GopigM /f/j &OPYRJGHT DEPOSE* Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2011 with funding from The Library of Congress http://www.arehive.org/details/sermonsinrhymeOOgarn SERMONS IN RHYME ISI9 N' SERMONS IN RHYME BY JUDITH L. C. GARNETT THE NEALE PUBLISHING COMPANY 440 FOURTH AVE., NEW YORK 1916 1 ,f\ b v Copyright, 1916, Br Judith L. C. Garnett JAN 18 1917 ©CI.A455219 CONTENTS PAGE The Pbince of Peace g Nemesis 10 Spbing ,, Death ,, Safety 22 The Curse of Cain 12 Aunt Dinah's Repulse 14 Heartbroken 2 4 America 15 The Hypocbite Chbistian 17 To the New Yeab 19 The Finished Pboduct 19 In the " Uppeb Gabden " ■. 20 The Last Decision 21 Chbistmas 21 The Wobld in a Sling 22 LosT 23 Heaven 24 Two Mastebs, Two Fields, Two Paths, and Two Homes 25 The Call of the Home 26 Pbepabedness 27 Magdalene 29 The Hebo's Failube 30 Slaves 31 The Bbunt of the Fight 33 CONTENTS PAGE Easter 35 Delilah 35 The Traitor's Wealth 36 Just a Woman; Not a Suffragette 36 Cheer Up! 38 The Broken Promise ............ 39 Opportunity . 39 Jezebel " 41 Co-workers with God 42 The Perfect Pattern 43 Idols 43 The Unruly Tongue 45 To-day 46 Heartbreaking 47 Mister and Mistress Timeserver ....... 48 The Poor Rich Man 49 At the Marriage Altar 49 The Devil's Castoff 50 Great Men . . . .51 The Heart of the Father 52 Death 53 Under the Rose 54 Defeated 54 Forever 55 Greatness ' 56 The Difference 57 In Jail, and Out 58 God's Country 59 SERMONS IN RHYME SERMONS IN RHYME THE PRINCE OF PEACE From whence come wars and fightings among you? — James iv, 1. nations new, nations old, While you spare not man, nor gun, nor gold, The Mighty One, the Prince of Peace, Doth command you that your strifes must cease ; While yet you snarl and clash and hate, His white flag gleams near Heaven's gate. Brother of mine by war defiled, Think of Bethlehem's babe, — the Heaven-born child Cast down thy sword and reach to me A brother's hand on land or sea. Brother, stay war's crimes to-day, And let us try the Prince 's way ! Our hearts are God's for heaven and time ; 'Tis Satan that makes us lust for crime. God gives us room where we may be Akin on land and on the sea. Brother, stay thy sword to-day, And let us try the great King's way. Brother of mine, — anear or far, — God will judge of our deeds, — what our battles are, — Will strip sin's heart of godless pride, Though gold be great and lands be wide. Brother, reach thy hand to me, — A brother's hand on land or sea. 10 SERMONS IN RHYME Yes, Brother of mine, — anear or far, — One will judge what our battles are ; One will judge between thee and me; The One who made earth, sky, and sea, — "Will rule all nations, rule each man, Though great the nation and vast the plan. Brother, cast your sword away And let us turn to Him to-day. NEMESIS Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. Galatians vi, 7. Nemesis, Nemesis, With your dark and lowered brow, I see you stand and measure Sin's black harvest to me now. Nemesis, Nemesis, — God, have pity on me now! — I see you stand and measure With relentless hand and brow. Nemesis, Nemesis, — Dear Christ, oh, pitying, stay The crushing weight of harvest That she measures out to-day! SERMONS IN RHYME 11 SPRING Understanding is a wellspring of life to him that hath it. Proverbs xvi, 22. The old man smiled and listened, For the old man 's heart was young ; And he loved the gold of the crocus, And the song that the robin sung. The old man smiled and listened, For he thought of heaven 's bloom And the blessed voices of angels That sing gladly beyond the tomb. DEATH Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death. — Psalm ocxiii, 4- The journey, oh, the journey, — With neither friend nor gold, With neither sight nor hearing, — Out in the dark and cold! The journey, oh, the journey, — The journey all must take ! — But God will guard me resting, And greet me when I wake. 12 SERMONS IN RHYME SAFETY But whoso putteth his trust in the Lord shall be safe. Proverbs xxix, 25. Oh, the wind blows north, And the wind blows west, And black is the frown On the east-cloud's crest; And the wild wind may harm My tent where it stands, But my soul is safe, In Jehovah's hands. Ah, sin journeys north, And sin travels south; Like a famished wolf's Is its wide-stretched mouth. And though sin press me hard, Yet it can not kill My soul, held safe By God's mighty will. THE CURSE OF CAIN And now art thou cursed. — Genesis iv, 11. O Brother, my Brother, Cold, silent art thou, With my sword in thy breast, And death 's dew on thy brow ! SERMONS IN RHYME 13 Brother, my Brother, With thy cross to bear, — Did I send the barbed dart, And no soft word to cheer? Brother, my Brother, With wounds deep and wide,- 1 beheld thy dread plight, Yet thy kinship denied. Brother, my Brother, Have I robbed thy store Of thy fame, — more than life, — And of peace evermore? Brother, my Brother, If thy life I mar, Then my bosom must bear The same torture and scar; And Brother, my Brother, God 's question will be : "Where, — the brother I gave, — Answer now, — where is he ? " 14 SERMONS IN EHYME AUNT DINAH'S EEPULSE Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. — James iv, 7. Does yer know dat wicked rascal Sed ter Dinah, — dat's po' me, — "Darlin', ef yer 11 only lub me, Yo' kin hab de worl' an' sea?" Den I sed to dat ole rascal : "Yo' ole debil," — dat was him, — "See dis rollin'-pin I'se got here? — An' I'se neither weak ner slim !" HEARTBROKEN He hath sent Me to heal the brokenhearted. — Luke iv, 18. The home I loved is lonely As the dead bird's last year's nest, And only by my sad heart's blood Know I the east or west. The love that cheered my lifetime Now has sought another's breast; And unto one who heeds you not, You give your tear, — your jest. Yet from my grief, triumphant Shall new joy and greatness rise, For He who heals the broken heart, Such solace ne'er denies. SERMONS IN RHYME 15 AMERICA And who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this? — Esther iv, 14- America, America, How many weep to-day For peace from the battle, For rest from the fray! America, America, Ah, how well might you teach Peace, — Christ's gentle lesson That He gave to each. America, America, Ah, how well might you stand, With love in your bosom, And peace in your hand ! America, America, Ah, how well might you speak "Wise words to the mighty, — Wise words to the weak ! America, America, The Lord now gives to you To teach wondrous lessons And great deeds to do. 16 SERMONS IN RHYME America, America, Ah, what good can there be, In hate's spring that fills up The war's bloody sea? America, America, Ah, now forget the past; And teach Christ's sweet lesson Of peace to the last. America, America, There dwell within your gate, Men from every nation, — The children of fate. America, America, Sound now the gospel call : Oh, peace for the mighty ! Peace, too, for the small ! America, America, Ah, in war's bloody lands, How awful the grief is, How awful the bands ! America, America, — Kin to the nations all, — Ah, shout out Christ 's message, And cheer no man 's fall. SERMONS IN RHYME 17 America, America, Ah, let it never be Your ears will not hearken, Your eyes will not see ! America, America, All Satan's joy is hate. How great is the bondage, — The grief, — at your gate ! America, America, Oh, choose to-day to be The land of the noble, The land of the free ! THE HYPOCRITE CHRISTIAN For what is the hope of the hypocrite? — Job xxvii, 8. Suppose, in the day of judgment, God should say to you or me : "Hypocrite, thou Hypocrite, Woe evermore to thee ! "Hypocrite, thou Hypocrite, The devil has done his part ; And thou hast helped him with thy hands, And helped him with thy heart ! 18 SERMONS IN RHYME "Hypocrite, thou Hypocrite, The world is black for thee And for the souls led to hell's brink And harked to shoreless sea! "Hypocrite, thou Hypocrite, Who took, — who wore my name ; But thou hast lived to give me grief, — Hast lived to bring me shame. "Hypocrite, thou Hypocrite, "Who claimed my all thine own : Who served hell's chief with gems and gold,- For Me the husk and stone. "Hypocrite, thou Hypocrite, — Worse than the devil's own, For he took not my name to wear, Nor dared approach my throne. "Hypocrite, thou Hypocrite, Eternal woe to thee, For thy dread doom the ceaseless flame And devil's pit must be!" SERMONS IN RHYME 19 TO THE NEW YEAR So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom. — Psalms xc, 12. New Year, New Year, You are near, — are at the door, — For no man can stay your coming By the sea or by the shore; Nor bar, nor soldiers strong, with sword in hand, Can halt your progress, or your march withstand. New Year, New Year, Stop, and be a witness true When I vow, amid your sunshine, — Mid your clouds and mid your dew, — To seek my Master's way, to give my mite, And so find favor in God's holy sight. THE FINISHED PRODUCT One woe is past; and, behold, there come two woes more here- after. — Revelation ix, 12. Once on a time there was a man, And he was good and true ; But he took a drink of whiskey, And later he took two. Once on a time there was his son, And he was partly true; But he took a drink of whiskey, And then took seven times two. 20 SERMONS IN RHYME Once on a time there was a beast : The first man's one son's son; Beast he lived and died, — beast only, And now the story's done. IN THE "UPPER GARDEN" I am the reswrection and the life. — John xi, 25. Beloved, Beloved, Shall we not rejoice to meet, In the beauteous "upper garden," Nearby the golden street? Beloved, Beloved, Say to me love's words again In the glorious ' ' upper garden, ' ' Untouched by death and pain. Beloved, Beloved, I shall see you glad and grand, In the radiant "upper garden," And run to reach your hand. Beloved, Beloved, Oh, the joy when we shall cast, Near the feet of our Saviour Our crowns, Beloved, at last! SERMONS IN RHYME 21 THE LAST DECISION S1lo.11 not the Judge of all the earth do right? — Genesis xviii, 25. Your best, and scorned so, — Your truest and best, — As with, scorn of a foe? Ah, man, woman, or child, Cease your sob, dry your tear ; For God has a place where all of your best Will glory and shine evermore. Do not fear ! No judgment, no promise Can stand, or can keep, Save the Judge's of Heaven. Though you faint, though you weep, Cease to doubt, — cease to fear : For God has a place for all of your best, Though it fail, and it fall, and it falter, while here. CHRISTMAS For God so loved the toorld! — John Hi, 16. Oh, Christmas, Christmas, Christmas! "When the heart is young, to see The secrets by the chimney, And the charms upon the tree ! 22 SERMONS IN RHYME Oh, Christmas, Christmas, Christmas! When the heart is worn and old, Let's ease it of its burdens, With some thought or deed of gold. Oh, Christmas, Christmas, Christmas! Oh, God's gift that we might be Forever rich and happy, And forever young and free ! THE WORLD IN A SLING Thy tvill he done. — MaWiew vi, 10. When a wilful child, and ignorant, I wanted the world in my sling. Ah, desperate plight for the world and the child : The world all a child 's to fling ! But now, with my eyes turned heavenward, Let me learn, oh, the great, great thing: — As long as I will, and as much as I ask, My world is in God 's sure sling. SERMONS IN RHYME 23 LOST Why stand ye here all the day idle? — Matthew xx, 6. Lost, — now a woman, a child, a man ! Will you save one if you can ? "Lost in a heathen land? Lost on the desert's sand? Lost on the waters wide ? ' ' Aye, aye, — and by your side. Lost, — now a woman, a child, a man ! Will you save one if you can? "At parting of the ways? In dark and bitter days? In stress of strenuous tide?" Aye, aye, — and by your side. Lost, — now a woman, a child, a man ! Will you save one if you can? ' ' In maze of forest land, Led by a wicked band, Where gems and minerals hide ? ' ' Aye, aye, — and by your side. Lost, — now a woman, a child, a man Will you save one if you can ? "Lost in the house, or street, Far from the mercy seat ? Lost in a mountain slide?" Aye, aye, — and by your side. 24 SERMONS IN RHYME Lost, — now a woman, a child, a man ! Will you save one if you can? ' ' In pulpit or in pew, In secret or in view, Going to hell's jaws wide?" Aye, aye, — and by your side. HEAVEN / go to prepare a place for you. — John xiv, 2. Heaven, Heaven, Heaven, With gleaming golden street, — Where all the saints have singing hearts And joy's young, tripping feet! Heaven, Heaven, Heaven, With river, calm and grand, And joy and praise and music sweet Through all the fair, wide land ! Heaven, Heaven, Heaven, Where all love's dream comes true, And all my prayer for Paradise, And all my prayer for you. Heaven, Heaven, Heaven, — In all the land so wide No one with sighing, tear, or pain, No one with prayer denied. SERMONS IN RHYME 25 Heaven, Heaven, Heaven, — We will forget all woe Within the city of delight, Where all Christ 's saved shall go ! Heaven, Heaven, Heaven, — Where love abides alway, Where there is joy without alloy Forever and for aye ! Heaven, Heaven, Heaven, — No vision here can see The beauty of that home of joy, Prepared for you and me. TWO MASTERS, TWO FIELDS, TWO PATHS, AND TWO HOMES No man can serve two masters. — Matthew vi, 24- If I love not my God, I am the devil 's own ; And he will use me as his slave — Will scourge me to the bone. If I belong to God I 'm bought, but I am free ; For in the service that is love 's No bondage can there be. 26 SERMONS IN RHYME If I with Satan walk Along his homeward road, I shall find only, — my soul ! — Remorse in his abode. If I walk with my Lord, Safe in the ' ' narrow way, ' ' The path leads to the Land of Joy, Unto the ' ' perfect day. ' ' Work I in Satan's field, This harvest mine to reap : To eat my heart out, like a slave, ' 'er sins and sorrows deep. But in God's vineyard vast The grapes of grace are mine, And every drop of wine 's a gem Set where God's jewels shine. THE CALL OF THE HOME A city which hath foundations. — Hebrews xi, 10. city with foundations, — Where every heart is true, And every hand is loyal, — I often think of you. SERMONS IN RHYME 27 city with foundations Enduring, grand, and fair, — The worldly things I build on Are light as whiffs of air. city with foundations, Joy's sojourn for the blest, — city with foundations, There wait me wealth and rest ! PREPAREDNESS / came not to send Peace, but a sword. — Matthew x, 3Jf. Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it; except the Lord keep the city, the watchman loaketh but in vain. — Psalm cxxvii, 1. People of God, what is this ? A cloud for the heart and the sky. Oh, that we would prepare To heed the Lord Most High ! People of God, now prepare ! Will you dare to judge that your God Did all unthinking say: "Put down your sword and rod"? People of God, oh, prepare, — Oh, prepare you to heed your God, Ere He lets slip your soul, To perish neath the sod ! 28 SERMONS IN RHYME People of God, now prepare ! God to each grants a time and place, To prove if we will heed,— If we will seek His grace. People of God, now prepare! We are soldiers of Christ to-day, So 'tis but ours to heed, — Not ours to disobey! People of God, what is this But the same serpent steeped in guile, To make the heart rebel, To cheat, and to defile ? Peoples there were that ' ' prepared, ' ' — What have they but hell in the heart ; Hell on every hearthstone, And hell in every mart? People of God, what is this ? Though you make your forts thick with fire ; And fill the land with guns ; — Will these stay sin 's desire ? . Bullets and shells you may have, You may live in war's fiery path, — Will these things kill your sin? Will these all stay God 's wrath ? SERMONS IN RHYME 29 "Not to send peace, but a sword." — Sword of the Spirit, all good, Now pierce the heart and slay This beast, — the Lust for Blood ! MAGDALENE He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her. — John viii, 7. Magdalene, Magdalene, With your red mouth Satan kissed, — Magdalene, Magdalene, I weep for all that you have bought, And for all that you have missed. Magdalene, Magdalene, "Wondrous great God's mercies are, — Magdalene, Magdalene, — To wash all white your soul of sin, And to cleanse you from all scar ! Magdalene, Magdalene, Ere I draw my skirts from you, — Magdalene, Magdalene, — "With prayer and tears let me recall How I need God's fountain too! 30 SERMONS IN RHYME THE HERO'S FAILURE HENRY FORD A. treasure in the heavens that faileth not. — Luke xii, The hero sailed forth, His heart quick with joy ; And he lavished his gold With the zest of a boy. Forth with him there sailed A small, ardent band ; For his mission was great, — Yes, his mission was grand. The rabble, though, said, ' ' This man is a fool ! I will not lend my voice, And I won 't lend my tool. ' ' That is not my way, ' ' The jeering mob cried, And they scoffed at his deed. — All may scoff and deride ; But will there not be Bright stars in his crown, When the world 's way is done, And the last ship goes down ? SERMONS IN RHYME 31 SLAVES Their lives bitter with hard bondage. — Exodus i, V}. slaves, slaves, slaves ! Would that my cry be heard,— A warning like an angel's With clearness of a bird ! slaves, slaves, slaves ! Is wife or child a slave To Satan that is in you, — Or fed on food he gave ? slaves, slaves, slaves! Is husband, — child, — a slave To sin that you have harbored, To sin you kept and gave ? slaves, slaves, slaves, — At home or in the wild, With bondage of your evil, — Man, woman or a child ! slaves, slaves, slaves, — Man, woman, child, with bands That Satan made and fastened Both on your heart and hands ! 32 SERMONS IN RHYME slaves, slaves, slaves ! In parlor, kitchen, street, Are slaves you bind and shackle, And lay at Satan's feet! O slaves, slaves, slaves, By blow on heart or cheek, By bondage of your meaning, By evil words you speak ! slaves, slaves, slaves, — The youth with his young heart, Will you there write sin's legend? There paint black Satan's art? slaves, slaves, slaves ! The maid, like spring a-south, Why touch you with sin's fire Her cheek, her soft red mouth ? O slaves, slaves, slaves, — I see the chains you wear; — Since Satan bound them on you, You weakly keep them there ! slaves, slaves, slaves ! In this land we call free, — A land that's called God's country ,- What countless slaves we see ! SERMONS IN RHYME 33 slaves, slaves, slaves, — God rend the chains you wear, Ere you learn in hell's darkness No chains are broken there ! slaves, slaves, slaves, — May God forbid to-day That you, with heart unfettered, Be led from Him away! THE BRUNT OF THE FIGHT They bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders. — Matthew xxiii, Jf. Oh, the fight has come, And the fight is won; But I've no word from Jim, From the sun to the sun. Oh, the fight has come, And the fight is lost But Jim's child and I, — We must now pay the cost. The boss sat his horse On a distant height; Jim fought on hot ground, In the teeth of the fight. 34 SERMONS IN RHYME Oh, the big man feasts, Upon the big hill; On the field of blood Lies my Jim, dead and still. Oh, the big crowd cheers, — Still cheers the big boss ; But Jim's child and I, — Oh, our part's but the loss. Oh, the big man's word Created the fight; But Jim's child and I Cry and starve in the night. Oh, my Jim and I, We tried to live right; We needed no gun, And we wanted no fight. Oh, would it were so That men who war shout Be put in a pen, Where they might think it out; Until they be taught From God 's precious word : No right grows from wrong For aught, — man, beast, or bird. SERMONS IN RHYME 35 EASTER He is risen! — Mark xvi, 6. Oh, seal could never stay Him, Nor soldiers with sword in hand, When He rose from the grave triumphant, To go back to glory land! So, Saviour, by the greatness Of Thy heart that bled for me, / shall rise from the grave triumphant, An angel of joy to be. DELILAH Whose name was Delilah. — Judges xvi, Jf- How many a man is bound and led To Satan's path and lair, By a woman whose best is only "a rag And a bone and a hank of hair ! ' ' How many a man is bound and led, In paths that lead but down, By the lure of a cheek that is Satan's own, And the swish of a sin-worn gown ! 36 SERMONS IN RHYME THE TRAITOR'S WEALTH Yea, mine own familiar friend, vn whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up his heel against me. — Psalm xli, 9. Ah, gold to clink in my coffers, And gold for your heed while I speak; — And my spurs in the breast of my brother "With his white face silent and meek ! Ah, gold to clink in my coffers, And Satan to have and to sell ; — And I 've bought with the clink of his money My lodging and keep in his hell ! JUST A WOMAN; NOT A SUFFRAGETTE She hath done what she could. — Mark xiv, 8. Oh, just to be a woman, If the Lord has made me so ! I do not need a trumpet; I need not lead the show. Oh, just to be a woman, And to do the best I can, Just where the Lord has placed me, For all this life 's brief span ! SERMONS IN RHYME 37 Oh, just to be a woman, With no littleness of heart To envy God-made sparrow, Or God-made man, his part. Oh, just to be a woman, And to seek to serve my Lord ! I need not wear the tinsel, I need no spur nor sword. Oh, just to be a woman, If I can but win for me, The greatest of all guerdons For mortal there can be ! Oh, just to be a woman! If I do the best I can, I need not fear nor sorrow That I am not a man. Oh, just to be a woman ! If I do my best with care, — In brilliant sphere, or twilit, — No angel more can dare. 38 SERMONS IN RHYME CHEER UP! In the world ye shall have tribulation; but be of good cheer.- John xvi, 33. Cheer up, my brother! The day is not for long ; Now speak to your mate all cheerily; Now carry your cross with a song. Cheer up, O my brother! Now make this day your best, When the sun comes up on the eastern hill, When the sun goes down in the west. Cheer up, my brother ! The fight will not last long; How long, though, — thank God ! — is eternity, And the joy-land's glory and song! Cheer up, O my brother! 'Tis not alone for gold, That the cheerful giver is dear to God, Whose mercies are manifold. SERMONS IN RHYME 39 THE BROKEN PROMISE Pay that which thou hast vowed. — Ecclesiastes v, 4- And I forgot you, O my promise, To the little child await With weary heart and footsteps, And hand upon the gate. And I forgot you, my promise, To the one in prime of life, Who needed your fulfillment To stay the stress of life. And I forgot you, my promise, To the one so worn and old, Who waited in the twilight Till the last hour was tolled. OPPORTUNITY While it is called to-day. — Hebrews Hi, 13. I come, I come ; And the hours are yours for deeds ; — And my heart is full with love ; And my hands are full with seeds ! 40 SERMONS IN RHYME I come, I come, "With the first ray of the morn, And the wide world needs my love! — Do you greet me but with scorn? I come, I come ; And I beg you sow good seeds ! — Do you turn to dress sin's hate? Do you turn to spray sin's weeds? I come, I come ; And I greet you with the morn ! — And you might have sweets to bloom, And the fine gold of the corn. I come, I come ; And yours but to take to win !— Do you bind your heart and hand At the past's trash-pile of sin? I come, I come ! — I am yours until the night ! Will you sleep till sleep is death, And sin 's veil shuts out the light ? SERMONS IN RHYME 41 JEZEBEL That icoman Jezebel. — Revelation ii, 20. Do you dread the devil? His wiles, his bonds, his hell ? Do you dread the devil ? Ah, you do well. Do you dread the devil ? In the form of dove or pelf? Do you dread the devil, — Ah, in yourself? Do you dread the devil ? In the form of child or man ? Dread him then more deeply, Ah, if you can. Do you dread the devil ? More than your tongue can tell ? Dread him then more greatly As Jezebel ! — Ah, perhaps with beauty, — And fair and soft of cheek ; "With her false lips framing Fair words to speak ! 42 SERMONS IN RHYME CO-WORKERS WITH GOD Feed my lambs. — John xxi, 15. If it were your child, — yours, — Here, serene and still, Waiting here unconscious, Where the devil feeds his mill ; — If it were your child, — yours, — Here, where hell's gulf lies, On his lips light laughter, And a smile in the young eyes ; — If it were your child, — yours, — Here, within Christ's land, Breathing in sin's poison, And with poison in his hand; — If it were your child, — yours, — Starving, sick, and lost, Would you wait to save it? — Would you wait and count the cost' If it were your child, — yours, — Would you rest and wait? Would you wait for pleasure ; Wait for gain, or wait for hate ? If it were your child, — yours, — But heed you now, and stay ! This may be God's child here. Will you not help God to-day ? SERMONS IN RHYME 43 THE PERFECT PATTERN He is altogether lovely. — The Song of Songs v, 16. brother and sister, away! — Away with the curse and the sin That you take your pattern from people, And from what they are and have been. brother and sister, away ! — Away with this curse to the heart ; And make but the Saviour your pattern, Although death and hell be my part ! brother and sister, away ! The Master and message but see ! Oh, cease you to look at man 's frailties ; Oh, take you no pattern from me ! IDOLS Thou shalt have no other gods before me. — Exodus xx, 2. Oh, strange, strange, strange, — For all the Lord has done, Yet the world is full of idols Where souls kneel from sun to sun ! Oh, strange, strange, strange! Not all in "heathen land," But in this our time and country, They are praised with heart and hand. 44 SERMONS IN RHYME Oh, strange, strange, strange, To give one 's life, one 's blood, Unto things consumed by fire, "Wrecked by wind, or storm, or flood ! Oh, strange, strange, strange, To give one's time, one's soul, For the palate 's mess of pottage, Or for some like senseless dole ! Oh, strange, strange, strange! Some are idols made of gold ; Some are toys of yielding putty ; Some are new, and some are old. Oh, strange, strange, strange ! Do you adore a child, — Or a man, or stone, or woman 1 — Is your idol undefiled? Oh, strange, strange, strange! Dear God, lead us away, « Ere we perish with our idols, As we worship day by day. Oh, strange, strange, strange! Dear God, break them as clay ; Or make these idols hateful, So we turn from them away. SERMONS IN RHYME 45 Oh, strange, strange, strange! God strike them from above, Ere we learn too late, by losing, The strength of Thy great love. THE UNRULY TONGUE Keep thy tongue from evil. — Psalm xxxiv, 13. 'Twas all within a moment That he spoke the bitter word ; But now his child is lying "Where no word of his is heard. 'Twas all within a moment That she spurned her man with seorn ; And now he can not hear her, There, where the dead are gone. A word I gave a neighbour, But the evil word came back, To cut into my weary heart, And scourge, and rend, and rack. A word I gave a neighbour ; But it sprouted swift great wings ; — And, like a flying serpent vile, Fast as it flies it stings. 46 SERMONS IN RHYME Unto swift air I uttered Just a word, lost in the wild ; But lo, that word has come to fall On the head of my child ! A word I yesterday withheld, — Just a word I should have said ; — Upon my silence falls God's wrath, Living be I, or dead. TO-DAY Go work to-day in my vineyard. — Matthew xxi, 28. Said one : ' ' When I count not my millions On my fingers and my toes, I shall feel what 'tis to live, And shall deal with mankind's woes." Said one : "Let me lend you my eyesight, Ere fall night, and day shall close ; For when the morrow cometh It is neither friend's nor foe's." SERMONS IN RHYME 47 HEARTBREAKING For God shall bring every work into judgment. — Ecclestiastes xii, llf. What ! not shunned at the hearthstone ? Not branded in the mart? But God is the judge of the culprit! — Are you breaking a human heart? What ! not shunned at the hearthstone ? Not branded in the mart ? Yet thief you are, maybe, and slayer Of somebody 's helpless heart. What ! not in charge of the warden ! Not branded red with shame ? But is not your crime even greater Than those that the felons defame? No, not shunned at the hearthstone, Nor branded in the mart! But you culprits must come to the judgment Of One who knows every heart. 48 SERMONS IN RHYME MISTER AND MISTRESS TIMESERVER Unstable as water. — Genesis xliv, 4- Mister and Mistress Timeserver, a word I would have with you: An hour ago the moon was cheese ; but now the moon is dew. An hour ago the world was square ; and now the world is round. You hide with every hare that hides; you run with every hound. You strive to please the ignorant, and, too, the man of sense ; You march on this side and on that ; you sit upon the fence. You are one with the quiet-tongued ; agree with all that's said: You wish that I would live for aye; you wish that I were dead. Mister and Mistress Timeserver, for me the lonesome track, Before I'd hide behind your hedge, or howl amid your pack. Mister and Mistress Timeserver, I wish for you no ill ; But I was tired when we met and I am tired still. SERMONS IN RHYME 49 THE POOR RICH MAN He went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions. — Matthew xix, 22. poor rich man, whose full bins o 'er-flow ; poor rich man, with your gold you love so ; If in dear Christ's heart the beggar comes first, He is rich, while your soul dies of hunger and thirst. AT THE MARRIAGE ALTAR THE DIVORCEE'S VOWS As sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. — / Corinthians xiii, 1. For richer, for poorer, for better, for worse, And for each and for every day, — For richer, for poorer, for better, for worse, To honor, to love, and obey. For richer, for poorer, for better, for worse, These the words that her marriage vows say, — For richer, for poorer, for better, for worse, — She is marrying another to-day ! 50 SERMONS IN RHYME THE DEVIL'S CASTOFF And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely- Revelation xxii, 17. The old man 's breath came hard and slow, Where the gulf of hell yawned nigh ; The master whom he had served so long Had hut flung him there to die ! Past the power of whip and spur ; For his breath was almost gone ; — He had served the devil 's tricks and trade : — And had come where hell's fires shone. The old man's breath came hard and slow , Now he understood the price, — The price that he had paid the fiend ; — Ah, to know the devil's vice ! And by the pit for which he 'd toiled, — The dread pit deep and nigh, — He fought against its depth and fire His soul to sanctify. He thought of mercy 's Master meek, Once known at his mother's knee ; And his soul cried out against hell 's doom, And he prayed it might be free ; SERMONS IN RHYME 51 He plead, there lying on the ground, Till his soul of sin bled dry ; — There, on the brink of that dread pit, Where he'd been flung to die: ' ' Master pure and pitying, "Who once was crucified That never a soul need be lost Though hell 's foul pit yawn wide ! ' ' And who shall judge or dare to say That the gates were not flung wide, — The gates of Heaven's city bright, — To him who called — then died? For ' ' whosoever ' ' was the word, — God 's generous word, so great ! — Embracing, with the pure in heart, The sinner at hell 's gate. GREAT MEN Know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with Ood? — James iv, 4- Oh, the world's great men stood in sweat by the gun; And he mowed men down from the sun to the sun ! 52 SERMONS IN RHYME And they went to their doom with curse and with moan; While the black night came down, and ne'er a star shone. But the Lord's great man reached his hands to hell's mouth, And he drew back the men from its flame and its drouth. And they smote him amain, but he turned "th 'other cheek"; For the great man of God is both mighty and meek. THE HEART OF THE FATHER As a father pitieth his children. — Psalm ciii, 13. My child in peril in the treacherous wild ! — What would I not to save him, — my own child 1 Will not God reckon, if I am His own, The perils that beset me, — beast and stone ? My child in hunger where fell vampire feeds ! — Would I withhold my heart's blood for his needs? Will not God reckon, if I am His child, My needs and dangers in this treacherous wild ? SERMONS IN RHYME 53 DEATH grave where is thy victory? — / Corinthians ocv, 55. I am going away to-night, my friend, A little while from you ; I am going to our home to-night ; — Adieu, adieu, adieu ! I am going away to-night, my friend, There I will watch for you ; I am going to our home to-night; — Adieu, adieu, adieu ! I am going away to-night, my friend, Where skies are always blue ; I am going to our home to-night ; — Adieu, adieu, adieu! I am going away to-night, my friend, Where all love 's dreams come true ; I am going to our home to-night ; — Adieu, adieu, adieu ! I am going away to-night, my friend, — God keep you safe and trUe ; I am going to our home to-night ; — Adieu, adieu, adieu! 54 SERMONS IN EHYME UNDER THE ROSE Let not the sun go down upon your wrath. — Ephesians iv, 26. Yes, I loved him, But a quarrel came between — I married another, And I lived like a queen. Then he took her, And each wedded, weary day, He toiled like a bondman On life's burdensome way. But I envied her, 'Spite of all my wealth and state, — Craved her cotton garments And the crust that she ate, The touch of his hand, Though he lay on the ground, — E'en the widow's cheap veil And the drunkard 's low mound. DEFEATED A lying tongue is but for a moment. — Proverbs xii, 19. He was defeated ! And there he stood, With downcast mien, As the vanquished should. SERMONS IN RHYME 55 He was defeated! From yonder side The victor's cheers Rang far, rang wide. He was defeated? He fought for right! Then, his the triumph, The joy of the fight. He was defeated? Where real crowns are What counts this din That sounds afar! FOREVER Punished with everlasting destruction. — II Thessaloniams i, 9. Shall inherit everlasting life. — Mattheic xix, 29. It is not far to forever, — Just a slipping of the breath ; But vast the joy of heaven, ' Or grief of "second death" — Forever ! It is not long to forever, — Perhaps ere the word is said ; But 'tis long, to be living, Or long, long to be dead, — Forever ! 56 SERMONS IN RHYME GREATNESS He that is greatest among you shall be your servant. — ■ Matthew wxiii, 11. A woman of great wealth died to-day, She died, as she 'd lived, in the rich world 's way, — Died as she 'd lived, in Palace Place, 'Mid gold and perfume and service and lace ; Died as she 'd lived : scorn in her heart For the poorness of me and my petty part ; But for all her pride in her golden load, Naught could she take to her new abode. A woman of great heart died to-day. The greatness of her makes me rich alway. The world is richer forevermore, For wealth that she gave, for the burdens she bore ; She died in meekness on bed of straw, When no one but God either knew or saw. She died in meekness, poor and alone ; — Vast may her wealth be where God crowns his own ! SERMONS IN RHYME 57 THE DIFFERENCE Who art thou that judgest another? — James iv, 12. There was a poor man by one sin beset, Yet never a lie did that one sin beget ; Wherever he lived and wherever he went Blame, slight, and scorn were his harsh punishment. Another there was steeped tenfold in sin; But sleek, pious lies cloaked the foul soul within. And the foolish world said: "Oh, see this good man: — A being created on God's own great plan!" And the ' ' good man ' ' oft cried above the world 's din : "0 people, beware of my brother's foul sin!" So each lived, so each died, and only God knew How many one's sins, and the other's how few! 58 SERMONS IN RHYME IN JAIL, AND OUT Evil communications corrupt good manners. — / Corinthians wv, S3. Yes, Ned's in the jail, sir; They sent him there to-day. — And not only that, sir, But twenty years to stay. Ah, 'tis a strange worl', sir; And strange, too, is its way. — For 'tis poor Ned's wife, sir, Should be in jail to-day. Handsome as a dream, sir; Church member, — oh, you know ; Yet her man's in jail, sir, For her mad love of show. I know what I speak, sir, For Ned's one fault on earth Was to love that girl, sir, — A girl who wasn't worth. Just to live in style, sir, — Yes ; that was all her creed. Ned in jail twenty years A-payin' for her greed! SERMONS IN RHYME 59 GOD'S COUNTRY A better country, that is, an heavenly. — Hebrews xi, 16. I am thinking that that better land is grand and fair and wide ; And that there is joy's completeness on each and every side. I am thinking that the music there is sweetest ever heard ; And I could not paint its beauty, far beyond mere mortal word. I am thinking that there love will say all words here left unsaid ; For, in the country that is God's, love ne'er is mute or dead. I am thinking how each cup of joy is full to overflow, And that of grief or sorrow no heart will dream or know. I am thinking that there each will find one's own peculiar joy; Yes, even for the little child, some longed-for strange new toy. I am thinking that the love of Christ must wash my soul all white Before I find that country with its love and joy and light.