PS 3505 •H25 fl7 1902 Copy 1 ■ tlill ^'S '•: .; ff ■;fl:;' : ' 1 I 1 '•■■ i ' •• * | qL- V' '£ Class p_.5..3 J 5!0 5" Book .^//Rs:Ar Copyright N?___ _JX62L COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT. At The Beautiful Gate. A Book of Poems for the Heart BY I. MENCH CHAMBERS Author of " Harold Pay son." y > i r-j ILLUSTRATED I ! ) > 10 3 > ) ) > ) > » ) ) , > , i i > ' i a > > > i i > ' ■ ' ' ' ' ' i . PHILADELPHIA. HENRY ALTEMUS COMPANY. THELifaRARYOF CONGRESS, Two Copies Received DEC 30 1902 Copyright Entry CLASS a^xxc! No — C0 * Y » 11* °t Copyright, 1895, by Rev. I. Mench Chambers. Copyright, 1902, by Henry Altemus. • • z • •• • ••••• • XCo /BM? flfcotber WHO HAS LONG LIVED WITHIN THE CITY, THE GATE OF WHICH IS CALLED "BEAUTIFUL," AND WHOSE GODLY LIFE IS AN INSPIRATION AND CHERISHED MEMORY, THESE VERSES ARE LOVINGLY INSCRIBED. INTRODUCTORY The heart needs the medicine of hope and the ministry of cheerful and comforting words. The sick, the weary, the troubled, the discouraged, and the sorrowful, are yet daily laid at "the Gate Beautiful," and it is the business of those who travel for the King to help in their healing through such service as He commands. The voiceless prayer, uttered, yet unheard by the passing pilgrim, oft finds its answer in what the Master bids us say or do. Assured in many ways of the help given to hun- dreds to whom some of these verses came, they are gathered into this form, together with the addition of a large number of later poems for the heart. They are sent forth on their errand with the prayer that they may prove to be words coming in season to such as are weary, and who need their message. I. M. C. vii CONTENTS PAGE At the Beautiful Gate 17 Bells of Peace 19 To-day 20 The Stranger's Thought 21 The Lesson of Trust 23 Life's Little Windows , 24 Our Lack of Heart 25 Some Day, Dear Heart 27 On the Banks of Nightfall 29 The Angel 30 The Blessed By-and-By 31 The Saviour's Tears 32 Each Day's Motto 33 The Heavy Cross 34 In Their Arm Chairs 37 The Homeland Skies 39 Wind and Tide 40 The Master Knows 41 As the Days go By 43 He Comes Again 45 ix PAGE Up in Heaven 46 Discontent 47 Hast Thou Walked with Him ? 49 Jesus and the Child 51 Only a Word 53 Prayer 54 One Little Life 55 To-morrow 56 Our Father's House 57 From Near-by Pulpits 58 Loaned to Thee 59 If the Heart is not Sincere 61 There are Moments 63 The Sunbeam's Lesson 64 The Empty Day 65 The Heavenly Chimes 66 My Heart is Home 67 All Night Toiling 68 Never a Day 69 -God and Faith 70 Can It Be? 71 The Little Child 73 Christmastide 75 Oh, Gentle Christ 76 Our Lives Like Ships 77 Our Lowly Place 79 The Face 81 The Christmas Lesson 82 The Little Blessing 83 x PAGE Tis Sweet to Live 84 Does the Master Know? 85 Seeds of Service 86 Beyond the Sunset 87 Nearing Home 88 The Vale Illusive 89 Eventide 90 New Year Hours 91 Peace, Peace, be Still ! 92 Little Quiet Moments 93 He Thinks of Thee 95 A Broken Heart 96 The Higher Call 97 Come Unto Me 98 The Tender Christ 99 Eastertide 100 The Sweetest Moments 101 The Lifted Latch 102 Bearing Precious Seed 103 Faith 104 The Homeward Way 105 Do You Know? 107 Wandering Back 108 Tell Thy Glad Story 111 Faithful, Trustful 112 Life in Service 113 We Wonder Why 1 14 Like Him 115 The Angels of Easter 116 xi PAGE True Religion 117 The Poise of Trust 1 19 Compensation 121 Yet God's Love Shines 122 The Wordless Prayer 123 The Evening Prayer 125 The Rain-Drop , 127 Sweet Stars 128 Calvary 129 'Tis Afterwhile 131 When the Tide Runs High 132 Truth 133 A Word Unkind 134 The Christian's Prayer 135 The Helping Hand 137 The Daisy's Lesson 138 Bits of Sunshine 139 Resignation 140 Have Faith in God 141 Xll ILLUSTRATIONS y PORTRAIT FRONTISPIECE "Is the burden very heavy?" Facing page 34 y " 'Come to Me, I am thy Saviour' " " " 51 "We may hear the Christmas Angels'' 82 "But the Master's words have comfort". " 99 ^ "The Son of God, the Christ, is there". . " " 114 "Oh, thou who o'er a tired road" " " 131 fc This is what the stranger thought : 'Did they feel what there was taught ? Why not seek to answer prayer When a weary heart was there ? Why not show the tender side Of the Christ, the crucified ? ****** This is why, e'en to this day, Many doubt while Christians pray ; And since love will not relieve, Many souls will not believe. So let thy light in brightness shine, That others see the Christ divine ; And, through Brotherhood, find rest On Christ's sympathetic breast. 22 THE LESSON OF TRUST. I've learned as days have passed me, Fretting never lifts the load, And that worry, much or little, Cannot smooth an irksome road; For you know that somehow, always, Doors are opened — ways are made, When we strive to live in patience Under all the cross that's laid. He who waters meadow lilies With the dew from out the sky; He who feeds the flitting sparrows When in need of food they cry, Never fails to help His children In all things, both great and small, For His ear is ever open To our faintest far-off call. So take up the duty nearest, Trust, and do your very best, And you'll learn that priceless lesson, How to leave with God the rest. 23 LIFE'S LITTLE WINDOWS. Sitting by life's little window, We have seen God's love go by ; Bearing tenderly a blessing, Where His soul heard but a sigh. 'Twas a touching plea, though wordless, For a true wish is a prayer; And they rise from unseen sources, Moving God's heart everywhere. Yes, the road o'er which He travels With His mercies is not new; And from off this royal highway, Is a path that reaches you. Do you see the angels coming Down this footpath to your door; Bearing tenderly God's mercies, Day by day, in boundless store? Sitting by life's little window, Watching how God's love goes by; Thankful, let your praises pass it, On their journey to the sky. 24 OUR LACK OF HEART. "1 shall pass through this world but once, Any good thing, therefore, that 1 can do, or any kindness that I can show to any human being, let me do it now. Let me not defer it or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again." Sometimes we only pass, then part, In sunshine times or rain, We hasten on with lack of heart, And never meet again; We look into each other's face, Or hurried grasp the hand, And do not longer wait, because We do not understand. We leave the cheerful words unsaid, We gaze with vacant stare, When 'tis, perhaps, an hour which calls For sympathy or pray'r. We tread life's dusty road in haste, And selfish seek our goal, Unconscious of the needs which plead From out a weaker soul. Thus through neglect we lose from life What life was meant to hold — The ministry of helpfulness — And callous grow and cold ; We meet, but pass with empty hand Hearts which appeal in vain; 25 We pass, and leave our good ungiven- And never meet again. To mark the tests of tenderness Which lie within the days; To prove our sympathy and love In little helpful ways; Ah, this will gild life's eventide With mem'ries that are blest; For they alone are restful there, Who did for all their best. 26 SOME DAY, DEAR HEART. Some day, dear heart, we'll find again, Not now, but afterwhile, The prayers we said, the life we lived, The thought, the word, the smile ; For naught is lost which God doth keep, And of our sowing we shall reap, Sometime, just afterwhile. To-day we scatter here and there In love of our dear Lord, The little efforts of the heart, The best we can afford ; And pray that only His blest will Shall guide us as our place we fill, And covet nothing more. Yet often, as we quit the day Our heart is sorely sad. We wrought so poorly, ah, we fail'd In moments we have had ; So said our faithless heart, and we Believed its doubts, and could not see That God could bless it all. But when our Lord shall come again The turns we little thought Would realize the hopes we held, Shall come with blessings fraught. 27 Yes, in the blessed afterwhile, The thought, the word, the tear and smile, Shall compensate our heart. 28 ON THE BANKS OF NIGHTFALL. Do not check life's little worries Of yesterday on through ; Leave each vexing thing behind you, Let the morrow be all new. Gather from the life which has been Only what is good and best. Be content while this you treasure To forget and leave the rest. Every morrow is a new day, In which those will best live, who Firmly by God's help determine Not to check one worry through. Leave them on the banks of nightfall ; Greet each morn with happy face, Striving in content and gladness, Thus for Christ to fill your place. 29 THE ANGEL. Beside a tired heart An angel came, And whisper'd soothing words In Christ's dear name, And went her way, unseen By mortal eyes ; None knew this deed, save God Within the skies. They never met again Along life's way ; God plann'd that they should meet Within a day, When hearts see face to face, In realms above, And measure there the worth Of thought and love. 30 THE BLESSED BY-AND-BY. We shall read life's lessons better In the blessed by-and-by, When our Saviour is the teacher, And we see with tearless eye. We shall miss no word nor accent, Neither shall we lose the place, When we read life's harder lessons With the Master face to face. We shall read life's lessons better, We shall learn them one by one, In the City of the Ransom'd, Where the crown of life is won. We shall know about the crosses — Yes, the loneliness and tears, We shall read with God the meaning Of the trials which fill'd the years. There's a page within this volume, Where our losses are explain'd, A page we oft have studied, When our souls were sorely pain'd. We shall read it over yonder — And how different it will be, When the light of Home shall guide us, Our Father's thought to see ! 31 THE SAVIOUR'S TEARS. He spake unto a broken heart Of how the Saviour's tears In pity fell in sorrow's time Back in the distant years; And knelt amid the bruis'd reeds And pray'd the Christ to feel, The anguish of another soul And lift His hand to heal. 'Twas just a word in His dear name, Warmed by affection's glow; Spoken in tenderness and love Where God had bade him go, And through the touch of brotherhood, The Master chose His way, And down amid the tears and sighs His love breathed calm that day. Ah, oft the road of life is dark To other hearts than ours; And leaden skies hang over them, While we see beauteous stars. And mercy's mission is to stoop, With Christ, with helpful hand, To raise the weak, and solve the stress They little understand. 32 EACH DAY'S MOTTO. To choose this motto for each day, Will be a blessed plan: 'Til try to do one good, kind deed For Jesus if I can." I'll try to see in other lives What He would have me do And in a tender, noiseless way, Be kind and good and true. I'll try and make each little day Record one deed of love, Which I may read at eventide — And find fulfill'd above. THE HEAVY CROSS. Is the burden very heavy, And do you ofttimes pray The Master to remove it, From off your heart to-day? Ah, soul, life's richest blessings Hide 'neath a cross sometime; It may be this you carry, Foretells of bliss sublime! The truest life when all is weighed Is not the careless day Through which the sun continuous, Doth shine upon thy way. The cloud which casts its shadow Where truest joys may rest, In Heaven may prove to be The day of all the best. The love of God doth mingle with Our life where'er we roam, And ne'er a cross is sent us, Which may not help toward Home; The tear, the heavy heart and sigh, The sorrow-time, the loss; Each point toward endless blessing, Through faith, beyond the cross. To bear the cross in patience, Sore though its weight may be; 34 At J he Beautiful Gate — 3 !■■! "Is the Burden Very Heavy?" To suffer where the Master Fixes such times to thee: — This guides to sunsets golden At last within the West, Where God doth crown the faithful With endless life and rest. So bear the heavy burden Which God appointeth thee: Walk with a trustful spirit When 'tis too dark to see; Let not distrust nor murmur Find in thy soul a place: Bear till the Master cometh, Thy cross by His given grace. For always close beside thee When known to care and stress, God's guarding angels hover, In ministry to bless; And when we reach the Homeland,- To-morrow it may be, — Each cross will have a meaning, Which now we fail to see. Dear Saviour, keep us trustful, Though sorely pressed to-day; Shape life into Thine image, As potters do the clay; 3.— Beautiful Gate, 35 And by Thy touch perfected, Bring us at last to see That life is crowned because We bore our cross for Thee. IN THEIR ARM CHAIRS. In their arm chairs by the window, Age sits looking toward the West, As the shadows of the evening Fold the tired hours to rest, Gazing through that wide perspective Which a Christian faith can throw, As from Heaven, before the aged, As they wait with God below. Through the sunset's open gateway Methinks the angels bear Messages of kindly greeting Down around the old arm chair. In the bliss of such communion Heaven oft finds us unawares, As we gather round the aged Waiting in their old arm chairs. Close beside their quiet rocking We have dropp'd full many a care, And found rest from troubled heartache While in need we tarried there. Blessed souls, oft torn by sorrow, How they wept as we met loss, And while rocking by the window Bore with us our heavy cross. 37 Father, keep their evening cloudless, And when Thou dost need them There, Give us strength to bear their absence From the time-worn old arm chair. 38 THE HOMELAND SKIES. A cheerful word, a sunny smile, As we meet face to face; An act of love, a helping hand, Given in kindly grace : These are the stars whose fadeless light Shines down as daylight dies, And points to blessings farther on, Beneath the Homeland skies. To-day we'll leave them then, and pray That while the sunbeams shine, We each may give the passing hours A touch which is divine; And write the record of the years, — In characters of grace, — In that we've serv'd God's children well As we met face to face. 39 WIND AND TIDE. The ocean is wide, But a timely tide Rolls in from the unknown shores, To carry our bark O'er the waters dark, Where the heart hath treasur'd stores. And the winds adrift Well their burden shift, As they fill the dove-white sails, And it's good to know That the winds will blow For the life that sometimes fails. For upon the sea, Where our lives must be, God's wind bloweth sure and strong, And where'er we glide He sendeth the tide To further our lives along. 40 THE MASTER KNOWS. Be quiet, soul ! Thy Master knows The trying day, And in the midst of pain and tears I hear Him say: 'I love thee still, cast all thy care Upon thy Lord, and leave it there." The blesed Christ is wondrous kind To such as thee; For as thy day, has He not said, Thy strength shall be? Ah, restful truth in which to hide When burdens press and cares betide ! God's love will hold, though dark the hour ; This love is thine. Fear not, dear soul, but rest beneath The wings Divine ; And shelter' d there, be anxious still, With patient heart, to bide His will. And afterwhile, at eventide It will be light ; And as you then shall view the past, All will be right ; For God sends naught within these days For which thou shalt not give Him praise. 41 Be quiet, then, let faith suppress Disturbing thought, And urge thy soul to lean and wait, However fraught; For in the Christ, thou hast a Friend Whose love is constant to the end. 42 AS THE DAYS GO BY. Stealing up near to the weary- To whisper some word of rest ; Telling of God and His goodness To those by the tempter prest ; Showing a bright ray of sunshine That was lost because of tears, Bringing to view a blessed hope Eclipsed by doubts and fears. Speaking about the good future To those disturbed by care, Who never think for a moment That peace may await them there. Making some burden the lighter, Sheltering souls that must roam, Placing a light in thy window To guide some prodigal home ; Dispensing thine alms in secret ; Helping the poor when they cry, Making this old world the better As the days and years go by. Faithful to meet every duty, Seeking the will of your Lord, Doing some service of mercy Shall joy another afford ; 43 Spending the years of a life-time For the good which you can do In directing those around you To that which is right and true, Making your pathway to Heaven More beautiful every day ; Gaining new faith in God's promise By work for Him on the way ; Thus drawing somewhat the nearer And learning a little more Of God, and the Christ He sent thee, Than ever you have before. 44 HE COMES AGAIN. Life is but a small hour's watching 'Twixt now and then, For afar I hear His footfall, He comes again. I know not when beside my door The Lord shall stand, And knock for entrance, soft and low, With pierced hand. To me that hour remains untold, Most wonderous kind Is He, who holds that moment, thus Mine eyes to* blind; Lest childish fear might sometimes mar The work in hand. Ah, well doth God who loveth me, All understand. Yet each hour shall find me watchful, 'Twixt now and then ; For I know my Lord is coming For me again. With the tasks of life all finished, When toilings end, In the doorway I would meet Him, The Lord, my Friend. 45 UP IN HEAVEN. For aching hearts sweet Heaven holds The only cure For cares which press against the soul, And oft obscure Our fondest hopes, shall each be lost Within its rest, — When God shall fold our tired lives Close to his breast, And whisper in love the meaning Of pain and care ; And show how these as angels kind Help'd lead us there. And as then we view our losses. These days shall hold Treasures of soul-life richer far Than costly gold. 46 DISCONTENT. A lowly place and humble task, What doth such service mean I ask? Why doth my Master make me yield My wish to serve some larger field ? For what can grow in soil so poor — The ground is hard, the place obscure? To fairer fields and richer soil I'd go to sacrifice and toil, And yet to me this truth is clear — The Master knows why I am here. So I will sow, and trust his grace For harvests from this lowly place, And in my patience wait to see His purpose strange in sending me. Toil and tears run through the years, But afterwhile the fruit appears, And reapers many, come to share The gifts of sacrifice and care. And now, at last, 'tis all made clear Why God saw fit to send me here. Ah, ye who sometimes fret and pine, Because an obscure place is thine, Let this plain truth thy soul inspire, To leave thy life in God's desire. Toil ever on, whate'er the stress, Sow always seed the Lord can bless, 47 And afterwhile you'll come to trace An heavenly purpose in your place. This thought may ofttimes peace afford — That thou art serving as thy Lord An humble place, yet of design, Which comes from out His heart Divine. 48 HAST THOU WALKED WITH HIM? Hast thou walk'd long with the Master By the paths His feet once trod, There to learn the secret meaning Of a life control'd by God? Tis in these diviner pathways Love fulfills the king's request, And lets falls her benedictions O'er the needy and opprest. Hast thou walk'd long with the Master As He soothed a troubled soul? Hast thou felt the Saviour's pathos As He said to such, "Be whole" ? If thou hast, then thou can'st visit Human sorrows as did He; Thou can'st bind the broken hearted As did Christ of Galilee. Hast thou walk'd long with the Master Underneath a heavy cross, There to learn with Him the meaning And the pain of human loss? Ah, 'tis here we learn far better What of sacrifice it cost God's own Son, the Christ, the Saviour, To redeem and save the lost. Yonder from the shores celestial, As of yore by Galilee, 49 Let us hear the Master calling, "Child of earth, come, follow me. 5 Follow as the Spirit leadeth, In those ways My feet oft trod; Find therein the path of promise, Leading upward unto God. 50 — !■■( HI At The Beautiful Gate— 4 < Come to Me, I am Thy Saviour.' m JESUS AND THE CHILD. Do we hear the Master calling To the children as of old, Can we hear this day the story Which the blessed Saviour told Of the lamb, the loving Shepherd Lost within the mountain wild ; How with tender search He sought it, Weary, and of sin defiled? Down the pathway of the ages Jesus walks with watchful eye, And He calls each little child-heart As he sees it passing by, — "Come to Me, I am thy Saviour," And His stainless touch one more Lays upon their heads a blessing, Just as did His touch of yore. We may teach the little children To see Him in the flowers ; To mark His gracious Presence As He walks among the hours. Yes, our hands may lead them surely, Till His arms around them bend ; Till they learn to see in Jesus Their blest Lord and dearest Friend, Call them, call them ! for He's coming In these happy springtime days ; 4. — Beautiful Gate. $1 And his ear, I know, is listening For the children's song of praise. Let them hail the dear Redeemer, And as older people see, May the children's praises lead them, Dearest Master, unto Thee. 52 ONLY A WORD. In God's dear name I spake a word, And afterwhile I sweetly heard It coming back to me. A saddened soul In lands away, Had heard its sound One cloudy day, And through it comfort found. He sent it back, And bid me speed It out again, Where hearts had need, That they might share its good, And now I'm glad I spoke the word, And thank the Lord That it was heard By one whose life had need. 53 PRAYER. I love to steal away sometimes From busy hours all fraught with care, And quietly alone with God Relieve my heart through prayer; For it always soothes the spirit — It braves the heart anew, And though life seems perplexing, God doth my strength renew. For the spirit worn finds resting, As it nears the Father's heart, And makes known its doubts and trouble, And beside the bitter part; How the hours oft seem distracting, How our work seems when the sun Bids adieu to us at evening And the day of toil is done. But what peace glides in from Heaven When God's voice falls on our ears, Telling us He still doth love us, Though our work so poor appears; That He sees us as we labor, And well knows we mean all right, Though we oft come empty-handed, When we leave the field at night. 54 ONE LITTLE LIFE. Just one little life to live, So to-day, I will pray That each word and act of mine, May reflect the Christ divine, Whom I love. Just one little life to give, As the day Wears away ! And in faith I look to see, What this life shall bring to me When 'tis done. Just a little life to live, Soon I'll wait, By yon gate; Just beyond which mansions lay, There to hear my Saviour say, — "Welcome home." 55 TO-MORROW. Twill all be right to-morrow, So put by thy sorrow ; For you'll better know, As God shall show, Why the winds blew rain, And the heart had pain Yesterday. Twill all be well to-morrow, So trouble do not borrow ; The adverse winds shall cease, The sky shall clear in peace, All waves shall fall asleep On the quiet of the deep To-morrow. In face of wind and tide God wisely doth provide, For Christ of Galilee Now walks the sea with thee, And through the gathering night He points thee to the light On the shore. 56 OUR FATHER'S HOUSE. Our Father's house lies yonder, To faith its shining dome Doth rise to guide the pilgrim Toward God and Heav'n and Home. There dwell the lost and long'd for — The Saviour, too, is there, And oft in silence riseth This simple, heart-felt prayer : 'Oh, guide my way, dear Father, Cross shadow and through shine, To meet again in Heaven The lov'd of Thine and mine. ,, Our souls still cling, though absent, And yet we feel the pain Of sunder'd loves — but yonder, We'll meet our friends again. The heart ne'er aches in Heaven And loneliness and tears Shall never cross to sadden Those glad eternal years. Our Father's house lies yonder, To faith its shining dome Doth beckon weary pilgrims Toward God and rest and Home, 57 FROM NEAR-BY PULPITS. In everything about our path Some lesson God is teaching, And from these pulpits now-a-days Grand sermons He is preaching. The vine which climbs up yonder wall Has as its theme "grace-growing," And seeds that stand by basketfuls Discourse to men on sowing. The bud pulsating 'gainst its hull, Its spring-time hopes renewing, Is whispering unto laggard souls The words, "Be up and doing." And sparrows from their half-built nests, By cottage eaves, are showing How souls ought build for better things While spring-time hours are going. The robin who, from spired pine, His happy song is singing, Is telling how our hearts should joy To other lives be bringing. And sunbeams straying from the sky, With benedictions golden, By many a sigh, inquire why Our hearts are so withholden. 58 LOANED TO THEE. God keeps the hours, and loans to thee, For use, a few, And says, "Fill each with thoughts of Mine, Faithful and true. Gird every purpose, make it bend Toward holier life, and, in the end, Likeness to Me." God keeps all grace, and lends thee thine, Just as thy day ; So, falter not, nor miss His thought, But ever pray, That as He leads, no matter where, Thy soul may find God's presence there, To strengthen thee. God keeps the end, and grants to thee To reach its bound, And leads thee thither, step by step, When faith is found. The hours of life are meant to trace The miracles of love and grace, Upon the world. Our heaven lies in loving Him Within these days, And peace eternal is but life Set to His praise ; 59 And joy unending is the thought That through the years we fully wrought The Master's will. 60 IF THE HEART IS NOT SINCERE. You may gather with the people In the temple, in the square, And be first among the company Who on Sunday worship there; You may sing the hymns of Zion, And give your coins in gold, And yet fail to meet the Master Or live within His fold. Outward form has little meaning If the heart is not sincere ; Costly edifice and organ Do not bring the Saviour near. 'Tis the longing soul who woos Him By the inward wish and prayer, And where life thus opens to Him, He will surely enter there. This may be in costly temple, Or beneath the open sky ; "For where'er they truly seek Me, There to bless/' saith Christ, "am I" ; There to rich and poor a blessing From the Source of Life will fall ; For the Heav'nly gifts are reckon'd By a contrite heart, to all. What is gold or man's possession To the Lord who reigns above, 61 Till he makes them outward symbols Of a deep and heartfelt love? Then each tribute and expression With a holy radiance shine, Which lights up earth's lower levels With a life which is Divine. 62 THERE ARE MOMENTS. There are moments in to-day, God knows where, When they who have a blessing And can spare, May confer as angels do: Help to bring another through A troubled day. There are moments in to-day, Seek to find, For they hold an open way To be kind Unto such as seldom hear Mercy's footsteps drawing near Unto their door. There are moments in to-day, Find them all, For our Father up in Heaven Lets them fall, And He wills that they shall be Messengers with good from thee, To such as need. 63 THE SUNBEAM'S LESSON. A sunbeam shone from Heaven to-day, And scattered its light abroad ; As it hid its life in mine, it taught This truth, in the voice of God : 'Go, carry, each hour, the light divine From out of the realms above, And as you touch in your path a life, Just shine with an heart of love. The world is cold and the way is dark For many whom you must meet ; And life which shines for another's gain Is the life of all complete. " 'Tis thus the glory of yonder life, In all of its health and bliss, Becomes incarnate, from day to day, In the emptiness of this." a 64 THE EMPTY DAY. I told Him all about it — The empty day, From which the loves I've cherished, Have passed away, How the hours with untold sorrow Drove the sunshine from the morrow. Yes, He knows. 65 THE HEAVENLY CHIMES The heavenly chimes are ringing From the Temple's tower afar, And the stars are candles shining Through the gates of pearl ajar And the zephyrs are the voices Of the spirit reaching all, As they listen in the gloaming For the Saviour's kindly call. "Saying, come! where souls find resting, And earth's heartaches ever cease; Come toward Heaven, the holy city, Where the bells are chiming peace." 66 MY HEART HIS HOME. My heart a home for Jesus, For this each day I pray : A place so clean and holy, That He will love to stay. My heart a home for Jesus, Restful, content, and calm, Doing His will and making Each little act a psalm. My heart a home for Jesus, Where He shall live with me, To teach me every moment His will in all to see. My heart a home for Jesus, Having Him ever near, Teaching me more of Heaven While I am living here. 8.— Beautiful Gate, 67 ALL NIGHT TOILING. How oft our all night toiling On life's uncertain sea, Brings us like Thy disciples, Dear Master, unto Thee. With empty nets, discourag'd, Our souls drift towards the shore, Where Thou dost wait to help us By ways unthought before. For life ne'er had a failure Thy vision did not bound; Experience has no channel Thy plummet cannot sound. Since Thou, oh Christ, discernest Where life's successes lie, May all our boats find guiding By stars from out Thy sky. For if we gather blessing From toiling hard to-day, It shall be said at evening That Thou dids't lead the way. 68 NEVER A DAY. There is never a day so sunny But that some dear heart doth sigh As it bears its cross of sorrow 'Neath a sad and sunless sky. Ah, never a day? No, never, But that some must know of pain, And they cross the hours, full knowing The meaning of stress and strain. Yet the Man of many sorrows, The Christ who was crucified, Who felt the throes near Calvary, Still walks by the Christian's side. 'Tis He that lifteth our burdens, And shareth each rising care, And sorrows of life grow lighter, When we know that the Christ is there. eg GOD AND FAITH. 'Be not faithless but believing," Trust in darkness as in light, For the hand of God is firmer, When He leads His child by night, And I sometimes think we love Him Most, when dimly we must trace The lineaments of Fatherhood, Which cross His kindly face. Ever is our faith the weakest When He leaves us walk alone, In some path well lit by sunshine, Where there's not a shadow thrown. Here we learn those selfish lessons Which the years steal not away, Till our Father comes to lead us Where earth's shadows thickly lay. 'Be not faithless but believing/' Thou must teach us, Master kind, By the sunless ways, it may be, How a stronger faith to find. Whether day or night is safest For our faith, as here we roam, Lead us, Father, as Thou deignest, Only bring us safely Home. 70 CAN IT BE? There's many a fainting brother Walking by our side to-day, Who it may be now is waiting For the word which we can say; Some one who, perchance, is friendless Crowded by the busy throng, Who this very hour is praying For some help to make him strong. Can it be that we are passing With a Christian's song and hope, Happy, yet to such unheeding, Seeing by no larger scope Than ourselves, though from the Master We have heard our Father's will? Can it be that we are turning From some need which we may fill ? Open Thou our eyes, dear Saviour, Teach us with the days to read, As we pass beneath Thy goodness, What may be our brother's need. Let us have Thy mind more fully, And 'tis then that we shall be Servants of the King, dispensing Blessings all the way for Thee. Aid us when our human weakness Staggers in its helplessness; 7i Give us grace direct from Heaven For each daily need and stress, And at last, when life is ended, Up in Heav'n may others say — "We are here because your kindness Help'd us over life's rough way." 72 THE LITTLE CHILD. "Does the Master listen, mother, As I kneel by you and pray ? Does God hear each word I utter, From His home so far away? Does He heed my childish pleadings, Can God feel my troubles, too ? Will He come and help me love Him, As He comes with help to you?" "Yes, my darling, God will help you," Spake the mother, as she smiled ; "He will kindly bless your child-heart, How God loves a little child ! Though He lives way off in Heaven, Where the stars shine bright and clear, Yet from thence He comes to hear thee, As the hush of night draws near." Let me tell you how dear Jesus, Long ago in Palestine, Blest the souls of little children, Just as now He blesses thine ; How with holy hands He prest them Close against His loving heart, And by silent benedictions Made their lives of His a part. 73 Then He said to His disciples, And to those that came to see, They who would My kingdom enter, Must as little children be." 74 CHRISTMASTIDE. I muse to-night by the hearth grate, And watch the red embers glow, While memory flies on sylphine wings To days of long ago. Far back to a happy childhood, How swiftly the years do glide! For my journey is far, I find, To my boyhood's Christmastide. I muse to-night by the grate light, And long for the olden days, And the Christmas times of childhood, With their mirth and cheerful lays. In vain I wait for their coming, For I feel the hour is late ; The voices of old are silent — Alone, I sit by the grate. sic 2itf ^£ ^4f ^s ^tc Love your own, let Christmas be joyful, To each some thoughtfulness show, That later shall bring thee gladness From days of the long ago. 75 OH, GENTLE CHRIST! Oh, gentle Christ ! of old a friend To every need and pain, Draw near unto our valley lives And speak those words again That point with hope each starless night, Which hangs above the soul, And soothe to rest the troubled waves Which 'neath the moments roll. For, as of old, our helpless souls Look out from self to Thee, And only as Thy touch is felt The heart from need is free. The tender winds of mercy still Must fan us from above, And naught can fill our lives with peace Save whispers of Thy love. So, then, dear Lord, within to-day Let down from Heaven Thy care, And teach us by Thy kindly way Each heavy cross to bear, Until each lesson we have learned, Designed by shade and night; Then lead us where the skies are clear With Heaven's unchanging light. 76 OUR LIVES LIKE SHIPS. Human lives, like ships, have courses Where the storms prevail, Storms which wrench our trusted rigging, And test the toughest sail. Yet amid each hour of trial Which we of earth may see, There bides the Christ, who calm'd of old The Sea of Galilee. There lies a way though oft unseen By these withholden eyes, By which to reach, though tempest-tossed, Our home beyond the skies. And those who leave these earthly ports, With Christ as Pilot true, Shall safely weather every gale The years may lead them through. Ten thousand thousand souls have cross'd Upon this sea before, Who now are safely anchored there, Beside the golden shore. And out across the trackless deep, Where we to-day must sail, These words of God so sweetly sound, "My presence shall not fail." And when at last our human heart Has cross'd its trials and tears, 77 I know we'll anchor over home, Beside those gladsome years, In which the sorrows of the past And heartaches ever cease; Where flows forever as a song The soul's unending peace. 78 OUR LOWLY PLACE. There is many an humble Christian Fenc'd within some lowly place, Who is filling it with service Which the angels love to trace ; For the Master notes the purpose, Rather than the place we fill, And accounts that service greatest Which is prompted by His will. Down where hearts beat true and faithful, Both in thought and kindly deed, — Passing self to serve the Master, There it is the world can read, Living truths in heavenly accent, Such as Jesus taught to men, Thus it is in beauteous letters, We may write His life again. He that with his Lord has tarried, He who with Him tarries still, Learns the grandest of all secrets, How each humble place to fill With a service so convincing That the heedless passing by, Pause to read its deeper spirit, And to note with eager eye. Tired with much disappointment, Crowded from full many a race, 79 Patient now they see the semblance Of the life they meant to trace ; And through movings of the Spirit, From thy life there breathes a hope, That for them, though reached by failure, Life extends with larger scope. What, indeed, then, doth it matter, Though a lowly place we fill, If within its walled proscriptions We can live the Father's will? If another soul in passing, Heedless of His love and grace, Finds the Saviour dwelling with us, Sees His image in our face? 80 THE FACE. Upon the face We each can trace The shape the soul doth wear, For every thought Is outward brought, And cast in image there. Si THE CHRISTMAS LESSON. We read the dear old story, O'er and o'er this Christmas morn, Telling how in old Judea Our Lord, the Christ, was born. We may hear the Christmas angels, Singing sweetly from the skies; See the Shepherds; greet the Magi By the manger where He lies. But we better keep the meaning Of that early Christmastide, If because we love the Saviour We to-day will turn aside From all narrow, selfish living, And be broad and kind and true, Scattering love's glad benefactions, In His name, upon a few. Just to tell that Christ is living, Who in Bethlehem's town was born;- Living in our hearts and actions On this bright, new Christmas morn, For so many lives are cheerless, While our joy bells gladly ring; — Who are waiting for the blessing Which our Christmas gifts can bring. 82 Si !!!! iii iiil At The Beaut ful Gate— 5 "We May Hear the Christmas Angels." THE LITTLE BLESSING. Each can leave some little blessing 'Long life's road way, I am sure, And the cost is such a trifle, If the heart is right and pure. Yet these little turns bring healing — Just a word, an act, a smile, Fall as precious seed to ripen Into harvest afterwhile. Try each day to help some other As you can. Be kind and true; Always do as you would have them, In exchange, do unto you. tf.— Beautiful Gats. &3 TIS SWEET TO LIVE. When life is sunny and the heart is gay And the roses bloom through the passing way, And the zephyrs kiss with a kindly grace The violets that laugh from their lowly place ; And the stars shine down from the land of light, As candles of God through the summer's night — 'Tis sweet to live. It is then you read in a language new That God is good, that He is good to you. For the sun, the rose, and the zephyr's kiss, Each carry some gift from their world to this. And the violets, by their fragrance rare, Enscribe this truth on the perfumed air — Tis sweet to live. S4 DOES THE MASTER KNOW? Does the Master know when the heart has pain, And the soul looks out through the drifting rain That falls? Do you think He sees, when the end seems lost To the hopes I hold, and the heart is toss'd By fears ? Does He note the ills, that I hourly know ? And treasure the pleas, — each whispered low, To Him? In the long ago, He was kind to all, So I'll trust Him still, whatsoe'er befall, And wait. And I know, some day, I shall better see The meaning of life, which is dark to me, Just now. SEEDS OF SERVICE. Sow the shining seeds of service In the furrow of each day, Plant each one with serious purpose, In a hopeful, tender way. Never lose one seed, nor cast it Wrongly with an hurried hand ; Take full time to lay it wisely, Where and how thy God hath plann'd. Thus the blessed way of sharing With another soul your gains, Which, though losing life, you find it Yielding fruit on golden plains ; For the soul which sows its blessings, Great or small, in word or smile, Gathers, as the Master promised, Either here or afterwhile. Sow, this day, the seeds of service In some life, as you can spare ; Bend above the soul you strengthen For a moment's silent prayer. Trust that somehow God will nurture Deeds which love and faith afford, Till the angel hands shall reap them For the garners of the Lord. 86 BEYOND THE SUNSET. Just beyond the sunset, Just across the night, Where the morning touches The tomb with fadeless light, Lies our soul's sure dwelling, This life's sweet by-and-by ; With every cross unshouldered, Tears gone from every eye. Each heart at times has yearnings Which cross to yonder rest, When days are marked by trouble, And life is sorely pressed. We look athwart the distance Through faith's clear telescope, And find within our vision The life for which we hope. S? NEARING HOME. Far from my home, yet careful hands are leading — The pierced hands of Christ, whom I know and love. Far up the steeps of life's insidious journey, He calmly leads me, toward my Home above. Far from my Home, but I am coming nearer, Though prodigal my feet have often chose to roam, Yet to my heart this consciousness is dawning — With the moments passing, I am nearing Home. Nearing the City, whose foundations centre On the Rock of Ages, which is sure and tried; Nearing the gates of pearl and walls of jasper, Where before God's face the ransom'd souls abide. Oh, tender Saviour, bring within Thy leading Those whom I love, whose hearts beat warm with mine; Woo them to follow in Thy sacred footsteps, Up from earth's poor dwelling to Thy Home divine. There in the secret of Thy blesssed presence, Toil-worn nor weary shall we ever be — Finding at last, with tearless eyes, our long'd for, Who have cross'd before us to their Heav'n and Thee. 88 THE VALE ILLUSIVE. There lies so near us, close at hand, A vale illusive, — spirit land. 'Tis bridged by silence, 'cross which roll The noiseless chariots of the soul. We touch its bounds with muffled tread. We lay within its bourne our dead, And wait with bated breath to hear Some echo faint from out its sphere. But silence quivers twixt our sighs, Since speechless courtiers of the skies, Invisible, receive our blest And bear their spirits into rest. While sense and reason wait in gloom, Faith tarries by Emmanuers tomb, And sees its hopes triumphant rise From out death's silence toward the skies. Sg EVENTIDE. 'Tis eventide, And by Thy side, Oh, blessed Christ, we bow, Conscious of sin, Come reign within, And cleanse us, cleanse us now. 'Tis eventide, Our souls would hide, So weary, Lord, in Thee; Would find their rest Upon Thy breast, And nestling peaceful be. 'Tis eventide, Our souls abide For shelter 'neath Thy love ; Let angels keep Us while we sleep — Angels from Heaven above. 'Tis eventide, Oh, Crucified! O'er our loved ones bend ; From cares release — Whisper Thy peace, And be to each a Friend. 90 NEW YEAR HOURS. As the winged hours of life Speed away, Let them freighted be with good Every day; Let kind deeds with Christly grace, In each moment find a place, As they pass. Let the acts of every hour Sunshine throw On the darker side of life, As you go. Make the world feel you are here, Not to sadden, but to cheer, Other lives. Learn of Him, who said of old, "Follow Me." As thy guide in word and deed Let Him be, And your life shall values hold, Richer, rarer, than pure gold Of the mines. 9i PEACE, PEACE, BE STILL! The bitter hour, the trying time, When souls break down, though hard they climb The steeps of life ; 'Tis then, ah then, a Friend draws nigh, To hear our stress beneath each sigh. No weary life is left alone With burdens which the days have thrown Upon the soul ; For tender still is He of old, Who listen'd to the sorrows told. He comes our tired lives to meet, And treads our paths with pierc'd feet, Just as of yore. He yet abides as sacred guest, Where human hearts prepare Him rest. Across our troubles oft is heard The tender, yet emphatic, word, "Peace, peace, be still \" Why do we doubt though ills attend Our life sometimes, with such a Friend? Sure we can trust for days to be, With such a guide, O Christ, as Thee, — Trust all the way ; For all who rest within Thy love Shall safely reach the Home above. 92 LITTLE QUIET MOMENTS. There's a little quiet moment, Yes, a secret hiding-place, Near to every hour of trouble, When the Master shows His face, When all burdens grow the lighter, And the skies above shine brighter,- 'Tis blessed to be there. You may find it if you seek it, For it lies not far away, You will reach it where the Spirit Biddeth thee to stop and pray ; And the burdens will grow lighter, And the skies above shine brighter,- 'Tis blessed to be there. You will never leave its quiet, Or forget the meeting there, And forever after, crosses Will be easier to bear ; For the burden will be lighter, And the skies above be brighter,— 'Tis blessed to be there. Not alone did Christ intend it That life's trials we should meet, 'For My grace shall be sufficient, And My presence thy retreat" ; 93 And the burden will be lighter, And the skies above be brighter, — 'Tis blessed to be there. Why should the days grow darksome, And why should the hours be drear, When just around the corner We may find our Master near? Just around the heart's sad sighing, Close beside the hour so trying, — 'Tis blessed to be there. Some day, safe within the City, Saved by His constant grace, Giv'n so freely as we tarried In the blessed hiding-place, We shall find all burdens lightened, And the skies forever brightened, — 'Tis blessed to be there. 94 HE THINKS OF THEE. To-day may hold a thousand cares, And burdens press thee unawares, And faint thy soul may be. Thy needs may rise on broken sighs Across life's shadows toward the skies; But God doth think of thee. He trod this way with lonely heart, And bore for all the human part ; That He our need might know. And now, ascended far above, Still stoops to catch the call of love Which rises from below. The burden of thy heart He feels, And every sigh of grief appeals And finds its answer there. No soul that knocketh needs to wait In vain, for long, beside His gate, — The Master heareth prayer. 95 A BROKEN HEART. To-day I met a broken heart Whose hopes were rent atwain By sorrow, and I saw the tears Run down like drops of rain. I saw without, God saw within ; I guess'd its stress, He knew ; I brought to soothe a human word, And then my task was through. I may have failed howe'er I strove, For grief hath depths I know, Through which the fullest human heart, In pity cannot go. But up in Heaven there is a Friend With sympathy most real, Who reaches far below each grief Which human hearts may feel. 'Tis He that meets us on the way Where tears fall like the rain, When oft our earthly loves and hopes, By death are rent atwain. 96 THE HIGHER CALL. Fret not thy soul about the way Thy steps shall take For God will make Thy journey plain when it is time. Then keep thou heart, Do well the part Which falls unto thy lot to-day. Meet thou thy trial, And sore denial, And after this the call shall come, To greater good. For He whose eye is on the dial Regards thy strength, And will at length Assign an ampler task to* thee, As fitness shows To Him who knows, When thou are ready for advance. Then shall be heard The Master's word, 'Go thou unto thy higher place, The hour is come." 97 COME UNTO ME. Come unto Me, ye weary, heavy laden, All ye who by much care are sore opprest ; Come unto Me, come bring thine every burden, Bring thy tir'd heart, and I will give it rest. Come unto Me, I know the paths you travel, Weary ofttimes thy plodding feet must be, Hard is thy journey, few are thy comforters, Come to thy Rest, my child — 'tis found in Me. Burdens are lain on thee by weaker spirits. Thou like thy Lord must oft be sorely prest Into a service full of strain and worry, Yet come to Me for sympathy and rest. Come though thy needs be felt in vale or mountain, Come to the "secret place," I will meet thee there, Come tell to Me the untold stress and longing, Come to the Father-heart, and He will share. 98 III! !!! II ii law At The Beautiful Gate— 6 " But the Master's Words Have Comfort." iiii THE TENDER CHRIST. Go to Bethany with Jesus, Hearts are breaking, oh, the tears! But the Master's words have comfort, And they echo down the years, Reaching hearts that still are breaking, With a sympathy Divine; And to each the Saviour whispers : "Make these precious sayings thine." Go to Bethany with Jesus! All your heart-aches are His, too; And whatever loss is suffered, He will be a friend to you. There's a pathos in His pity, Tender as a mother's sigh, As He points up through earth's sorrows To the Father's home on high. 7.— Beautiful Gate. $9 LofC. EASTERTIDE. Go forward, soul, to that event Which to each life must come; Go soothe thy fears of death By this sweet resurrection hope, Go live through every task and duty For that life which lies beyond; That life with plentiful reward For every well-done service, And the promise of a time, When all unfinished toilings Shall in Heaven be completed Under God's own watchful eye. Live for Him, with hopes of Heaven, Which no spirit, near nor far, may question; Live for life eternal — that life beyond the tomb. Easter brings it near you, Take it, and believe it — Christ, your Resurrection And your Hope. ioo THE SWEETEST MOMENTS. Learn to hide within the secret Of God's presence every day. Learn to tell Him, as you tarry, All the troubles of the way. For no human friend will listen With such patient, loving care To the little ills and worries As the Christ who meets thee there. •You will find your sweetest moments In such fellowship Divine- Yea, the very gate of Heaven — Where the Master's features shine In upon some hour's communion Where the needs of life are told. Ah! 'tis there the Saviour meets us With His tenderness of old. Find it while the days are passing, Let thy moments each be blest With the Saviour's benediction Falling as you seek His rest. Let Him stamp His image on you — Chosen, pardon'd, sanctified, Through the blood which flow'd for healin From the Master's pierced side. IOI THE LIFTED LATCH. With every day there comes a way, With passing hours, a door, Through which with joy we see an end We dream'd not of before. The latch is lifted when our feet Upon the threshold stand, And why adjustments thus are made Is hard to understand. Who sees us coming up the road? What presence 'bides within? Whose hand is it that lifts the latch To let us enter in? Ah, sure, 'tis One, who though unseen By these withholden eyes, Must watch our hesitating feet From the windows in the skies. It must be God who builds these doors Athwart our pilgrim way; It must be He who opes them, too, For you and me each day. And since Earth's gates are opened, Shall we not find it true, That when we knock at Heaven's That will be opened, too ? 102 BEARING PRECIOUS SEED. He that goeth forth with weeping, Bearing precious seeds; He that goeth as God's servant, As the Spirit leads ; Scatt'ring here and there the message, In the simplest way, Shall return at length rejoicing, Bearing sheaves away. He that goeth forth with weeping, Counting not the price, Sowing for the coming harvest At a sacrifice; Throwing seed where weeds grow tallest, On some barren plain, Shall at last come home rejoicing, Bearing golden grain. Ah, were the truth oft watered By the sower's tears, We would find far better gleanings In the after years; For' tis when the heart is burden'd Unto weeping eyes, That the Father sends the Spirit Downward from the skies. 103 FAITH. Just to follow every day Where God leads ; Just to scatter all the way Sunny deeds ; Just to go, nor question why Shadows fall ; Ever looking up to God Through them all. Just to live through every day Pure and right ; Keeping from my heart always Cares that blight ; Just to stand with purpose strong When I'm tried; Learning thus my every all To confide. Just to listen for God's voice From within; Just to carry straight to Him All my sin; Just to hope, when all seems ill, For the best, And in faith and patience then Calmly rest. 104 THE HOMEWARD WAY. God knows the road which rugged lies Betwixt our feet and yonder skies. He sees full well the steep incline, And knows the purpose and design Back of it all. The burden which the shoulders press, The inward sigh, the outward stress : The Father knows, and makes to fall Within His goodness, after all, To those that love. We sometimes feel our patience wane Beneath the worry and the strain, And oft forget the cruel thorn By which our Saviour's heart was torn, And so complain. Ah, yes, too often do we frown Beside the cross which holds the crown, Forgetting Christ, who chose our way, We fail to hear our Master pray : "Thy will, not mine." The anxious thought, the bitter tears, Which come and go, as rush the years, Each touch an heart to ours akin, Which reaches to a world of sin, To beat withal. 105 The clouds will part at sunset time, To bathe with gold the paths we climb, So take the way He bids thee press, For days and years are growing less, And rest is near. And when as pilgrims, soon or late, We reach our home by Heaven's gate, The troubl'd days may brightest seem, And fairer ones be as a dream, So soon forgot. 106 DO YOU KNOW? There is joy for every sorrow, A real hope for every morrow, With a peace to calm thy way, Which is rough with storms to-day, Do you know? There is faith for every trial, And for faces sad a smile, With assistance from above, Timely, and with thoughtful love, Do you know? There is light for darkness deep, And for wakeful eyes a sleep Which hath dreams of perfect rest For the heart by cares opprest, Do you know? There is rest when labors end, This alike to foe and friend; Ere we reach it comes the night, Just beyond that lies the light, Do you know! 107 WANDERING BACK. I was wandering back to-night, dear, 'Cross the years we've come together, And I thought of the gladsome sunshine And I thought of the cloudy weather. It's been a good while since we started, Do you remember that happy day, When our friends called out, "God bless you," As gladly we hasten'd away? It was early in life, you remember, And youth beamed out of our eyes, And hope was as bright as the stars That then shone above in the skies. We came to this very same hearthstone, And that just fifty years ago, And we lighted a fire as this, dear, And sat in the sheen of its glow. We watched the sparks flying upward, And sang of hope and the years, We outlined a picture of gladness, But left from that vision all tears. Those years have each come and departed, And have wrought for us many a change. I've been wandering back to-night, love, Through those years which now look so strange. You were then a youthful bride, my dear, I was the lone joy of your heart, 108 We'd promised we'd pull together, And we've done it, dear, from the start. Very much that we had and loved fondly, And toiled hard and long to get, Fled far in an hour unexpected, But 'mid all we're together yet. Much joy that we never dreamed of Graced many an hour of our life, And sorrows they, too, came to find us, And oft cut our hearts as a knife. Yet now, as I bring up our life-time, Though I weep 'mid much that is past, I rejoice that we're still together In these days we must call the last. Our children, whose prattle and frolic Filled these old rooms with their glee, Have gone whither other loves bade them, And it's lonely for you and for me. But we know that they love us still, dear, And this makes these days brighter, too, For though they have left us, they love us, Just as much as they used to do. We sat by yon window together, As life's storms beat over the way, And we looked toward Heaven for clearing, Those prayers are answer'd to-day ; For I saw in the evening's sunset A message from God, traced in gold, 109 Which came, as the work of some angel, And this was the message it told: E'en down to old age will My presence Be near you as guardian Divine, For the Lord of the birds and the lilies, Keepeth watch over thee and thine." >JC * H« * H So we'll sit by the old grate longer, I will kindle the flame anew, And we'll wait for the nearing Stranger, Who is coming for me and you. no TELL THY GLAD STORY. Thou who dost know a better, brighter future, Tell thy glad story where the world has need; Whisper its meaning into some soul's doubting, Let it be heard in every word and deed. Thou who dost know the peace, past understanding; Thou who dost keep God's spirit in the breast, Tell of its joys amid the world's disquiet, Thousands there are who dream not of its rest. Thou who hast heard the Saviour's glad revealing, The message of heaven, known by thee as true, Herald it forth, for many hearts are listening To hear the old, old story in accents new. in FAITHFUL, TRUSTFUL. Cease, dear soul, to borrow trouble, Leave to-morrow all with Me, Live to-day, be faithful, trustful, As thy days thy strength shall be. I can see the far off future, I will plan the best for thee. Here's my promise, blessing bides there, Where just now you cannot see. Is not every sparrow cared for? Thou art dearer than them all. I'll provide thy food and raiment, Let not anxious cares appal. Seek my Kingdom, do thy noblest, Live and trust, in faith obey. Rest in God. Believe His promise, "I will guide thee all the way." Cease, dear soul, to borrow trouble, Harbor neither doubt nor fear, For to-day, to-morrow, always, I, thy faithful Friend am near. 112 LIFE IN SERVICE. Find thy truest life in service, Not in theories — but in deeds ; Make thy soul insist in doing, Rather than in learning creeds. March with simple truth to service, Stand with God, who stands with thee, Abide abreast with duty, Be bold, courageous, free. Study truth for daily guidance, Make it fit all human needs, Thus thy life will earn the values Miss'd by simply learning creeds. 113 WE WONDER WHY. Sometimes in life we wonder why The heart must ache, the lip must sigh ; Why disappointments cross our way, To thwart the hopes we hold to-day. Ah, soul, the Father hath His plan, Beneath these ways we cannot scan, And ever shall His purpose be Worked out for good to you and me, If we will wait. To know that through the strain and stress Of human hearts, when burdens press ; To know that when our life holds care, The Son of God, the Christ, is there — Will give us faith for paths of night, Will change the darkness into light, Along the way. 114 !■■! At The Beautiful Gate— 7 "The Son of God, the Christ, is There." iiii !■■! LIKE HIM. Just to be like Him, In thought and deed, Living a language Which each can read ; Letting our light shine Where'er we be ; Seeking in all things, — Likeness to Thee. Just to be like Him, Bearing our cross, Sharing successes, Meeting our loss ; ,Yet ever seeing In every place, — The signs of God's promise, The smile of His face. 8,—Btautiful Gate. 1 1 S THE ANGELS OF EASTER. There is no heart which needeth not To see the lilies bloom, As emblems of the risen life Beyond the narrow tomb. The Resurrection of our Lord Is yet each Easter told, While lilies and their kindred flowers From winter's throes unfold. Beside the sepulchre where rest The dust of those we love, -Each lily-bloom in God's wide world Doth whisper, "Look above." There is no death, the Lord of life Hath conquered e'en the tomb, And from the clods oft wet by tears Hope springs, while lilies bloom. Oh, may the angels meet us yet On this new Easter-tide, And lead us through our griefs to find The risen Christ who died. 1x6 TRUE RELIGION. The religion I am after, You need no creed to see, It's the kind the Bible shows us In Christ of Galilee. It is that which helps the halting, And opens eyes long blind, And forgets itself so often In order to be kind. It is such as lifteth burdens From souls too weak to bear; And however small its portion, In love will stoop to share. The religion I am after Will last the long years through, And no matter what the weather, Will leave a joy or two. 'Tis the sort which throws the Summer O'er days oft dark and drear, And which makes you ofttimes wonder Whether Heaven isn't near. 'Tis the kind which feels the movings Of the Spirit in its breast, As it findeth, like an angel, The lonely and opprest. ii7 It is such that meets the sinner Without contempt or frown, And, in his struggle after God, Points out the victor's crown. The religion I am after, You need no creed to see, Tis the kind the Bible shows us In Christ of Galilee. 118 THE POISE OF TRUST. There is one dear little lesson Our hearts would fain pass by; Yet one we each could master, If each would will to try. 'Tis that short but irksome lesson, O'er which we each lament; Teaching how in every moment To claim a sweet content. We wondered why the Teacher Review'd this page each day And said so much about it, In such a patient way; Yet, we said : 'Til ne'er need it," And pushed the book aside; And I think that He was sorry — Though He never stopp'd to chide. 'Twas the page which taught of trusting When everything goes wrong, In One whose love is boundless, Whose strength can make us strong; Which told us not to worry much, But cast on Him all care, And calmly rest and do our best, Always and everywhere. We've learned part of that lesson By pressure it may be, 119 Yet through mistakes and follies We now have come to see — That life is poised by trusting; That happiness is blent With the will to do our duty, And be in all content. 120 COMPENSATION. Beautiful thoughts make beautiful days, Beautiful steps trace beautiful ways, Beautiful words bring peace untold Everywhere as the years grow old. The sunny soul on a darkened road Brightens the heart, lightens the load, Lets in Heaven, and whispers rest Over the toils of lives opprest. The helping hand may always shift The sails of souls long gone adrift ; May let the winds of God blow in To bear them out from shoals of sin. And many an anchor has been weigh'd Because another soul has prayed, And laid its burdens and its fears Upon the Christ who always hears. And yonder by the golden strand, The kindly turns we often plann'd, Returning home, will each be fraught With greater blessings than we thought. 121 YET GOD'S LOVE SHINES. Thou hast had a happy day, Sunshine, peaceful all the way; Speckless sky and hearts so dear, Helpful smiles and words of cheer, — Praise Him for it all. Gifts abundant, ne'er a need Which His goodness did not read. Joy abounding, not a care To disturb thee anywhere, — Praise Him for it all. Many days of cloudless blue, Many friends, loving and true ; Mercies falling from above, Tokens all around of love, — Praise Him for it all. Morning dawns with cheerless sky, Heart in sadness, lips now sigh ; Cross is heavy, strength so small ; Yet God's love shines through it all,- Praise Him for it all. 122 THE WORDLESS PRAYER. A thousand wordless prayers arise From needful hearts toward yonder skies, And day by day they bear the stress Which human speech could not express. Far up to God their way they trace, And bring from Him the needed grace. We each are conscious of some need, But who of earth can ever read The silent calls which reach the Throne, From souls whom Jesus calls "His own"? The sigh, the tears, the grief, the fears, Which run like shadows 'thwart the years ; These each to God have voice which pleads For mercy's answer to their needs. Tis often when we do not know, That God is nearest, here below, For back of narrow sense His power Vibrates with feeling every hour ; And Love Incarnate stoops to heal The weaknesses we never feel. Ah, blessed be the tender Heart Of Him who came to bear our part ! Whose thoughts still hold, though gone on high, Whose mercy fathoms every sigh. 123 Oh, Master of the soul, incline Our life to feel the touch Divine, And may we each responsive be To all which leads toward God and Thee, 124 THE EVENING PRAYER. Follow with Thy blessing, Father, Where this day our hearts have wrought, Lest the purpose and the labor These have given come to naught. Here a smile upon a spirit Pressed to sadness by a loss, There a helping hand extended To another with his cross. There a tear was shed with sorrow, And where human heart was weighed By a thousand cares and troubles, In Thy name we stopped and prayed. To the hungry and the needy We dispensed our willing dole, And we sought to guide a pilgrim Toward the Homeland of the soul. We rejoiced with those enjoying New found blessings from above, And we taught the little children Of the Saviour's wondrous love. And we sat within the evening, Just to leave a word of cheer With the aged, who are waiting Till the Heavenly call they hear. 125 Blessed hath this lowly service, We have given, been to-day ; Follow with Thy richest blessing, And accept it, Lord, we pray. 126 THE RAIN-DROP.* It was but a tiny rain-drop That fell from an ashen sky, Which flash'd a light through the window As I glided swiftly by. Through the rifts of the clouds beyond me Came a ray of sunlight fair, Which kissed the falling rain-drop, And left a bright rainbow there. With its life of new-won beauty, It shone through its little day, 'Till the rift in the cloud was mended And the light was shut away. But, ah ! it had filled its mission, And all to its heart was right, When God closed the leaden shutters And girt its life by night. For one soul had seen its beauty — Was cheered on his passing way, Because it carried a sunbeam On its tiny face that day. * Written on the train during a storm. 127 SWEET STARS. Sweet stars of hope shine down Into our holden eyes, Beckoning through the night Earth's pilgrims to the skies. Sweet stars of hope shine in Upon the soul's unrest, Reflecting there the calm Which dwells within Thy breast. Sweet stars of hope, God let Through sorrow's shadows shine, Bringing to tears and griefs The light of Heaven divine. Sweet stars of hope shine bright Through every tomb's dark way, And may thy beams portend The dawn of life's long day. Send good hope, unfailing, Thy joy to anxious eyes, Whisper 'cross the silence God's message from the skies. 128 CALVARY. Oh, Calvary, we love thee, For on thy hilly side The Son of God, our Saviour, In meek submission died. There on Thy cross suspended, Forth from his pierced side, Flowed streams incarnadine, Redemption to provide. Oh, Calvary, remind us Beneath our heavy cross, That though we often stumble We cannot suffer loss ; For He who up thy hillside Bore such an heavy load, Will help us with our burdens Along the roughest road. Oh, Calvary, speak often, For we forget so soon, How night with weird darkness Hung o'er thee, just at noon. And when in life's bright mid-day, O'er us the shadows fall, And we begin to murmur, May we thy night recall. Oh, Calvary, blest Calvary, To us thy memories bring, 129 For faith is quickened only, And round thy cross we cling. Speak to us of our Saviour, As through the world we go, Who died on thy dark summit, Because He loved us so, 130 SSi !!■! Hi El At The Beautiful Gate— 8 "Oh, Thou Who O'er a Tired Road." IB BB TIS AFTERWHILE. Oh, thou who o'er a tired road Hast toiled towards home to-day, And long'd to know when rest would come, The Scriptures to thy questions say — 'Tis afterwhile. Oh, thou who lookest toward the skies Through windows marked with rain, And wonder when the clouds will pass, And sunshine laugh again — 'Tis afterwhile. Oh, thou, who lonely, oft are sad In paths you walk alone, Who patient, bide the Father's time To greet and clasp thine own — 'Tis afterwhile. 0.— Beautiful Gate. 1^1 WHEN THE TIDE RUNS HIGH, Cast thy bread upon the waters, Cast it when the tide runs high, Cast it o'er the ebb returning, You will find it by and by. For love never leaves her blessing 'Midst the many needs of men, But some day, as saith the promise, She shall gather all again. Cast thy bread upon the bosom Of the streams that pass to-day, For it may be God has station'd Some poor soul along the way, Who is waiting for the coming Of the gift He bids thee send; Give it while the tide is flowing, In the name of God and friend. Cast thy gift upon the current, Though to thee it seemeth small ; For the scantest "ones oft carry Untold blessing where they fall. For within our day the Master, Still, as in the times of old, Multiplies the gifts we offer Sixty and an hundred fold. 132 TRUTH. My soul, within thy temple welcome Truth, Though travel-stained its outer garments be; Give it a place, where godly prophets stand, Be thou the hearer, as it speaks to thee. Expel from out thy chancel such as frown At other light than yesterday reflects, Be thou that soul that stays not with to-day, But with the morrow greater truth expects. *33 A WORD UNKIND. A little word with an arrow's dart, Poisoned and aimed at a human heart; How they fly from tensioned bows ! With an eye of sin behind the string, Guiding the course of its outward fling, A loosened hold, and forth it goes. 134 THE CHRISTIAN'S PRAYER. Help me, oh, loving Father, Through even shade and shine To know, to know Thy promise, To make, to make each mine; To lean far out upon them, When everything around, Save faith, which reacheth Godward, Lies prostrate on the ground. Help me, oh, loving Father, Throughout the empty day, When hopes ephemeral vanish, Each pressing need to lay Close where thy heart hath beatings Of sympathy divine, With every struggling purpose Within this heart of mine. Help me, oh, loving Father, Who needs Thee more than I, As through life's open windows I see Thy love go by, With kindly hand dispensing Each moment's needed grace? Help me thereby the better To fill some lowly place. Help me, oh, loving Father, Each broken stitch to mend, 135 And make each humble purpose Of mine with Thine to blend, And when these waning moments And life's long day shall meet, May I this joy be given, To stand in Thee complete. 136 THE HELPING HAND. Can I help another By some word or deed? Can I scatter blessing O'er a soul's sore need? If I can, then let me Now, within to-day, Help the one who needs me On a little way. 137 THE DAISY'S LESSON. Well, to-day I saw a daisy, Down across the old mill race, Blooming 'mid the scatter'd clover In a lonely sort of place. All day long this daisy patient Toyed amid the meadow grass, Catching now and then a sunbeam Or a shadow that might pass. Seemingly content and happy, Down across the old mill race ; All the day this wenty daisy Carried sunshine in its face. As I hasten'd by it taught me Not to spurn a lowly place, And to carry with me always Lots of sunshine in my face. 138 BITS OF SUNSHINE. A little bit of sunshine, A little word or two, Just falling as the moments Suggest the way to you, These will change the features Of the world's sad face, And give some soul the courage To stand within his place. A little bit of sunshine, Enough to throw a smile Upon some downcast spirit, His sorrows to beguile; Ah, this is what is needed More often than we know, By those whose hearts are aching Along their paths below. Little bits of sunshine Caught from the skies above, Just falling with the moments From out an heart of love; Such service truly given To each will surely bring, Its blessing here, and yonder, From Christ, our Lord and King. i39 RESIGNATION. Just to live, dear Christ, for Thee All the day. Pressing near Thy Father-heart All the way. Learning there, close by Thy side, How, in times of need, to hide Myself in Thee. Just to leave the Spirit do What He will, Though His bidding be to go Or be still. For the sweetest hours to me Have been those when led of Thee, Oh, lead me still ! 140 HAVE FAITH IN GOD. Art thou weary of thy cross? Have faith and pray. Be patient, strength will come, Strength for to-day. For near thee bides the Christ Who Calvary trod; Who comes again to say, — "Have faith in God." So tender is His word To all opprest ; "Lean thou on Me, and I Will give thee rest." Rest for the homeward way. Then be thou strong; For cross will come the Crown, To thee ere long. 141 Special Edition . Enlarged . Illustrated At the Beautiful Gate A Book of Poems of the Heart BY REV. I. MENCH CHAMBERS Author of '* Harold Payson " Rev. I. Mench Chambers. My Dear Sir : — I have been greatly pleased with the little poems that have come to me from your pen. Your friend, John Wanamaker. These verses are full of tenderness, and are fitted to give cheer and inspiration to those who are striving to live a beautiful life. They are such verses as tired and discouraged people like to find, as they bring an uplift in their strong hopefulness. * * * * * They are as good as sermons — better than many sermons — carry- ing in them thoughts of helpfulness. Rev. J. R. Miller, D. D. What Mr. Eugene Field has done for children, Mr. Chambers has done and is doing for Christians; for what are Christians (alike infant and adult) but the Heavenly Father's own children? These are lovely lays, alike for the nursery, the sick chamber, the tired toiler, and all desolate ones. Rev. George Dana Boardman, D. D. I am sure that the clear thought, terse style, poetic form, and de- votional spirit of these poems will express the unvoiced aspirations of many a soul and quicken the spiritual life of many a believer. Rev. Wm. Dayton Roberts, First Presbyterian Church, Camden, N. J. 143 The author, a clergyman, states in the preface that it was not written for the pleasure of the critic, but for the comfort and cheer of those who may have had experiences akin to his own. His purpose will be appreciated by every reader. Apart from their sweet, helpful spirit, the poems are executed with fine taste. This, however, is a subordinate quality in all poetry. Brain, not feet, are the main element, in poetic creations. Poetry is the harmony of ideas. Mr. Chambers, in this respect, is especially happy. — Presbyterian Journal, Phila. The faithful minister gathers his lessons not only from sacred writ, but also from the lives about him, outside of books, lessons learned by emotions, perplexities, trials, seasons of joy and pain. These poems preach in briefer, more pointed form than sermon lessons gathered through many years of sympathetic insight. They are at once helpful and inspiring, and will carry courage to many who need the strength and cheer of hopeful Christian words. — The Public Ledger, Phila. These verses are tender, breathing the mind of Christ. They are laden with thoughts of Christ which the author has learned from his Master, and then has breathed out in song. There is a class of religious poems which enter into the common experience of human life, but which give no new hope or courage to those who are walking under burdens or in the shadows. These verses are not only sympathetic but they are full of inspiration. Thus they are in the best sense helpful. Those who read them will be strengthened and comforted by their hopefulness. — Westminster Teacher. Cloth, Ornamental, . . $1.00 PHILADELPHIA HENRY ALTEMUS COMPANY 144 DEC 30 1902