief appears</span> -<span class="i0">Too great for tears,—</span> -<span class="i2">To weep were best.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">“She sleeps,” they said</span> -<span class="i0">Around her head</span> -<span class="i2">The sunbeams play;</span> -<span class="i0">When all are gone</span> -<span class="i0">One lingers long</span> -<span class="i2">Who wills to stay.</span> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_63" id="Page_63">[Pg 63]</a></span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">He calls her name</span> -<span class="i0">And loves the same</span> -<span class="i2">As when in life;</span> -<span class="i0">With paling cheek</span> -<span class="i0">He bids her speak,—</span> -<span class="i2">His promised wife.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">Alone are they;</span> -<span class="i0">What can he say</span> -<span class="i2">That she may hear?</span> -<span class="i0">He takes her hand,—</span> -<span class="i0">She’ll understand</span> -<span class="i2">When he is near.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">He sees the smile</span> -<span class="i0">And waits awhile</span> -<span class="i2">With bated breath;</span> -<span class="i0">But lips speak not</span> -<span class="i0">Her loving thought,</span> -<span class="i2">Whose seal is death.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">Around her face,</span> -<span class="i0">In girlish grace,</span> -<span class="i2">Falls silken hair;</span> -<span class="i0">Her dear eyes close</span> -<span class="i0">Yet well he knows</span> -<span class="i2">The soul light there.</span> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_64" id="Page_64">[Pg 64]</a></span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">His own is she;</span> -<span class="i0">On bended knee</span> -<span class="i2">Once more he prays:—</span> -<span class="i0">“Dear Father give,</span> -<span class="i0">While I shall live,</span> -<span class="i2">Strength for my days;</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">Help me to be</span> -<span class="i0">As pure as she;</span> -<span class="i2">And then at last</span> -<span class="i0">Unite us two</span> -<span class="i0">In Heaven, with You,</span> -<span class="i2">When life is past.”</span> -</div></div></div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_65" id="Page_65">[Pg 65]</a></span></p> -<h2>AFFLUENCE.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">If you want both fame and money</span> -<span class="i0">You will do just as you can;</span> -<span class="i0">If you do not care for either</span> -<span class="i2">You can do just as you will;</span> -<span class="i0">And, among the moving masses,</span> -<span class="i0">He will be the wisest man</span> -<span class="i0">Who adopts these words of counsel</span> -<span class="i2">That shall help him up life’s hill.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">If you wish to be to-morrow</span> -<span class="i0">What you cannot be to-day,</span> -<span class="i0">You must make the most of moments</span> -<span class="i2">While to-day is passing by;</span> -<span class="i0">If you would do in the future</span> -<span class="i0">What you really wish and pray,</span> -<span class="i0">Do at present what you can do</span> -<span class="i2">And be happy while you try.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">Should you lose both fame and money</span> -<span class="i0">You will prosper all the more,—</span> -<span class="i0">For you’ll have an education</span> -<span class="i2">That shall loose you from your chains</span> -<span class="i0">And enable you to master</span> -<span class="i0">What you could not learn before,—</span> -<span class="i0">How to utilize resources</span> -<span class="i2">And rely upon your brains.</span> -</div></div></div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_66" id="Page_66">[Pg 66]</a></span></p> -<h2>CHRIST DIVINE.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">Never can I forget Thee, Christ divine,</span> -<span class="i0">Never grow weary of this love of Thine,</span> -<span class="i0">Never deny Thee, from Thee turn away,</span> -<span class="i0">Nor cease to love Thee every passing day.</span> -<span class="i0">When storms of life are threatening very near,</span> -<span class="i0">Thy voice, dear Saviour, let me ever hear;</span> -<span class="i0">And when my sky is very clear and bright</span> -<span class="i0">Be Thou my sun, my never-failing light.</span> -<span class="i0">While I shall live, be Thou a life for me,</span> -<span class="i0">And when I die, my resurrection be.</span> -<span class="i0">When I shall enter Heavenly mansions fair,</span> -<span class="i0">Be Thou the first to meet and greet me there.</span> -<span class="i0">While, thro’ the endless years of which I dream,</span> -<span class="i0">I touch the golden harp, be Thou my theme,</span> -<span class="i0">On earth, in Heaven, forevermore be mine,—</span> -<span class="i0">My first, my last, my only Christ divine.</span> -</div></div></div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_67" id="Page_67">[Pg 67]</a></span></p> -<h2>IN AFTER YEARS.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">Out in the grassy meadow,</span> -<span class="i2">As the light begins to fade,</span> -<span class="i0">To-day I sit in shadow,</span> -<span class="i2">Where in childhood hours I played.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">The old stone, ’neath the maple,</span> -<span class="i2">The brooklet, beside the wall,</span> -<span class="i0">Are just as dear as ever</span> -<span class="i2">To this little girl grown tall.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">The tinkle of bell, in pasture,</span> -<span class="i2">The glow of the sunset light,</span> -<span class="i0">Bring back those other twilights</span> -<span class="i2">When I drove the cows at night.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">The whip-poor-will’s loud singing,</span> -<span class="i2">In his leafy bower on high,</span> -<span class="i0">Recalls the times I answered</span> -<span class="i2">And my echo made reply.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">I hear another calling,</span> -<span class="i2">In the branches overhead,</span> -<span class="i0">For years they have been many</span> -<span class="i2">And the young must sing instead.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">Adown the little pathway</span> -<span class="i2">That leads to pasture bars,</span> -<span class="i0">I see the grasses growing,</span> -<span class="i2">Where the footprints numbered stars.</span> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_68" id="Page_68">[Pg 68]</a></span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">In place of dear old homestead</span> -<span class="i2">Is ruin and heap of stone;</span> -<span class="i0">And tears are dimming vision,</span> -<span class="i2">As I think and gaze alone.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">The same old tree is standing,</span> -<span class="i2">Where it towered years before,</span> -<span class="i0">With branches reaching outward,</span> -<span class="i2">To the low-eaved porch and door.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">A hush is stealing o’er me,</span> -<span class="i2">Like the quiet of the night;</span> -<span class="i0">I can but breathe a blessing</span> -<span class="i2">For the dear ones gone from sight.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">Tho’ feeble steps are silenced,</span> -<span class="i2">And the smiles no more I see,</span> -<span class="i0">Yet there, where Home remaineth,</span> -<span class="i2">They will wait to welcome me.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">Alone! and yet in dreaming</span> -<span class="i2">I can live and love once more</span> -<span class="i0">The days of happy childhood,</span> -<span class="i2">In the sunshine gone before.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">And tho’ my light is fading</span> -<span class="i2">And the night must come I know,</span> -<span class="i0">Yet the sunbeams will be stealing</span> -<span class="i2">Thro’ the rifts of long ago.</span> -</div></div></div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_69" id="Page_69">[Pg 69]</a></span></p> -<h2>FAITH.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">Faith is needed every day,—</span> -<span class="i0">Faith to work and faith to pray;</span> -<span class="i0">Faith to learn and faith to teach,</span> -<span class="i0">Faith to practice, faith to preach;</span> -<span class="i0">Faith to love and faith to charm,</span> -<span class="i0">Faith to quicken, faith to calm;</span> -<span class="i0">Faith to bless and faith to chide,</span> -<span class="i0">Faith to follow, faith to guide;</span> -<span class="i0">Faith to prove and faith to know,</span> -<span class="i0">Faith to stay and faith to go;</span> -<span class="i0">Faith to urge and faith to keep,</span> -<span class="i0">Faith to waken, faith to sleep;</span> -<span class="i0">Faith to do and faith to dare,</span> -<span class="i0">Faith to bear and faith to share;</span> -<span class="i0">Faith to bind and faith to break,</span> -<span class="i0">Faith to give and faith to take;</span> -<span class="i0">Faith to stand and faith to yield,</span> -<span class="i0">Faith to heal, faith to be healed,</span> -<span class="i0">Faith to pardon, faith to seek,</span> -<span class="i0">Faith to listen, faith to speak;</span> -<span class="i0">Faith to wait and faith to try,</span> -<span class="i0">Faith to live and faith to die.</span> -</div></div></div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_70" id="Page_70">[Pg 70]</a></span></p> -<h2>UNITED EFFORT.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">Working unaided, striving alone,</span> -<span class="i0">Effort is fruitless and triumph unknown;</span> -<span class="i0">Single endeavor, battling with sin,</span> -<span class="i0">Loses the laurels union can win.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">Working together, trusting in God,</span> -<span class="i0">Effort united will merit reward;</span> -<span class="i0">Pledging allegiance triumph is sure,</span> -<span class="i0">Union is mighty, strength will endure.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">Under our motto forces unite,</span> -<span class="i0">Fearless and loyal they pledge for the Right.</span> -<span class="i0">Onward to victory, summon the rest!</span> -<span class="i0">Christ is our Leader, Union is best.</span> -</div></div></div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_71" id="Page_71">[Pg 71]</a></span></p> -<h2>MY SOUL.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">My soul is filled with music</span> -<span class="i2">Like the music of the sea;</span> -<span class="i0">And it takes both storm and sunshine</span> -<span class="i2">To awake it’s melody.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">My soul is often tempted,</span> -<span class="i2">But from God it ne’er can part</span> -<span class="i0">While the heavens shall bend above me</span> -<span class="i2">And the Muses touch my heart.</span> -</div></div></div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_72" id="Page_72">[Pg 72]</a></span></p> -<h2>THE TEXT.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">The song may be the sweetest,</span> -<span class="i2">And the story be the best,</span> -<span class="i0">The sermon most effectual,</span> -<span class="i2">And the poem well expressed;</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">But the text, it’s inspiration,</span> -<span class="i2">That the mind retains when heard,</span> -<span class="i0">May be a line at longest</span> -<span class="i2">Or perhaps a single word.</span> -</div></div></div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_73" id="Page_73">[Pg 73]</a></span></p> -<h2>ETHEL.</h2> -<p class="center space-below1">[In Memoriam.]</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">Before the little feet had weary grown</span> -<span class="i2">With toiling up life’s path from day to day,</span> -<span class="i0">The Master sent an angel from His home</span> -<span class="i2">To show our baby girl the nearer way.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">Before the tiny hands were clasped in prayer,</span> -<span class="i2">To ask of Him—as often seemeth best—</span> -<span class="i0">To lighten burdens sometimes hard to bear,</span> -<span class="i2">Those hands were folded in eternal rest.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">Before the baby eyes, so blue and bright,</span> -<span class="i2">Had o’er life’s lessons oft’ been known to weep,</span> -<span class="i0">The Saviour filled them with a Heavenly light,</span> -<span class="i2">And closed them, for a little while, in sleep.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">Before the little heart could know a sadness,</span> -<span class="i2">Such as is ours who wait with falling tears,</span> -<span class="i0">He stilled its pulsing—hushed it into gladness—</span> -<span class="i2">No griefs to bear thro’ all the coming years.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">Before the baby soul had known a wrong,</span> -<span class="i2">Or tempted been by sins earth below,</span> -<span class="i0">’Twas winged to Heaven, by angels’ sweetest song,</span> -<span class="i2">Pure and unspotted as the drifted snow.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">Home to our Master in that Land above,</span> -<span class="i2">Never to know a heart-ache nor a care;</span> -<span class="i0">Would we recall her, whom we truly love,</span> -<span class="i2">To earthly home from Home Eternal there?</span> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_74" id="Page_74">[Pg 74]</a></span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">Home to our Father in that Land of Light,</span> -<span class="i2">Where angels guard her while we watch and pray,</span> -<span class="i0">Where we shall meet her if we live aright,—</span> -<span class="i2">For Home with Jesus is not far away;</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">And when, some day, we hear our Saviour’s voice,</span> -<span class="i2">We’ll breathe to Him above a thankful prayer,</span> -<span class="i0">And hearts, once filled with sorrow, will rejoice</span> -<span class="i2">That those we love are waiting for us there;</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">And when Heaven’s gracious gate is opened wide</span> -<span class="i2">To show, to gladdened souls, Eternal Day,</span> -<span class="i0">A child, with sunny hair, will stand beside,</span> -<span class="i2">To sing a welcome and to lead the way.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">Not long we wait,—our baby goes before,</span> -<span class="i2">Spared from the sorrows which life here doth give,—</span> -<span class="i0">Happy with Jesus on that Heavenly Shore,</span> -<span class="i2">Where those He loves forevermore may live.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">Thro’ patient toil we’ll reach that Better Land</span> -<span class="i2">Where now our darling finds her sweetest rest,</span> -<span class="i0">And then I think that we shall understand,—</span> -<span class="i2">And say, with happy hearts, that God knows best.</span> -</div></div></div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_75" id="Page_75">[Pg 75]</a></span></p> -<h2>LOVE’S ROSES.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">When love ’woke from slumber,</span> -<span class="i2">At the dawn of day,</span> -<span class="i0">Roses without number</span> -<span class="i2">Bloomed upon his way;</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">But when noonday splendor</span> -<span class="i2">With her sunlight stayed,</span> -<span class="i0">Roses, young and tender,</span> -<span class="i2">Soon began to fade.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">When the night winds sighing</span> -<span class="i2">’Round Love’s portals play,</span> -<span class="i0">Rose leaves, crushed and dying,</span> -<span class="i2">Soon will blow away.</span> -</div></div></div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_76" id="Page_76">[Pg 76]</a></span></p> -<h2>INFLUENCE.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">The whole vast pyramid, Humanity,</span> -<span class="i2">Is built on Influence, an unseen power,</span> -<span class="i0">Whose great foundation stone is laid at start,</span> -<span class="i0">Upon which rises day by day a part;</span> -<span class="i0">Until the whole, imperfect though complete,</span> -<span class="i2">Awaits the Judge at close of life’s brief hour.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">Like swallows who have found a summer sun,</span> -<span class="i2">And frozen buds which wake to springtime light,</span> -<span class="i0">So starved Humanity, which seeks awhile</span> -<span class="i0">The warmth and light of earth’s most friendly smile,</span> -<span class="i0">Bursts into fuller life and glories new</span> -<span class="i2">By strength of influence daily used aright.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">As song of bird invites to melody</span> -<span class="i2">Some other soaring songster of the air,</span> -<span class="i0">Until a chorus, wakened far and near,</span> -<span class="i0">Fills quiet hour with music and with cheer,</span> -<span class="i0">So playful Zephyr may Æolus wake</span> -<span class="i2">To scatter clouds and make the earth more fair.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">As raindrop falling to a fainting field</span> -<span class="i2">May summon forth a sweet, refreshing shower,</span> -<span class="i0">So little words may speed on loving wings,</span> -<span class="i0">Till earth awakes and all the glad world sings;</span> -<span class="i0">Till fainting hearts revive and souls are saved,</span> -<span class="i2">By needed influence of cheer and power.</span> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_77" id="Page_77">[Pg 77]</a></span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">If life with Socrates could make man wise,</span> -<span class="i2">If Aristides could make mortal just,</span> -<span class="i0">Then life with Christ can make a Christlike man,</span> -<span class="i0">Who lives, reflecting Christ, as best he can;</span> -<span class="i0">Whose nature is o’ertaken, sanctified,</span> -<span class="i2">Whose influence ensures a sacred trust.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">The spell of Christ-life, deepening o’er the soul,</span> -<span class="i2">Refines and softens conduct, speech, and mind;</span> -<span class="i0">And what men think, and feel, and do, and say,</span> -<span class="i0">Will make the earth less hopeful or more gay,—</span> -<span class="i0">Will show a daring demon to the world,</span> -<span class="i2">Or prove the loving God to mortal-kind.</span> -</div></div></div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_78" id="Page_78">[Pg 78]</a></span></p> -<h2>LIFT UP THY HEART.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">Lift up thy heart,</span> -<span class="i4">The day is bright,</span> -<span class="i2">There is no need of sighing;</span> -<span class="i0">Do well thy part,</span> -<span class="i4">Ere falls the night,</span> -<span class="i2">Be happy in the trying.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">Fear not the way,</span> -<span class="i4">God knows it all,</span> -<span class="i2">His love is ever guiding;</span> -<span class="i0">Be true to-day,</span> -<span class="i4">And hear His call,</span> -<span class="i2">In faith and works abiding.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">Look not before,</span> -<span class="i4">Nor yet behind,</span> -<span class="i2">The present is thy blessing;</span> -<span class="i0">Doubt Him no more,</span> -<span class="i4">But gladness find,</span> -<span class="i2">His gracious gifts confessing.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">Lift up thy heart,</span> -<span class="i4">And like a King</span> -<span class="i2">Rule o’er it, faithless never;</span> -<span class="i0">Do well thy part,</span> -<span class="i4">Till earth shall sing,</span> -<span class="i2">And Heaven be thine forever.</span> -</div></div></div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_79" id="Page_79">[Pg 79]</a></span></p> -<h2>TWO PATHS.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">When eastern skies are bathed in mists of gray,</span> -<span class="i2">And all the heralds of the night are gone,</span> -<span class="i0">I watch two shadows, moving o’er the way,</span> -<span class="i2">Beyond the dim, uncertain light of morn.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">Adown the years they come, like fleeting dreams,—</span> -<span class="i2">No sound disturbs the hush of daylight fair,</span> -<span class="i0">Save song of bird, or many murmuring streams,</span> -<span class="i2">Like sweetest music filling all the air.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">Near, and yet nearer, till each sunlight ray</span> -<span class="i2">Reveals no shadows, as they onward glide,</span> -<span class="i0">But two young friends, upon life’s unknown way,</span> -<span class="i2">Eager to journey o’er a path untried.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">Youth knows no fear; the day is near at hand</span> -<span class="i2">And Mother Earth breathes forth a welcome sweet;</span> -<span class="i0">Thus do they wander o’er the sun-lit land</span> -<span class="i2">Until they come to where the two paths meet.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">They pause a moment, in their eager flight,</span> -<span class="i2">Uncertain which to take upon the way;</span> -<span class="i0">But choose the path now filled with morning light</span> -<span class="i2">Where flowers bloom and gentle zephyrs play.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">Now Pleasure points the way to paths unknown,</span> -<span class="i2">The prospect brightens, as new scenes appear;—</span> -<span class="i0">The world invites them,—they are not alone,</span> -<span class="i2">But join a moving throng, who know no fear.</span> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_80" id="Page_80">[Pg 80]</a></span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">To one, a still voice comes,—a breath, a prayer,</span> -<span class="i2">Breathed by a brother, in life’s changing day;</span> -<span class="i0">And, gazing up, he leaves the valley fair</span> -<span class="i2">To seek that other path,—the surer way.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">He climbs the height; the vale beneath him lies,</span> -<span class="i2">And angels guide his faltering steps aright;</span> -<span class="i0">To gain the summit manfully he tries,—</span> -<span class="i2">Above he sees the day’s eternal light;</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">But looking downward, to the valley fair,</span> -<span class="i2">Where, in youth’s morn, his weary feet have trod,</span> -<span class="i0">He sees his fellow traveler lingering there</span> -<span class="i2">And, in his strength, he leads him up to God.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">Happy is he who finds the heavenly way</span> -<span class="i2">And lends to doubting souls a helping hand;</span> -<span class="i0">God’s light directs him, step by step, each day,—</span> -<span class="i2">God’s glory waits him in the Promised Land.</span> -</div></div></div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_81" id="Page_81">[Pg 81]</a></span></p> -<h2>STEADFASTNESS.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">We never know what we can do,</span> -<span class="i2">Until we try;</span> -<span class="i0">He who accomplishes the least,</span> -<span class="i2">Stands idly by;</span> -<span class="i0">While he who makes the most of life,</span> -<span class="i2">Keeps plodding on,</span> -<span class="i0">And earns at least his perfect rest</span> -<span class="i2">When strength is gone.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">We never know what we can do,</span> -<span class="i2">Until we dare;</span> -<span class="i0">He who would gain the victor’s place,</span> -<span class="i2">Must not despair;</span> -<span class="i0">For tho’ life’s burdens seem too great,</span> -<span class="i2">The way too long,</span> -<span class="i0">He will succeed who conquers doubt</span> -<span class="i2">By prayer and song.</span> -</div></div></div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_82" id="Page_82">[Pg 82]</a></span></p> -<h2>VOLUME ONE.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">How beautiful is youth that grandly gleams</span> -<span class="i0">With bright illusions and aspiring dreams!</span> -<span class="i0">Book of beginnings, such as Fiction paints,</span> -<span class="i0">With model heroines and hero saints.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">Each precious page with expectation teems,</span> -<span class="i0">Filling the mind as rain-drops fill the streams;</span> -<span class="i0">Sweet and refreshing as the summer shower</span> -<span class="i0">And adding charms to every passing hour.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">Each coming chapter with a new hope beams,</span> -<span class="i0">But how ’twill end the wisest little dreams;</span> -<span class="i0">And when, at last, the book of Youth is done</span> -<span class="i0">A less romantic sequel is begun.</span> -</div></div></div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_83" id="Page_83">[Pg 83]</a></span></p> -<h2>HAPPINESS-KILLERS.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">We are crossing little bridges</span> -<span class="i2">That we never reach at all;</span> -<span class="i0">We are climbing mighty mountains</span> -<span class="i2">That are not upon our way;</span> -<span class="i0">We are looking for a twilight</span> -<span class="i2">While the morning sunbeams fall,</span> -<span class="i0">And the troubled thoughts of future</span> -<span class="i2">Take the gladness from to-day.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">We are losing Nature’s glories,</span> -<span class="i2">Which are meant for us to see;</span> -<span class="i0">We are finding weeds and grasses</span> -<span class="i2">Where the pretty flowers grow;</span> -<span class="i0">We are looking for the storm clouds</span> -<span class="i2">Which perchance may never be,</span> -<span class="i0">And we quite forget the sunshine</span> -<span class="i2">Which to-day is ours below.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">We are filling life’s brief season</span> -<span class="i2">Full of worry and regret,</span> -<span class="i0">And the thoughts of past and future</span> -<span class="i2">Rob the present of its best;</span> -<span class="i0">And the happiness of others</span> -<span class="i2">We perchance do oft forget.</span> -<span class="i0">Past regret and future worry</span> -<span class="i2">Banish peace and conquer rest.</span> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_84" id="Page_84">[Pg 84]</a></span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">Life is ours! The day is passing,</span> -<span class="i2">And the Present is our all;</span> -<span class="i0">Past has gone, and future cometh</span> -<span class="i2">In the moments one by one.</span> -<span class="i0">If to-day we do our duty,</span> -<span class="i2">Love the Saviour, hear His call,</span> -<span class="i0">Earth will bless and Heaven receive us,</span> -<span class="i2">And His words will be: “Well done.”</span> -</div></div></div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_85" id="Page_85">[Pg 85]</a></span></p> -<h2>RECOMPENSE.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">Not he who sins, but he who does God’s will</span> -<span class="i0">Finds, in life’s cup, some added sorrows still;</span> -<span class="i0">Not he who soars to heights of rank and fame,</span> -<span class="i0">But he who climbs, is he who bears Christ’s name;</span> -<span class="i0">Not he who wins, but he who daily tries</span> -<span class="i0">Shall best deserve the joys of Paradise.</span> -</div></div></div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_86" id="Page_86">[Pg 86]</a></span></p> -<h2>WHY?</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">Why do I love thee and how do I know</span> -<span class="i2">That thou art the dearest of all to me?</span> -<span class="i0">Why do the moments, wherever I go,</span> -<span class="i2">Seem brighter and better because of thee?</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">Why, mid the work of the long, weary day,</span> -<span class="i2">Are burdens of life more easy to bear?</span> -<span class="i0">Why pause I so often, upon life’s way,</span> -<span class="i2">To ask God’s blessing for thee in prayer?</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">Why does my soul, once so tempted and sad,</span> -<span class="i2">Awaken to thoughts both noble and pure?</span> -<span class="i0">Why does the loving thee make my heart glad,—</span> -<span class="i2">God seem the nearer and Heaven the more sure?</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">Why, in my dreaming, thy voice do I hear,</span> -<span class="i2">Thy face do I see, and feel thy caress?</span> -<span class="i0">Why, dreaming or waking, seemeth thou near,</span> -<span class="i2">To soothe, to comfort, to help and to bless?</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">I pass others by, in the crowded street,</span> -<span class="i2">Whose faces, it may be, are fair as thine,</span> -<span class="i0">Yet thine, thine only, to me is most sweet,—</span> -<span class="i2">Thou only canst waken this love of mine.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">Another’s low word and sweet, winning smile,</span> -<span class="i2">Tho’ sought by many, when given to me</span> -<span class="i0">I dare to confess can charm for awhile,</span> -<span class="i2">But love meaneth more and I love but thee.</span> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_87" id="Page_87">[Pg 87]</a></span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">I hear other voices, see other smiles,</span> -<span class="i2">But hearing and seeing bringeth unrest;</span> -<span class="i0">Laughter and music the evening beguiles,—</span> -<span class="i2">Thy voice and thy smile for me are the best.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">Why do I love thee? Ask God why he gave</span> -<span class="i2">To thee, and thee only, that power divine</span> -<span class="i0">My heart to touch and my soul to save,</span> -<span class="i2">And then I can answer why thou art mine.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">Why do I love thee? Ask God to reveal</span> -<span class="i2">Why He hath made thee so unlike the rest;—</span> -<span class="i0">True and unselfish, perchance thou mayest feel</span> -<span class="i2">That I have good reason for loving thee best.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">Art thou the dearest one? Love can but show</span> -<span class="i2">That thou art the dearest, ideal of mine;</span> -<span class="i0">Knowing, I love thee; and loving, I know;</span> -<span class="i2">To know and to love are the gifts divine.</span> -</div></div></div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_88" id="Page_88">[Pg 88]</a></span></p> -<h2>CLASS ODE,—1885.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">We sail far out to sunset’s light beyond,</span> -<span class="i2">On Life’s most restless and most fitful deep;</span> -<span class="i0">Where tempests rage and storms do oft abound,</span> -<span class="i2">And waves and billows care not long to sleep.</span> -<span class="i0">In Ocean’s lap most priceless pearls we’ve found,</span> -<span class="i2">And gathered them as onward we have passed;</span> -<span class="i0">We deemed the work but pleasure and reward,</span> -<span class="i2">Rare treasures that in years to come would last.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">Life’s dark blue waters cannot be recrossed</span> -<span class="i2">O’er which we passed so joyfully each day;</span> -<span class="i0">For youth and pleasure can not always last,</span> -<span class="i2">And Duty bids us hasten on our way.</span> -<span class="i0">We know that here our voyage together ends</span> -<span class="i2">And each alone must earn his own reward;</span> -<span class="i0">But through the storms and sunny days alike</span> -<span class="i2">We shall be guided by the hand of God.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">To-day we all must bid a fond farewell;</span> -<span class="i2">We know henceforth our lives apart must be,</span> -<span class="i0">Until we cross the deep that lies before,</span> -<span class="i2">To be no longer tossed on life’s rough sea.</span> -<span class="i0">And when beyond the ever-changing waves</span> -<span class="i2">We anchor on that shining Heavenly shore,</span> -<span class="i0">May we, who linger now to say: “Farewell,”</span> -<span class="i2">United stand to part again no more.</span> -</div></div></div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_89" id="Page_89">[Pg 89]</a></span></p> -<h2>TWO SIDES.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">The clouds that float above</span> -<span class="i2">Each have two separate sides,—</span> -<span class="i0">One toward the earth below,</span> -<span class="i2">The other toward the sun;</span> -<span class="i0">And when we see our lives,</span> -<span class="i2">Which God in goodness guides,</span> -<span class="i0">Upon the darker side</span> -<span class="i2">He sees the brighter one.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">Some day we shall behold</span> -<span class="i2">The side that He can see,</span> -<span class="i0">And we shall praise His name</span> -<span class="i2">For blessings that are ours;</span> -<span class="i0">Till clouds shall all disperse,</span> -<span class="i2">And life shall grander be,—</span> -<span class="i0">Refreshed like mother earth</span> -<span class="i2">When sunshine follows showers.</span> -</div></div></div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_90" id="Page_90">[Pg 90]</a></span></p> -<h2>THE CHANGING CURRENT.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">A river runs upon its way</span> -<span class="i0">Thro’ fertile fields and meadows gay;—</span> -<span class="i0">Among the sweetly-scented bowers,</span> -<span class="i0">And where the sunlight soothes the flowers.</span> -<span class="i0">It dances merrily along</span> -<span class="i0">And sings sweet Solitude a song;</span> -<span class="i0">But ere it meets the distant shore,</span> -<span class="i0">Its current changes more and more;</span> -<span class="i0">The stones that in its course now lie</span> -<span class="i0">It must rush over or pass by;</span> -<span class="i0">And while it meets them one by one</span> -<span class="i0">Dark clouds obscure the shining sun;</span> -<span class="i0">The sparkling waters lose their charm,</span> -<span class="i0">No more to frolic free from harm;</span> -<span class="i0">For threatening storm has come at last,—</span> -<span class="i0">The river rushes madly past</span> -<span class="i0">Thro’ cities and thro’ distant towns,</span> -<span class="i0">As tho’ it would escape its bounds;</span> -<span class="i0">But storm will cease and mists will clear</span> -<span class="i0">Till hidden sun shall reappear,</span> -<span class="i0">And that same river, calm and free,</span> -<span class="i0">Shall flow in fullness to the sea.</span> -<span class="i0">Thus runs the current of my life</span> -<span class="i0">Thro’ sun and shade, in calm and strife;</span> -<span class="i0">At first among the flowers gay</span> -<span class="i0">It sparkles freely on its way;</span> -<span class="i0">But while it sings its happy song,</span> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_91" id="Page_91">[Pg 91]</a></span> -<span class="i0">And glides so peacefully along,</span> -<span class="i0">The obstacles and clouds appear</span> -<span class="i0">To hinder and deprive of cheer.</span> -<span class="i0">When all the barriers have been passed,</span> -<span class="i0">And threatening storms have ceased at last,</span> -<span class="i0">My life, more full, and calm, and free,</span> -<span class="i0">Shall end it’s course beyond the Sea.</span> -</div></div></div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_92" id="Page_92">[Pg 92]</a></span></p> -<h2>SLEEP.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">When sunset light has faded from our sight,</span> -<span class="i0">And darkness comes to tell us of the night,</span> -<span class="i0">We sleep, refreshed from earthly care and sorrow,</span> -<span class="i0">To waken to another hopeful morrow.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">When sun and stars shall no more please our sight,</span> -<span class="i0">And darkness comes to tell us of the night,</span> -<span class="i0">We sleep, unmindful of earth’s joy and sorrow,</span> -<span class="i0">To waken to a never-ending morrow.</span> -</div></div></div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_93" id="Page_93">[Pg 93]</a></span></p> -<h2>LIFE’S DAY.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">When the morn has breathed her story,</span> -<span class="i2">And the noon of life is past,</span> -<span class="i0">When the sunset’s deepening glory</span> -<span class="i2">Fills the waiting soul at last;</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">Then, like sweetest music falling</span> -<span class="i2">Thro’ the splendors of the West,</span> -<span class="i0">We shall hear the angels calling</span> -<span class="i2">To a blest, eternal rest.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">When the day in silence sleeping,</span> -<span class="i2">Shows that earthly light has fled,</span> -<span class="i0">When the heart has ceased it’s weeping</span> -<span class="i2">And the final prayer is said;</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">Then beyond life’s great endeavor,</span> -<span class="i2">In the stillness of the night,</span> -<span class="i0">We shall wake to live forever</span> -<span class="i2">And shall know God’s plans are right.</span> -</div></div></div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_94" id="Page_94">[Pg 94]</a></span></p> -<h2>A POET.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">A poet took in hand his mighty pen</span> -<span class="i0">To move the hearts of lyric-loving men.</span> -<span class="i0">He wrote of prayer, not knowing how to pray;</span> -<span class="i0">He wrote of Heaven, not having found the way;</span> -<span class="i0">He wrote of fame, not having reached the goal</span> -<span class="i0">Where fame’s great treasure thrills the seeking soul;</span> -<span class="i0">He wrote of Art, and then of Nature sweet,</span> -<span class="i0">While Nature’s flowers were crushed beneath his feet;</span> -<span class="i0">He wrote of life, and human love below,</span> -<span class="i0">The power of which he did not, could not know.</span> -<span class="i0">At last, grown weary of his every theme,</span> -<span class="i0">A thought aroused him from his restless dream;</span> -<span class="i0">He seized his pen,—the inspiration grew</span> -<span class="i0">To tell of things he really felt and knew:</span> -<span class="i0">He wrote of “mother” and his “childhood days;”</span> -<span class="i0">Then high and low began to sing his praise.</span> -</div></div></div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_95" id="Page_95">[Pg 95]</a></span></p> -<h2>THANKSGIVING.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">Not because Thou givest me</span> -<span class="i0">Life from care and sorrow free</span> -<span class="i2">Do I thank Thee, Lord, to-day;</span> -<span class="i0">But because in life’s dark hour,</span> -<span class="i0">Thou hast given peace and power</span> -<span class="i2">To sustain me on the way.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">Not for gift of wealth or fame</span> -<span class="i0">Do I praise Thy kingly name</span> -<span class="i2">Kneeling now with grateful heart;</span> -<span class="i0">But for home, for friends, and health,—</span> -<span class="i0">Greater gifts than fame or wealth,</span> -<span class="i2">Blessings of my life a part.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">Not because the earth is bright</span> -<span class="i0">With a wealth of joy and light</span> -<span class="i2">Do I thank Thee, Lord Divine;</span> -<span class="i0">But because in Home above</span> -<span class="i0">Life eternal speaks Thy love</span> -<span class="i2">And the hope of Heaven is mine.</span> -</div></div></div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_96" id="Page_96">[Pg 96]</a></span></p> -<h2>MUSINGS.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">Upon the shining sands a man once strolled;</span> -<span class="i2">And, looking out across the silvery sea,</span> -<span class="i0">He saw the waste of waters, blue and cold,</span> -<span class="i2">Where restless waves were climbing high and free.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">He paused awhile to watch the changing tide;</span> -<span class="i2">But, tiring of the noise and sunlight’s glare,</span> -<span class="i0">He sought a hidden path, and turned aside,</span> -<span class="i2">Where sweet wild roses scent the balmy air.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">Then, growing weary as the morning passed,</span> -<span class="i2">He filled his hands with blossoms that he found,</span> -<span class="i0">And threw himself beneath an oak at last,</span> -<span class="i2">Whose brawny branches brushed the grassy ground.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">He bared his head; and lying ’neath the tree,</span> -<span class="i2">Arranging wealth of roses in his hands,</span> -<span class="i0">He thought that, ’bove the branches, he could see</span> -<span class="i2">The same blue ocean rolling to the sands.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">His mind to rose thoughts turned in dreamy way,—</span> -<span class="i2">From untrained blossoms, blooming in the bowers,</span> -<span class="i0">Whose simple petals fade within a day,</span> -<span class="i2">Have been developed grander, sweeter flowers.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">The jacqueminot and all her sisters fair,</span> -<span class="i2">Now clothed in colors bright and staying late,</span> -<span class="i0">Because of culture and a proper care</span> -<span class="i2">Have found a place within the garden gate.</span> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_97" id="Page_97">[Pg 97]</a></span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">So too with life; the untrained children we</span> -<span class="i2">Whose innocence shall fade within the hours,—</span> -<span class="i0">With thoughts, like petals, simple, pure, and free,—</span> -<span class="i2">And minds to be developed like the flowers.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">If rightly clothed, according to God’s plan,</span> -<span class="i2">We soon discover, ere it is too late,</span> -<span class="i0">That cultivation makes the grander man</span> -<span class="i2">Who finds a place within the Heavenly gate.</span> -</div></div></div> - -<hr class="r5" /> - -<div class="poetry-container"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">The dreamer woke; his roses, once so bright,</span> -<span class="i2">Had drooped and faded in the heat of day;</span> -<span class="i0">His rose thoughts had unfolded to the light</span> -<span class="i2">To bless and help him all along life’s way.</span> -</div></div></div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_98" id="Page_98">[Pg 98]</a></span></p> -<h2>SEEKING AND STRIVING.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">The soul that seeks for Heavenly things,</span> -<span class="i0">And mounts above on tireless wings,</span> -<span class="i2">Shall find them by and by;</span> -<span class="i0">The soul that strives to conquer wrong,</span> -<span class="i0">And sings a happy trustful song,</span> -<span class="i2">Shall live and never die.</span> -</div></div></div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_99" id="Page_99">[Pg 99]</a></span></p> -<h2>SOME DAY.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">Some day, not far away,</span> -<span class="i2">In Heaven above,</span> -<span class="i0">Both you and I,</span> -<span class="i0">Who say the last good-bye,</span> -<span class="i2">Shall meet and love.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">Some day, beyond life’s way</span> -<span class="i2">Of cares and tears,</span> -<span class="i0">Your soul and mine,</span> -<span class="i0">With Christ, the Soul divine,</span> -<span class="i2">Shall know no fears.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">Some day, when others pray</span> -<span class="i2">With tear-stained eyes,</span> -<span class="i0">You’ll take my hand</span> -<span class="i0">And we shall understand</span> -<span class="i2">In Paradise.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">Some day, when others stay</span> -<span class="i2">To do life’s part,</span> -<span class="i0">We’ll reach the goal</span> -<span class="i0">Each standing soul to soul,—</span> -<span class="i2">Not heart to heart.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">Some day, when others say:—</span> -<span class="i2">“Their lot was sad,”</span> -<span class="i0">We’ll know the why;</span> -<span class="i0">In Heaven both you and I</span> -<span class="i2">Shall be more glad.</span> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_100" id="Page_100">[Pg 100]</a></span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">Some day, when earth is gay</span> -<span class="i2">On land and sea,</span> -<span class="i0">Beyond life’s shore</span> -<span class="i0">We two, who patience bore,</span> -<span class="i2">Shall thankful be.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">Some day,—some brighter day</span> -<span class="i2">Than all the rest,</span> -<span class="i0">Both you and I</span> -<span class="i0">Shall say no more: “Good-bye,”</span> -<span class="i2">But:—“God knows best.”</span> -</div></div></div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_101" id="Page_101">[Pg 101]</a></span></p> -<h2>THE AWAKENING.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">When Earth is waking from her winter dream,</span> -<span class="i0">And Sunlight calls to life each sleeping stream;</span> -<span class="i0">When songsters shall return on joyful wings,</span> -<span class="i0">’Tis then the mind awakes to grander things.</span> -<span class="i0">Faith in our God becomes a mighty power,—</span> -<span class="i0">Deep rooted in the soul it grows each hour.</span> -<span class="i0">Hope springs to life and, like the budding rose,</span> -<span class="i0">Admits the light, and thus diviner grows.</span> -<span class="i0">Sweet Charity, the greatest of the three,</span> -<span class="i0">Unlocks the dormant heart with magic key,—</span> -<span class="i0">Then enters Joy, the ever welcomed guest,</span> -<span class="i0">To quiet Sorrow, and to bid her rest.</span> -<span class="i0">The waking Earth demands the watchful eye,</span> -<span class="i0">While day by day new glories round her lie.</span> -<span class="i0">No longer shall we sleep away the hours,</span> -<span class="i0">But wake to life as wake the budding flowers,—</span> -<span class="i0">Breathing to others, in our life’s brief day,</span> -<span class="i0">Fragrance and beauty as they pass our way.</span> -<span class="i0">No longer shall we wait for better days,</span> -<span class="i0">But, like the bird, sing forth His endless praise,</span> -<span class="i0">And in the hour new hope and pleasure bring</span> -<span class="i0">To those who listen but care not to sing.</span> -<span class="i0">No longer shall we rest and vainly dream,</span> -<span class="i0">But wake as wakes again the living stream,</span> -<span class="i0">Ever to broaden as we onward go,</span> -<span class="i0">Bearing to thirsting souls the joys we know.</span> -</div></div></div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_102" id="Page_102">[Pg 102]</a></span></p> -<h2>LOVE-LETTERS.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">You may burn the letters, dearie,</span> -<span class="i2">Tho’ they’re written from the heart</span> -<span class="i0">And have made the days less dreary</span> -<span class="i2">While we two have been apart.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">You may burn each loving letter,</span> -<span class="i2">Tho’ the sentiment is true,</span> -<span class="i0">For it may be really better;—</span> -<span class="i2">They are meant for only you.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">You may watch the glowing embers</span> -<span class="i2">While the ashes turn to white;</span> -<span class="i0">For your loyal heart remembers</span> -<span class="i2">Tho’ my words shall pass from sight.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">You can burn Love’s secrets never</span> -<span class="i2">That my soul to yours confessed;</span> -<span class="i0">They, I know, will live forever</span> -<span class="i2">In the life that I love best.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">So, my dearie, burn each token</span> -<span class="i2">That I’ve written just for you,</span> -<span class="i0">And accept the love unspoken</span> -<span class="i2">From a heart that’s ever true;</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">For our love-light burns out never,—</span> -<span class="i2">It is human and divine;</span> -<span class="i0">We shall live and love forever,—</span> -<span class="i2">I am yours and you are mine.</span> -</div></div></div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_103" id="Page_103">[Pg 103]</a></span></p> -<h2>REGRET.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">There is no time, in life, for vain regret;</span> -<span class="i0">The days have passed, the hours are passing yet.</span> -<span class="i0">Each moment wasted by regretful sigh</span> -<span class="i0">Will count as worthless in the by and by,</span> -<span class="i0">Till life itself, which God to man has given,</span> -<span class="i0">Will be unworthy of the peace of Heaven.</span> -<span class="i0">A vain regret is but an added wrong,—</span> -<span class="i0">It makes the past a sorrow, not a song;</span> -<span class="i0">It robs the present of its very best</span> -<span class="i0">And fills the future with a vague unrest.</span> -<span class="i0">The little wrongs can never be made right</span> -<span class="i0">By keeping them before the human sight;</span> -<span class="i0">Better it is to give them scanty space</span> -<span class="i0">By putting virtue in its proper place;</span> -<span class="i0">Better it is to let the whole heart sing</span> -<span class="i0">Than let it sigh o’er one regretted thing.</span> -</div></div></div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_104" id="Page_104">[Pg 104]</a></span></p> -<h2>CHRISTIAN SOLDIERS.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i2">Hear the mighty army,</span> -<span class="i2">Marching on the way,</span> -<span class="i0">With the banner lifted in the light.</span> -<span class="i2">See the Christian Soldiers,</span> -<span class="i2">In the ranks to-day,</span> -<span class="i0">As they battle ever for the Right.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i2">Under Christ, the Leader,</span> -<span class="i2">Who commands them here,</span> -<span class="i0">They will stand united, one and all.</span> -<span class="i2">They will pledge allegiance,</span> -<span class="i2">They have naught to fear,</span> -<span class="i0">They will answer ever to His call.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i2">In His Service Royal,</span> -<span class="i2">Theirs will be the fame;</span> -<span class="i0">They shall wear the laurels by and by.</span> -<span class="i2">On the Shore Eternal,</span> -<span class="i2">They will praise His name,</span> -<span class="i0">Where the soul shall never, never die.</span> -</div></div></div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_105" id="Page_105">[Pg 105]</a></span></p> -<h2>A QUESTION.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">What have you done to-day, dear heart,</span> -<span class="i2">For Jesus’ sake?</span> -<span class="i0">Did love for Him reveal the part</span> -<span class="i2">To undertake?</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">Have you been wishing to aspire</span> -<span class="i2">To better things?</span> -<span class="i0">Has your sweet soul been lifted higher</span> -<span class="i2">By willing wings?</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">Or has it fallen from a height</span> -<span class="i2">So far above,</span> -<span class="i0">That naught can make it pure and right</span> -<span class="i2">Except God’s love?</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">What have you done to-day, dear heart,—</span> -<span class="i2">What will you do?</span> -<span class="i0">Will you not wisely do the part</span> -<span class="i2">God gives to you?</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">Will you not put away the dream</span> -<span class="i2">That fancies fill,</span> -<span class="i0">And tho’ your duties humble seem</span> -<span class="i2">Accept God’s will?</span> -</div></div></div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_106" id="Page_106">[Pg 106]</a></span></p> -<h2>SWEETEST MUSIC.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">A little child, at an organ</span> -<span class="i2">In a room across the way,</span> -<span class="i0">While trying to learn his lesson</span> -<span class="i2">Awoke me from dreams to-day.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">The exercises were simple</span> -<span class="i2">But he soon began to cry,</span> -<span class="i0">And I heard him say with feeling:</span> -<span class="i2">“’Tis really no use to try!”</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">Then the master, bending o’er him</span> -<span class="i2">As patiently as before,</span> -<span class="i0">Said: “Let me take your place, dear,</span> -<span class="i2">And I’ll show you how once more.”</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">Soon I hear instead of discord</span> -<span class="i2">A sweet, harmonious sound,</span> -<span class="i0">While the master’s skillful fingers</span> -<span class="i2">The musical keys have found.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">Within the souls of the many</span> -<span class="i2">Are keys of ivory white,</span> -<span class="i0">Which will waken to sweetest music</span> -<span class="i2">If in tune and touched aright;</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">But how oft we hear a discord</span> -<span class="i2">When the wrong keys have been tried</span> -<span class="i0">And the amateur is playing</span> -<span class="i2">While the Master stands aside.</span> -</div></div></div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_107" id="Page_107">[Pg 107]</a></span></p> -<h2>AT LAST.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">A little stream that danced and played all day</span> -<span class="i0">Upon its rough and ever winding way,</span> -<span class="i0">Like some young child, upon his mother’s breast,</span> -<span class="i0">Soon neared the tide and calmed itself to rest.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">A little flower that nodded here and there,</span> -<span class="i0">At every passing breeze, in daylight fair,</span> -<span class="i0">When sunset splendor lingered o’er the hill</span> -<span class="i0">Sent forth its fragrance and at last was still.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">A little bird that built her airy nest</span> -<span class="i0">Nor thought in sunny hours to pause and rest,</span> -<span class="i0">Sang sweeter songs to cheer the passer by</span> -<span class="i0">When light was fading in the distant sky.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">A man, who thro’ life’s day had toiled and wept,</span> -<span class="i0">When life was o’er lay down in peace and slept;</span> -<span class="i0">He, who had borne the burden of the day,</span> -<span class="i0">Found sunset glories flooding all his way.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">Peace comes from God, and rest is sure and sweet</span> -<span class="i0">To those who bear life’s burden and its heat;</span> -<span class="i0">Sweet, starry twilight calms that manly soul</span> -<span class="i0">That strives by toil to reach Heaven’s distant goal.</span> -</div></div></div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_108" id="Page_108">[Pg 108]</a></span></p> -<h2>HIS PROMISE.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">Oft when the rain-drops fall,</span> -<span class="i0">We pray for sunlight fair;</span> -<span class="i0">Oft when the day is bright,</span> -<span class="i0">We seek the cooling shade;</span> -<span class="i0">Oft when the robins call,</span> -<span class="i0">We long for tree-tops bare;</span> -<span class="i0">Oft when the ground is white,</span> -<span class="i0">We wish that spring had stayed.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">But God who ruleth all,</span> -<span class="i0">And keeps us in His care,</span> -<span class="i0">Doth plan all things aright,</span> -<span class="i0">Which for our good He made;</span> -<span class="i0">Our gifts, so poor and small,</span> -<span class="i0">Cannot with His compare,</span> -<span class="i0">And if we trust His might</span> -<span class="i0">His promise will not fade.</span> -</div></div></div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_109" id="Page_109">[Pg 109]</a></span></p> -<h2>LIFE’S CRUCIBLE.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">We do not cut and polish the stones</span> -<span class="i2">That are laid in the common wall;</span> -<span class="i0">We do not prune the brambles and weeds</span> -<span class="i2">That around our pathway fall.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">We do not put into crucibles</span> -<span class="i2">A metal unworthy the test;</span> -<span class="i0">Nor do we send a man to the front</span> -<span class="i2">Who would not peril his best.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">The vine that’s pruned bears the choicest fruit,—</span> -<span class="i2">Necessity grinds the dull tool;</span> -<span class="i0">And the keenest and best instructors</span> -<span class="i2">Are prepared in Affliction’s school.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">Suffering gives us the richest thoughts</span> -<span class="i2">That to literature can belong;—</span> -<span class="i0">In poetry it strikes the sweetest note</span> -<span class="i2">And inspires the tenderest song.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">Our troubles are but the inlets small</span> -<span class="i2">That shall lead to the human soul,</span> -<span class="i0">Thro’ which the Comforter comes to heal</span> -<span class="i2">And to strengthen us for the Goal.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">The rarest of saints are afflicted</span> -<span class="i2">By One who doth know what is right;</span> -<span class="i0">And the stars shall ever shine brightest</span> -<span class="i2">That contend with the darkest night.</span> -</div></div></div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_110" id="Page_110">[Pg 110]</a></span></p> -<h2>MY CHOICE.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">Not the bird that soars the highest,</span> -<span class="i0">Nor whose plumage is the brightest,</span> -<span class="i0">But the bird that sings the sweetest</span> -<span class="i2">Is the bird I prize.</span> -<span class="i0">Not the flower that blooms the tallest,</span> -<span class="i0">Nor whose petals are the whitest,</span> -<span class="i0">But whose fragrance is completest</span> -<span class="i2">Satisfies my eyes.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">Not the brook that laughs the loudest,</span> -<span class="i0">Nor whose waters are the purest,</span> -<span class="i0">But the brook that runs the fleetest</span> -<span class="i2">To the mill and sea.</span> -<span class="i0">Not the soul that soars the quickest,</span> -<span class="i0">But whose faith in God is surest,</span> -<span class="i0">And whose record is the neatest</span> -<span class="i2">Is the soul for me.</span> -</div></div></div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_111" id="Page_111">[Pg 111]</a></span></p> -<h2>ENDEAVOR.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">Life’s morning hour is never quite complete</span> -<span class="i2">If climbing upward at the break of day</span> -<span class="i0">We fail to show to others, whom we meet,</span> -<span class="i2">New glories found along the heavenly way.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">If by endeavor, step by step we take,</span> -<span class="i2">And for another breathe a loving prayer</span> -<span class="i0">And lead him up to see the morning break,</span> -<span class="i2">We find a blessing as we journey there.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">The noon of life, when sunlight floods the skies,</span> -<span class="i2">Is never quite so pleasing to our sight,</span> -<span class="i0">As when we help a fallen brother rise</span> -<span class="i2">And by his side direct his steps aright.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">The way grows brighter as we pass along,</span> -<span class="i2">For not alone we seek the heights untried;</span> -<span class="i0">A soul is breathing us a thankful song—</span> -<span class="i2">The weary one is toiling by our side.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">The twilight of the life God gives us here</span> -<span class="i2">Is never quite so filled with peace and rest</span> -<span class="i0">As when we journey on with naught to fear,</span> -<span class="i2">Tho’ sunset light is fading in the west.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">The night comes not to those who look above,</span> -<span class="i2">For on the summit soon they all shall stand,</span> -<span class="i0">Who leave the vale and seek the Father’s love,</span> -<span class="i2">Which bids them welcome to the promised land.</span> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_112" id="Page_112">[Pg 112]</a></span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">Thus by endeavor—step by step each day</span> -<span class="i2">We climb above, where other feet have trod,</span> -<span class="i0">And leading others up the heavenly way</span> -<span class="i2">Find rest and day eternal with our God.</span> -</div></div></div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_113" id="Page_113">[Pg 113]</a></span></p> -<h2>SERVICE.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">If you love and trust the Saviour</span> -<span class="i2">You can find enough to do;</span> -<span class="i0">His good deeds and His compassion</span> -<span class="i2">Will be done and felt by you.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">His great aims will all be cherished</span> -<span class="i2">If with Him you’re really one;</span> -<span class="i0">Can you think of Christ as idle</span> -<span class="i2">While so much remains undone?</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">His self-sacrificing spirit</span> -<span class="i2">Will be exercised by you;</span> -<span class="i0">And your faith will aid you ever</span> -<span class="i2">While love guides and makes it true.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">Faith and love that work together</span> -<span class="i2">Will turn drudgery into joy;</span> -<span class="i0">And make every service easy</span> -<span class="i2">That doth trouble and annoy.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">Love will show where service waits you</span> -<span class="i2">Tho’ it be but word or song;</span> -<span class="i0">Faith will prompt you how to do it</span> -<span class="i2">Be the service short or long.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">You can never be discouraged</span> -<span class="i2">While the two together blend;</span> -<span class="i0">Joined to faith, love meets all trials</span> -<span class="i2">And endureth to the end.</span> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_114" id="Page_114">[Pg 114]</a></span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">You can leave the lower places,</span> -<span class="i2">And mount upward every day;</span> -<span class="i0">Winning character exalted</span> -<span class="i2">If you faithfully work and pray.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">You can reach the best attainments</span> -<span class="i2">Doing service that you find;</span> -<span class="i0">And a worthier example</span> -<span class="i2">You can leave to all mankind.</span> -</div></div></div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_115" id="Page_115">[Pg 115]</a></span></p> -<h2>CROWNING LIGHT.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">There is a Land, beyond the gloomy sky,</span> -<span class="i2">That needs no earthly light for its adorning;</span> -<span class="i0">Where God’s own children nevermore shall die,—</span> -<span class="i2">A home of perfect peace and endless morning.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">We cannot see the City’s shining towers,</span> -<span class="i2">But truths divine proclaim the wondrous story,—</span> -<span class="i0">On earth the cross, in Heaven the crown is ours,—</span> -<span class="i2">While Gates ajar reveal an inner glory.</span> -</div></div></div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_116" id="Page_116">[Pg 116]</a></span></p> -<h2>NONCE.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">To-day is here; to-morrow’s dawn</span> -<span class="i2">Perchance thou may’st not see;</span> -<span class="i0">The noon-tide of another day</span> -<span class="i2">May come, but not for thee.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">The sun at even’-tide may glow</span> -<span class="i2">Upon yon mountain height,</span> -<span class="i0">And pause to bless the Mother Earth</span> -<span class="i2">Before he sinks from sight;</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">And yet for thee no earthly light,</span> -<span class="i2">No sunset glow at home,</span> -<span class="i0">No shadows of life’s twilight hour,—</span> -<span class="i2">No silent night may come.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">Thou knowest not; the “brighter days”</span> -<span class="i2">May never come to thee;</span> -<span class="i0">The future is thy present time</span> -<span class="i2">Formed from life’s yesterday.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">Thou can’st not look beyond this hour</span> -<span class="i2">To trace what may befall;</span> -<span class="i0">But now is the accepted time</span> -<span class="i2">To serve the Lord of all.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">To-day then do the good thou canst,</span> -<span class="i2">And brighten home with love;</span> -<span class="i0">Then shall thy soul more brightly shine</span> -<span class="i2">In Heaven, the Home above.</span> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_117" id="Page_117">[Pg 117]</a></span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">Thy blessings oft are in disguise,—</span> -<span class="i2">What seems to be a sorrow</span> -<span class="i0">May be the shades of deepening night</span> -<span class="i2">Before a brighter morrow.</span> -</div></div></div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_118" id="Page_118">[Pg 118]</a></span></p> -<h2>THE GOAL.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">Each day we are grown older,</span> -<span class="i2">Years swiftly pass away;</span> -<span class="i0">And the world seems strangely colder,</span> -<span class="i2">The heart itself less gay.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">The hopes that are brightly dawning,</span> -<span class="i2">The joys that oft are ours,</span> -<span class="i0">Shall vanish, in life’s fair morning,</span> -<span class="i2">Like dew-drops on the flowers.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">Youth’s rosiest tints of splendor,</span> -<span class="i2">Are fading fast from sight;</span> -<span class="i0">And the trusting heart more tender,</span> -<span class="i2">In patience waits the night.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">Like the athlete growing weary,</span> -<span class="i2">No more we run the race;</span> -<span class="i0">But near to the victors cheery</span> -<span class="i2">We seek a resting-place.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">Just beyond the passing pleasure,</span> -<span class="i2">And thought of added years,</span> -<span class="i0">We can see Heaven’s greater treasure,</span> -<span class="i2">Which satisfies and cheers.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">An eternal light is dawning,</span> -<span class="i2">To penetrate the gloom;</span> -<span class="i0">In life’s more radiant morning</span> -<span class="i2">Peace waits beyond the tomb.</span> -</div></div></div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_119" id="Page_119">[Pg 119]</a></span></p> -<h2>A QUESTION ANSWERED.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">What is the secret of discontent</span> -<span class="i0">That never for human hearts was meant,</span> -<span class="i0">And why the needless agitation</span> -<span class="i0">That tries a soul and taunts a nation?</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">A discontent would never be known,</span> -<span class="i0">An agitation would ne’er be shown,</span> -<span class="i0">If things that are simply prosy and real</span> -<span class="i0">Would correspond with the high ideal.</span> -</div></div></div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_120" id="Page_120">[Pg 120]</a></span></p> -<h2>GRANDMOTHER.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">Grandmother sits in her high-backed chair,</span> -<span class="i0">A snowy cap hides her soft gray hair;</span> -<span class="i0">And while her needles fly in and out</span> -<span class="i0">We wonder what her thoughts are about.</span> -<span class="i0">Beside the chair stands an antique bed,</span> -<span class="i0">With its modern draperies overhead,</span> -<span class="i0">While, close to the wall, and near at hand</span> -<span class="i0">Is the newly polished, square-topped stand.</span> -<span class="i0">Within its drawer lies her camphor-bag,</span> -<span class="i0">Some spicy cubebs and sugared flag,</span> -<span class="i0">Tomato cushion, of gaudy red,</span> -<span class="i0">A bit of wax, for her sewing-thread,</span> -<span class="i0">Some slippery elm, in a corner dark,</span> -<span class="i0">Scattered fragments of cinnamon bark,</span> -<span class="i0">The golden ear-knobs, and powder puff,</span> -<span class="i0">Near a little box of scented snuff,</span> -<span class="i0">A baby’s picture, with dimpled face,</span> -<span class="i0">And a lock of hair, in its broken case.</span> -<span class="i0">On its top is her bible, worn by age,</span> -<span class="i0">With its faded book-mark and penciled page.</span> -<span class="i0">The faithful clock, with its quaint, carved door,</span> -<span class="i0">Reaches the ceiling and meets the floor.</span> -<span class="i0">A chest of drawers, with handles of brass,</span> -<span class="i0">Stands just across from the gilt-framed glass,</span> -<span class="i0">And is reflected in all its pride;</span> -<span class="i0">While on its top, upon either side,</span> -<span class="i0">Whose fancy the modern mind might suit,</span> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_121" id="Page_121">[Pg 121]</a></span> -<span class="i0">Stand the gypsum dishes of painted fruit.</span> -<span class="i0">Near an open fireplace, neatly swept,</span> -<span class="i0">The box of kindling-wood is kept;</span> -<span class="i0">While across the andirons polished bright,</span> -<span class="i0">A log lies ready for heat and light.</span> -<span class="i0">Beside the dust-pan and well-worn wing</span> -<span class="i0">The brass topped fire-tongs and shovel swing;</span> -<span class="i0">On the hearth-stone gray, ’neath the chimney high,</span> -<span class="i0">The useful bellows in waiting lie.</span> -<span class="i0">The “mantle-place” holds the candle-sticks</span> -<span class="i0">And silver snuffers for lighted wicks.</span> -<span class="i0">While, near to the match-safe, just between,</span> -<span class="i0">An apple filled with cloves is seen.</span> -<span class="i0">Grandmother rocks as she knits her sock,</span> -<span class="i0">To-day her thoughts are too deep for talk,—</span> -<span class="i0">She lives once more ’neath a cloudless sky,</span> -<span class="i0">And dreams again of the days gone by.</span> -<span class="i0">In her cherished dream she can seem to see</span> -<span class="i0">The dear old house as it used to be,</span> -<span class="i0">With its clapboards white, its blinds of green,</span> -<span class="i0">And the tiny window-panes between;</span> -<span class="i0">And lingers there for a little while,</span> -<span class="i0">Ere the modern workman changed its style.</span> -<span class="i0">She sings to her babies the old time song,</span> -<span class="i0">And hopes that “father” will come ere long;</span> -<span class="i0">She moves her chair to the waning light</span> -<span class="i0">To watch the glow of the sunset bright,</span> -<span class="i0">And looks for a few, pale evening stars</span> -<span class="i0">While the cows come home thro’ the pasture bars.</span> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_122" id="Page_122">[Pg 122]</a></span> -<span class="i0">She lights the candles, and smoothes her hair,</span> -<span class="i0">And breathes for her loved ones a silent prayer;</span> -<span class="i0">Then goes to her work with happy heart,</span> -<span class="i0">Cheerfully doing the house-wife’s part;</span> -<span class="i0">And once again she can seem to feel</span> -<span class="i0">The well known move of her spinning-wheel.</span> -<span class="i0">As she fondly dreams of those days of yore</span> -<span class="i0">She hears a whisper beside her door;</span> -<span class="i0">Then close to her side the children creep:—</span> -<span class="i0">“Why, Grandma has fallen fast asleep!”</span> -<span class="i0">She hears one say, as they tip-toe out:</span> -<span class="i0">“I wonder what she’s dreaming about.”</span> -<span class="i0">Little they know what memories arise</span> -<span class="i0">When Grandmother thinks with half-closed eyes.</span> -</div></div></div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_123" id="Page_123">[Pg 123]</a></span></p> -<h2>DILIGENCE.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">He who cannot do to-morrow</span> -<span class="i2">Better than he does to-day</span> -<span class="i0">Is a creature of dishonor</span> -<span class="i2">And a failure all the way.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">From to-day’s accomplished labor</span> -<span class="i2">Comes the morrow near at hand,</span> -<span class="i0">Just as yesterday’s completion</span> -<span class="i2">Brought to-day’s ambitions grand.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">All the past is antiquated,—</span> -<span class="i2">Useful but for present guide,</span> -<span class="i0">And if followed makes the future</span> -<span class="i2">All that has been hoped and tried.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">He who will not wisely labor</span> -<span class="i2">For the Present that is here,</span> -<span class="i0">Rather than prefer past pleasures</span> -<span class="i2">Or a future’s coming cheer;</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">Is, among the world’s great workers,</span> -<span class="i2">But a tramp, whom few can trust,</span> -<span class="i0">Who destroys the best of morals</span> -<span class="i2">Or is held in sheer disgust.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">Happy hearts and willing workers</span> -<span class="i2">Make this earth a better place,</span> -<span class="i0">And receive the Father’s blessing,</span> -<span class="i2">When they see Him face to face.</span> -</div></div></div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_124" id="Page_124">[Pg 124]</a></span></p> -<h2>THE BABY.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">Within his little crib the baby lies;</span> -<span class="i0">And ’neath the lashes of his closing eyes</span> -<span class="i0">I catch a glimpse of summer’s bluest skies.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">His tiny head, upon its pillow white,</span> -<span class="i0">Is crowned with curls, like sunshine fair and bright,</span> -<span class="i0">Half hidden now from his admirer’s sight.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">His cheek, soon flushed in a refreshing sleep,</span> -<span class="i0">Is like the petal of a wild-rose deep,</span> -<span class="i0">While in and out the pretty dimples peep.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">His rose-bud mouth, in such an hour as this,</span> -<span class="i0">Invites the pleasure of a loving kiss,</span> -<span class="i0">Which even strangers could not take amiss.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">His tiny teeth are like the precious pearls</span> -<span class="i0">And, when his lip in childish laughter curls,</span> -<span class="i0">They shine, as perfect as a baby girl’s.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">His shapely ears, like sea-shells pink and small,</span> -<span class="i0">Which soon discern the mother song and call,</span> -<span class="i0">Can quickly hear the slightest sound of all.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">His little nose, not yet in proper style,</span> -<span class="i0">Which mother models every little while,</span> -<span class="i0">Is quite enough to make a critic smile.</span> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_125" id="Page_125">[Pg 125]</a></span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">His dimpled hands, unlike the restless feet</span> -<span class="i0">Securely pinned within his blanket neat,</span> -<span class="i0">Oft find a place outside the snowy sheet.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">When baby sleeps the house is hushed and lone;</span> -<span class="i0">His rubber playthings to the floor are thrown,</span> -<span class="i0">While patient pussy seeks her peace unknown.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">When baby wakes the house is filled with joy;</span> -<span class="i0">His lusty cries no loving heart annoy,</span> -<span class="i0">While mother runs to take her darling boy.</span> -</div></div></div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_126" id="Page_126">[Pg 126]</a></span></p> -<h2>GOD’S LOVE.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">Like a star, whose beams are brighter</span> -<span class="i2">When skies are dark above,</span> -<span class="i0">So shines, in night of sorrow,</span> -<span class="i2">The light of God’s great love.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">We may not see its lustre,</span> -<span class="i2">While heads are bowed in prayer,</span> -<span class="i0">But looking just above us</span> -<span class="i2">We find its glories there.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">Our tears may dim the vision</span> -<span class="i2">And we may question why;</span> -<span class="i0">But some day He will answer</span> -<span class="i2">Where souls shall never die.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">Above the gathering shadows,</span> -<span class="i2">Beyond the gloom of years,</span> -<span class="i0">God’s star will shine forever,</span> -<span class="i2">Undimmed by Sorrow’s tears.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">Some day, when He shall lead us</span> -<span class="i2">To our eternal rest,</span> -<span class="i0">We’ll know life’s hidden meaning</span> -<span class="i2">And we shall say: “’Twas best.”</span> -</div></div></div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_127" id="Page_127">[Pg 127]</a></span></p> -<h2>RELEASE.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">Fear not to die, but rather fear to live,</span> -<span class="i2">For death is not so grave a thing as life;</span> -<span class="i0">The soul that God to mortal man did give</span> -<span class="i2">Shall some day be exempt from earthly strife,</span> -<span class="i0">And from its narrow prison cell at last</span> -<span class="i2">It shall go forth the glorious light to see,</span> -<span class="i0">When chains are loosened, which now hold it fast,</span> -<span class="i2">By Death, the warden, who shall set it free;</span> -<span class="i0">And it shall live thro’ all the days and years</span> -<span class="i2">To know the peace of sunny Paradise,</span> -<span class="i0">No more to be the slave of doubts and fears,</span> -<span class="i2">Nor suffer failure when escape it tries.</span> -<span class="i0">Earth’s blossoms die, but from the falling seeds</span> -<span class="i2">Shall live again the pure and treasured flowers;</span> -<span class="i0">And thus we die, but loving words and deeds</span> -<span class="i2">Shall be immortal like this soul of ours.</span> -</div></div></div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_128" id="Page_128">[Pg 128]</a></span></p> -<h2>EASTER.</h2> -<p class="center space-below1">[To M. M. M.]</p> - - -<div class="poetry-container"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">’Twas Easter evening and the church</span> -<span class="i2">Was filled with a waiting throng,</span> -<span class="i0">To listen to Easter Service</span> -<span class="i2">With its flowers, its light and song.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">The organist, by the altar,</span> -<span class="i2">Touched the pretty ivory keys</span> -<span class="i0">And sent, thro’ the house of worship</span> -<span class="i2">The sweetest of melodies.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">Just as the notes were ceasing,</span> -<span class="i2">And the people arose for prayer,</span> -<span class="i0">A little maid came softly in</span> -<span class="i2">And seated herself by the stair.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">The service was just beginning,</span> -<span class="i2">She had never entered before;</span> -<span class="i0">But while passing had heard the music</span> -<span class="i2">And seen bright lights from the door;—</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">So she thought: “I’ll look in a moment,</span> -<span class="i2">To see what it all is about,—</span> -<span class="i0">And perhaps—if I steal in softly</span> -<span class="i2">That no one will find it out.”</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">She saw all the people standing</span> -<span class="i2">With heads bowed down in the light,</span> -<span class="i0">And she heard the words: “Our Father,</span> -<span class="i2">Bless this service here to-night.”</span> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_129" id="Page_129">[Pg 129]</a></span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">When the good man ceased his speaking</span> -<span class="i2">And each one had taken seat,</span> -<span class="i0">Again the notes from the organ</span> -<span class="i2">Thro’ the stillness sounded sweet.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">A little girl came to the altar,—</span> -<span class="i2">“No older than I am”—she thought;</span> -<span class="i0">She was dressed in snowy whiteness,</span> -<span class="i2">In her hands sweet flowers she brought.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">She spoke of the Christ—our Saviour,</span> -<span class="i2">In her pretty childish way;</span> -<span class="i0">She said: “The Lord is risen</span> -<span class="i2">And he walks with men to-day.”</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">“He loves us—He died to save us,”</span> -<span class="i2">Said the little maid in white—</span> -<span class="i0">“He went to the Home above us,</span> -<span class="i2">To Heaven where there is no night.”</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">And the little girl by the stair-way</span> -<span class="i2">In her tattered gown of red,</span> -<span class="i0">Listening, heard the story sweet</span> -<span class="i2">And treasured the words she said;</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">And she wondered, as she listened,</span> -<span class="i2">If the Saviour did truly care</span> -<span class="i0">For one so small and neglected</span> -<span class="i2">As she, sitting down by the stair.</span> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_130" id="Page_130">[Pg 130]</a></span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">And while she looked at the flowers</span> -<span class="i2">And heard the grand organ play,</span> -<span class="i0">And sweet voices of the children</span> -<span class="i2">Now telling of Easter day;</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">Her little heart grew lighter,</span> -<span class="i2">She said: “I’m alone no more</span> -<span class="i0">For Christ, who loves the children,</span> -<span class="i2">Is my Father now gone before.”</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">When the Easter Service was ended</span> -<span class="i2">She wended her way alone</span> -<span class="i0">Thro’ the streets of the great city</span> -<span class="i2">To the garret, her only home.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">As she climbed the narrow stair-way,</span> -<span class="i2">Unlighted by cheering ray,</span> -<span class="i0">Her little heart kept singing</span> -<span class="i2">The songs of glad Easter day;</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">And the woman, who kept the lodging,</span> -<span class="i2">Heard the little maiden come</span> -<span class="i0">And asked, in her gruffest manner,</span> -<span class="i2">What kept her so long from home.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">“’Twas the Easter Service, madam,</span> -<span class="i2">And the words”—she made reply;</span> -<span class="i0">“I’m not an orphan any more</span> -<span class="i2">For my Father dwells on high.”</span> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_131" id="Page_131">[Pg 131]</a></span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">“See! I’ve brought you an Easter lily</span> -<span class="i2">All snowy, and pure, and white,</span> -<span class="i0">Which a lady dropped in passing</span> -<span class="i2">Ere her coach wheeled out of sight.”</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">“I almost know you’ll like it</span> -<span class="i2">For ’tis part of the Easter day,</span> -<span class="i0">And the children spoke of the lilies</span> -<span class="i2">In the verses they had to say.”</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">When all was still in the lodging</span> -<span class="i2">And the rest were sleeping below,</span> -<span class="i0">Unmindful of Christ, the Saviour,</span> -<span class="i2">Who died for them long ago;</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">Then this loving little maiden,</span> -<span class="i2">Away from all human sight,</span> -<span class="i0">Knelt down, in the dingy garret,</span> -<span class="i2">To thank God for Easter night.</span> -</div></div></div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_132" id="Page_132">[Pg 132]</a></span></p> -<h2>EMINENCE.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">Side by side the mountains rise</span> -<span class="i0">Toward the blue of distant skies;</span> -<span class="i0">But tho’ roots may interlace</span> -<span class="i0">And each base is joined to base,</span> -<span class="i0">Till the friendly trees incline</span> -<span class="i0">And their branches touch and twine,</span> -<span class="i0">Yet, while aging day by day,</span> -<span class="i0">They part union on their way</span> -<span class="i0">Till the welcome sunlight seeks</span> -<span class="i0">To crown insulated peaks.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">Side by side the great men rise</span> -<span class="i0">Towards the heights of brighter skies;</span> -<span class="i0">But tho’ minds together blend</span> -<span class="i0">And each friend is joined to friend,</span> -<span class="i0">Till their spirits interchange</span> -<span class="i0">And their thoughts have fullest range,</span> -<span class="i0">Yet while aging day by day,</span> -<span class="i0">They diverge upon life’s way</span> -<span class="i0">Till Young Genius claims his own</span> -<span class="i0">And they choose to soar alone.</span> -</div></div></div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_133" id="Page_133">[Pg 133]</a></span></p> -<h2>THE HERE AND THERE.</h2> -<p class="center space-below1">By courtesy of Ladies’ World, New York City.</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">The Here and There are not so far apart,</span> -<span class="i0">As oft’ they seem to Sorrow’s waiting heart;</span> -<span class="i0">The waking love that Here no more shall sleep</span> -<span class="i0">Will There the souls in perfect union keep.</span> -<span class="i0">God does not mean, tho’ Heaven be bright and fair,</span> -<span class="i0">To break the strands between the Here and There.</span> -<span class="i0">The heart that loves shall love beyond the skies;</span> -<span class="i0">The soul that lives shall live in Paradise.</span> -<span class="i0">We know that He in joy and peace will keep</span> -<span class="i0">Our own and His until we fall asleep.</span> -<span class="i0">The same sweet smile, the loving face so fair,</span> -<span class="i0">But glorified, awaits our coming There.</span> -<span class="i0">To those who trust and patiently endure,</span> -<span class="i0">He gives them back, bright, beautiful and pure.</span> -<span class="i0">They are not lost to such as you and me</span> -<span class="i0">But still shall love us thro’ Eternity;—</span> -<span class="i0">And from temptation and from earthly care</span> -<span class="i0">Shall lead us upward to the Heavenly There.</span> -</div></div></div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_134" id="Page_134">[Pg 134]</a></span></p> -<h2>AIR CASTLES.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">Sometimes I dwell not here—</span> -<span class="i2">But far away,</span> -<span class="i0">Where not a breath disturbs</span> -<span class="i2">My fondest dream;</span> -<span class="i0">Where, loitering at ease,</span> -<span class="i0">Myself alone I please</span> -<span class="i0">And sing my soul good cheer</span> -<span class="i0">Within my castles fair,</span> -<span class="i0">That I have built in air,</span> -<span class="i2">Above Time’s stream.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">Outside, like haunting ghosts,</span> -<span class="i2">The clouds appear,</span> -<span class="i0">But noiselessly pass by</span> -<span class="i2">Each bolted gate;</span> -<span class="i0">Around my castle walls,</span> -<span class="i0">The hush of moon-light falls,</span> -<span class="i0">While, like the armied hosts,</span> -<span class="i0">With torches flashing bright,</span> -<span class="i0">The stars come out at night</span> -<span class="i2">To celebrate.</span> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_135" id="Page_135">[Pg 135]</a></span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">’Tis bliss to dwell like this,</span> -<span class="i2">In airy heights,</span> -<span class="i0">Above the common crowd</span> -<span class="i2">And earthly din;</span> -<span class="i0">Where all the livelong day,</span> -<span class="i0">With my best self I stay</span> -<span class="i0">And naught of glory miss;</span> -<span class="i0">Where neither friend nor foe,</span> -<span class="i0">To pity or bring woe,</span> -<span class="i2">Can enter in.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">Who dares uplift a latch,</span> -<span class="i2">Like thief at night,</span> -<span class="i0">To scatter treasured hopes</span> -<span class="i2">And steal my store?</span> -<span class="i0">Who darkens my domain</span> -<span class="i0">Where I, an empress, reign,</span> -<span class="i0">While subjects wait dispatch?</span> -<span class="i0">Away, ye dread Despair!</span> -<span class="i0">To castles in the air</span> -<span class="i2">Still let me soar.</span> -</div></div></div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_136" id="Page_136">[Pg 136]</a></span></p> -<h2>LITTLE JOE.</h2> - -<div class="poetry-container"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">He stands in crowded city street,</span> -<span class="i2">Poor, tired, little Joe,</span> -<span class="i0">And sees the people pass and meet</span> -<span class="i2">While moments come and go.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">He holds sweet flowers in his hand,</span> -<span class="i2">Poor, patient, little Joe,</span> -<span class="i0">And wonders who can understand</span> -<span class="i2">His poverty and woe.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">“Please won’t you buy my blossoms bright?”</span> -<span class="i2">Cries hopeful, little Joe,</span> -<span class="i0">While daylight fades and sunset light</span> -<span class="i2">Floods stirring streets below.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">But no one lingers, no one cares</span> -<span class="i2">For homeless, little Joe;</span> -<span class="i0">When mother breathed his name in prayers</span> -<span class="i2">He was too small to know.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">When father took him on his knee,</span> -<span class="i2">Dear, little baby Joe,</span> -<span class="i0">He used to crow in childish glee</span> -<span class="i2">But that was long ago.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">The night grows dark, and no one hears</span> -<span class="i2">Poor, heartsick, little Joe;</span> -<span class="i0">He puts his flowers away with tears</span> -<span class="i2">And turns his foot-steps slow.</span> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_137" id="Page_137">[Pg 137]</a></span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">He passes mansions grand and tall,</span> -<span class="i2">Poor, homesick, little Joe,</span> -<span class="i0">And hopes that men within the hall</span> -<span class="i2">Will gifts of love bestow.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">Sometimes he stops to watch the lights,</span> -<span class="i2">Poor, lonely, little Joe,</span> -<span class="i0">And sees some whirling, dazzling sights</span> -<span class="i2">While dancers come and go.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">In homes he hears the child-like noise,</span> -<span class="i2">Poor, orphaned, little Joe,</span> -<span class="i0">And wonders if their little boys</span> -<span class="i2">To great, good men will grow.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">He seeks, at last, a sheltering shed,</span> -<span class="i2">Poor, hungry, little Joe,</span> -<span class="i0">And makes, of tattered coat, a bed,</span> -<span class="i2">While tear-drops freely flow.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">And: “Now I lay me down to sleep,”</span> -<span class="i2">Says drowsy, little Joe,</span> -<span class="i0">“And pray the Lord my soul to keep,”</span> -<span class="i2">He whispers, soft and low.</span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">“If I should die before I wake,”</span> -<span class="i2">Breathes tired, little Joe,</span> -<span class="i0">“I pray the Lord my soul to take,”</span> -<span class="i2">And it was even so.</span> -</div></div></div> - -<div class="transnote bbox"> -<p class="f120 space-above1">Transcriber Notes:</p> -<hr class="r5" /> -<p class="indent">Uncertain or antiquated spellings or ancient words were not corrected.</p> -<p class="indent">Typographical errors have been silently corrected but other variations - in spelling and punctuation remain unaltered.</p> -</div> - - - - - - - - -<pre> - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Home Poems, by Kate Louise Wheeler - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK HOME POEMS *** - -***** This file should be named 52865-h.htm or 52865-h.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/5/2/8/6/52865/ - -Produced by Larry B. 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