PS 3525 0765 1912 Copy I 'H The place where Jacob in a dream God's mighty presence felt. 26 ECHOES OF BETHLEHEM Then Ramah, where there lived and died The godly Samuel, Who built an altar to the Lord And judged all Israel. Next Mizpah where Philistine lords By God were overthrown. Where Samuel devoutly raised His Ebenezer stone. And then, at last, Jerusalem Meets their expectant view; This sacred home of ancient kings Their interest doth renew. They likely stop for food and drink Down by the Joppa gate. Where teeming commerce hath been known Since days of ancient, date. THE ANNUNCIATION 27 When well refreshed at "market court," They hasten on their way. For Bethlehem, their journey's end. Near five miles south doth lay. As out the Joppa gate they pass. And to the left they go. The way is rough, precipitous. Their progress very slow. They see Mount Zion towering high Above the city walls; The lower pool of Gihon then Their next attention calls. They cross the valley of Hinnom Along the aqueduct. Built for the pools of Solomon The waters to conduct. 28 ECHOES OF BETHLEHEM They slowly climb the southern slope. Ascend unto the plain Of Rephaim, where David smote Philistine hosts in twain. They now approach their journey's end, TTio weary, travel fast; They, from the border of the plain. See Bethlehem at last. 'Mid ever rugged rocks and hills With fertile fields between, Where, many centuries before. The comely Ruth did glean. Where Boaz, "mighty man of wealth," Was smitten with her charms. Whose honored wife she soon became. And left Naomi's arms. THE ANNUNCIATION 29 The mountain town lies just across A valley, deep and long; TTie anxious Joseph looks, and sees A great and motley throng To be enrolled, so on they go Once more with quickened pace, For Joseph fears that, for the night. He may not find a place Of shelter for his gentle wife; The journey, over long. Was much for woman to endure, Tho she be well and strong. And as to ancient Ephratah TTiey now draw very near. Along the way they pass a spot To Jewish hearts most dear. 30 ECHOES OF BETHLEHEM The sacred site of Rachel's tomb. Where Jacob raised the stone In honor of his first beloved. Who resteth there alone. All dust-begrimed and travel-stained They reach the famous well From which King David longed to drink (As Chronicles doth tell). The village entrance lies beyond, A quarter mile or so. And close at hand the Chimham Inn; To it at once they go. Great crowds of people throng the way; The keeper at the gate Declares for them there is no room; Alas, they are too late. THE ANNUNCIATION 31 For Mary*s welfare Joseph fears; He feels the air that chills The hapless, houseless wayfarer High up on Juda's hills. At last they find a lowly place Of shelter for the night, A cave, or grotto, close at hand, Tho warm, devoid of light. Where David may have housed his flocks. The mangers yet were there; Tho built of stone, they shelter gave This God-united pair; And there was saintly Mary's bed By angels watched till morn. As God's own star shone o'er her head. The Holy Child was born. THE NATIVITY nnHE orb of day has passed from view Beyond the western hills; The shepherds call their bleating flocks To rest, as nature wills. The day is done; the night is come; The camp-fire, burning low. Betokens quietude and peace Within its circling glow. The evening air is crisp and clear; The sparkling stars above Down on the sleeping shepherds there Shed forth their light of love. No sound disturbs the deep repose, While o'er the camp and sheep One trusted herdsman, at the gate. Doth faithful vigil keep. 34 ECHOES OF BETHLEHEM The midnight hour now draweth nigh; The moon hath ceased to shine; The twinkHng stars are lost to view. Outshone by power divine; While slowly o'er the field there falls A soft, celestial sheen. The watchman looks toward the sky. Where wondrous light is seen. Its dazzling brightness blinds his eye; He looks, and looks again; No man had seen the like before. None such since seen by men. The wonder grew, as light divine Illumined hill and plain; "Awake!" the startled watchman cries. Nor does he cry in vain. THE NATIVITY 35 The shepherds, clamb'ring to their feet, Can scarce regain their sight; In unison, they, trembling, cry, "What is it? Whence the hght?" "See! See the fire in yonder sky!" The answering watchman cried; The frightened keepers of the flocks With fear were terrified. But soon they heard an angel say, "Peace; peace be unto thee; I bear you tidings of great joy. Which to all people be." A holy hush comes o'er the earth. And heaven, bending low As if to catch her list'ning ear. This message doth bestow: 36 ECHOES OF BETHLEHEM "In David's city there is bom (To you glad news I bring) A Saviour, which is Christ the Lord; Hail ye the new-born King. His swaddling clothes a sign shall be. When you the Babe shall find; Laid in a manger, ye shall see The Saviour of mankind." Then round the angel suddenly There swept a winged throng, A multitude of Heaven's host, In praise-resounding song. The raptured shepherds shout for joy: "Hear ye what God hath willed; The Christ is born! The Christ is born! God's promise is fulfilled." THE NATIVITY 37 Then "Glory be to God on high" Rose in triumphant strain. While "Peace on earth, good will to men" Came back in sweet refrain. The winged messengers had flown; Good tidings they had told; The new-born "Shepherd of the sheep" Will care for all His fold. The trusting shepherds leave their flocks; They haste to Bethlehem To worship there the new-born Babe, By God made known to them. They skirt the mountain, pass the town. Directly reach the inn. Where Joseph and his wearied wife No room could find within. 38 ECHOES OF BETHLEHEM The man on watch they, breathless, hail, TTieir story him to tell; The dazzling light he, too, had seen. Nor could his fears dispel. "What thinkest thou?" the watchman cried, "What caused the wondrous light From out the sky, that we have seen. Who do not sleep this night?" "The Christ is born! Our King is come!" "The Christ! Can it be so?" "Great things this night we've seen and heard ; Come, to the cave we go." "The cave, why there?" "To see the Child." "No child you there will find." "Well, come with us, the Saviour see. And free your doubting mind. THE NATIVITY 39 "For in a manger He doth lie; While we were in the field The angel of the Lord came down And this to us revealed. The cave alone, in Bethlehem, Hath mangers; hence you see *Tis there we go the Babe to find; He surely there must be." With faith increased and hope enlarged, The watchman leads the way; That they may find the Holy Child They all devoutly pray. The cavern now they quickly reach, A lantern burns within. The door, unguarded, stands ajar; Unbidden they go in. 40 ECHOES OF BETHLEHEM And by the dim, uncertain light Can scarcely see their way; But presently a voice they hear: "What would you, friends, I pray?" "I give you peace," the watchman said, "For we this night would find A new-born Babe, in swaddling clothes. The Saviour of mankind." 'Twas Joseph's voice the shepherds heard. And as they then drew near. With much emotion he replied: "The Child you seek is here." They then in wonderment were led Unto a manger low. And there they saw, on bed of straw. The Christ they fain would know. THE NATIVITY 41 And Mary, too, was with her child. While in her guileless face A holy mother love is seen. Illumed with saintly grace. Now, speechless with astonishment. The shepherds stand about; "It is the Christ," they whisper low; (The sight hath vanquished doubt). "It is the Lord!" they all exclaim, "And wondrous are His ways." Down on their knees they quickly fall In silent, fervent praise. These simple men, now doubting not. Devoutly kiss the hem Of Mary's robe, and hasten forth To tell all Bethlehem 42 ECHOES OF BETHLEHEM The gladsome news; and, as they go. They greet the coming morn With songs of praise to God on high. For Christ the Saviour born. All they to whom the shepherds told What they had heard and seen, Were greatly moved, with anxious hearts. Their hopes and fears between. But some there were, who knew the law. Whose souls must have been thrilled With joy, that Micah's prophecy Was thus at last fulfilled. And, when the Babe was eight days old. They piously conformed To precepts of the Jewish law. The sacred rites performed. THE NATIVITY 43 They took Him to the temple, to Present Him to the Lord; And by an humble sacrifice Their fervent faith record. In sanctified Jerusalem There dwelt a righteous man. To whom the Holy Ghost revealed The Messianic plan. God told the aged Simeon That nought should intervene To end his life on earth until The Saviour he had seen. Drawn by the Spirit, he within The temple sought a place. And when the parents brought the Child He saw Him face to face. 44 ECHOES OF BETHLEHEM TTien took he Him up in his arms; His voice in prayer was heard: "Lord, let me now depart in peace. According to Thy Word; Mine eyes have Thy salvation seen. Which Thou, before the face Of all the people, hast prepared That all may share Thy grace. "For Gentile and for Jew alike Thy mercy Thou hast shown; That whosoever will, may come. Through Jesus, to Thy throne." This righteous man most tenderly The Child and parents blessed; To Mary, in prophetic words. His faith in Christ expressed. THE NATIVITY 45 And then the aged Anna came; Likewise her thanks she gave Unto the Lord, and spake of Christ As born with power to save. And Joseph and his holy wife Were wondrously impressed; They marveled much that these two saints So soon the Christ confessed. THE FLIGHT INTO EGYPT \ TOW, many hundred years before Our Holy Saviour's birth, God's chosen prophets had foretold His pilgrimage to earth; For Moses, Micah, Nahum and Isaiah prophesied A ruler, out of Israel, To God and man allied. Corruption reigned throughout the world. And wickedness was rife; Amongst the nations of the earth Was much ungodly strife. The Jews themselves ignored the law. Except the righteous few. Observing only outward forms As less sincere they grew. 48 ECHOES OF BETHLEHEM God to them frequent warning gave. Besought them to amend Their ways of living, keep the law. And righteousness defend. They would not hearken; so, at last. The great Chaldean king Of Babylon against the Jews A powerful host doth bring. Jerusalem was then besieged. And not without success; The Jewish king, Jehoiakim, They thoroughly suppress. And subjects of the vanquished king. Most learned of the land. Were led away to Babylon, As was divinely planned. THE FLIGHT INTO EGYPT 49 Amongst the hapless prisoners Was Daniel, wise and good; He kept the law; he sought to dwell In peaceful brotherhood With all mankind; and soon he gained TTie love and great respect Of Ashpenaz, a man of rank, One of the king's elect. God favored Daniel wondrously: He made him understand The dreams forgotten by the king. Which wise men of the land Could not recall, so, therefore, they Were all condemned to die; But Daniel went before the king And asked for him to try. 50 ECHOES OF BETHLEHEM And with God's help he learned the truth; The wise men thus were saved. For Daniel, by this timely act. The way to fame was paved. The king fell down and worshipped him. Paid tribute to God's power. And unto Daniel gave great gifts; And straightway, from that hour. Was Daniel made a ruler of The province Babylon, And chief of all the governors. Whose favor he had won. His wisdom brought him great renown; But there were yet three more; Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego Made up the righteous four. THE FLIGHT INTO EGYPT 51 TTiese captive Jews could not be swerved; Tho in a Gentile land, TTiey loved the Lord, obeyed His laws, Were guided by His hand. Their faith in God was greater than Their fear of lion's den; Not e'en the fi'ry furnace could Dismay these earnest men. The courage of these godly saints Of the Mosaic law. Must have impressed Chaldeans with Most reverential awe. They through their long captivity The sacred truths unfold; And Balaam's prophecies, no doubt, Were to Chaldeans told. 52 ECHOES OF BETHLEHEM And SO the great astrologers. And men of wisest mind. Were likely searching Juda's skies. The wondrous star to find; When it appeared their faith was strong, And there was no delay; They forthwith to Jerusalem Devoutly made their way. As from the East unto the West 0*er hill and vale they go. Through verdant meads whose limpid streams Into the wadies flow. Across the desert's barren sands. Through forests dense and wild. The beaming star doth guide them on Toward the Kingly Child. THE FLIGHT INTO EGYPT 53 At length Mount Pisgah's lofty heights Far distant they descry; And then Frank Mountain greets their view Against the western sky. From Nebo, Pisgah's grandest peak, Obeying God's command. The faithful Moses, ere he died. Beheld the promised land. The scene inspires them wondrously; Each pious bosom thrills. As they recall the sacred truths. And climb Peraea's hills. Along the wady Heshbon then, Mayhap they made their way. As westward through the mountain pass Its cragged course doth lay. 54 ECHOES OF BETHLEHEM As down the wild and rocky glen Their journey they pursue. The lowest, saltest sea of earth Bursts out upon their view. It rests between majestic cliffs Two thousand feet below; Along its shores the tamarisk And Sodom apples grow. While far beneath its acrid depths The vale of Siddim lies. Where Sodom and Gomorrah know No more the sunlit skies. The Jordan, fringed with olive trees And oleanders green. With Canaan's holy hills and vales. Complete the thrilling scene. THE FLIGHT INTO EGYPT 55 The living springs of Lebanon Far north from GaHlee, Meet here the turbid waters of The Dead and briny sea. As on between the Jordan's banks To nature's restful sleep Time marks their never-ceasing flow Into the lifeless deep. And there their course is at an end; Beyond they cannot go; The rockbound shores and mighty depths Reveal no outward flow, Except in vapor, heavenward. When, purged and purified, God sends them back to bless the earth And swell the flowing tide. 56 ECHOES OF BETHLEHEM These learned men from out the East Were, doubtless, much impressed; For they were skilled in nature's laws. With wisdom greatly blessed. And as they near the river's brink. Go north along its shore. Ere long they reach the lower ford. Where, centuries before. The ransomed hosts of Israel First crossed the sacred stream. And Joshua, by God's command. Set up a new regime. They, over Jordan, pass Gilgal, Their hearts in faith's enthrall; And soon the walls of Jericho Historic scenes recall. THE FLIGHT INTO EGYPT 57 From thence toward Jerusalem They go without delay; For Zion's holy city now Is but six hours away. They pass Brook Cherith's fastnesses, To which Elijah fled. Who by the Lord's express command Was by the ravens fed; And many other gruesome caves Along the famous road. Wherein the roving Bedawi Took up their drear abode. 'Tis here the good Samaritan A righteous lesson leaves. In binding up the wounds of him Who fell among the thieves. 58 ECHOES OF BETHLEHEM And as they hasten, much there is Their interest to command; Reminders of Mosaic law They see on every hand. Judea's hills and vales and seas Unite in grand array To verify the Holy Word, The hallow^ed truths portray. At length they reach Mount Olivet, Go round the rocky steep Into the vale Jehoshaphat, Wherein the prophets sleep. They cross Brook Kidron hurriedly. Nor have they long to wait; For soon they see the city walls And gain the Golden Gate, il THE FLIGHT INTO EGYPT 59 Where they with eager questioning The sentinel confuse, Concerning Him who hath been born The King of all the Jews. "I know no king but Herod, Sirs," The Roman guard replies. While he surveys the strangers with An undisguised surprise. Their questions, with their rich attire And stately mien, impressed The people, who, now here, now there. Their wonderment expressed. A motley throng had gathered, they Were pressing close to hear. When, from within the crowded way. An officer drew near. 60 ECHOES OF BETHLEHEM From left to right and right to left His javelin did play, While in a voice of bold command, "Give way!" he cried, "Give way!" At length he gained the central group; He there the wise men found; "What would you?" he of them inquired, With dignity profound. "We seek the new-born Jewish King; Have journeyed from afar To worship Him; for in the East We've seen His wondrous star." "There is no king but Herod here, Who reigneth o'er the Jews," Replied the Roman, much perplexed By the astounding news. THE FLIGHT INTO EGYPT 61 "But stay, you say He's lately born — Behold, Fm not a Jew; Go farther, to the temple, and The question there renew. The Doctors or the Priests will know; Or, what is better still. Seek Herod's aid your King to find. He'll help you, with a will." The officer then cleared the way. The strangers passed the gate. Nor paused until they reached the khan, More interest to create. They knew that they were well proclaimed; Their mission widely known; As those of whom they had inquired. Had much attention shown. 62 ECHOES OF BETHLEHEM They felt that, ere the day was spent, 'Twould come to Herod's ears. Whose crime-seared conscience would at last Be thrilled with gravest fears. Now this proved true; the wicked king And all Jerusalem Were greatly troubled when the birth Of Christ was known to them. By Herod's call the Sanhedrim Was hastily convened. And from the elders, scribes and priests The wily monarch gleaned The prophecies concerning Christ, Where Jesus should be born. Whose promised rule in Israel He held in secret scorn. THE FLIGHT INTO EGYPT 63 He summoned then the strangers, who. In truth, he greatly feared. And secretly inquired of them What time the star appeared. "Go now," he said, "with diligence. And search in Bethlehem, And when you've found Him bring me word. That I may worship Him." The king's command, forthwith obeyed. Brought peace and joy untold To these devout and godly men. Whose hearts were strong and bold. For lo, the star which they had seen Beamed brightly on before. Till finally it came, and stood. Above the Saviour's door. 64 ECHOES OF BETHLEHEM The lowly place which shelters Him They enter reverently; And gold and frankincense and myrrh They offer ivorshipfull^; On bended knee they homage pay The rvorld^s Deliverer; Depart another way, and foil Its chief est murderer. And Joseph, also, warned of God, With Babe and Virgin fled To Egypt, where they dwelt until The wicked king was dead. When Herod found that he was mocked. His vengeful heart gave way To cruelty beyond compare. Before or since that day. THE FLIGHT INTO EGYPT 65 And all the babes of Bethlehem, Not more than two years old. He mercilessly put to death. As prophecy foretold. But soon the final summons came To this poor crime-steeped king; Nor wealth, nor fame, nor earthly friend. Could to him succor bring. His life was ignominious. He died in wild despair; He bore no cross for righteousness, No crown was his to wear. "But when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeareth in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, saying. Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and go into the land of Israel : for they are dead which sought the young child's life. " And he came and dwelt in a city called Neizareth : that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets. He shall be called a Nazarene." DEC 18 1912