PS RHYMES BY -i I li LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. CNITED STATES OF AMERICA. — "t^'f &/.if '5^>»v_2i= — BY ^KENAWMf:N ,^ ''^'"gOPYfii SEP 1 ,... ; y SLrv.. of 2^ y ^T^HESE STANZAS have been written, mostly, for Mission Sunday School Celebrations and Young Peoples Meetings. At the request of some friends they are now printed with the hope that they may prove a source of pleasure and profit to the boys and girls of the Sunday Schools and Religious Societies. Kenawmen, Fort Washington, Pa., iSgi. -i)' ►!«=€>- ^^- Entered according to Act of Congress in the Office of the Librarian of Congress at Washington, D C. A. D. 1892. A BUNCH OF KEYS. I know some little boys Who love to make a noise With fife and drum and toys, So they do ! I've hit upon a plan To help each little man To do the best he can To be true ! I have a bunch of keys : Now listen, if you please, What I will say of these; Look at me ! These keys are on a ring; For that's the very thing, ^luch better than a string, For a key ! This key is for the door To knowledge, truth and lure And mines of hidden ore Stored away ! AVhy need I to explain ? This key unlocks the brain Or locks it up, — that's plain, Plain as "A" Now, hero's another key I Tis very clear to me, I think you all can see What I mean The closet of our hearts Has many secret parts ; ■ This key emotion starts ; So be keen ! It needs no little skill To tell the good from ill Or manage one's own will, As you see ; The good you should let in, But keep out every sin ; This key will help you win Victory ! With knowledge fill your brain. Your heart's affection train. Your wilfs control maintain All your days ! I hope you will agree Aright to use each key, Then you shall happy be Be alwavs ! NOTHING TO DO. Nothing to do ! Who could have uttered these words ? The dihgent insects, the swift fleeing birds ? The ocean that's rolHng on day after day, Or time in its flight, not a moment to stay ? Nothing to do ! And so much work to be done ; Where sinners are perishing ; souls to be won ! The armies of Satan are still in the field. And earth's timid pilgrims stand willing to 3'ield. Nothing to do ! In the great harbors of sin, With the ebb going out and flood coming in. The work of destruction is marching apace. Though Mercy is pleading and ofliering grace. Nothing to do ! Are there no prizes to gain. When others are fighting their crowns to obtain ? Up, up, and be doing, work while it is day. The minutes are passing too swiftly away. Nothing to do ! In this glad noontide of light. Thank God for thy talents, strike out for the right ! Perform with a will what thy hands find to do. Arise to thy duty, be fiiithful and true. Nothing to do ! In yon bright haven above Where Jesus stands welcoming sinners with love, When conflicts are over, thy last battle won. Thy toils shall be ended, thy resting begun. POLITENESS. He who is not clever to me May not be kind to my brother ; The tost of good manners, you see, Is, — ^liow do you treat one another. I hke a good shake of the hand, At least a slight recognition ; It certainly pays to bland Much more than to flaunt erudition. Politeness costs little, you know. Yet yields returns so abundant That those who received it bestow Quite often their plaudits redundant. But never mind plaudits or thanks, Just keep right on in the traces ; Leave ill-humored crosses for cranks And cultivate heavenly graces. 'Tis noble a favor to grant Where'er a service is needed ; Beware of all flattering cant. For seldom false praises arc heeded. DO THE BEST. What can be the use in repining o'er ills That can't be avoided no matter who wills, When life may be rendered so grandly subHme By doing the very best every time. Why mourn over trouble that never appears And lengthen our days and thus shorten our years ; The rain with the sunshine should gladden the clime When doing the very best every time. Why bother with trifles or fret over loss, The value of which may be nothing but dross ; Just keep the brain cool and the hands always prime, Be ready to do the best every time. AVhy suffer the weeds in the garden to grow When flowers are struggling their beauties to show ; Go train lovely roses and woodbine to cHmb, Keep doing the very best every time. The clouds may be heavy but bright the sun shines For light-heart no less than for him who repines ; So keep the soul guiltless from sorrow for crime By doing the very best every time. The days of this life will soon come to a close, The spirit will enter its peaceful repose ; Then toll not the church-bell but ring a sweet chime For him who has done his best every time. POLLY'S PRECEPT. A farmer, blest with strength and healthy Whose wife and children were his wealthy That he might have his garner filled His field with faithful labor tilled ; A yoke of oxen stout and strong Plowed o'er the furrows straight and long,, He harrowed all the ground, and more^ He rolled it level as a floor ; And when the soil was thus prepared With liberal hand the seed he shared, So while the spring sun lit the morn His field was planted well with corn. The farmer's children, full of glee. Had little time to disagree ; But when they came to such a move iV fiimily parrot would reprove Their froward ways and silly words, For, "Polly" was the best of birds ; 'Twas in its manners quite demure And rudeness it could not endure ; It had its freedom in the home And sometimes on the lawn would roam. It seldom sought the garden fence Nor ventured far at most from thence. One day at noon the farmer saw A flock of crows and heard them "caw" Down in the newly planted corn Regardless of the "scare" to warn Intruders. Quick as thought he springs To where his trusty musket swings ; 'Twas loadsd ready for the game Of beast or birdling, wild or tame. He hastened to the nether porch, And vowed their feathers he would scorch ; No sooner said than it was done, "Bang" ! went the farmer's faithful gun. As presently the smoke arose It showed destruction 'mongst the crows ; An observation shortly found A dozen dead lay on the ground ; But,what surprised the farmer most, The favored parrot, midst the host. Lay fretting o'er its sorry lot. For, with the crows it had been shot ; Its leg was broken, sad to tell. And needed to be splintered well ; The farmer placed it to his breast And took it back to its own nest. " Alas ! Alas ! " the yeoman said, "What mischief ever filled your head To dare to join those thieving crows ? " No sin without demerit goes. "Bad company ! " the farmer cried, "Bad company ! " poor Poll replied. 'Twas curiosity at first That gave the parrot such a thirst To form aquaintance, — mingling in With others who led on to, sin. So soon the penalty was paid And Polly near death's door was laid ! At last the wound was slowly healed And Polly's wisdom was revealed, Enough, at least, to warn its friends Against temptation's hurtful ends. Well may it dread the woeful day It wandered from its home away ! Bad company it now eschews. Nor spares its voice to sound the news Whene'er it thinks the duty plain Some neighbors children to restrain ; For at the least discrepancy Poll fiercely shouts, "Bad company ! " If Poll with home had been content 'T would have no reason to relent The sad misfortune that befell On this occasion. But 'twas well For all : for now it knows How trouble with bad friendship goes lo And Poll will always be concerned To teach the lesson that it learned, (The lesson that's so full of truth,) To children dear and blooming youth : Who well their daily course would run Bad company must ever shun. BIRDIE. Pretty little bird sitting' in the tree, What have you to say to me ? Pretty birdie sings from a bough above, '' Cheer up, dearie ! cheer up, love ! " Pretty little birds, sweetly you agree Up in yonder maple tree ! Darling children here never should be sad ; Sing like birdies, all be glad. Little folks, like birds, ever should delight All day long to do the right ; Birdies sw^eetly sing anthems in the air. Children too, their joy may share. Precious children may, like the birdies, brim Sweetest songs to Christ our Kina-. Tiny little birds ever have Grod's care, He loves children everywhere. II Little birdie dear, one more word with you ; May be Grod loves big folks too ? I am glad in this you and I agree : Truly, Grod loves you and me. SABBATH MORNING. The distant Church-bell's soft sweet sound Floats o'er the hill so clear, And lovely echoes hnger 'round, Delightful to the ear. The early call to prayer and praise Should claim our earnest heed ; Affection's tribute should we raise To our best Friend in need. Oh, (luiet peace of Sabbath morn ! The herds stand 'neath the shade, The silent fields pf ripened corn, The brook beyond the glade, The wooded landscape and the mill, And there the aftermath, All nature hushed ; so very still Along the quaint old path. 12 The autumn sun, with rays so sheen, Drives frost and cloud away, Adds hfe and beauty to the scene So restful yet so gay. The plowman's teams are in the stalls, The sheep are by their cotes, The robins sing their matin calls, The larks their cheery notes ; Thus, nature seems to own the day And honor God indeed, And with ten thousand tongues to say Anew her holy creed. HOW LITTLE WE KNOV/. The earth with its mountains and valleys and seas, Its lakes and its islands and forests of trees, The heated equator, the ice at the poles, The lightning's sharp flash as the loud thunder rolls, The seed-time and harvest, then winter and snow. But lo ! of creation how little we know ! The mountains so high and the oceans so wide. Volcanoes with lava-lined craters inside. The tides that forever and aye ebb and flow, The clouds in the heavens, the sunshine and bow, The earthquakes the maelstroms, the cyclones that blow, All teach us the lesson : how little we know ! 13 The sun 'midst the azure, that great fijry ball, Of stars in their Kingdom seems monarch of all ; With power unseen our fiir planet is held By solar attraction ! And we are compelled To ponder and wonder, as days come and go, How much we behold but how little we know !, Those stars shining o'er us so bright in the skies For ages have baffled the skill of the wise ! Pray, can they be peopled with folk such as we ? Astronomers millions would give just to see ! Now, telescopes bring distant worlds to our view And suns are discovered the sages ne'er knew. The moon sheds on earth its reflected pale light, A comet perchance may be wheeled into sight, Bright meteors shoot through etherial space, The galaxy's myriads each in its place ; These wonders in heavens and earth ever show How much is to learn and how little we know. (Ireat mines under ground full of mineral ore, Broad prairies abounding in generous store Of grain for the millions, for man and for baast ; And fountains of waters, of blessings not least, A bountiful God who, in earth, sea and air, Provides for His creatures with Fatherly care. H Thoiiorh much we may know yet far more is to learn ; The way up to knowledge has many a turn. The earth and the sun, moon and stars may appear To us all of knowledge that's worth knowing here ; But shall we not study our joys to increase ? The path of truth wisdom leads onward to peace. The Lord has revealed through the Book of His grace Some gleams of His glory, some light from His face ; And searchers for truth will assuredly find God's Word is a lamp that enlightens the mind, And things (fuite unseen by faith we may know E'en here while we journey 'midst darkness and woe. Bich treasures, and pleasures that ne'er can be told, And blessings unmeasured more precious than gold The Lord has reserved for the Saints of His love, Laid up in His Father-house waiting above. What joys they inherit who serve Him below None, none but the ransomed in Jesus can know. WHAT FRUITAGE. The minutes, hours, days and years Fly onward fast with rapid wing Through joys and sorrows, smiles and tears, Life's buoyant hopes and anxious fears, Till Jordan's brink so soon appears : My soul what fruitage wilt thou bring ? 15 EASTER. The Paschal Sacrifice is slain, And once for all the ransom paid ; The Temple veil is rent in twain, And Jesus in the tomb is laid. But shall the grave yield up its dead ? Will death release whom sin hath bound ? Yes, sin and death are captive led, And Jesus, Lord of Life, is crowned. Hail holy day when Jesus rose Victorious over death and grave ! Hail blessed hope ! Thrice happy those Whom Jesus died and rose to save. Shall those who sleep in Jesus rise To everlasting life and peace ? Shall scenes of rapture fill their eyes And praise and blessing never cease ? Yes, they who in His name beheve Shall rise and in his presence stand ; Fullness of joy shall they receive. And pleasure at their Lord's right hand. Although their earthly house may mould, And mingle with its kindred clay, They shall their risen Lord behold With perfect bliss in endless day. i6 Deliv'rance from the fear of woe Believers here rejoice to find ; The sting of death they ne'er shall know, Nor can the grave their spirits bind. Oh ! blest the hour when Jesus rose, When sin and death of pow'r were shorn ! Blest hour, which brought such sweet repose ; Oh, cherished Resurrection jMorn ! THE CHRISTIAN'S MISSION Go tell the truth in love ! Go whisper to the downcast soul, How One who dwells above Once died to make the sinner whole. Go forth in love ! Prepare The hardened soil and stony place. And scatter ev'rywhere The Gospel seeds of Truth and Grace. Go bring the wand'rer in ! Point to the road that leads away From paths of shame and sin, And reaches up to endless day. Go seek the erring one ! Lift up the Cross, and then confess What Christ for thee hath done ; Thy sure reward ! Thy righteousness ! 17 Oo bless the suflf'rinp:: poor ! Show the kind Providential care Of Grod ! Whose word is sure To all who come in trustful prayer. Go comfort those who mourn, AVith words of love ! For weary man, The tempest tossed and torn, Christ bled and died and lives again. HOME. Blest home ! may thy ulad memories cheer ]My path upon this mundane sphere ; No purer joys can e'er arise 'Twixt thy fond hearth and yonder skies. ^ly wayward feet perchance may roam From thee, my childhood's Heaven-blest home Yet may thy influence sweet abide T(» soothe my sorrows, check my pride. Briuht emblem of my home above 111 cherish still thy bond of love, 'Til in my Father's House I rest With those T know and love the best. iS THE FUTURE. Thou kuowest not, my dear one, What trials thou shalt bear ; A veil the future hideth With all its woe and care. T would not wish to open More than a single page Of what shall be transacted Within the coming age. But, page by page unfolding, The future comes in view, And shows each generation Its longings, false or true. The book of nature ever Is wise and good and pure. And ho who seeketh knowledge Will find its counsel sure. The past hath clearly taught us The present to employ ; The seed-time gone, the harvest May bring us fruits of joy. But ^ould the storm-wind scatter Thy prospects in a day. Have courage for the morrow To drive thy cares away. 19 The dangers in thy pathway, The sorrows, pains and fears, 3Iay fade before the sun-hiilit Of thy decUninn' years. Then, when the earth-shades lengthen, Thy day draws to its close, May God thy spirit strengthen And give thee sweet repose. " MAKING THE MOST OF LIFE. " Whatever the duty you begin. Do your best ! What faithful service cannot win, Leave the rest ! The times are often out of joint More or less ! Good friends may sometime disappoint ; Forward press ! Strive, strive to conquer every task, Nor stop to argue or to ask Why blessings come beneath a mask ; What nearest to your path may lie Do well your part ! You sure can try ! Success may crown you bye and bye, Bye and bye ! 20 PRESS ON. The morning light illumes my path 'til near the short days end ; The evening shows the loving hand of my most gracious Friend ; The noontide hour the dial marks when I my powers should save. And midnight points the period that lies beyond the grave. Thus Time foretells all mortal things must swiftly pass away ; Beyond the midnight comes the dawn of Grod's eternal day. The morning of His glory bright shall shine upon me then, Nor noontide sun nor midnight gloom shall e'er be known again. The evening of my life draws near, my days are well nigh spent, How precious should each day appear as each by Heaven is lent ; So, may I press with holy zeal to reach the gladsome prize And fix mv faith and love on Him who reigns above the skies. " KIND WORDS NEVER DIE. " Be courteous and kind to the jjeople you meet In palace or hovel, in workshop or street ; You never may know how one sweet gentle word To heavenly action some frail heart has stirred. Example is golden and precept has weight In character building, or forming a state ; But one gentle word that is spoken in love Sends an echo that's welcomed by angels above. 21 THE CONSOLATION OF ISRAEL. : i The night of sin has cast its gloom \ O'er Judah's hills and valleys fair ; A nation hastens to her doom, , Her priests and scribes have proved h r snare. The darkness deepens ! "Wider 'spreads Her desolation everywhere ! ; A foreign foe now proudly treads j Her highways ; rears his standard there. Jerusalem ! Thy prophets slain ! Thy broken law ! Thy sin revealed 1 Self-righteous, superstitious, vain ; Thy sceptre thou hast ceased to wi.4d. Thy Temple, like a lone star, stands An emblem of Grod's truth aud [;race ; A beacon bright to far-off lands ; To it the captive turns his face. Its altar stained by rebel bands Whose murd'rous deeds pollute th.' place, While greedy men with guilty hands In changing gold its courts disgrace. The homage due thy Sov'reign God Is laid aside for empty show ; 'Neath haughty Caesar's lash and rod I A harder service must thou know. ; 22 J 0, Zion's Daughter, hast thou mourned Thy heavy burden ? Thy dark night ? Hast tliou yet heeded those who warned Thee of the sword and bitter flight, When ahen hosts, (once by thee scorned.) Should thy rich fields and vineyards blight ? Or, by Grod's promises adorned, Wilt hie thee to the dawning Light ? Come, listen then, expectant look To promised Bethlehem's sacred height ! Let sage and shepherd search the Book And find a Saviour clothed with might. Sweet joy of comfort ! Bond of love ! A God comes down to dwell on earth ! He leaves the glory, had above. With men to live ! His humble birth Announced by star ! When quickly move The wise men from their distant land ; And shepherd's by their actions prove Their rev'rence for a Prince so grand ! The Light now shines o'er grove and plain ; Kings' palaces and halls of lore, Evangeled by this glorious reign. Resound with praises evermore. Old Simeon long may wait, 'til years Shall tell his days are growing few ; But hope he mingles with his tears And prays for strength to see the true Salvation dawn. Lo, it appears ! In peace he dies, his journey through. And aged x\nna gladly cheers The longing heart of pious Jew, Who, of the Consolation hears With joyous faith and feelings new. Dispels his doubts, casts off his fears, Since his Messiah is in view. Oh, precious Light ! Oh, glorious Sun Of Righteousness ! Thy truth and grace By ancient seer foretold ! Blest One Who pardon "brings to all our race ! Thou Hope of Israel ! May we run To Thee for help, and in Thee trace Our full salvation ! Holy Son, The Image of the Father's face. We bless Thee for the victory won By Thee for us ! Let nought displace Our trust 'til life's brief journey's done And we are safe in Thy embrace. 24 FLOWERS AND FANCIES. Flowers and fancies crowd upon ni}^ brain. Though covered o'er with ice and snow the plain ; Flowers forever live with perfume fresh, While fancies are not children of the flesh. Flowers in mem'ry bloom and bloom again With sweeter fragrance, brighter hues than when Hours of sadness, solitude and grief Forbade these tender joys their sweet relief. Buttercup and daisy o'er the field, Both rich in love and innocence, they yield Pleasures pure and lasting, noble, strong. To give the spirit power to conquer wrong. Youth with loving charms the primrose brings, With lilacs to enforce the thought that springs Blythe and free from hearts so warm and true, And woodbine sparkling wet with morning dew. Whence the feelings through these trifles wrought ? !No trifle this arbutus ! that was brought Miles on miles, from distant woods where grew The honeysuckle wild and violet blue. Years have sped their course and left behind Indelible impressions on the mind ! Gone the bloom of youth ! Maturer age Bids busy care the riper thought engage. 25 Fancy stronger grows as sets our sun When we remember kindly actions don? ; Parted now from dearest earthly friends Blest Hope a briglit anticipation lends. Heads of hoary whiteness pass along Scarce mingling with the noisy aqtive thron ;• ; Each a burden bears 'midst doubt and fears, And patient Faith may wipe away their tears. Closer bind the sympathetic chord "Twixt man and man ! The blessing of th^ Lord Ever rests on such as willing share With those who through affliction sadly fare. Wait then not the coffin lid to close O'er those we love when in their last repose ; Garlands bring of flowers while life is w^arm, 'Twill help our brother brave the fiercest storm, MEMORIAL DAY. God bless Memorial Day ! May Peace her sceptre sway O'er our broad Land ! Fond mem'rys sacred seal Set for the Nation's weal, Day fraught with holy zeal, Hand joined to hand. 26 Glad day when comrades meet And brethren kindly greet, Voice echoes voice ; Sweet music fills the air, Bells ringing everywhere, Heart answers heart in prayer While all rejoice. On scenes of joy and love Look angels from above, Smiling on Peace ! Firm bound by Freedom's ties In God our host relies ; To Him let praise arise, Our faith increase ! No more let cannon roar ! Reign Peace from shore to shore 'Til end of days ! Thy guiding grace afford. Unite with one accord This mighty Nation, Lord, Thy Name to praise ! When children's children say, " What means Memorial Day In this bL'st Land ? " Let sire to son relate How God, in mercy great. With honor saved the State, A Union urand. 'A SENTIMENT. AVitli all tlicir meaning words may fail to dress In proper form that clearly will express The cherished thought that seeks the light of day Which long has lain within the mind away. Some words are written, others siang or said, ' All wise or senseless as the heart or head From which they spring. What sounds are these we hear That bless or curse, applaud, or fill with fear ! Sweet melody of birds in thicket green Where brooks ring harmonies the rocks between ! The organ's solemn peal, the zither's air ! No music can with human voice compare. The whistle shrill or moan of winter's blast. The crash of tree by tempest earthward cast, Nor less the ear is struck with anxious dread When marred by words of strife with passion fed. Like golden apples laid on silver bright Are words of wisdom when they're said aright ; One utterance a wounded heart may heal And life eternal in that word reveal. The sympathizing breast will sometime swell With loving sentiments that rise to quell The sinner's fear, his unbelief o'erthrow ; A faithful word may save a life of woe. 2S The soul beneath and through the hvino; word Speaks in mysterious influence, unheard Within the realm of nature all profound, And echoes forth Grod's praise in glory sound. AT BETHANY. When Jesus rested on the way, 'Twas Mary's choice by Him to stay While Martha served throughout the day At Bethany. Friend Lazarus, whose goods were few. The precious love of Jesus knew ; Xo dwarfed affection ever grew At Bethany. As from Jerusalem He went, To save the sons of men intent. Full many Sabbaths Jesus spent At Bethany. Rich Simon for his royal guest In sumptuous feast spared not his best • And 3Iary's faith was put to test At Bethany. 29 The costly spikenard filled the air With perfume sweet : 'Twas Mary's hair That wiped the feet of Jesus there, At Bethany. O may our weary footsteps turn The good to seek, the ill to epurn ; Life's grandest lessons well to learn At Bethany. To Christ God's faithful ones are known. Until the end he loves his own. His power in earth and heaven was shown At Bethany. HARVEST HOME. Crowned with mercies ! Blest, and well supphed With earthly good, our needs are satisfied. Thanks and praise to God are justly due For benefits and blessings ever new. Providence has spread with open hand The harvest in profusion o'er the land ; Barns are filled with grain and fruits abound, Dire want has fled and plenty reigns around. Countless millions with their daily bread By wondrous pow'r and loving grace are fed ; Gratitude now bends the humble knee For products of the field so rich and free. Year by year the seasons come and go, With Summer's radiant heat and Winter's snow ; Seed-time blithe, then harvest's golden days, Inviting man his Maker's name to praise. Southward moves the sun to shed its powers In other climes, on other fields than ours ; ]Moon and stars their annual course pursue. And heaven rules the wind, the rain, the dew. Autumn paints the wood with brilliant hues, The meads and uplands yield enchanting views ; Nature dons th' attire of jubilee. And Nature's God is seen through herb and tree. Thanks we render for these blessings sent As gifts rewarding man for labor spent. Tdil is man's, with sweat he turns the sod ; Tis ours to sow, the harvest comes from God. May sorrow never thee oppress. Thy days be blest with happiness ; Let love for thee its garlands 'twine And sweetest peace be ever thine, My Valentine. 31 A PLEA FOR WORK. I've come in search of labor, Just something hght to do, I've neither kin nor neighbor Who cares to help me through. I've ne'er, sir, a profession, Nor ever learned a trade ; To make a clean confession, I am a renegade. For books I've had no liking, From school I truant played. No thought my mind e'er striking The blunder I had made. My ways were downward tending, With none but self to blame, When, 'most too late for mending, Sad days of hardship came. :My meals, sir, in the morning. Are never quite in view, 'Til T, my patches scorning. Secure a job or two. I sometimes get a dinner. It may be cold or warm, Enough for such a sinner Who's trying to reform. 32 I've found for each night's lodging It's hard to raise the pay ! It keeps me always dodging To find a place to stay. You ask me where I staid, sir ? Last night I had a cot, *Twas fifteen cents I paid, sir. To sleep among a lot Of filthy, ugly creatures Who came from every land ; You should have seen their features 'Twas more than I could stand. I never could endure, sir, That crew another night If I could but proclir.^, sir. Some easy job at sight. No one can call me lazy, I'm supple and I'm sound ; It sets me nearly crazy To think I've run aground. I've waited now already For work to come along Almost a fortnight stoady, 'Tis still the same old song ! The times are somewhat tighter Than, say, a year ago ; I hope they'll soon be brighter, . That I m-ay have some show. No lane was e'er so long, sir. That never had a- turn : I trust I'll not go w^-ong, sir, I'm not too old to learn ! No miracle, whatever ! A man of me 'twould make If some one would endeavor ]\[y case to undertake. I'd never, sir, forget it, I'd faithful prove to be ; And you would ne'er regret If you'd once tie to me. But if you can't employ me I must apply elsewhere ; It surely does annoy me To meet such wretched fare. I'm certain someone wants me To show or pack their goods ; Somehow, the idea haunts me, I'll soon get through the woods. 34 I thank joii for this pittance ; I'm good for one more night ! I may get a remittance And make it up all right. Excuse me, sir, for pressing In busy hours my plea ; 'Tis really, sir, distressing. There seems no luck for me ! Another day is coming. Again 111 try the chase ; For I'm just tired of bumming Around from place to place. FIELD FLOWERS. Flowers by the brooklet, blue and pink and white, Flowers o'er the meadow, what a pretty sight ! Scarce a green-house flower can at all compare With these beauties of the field scattered everywhere. Some exotic gathered in a foreign land. E'en a prickly cactus growing in the sand, Strikes, perchance, our fancy and enchantment lends. But in time our love comes back for our dear old friends. 35 THOUGHTS ON A LESSON. AVe !sit at the end of n Sabbath-day "s rest. The sun has gone down o'er the hills of the west ; We think of the home that is surely the best, That glorious home in the realms of the blest. Though birds had their nests a^d "foxes thoir caves, No home had the Saviour ! The Jesus who saves ! The Jesus who stilleth wild Galilee's waves ! Who calmeth sin's tempests, while Satan yet raves. Our hearts' best affections, in glad sacrifice, We lay at his altar. He rescued from vice Our guilt-laden souls. Now His blood can suffice For all our transgressions, free, free of all price. We render Him humbly our portion of praise ; His Name be our song 'til the end of our days. We long to behold Him, with silent amaze ; On Him who was slain we would wond'ringly gaze. AVith Heavenly wisdom divinely He taught ; His words and His actions were constantly fraught With love fn* poor sinners, whos3 welfare He sought, Whose pardon on Calvary's Cross He has bought. Compassion He had on the thousands He fed ; Salvation He gave them as freely as bread. To life He restores wretched souls that were dead ; Oh glorify Jesus, the Christian's great Head ! 36 Rejoice and be thankful for what He has done ; 'I The blessed Lord Jesus, the Father's dear Son ! ' j The Kino-dom of Heaven on earth has begun ' Since viet'rj o'er sin and the grave He hath won. Triumphant in Heaven His great army brings ^ i Oblations of praise ; while the Church grandly sings Its anthems of glory, as time its flight wings, To Jesus the Lord, ever King over Kings. At home with our Saviour, Redeemer and Friend ! At rest in His presence on whom we depend ! We'll wait for His summons, then promptly attend. To be with our Lord in the world without end. HAPPINESS. To make the best of life while here, To scatter blessings far and near. To drop the sympathizing tear For those who comfort need \ To fill sad hearts with gladsome cheer And be content within the sphere Of daily duty through the year, Is happiness indeed. 37 ^ OLD GLORY. Old ( I lory swings oiit to the breeze From the staff at the top of the hill, Her colors gleam high o'er the trees ; liet lis cheer with a hearty good will ! Hurrah ! Hurrah ! Hurrah ! Old Glory's the flag of the free. Hurrah ! Hurrah ! Hurrah ! Old Glory's the flag f.-r me. Old (rlory crowns mountain and vale With her stars and her stripes wide unfurled, America's ensign we hail ! She's a beacon of hope to the world. Hurrah ! Hurrah ! Hurrah ! Old Glory guards city and plain ; Brightest emblem of freedom divine ! No foe can her progress restrain While the stars in her union shine. Hurrah ! Hurrah ! Hurrah ! Old Glory floats over the wave From the poles to the farthest blue sea ; She breaks the foul chains of the slave. And proclaims, all mankind shall be free! Hurrah ! Hurrah ! Hurrah ! 38 Old Gliiry forever shall stand ! She's the flag of the brave and tho true ; The pride of our Heaven-blest land ! Let us cheer for the red, white and l;)lue 1 TTurrah ! Hurrah ! Hurrali ! SELF EXAMINATION. As forth the dawning o'er the east sky broke Two paths thy early inward choice at once provoke ; One leads to worldly good alone, to ease and pelf; And one to heights of love, the sacrifice of self. To choose the road cost tears and anxious thought. That error might not win what light so sweetly brought ; Missteps, perchance, have marked thy path this day, While good intentions left their blanks along the way. ^len strive for wealth, and dwell in pleasures vain ; Few live for Heav'n, to prove that hfe in Christ is gain. Sufficient earthly good to spare and bless With sweet content should mark thy highest happiness. To crave the things of earth for self's desires Too oft the soul with zealous earnestness aspires, 'Til some bright spark of heavenly flame ignites The truer life within and Christlike love indites. 39 This day like many others of its kind Has gone indeed, and left its memories behind Of good and evil, conflicts for the right ; To conquer pride and self was far the greater fight. The Lord, thy Helper, all thy need supplies, Thy Guardian and thy Guide where'er the danger lies ; To pleasant pastures and to waters clear He leads securely on and thou hast nought to fear. AVitli grateful thoughts of his abiding Grace Thou may'st in Jesus each and every blessing trace ; For, all of good that comes to thee below Comes through His boundless love whose Name is life to know. As day by day recedes, blest soul, adore The loving heart of Jesus Christ yet more and more ! Sweet peace and rest thou'lt share at His right hand When in His blissful presence thou shalt safely stand. Unfiisten every tie that binds thee here And for eternal mansions have thy title clear ; Salvation seek of Him who freely gives, 'Twill be thy joy to know that thy Redeemer lives. MY EARTHLY HOUSE. Thy might and majesty I gladly own, Thy right it is to prove me as Thou wilt ; Set up in this po(n- tenement Thy throne ; That house endures which on the Rock is built. 40 A shattered, tempest-beaten hut of clay, Once subject to the winds and flood's commands^ Without protection, shield or proper stay. Hard by the river's brink of shifting sand. No sure foundation had, no corner-stone ; But wretchedness and guilt without, within ; There came a Builder, moved by Grace alone. Desired possession, claimed it, entered in. The work of reconstruction then began : Dnvn roof and rafters came, partitions, frame ; Scarce recognition left the wondrous plan ; A transformed dwelling hence this hut became. Now, on the Rock of Ages stayed, no harm Is feared, nor danger ; but within, without. Sweet Comfort, Peace and Jov walk arm in arm. While Faith and Love dispel all care and doubt. T^pon the threshold Truth stands sentinel ; A^irtue and Prudence from the windows look, While here the blessed Spirit comes to dwell And wisdom teaches from His gracious Book. From stormy winds and lightning flash secure. Since Thou art with me, Lord, I fear no ill ; Thy presence shall my present good insure, Thy temple Thou wilt with Thy glory fill. 41 REST. There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of (iod." — Heb. 4. 9. Perfect rest the Father gives To the soul that humbly lives In the sunlight of His grace As it gleams from Jesus face. Blest shall be that cherished state AYhere all joys shall concentrate In the love of God supreme Flowing in perpetual stream. Jesus will His saints confess. Clothe them in His righteousness ; AVelcome them to feasts of love In His Father's house above. All the weary, sin-oppressed IMay secure this promised rest ; Nought that harms can enter there, Death nor sorrow^ doubt nor care. Faith and hope this boon may claim In the dear RL^deemer's Name. Promisc^d rest ! so sweet, so pure ! AVhicli forever shall endur;'. AVhen the thread of life is spun And earth's tedious toils are done, Then, in heav'nly mansions blest. Saints shall find their ])romised rest. 42 CHRIST OUR REFUGE. Is there on earth a place From sin and pain f^ecure ? Some i^helter from the ills of life, A refuse safe and sure ? This world a paradise Once was ere feeble man Had sinned ! Then death and sorrow came When Satans reign bef living ; Thy solemn purpose ne'er forsake ; Thyself for others ever giving. Beware of pitfalls sin has laid ; Beware the idols set before thee ; The law of Grod when disobeyed Can ne'er to righteousness restore thee. God's Spirit must His presence lend To make of thee a temple holy ; Gods love alone a Christ can send To make that temple pure and lowly. Though earth be swayed by tempest shock, Though nations crumble, never falter ! X sure foundation is thy Rock While burns the incense on God's altar. 'HE WILL COME AGAIN." - When the Master comes in brightness. When He comes to call the roll, In a robe of dazzling whiteness He will clothe each ransomed soul. 54 "While we're waiting, yet desiring Some glad message from above, He is still our hearts inspiring With fresh tokens of his love. When we sought His gracious blessinjj Bl()od-bouglit pardon we received ; In His Name we're now confessing The good tidings we believed. Here we claim no earthly treasure For the service done for Him ; Yet our cup with holy pleasure He is filling to the brim. Now we know the wond'rous power Of His boundless, loving grace, Which shall keep us 'til the hour We behold Him face to face. We shall see Him in His glory. And remain with Him for aye ; Then we'll chant the " old, old stor}-,'' In th'j realms of endless day. Oh, the blissful, peaceful resting That awaits us bye and bye ! Hear the Spirit's voice attesting That the day-dawn draweth nigh ! 55 He will come in all His brightness, H3 will come to claim His own ; Then, in uarbs of spotless whiteness, We shall stand about His throne. Joyful hallelujahs ringing, Grateful homage we will bring ; Saints shall join with angels singing Praise to Heaven's Eternal King. "BE YE STEADFAST." (I Cor. 15. 5S) We'll be steadfast in the keeping Of our purpose, souls to win, Looking forward to the reaping And the blessed gathering in. We'll persistent be in serving Christ, our Lord, w^th all our ])ower, Ever fiithful, never swerving From the duty of the hour. We'll be earnest in our pleading That the truth may be made plain To the minds of those we're leading To the Lamb for sinners slain. 56 Looking heavenward, glory viewing. Keeping Christ before our eyes, Good pursuing, sin eschewing. We, through Him, shall gain the prize. Thanks to God ! for help in raising 3Ien from vanity and vice ; Thanks to God ! forever jjraising Christ, the bleeding sacrifice. CHRISTIAN LOVE. I long God's truth to know, And o'er His word I pray ; But can the stream of wisdom flow If I its course should stay ? I seek with childish zeal For treasure rich and rare ; may His Spirit's grace reveal Some pearl or diamond fair. 1 joy to be with Chri.st^ To walk with Him below ; But if I e'er should break my tryst To whom else could I a'o ? 57 jNIy liope the promise lioUls That I shall find Him y\ci\:\ And sup with Him nhile He enfolds ]Me in His arms must dear. On Jesus all my trust Shall ever surely rest ; He is both merciful'and just, He kuoweth what is best. I love with strong desire, His reigning power I own ; may no lurking sinful ire ]My Lord, my King, dethrone. My heart is fully set To do His gracious will ; may I ne'er His love forget. Nor do my brother ill. The love for Him I bear Shall suffer no decrease ; But with my brother I must share His lovj till bein ;' cease. WORSHIP. We have come to worshi|> Jesus, And in adoration bow Low before our gracious Saviour, Who vouchsafes to hear us now. 5^ Jesus, Friend of earth-bound sinners, Wash away our every stain ; May our hearts to Thee he opened So that Thou inay'st in them reign. May we find Tliy ureat salvation And our souls be filled with love; May Thy Kingdom here, Lord Jesus, Soon be like to Heav'n above. ]*rayers ascend, like incense rising, For new pardon, grace and peace ; May Thy Spirit's influence brighten All our lives, our faith increase. May the wisdom of Thy gospel Comfort for all times afford. And may we be waiting ready At Thy coming, dearest L(»rd, THE CHRIST-CHILD, Beautiful Christ-child in the manger, Inuiicent, holy, lovely " stranger" ! Heralds angelic great joy bringing, Glory to God from Heaven ringing ; 59 Peac'3 upon earth, they come foro-tolHnij:, Songs ( f " good-will to men " are swehing. Thine be the praise ! "Til time u ended Heaven and earth in Thee are blended. Beautiful Christ-child once so humble ! Ruler of Kings as world-thrones crumble ! Alctor o'er death and powers infernal ! Lord over all and God eternal. Angels Thy Name above adoring, Mortals Thy Grace are still imploring. Thine b3 the honor ! Thine tha glory ! Ransomed ones chant the Christmas story. VESPERS. May our hearts be touched and tendered In this solemn twilight hour ! May our holiest praise b3 rendered As w^e feel the Spirits power ! Like the evening star when sinking Calm reflecting solar light, ]May our lives with Christ's love linking Shed their influence pure and bright ! May our faith grow stronger, steadier. As we bow in humble prayer ! May our hearts and hands be readier Others' heavy loads to bear ! 60 THE HOLY SPIRIT. I i O Holy Spirit tuiij our hearts ] To sing the joy that Christ imparts ; i Thy hallowed influence reveal, I And fill our souls with patient z-al. ; O clear the clouds and mists that rise 1 To Veil our Saviour from our eye;; ; ] 3Iay h)ve grow .strong and doubting cease, j crown our lives with inward peace. ] Abide with us in health or pain, ' To comfort, cheer, support, sustain ; guard us, guide us and assist That we temptation may resist. Shed Thou a light upon the way That leads to Heaven's eternal day • . Refresh us with thy quick'ning love "Til faith is Ljst in sight above. DEVOTION. Lamb of (Tod, Thy Grace impart, With Thy Truth fill every heart ; Christ our Lord, in worship now At Thy mercy-seat we bow. 6i Humble Bacrifice we bring, While Thy gracious Name we sing ; Cheerful voices here we raise Hallelujahs to Thy praise. Christ, Thy majesty we own. Seated on the Father's Throne ; In our souls Blest Jesus shine With Thy precious Light divine. Holy thoughts and willing hands To perform Thy law's demands, Purest words and lovely deeds 3Iake our lives the best of creeds. Whether good report cr ill Shall on earth our portion fill, Christ our Lord, Thy mercy-seat F/cr shall be our sure retreat. When our service here is o'er, In bright realms for evermore Christ our Lord with Thee we'll meet At Thy JLniv'nly mercy-seat. 62 IT'S ALL IN JESUS, The Door to lieav"n i.s o2)eii wide Tlnit all may enter in ; Come, .see my Saviour's hands and side ; He'll wash you clean from sin. There's a Door at the entrance t(j olv'ry for me, That Door is my Jesus who died on the tree. The Way to Heav'n is straight indeed. But all may walk therein ; My Saviour is a friend in need, He'll wash you clean from sin. There's a Way to the mansions in ulory for me That Way is my Jesus who died on the tree. The Light illumes the narrow road For all who walk therein, And Jesus bears the sinner's load ; He'll wash you clean from sin. There's a Light at the pathway to glory for me, That Light is my Jesus who died on the tree. The Life in Christ begun below Gives joy and peace within ; Our Jesus saves from ev'ry woe. Hell wash you clean from sin. There's Life, life eternal in glory for me, That Life is in Jesus who died on the tree. BENEDICTION. Oo little book, and do thy mission well ! In lovo tliou may'st some strayini;- pilgrim tell How vice to shun, or stormy passion quell. (ro show the SL^eker after b/L'tter light, ■ The path of duty and the road to right, And open up life's gosj^el to his sight. The world is full of crime and guilt and wrong ; Bo, tune thy precepts into Christ-like song To swell the ranks (»f Jesus' blood- washed thronu; The blessed news of saving grace proclaim And tell how Christ, the Lamb of God, became A substitute for all who trust His Name. Then, when the gath"ring hosts at last shall stand Before the Judge, who sits at God's right hand, ]\ray some through thee find rest in Beulah-land. God grant a hundred fold to bless thy seed. Though simple here thy speech and plain thy creed, 3Iay joys supreme there crown thy loving deed. 64 LIBRARY OF CONGRESS iiiifii]! 018 597 849 7 •