iiil IS CO AN PERCY Class PSr .fSS/ Book ^£5l6_X^ CopightN»__^^2^ COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT AN ILLUMINATED WAY A^'n or iii:k pulms HY FRANCES COAN PERCY i^ o s r o N RICHARD (i. BADGER 1907 Copyright, 1 907, by Frances Coan Percy All Rights Reserved Two C*9^ Rewivod DEC 27 i90f COPY B, The Gorham Press, Boston, U. S, A. TO MY SON RICHARD TRUMAN PERCY CONTENTS PACE /In IllutJiinatid Ifdy ..... 9 Thr- Ll^ht 10 Occasional Tuition 1 1 Our Ht-rita^t' 12 Trdtis figuration 13 Ilunum Ministry 16 Coveted Heights 18 In Lowly H ays 19 The Repose of Faith 20 Arcana 21 Children of the King 22 Holy Light . 23 The New Tear 24 The Heaven-Sent T is ion 25 Immortality 26 Divine Attunement 27 Shekinah 28 Rest 29 Trailing Arbutus 30 Bow of Promise 31 Amid Nature's Scenes .1^ Reio^'ery B fVhere Nature Reigns 35 Among the Hills 37 My Tree 38 The Christian Life 3Q Falling Leaves 40 Contents PAGE The Last Message of the Leaves 41 Flowers of Christmastide 42 Something to he Thankful for . 43 Aspiration .... 45 Consolation 46 While I Wait .... 47 Thanksgiving Day 48 Recompense 49 Renewed Revelation 50 Thanksgiving 51 An Unforeseen Harvest 52 Christmastide 54 Christmas Carol 55 Christ is Come . 56 The Day Spring 57 The Birthday of the King . 58 Christmas Hymn 59 For Christ's Sake . 60 A Christmas Message . 62 The Mourner s Christmas . 64 Easter Carol 65 Oases .... 66 Where Christ Leads . 67 Good Friday . 68 Test of Discipleship 69 Beginning to Live . 70 Easter Hymn 72 Easter Lilies • 73 Contents Lift up your Hearts Easter My Cotninii f^ e 77 7« 79 8o 8i 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 9i 93 94 94 95 96 97 98 Q9 100 Contents PAGE Recompense Divine 102 A Mission Still 103 The Master Revealed 105 The Master s Answer 106 God*s Almoners 107 Sabbath 108 A Prayer 109 Mission of a Flower 110 Requiting Attainment Ill Thy Will be done 112 Not Alone 113 Ever to Remember II5 The Passing of the Singer . . . .116 On the Stormy Sea . . . . -117 Victory over Death I18 To One Departed 1 19 After the Storm 120 Courage to the End 12 1 Post Meridiem 122 .IN ILLUMINATED IVAT AN ILLUMINAIKI) WAY Oh. life is worth liviti!^ upnn this earth. Though thi- storms will conu-, ami loss and dearth, And dread hours ot ilark and hitter tears. For yet, throuj^h the course of the chanceful years, There is more of pleasure hefalls tlian pain. There is more ot sunshine hestowed than rain, There are pleamin<:;s ot cheer in every day. There are some things beautiful all the way; — Sweet, human kindness found everywhere, Unnumhered delights het;uilin<; of care. Dear comt'orts divine for achinp hearts. Allaying halms for the stings and smarts. Some noble work for each one to do. Some hi^h essaying all life's journey through. An immortal hope tor the battied soul, A pledge of a sure, eternal goal. The shield of faith for each storm and night. And o'er all, through all, — God's fadeless Light. THE LIGHT They that sat in darkness saw great light; They that dwelt in regions gloomed of death, Unto tjfiem transcendent light sprang up. 'Twas th6 light of the Eternal One, All ineffable, all glorious, Shining upon mortals through the Christ. In that light was joy so radiant. Darkness, vanquished, fled from it afar, Sorrow, baffled, stole away ashamed. In that light was life, that so transformed The dread region of the vale of death, All its terrors vanished utterly. In that light was vision so complete. Full revealed appeared the heavenward way, Beautiful with glad beatitudes. And to themVho saw that wondrous light Was made known that if they held their hearts Ever steadfastly upturned to it. Never more should they in darkness sit, Never more of shadows be afraid In the region of the vale of death, For that light would aye with joying beams Lead them up the beatific steeps Till they reach the everlasting heights, lo Whirr the fiillcsf Rlory of that li^ln SI1.1II illiiiiu- tlutii aiul shall seal tlum safe, Kvcrmorc, troin ilaikiuss aiul liom death. Arul with that haptisni they shall pass From the hnite to the inhnite. All transfigured with the Ii<;ht tor aye. OCCASIONAL TUITION While we have need — life's mission to fulfill - Each hour to learn of Him to whom alone The methods of the perfect way are known, We seek Him only in some hour of ill. Or hrief inclining of our wayward will, And go away illumed; but, all too prone To follow faulty methods of our own. Forget the teaching and the Teacher, till In some weak hour we meet with overthrow Attempting unillumed to walk, and then Back to that ever-patient Guide we go, Entreating humbly to be taught again; Yet aye we miss the excellence they show Who alway in His tutoring remain. II OUR HERITAGE Alway for us does light divine Fadeless, serene, transporting shine; Why ever turn we from its rays And v^alk in unillumined wrays ? Alv^ay the heavenly feast is spread, — The living v^ine, the living bread; Why do we weak and fainting go. Or thirst or hunger ever know ? Oh, blind and slow of heart are we, Who fail our present Lord to see, And haste not fully to embrace The blessings of His love and grace. Did we in measure that we may Take of His bounty day by day. What heavenly joys were ever ours, What measureless, exalted powers. O heirs of God! rise to the height Of your vast heritage of light! Receive in its full blessedness The wondrous birthright ye possess. All things are yours since ye are His, Who Maker, King, Preserver is; Draw freely from His boundless store, And joy and triumph evermore. 12 TRANSFIGURATION AIdhc within the forest dark The dwarfed v'ounp baron strayed. And — pliiniud in bitterness of soul — Sore lamentation made. ** Creator of the heautiful, \\ hy was I made ?" he cried, " Why do I cuml^er so this earth Where all is fair beside ? " A man in years, a man in will. In stature but a child, In shape distorted, hideous, Fit but to be reviled. " What place have I amoni: mankind ? What joy is there for me ? I cannot bear this baleful life. Oh, let it ended be." Swift to his inner consciousness A presence sweet drew near, And a soft voice of tenderness Smote on his inner ear. " Oh, mortal all astray," it spoke, " Oh, faint and foolish heart! Know'st not that of the man, the flesh Is but a petty part ? 13 " It is the spirit — not the flesh That constitutes the man, — That mars or beautifies the Hfe,- 'Tis that alone that can. " Joy that thy body need not house A dwarfed, misshapen soul; Joy that a Hfe all beautiful May yet become thy goal. " 'Tis thine to make thy soul attain A beauty all divine, A stature noble, and a shape Of heavenly design. " Each noble deed or v^ord shall make Thy soul in stature grow, Each noble thought within thee born Shall added grace bestow. " This is the mission of thy life — The work assigned to thee, — To triumph o'er the flesh and prove The soul's supremacy. And this, if thou fulfill it well, Shall seem the more divine Achieved with all the hindrances Of that dwarfed form of thine. 14 Rouse thcc apace to thy hi^h task! The time is not too lon^ — Hasten to make thy soul ^row lar^c Aiul he.iutihil ami strong. " So shall thy lite appear devised Upon the nohlest plan And tor the joy of Heaven he. And tor the lii^ht ot man." The storm within the haron's heart To calm had ^iven place; He turned and trom the torest passed With a transtii^ured tace. And trom his eyes shone forth the li<;ht Of an illumined soul As on he sped, intent to <;ain His nianhooil's liit;hest j;oal. 15 HUMAN MINISTRY To all that walk the ways of earth — Of noble or of humble birth — Belongs a power of priceless worth, Divinely given, Beloved of Heaven. A power beautiful indeed. To help their fellows in their need, The hunger of their souls to feed. And make less dreary Lives sad and weary. By little things that cost not much — A kindly word, a look, a touch. Thus sunny gleams to bring to such As lack life's sweetness In its completeness. Yet o'er earth's pathways, high and low Do mortals hungry, fainting go. For what their fellows might bestow Their hearts to lighten. Their days to brighten. Not pitiless are all, nor cold. Yet all unthinkingly withhold Much they might give more dear than gold, To spirits weary With burdens dreary. i6 No (iiu- his tillow's luart may read. Or know tin- nuasurt o( his need, Or number those who inly bleed Yet smiling cover I hen heait-wounds over. And none there are ot all that live That live not better to receive The pleasant things that all may give Ot helpful power In ever) hour. The kindly look and word and smile. How mighty are they to beguile. And make earth's otten weary while Not w boll)' cheerless. Though never tearless. Alas, the man\' that remain In spirit hunger and in pain. And wait and long and pine in vain For such revealing or fellow-feelinfi:- O mortals, freely give of such. The cheering word, the smile, the touch That nothing cost, that belji so much Sad hearts to lighten. Dark hours to brighten. '7 COVETED HEIGHTS Ambitious that our lives shall be Noble to view, We plan to tread some path that leads To lofty heights, and great, good deeds Resolve to do. And if all vain our efforts prove To v^alk those v^ays And do those deeds, in sad lament And bitter, idle discontent We spend our days. While near us many duties lie We might fulfill. Which, as they seem to us so small. We blindly fail to do at all, Or do them ill. Forgetting that the God v^e serve Sees not as man. And that in His omniscient viev^ We shall do nobly if vs^e do The best we can; And that the lowly paths we scorn. If trod aright. To some far loftier peak may wind — In His regard — than that we find Beyond our might. i8 To scorn or slight no worthy task However small, — 10 tlo the httle that we may In a coiueiucd. |)crfcit way, Cjutl help us all. So shall oui lives though luiiiihU lived He not in vain. So shall our spirits heaveiuvard rise. And nohle heights that touch the skies Surely attain. IN LOWLY WAYS Oh, sorrow nor, my soul, nor idle he, I'houj^h nt) threat thin«;s are 9 THE REPOSE OF FAITH Confiding to omniscient care Each great and small concern, Immeasureable peacefulness Our trusting spirits learn. Unharassed by perplexing fears, Untroubled by dismay, Serene and satisfied we walk Our designated way. We harbor no foreboding thoughts, We dread no adverse fate, But all life's diverse happenings Unanxiously await. With an unruflfled calm we face The frequent storms we meet. With cheerful resignation bear Our cherished hopes' defeat. Assured that naught can have the power To work for ill to those Who in God's infinite embrace Their destinies repose. 20 ARCANA Oh, blcssi-d tlu V who propinp here Have frit for (Jod aiul found Him, And breathe thi- hcavrnlv atmosphere Of light aiul joN around Him; The\- enter in the secret place Of Him, the great Kternal, And from His fuhuss they receive Ot things divine, supernal. They feel His presence infinite Surround them and enfold them. They teel His love omnipotent In tender mercy hold them; So touched h\- Him, breathed on by Him, His mighty forces thrill them, His calm deep streams of strength and peace F'low into them and fill them. Uplifted and beatified They rise to joys of Heaven, They know the things unspeakable To them that love Him given. They sec His mysteries sublime Unfolding to their vision. They hear celestial harmonies And taste delights elysian. They only know who find Thee, Lord, The comforts which Thou givest. The sweet arcana measureless Of them in whom Thou livest. Increasing in them more and more Till soul from flesh shall sever. And Thou in thy full perfectness Shalt stand revealed forever. 21 CHILDREN OF THE KING Children of the King of kings, As ye walk your earthly way, Do ye bear you royally And your noble birth betray ? Do ye walk in love to all, As your Lord and King decrees. Serving others for His sake. Seeking not yourselves to please r Are ye gentle, merciful. Slow to wrath, quick to forgive ? Do ye make some fellow-souls Happier because ye live ? Are ye pure in heart and life. With the beauty of the King — Speaking no unrighteous word, Doing no unrighteous thing ? Do ye bravely, nobly bear Every sorrow, every loss, Triumphing o'er grief and pain. Taught of Him who bore the cross. Singing to your God and King Thankful praises as ye go, Filled with the sweet peace He gives And the joys His children know ? Ah, if so ye walk your way, No insignia ye need Clearly to proclaim yourselves Children of the King indeed, For your likeness unto Him In such heavenly graces shown, All unerringly reveals That ye are in truth His own. 22 () HOLY LIGHT Oholv Li^ht, C)hli.sscd Li^ht! That tVoni tlu- heights divine, Upon our desert darkness luii- \\ ith gladdenin^^ rays dost shine! New lite, new strength, new joyfulness Come to us with thy heanis, 1 he sonihre houis illunnned are, And earth hke Heaven seems. C) wondrous, never-dyin^ Li^ht! Led by 'Ihv j^uidinj; rays, lind()uhtin«i, undismayed we walk Lite's grievous, thorny ways; By Thee transti^ured they appear With mercy flooded o'er. And leadini!; upward to the joys 1 hat h\e torevermore. Shine ever on us, heaven!)' Li»;ht, And till us more with 1 hce. Till clothed with tadeless flowers of grace Our barren hearts shall be; Shine on us, beatitic Lis^ht, Lill night be passed away. And tor our ransomed souls shall dawn The endless, peifect day. *3 THE NEW YEAR O longing soul, athirst for joy, With confidence and hopeful cheer Receive the promise-bright New Year; Shrink not from it with doubt or dread, — It brings new opportunity, New pathways to delight for thee. Regard no more thy vanished joys With life-depressing, vain regret; The storms of bygone days forget, Let the dark past be wholly past; Doubt not the New Year's power to bless, Believe in coming happiness. Yet stand not still and wait for joy; The highest good comes not unsought. The highest joy is only brought By search that holds a paradox — 'Tis soonest found and perfected When other ends are sought instead. Seek earnestly thy fellow's joy; With purpose eager, constant, kind, Strive faithfully the way to find To bring to all within thy reach Some brightness, lacking but for thee. Some sweetness through thy ministry. Search for the best, completest way To use thy powers great and small, Though only He who seeth all May know if thou succeed or fail; 24 So slialf thou tiiul most surely thine, Joys nicasureless. sujucnu', divine. So shall a door that none can shut Be opened tor thy heart apace To the illiniital>le space Where (loil unlokls His hidden thinj;s To those who seek to do His will And His hi^h purposes fulfill. TlIK UK WEN-SENT VISION \\ In n \vi- in sonic still, solemn moment gaze Dow II the potential vista of life's ways, We see in vision radiantly clear Our soul's high possihilities appear. C) mortal! dost thou deem that vision bright But a mirage of thy deluded sight, 1 hat thou apace dost turn from it away Nor lettest it within thy memory stay ? Know that it is of Heaven sent to thee Revealing what thy life was meant to be; — 1 h', all too unaspiring soul to fire W ith strong, pursuant passion of desire. Oh, to the radiant vision. Heaven-sent, Be wholly, joyf ull\- obedient. And tarry not, lest swiftly come the hour When thy still eager will no more has power. IMMORTALITY By all the powers that within me live I know I cannot perish utterly. By all the faculties that I possess That dwarfed and crippled are for want of scope, — By all the fettered forces in me pent, Contending, agonizing to be free To reach their utmost possibilities, — By all the thoughts that in me surge and swell, And struggle futilely for utterance Through the weak medium of mortal speech, — By all the hunger growing more and more My inmost being, daily, hourly knows That only the unseen can satisfy, — By all of these and more than these, I know. Though voice of revelation silent were, My life ends not when fails this mortal breath. Shall things insensate made by mortal hands, — The monuments upreared by skill of man — For ages upon ages still endure, And I, whose power of thought can reach to Heaven And hold within its grasp the universe lyive but the few unsatisfying years Allotted here to man upon this earth ? Shall I, by God the uncreated made, Endued with life from Him — the life of all — I, of mankind — His greatest, noblest work — Endure no longer than some petty thing That has been fashioned by created man ? Nay, all the powers that within me live With confidence declare it shall not be; 26 And chief, the Vf)icc that speaks in us from God Plot lainis most clearly, " I hou shalt live for aye; Thou art pone out from me and canst not die. Because I live thou livest eveimore." DIMNL Al ILNKMLNl For others and itself each huni:in hcirt harh power to give Diviner, gladder music than do songful hirds of June; Hut 'ncarh rlu- lua\cnly Master's constant touch the heart must live. To make sweet music alwa)s and he never out of tune. ^7 SHEKINAH Had not such heavy darkness come to me, So deep, so all-involving, that no ray Of human brightness could the black gloom pierce Or its sore grievousness in aught allay, I had not known such shining in my soul Of Him whose beams turn midnight into day. And whose transforming, heavenly light Irradiated my dark night. Had I not known such bitterness so dire That all of human sweets seemed lost in it As if they were not nor had ever been, I had not known the sweetness infinite Brought with the presence of that Shining One, Who softly beamed into my soul and lit With tender, beatific light The deeply dark and bitter night. Oh, blessed darkness, that to me revealed In such glad wise that wondrous Light divine; Oh, blessed bitterness, whereby there came Such heavenly sweetness to this heart of mine When that so radiant One beamed through the gloom And made the dark with starry comforts shine, Transfiguring with His soft light The sombre and so bitter night. O Thou, who so didst glorify my night, In quick compassion for my anguished prayer. My grateful heart now rests in steadfast trust That naught can come to me I cannot bear 28 Of (larkni-ss or ol bittirntss henceforth. For 1 hou, () Shining One, 'Ihou wilt he there, And Thou wilt make the darkness h^ht, riu- hitti 1 sweet, in each dark ni^ht. RKSl 1 Khiews iv. ^ Oh, not alone w iihin the pates of Heaven Can rest he found, endurin*:. infinite, It is the portion sweet to mortals «;iven. Who trustfiillv to (Jod their all commit. In His eternal love and miL;lu believing. And His compassion for the soul distressed, His promises in perfect faith receiving];. They come to Him and enter into rest. To His omniscient, tender care confidin<^ The heavy burdens of their feais and woes, In His embrace by day and nii;ht abidinj^. They hnd secure, inett'abic repose. W hile so in linn tlu\- have their habitation. The victorv o'er care and sorrow won. They see the dawnini: of n new creation. And know th.it lle.i\en is foi tluni bt !;un. 29 TRAILING ARBUTUS Arbutus, thee I greet Fair messenger of spring! New hope, new promise sweet Does thy dear advent bring; A blessed influence Comes to my heart with thee, A glad, exalting sense Of brighter things to be, A revelation new Of life's deep mysteries, Its forces hid from view, Its silent victories. Dear, lowly, fragrant flower, That gemmest the dark earth ! The same Almighty power That gave to thee thy birth. And through thy covering Of leaves sombre and dead, Made thee with glad upspring To lift thy lovely head, Can give the might to me, Through every cumb'ring weight. To rise triumphantly To a more noble fate, — From every darksome power Escaping to the light. Unfolding every hour New grace, new joy, new might; And haply so, like thee. Some effluence to give, That other lives may be More blest because I live. 30 Il with pii\ ailing power riu nussa^cs irniain W itiiiii inv luart. drai Howcr, 1 liou hast not lived in vain. HOW ()!• I'kO.MISF ( ) ( lull, oiii ]• atlu I tluoiud above. Our stion;; l^ioteetoi da\ anil nii^ht, I low could we live without 1 In' love. How could we walk witiiout 1 In li^ht. ()'(.! all flu- sorrows that we meet 1 hou ^ivest us the victor\', \\ hile sure ot lln' compassion sweet \\ e lilt our stieaniini;eyes to Thee. The ra\s ofiln' transcendent lii^ht Shme on our swittK' tallini:; tears, Antl lo! I h\ how of promise hrii^ht Across our clouded sk\ a|i|iears. I In how ot promise! Oh, the li^ht ( )t hope, ot joy, in it we sec, Foretelling Heaven's glories bright. Where storms forever past shall he; — I'Orever past our daiksome days, \\ hen we shall dwell tor aye with Thee And with Thy pure immediate ra\s Shall he illumed eternally. V AMID NATURE'S SCENES I praise Thee, Father, that the joy divine Is given me. These marvelous and mighty works of Thine A v^^hile to see. If within walls that lately shut me in Thou seemed anear, How my glad soul with sense to sight akin Discerns Thee here. I view the wonders which Thy hand hath wrought In earth and sky, And ever present is the blissful thought That Thou art nigh. I feast my soul upon the glories bright That meet my gaze. And wholly is my being filled with light. And songful praise. No more the grievous doubts and fears I meet That vexed me so. But trust and peace unutterably sweet Alone I know. Dear Lord, may this glad consciousness of Thee That joys me here, Remain when these Thy wondrous works, to me No more appear; And so uplift my soul that never more May enter in. Doubt of Thy tender love's protecting power, Or fear, or sin. 32 RFCOVFRV (/;; tlit'Ofun Cotuxtry) A piisoiu I srt fill! C) plorious liberty! Unloosened from the fretting chains, E mancipateil Ironi the pains 'I'hiit In III me in capiivit\' A nil hill the heaiitilul hum me. W hat womlroiis )(n' is this, \\ hat leiompensin^ hiiss! Foil! \N.ills i\(.hanj:;ed tor boundless space, Ihicheeiful scenes tor Nature's face, The ceilini:; low that barred ni)' eyes, I'oi (hi- uiitatiiomabli- skies! Is this world that I see The same 'twas wont to be ? Or have I some new <;if"t of'siuht. Some new divinely ^uidin^ li^ht, Revealin*:; as a riad surprise Creation in its real [;uise r Hathed is the whole in slum Aforetime all unseen; Am 1 still mortal ? Is this earth ? Has come to it or me new birth ? Or are thin<^s mundane past for me, And is this Paradise I see ? li Voices unheard of old Have all that I behold, Speaking in language to my ear All strange, yet marvelously clear. But powerless I by word or sign To give it utterance of mine. From all in earth and skies Unceasingly arise Glad symphonies all heavenly sweet, That never mortals may repeat. Yet echoes from my raptured heart Give them in me a counterpart. O may the happy power Born in this golden hour — The power to find in all I see, New grace, new beauty — grow in me, Until I reach that heavenly sphere Where still diviner things appear. 34 W III RK W'lTRK KKKINS Far tVoin tlu- city's noise aiul stiitr. Far from the Inisy stcius ot lite, I rest iin Nvcarv l)rain and fuait Where juacetiil Nafuii- iti;.Mis ajiart. (Iraiul, countless hills around me rise All <;l()ri()us in summer ^uisc; 1 he tra^Mant w<)(»ds and Helds are ni^h, And hnj^hl ahove me smiles the sky! So lair is all to everv sense, So marvelous its inHuence 1 he heai t from every care to win. It seems to Paradise akin. The trees whose thick-least il hiatulus spread Their grateful shade ahove my head, \\ hisper ot (lod's protectini:; care Slmldin!.; from all one could not hear. 1 he hills that rise around me tell God's love and power immutahle. Surrounding mortals nii;ht and day. And stroni^hulds tor their hearts tor aye. The sky ahovc, serene and hri^ht. Breathes ot (iod's womlrous peace and lii;lu. And sunset splendors prophesy Ot glories veiled trom mortal eye. 35 voice of God, that speak'st to me In all the beauty that I see, Speak to me still when far away 1 need thy succor, as to-day. O peace of God, whose comforts fill My spirit here, be with me still When vexing cares again essay To draw my heart from peace away. O light of God, that shinest here Upon my heart divinely clear, Still brightly beam for me, I pray. When from these glorious scenes I stray. That I no more may darkness know, And richly in my heart may grow Henceforth new graces and new powers, Born in these radiant, blessed hours. 36 AMONC ini HILLS Lord, as Thy works suhlinu- ofiaith ;iiul sky Our ca^cr I'Vis tiH;i|>niiiil sir, With recognition \i\:n.\ that Thou art ni^h, Apace our luaits ^o out to 1 hci-. Out from thf harassiuj^ coiutiiis of earth To 'I'hy divine tran<|uihty. Out from all sense of human loss ami iLaith To fhr transportnii; sense of i lue. 1 hee manifest in all that 1 liou hast made. All, palpitant with lite of 1 hiiie. All, eloijuent of Thy creative thought, I hv mii^htv purposes hem«^n. All, softly breathing; messages full clear From Thee, O crlver of all <^ood. Sweetly unfolding to the listeninu; ear The secrets of 1 hy fatherhood. \\ e wuh hushed hearts would hearken faithfully 10 Lhy creation's utterance. And lose not aui^ht its voices tell of 1 hee And I In unfailing providence. I hat when constranucl to turn ourselves once more lo earth's tumultuous affairs. It shall not he to hattle as before Wuh unillununed griefs and cares. Hut life shall hence irradiated he, .And toils and ills transformed appear, PVom the revealing to our hearts of Thee — Through these Lh) works — vouchsafed us here. 37 MY TREE Through all the length of summer's beauteous reign. One graceful tree Has given in its bright attractive dress The only glimpse of Nature's loveliness Vouchsafed to me. But ah, how grateful for this blessed glimpse My heart has been! With what delight have I its charms surveyed, Its sunlit, wind-tossed leaves, its light and shade, Its emerald sheen. Above my roof its branching arms it spreads Protectingly, And with its foliage dense and towering form Alike from burning sun and raging storm Has sheltered me. And oft in hours of solitude it seems To speak to me Of One unseen, who ever near me stands. And will all needful pain, with loving hands, Avert from me. But now my tree a new, more gorgeous dress Begins to wear; A sign, alas, that what so charms my eye Must all too soon fall to the o;round and die And leave it bare. 38 '^'it tli()Ui',h its lovrliiicss dcpaits, its foiiii Shall still he dear. In mcni'ry ot its ^racc and luauty flown, In iMatitudr toi all that it has done M\ luait to cluer. Till CIlRlSriAN 1 IFF Ciiant iiK, ( ) C'hiist, the- hUssiil power To keep hetoie nie every hour, Tliy lite ot'saciihee complete. Tin piecepts jnire, exalted, sweet; To lead n\c so to nohlei ways. To lift me so to higher praise; Mv dearest hope and aim to he To live the life approved ot \ hee. () llolv leaeher, peiteet (Iiiide! Alwav in Thee may 1 a hide; No streni;th, no ^raee apart trom '1 hee Have I Tin tollower to he; In Thee ahidin*; da\' hy day. Thy laws ot love may I ohey; Thy jov enduring, heavenlN , i:ain. Thy everlasting; peace attain. 39 FALLING LEAVES Oh, gently falling, dying leaves, To part with you my spirit grieves, Your changing beauty ever bright. Has given me such pure delight. When I v^as v^eary, lonely, sad. You charmed my sight and made me glad; You formed a picture rare for me And cheered me in my poverty. But now November's chilly breath Has doomed you all at last to death; I watch you falling one by one, And mourn your charming life is done. But ere you perish utterly. In hues still lovelier to see You joy my wondering, lingering gaze, And glorify your latest days. Oh, swiftly falling, dying leaves, Your fleeting life a lesson gives: — Our days are also briefly told, We too must feel life's wintry cold. Would we might sweetly, purely live, Some happiness to others give; Would, as we yearly older grow, Our hearts might some new beauty show, And life's declining, closing days Be luminous with virtue's rays. Leaving a record fair to see, A never-fading memory. 40 nil I \Sr MKSSAGE OF THE LEAVES bcauiiliil leaves! I'lDin your tailicst hour Dear messages oft yc have whispered to me. Aye Messing my heart with the iinstical power And marvelous clieer ot your hrit;ht ministry; () heaufitul leaves — so soon to depart — Aijain to me whisper one last message sweet 10 s^laddeii my lite ami strengthen my heart Eie voiceless and dead ye drop at my (vet, \\ hisper it now to me, whisper it low, \\ hispt r It ([uickly, tor soon ) e must ^o. As it *t were a voice t'lom the skies it shall he. And sacreil and diar as the farewell of friends; Then hasten to whisper it tjuickly to me, Kre the moment shall come when your Heetinj; lite ends. 1 mourn, lovely leaves, that so soon ye must die; In d\inn;, hequeath to me thou«;hts that shall live W hen silent and liteless torever ye lie; Oh, hasten, dear leaves, )'our last messa<;e to ^;ive! Waiting I listen your whisper to hear, Mark! now it comes to me thrillin<;lv clear: T/ir frrhlrst ntui t/ir hrirfrst lift- Is not ordiiiui'd in luitn^ For smallest of created things Some purposes remain. And eae/i its golden season liatli It liiili comet li not again. 41 O perishing leaves! He who only could read My heart's failing courage, its nearing despair, These sweet words of wisdom, so lit for my need, Has whispered through you in response to my prayer; Uplift I my soul now and new courage gain, Despising no more my few feeble powers; To meet my tasks lowly I hasten amain. Ere past for me also are life's golden hours. Gladly your last whispered message I'll tell; Beautiful leaves, forever farewell! FLOWERS OF CHRISTMASTIDE Oh, blessed flowers of love and joy. Born of the breath of Christmastide! The weary hours are glad for them, The sombre earth is glorified. Lit by the spirit of the Christ, With wondrous loveliness they shine. The glory of the highest heaven Floods them with radiance divine. While on their sweet delights we feast And breathe their heavenly atmosphere, Above earth's darksome things we rise And feel to Paradise anear. Why should these peerless flowers die. Or lose their gladdening perfume ? The blessed Master teach us how To keep them in immortal bloom. 42 SOMKTIIINCJ I() V>\. IIIWKFUL FOR ( )u A COIkIi nt p.lill A weary invalid lay; Stormy and dark was the day Ami tin- iiloom and rain Siinuil in full harmony With lur dcsjiondtiKV, \\ hilc in dulctiil nu)()d She dismally hrt)()dcd o'er The burden ot rue she horc; — Lone widowhood. Grievous intirmitv And threatened poverty. Near to her side Sat a lovely, tair-haired ho\', Beamin«^ with health and joy. ** () mamma!" he cried. Looking up from his play, ** Shall \()U kiej-* rhanks<.Mvin<^ Day?" O'er her heart apace A wave of hitterness swept. And heavier shadows crept Over her tace. As weardy she sii^hed Anil thouj^htlessly rej'»lied, " ( )h, I tlon'f know ln)W I can keep it an\ more. Little to he thankful tor Manniia has now. 4J So much to make her sad, So Httle to make her glad." Lifting his head With a look of pained surprise In the depths of his blue eyes, The little one said Almost reproachfully, ** Why, mamma! you've got mijr gratitude? Some ^reat joy - yielding; ^ood, 'Midst all the nii'Jit Of loss and miser\', '! whisjH-r, ** ^ ouNe «^>t mc ?" ASIMR AllON Thou who to hij^h achievement dost aspire. Seek first thv little lowlv tasks to do With pcrfectness, as in the Master's view; With zeal and faithfulness that never tire The lessons He assif^ns to thee ac(|uire, 1 hat when at last thy schooling:; here is throu^i^h And thou art ready for accjuirements new. He then shall sav to thee, " Friend, go up hi«:her," And tiiou ama/ed shalt find th\' place to he \\ ith some thou sawest far above thee here. Who like thyself have striven, and have won From the good Master's lips (well pleased to sec The talents multiplied which \\v holds dear) Those words o{ commendation sweet, "Will done!" 45 CONSOLATION The leaves that all their lovely life Have cheered the heart and charmed the eye, At last, with dying glory flamed. Fall to the ground and lifeless lie. And almost the dismantled trees Appear as if about to die. Yet through them still life's constant currents glide And but awhile shall they bereft abide. For Nature surely will repeat Her old, bright miracle some day, Rerobing them with leaves as fair As those now swiftly borne away. So, reconciled and comforted. We see them go without dismay. And feel through all the winter's blight and chill, The world is beautiful and cheery still. Likewise when bright and precious joys From our embrace expiring go. Almost bereft of life we seem. Despoiled and desolated so. But still the stream of life goes on Within our hearts in ceaseless flow, And still we feel hope's cheerful pulses beat With prophecies of pleasures new and sweet. For He who watches over all Leaves not His children desolate. But in the room of joys that die, New joys as perfect will create, 46 So throiii^h bereavement's wintrv rcii^n With patitnt faith ami trust we wait. Assured thoiii^h all he not yvt uiulerslood — Life is still luautiliil ami ( iod is •'ood. WHIM. I w \n Beloved souls, «',()nc from nu' mortal si<;ht To the fair realm ot endless jov and lij^ht. What singular unreason have I shown. Who have so thou{.'Jir of you with ^rief alone, Forpettin^, since on earth you ceased to he. To thank our God that once you were with me; To thank Him tor the golden da\s so dear. So happv, when you sojourned with me here. I pray God to forj^ive me this, and you. Translated, blessed ones, forgive me too: Now shall thanks^ivin^^ for \'our earthly while My <:rief tor transient loss of you beguile; And dread of years — that may or may not be Ere summons plad to join you comes to me, Merpe in sweet retrospect of years I knew Htariticd b\- fellowship with \(»u. And in blest foretaste of that lite above That I shall come to spend with \t)u I love; So, thouj^h m\- comini; to \ ou ma\- be late, I shall have sweet beiHidement while I wait. 47 THANKSGIVING DAY Praise and thank the Lord most high! Ye, His people, testify What His love has done for you, What thanksgiving is His due, — Praiseful, measureless, sincere — For the blessings of the year. Praise and thank the Lord most high ! Let laments and murmurs die; Count the days the sun has shone, Count the joys that ye have known. Reckon, if vs^ithin your powder. Blessings sent you every hour. Praise and thank the Lord most high. Who has sent in rich supply Harvests of good things to you; Let Him reap, in measure due, Harvest bountiful and good Of your loving gratitude. Praise and thank the Lord most high! All His goodness magnify; If by aught that ye can do. Ye may give Him joy in you, Offer Him the tribute meet, Lay it gladly at His feet. Praise and thank the Lord most high! Put your cares and troubles by; Rise rejoicingly above Selfish sorrov^, selfish love; Give your God — glad that ye may — One adoring, thankful day. 48 RECOMPENSK I lie k.iMN, chat hiun tluii railitsi il.iy In ^lacf ami ^loiv <.l«>il i^n*:\\ shiul) and lite, Htncath N<)vrinl)ti's chill austciiiv II i\i- ilitd aiul talkii tioiii the tiits away. Uiit tliiou'^h the si>acc they occupied \\ hen t rstwhilc tluy wcic such a joy to sec. The radiant sun shines in and hlesses ine As it couKl not hetoie tlu\ died. And to my eyes arc now revealed Heauties unseen lutore of earth and sky. And pleasant views ot things taroH and near, \\ Inch those t)nce cherished leaves concealed. While ihrou;;h the trees ot" beauty shorn I pain these new delights, these visions fair, Oft I forpet the branches are so bare, — For!.',et for the lost leaves to mourn. So too have io\s I held most sweet, — Joys that I i;ladlv would have kept for aye — Faded and fallen from my life away. And dropped like dead leaves at my feet. Bur thrnuf^h the cheerless void they left The sunlight of God's hnc beams «;loriously. With benison of bliss unknown to me Ere of those fleeting joys bereft. 49 And gladdening views to me are given Of beauteous things erst hidden from my sight, And I am blest w^ith visions nev^ and bright Of the serene, pure sky of Heaven, So great the recompense I gain. Almost what I have lost do I forget. And thankfully refuse to nurse regret While these celestial joys remain. RENEWED REVELATION Through all the years of life's unstable scenes The same sublime creation greets the eyes, The same vast wonders of the earth and sea, The same unfailing marvels of the skies. Yet to the listening soul, the glories old Of earth and sea and firmament above Appear an ever new apocalypse Breathed freshly from God's very heart of love. 50 THANKSGIVING The coinl'Mts ..t t-arth's tiuKtuI \ kUI, The goodly harvest ot the tit hi, 1 he pkasaiit things that come and ^o, Knricliin^ every season so. To nie aiul mine in plenteous store The eirchni; year lias hrou^ht once more. OGod, I thank Thee! "lis to Thee We owe such hoiinrv lull and tree. I he iilories of created thnins That each returning season hrinf;s. The miracles ot loveliness In Nature's ever-chan<^in^ dress. Transcendent charms of torm and hue. Have I and mine Inluld anew. ( ) ( lod, I thank Thee! Thine the praise Tor heauteous sij^hts and <;olden days. In all the year's rich \ iild untold, ( )t )ovs and hlessnii^s manilohl. It has heen i^iven me and mine To see anew the Love divine That tender watch a hove us keeps. And never tires and never sleeps; () (Jod, I thank 'Thee! 'Thine shall he Our grateful praise eternally. 5> AN UNFORESEEN HARVEST I saw the garden of my joys Laid waste by storm and frost; Appalled, disconsolate, I mourned The treasures I had lost. No more were mine in harvest rich Delights I held so dear, — All swept away from view afar, Or lifeless now and sere. But in that garden God had sown (I wholly unaware) The seeds of unknown precious things Incomparably fair; So blinded by my tears was I I saw not how they grew, — Then vision came, and viewing them, Great gladness thrilled me through. I knew that God had planted them, They were so all divine, I knew that they immortal were, And were forever mine; I knew that naught could have the power Their beauty to destroy, Or ever render less for me Their yield of perfect joy. And now the boundless harvest comes Of blessed things to me, No eye hath seen nor ear hath heard, Nor heart conceived to be. 52 As iluin I garner, in my soul Siuh luavtnlv traiisjioits ^row. For loss ot ilic witlulrawn ilili^hls M\ ff.ns ioi "( f to flow. Ami miracle of mirailcs! — 1 \ uw witli Nvoiulcr deep, 'I he harvest j^rowin^ more and more, '! In- more of it I reajK \\ ith thankful joy each hour I sec New {^lories still unfold. And know the harvest vast is mine In everlasting; hold. 53 CHRISTMASTIDE O season golden, gladsome, sweet, When joy-bells of our hearts repeat The wondrous story o'er again Of God's transcendent love to men. Once more the angels' song we hear, Divinely sweet, divinely clear; Once more we hail our Lord and King, And grateful, loving, tribute bring. What room have we for cares or fears With that song ringing in our ears ? What room for sorrow or lament. With eyes on that Redeemer bent ? Uplifted and illumined so. Into our spirits sweetly flow The peace of which the angels sing. The joy the Saviour came to bring. And by that light of heavenly love So beaming on us from above, Released from every selfish thrall, Our hearts reach out in love to all. O glad and blessed atmosphere. With hope and faith so bright, so clear! O spirit sweet of Christmastide, For evermore with us abide, And keep our hearts through all the days So full of love and joy and praise. That always we may see our King And hear the blessed angels sing. 54 dlRISlMAS CAROL ndioUl tin- D.iNspiiiu', tinm du ln«;li! riu- dai kiuss ciuls, the sliatlows tly, I lu- ilcstit wastts of earth arc ht W ith pri-stiuf of the InHiiitc; Li^ht! I^cact! Joy! Mail's portion cvtrniorc. Celestial hosts exulting sin^, The skies with ^lad hosannas rin^, The ^lory ami the hliss of Heaven To vvearv oiks ot earth are ^iven; Liuhr! Peace! Joy! AhoiuuliiiL; evermore. To tluni tliar stiive, to them that weep, 10 them that sit m darkness deep, \\) them that bruised and captive mourn, The blissful herita<^c is home, Li«;ht! Peace! Joy! Endurinj; evermore. The ^low of Heaven floods the earth And heavenly raptures sprinp; to binh, The «;loom of niL;ht and death is o'er, Li^ht rei«:;ns triumphant evermore, Li<^ht! Peace! Joy! Triumphant evermore. 55 CHRIST IS COME On the world with night surrounded Beams the glory from above, Heralding the glad appearing Of divine, incarnate love; The angelic host attending Of the wondrous advent sing, And to us the Christ is given, Christ our Saviour, Christ our King. Flee afar, O gloomy shadows! Flee afar, O shades of night! In the brightness of His presence All is joy and peace and light. No more darkness, no more terror, No more sin, if He abide Royal guest, unfailing helper, Everlasting friend and guide. Sing, ye souls so blest of Heaven! Raise your joyful anthems high; Let the love of your Redeemer All your praises occupy. Lift to Him your glad hosannas! Offer Him oblations meet; Lay your grateful sacrifices Worshipfully at His feet. For the glory of His presence, For the blessing of His peace, For the joys His love has brought you Let your praises never cease. 56 Sin^, ye ransomed ones, yc blessed! Let your son^;s to Htaven soar; Sin^l for Christ to you is ^iven, And li^lit reigns for cvirmorr. nil l)\^■spRl^■(; Luke- i. yS, -ji). Kxtol tin- tt luln nurcy of Our (Jod, W'lio, niiiullul of the grievous ways we trod. Sent down to us the DaNsprin'j; from on hit;h, ( )ui weary pil«;rinia«;e to «;lorit\ . ( ) Davsprinp; radiant! touched hy I hv hi;ht, I'he powers otsin and darkness take their Hii'Ju No more death's dreadful shadows do we see» For life that has no death be»;ins with 1 hee. Thou makest storms tempestuous to cease, I'hou iuiidest us into the paths of peace. Thou comfortest the sorrows of our way. Thou leadest us to joys that live for aye. Daysprin*^, sent to lii^ht us from on hiidi. All our desire and need dost 1 hou supply; 1 he «;lory and the hlessini^ of 1 hy rays Make idad and beautiful life's thorny ways. ( ) I)a\sprini!;, Con()ueror of death and niuht, I'or the f^rcat pift of Thee, our Joy, our Lij;ht, Adorinp sonps unceasingly we raise, The tender mercy of our Cod to jMaisc. 57 THE BIRTHDAY OF THE KING 'Tis the birthday of the King! He the Wonderful, the Mighty, He the King of kings for aye. Ye who know Him, ye who love Him, Gifts of love and worship bring. Sing of Him with glad hosannas, Prove your love for Him to-day. Ye to whom His gracious aid He has fully, freely given. Never turning you away, Never deaf unto your pleading, — Ye for whom His love has made Light in darkness, joy in sorrow, — Give Him joy in you to-day. Ye whom He has comforted With the angel of His presence, Ye with whom He walked the way Of your suffering and peril, Ye whom He has daily fed With the hidden, heavenly manna, — Prove your gratitude to-day. Ye whom when by tempest tossed He has brought to peaceful havens. Ye whom He has taught the way To the rest He gives the weary. Ye to whom for joys ye lost He has given joys undying, — Be a joy to Him to-day. S8 (MIKIS'IMNS IINMN From the plory ot the skies, Fn»m tin- l>liss ot Paradise, C'aim- tlu- Son of (lod to ^ive l.i'^lit ;iiul i»>\- to all that live. He — the Lord of Heavm ami c aitli In a manner had his birth; I.owlv. weary wa\ s 1 Ic trod 10 show man the way to (iod. I It . the- Christ, was Inciul nuked UiUo all luvn ill their need; None too hunihle for llis care. None too poor 1 lis lo\e to share. If" 1 lis followers ye are, Cast \()iir worldU- pride afar; I.owlv he like Iliin in mind, I' nil of love to all manknul. LowK", lovini:;, only so In His footsteps may ye go, Only so in all ye do May ye pive Him joy in ndu. Haste to joy your King to-day; Cast your loveless pride away. Lay your hearts in tribute meet, Lowly, loving, at I lis feet. 59 FOR CHRIST'S SAKE Forth from his mansion grand and fair, Into the Christmas morning air, The rich man walked in all his pride, With face serene, self-satisfied. Across his path a poor child stepped And timidly to him she crept, And held up shyly to his view Some little wreaths of pine and yew. " Please buy a Christmas wreath," she said; He sternly frowned and shook his head. And waived her haughtily away; She touched his arm his steps to stay. *' For Christ's sake," said she pleadingly, " It is His day, " you know, said she. Slowly unbent the haughty will. Slowly the hurried steps grew still. The strange words of appeal she spoke Unwonted thoughts within him woke, And drove complacence from his breast, And filled him with a vague unrest. For sake of every earthly friend How much he had been glad to spend; He had remembered kindly all That were around him, great and small; 60 Hut for Christ's sake lu- h;i(l ilnnc iiau^lu, Of Him he truly had not th(»ii<;hf. And 'twas His ua\, as she had said; A monuMU, shaimd. he hun^ his head, And then lie thrust a piece ol j;old Iiitt) her liaiul so thin and cold. And waiting not the thanks she said. Upon his way he (juicklv sped. But ever rinj;in<; in his ears The little child's sweet plea he hears, — " For Christ's sake, 'tis His day, you know," — I'ntil at last, incited so, Such words and deeds of kindliness Sad lives to »!;ladden and to bless, — " For Christ's sake," — heart and hands employ; As make the angels sin^ for joy. The while his heart p;rows stran<;ely lig.ht. And all the day seems strangely hrinht. And Christmas takes for him fn)m hence A new and sweet signihcance. 6i A CHRISTMAS MESSAGE Dear heart, it was but yesterday So wide a gulf between us lay, Impassable it seemed to be. Forever keeping thee from me, And in my pride and bitterness I did not wish that it were less. But when to-day came to my ear That song we always loved to hear, — The song so beautiful, so old, That to the watching shepherds told The story of the Saviour's birth. Heaven's highest, richest gift to earth, — A sudden light upon me beamed That born of Heaven's glory seemed, And by its brightness were dispelled The darksome thoughts that in me dwelled,- As shades of night are chased away Tjv the transforming light of day. Again the ties that used to be Seemed gently drawing me to thee, And narrowed grew the gulf that lay So wide between us yesterday. Until my hand could almost reach To thee, dear heart, across the breach. Ah, if thy face I now could see In sweet relenting turned to me, 62 If ihoii woiildst reach to nu* thy hand As in)\v so near to tluc I stand. The hnaih tliat still nion- narrow ^rows Between our heaits would wholly close. Stretch forth thv hand, heloved, now, And let nie clasp it. while we vow. Henceforth all other laws above — Shall rule the heavenly law of love, ReNealiil In flu- incarnate (jod. Obeyed iii .ill the wa\s I Ir tiod. Dear heart, the anj^els' sonp I hear A<;ain, more beautiful, more clear; Ah, sweet indeed the son<; they sinu; And L'jad the tidini^s that the\- brini^: The Prince ot Peace keeji thee and me In ptace ami l<)\e eternalU'. 63 THE MOURNER'S CHRISTMAS Beloved, dweller in that happier sphere Which we but dimly can conceive of here, How we were wont when thou wast on the earth To hail the day that marked the Saviour's birth. With one accord, for that one blessed day We put our sorrows and our cares away. And let no vexing memories alloy The perfect brightness of our Christmas joy. But can we keep the feast without thee, now ? While still with crushed and bleeding hearts we bow Beneath our sorrow in our loss of thee. Can we of Christmas joys partakers be ? Can we sing happy carols as before When thou dost lend thy helping voice no more ? Can we attune our hearts to gladsome praise As when thou wast with us in bygone days ? Seem we to see thy gentle, loving eyes Reproachfully regard us from the skies, Reminding us of all the debt we owe Our blessed Lord, whom thou dost see and know. Were He not born, ah, where were our relief, Our consolation, in our loss and grief? How could we from our crushing sorrow rise Had he not come to point us to the skies ? 64 With hiimMc. thankful hearts will wc recall Ihr Nvoiulroiis lovi- wlurcwith He loved us all And ^ladlv make His dav a dav ot days All glorious with l. I am IK' that li\eth and was dead; Hehold, I am alive tor evermore; Because I live, ye too shall live tor a\e, I van(|uished death for \f)U, its stini^ is o'er." Arise then tiom \()ur darkness and despair; Your Lord is risen, and \e shall not die; Jov in the Lite eternal that He «iives. And tollow Ilmi to your ahode on hiirh. '^5 OASES When across a dreary region Mortals are constrained to go, Where the bitter rue is rampant, And no sweets appear to grow. How a touch of human kindness Makes the weary pulses beat With new quickening of courage, And new strength for tired feet. How apace, illumed, transfigured. Does the sombre way appear. Like the oases of deserts Which the weary traveler cheer; How the troubles seem to lessen. And the burdens lighter grow. How the bitter is forgotten In the sweet, new-springing so. Tutored and inspired divinely Are the souls so moved to give To their hapless fellow mortals Help their weary lives to live; 'Tis the spirit of the Highest Working in their human will. His sweet laws of loving kindness And compassion to fulfill. And until they hear the Master Say, ** To whomso'er it be. Inasmuch as ye have done it. Ye have done it unto me," 66 N;iui;lu can Ik- so satlsfvliv!. So ri(juitin^, as to know 'lluv make oases tor others \Mi() have desert ways to ^o. Will RT (URisr TF\ns Thou who chdst tiiail laith's wiaiy ways ( )ur IavM -'I^*^^ Ciuide to Ik-, To teach us over sin and death To pain the victoiy, O Christ, our Saviour and our Kini;, Help us to follow 'Ihee. liiou who didst come to lift us up Where Heaven's glories shine- Didst live for us Thy perfect lite Of love and <:race divine, — Help us, dear T.ord, our little lives To pattern after Thine. O Christ, whose sacrifice suhlime Has made us hlest for aye. The path to sacrifice ot selt Reveal to us, wc pray. And help us evermore to walk That consecrated way. ^7 GOOD FRIDAY Not by the prostrate form, The lowly bended knee, The chastening of the flesh, May we best honor Thee Who for Thy love for us Didst die on Calvary. Not by the solemn fast Kept to Thy memory. Not by the chanting low Of mournful litany. May we best prove our love, O Lamb of God, to Thee. The humbling of the soul, The searching strong within, The penitential tear. The casting off of sin, — These most shall honor Thee, These best Thy blessing win. The keeping Thy commands. The following of Thee, The sacrifice of self. The life of purity. These only prove our love, O Crucified, to Thee. 68 TEST OV niSC'llMJ-Sllir " Hv this sIkiII all mill know," saitli Jesus " That yc arc inv ilisciplcs true, If \v have love one to another. Such love as I have had to you. *' F»)r«^ive each other \<)Ui oHenees, Be kind, he just, in word and deed; Esteem all men to In- your hrethien, And minister unto their need. " (io hless the wretched, leed tlie hun«;ry. Receive the stranger, help the weak; The sick and the afflicted visit. And words of heavenly comfort speak. ** Then inasmuch as \ e have done it To one of these, who'er it he. It shall indeed hy me he reckoned As thou«;h ye did it unto me. " And ye shall he loved of my Father If my commands ye thus ohey; We will ahide with you and i^ive you The joy that none can take away." 69 BEGINNING TO LIVE There were tumult and dismay In the crowned thoroughfare, As — where no one else would dare — A poor child pushed her way. There were cries of sharp distress, Then, — felled by the horses' feet, Down on the stones of the street She lay crushed and motionless. In a moment, tenderly. Strong arms from the gathered throng Raised her and bore her along To the aid for such as she. To a small cot soft and warm As it never had pressed before. They gently, speedily bore The so mangled girlish form. Oh, the piteous story told By that wasted frame ill clad — By that white, still face so sad. So young and yet so old. The surgeon's practiced eye Foresaw what the end would be, And he whispered pityingly, " No hope, the girl must die. " 70 She heard, and iiiovrci her head \\ ith a ttthle, startled cry, " ( )h, IK), no! - I can't die, — I haven't Itvt'J yet! " she said. Then a soft and gentle hand Took liers in tender hold. And a soft voice sweetlv told Of the hri«;ht and lieautitul la ml. \\ here shall never enter care Nor hunj^er nor distress. But perfect happiness Shall eternally he there. A lot)k. of *;lad content Into the child's face came, .And she said, as life's flittinji; flame Down into darkness went, — ** There's not much then I'd <;ive To stay — I had rather <;o — For I haven't lived yet — you know But now — I'm ^oin' — to — live. " EASTER HYMN After the cross, the crown, After the grave, the skies; Christ is arisen from the dead, We unto Him shall rise. Brightly the Easter joy Beams on our pilgrim way, Lighting the shadows with the glow Of the eternal day. Earnest of Heaven's bliss Comforts our sorrow's night; Death is the door to Paradise, Darkness the path to light. Upward, O risen Christ, Draw us for aye to Thee; Upward, o'er sorrow, sin, and death, Victors like Thee to be. Glorified is the way Thou hast before us trod. Even so raise unto Thee, Saviour, Thou Son of God. 72 EASTKR I ILIKS On tlu" Fastn mom a inaitli n wtnt I'p t(» tin- liousf ot prayii ; Lilits pure and sweet she bore It) Ia\ on tin- alrar rlurt-. ( )li. I«»mI\ tlir lilits wiiliiu lur hands, — Lihts tliat hvc hut a da\ , But fairer tin- hhts witliiii hii h( air, I he hhes that live tor aye. I he Lord hehelil within hei liands I he lilies so pure and fair. And down in her t^entle heart He looked And saw the pure lilies theie. ( )h. dear unto Him the frail earth flowers That were on His altar laid. Hut dearer the heaven-horn spirit blooms, I he lilus that iu\ er fade. He joyed in the fragile lilies sweet, — The lilies that live hut a dav, — But the heautitul lilies in her heart \\ ill rc'parcs To ^icct the j;l()ii()us Kaster mom. And hastens the dark robe she wears \\ ith I(t\il\ l)l()ssoins to adorn. Slu- huls hii hosts ot son<;sters sweet 1 htir loudest )ul)ilates raise. The Lt)rd ot heaven and eartli to ^rcet. The coiKjueioi ot deatli to j^raise. 1 hi- liuiiise ot the newhorn tlowers \\ ith the adoring carols hleiuls. And heavenward on t:;olden hours Kaitli's Kaster sacrihce ascends. And thou — mv soul — are tlowers of grace Newhorn in thee to joy thy King? W ith gratetul love wilt thou apace lav at His teet rich ottering ? What hallelujahs will lie hear 1* roin thee, silent ot piaise so long? \\ ilt thou uplitt to greet His ear New sacritice of gratetul song ? Behold, thy risen, loving Lord Calls to thcc from the glorious skies; Lift up thy heart with glad accord. Fix steadfastly on Him thy eyes. Then shall immortal blossoms spring In all thy loveless, desert ways. And thou anon shalt learn to sing Sweetest hosannas to His praise. /:> MY COMING WEALTH Of terrestrial possessions Only very few have I, But there is a w^ondrous fortune Coming to me by and by. Coming when the heavy fetters That have bound my spirit here, At the dawn of life supernal Shall forever disappear. Then shall I inherit treasures Hitherto withheld from me, Then shall joy succeed to sorrow, Boundless wealth to poverty. Then shall jewels I once cherished, Long since lost, lamented sore, Be restored to me forever. Fairer, .brighter than before. And the flowers of hope that perished In misfortune's blighting air. And that long ago were buried 'Neath the cold sod of despair, To a joyful resurrection Quickly shall awaken then. In a breath shall bud and blossom. Never more to die again. 76 BIcssinps, raptures yit iindriamcd of Has that lift- (if Iltavcn for mc, RkIus which can luvt-r perish, Mine Inr all itei iiitw Such the toitiinc tliat awaits iiu* \\ hill in\ caithlv htV is past, Si» I hM" in trusting; patience. It. I 'tw ill Miiclv conu' at last. orR mil ^' hrf \n Give us this chi\ our daiU hnad; Bread tor our hun«^ry souls wc need, Oh, i;rant with heavenly sustenance 1 h\- suppliant servants. Lord, to teed. Give us this da\- our dail\' hread. Lest taint and weak our spirits \ cl;iy and nij'ht. Life, lioju-. ;nul i()\ 'I In lu.ims iinp.iit. I hat litilv on my daikiuss sliiiu-; I lu\ satisfy nn loivuin^ luarr Willi lointoits iiuasiiiclcss. disinc. 1 liiouidi I'JooMi and stoim and ilaiksoiiic ni^lu I \\v\ 1 li\ htaiiis upon inc still, I fill llu' all-illuniin«^, li^iu W itli i«»\ nn prisoned spirit fill. 1 oiicluci hv I In ra\ s, my sorrows cease, Mv bitter tears no longer flow, 1 lie benediction of Thv peace Unutterably sweet I know. Lord, coiilil I learn by ^race of Thine Alway on 1 hee to fix my eyes. Foretaste of Heaven then were mine Till I hou shalt call me to the skies. I here all withdrawn the veil from me That holds Thee from ni\' spirit's si<;ht, I shall 1 hv fullest <;lorv see. And joy forever in Vhy li[;ht. 87 IN THE SECRET OF HIS PRESENCE Psalm xxxi. 19, 20 How great, O Lord, the goodness Thou dost show To them who in Thy boundless love confide, Whom Thou dost lift from vexing things below And in the secret of Thy presence hide. Upheld by Thee in that exalted place, For them earth's wearisome contentions cease; No pride of man their spirits can abase. No strife of tongues can dissipate their peace. Kept safe from harm in that secure retreat, They rest from terror and dismay afar; No power of evil do they fear to meet While so encompassed by Thy love they are. From strength to strength victorious they go. Made by Thy grace to feast on things divine; Foretaste of Heaven's ecstasies they know. While on their prisoned spirits Thou dost shine. Serene, uplifted, they await the day When from earth's heavy chains they shall be free, And from all darkness they shall soar away. Filled with Thy unveiled light eternally. 88 TITF \T \R PRF.SENCE Ihoii uhn aif luvir tar fioin us, I lioii^h «)iil\' diinlv wi" ptrccivc Tluc, HouiuUtss in power aiul in love, Ktiriial Father, we believe Ilue; Fook down in pitv. gracious Ford, Upon our darkness anil our blindness, And nKinilest 1 Insell to us In i by transcendent lovin«;-kindness. ( )li. let us feel upon our hearts 1 h\ touch ol nurc\ and of healinj:;, 'I'o us w ho blindlv reach for Thee, Fhv presence and Fhy love revealinc^; ( )h, let us feel 'Fhv mighty arms Bv dav and nij.dn surround, uphold us, Fn)ni every harnitui, evd power. In perfect refuld us. So ina\' undMni:, wondrous lii^ht From Thee illumine us and till us, So may Ihv spirit breathed on us Vi ith (juickened life and power thrill us, Fo new tulHllini!; ot Fhv will Our hearts unholy, wayward L;uiding, Till we attain Thy heavenly grace, 'Ih\' peace ineirablc, abiding. AImi«:hty Father, God of love, We know that Ihou art ever near us; We lilt our hearts in praver to Thee In jHi fccr t.nfh rhar I Imn w ih luar us; 89 Oh, may new knowledge of Thyself To us in growing light be given, Till we behold Thee as Thou art, Unveiled before us in Thy Heaven. ANSWERED With weight of sombre hours oppressed, dismayed, My heart cried, ** Heavenly Father, speak to me, And so irradiate my misery." Apace a flower, humanly conveyed, Spotlessly white, within my hand was laid, — As it were one of God's white thoughts that He Embodies so, that sentient souls may be Aware of His near presence, and be made By such illumed interpreters to know In part what He would say to them, till He Shall make them understand His speech; and so My prayer was answered and God spoke to me And made my gloomed, joy-barren heart to grow All efflorescent with soft ecstasy. 90 A I'R WVR or PRAYERS I.<>ul. it oiu- pi.iMT alone I unto Vhvv iiiii'Ju oHir, it slioiiKl \h- That Thou, l.orii, woiildst make known The secret of I'hv presence unto me. Not tor a tiansicnt lioiir Woulil I petition tor tliis «jracc divine. Hut I would ciave its power For every moment of this hte u( mine. It all the wa\ I ^o, 'I hou. Lord, wert present to nn spmf's sii'Jit, No darkness could 1 know , Nor ever lose the path, tor 1 hou art Lij.dit. I he trials sore of earth And all its sorrows, I should rise a hove. And hravely hear all dearth CM human tVllowshij-*, tor Thou art Love. I he tumult and the stritc Of anxious cares and tears, for me would cease, And all mv earthly life Be HlKd with heavenly calm, tor Ihou art Peace. (irant. Lord, that I mav see 1 hee present alway whatsoe'er htf;ill, Then will remain tor me Nau«;ht to desire, for Lhou art all in ;ill. 91 CONSECRATION Heavenly Father, Thou whose love, Beaming on me from above, Scatters shades of death and night. Filling all my soul with light. Help me all the way I go. Love and praise to Thee to show. Thou who openest Heaven to me. Thou who makest me to be With Thy presence comforted, With Thy heavenly manna fed, Teach me, Father, if there be Aught that I may do for Thee. Thou who for my woes dost give Joys that evermore shall live, — Heavenly Father, if it be I may give Thee joy in me. Teach me, Lord, that blessed way. Help me walk it day by day. Be my joy for Thee to live. For Thy praise my powers to give, Every hour an hour of prayer. Thy approval all my care. Thy free grace my only might, Thou my Guide, my Life, my Light. 92 IN (X)vr.N\Nr wrm (\()d I am in covenant with (Jod, — The iniijlitv (lod who all thin<^s niadc. Who all thiiiL'S liolils within His hands; Ot what then can I hv at laid ? I am in coM-nant with ( lod! There is no grief can take away 1 In- sweetness of that j()\' for nic, ' 1 is mine unchanL',eal)le for a\e. In covenant with (lod most hiL:h! \\ ith that most hlcssed hond in view, \\ liat is there that I cannot hear ? W hat is there that 1 cannot du ? I am in covenant with Him, — 1 he (jod ot love, — He is m\- tiiend; How can I douht that all I need He will in l()\inL:-kindness send ? In covenant with the great God! Oh, wondrous happiness, that He, The Lord ot Heaven and earth, should make Eternal covenant with me. I am in covenant with (lod! vStronL: in that sacred honil I rest. And know w hatever comes tt) me, I am tor aye supremely blest. 93 THE OMNIPRESENT Wherever in the world I fare, Though near or far it be, I know I cannot go from God, Be it on land or sea. So is my blessedness assured. Where'er my lot be cast; I have a guaranty of joy Immeasurably vast. His sure abiding day and night. Whatever else befall, — The shining in my soul of Him Who fiUeth all in all. THE SPARROWS The sparrows that for morsels gather About my doorway fearlessly, Seem sent by the all-loving Father As messengers of grace to me. I listen to them as to teachers Who throw new light on lessons old; ** Are not," demand the heaven-sent preachers, ** Two sparrows for a farthing sold ? " And yet thy Heavenly Father ever Protects and watches o'er them all. And even one of them shall never Upon the ground without Him fall. 94 ** O restless one, so sorelv cumbered With cares and tears, thy very hairs Arc hy the loving Father numbered W ho loi tlu- tceble sparrows cares. " Thou art ot' greater vakie surely Than many sparrows are, and He \\ ho in His love holds so securely Tlu- liftK- spaiiows. will bold tlue. " Then entertain thy tears no lonj^er; Cast oW tor aye thy anxious load; L(K)k at the sparrows and ^row stronger In trustfulness toward tb)- (lod." FROM FAITH FO KNOWLEDGE W ben in the sbinini; da\ with jj;hidness Hlled A sudden consciousness our being thrilled Of radiance diviner than that seen. Fain we believed that that transcendent sheen More blessed than the glorv ot the sun Beamed tiom the face ot the Eternal One. Fain we believed; bur wlun in jovhss night Shone through the darkness such transcendent light That no more night had terror so illumed. And in our soul distraught and sorrow-gloomed. Sweet peace and pain-forgetting gladness grew. Straightway we knew that light was (jod: we kru-iu! 95 GOD OUR REFUGE O God, our refuge and our strength, We trust Thy mighty power, We trust Thy boundless tenderness In every darksome hour. Though troubles press us heavily. And grievous ills draw near. Encompassed with Thy arms of love, We vanquish every fear. Though mighty foes our hearts assail, We shall not faint nor fall, For Thou, our ever-present help, Art mightier than all. In every conflict of the way Triumphant we shall be. While strong and fearless we are made With mightiness from Thee. We know there is no victory Too great for us to gain; We know whatever may betide Unmoved we shall remain. For Thou, the mighty Lord of Hosts, Art with us night and day, And in the refuge of Thy love We are secure for aye. 96 THE ElKkNAI. RI 1 IGK lt( I II. il 1' .itlui . ( I()(l ol incrcv, W Inn ill ilistrcss wc Hv to I hcc, How switt. how triidcr Thy compassion, Unworthy, crrin*;, though wc he; Our grievous wavwardncss for^ivin*^. Thou toldcst us in Thy cnihracc, 1 hou cointortcst our every sorrow. Thou «;ivest us I hy lielping grace. No love hut Thine can so console us, No touch hut Thine our wounds can heal, No powi I hur Thine can so uphft us Ahovc the cares and griefs we feel. \\ ith 1 "hv transfnrniin!;hi:ht ilhiniined, Our nii'Ju of darkness turns to day; 'The storm departs, the clouds are lifted. The gloomy shadows flee away. Oh, retu|;c inhnite, eternal. For every wearw trouhled soul! Secure in Thee, our terrors vanish. Our heavy hurdens from us roll; We rest in 1 hee, we joy, we triumph. We know the wonders of Thy pracc; Oh, teach us ever, we heseech 'Thee, lo make in Thee our dwclliiiL!; place. 97 ENDURING AS SEEING THE INVISIBLE Thou whose love is infinite, Thou whose promises are sure, Make us, looking unto Thee, Strong and patient to endure. From our hearts remove the veil, That Thy presence we may see. And illumined with Thy light. Evermore uplifted be. By the power of hope and grace Thy near love and mercy give, O'er our burdening woes we rise. Strong to suffer, strong to live. So with hearts upturned to Thee, Sure of Thy almighty aid, We will walk our pilgrim way Dauntless, tireless, unafraid. Over sorrow, care, and pain Always conquerors to be. While with firm, unswerving trust Steadfastly we look to Thee. Ever upward lead us so. Till to Thy abiding place Thou at last exalt us. Lord, And we see Thee face to face. 98 A MAV 1)\Y Lord, a new day stands hctorc nic 1 Vllinj; nau^;ht ot what if Ininj^s; I o 1 hv houndlfss vision onK Arc revealed its liulilrn things. N«>t in nu\ ( ) I lia\rnl\ I'atlur, Is the power to meet alone. And to eoiKjiu 1 in the nieetin<;. All this new da\ hiin^s unknown. Not m nie the needed wisdom For its duties new and old. Not in me the ^race and patience For the trials it may hold. Not in mc the strength to battle With temptations <;reat and small, And to keep my soul from sinning And from i^ricvinj:; Thee thr()U