vOo^ v^"^ "''*. '%^^ 'OO^ "<.. ,0 O^ X*" "'^ "^A V^ r -^^V:. c 0' .5 -^4. ■J \ "^o. v^' ^^^ v^^ ,«> '*^ .^" '% v>i-^ '->, ^^- s- ■f > -f.. "-c: / ''^^ A^' "^z-. ^ "'<:p.^' cS.'-A .t>- .^■^ ■^*. .••i> ^>. v^' oCi v^"" "% .■*^ ■'>■ v^ •A. -y * 'i .v\^" '^^.<^'' "i-^. •?,,"' -^. .-^^ •o- '^A ^ .:■*' ,VV -P.. ■ \ ^A >^' A-i- x^' y-f. ,0 0^ v\^ V ./», <- V N^"^;, ■<^. .'^■-' ^^ ,0 o. <^ . ^ ' " . "V %.<:^' \> ^ - ° ' ,, m IjAKE SAN CHRISTOBAL Hinsdale Countj', ColoratJo Altitude in.nno feet. .XA-y - ^ ^idnigljt yt evene K9 ©CI.A561984 Hfi 24 1320 PKEFACE At tlic close of thai uiirinliteous and lumeccssary coiiHict. known as the Civil War, thousands of young men who iicrhaps would never have left their native farms, found themselves free and foot loose; they had accustomed themselves to the life of the camp and the search for danger. The sanctitx- of home life had lieen broken up; the Northern soldier was loath to return to the bleak New England hills and tlie Southern soldier had no home to which he might return. The glamour of the west, witli its possibilities of adventure and danger, lured them, and where the mind is directed the feet soon follow, so that within a few years after the war, the disbanded soldiers of the two armies, pursuing thesamo adventures and resisting the same dangers, met in the west as friends. It was only the iioliticians, camp followers, and recruits who kejit up the ))itteruess of the war for thirty years after it had closed. Incident to the extension of the railroad systems westward, another class of citizens was scattered over the plains and through the moun- tains; then in (|uick succession followed the cattle craze, the mining craze,' the farming craze, and the iriigation craze. As these several waves swept westward over the mighty inland empire, which in a few decades will dominate the ])olitical and religious thought of the world, an«l l)roke on the Pacific ("oast, the ebbing flood left sti-anded in the re- cesses of the mountain chains and on the broad plains, thousands of men who either from choice or necessity were compelled to remain and bi-come i>ermanent citizens. These people were drawn from all ])arts of the eaith and represented every shade of thought that agitates the mind of man, and here in the West, untrammeled by the narrow environ- ments of the East, the discussion of these subjects wtis free andunre- sti-ained, discussion led to investigation and investigation to conviction, so that the general opinion on many subjects was materially changed. '1\) such an extent as this change had been made that the difference in the platforms of the two great political parties can hardly be noticed by a Socialist. The change in I'eligious thought has V)e('n more radical aiid widespread; thousands of men who from policy still adhere to the regulations and control of a moribund religion, secretly, and tens of thousands ()])enly, have discarded the idea of an anthropomorphous God as untenal)le, and contrary to the results of scientific investigations, and the iiretended authority and revelation api)ertaining to it, have ad- vanced into the broad light of the religion t)f humanity, which recog- nizes as God that unknowable and unthinkable IT which created and rules the universe. It recognizes no country, no people and no indi- vidual, but seeks only to do" good. Its object is to abate snperstition, povertv, and crime, and to alleviate suffering wherever it may be found. Its only law is the (rolden Eule and its limit of thought and action is only bounded where it invades the rights of another individual. To point out the course of reasoning by which these changes have been made has been the object of the i)resent work. Persevere. PrBI.ISHER'S NOTK. — The originj.! photo- graphs for the engravings for thi.s book were unavoidalily omitted and the engravings herein were loaned by Messrs. Stanchtield and Blare. DEDICATION To tlif Memory ol' my dcarlN lidovcd Sister, wlio taught my infant l'o()tstc'i)s to tread the thorny jiatli of life, wlio was my comiianioii for man\ years, and wliose indefatigahle researches into the ihii'k ami almost for- gotten past 1 am indebted for many of the facts ]iresentenddist taught liefore. Philosophy from eai'th all crime would lihit. I'ut if we judge l>y numbers less or more. We nuiy suppose, it does not mattei' what. Alone she treads the path beyond the grave Tliat leads beneath the shadow of the thi'one No warning voice conu's back to me to save. In darkness now I ti'ear(\'it desire of soul Which bouud to earth would yet aiiproach its sire. The paradise of which blind Milton sans; And Dante's home for those who do transgress. The well-known Gods whose i)raises oft have rang. Present no facts, hut onlv fear inijiress. My scjiiTliiiiL;' lliniinhls the iini xci'sr cxiilnfc, licl'dl'c llic nii-si' I'l'll (III llii' liilliwili nice, III \nir('l('S> Void, llic sc;i Wllliolll ;i slinrc, I'ltcriiil y ;i|i))lli'(| Id I inic ;iiiil s|i;icc. I scciii III ll(i;il ii|iiiii ;i ilri n iiii; i-ldiid, Willi sjici'd (if liL;lil I ;iiii llirdiiuli s|i;icc ;id\;i iicc Aiiiiiiii;- llic slars tliiil rniiiid Ihc ciiclcl ci'dwd, AikI ('(HIS pass while tlicrc I sit cnl raiircd. I rcai'li .-d lasl llic ikiw iikisI dislaid >lar, And I'ai' l)t'\'(iii |iici-ciii,n' j^laiicc I h.-iid, And |i(iiiils of li.n'iil I ycl nia\' sec al'af If llicrc lie space llieii space can lia\'e nn end. 'I'lie drcjuii is ]ins1, the truth we nnisi iu-ccpt, \'\>v (lod has willed riiini iiinrtal k'i'n to hide I'lltil we sleep with llmse wild lonii' ha\e slept, 'Idle holy place in which It does ahidc. "I'is useless lliell, to pnilie llie \nlil lie\ull(l. Tile IiiiiiikI is set, llie limit well ilelineil, To litid a (i(i l)e lorid, Who will r(M|iiite the prjivci- of liiimnu kiml. There is a point beyoml we ciinnol pass And I'l'oin the xoid no xdiee was ever heai'd. We cannot t<'ll how utows a Made of f^rass <)r know (he will of It that speaks no word. I'liit we ean view the arts and thoughts of men, In every land whei'ever they have ti'ied. To solve the donlil, e.\is1iii,n' now as (hen, i-'oi' all the hordes that e\cr lived or died. I, tlierefore, seari'h the hooks of aneieni loi'e And ,i;athi'r ra<'ts I'l-om all the a^'es jiasl, .\wake from sleep the (Jods men had hel'ore And lietion then with ti'tilh in halanec east. F(ir prejudice will alwa\s warp the iiiiiiil And likewise luipe will lead us far astray; I search for truth in every cult 1 iiiid — Ti-uth does not feai' the seareliini;' li^lit of (hiy. I I'lilldW close the paths i^reat minds liaxc trod, Who in the jiast hy pretense most absurd. Who did create a ^reat tliou,<;h human (iod, Through wlioni they ruled the ever thou.i^htless herd I view with care tlie prosjjcct here outs]iread And listen to tl:e xoices tluxt 1 liear. 1 try to find the path that all must tread And i-ead the hook (if nature far and near. And lirst I will the landsca|)e liei-e inspect And then the sky with nature's simple jilan, ()ii I'ate of soul continually reflect Ami then compai-e the acts and thoughts of man. THE GULCH A twisting gulch and stream in trout are seen And just beyond tlie lofty ])eak.s u|iraise, The hills around are clothed in living green, And far above the constellations blaze. This winding gulch with sides of varied hue. Was slowly carved through sucji a lapse of time That we need not in useless tliought jmrsue, lUit stand in awe of natui'e's work sulilitne. 15ut nature oft will move with fevei-ish haste. The earthquake shock this solid rock will rend, At other times a century will waste To gi'ocne a jilace where toi"i"ents ma>' descend. These rounded hills, gi'ologists agree. Were once a])art a wide extender] iilain. Internal heat a molten mass set free And raise the earth that forms the mountain chain. «sr_iar ^;?i^>tr^^^^^ The solid earth in tissiircs opened wide Aud some are filled with metals that we i)rize, To smooth the mass the falling waters tried And form the lakes from which the sti'candets rise. l''oi- unknown time did lieat and water blend. To raise, to break, to crumble, and rebuild, And iee and snow a helping- hand did lend And valleys deep with del)ris thus were lilled. Then for a time did lazy nature rest, A little time, a million years or more. Then once again the rock-crowned peaks attest The flames burst forth as active as before. Onct' more the clouds ahsorlj the gas aud smoke, The stars alone. i)eheld the lurid flame, The lightning's voice in fearful accents broke And from above torrential waters came. Tlie-u silence rei.^ned, save for the nishiii.i;' Hood, No (TN- of lieast, no joyrul voice of bird, 'I'lie loft>- \ails were lakes of ice of mud Wheie only then thunder t( s were heai'd. 'Twas nature's task the lava crust to l)reak And lilleil the floes with f^lacier ice between, W'hicii .ground the rock a fertile soil to make, i<]re roundeil hills could don their coats of i-M-een. Two thousand feet have crunibled into dust And slowly s])read to form the fei'tile vale. This pondei-ous mass throu.iih narrow ajor^e was thrust, The rocks themselves reveal the simple tale. That nature's work is slowl>- 'j:n\i\('causc we read ajiioiin' tln'sc cldvcii spires, A i-(M'(ii(l Iriic (if what llicrc must liavo boon, l''()i- \'iilrari Imi.n' liail fiiioiicliod liis licrcost (ire, Kro Adam camo to dfoiirli the wmld in sin. And as wo road, this start I ins f'T't i>; sliown. That Adam's (lod was not tiio only one, Tills pleasing land to him w;is iiovor known, Some other .i;dil this mi,u;hty woi'k hath done. It ma\ lia\o lieon Ihe imkiiowii land of Xod, Whore Adam mi.iilit plalonic wife have I'oiiMd lie did not know there was another god, 'Till Abel's l)lood i)rovokod the virgin gi-oimd When Adam's (}od gave to the man his niiito, And to Ihe man instructions did I'ohoarse, To shield the jiaii- from Nature's .'^infill fate, lie did foi' them tlie law of life icverse. 12 'Twas Adam's God wlio .yave tlie Jews a king. Of iivicstly rule it seems tliat tliey were tired, It mav he wronsi' to mention sneli a thinij-, Tlie worst of them is caUed the most ius|iired Hut from tlie king he turned away his face. And never did authority renew, No eai'thly king can claim to own the i)]aee That Adam's (iod gave to the savage Jew. Upon the weak the wives their thoughts im])ose And hold their place through superstitious fear, To trusting youth they doulttful tales disclose, Ho falsehood then may as a truth appear. Adam's God events eould not foresee, Nor did he hint about a future life, Unlike the Son who cursed the barren tree, He cursed the man because he hiicif his wife. 13 THE RIVER On oitliiT hand ii \;illcy lar extends, Tln'ouii'li which a sti'cani ol' ci-ystal wafer (lows, A I'agin,!;' Hiiod, a (orrt'iit it descends. Wlien it is swelled wiHi Winter's nieitiiii;- sni>w. Where Wintei- piles his ic\' breath in drifts, And wind and clond in nafnre's war contend, When S]irin,n' the hand of Winter ,i;ently lifts, The I'rdzen streams diice more tdii'ether hiend. I^'roni hanks of snow the ri\'er takes its start, 'I'lie little streams nnite and (hiwnward li'a|i. With otiiers there tliey to the sea dejiart And swells tlie tide beneatli tlie chmds that weep. In g'looniy y-nlch, where all these waters meet, They dance, and swirl, and sjiarkle in their mi.ifht; The shadows chan.2:e, reverse themselves completi'. With light and shade contending throngh the night. 14 'I'lic Ituniiii,!'' sun did rinm IIh' (iccjni dfiiw 'I'his rush iiif4' Hood whicli liastcns lo rctufn. And lie wlio s(H'K-s ii key to Xntnrf''s Ijiiw, ( 'an liardly I'ail llii' sccrd Ihtc t(i learn. 'I'lius life cdiisists in ddin;;' litllc tliin,;;s. W'ImcIi like the sli'cains unite and pass away. Itnt will the Hne wIki hark- the ri\-er hrini^'s, li'etnrn the sdul to dwell in senseless elay? 'J'he parted soul sinne dlliei' Infni may take, l''roin whence it eanie it ina> at oiice return, Tl]c silent sky did ne'er an answei' iiudcc, l)Ut al'tci- death we may the secret h.-arii. Vol (lod, wild kills, may foi-m or sdul restore, Sii that in peace we Journe> on the way, With hope and trust we cahnl> look hel'ore, I'lcvond the tomh \t\u\' he the l'aii'e-1 das'. 15 "r^S^ Uu mountain's crest the river liael its start, Throuftli forest glades and where tlie stream is deep, Smoothly it flows, and then, with swift descent And joyons niii'th, the laughing' water sweeps. It seems in haste from nunrntain liome to flee, But will return as drifting rain oi' snow, ITow great and wise the Unknown ( )ne must be Who made the law that causes wind to blow. For well we know that nothing came by chance, We know the law that changes wood to coal. Why may we not the tlieory advance That there is law that docs apply to soul? As broken rocks impede the river's flow, So stumbling ))locks along our ]iath abide. As ice conceals the living stream below, A\'ithin the form a conscious soul uia\' hide. 16 I''iif u|t the \iilc now like a silvcf thread, The wiiidiiin' course of i-iver is in view And jiisl beyond a plaeid lake is spread, I'^roin which the stream will take its life- anew. h'l'om thence incl'caso the ri\ei' swift l>- uiides, "Till il is forced iietwcen rest rai n i n,ii walls, 'I'lie liroken rock tlic angry stream derides, A mass of foam far down helow it falls. W'iiere waters swirl and lash lliemsel\-es to spraw llaiin' fleecy clouds tiu'ough which the moonlieams .H'low, As hack and forth the hi-e(;zes gently swa> . lleHei'ted light jiresents the Promise Ijow. This lo\-el>' sceiH' our close attention draws, Hecause the priests have otherwise explained, They little knew concernin!^- Xature's Tjaws, r.nt h\- deceit their station have retained. 17 For it would seem that fables of this kind, liave ever been the jn-iestly stock in ti'ado, By which they sought to subjugate tlie mind ()f tliose o'er wiunn their seei)ter they have swayed. Around the myth of fabled New Yeai''s liirth The story of the Christian Gods was built, One came, they said, and gave to them the earth, A man of peace for whom much blond they s]iilt. P.ut every cult on something must be l)ased. In ancient times great men were changed to gods, But earnest men the stories all have traced. And they affirm they were but priestly frauds. And everyone imiiroveil upon the ]>ast. Adopting that which gave them greater force Around the birth of Great Reformer cast, A cloud of myth derived from iiagan source. 18 NATURE'S CHANGE In sweet rcjiose the lovely valley lies, '^I'iiougli up and down the zephyrs gently l)h)\v, Which l)ring to one, a seareher of the skies, Dame Natui'e's voice in accent sad and low. The distant stream whose miirmuiiiii; I hear. The saddest days of memoiy iccall. The sougiiing voiee of fi^agrant spruces near, III measured tones now slowly rise and fall. A fallin.i!,' tree distui-hs llie i-estful peace. The time haler's track. The universe in time may disaiijiear. 21 Meteors that are like ton-lies hurled, By angry gods who are not now employed, And oft a time flash like a sliining workl, May be the fragrance of some world destroyed. (h\y little earth thi'ongh fearful ordeals passed; The outer crust has freciuently been changed. The rocks at first in solid form were cast, Then broken u]) and often rearranged. Around the earth was su]>erlieated steam, The atmosphere was full of noxious gas, As moves the tide upon a swollen stream. So ebbed and flowed the semi-li(|uid mass. The sur])lus heat in stellar space was lost. And from aliovc torrential waters fell, But 'till the rocks retain the Winter's fi'ost. No human life u]ion the earth could dwell. 22 Ill af>es i)a.st, against tlu'se brokt'ii crags, Old ocean's surf its foaming liead did lift; Between the hills where now tlie xallcy sags, The ebl)ing flood tlie loosened roci- tVct a milling xillaj^'e stands. Ami piarcd hcyoiid, wliere dimly now is spied. Arc .<;ra\cs of those t'l-oni near and distant lands 'I'lieir epitaph:' 'i'hey struggled, lived, and die(| There rest the men who did
t of Iheni have died. Among tile forms that now are i-i'sting there, Some jiondei-ed deep upon their future faith Some often sought of (Jod Its lo\'e ami c;ire, l>ut other views sonu' lives did regulate. 25 Their hopes, tlieir fears, their frailties too were known, For men are prone their virtues to profess. Some passed away through errors they had sown. Some sought the grave as sohice from distress. By Nature's hiw tiiey came into their life. For eertain time they ])i'oudly held their way, Some lived in i)eafe, and others lived in strife, But all at last did Nature's law ohey. From every clime they wandered here and died, And wra))i)ed in earth their lonely vigil keeji. O'er nameless graves the jiine trees long have sighed. If they awake how long will he their slee]i? If they had souls, where do their souls now stray? Do they await in Hades eternal hlight? Or hy that Throne, when earth has passed away, Wlici-c Ood Siii)reme shall justify the i-ighl? 26 I've souglit to read tlie answer in the sky And jieer beyond the i)ortals of the grave, I-'roni ont the void there came haci-c no re])iy. But all aroiuid a rci'tain answer gave. The elements are eonstantly employed. And Nature's law we hear with ease may learn. Death changes all, hut nothing is destroyed, AVhat comes from eartli must to the earth return. Like Autunni leaves the ticsh to earth must change, For every life some finu'ral liell will toll. In certain lines we may our lives arrange. P>ut we must doubt the faith of waiting soul. Environment holds ns witli ii-on hand; Heredity gives color to the mind; ( )ur destiny we cannot understand, A second life the soul may never tind. 27 But it would sopui tliat iiMturc dors iirolon;;- Tlie lives of those who moderation leani. And punish those who wilfully do wron.n'. But fate of soul we cannot thus disceiii. Wise men have sought to tear the mask from death. Its cold embrace, its terrors to relie\e, And sought to sooth the pang of parting breath. By simple tales themselves did not believe. Thus did the priests who lived in days of old, \\'hose worship was with highest art refined, Who I'uled the herd by stories which they told. And useless rites that would debase the uiiml. And some then taught that soul would dwell in beast. For certain time, till it was pui'ified, Just like the tale that since is told by priest. That God Supreme for ])igmy men has died. 28 ^i%ff^ REFLECTION From constant roar of distant waterfal], \\ lici'c jioni's tlic flood in scctliin.<;' jiiass hclow. 'i'lic ccliocs i-uii alon.ii' tlic nionntain wall. As faint and fast as memory's aftcri^low. And 1 i-ccall tlic stories I lia\'c licai'd. I^y ciiltnred men in inan>' a sermon told. ( »f wondrous tilings to read in holy woid, And treasni'ed tlien as misers ti-easni-c i;(ild. llow simiije was tlie liunihle jirayer at niglit, When kneeling hy a pious motliei-'s knee! llow can the face, when closed the eyes so bright In peaceful sleej), froTu caic and sorrow free! Most ha])i)y they whose simple, faithful trust, Compel their walk in honor's narrow path, l'\)i' should their hojies all ])ei-isli with the dust, Tlicy have no feai- of death oi- future wrath. 29 'J'lie right ttidiiy. tomon'ow may be wrong. For liiiiiian hnvs are subject to decay, l'\-iir scicni'c iKiw with swil'tiicss ini)\-cs ah)iig. Aim! |ii'i('.s(ly hire has causccl tlic hmg (lchl>". Most sweet and sad arc sloi'ics h'aruc(l in youth. Which in nur age much cdnlirinatidu lack. Once more the stars 1 seai'cli and seek for ti'uth. When memoi'y calls and they come troo])ing hack. ^\cross tiie sky some saer(?d form was traced. And fasts and feasts the seasons' change express. By every god some sjieoious tale was placed j\nd liojx' and fear the ignorant repressed. Foi- always ho])e is tims entwined witli feai', We modem iiricst tl:c simple folk Ix'uniled And clianged the Child and \'ii-,i;in liotli lo >aiiit. In wondrons birth on whieh they love to dwell, 1 only see a simple maiden's fault. l''oi- often maids unwisely lo\'e too well. If one is saint. \\li\ not the fest exalt? 'IMiese simple tales whieh ma.v some truth impart. Made hope of life and baseless fear of Hell, So sad a tale as saered, bleeding heart, Tf learned in >-onth. loni;' in the mind will dwell. 'I'lie birth, the death, the resurreet ion. now. Wei-e symbols lirst of oft ret\irniu. l>oi-n l!nl savage man a sa\'age (fod liehehl. "rill o'ei' llic cartli was ceiiain progress made, And savage pi'iest in ernelty excelled, '(iainst tliose who snnght to take away their trad "l'\ii' greater lame ot llicii nmsl cnirl (ind." 'I'he sword, the rack, the gihhet I'reely plied, i">eneatli tlieir feet they tiiith and mercy trod, 'I'hrongh "act of I'ate" 1)\' which the \ictini di<'d. r>nt acts of faith are Iml the acts dl' mind. Some thonghtfnl man the multitnde wonld lead, lint when in time the folks are moi'c relineil. Some otliei' man wonld I'orninlate a creed. Some ])rivate aim each Icndci- hnd in \ic\v. Tlie lust of pride or great desire of I'aine, A eliansie of seene tlie same aets oft renew. And streams nf lihxxl dispute cadi lioly name. l^'or iiistory of certain lands will sliow, 'I'liat always cults against eacli otlier vic(l, No good in one, anotlicr cult would know, 'I'o I'ule liy force some certain ones liaxc ti'icd. The fi-enzied horde (iiii-iisliing like a Hond, In lirniest faith, lcalii|is that are dead. The honor code, old Roman, we commend. And Kg\i>t taught that evil we should dread, And others thought tlieii' knowledge to extend 33 W'c li;i\i' iin fiiiif I'm' iiii>t;iiiliy-ir- wnw. AiuiiimI 1|ic> i'iii'IIi \\c iiiii^l I'ny l-('i'k. IJcrorc >iiiiii' i;iii| the liniiiJiii niiiiil must 1)()W, l)iit wlicrc |iiri1 ^|H'iil<;' III ;ill till' hiinl^ tli;it lie liclic;itli tlii' snii. I \ic\\ tlic riilt> ;i~ lIli'V ;ili~c Mll erawl T see (Jliee ||iri|-c the Lirailil iiM ti'lll|i|e~ hllilt. The -tately treaij (if hiiiy drawn |irie-tl\ train. I |i(in the stream the ni-h liliation siiilt. The x'ietim hciiinii aiel on the altar slain. In thunder tone- tiie |)riiid- received reply, l''i'<)m smokin;;- mmmt the llol>' .Man came down, On ciijldcl I'orms some nations did rely, In other land- the I'roplK't liafl icnowii. :;4 1 view ;i sliriiic iiixm a I'isiiii;' hill, A tln-()ii,i;' awaits witliiii the coui'ts liclow, I hear a bell tliat tinkles and is still— Tims saith the T.ovd, .leliovali's will they know. I staiid beneath Saint Peter's lofty dome, Where Christian ( 'hnrcli and Pa.^'an Temjile blend. All earth awaits the Oracle of Kome, Where pretence dwells, the search foi- trnth nmst end. The crescent yet does with the Cross contend. That from beyond it had the latest ik'Ws, P.nt each of these the Deity offend, Is earnest thouiiht of all the faithfnl .lews. 'i'lie ancient ]iriests a useful i>art did |ila\-, Who tan.yht mankind in reverence to bow, P)nt Nature's Ood is Jnst as great today, As when thev kneeled to gods discar(hMl now 35 SUPERSTITION A r.-iisc liclici' wc siipcrstitidii rail. A worthless llioiiiiiit li\ s()|iliistr>- iiislillcd, Uiit('iial)l(', a suiipositioii all. That ai'ts di' |ira\('i-s cduld chaiiiic what (ind has willed I'ut hope and lii\c and su| lersti tious iiate, lla\-(' lieen the keys on wliieh ainl)ition played. And one of these I'esiij'ned to crnel fate. Those who conx'ineed ol' deatli were not afraid. i'>ut all the words I'etlectiii.n- al)stra('t tli()U,i>iit, May each receive another moaning' (|uit(', So when a faith with siipei-stition foii.2,ht. \\'e shield their crinies with nierex's mantle white. The mind in xoutli is like unwritten pa.ii'e. ('reateil thus impressions to reeciN'e. And nations oft in cruel wiirs engage, |-\ir each was taught that whicli tliev should helieve. 3G 'Tis very lianl for youth aside to cast The worthh'ss tlioii.i-iits that venal jiriests liave tauijiit. To seai'i'h the iia.iic and liiid Ihc tnitli at hist, xVrii] \-ic\v the facts with free, iiiitra.iiiiiichMl thmiLiht. They give im proof of that which they assert, Save ghostly- tah's of the uidctttcrc(l past, To bolster iliistry is fi'ee, licxiew the (iod who docs all Ihiiigs pci'vade. "When earth was ])lunged in darkest ])agan niglit. The blood of men and beast was fi'eely shed. We almo.st view the Aztec's cruel rite; In other lands the human victim bled. 37 'I'lir DiukIV sliai'|i kiiil'c mil out the i|iii\('riiii; Ii<';ii1. Jcliiivali's Uivt' with lihxxl was frcclx iKHi.iilit. Tlif (iicck l)iiw('(l down hct'Dic a tliiiiii' of art. .Viul India 1)1('(1 licncatli tlic .)ug.n<'iii!i>it- The Stylus Saint u|iii)i his pilhiw stond. In Summer's heat and through the WinterV rohl. 'I'hc Hermit liid within the cave or wood. And some witii man no intereonrse wciidd hohh And men on foot once sou.nht the llol\ Land, Some did ])rostrate l)et'ore the sacred glow, Some seek a grave beyond Araliia's sand. .\nd millions how where sacred waters How. .\nd sacred hdnes are in some |ihices sliuwii. Where holy man a high position takes. And saci-e(l beasts in distant lands weie known. 'I'here is a land where yet tiiey woi'ship snaUc<. as AW kinds of nods tlu' mind of man rolioved. The lilack, tlic \vliitf, and Satan tliey iiave tried; 'I'hc ,yt>d of War the greatest i)raise received. The god of Peace, so callcMl, tliey ciiicilicMl. What simple things the thonghtiess ones impress. A Crescent Moon, a ( 'ross, or \'oodoo cliarni. Some sacred l)ones or just a lioly dress, A dancing jiriest or e'en a withered arm. I>ut once impressed l)y syml)ols of tliis kind, The mind to it will most securely tie. So often then in history we iind, To prove their cause that men would freely die. Among the Seers can thei'e a one be true? In every cult tiie martyr always bleeds, Believed by faith, we may this ])ath pursue, For it sujiplies what superstition needs. 39 . 4:t^. .T. ^ FAITH From Moslem's 'l\)iiili ami I'rom the Pcjiceful Cross, Two streams of blood have now for ages flo\ve(l, And nations yet will greatly feel the loss, And reai> the fruits that suiierstition sowed. The Cross at first hy jieaceful means was lead. To every land where savage man eould dwell, But when in i)ride it stalked with stately tread. It ruled by crimes that blushed the fiends of ffell. 'Twas better far the Moslem's sword to feel. Than suffer death hy Christian dragonade. The strong in faith the martyr's faith did seal, The weak through feai- a good confession mach'. Because they had their mind from dogma freed, And claimed there was no reason they could lind. Why Holy Pope and Christian King agreed Should rule the eai'th, in life or death could bind. 40 '\'\\\> hldjitcd pnot to tlii- i'iiiii'lii>i in distant liiiuls wcii- >titinn liinplit tlie Holy Cliurcli in twain. ,\iiil each one claims the kev to (Joiden Dooi-. 41 C'ourossioii i)r(ivt'(l to he a mine of gold, For tliere are tliose who must their seerets tell, To wlioni the priest his pra.vers have ever sold — A profit all to those to eliaiicp to sell. With bleeding ( lirist on Cross with jewels set And sacred heart, it is a priestly plan, And weeping maids their faces always wet, Tlicy songlit to rule the attributes of man. The vulgar herd by symbols thus misled. Soon back in worse tiian ])agan darkness sank. And Bruno's flesh to martyrs' flame was fed, x\s Socrates tlie fatal hemlock di'aiik. Thank (lod these things have nearly passed away, The blighting hand of bigotry is dead. Nor saints nor fiend no more ]>()llute the day, Before the liylit thev all fi'om eai-tli have fled. 42 The Moslems' Faith was sjircad l).v swmd and Hamc, From shores of Spain to I'crsia's hlood-soaked soil, They were eompelled to si)eak the Prophet's name. Or hy tlie sword were freed from earthly toil. More merciful than Christian cult or Jew, They tortured none who did obstruct their way, The savage horde was but a faithful crew. Whose only law was that they should obey. There was no sin for which they misyht atone. By paying gold to some old dotard i)riest. There was but one between them and the Tliione, Where they would rest, with black-eyed liouris feast. They worshiped (iod, the only (Jod Supreme, Their Pro])het would tln'ir future life provide, From Christian rule they would the earth redeem. The infidels should not with them abide. 43 lln-'w ti-iie lielicf tluit justice is hut force. And eartli should Ix-nd unto the Propiiet's will, AVho act for faith can suffer no remorse. To ])i-ove their cause their duty was to kill. The iiniltitude by some fanatic led, The i)romise of licentious life to bind. The iniimre faith of camel driver's s])read. And sought at once a martyr's grave to tind. For martyrs all for faith will freely bleed, Perhajia it is the ]»roper thing to do. The Moslem's Faith was very strong in deed, If his was false the other must be too. Foi- faith is hope of that which those desire. Which they conclude by evidence unseen, Is granted them by universal fire, Through one who stands, as they snpjiosc, lictween. 44 Thus spake the man who led the Cliristiaii van. A true lielief is .springing' u]) today, 'Tis Nature's God, and not the (iod of man, Who did create and may sweeji all away. Belief is knowledge of a thing unseen, ^Vliere certain jiroof as evidence is gi\'en, To say there is or must be then I ween. Is not a proof of either Hell or Heaven. To savage man whose mind is (|uite untaught, No faith to him can, tlierefore, be allowed, l-'rom Nature's God he favors oft has sought. And found in them within the wind or cloud .\s Moses held the gilded snake on rod. Some view in faith their Savior on the tree, And millions tind a most revengeful God Whei'e Budda taught etei-nal rest must be. 45 THE ARGUMENT Tilt' l)nast of priests, how silly now apiiears. Who used to tell what Grod to them did say, For what is man with all his hopes and fears, The Shade of Smoke on jileasant Summer day. The will of Grod the priests did lirst translate, Accepting bribes that would ]>lacate their wiatli, The sacrifice has long been out of date. But yet the priests have fnund anothci- ]>atli. The gdds at first the blood of men reipiired, And then they changed, accepting friiits and meat. When money came, it was the thing desired And now the i)riests can purchase wiiat tliey eat. They ruled mankind with knowledge, crime, and sleight. And acted well the iiart they had to l)lay. And did i)retend that (rod gave them the right To punish those who would not them obey. 46 W'c rc;ii- no mole till' tliiiii(|ci> i>r tlic ('liuii-li. L(i\ ((Ill's flames on cartli no lonj<('r burn, 'I'lic I'liritiuis , the ariiumcut to suit, l'\ii- cviMv cidt two .spirit lands must find. This is the fact, 'tis n('('(ll('ss to dispute, ir we leave earth we must leax'e lleli liehiud Uidike the men who ('hristian Seienre teach. And tell a Tool that he is almost (lod. 'I'he priest!)' trilie theii' mediation pi'eaeii. And use their liell as teachers use the rod. Let ci'azx' monks and hopeless lii^dls prate, nf theii- unjust and cruel (rod rexcaled, The oul\' < )ue whom We should couti'm plate. Ls Nature's (Jod in lo\-e from us concealed. 50 For every age has grojjed in darkest night, And every one some spirit did extoll ; Beyond the tomb tliey found no certain light, Nor did tlicy solve the ]ir()l)l('ni of the soul. For none of those who sleep did ever wake, Although the jn'iests did some false records keep, AVho guards us all, good care of soul will take (_)r death may be an everlasting sleep. For everything by Nature's God was planned, And certain things were hidden from our sight. They may be sticIi we could not uinlerstand. And watch and ]iiay may h'ad us to the light. Let honor, truth and justice be your guide. Was what was taught by Man from Gallilee. A mutual love, h;y envy all aside, Which proves the man philoso])her to be. 51 For Peace on Kartli would surely follow tlieii, AiK.1 triitli ami Impi' with liouor would aliidc. And loA'c would lie tlie coinuiou law ol' lueii. And <'liai'it>' would coN^er all beside. ?^)r (lod all Uiinsi's in plenty does provide. It does iu)t care to whom they are disliursed. And man with man in tairness should divide, By ,ii,reed alone he only has heen cui'sed. l'\)r man on man for haijpiness de])ends. And honor is the simplest rule of faith, Peace comes to him who heli)in,i;' hand extends. And future life may he the aftei'inath. And thus concludes the patient, searchin,n' clod, Who in these lines does history review, \\'liile mnsiui;- here alone with Nature's God, .Vnd Nature's (lod the only God he knew. Unhappy man, from youth condemned to death. Remember 'tis the universal fate, The flesh must die, the soul may be the breath. We live once more in that which we create. 52 1 1 /1- ■ ■■'^'^^1 -J Si^ ^1 ^tUS^:"* il3l^ :% a. 4fv jfc ^ H; BHf^i^^^^ k^^>i^^3^to^. S CLOSING LINES P\ir down i\w vale wliere now tlie Greater Beai- Does truly point the silent flight of time, T qnif'kly note upon tlie rising' air A sudden change that marks a mountain cliiiil/. The coming storm now shakes the distant trees, The moaning wind in ranks the clouds array A spicy scent comes floating on the jjreezc, 'i'lie tliundcis roll and zigzag lightnings ])lay. The mournful hymn brings back that ]5eaceful rest, 'I'o only those whom nature loves it can, 'Tis nature's voice along the mountain crest That earnest hreathes a prayei- for erring man. n'lie moon lias set beliiud the wcstei'n hills, The distant scene is slu-ouding from the view, And darkness first tiie rugged canon Hlls, As night around her sable curtains drew. 53 1919 Press The W. F. Robinson Plj. Co. Denver, Colorado '''J ^^^ ''^. S- '"'"- .''C^-*'* o~ '.. ^^■^■ ■^oo^ --J- V^ "^. ^^' .^^ %. ^"^ -r. .^^ .^'^ "oo^ v.V^ ^'% ,0 0^ \0 '■;<- '>, % S^' S^^' .-O' -i'^ ^^. O 0' ,0 o. oo^ ■/, o I v^^ "^.. ••^r, ^^ v.. ' <-', % .^v?^' ^ >*• It .^^" ;./ %. S I \ ,N. V- * :^^>^ "^^ v*^ .^^ % :s\,A -V-' ,->'' o5 "^cJ. ,A' ^. ^' ■.V 'V'. % ,-v> ^^/- C^' ', 4- V* v^'^' <^/., mmmmB LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 020 994 386 4 -;** ■>r?;t.