Class T^grSS/ 
 
 COPYRIGHT DEPOSm 
 
F. OTIS PETTS 
 
HELPFUL THOUGHTS 
 
 BY 
 
 F. OTIS PETTS 
 
 *r 
 
 SPIRITUAL ALLIANCE CO. 
 
 PUBLISHERS 
 
 Lake Pleasant, Mass. 
 
Copyright, 1915, 
 
 by 
 F. OTIS PETTS 
 
 AUG 26 1915 
 
 ©CI.A410240 
 
TO MRS. L. A. HALL MY 
 
 FOSTER-MOTHER 
 
 THIS BOOK IS RESPECTFULLY 
 
 DEDICATED 
 
INTRODUCTION 
 
 Perhaps a word in regard to how this book came 
 to be published, may be of interest to the reader. 
 
 Writing of verse being out of my line until three 
 years ago, one day in writing to a friend of mine I 
 found in reading it over that I had written it in 
 rhyme, and from that time I have continued writing 
 under inspiration, and as they have been very helpful 
 to me (spiritually) I felt it my duty to put them 
 before the people, hoping they might bring consola- 
 tion, and be an aid to the upliftment of humanity. 
 
 The Author. 
 
CONTENTS 
 
 PAGE 
 
 The Prayer 1 
 
 The Keystone of Life • • ^ 
 
 A Query: What is Prayer 3 
 
 The Beacon ^ 
 
 The Angels are Near 4 
 
 An Appeal by Silver Star 5 
 
 A Reverie • ^ 
 
 God's Mercy '^ 
 
 Twilight Thoughts 8 
 
 Do They Miss Me? 9 
 
 Christmas Time 10 
 
 A Prayer 10 
 
 They Gather Them in 11 
 
 The Pansy 1^ 
 
 Where 1^ 
 
 The Spirit's Message 14 
 
 Sweet Thought 16 
 
 A Thought of Love 16 
 
 Seeking the Light • 16 
 
 A Pipe Dream IS 
 
 A Lesson from the Violets 20 
 
 A Tribute to Onset 22 
 
 Are You Ready? 23 
 
 My Answer 23 
 
 When the RoU is Called up Yonder 25 
 
 Angel Voices 26 
 
 Nobleness ' • • 27 
 
 Then and Now 28 
 
 Ivu] 
 
Contents 
 
 PAGE 
 
 Angel Loved Ones 29 
 
 Songs of the Night 29 
 
 An Appeal 30 
 
 A Loving Message 30 
 
 Someone's Boy 31 
 
 A Sweet Thought 32 
 
 An Old Proverb 32 
 
 The Call of the Master 33 
 
 Look Within 33 
 
 A Soliloquy 34 
 
 Not one Star 34 
 
 Memory 35 
 
 Another Day 35 
 
 To My Brother 36 
 
 Angel Voices 37 
 
 In Memory of Mother 38 
 
 Just Believe 40 
 
 I Wonder 40 
 
 In Memory 42 
 
 Our Loved Ones 43 
 
 Sunday Morn 44 
 
 Why 45 
 
 A Reverie 45 
 
 The Flower 46 
 
 Lines to a Lady 46 
 
 God is Love 47 
 
 A Christmas Greeting 48 
 
 The Tired Heart 49 
 
 Good Cheer 51 
 
 A Christmas Greeting 53 
 
 [ viii] 
 
Contents 
 
 PAGE 
 
 Memories of the Past 53 
 
 The Longing Heart 55 
 
 A Little Child 56 
 
 The Holy Spirit 57 
 
 Some Day Somewhere 58 
 
 Out of the Past. 60 
 
 Which was it? 61 
 
 At the Fork of the Roads 62 
 
 Thankfulness , 63 
 
 Mother Darling 64 
 
 Consolation 65 
 
 Sweet Rest 66 
 
 In Memory of a Friend 67 
 
 Christmas Eve 68 
 
 Which is Right? 69 
 
 The Ripened Grain 71 
 
 The Appeal 72 
 
 Courage 73 
 
 Don't 74 
 
 Clouds 75 
 
 The Mystic Sound 76 
 
 Beckoning to me 77 
 
 Hope 78 
 
 Be Ready 79 
 
 In Answer 80 
 
 To My Friend 81 
 
 Gone to Sleep 82 
 
 In Memory of a little Child 82 
 
 A Friend's Advice 84 
 
 Beautiful Rest 84 
 
 fixl 
 
Contents 
 
 PAGE 
 
 Beyond 85 
 
 Meditation 86 
 
 The Prayer 87 
 
 There are no Dead 87 
 
 The Spirit of Love 88 
 
 Silence 89 
 
 The Waif 89 
 
 New Life 90 
 
 Who 90 
 
 In Memory of a Friend 91 
 
 Memory of a Friend 92 
 
 Face to Face 93 
 
 Close to Thee 94 
 
 Some Day 94 
 
 The Beautiful Land 95 
 
 The Reaper 96 
 
 The Message 96 
 
 Mother Darling 97 
 
 Our Departed 99 
 
 Give Thanks 99 
 
 The Angels are Calling 100 
 
 Faith 101 
 
 A Lone Traveller 102 
 
 On the Passing to Spirit-life 103 
 
 A Memory 105 
 
 The Real Judge 106 
 
 Across the Border Land ^ ...... 107 
 
 A Dream of Heaven 108 
 
 A Thought 109 
 
 After Awhile 109 
 
 [xl 
 
Contents 
 
 PAGE 
 
 Sunshine 110 
 
 Lead Me On 110 
 
 Ask and Ye Shall Receive Ill 
 
 The Twilight Hour 112 
 
 Prophecy 112 
 
 Days of Sunshine 113 
 
 Don't 114 
 
 Friendship 114 
 
 The Angel in the House 115 
 
 [xi] 
 
THE PRAYER 
 
 Oh! thou great and holy One, 
 
 Enter thou into our hearts tonight, 
 And bring us from the world beyond. 
 
 Thoughts that will make our life more bright. 
 
 We more than need thy gentle care 
 
 To guide our feet aright, 
 And thus we bow in silent prayer. 
 
 And ask for strength tonight. 
 
 For well we know that thou can'st give. 
 The healing balm to wounded hearts. 
 
 And give us strength that we may live. 
 To shun life's cruel darts. 
 
 The blessings of the Angel World, 
 
 Will fall in tenderest care. 
 On us the children of the earth. 
 
 Who lift our thoughts in prayer. 
 
 Not prayer alone can waft the soul, 
 
 To realms of peace and bliss, 
 But we must act as well, there by. 
 
 Help others to accomplish this. 
 
 Our Spirit friends extend a hand. 
 
 To help us in our striving, 
 To help our brother man we'll find. 
 
 That life is worth the living. 
 
 And now may thy blessing rest on us all. 
 
 The sick and the needy, the large and the small, 
 
 The rich and the poor, may they go hand in hand. 
 That all may be blended in one spiritual band. 
 
 And then will our lives be one living song. 
 And be heard round the world near and far. 
 
 And when we pass on, for it will not be long. 
 
 We'll enter our rest through the gate just ajar. 
 
 * [11 
 
The Keystone of Life 
 
 THE KEYSTONE OF LIFE 
 
 Over the gate of heaven, 
 
 There is an arch of light, 
 Set with jewels three in number, 
 
 Representing, God is might. 
 
 Truth, wisdom, love, are 
 
 The jewels that I see, 
 And as I gaze upon them. 
 
 This message comes to me. 
 
 Truth is the foundation. 
 
 Which we should treasure for its sake, 
 Wisdom, is the keystone of life. 
 
 Of which we should all partake. 
 
 Love, is the Godly Principal, 
 
 With which we should fill the heart. 
 
 And no one here has got so low. 
 But still he is a part. 
 
 Why seek the bad when there is so much 
 
 Of good within the soul. 
 Are we more capable to judge? 
 
 Than the Divine.'* Judge of us all? 
 
 Do we think our house more cleanly? 
 
 Than our neighbors o'er the way? 
 That we should judge so harshly. 
 
 Come tell me: do I pray. 
 
 There's none of us without our faults. 
 
 No hearts so pure I wean. 
 But if we searched them closely. 
 
 We would find them far from clean. 
 
 Then let us speak in kindness, 
 Of our brother man my friend, 
 
 For with all their faults there is some good, 
 Which will count for them in the end. 
 
 [2] 
 
A Query: What is Prayer? 
 
 Our mission here upon the earth. 
 
 Is to uplift, and guide 
 Our weaker brother who lacks the strength. 
 
 His weaknesses to subside. 
 
 When we have reached the portal. 
 When we have crossed the bar. 
 
 When the soul has left the mortal, 
 iVnd has gone from earth afar. 
 
 If we have fulfilled our mission. 
 
 In kindness and in love, 
 Our loved will give us welcome, 
 
 When we reach our home above. 
 
 There's a crown of glory waits you. 
 
 Set with jewels rich and rare, 
 Made by hands you love so dearly. 
 
 For you'll know each other there. 
 
 Then let us strive to wui the prize 
 
 That awaits us there on high. 
 Where we'll meet our Angel loved ones. 
 
 In that grand sweet by and by. 
 
 A QUERY: WHAT IS PRAYEK? 
 
 Prayer? Why prayer is the thought that ascendeth 
 From the innermost depths of the soul. 
 
 That our spirits with God may be blended. 
 For we all are a part of the whole. 
 
 A thought that goes forth in anger. 
 
 May bring us discomfort and pain, 
 For thoughts are but prayers, though unspoken, 
 
 And to us will return once again. 
 
 [31 
 
The Angels are Near 
 
 Then let us beware of the thought we send forth. 
 For we'll reap the same that we sow, 
 
 Let our thoughts be the seeds of kindness and love. 
 That the harvest an abundance may show. 
 
 THE BEACON 
 
 Keep the Beacon light a-burning. 
 
 Let it shine out near and far. 
 It may pilot some wrecked sailor. 
 
 Into port inside the bar. 
 Don't neglect your trust, my brother, 
 
 Temptation's rocks are in the way. 
 Of the ships tossed on life's ocean, 
 
 Let your light shine out today. 
 
 THE ANGELS ARE NEAR 
 
 The Angels are hovering o'er us today. 
 
 The air is filled with love. 
 They come that we may be inspired. 
 
 With thoughts of home above. 
 
 Resist temptation while you may, 
 Is the thought that comes to me. 
 
 For if you don't, some other day 
 May bring you misery. 
 
 When our hearts are filled with gladness. 
 Then our thoughts ascend on high, 
 
 Then our souls are freed from sadness. 
 And echoes from the loved ones nigh. 
 
 Let us give a smile of welcome, 
 
 As each earthly friend we meet. 
 Extend the hand of friendly greeting. 
 
 That shall cause the heart with love to beat. 
 
 [4] 
 
An Appeal by Silver Star 
 
 Sow the seed of human kindness, 
 As we wend our way each day. 
 
 It will sooth our own heart's sorrow. 
 Make us feel more blithe and gay. 
 
 Never mind the things of earth, dear. 
 Have your thoughts for things on high, 
 
 And they'll rebound again to your credit. 
 In that long sweet bye and bye. 
 
 AN APPEAL BY SILVER STAR 
 
 Oh, Angel of dawn, descend today. 
 
 To gladden the hearts of the sad and the gay, 
 
 And drop in their hearts a seed of love. 
 
 That may grow and blossom in the garden above. 
 
 For there is not one, on the earth so bad. 
 But in their heart there's a grain of good. 
 
 And if approached in a gentle way. 
 
 It will spring into life at a kindly word. 
 
 Oh, Brothers and Sisters, it behoves us now. 
 As through life's pathway we wend our way. 
 
 To send a thought as in prayer we bow. 
 
 That will bring some loved one to God today. 
 
 Oh, may the time come on apace. 
 
 To do the work marked out for me. 
 That I may see thy loving face. 
 
 And lift the veil that they may see. 
 
 It makes me sad as I look around, 
 And see the gloom around me placed, 
 
 But then I know in the great beyond. 
 
 That the spirit of love will that gloom efface. 
 
 [51 
 
A Reverie 
 
 Take courage then, Oh sad of heart, 
 And give your thoughts to those above. 
 
 For in that haven all things lie. 
 
 For God is love, and love can never die. 
 
 Oh, Angel of Love, send forth that power, 
 That shall brighten our pathway here, 
 
 And the essence of love to us be brought, 
 And make our vision clear. 
 
 My thoughts are ever going forth. 
 
 To the loved ones gone away. 
 To that beautiful home beyond the blue. 
 
 Where they will greet me too, some day. 
 
 A REVERIE 
 
 Did you ever stop to think dear friend, 
 
 Of the home just over there? 
 Where we in the evening twilight. 
 
 Waft our thoughts in quiet prayer? 
 
 Did you ever feel the softness 
 Of the touch of a loving friend? 
 
 As they lay their gentle fingers 
 
 On our head, that in grief we bend? 
 
 Just think, that your friends are near you. 
 Just think, they have not gone far. 
 
 That there is only a thin veil between you, 
 That they've only just crossed the bar. 
 
 That they're waiting there to meet you, 
 When your Earth life's work is o'er, 
 
 With a smile they'll wait to greet you, 
 And throw open wide the door. 
 
 [6] 
 
God's Mercy 
 
 They are doing all they can, dear one. 
 To make our sad hearts light, 
 
 To tell us of the life beyond, 
 Of the home so fair and bright. 
 
 Then let us help them all we can, 
 Their loving message to us bring, 
 
 To so uplift our brother man. 
 That we may their praises sing. 
 
 Then let us seek the good of others, 
 
 And think not of the bad. 
 For know ye not, they are our brothers? 
 
 That we must try and make them glad? 
 
 For the spirit must soon lay aside, 
 
 This earth form to arise. 
 To dwell with those beyond the tide 
 
 In that home beyond the skies? 
 
 There we will meet the loved ones. 
 That we thought had gone afar, 
 
 But we'll find when we awaken, 
 That they've only crossed the bar. 
 
 GOD'S MERCY 
 
 God in his mercy will make things right. 
 And smooth out our sorrows and cares. 
 
 And all things in the future will look more bright, 
 For uplifting our thoughts in prayers. 
 
 What today we think is wrong. 
 
 Tomorrow will seem more clear. 
 And our hearts now sad, will burst forth in song. 
 
 That will wipe away the tear. 
 [7] 
 
Twilight Thoughts 
 
 For he hath said, come unto me. 
 When the heart is sore oppressed, 
 
 And I will give love that you may see. 
 That all things are for the best. 
 
 For good deeds are the records 
 
 Of love born in the heart. 
 Derived from acts of kindness. 
 
 Of which God is a part. 
 
 TWILIGHT THOUGHTS 
 
 To-night as I sit thinking, 
 
 Thinking of the days to come. 
 Wondering what there was before me. 
 
 And if I'd have to roam? 
 When I heard a voice beside me. 
 
 Whisper softly in my ear, 
 " Do not worry for the future, 
 
 All is well, thy friends are near." 
 
 It gave me renewed courage. 
 
 To know our friends are near. 
 So I think I'll still keep forging on 
 
 Without a doubt or fear. 
 It puts new life into our hearts. 
 
 To know a helping hand 
 Is ever ready to lend aid. 
 
 Another start may be more grand. 
 
 Then do not give up hope, my friend. 
 
 For life is what we make it; 
 And if you've had a doubtful thought, 
 
 I pray you now forsake it; 
 For seed that's sown on mellow soil. 
 
 Takes root and brings forth bloom. 
 And will repay you for your toil. 
 
 And give you courage to resume. 
 [8] 
 
Do They Miss Me? 
 
 The harvest will be greater, and 
 
 Fill the store house full of grain, 
 That will repay you for the toil, 
 
 Relieve the heart from grief and pain. 
 Praise God, from whom all blessings flow. 
 
 I think I hear you sing, 
 O, Grave where is thy Victory? 
 
 O, Death, where is thy Sting? 
 
 DO THEY MISS ME? 
 
 Do they miss me at the fireside. 
 As the twilight hour draws near? 
 
 Would they miss my humble presence. 
 If it did not bring them cheer? 
 
 Would my voice be missed in singing, 
 Of the hymns we sang that night. 
 
 When we gathered in the circle. 
 And the future seemed so bright? 
 
 Many times my thoughts turn backward. 
 To the days that have been spent, 
 
 From cheery conversation, 
 
 That the powers above had lent. 
 
 If the angels have our destiny. 
 In their hands as people say, 
 
 I wonder they don't tell us. 
 So that we may know the way. 
 
 If they would so impress the brain 
 That we could know for sure. 
 
 Which step to take for betterment, 
 And avoid the evil door. 
 
 But the step we take and think is right, 
 
 Oft proves to be the wrong. 
 And the only thing that I can see. 
 
 Is to do our best and struggle on. 
 
 [9] 
 
A Prayer 
 
 For we can never change or mar, 
 Old Mother Nature's plan, 
 
 So I am content to leave my fate, 
 To the loved in Spirit land. 
 
 CHRISTMAS TIME 
 
 Another year has rolled around. 
 
 And brought Christmas to our door. 
 To delight the hearts of children. 
 
 With gifts from Santa's store; 
 We can hear their shouts of laughter. 
 
 Ringing through the frosty morn. 
 And hear the bells proclaiming 
 
 Unto us a child is born. 
 
 Children singing Christmas Carols, 
 
 Of the birth at Bethlehem, 
 Telling us the joyous tidings, 
 
 Peace on earth, good will to men, 
 Let us shout our glad hosannas. 
 
 That shall ring through heaven's dome. 
 Echo, and re-echo ever. 
 
 Till we reach our heavenly home. 
 
 A PRAYER 
 
 God of love, give us thy blessing. 
 As we meet here to sing thy praise. 
 
 Help the sick, the poor, the needy, 
 As in song their voice they raise. 
 
 Fill their hearts with love and kindness, 
 That shall spread through all the land, 
 
 And will give to others gladness. 
 Coming from thy loving hand. 
 flOl 
 
They Gather Them In 
 
 Teach us all to do our duty. 
 Help the pilgrims on their way. 
 
 Then the soul in all its beauty. 
 Will reflect another day. 
 
 Though the night be dark and dreary, 
 The sun will shine again at dawn, 
 
 And our hearts, though sad and weary. 
 Will be lightened with the morn. 
 
 Bless thy children here, now gathered 
 To commune with loved ones gone, 
 
 It will give them peace and comfort, 
 Cheer the heart, now sad forlorn. 
 
 And we ask of thee, O Father, 
 To give them the strength of will. 
 
 That they may not ever falter. 
 To go forth and do thy will. 
 
 Oft times life seems hard to battle. 
 
 As we journey o'er the road. 
 But we know that with thy kindness 
 
 We can bear the heaviest load. 
 
 Now we ask thee in conclusion. 
 
 As we wend our weary way. 
 To cleanse our hearts from all confusion, 
 
 And make us happy all the day. Amen. 
 
 THEY GATHER THEM IN 
 
 They gather them in to the Shepherd's fold. 
 
 One by one, one by one. 
 The glories of heaven to behold. 
 
 After the earth life's toil is done. 
 
 [11] 
 
They Gather Them In 
 
 Though the road of life has been hard and rough, 
 
 With thorns and tares o'er grown. 
 They have done their best and that is enough 
 
 To give then a place in the heavenly home. 
 
 Oh, do not weep for the cherished one, 
 
 Whose life on earth is ended. 
 For she awakes where all is peace, 
 
 For her life with God is blended. 
 
 Her place at the fireside can never be filled. 
 
 No matter how hard you may try; 
 The kind word, the smiles, she gave while here, 
 
 Is reflected by them, from on high. 
 
 Then let us smile as we wend our way 
 To the place where the form shall rest, 
 
 Well knowing her spirit this bright spring day, 
 Has its birth in the realms of the blessed. 
 
 The loving companion of years in the home. 
 
 Has left you in sorrow and grief, 
 But remember her sufferings now are o'er. 
 
 For the Reaper has brought her relief. 
 
 She stands by your chair, her hand on your head. 
 
 Her fingers are smoothing your hair, 
 Just think of your loved one as living, not dead. 
 
 And waiting for you over there. 
 
 So they gather them in one by one, one by one. 
 Your time will soon come, then you'll meet 
 
 The loving companion who left you to mourn, 
 But waiting your coming to greet. 
 
 The love that she bore you here below. 
 
 Is still retained above. 
 And through the spirit makes you know. 
 
 They still live on above. 
 
 [12] 
 
Where? 
 
 They gather them in to the shepherd's fold, 
 Where the fields are fresh and green, 
 
 And waters flow from founts of gold. 
 
 And they're with us here, though by us unseen. 
 
 THE PANSY 
 
 This morning I picked a pansy, 
 
 And as I gazed into its face, 
 I thought, or at least I fancied 
 
 I saw within a modest grace. 
 
 A lesson of contentment. 
 
 Is what it would teach to thee. 
 As it raised its sweet face heaven-ward. 
 
 In humble simplicity. 
 
 What diflFerence, if the other flowers 
 
 Are dressed in brighter hue, 
 I am just as God intended me. 
 
 And I can't change whate'er I do. 
 
 So I'm content with nature's plan. 
 
 And my mission I here fulfill. 
 By making man's pathway brighter. 
 
 And thereby do my Father's will. 
 
 Now brother, try and teach thyself. 
 
 Contentment, peace, and love. 
 By being patient with thy lot. 
 
 And all things will be righted when 
 
 You reach the home above. 
 
 WHERE.? 
 
 Where, oh where is Shadowland, 
 
 We hear so much about. 
 Is it away off in some distant land 
 
 In some far place remote? 
 
 fl3l 
 
A Spirit's Message 
 
 Is it up among the mountains. 
 
 Or in the oceans blue. 
 Or in the dark deep caverns. 
 
 Set aside for the chosen few? 
 
 Ah! no, dear heart, not so, not so. 
 
 The Shadowland I mean. 
 Is here within our midst, although 
 
 We cannot see beyond the screen. 
 
 Our vision is not keen enough 
 
 To penetrate the cloud-drift, 
 Until we've learned the lesson here. 
 
 To forgive, and others to uplift. 
 
 And when we've reached that height of love. 
 
 Toward all creatures grand. 
 Then we shall get a glimpse of heaven 
 
 Within the Shadowland. 
 
 Then we shall know the meaning 
 
 Of the mystery of God's hand. 
 Then we shall see beyond the vale. 
 
 Into that Shadowland. 
 
 A SPIRIT'S MESSAGE 
 
 Let not the clouds of sorrow 
 
 Obscure the rays of light, 
 That radiates from heaven. 
 
 The home where all is bright. 
 
 Our friend has just passed over 
 The threshold into realms of love, 
 
 Free from the pangs of grief and pain. 
 That are of earth, but not above. 
 
 [14] 
 
A Spirit's Message 
 
 Her mission here has been fulfilled, 
 
 Upon this mundane earth. 
 She has gone to Him to dwell in peace. 
 
 The God, who gave us birth. 
 
 Don't think she has left you here alone. 
 For that's not God's decree. 
 
 But to inspire us with the love. 
 That emenates from them to thee. 
 
 It throws a pall of sadness o'er. 
 
 The Spirit that has gone. 
 To look back from the other shore. 
 
 And see our hearts forlorn. 
 
 I hear this message wafted. 
 Back from the home above, 
 
 That mother still is with you. 
 And still sheds a mother's love. 
 
 And remember, I am with you, 
 
 Though the veil obscures your sight, 
 
 To guard, to bless, and keep you. 
 In the pathway of the right. 
 
 I was with you as you gazed upon 
 
 The form I left behind. 
 And tried to tell you then, dear. 
 
 That God is ever kind. 
 
 So put aside the sorrow. 
 
 That fills your heart today. 
 And on the coming morrow. 
 
 Try and be more light and gay. 
 
 For I will be more happy. 
 
 Here in my home above. 
 In the home I'll come and cheer you, 
 
 For you'll feel my touch of love. 
 
 [15] 
 
Seeking the Light 
 
 It won't be many years, my child, 
 
 Before we'll meet again. 
 In the summer land of promise, 
 
 And the heart is free from pain. 
 
 Look up and onward ever. 
 
 Let your thoughts ascend on high. 
 
 And I'll greet you in the morning. 
 In that grand sweet by and bye. 
 
 SWEET THOUGHTS 
 
 Praise the Angels now here gathered 
 From the heavenly home above. 
 
 With greetings from our loved ones. 
 And messages of love. 
 
 They tell us of the beauties 
 That await us there on high. 
 
 And the songs of love awaiting 
 Our coming bye and bye. 
 
 A THOUGHT OF LOVE 
 
 Dear friend, let thy light so shine, that its rays 
 may reach to some poor wayfarer who is struggling 
 along the dark road of dispair; that he may find it a 
 beacon light of truth which may guide him into the 
 harbor of faith and love, and thereby fill his heart 
 with that divine love that passeth all understanding. 
 
 SEEKING THE LIGHT 
 
 Draw near unto thy child tonight. 
 
 From thy abode above, 
 That we may feel the love light 
 
 That comes from thy great love. 
 
 [161 
 
Seeking the Light 
 
 I am sitting alone in the silence. 
 
 Searching with all my might 
 The innermost part of my being, 
 
 Trying to find the light. 
 
 And I question myself in this way. 
 Who are you? that you should judge. 
 
 Your fellowman's shortcomings. 
 When your own you wont divulge. 
 
 How easy it is to see the faults. 
 
 Of our neighbor across the way. 
 Whose life may be burdened with grief and care, 
 
 Without a kind word from day to day. 
 
 Put yourself in their place. 
 
 With environments the same. 
 And see if you could better do 
 
 Before you others blame. 
 
 There is many a one that goes to church. 
 
 With a sanctimonious face, 
 That, when at behind closed doors, 
 
 Make a Hades of the place. 
 
 Ye who are without sin, saith the Lord, 
 The first stone, cast with all thy might. 
 
 But none was cast, but with hanging head. 
 They disappeared from sight. 
 
 They who are free from taint themselves. 
 
 No poison darts will fling. 
 For they see no evil in the world, 
 
 But of its beauties sing. 
 
 Our duty to that weary one, 
 
 Is plain, we all can see. 
 Then speak a word in kindly tone, 
 
 Smooth out their troubled sea. 
 [171 
 
A Pipe Dream 
 
 Let us pledge ourselves this duty. 
 And to that pledge be true. 
 
 Do unto others that ye would. 
 That they should do to you. 
 
 If these thoughts are sent out daily. 
 They will spread out far and near, 
 
 And the world will be far better. 
 To live in while we are here. 
 
 And when our time shall come 
 
 To close our weary eyes, 
 May the Angels bid us welcome, 
 
 To that home beyond the skies. 
 
 And as we pass within the gate. 
 To the land of peaceful rest. 
 
 May we say to those we leave behind, 
 "I am glad, I've done my best." 
 
 A PIPE DREAM 
 
 One eve as I sat blowing. 
 
 The smoke from my old clay pipe, 
 These thoughts from my heart went flowing. 
 
 Out into the bright moonlight. 
 
 I thought I saw an Angel bright. 
 Descend from heaven's blue dome. 
 
 Dressed in garments pure as light. 
 To tell me of the heavenly home. 
 
 And as she stood beside my chair, 
 I saw within the wreaths of smoke, 
 
 A vision of beauty, oh, so rare, 
 And as it formed the Angel spoke. 
 
 [18] 
 
A Pipe Dream 
 
 I thought she laid her hand in mine, 
 
 And said, just come with me, 
 To where the fields are fresh and green. 
 
 And view the home prepared for thee. 
 
 She led me to a shady nook 
 
 Its banks bedecked with flowers rare, 
 Beside a little babling brook. 
 
 And every bloom a prayer. 
 
 And hidden in among the trees, 
 
 A cottage stood and it was made of pearl. 
 And in the doorway, hands out stretched, 
 
 Stood waiting, my little girl. 
 
 Oh, papa, welcome to our home. 
 
 Come in and take a seat. 
 And as I clasped her in my arms, 
 
 My heart with rapture beat. 
 
 The air was filled with music sweet, 
 
 I asked from whence it come. 
 She said it was the Angel choir. 
 
 Singing to welcome me to their home. 
 
 I drank in the perfume of the flowers, 
 
 I sipped the waters cool, 
 I basked in the bright warm sunshine, 
 
 I bathed in the crystal pool. 
 
 And soon there came a host of friends. 
 
 To greet me with a smile, 
 My heart was full of gladness. 
 
 Without a thought of guile. 
 
 I felt so light and airy. 
 
 No ache or pain had I, 
 It seemed like the home of a fairy. 
 
 With all my loved ones nigh. 
 119] 
 
A Lesson from the Violets 
 
 Then suddenly the vision passed. 
 
 My pipe dream then was o'er. 
 But then I know some future time, 
 
 I shall see my child once more. 
 
 The pain that your going has caused me, poor child. 
 Can never be healed this side of the grave, 
 
 But knowing your presence is here, it helps soothe. 
 And to ease us of pain and help us be brave. 
 
 So Father in Heaven, draw near to us now. 
 
 Impress us with that, which may gladden our 
 hearts, 
 
 And lay thy soft hand on our aching brow. 
 And say we shall meet again, never to part. 
 
 A LESSON FROM THE VIOLETS 
 
 While roaming through the wild-wood. 
 
 One bright warm day in June, 
 And thinking of God's wondrous ways, 
 
 And the flowers that fade so soon, 
 I came upon a patch of blue 
 
 Whose violet faces sweet. 
 Were nodding to the warm bright sun. 
 
 In their bed of green so neat. 
 
 And as I sat me down to rest 
 
 Beneath a shady tree. 
 The perfume of these bright blue flowers, 
 
 Brought these sweet thoughts to me. 
 Why so much happier are the flowers. 
 
 That dwell in yonder dell, 
 Than we who dwell in houses .^^ 
 
 Violet, to me the secret tell. 
 
 Then a wee little face looked up and said, 
 "You first must contentment learn. 
 
 Before you find the happiness 
 
 For which your poor heart yearns. 
 [201 
 
A Lesson from the Violets 
 
 For it was God's hand that placed you here, 
 
 To carry out the plan, 
 Of progress, which will fit you 
 
 For your home, in that brighter land. 
 
 *' We care not what the world may think. 
 
 Or what the world may do. 
 As long as we do our duty. 
 
 And it should be the same with you. 
 We are often crushed by man's dull tread. 
 
 Left in pain and sorrow here. 
 And forgive, as we raise our bruised head. 
 
 For we know God's hand is near. 
 
 " To sustain us in our sorrows 
 
 And this lesson we give to you. 
 And we say in our pain, 'Father forgive. 
 
 For they know not what they do.' 
 No matter if our forms are bent. 
 
 By the cruel tread of man. 
 If our souls are only pure and clean, 
 
 And we do the best we can. 
 
 " So let it be the same with you, 
 
 Forgive, harsh word, or blow. 
 For God in his mercy, will care for us all, 
 
 And that is enough to know. 
 To feel that we are doing right. 
 
 No matter what others may say. 
 As long as the sun in our heart is bright, 
 
 And we feel we have done some good today. 
 
 *' Look upward and onward. 
 
 And keep pressing on. 
 And you will find in contentment, 
 
 Life, is one long sweet song." 
 And as I turned homeward. 
 
 My heart was more gay. 
 For the violets had taught me, 
 
 A grand lesson that day. 
 
 [21] 
 
A Tribute to Onset 
 
 The birds singing anthems, 
 
 The trees breathing prayers, 
 Had relieved my tired heart 
 
 Of its sorrow and cares. 
 And now, reader, take warning. 
 
 And try contented to be. 
 Like the violets whose secrets. 
 
 Were revealed unto me. 
 
 A TRIBUTE TO ONSET 
 
 There is a cottage at old Onset, 
 That they call the Lodge of Rest, 
 
 Where I spent a week this summer, 
 It's a cozy little nest. 
 
 Young maples, oaks, and pine trees. 
 Grow round the cottage door, 
 
 With a pleasant chatty hostess. 
 Need one ask for any morcf^ 
 
 At the wigwam in the valley, 
 One can get good spiritual food. 
 
 And if you have an illness, 
 
 Healers there will do you good. 
 
 At the Temple, one can get his fill. 
 Of wholesome food for thought. 
 
 That the inspired speakers give him 
 Right from God, that can't be bought. 
 
 If one seeks the spirit's guidance, 
 And will live the golden rule. 
 
 He will find his life more happy. 
 And sweet peace unto the soul. 
 
 [22] 
 
My Answer 
 
 ARE YOU READY? 
 
 Are you ready, brother, ready, 
 For the call of the reaper Death? 
 
 Are you ready for the summons, 
 That shall end your earthly breath? 
 
 It is not reaper Death that takes. 
 Us from this earthly plane, 
 
 It is reaper Life, that gathers in 
 The ripened wheat and grain. 
 
 Don't wait until you hear the call 
 Before your cry for help is made. 
 
 But seek your angel loved ones. 
 Who are anxious for to aid 
 
 Your tired soul to so expand. 
 Your heart to lighter grow, 
 
 That you may feel the gentle touch 
 Press softly on your fevered brow. 
 
 God gave to us the mandate. 
 
 To love our brother man, 
 Which will bring us peace and comfort, 
 
 And bring us nearer Shadowland. 
 
 It is only just beyond the vale. 
 Where fields are fresh and green. 
 
 And the air is filled with voices 
 Of loved ones, yet by us unseen. 
 
 MY ANSWER 
 
 You ask me why I'm lonely? 
 
 Why I'm blue and sad of heart? 
 My friend I'd tell you, only 
 
 It makes the old wound smart. 
 [231 
 
My Answer 
 
 My life has been so dreary. 
 
 One long and darksome road, 
 That I hate to talk about it, 
 
 Dread to lift the heavy load. 
 
 Once my hopes and aspirations 
 Were as bright as burnished gold, 
 
 Till a cloud shut out the sunlight, 
 And my heart grew hard and cold. 
 
 And it seemed as if I'd perish 
 
 From the blow that pierced the heart, 
 
 But this thought I deeply cherish, 
 God is good, He soothed the smart. 
 
 Do not censure for not imparting 
 That which was buried long ago. 
 
 To tell it would cause me many a heartache. 
 The like, I hope you'll never know. 
 
 "The darkest clouds are lined with silver," 
 
 Sang the Poet in his song. 
 But for me there is no brightness 
 
 Breaking through the clouds at morn. 
 
 For my loved ones all are dwelling 
 
 In the home beyond the blue. 
 In songs their voices now are swelling. 
 
 Songs of old, though ever new. 
 
 Patiently I wait the summons 
 
 Of the boatman on the shore. 
 To bear me to that land supernal, 
 
 In peace to dwell for evermore. 
 
 Me-thinks I feel their angel presence 
 
 As in silence I sit alone. 
 For o'er me steals that soothing essence 
 
 That radiates from our heavenly home. 
 
 [24] 
 
When the Roll is Called up Yonder 
 
 Let me live my own life, my way. 
 
 Doing good where e're I can. 
 For it makes my heart the lighter 
 
 Helping my brother man. 
 
 Oh, come with me, my sister, brother, 
 Along the road that leads to bliss 
 
 Where spirit can commune with spirit 
 And the angel world sheds light on this. 
 
 We need no creeds or dogmas, 
 
 No sermons preached by man 
 To tell us of the beauties 
 
 Of that glorious Shadowland. 
 
 Our inner self will teach us 
 
 If we harken to the voice 
 That prompts us to our duty. 
 
 And bids us take our choice. 
 
 Of going forth to battle 
 
 With inharmony for our sword. 
 
 Or, sending forth a love thought 
 Followed by a kindly word. 
 
 Bear ye one another's burdens 
 As you go through life, my friend. 
 
 And you'll find your own the lighter 
 As you near your journey's end. 
 
 When you pass beyond the border 
 Of the cloud-drift, then you'll find. 
 
 That by being kind to others 
 
 You have gained God's love divine. 
 
 WHEN THE ROLL IS CALLED UP YONDER 
 
 When I hear the angel voices call me to the other 
 shore. 
 And the morning breaks eternal bright and fair, 
 [25 1 
 
Angel Voices 
 
 When the loved of earth shall meet to dwell in peace 
 for evermore, 
 And the roll is called up yonder, I'll be there. 
 
 On that bright and cloudless morning, where the 
 fields are fresh and green, 
 And our hearts are free from sorrow and from 
 care. 
 We shall meet our loved in glory and shall know as 
 we are known. 
 When the roll is called up yonder, I'll be there. 
 
 Oh, the joy of greeting loved ones as we cross the 
 
 border-land 
 
 And the burdens of the sad, then we may share. 
 
 We shall sing the song of peace and love, in that 
 
 happy angel band. 
 
 When the roll is called up yonder, I'll be there. 
 
 Chorus 
 
 When the roll is called up yonder. 
 When the roll is called up yonder. 
 
 When the roll is called up yonder. 
 When the roll is called up yonder 
 I'll be there. 
 
 ANGEL VOICES 
 
 Listen, don't you hear the singing 
 Of that angel choir grand, 
 
 Messages of love they are bringing 
 To us from that summer land. 
 
 Sweetest music, how angelic. 
 Played upon their harps of gold 
 
 And in song their voices blending 
 
 Tells the story, new yet old. 
 
 [26] 
 
Nobleness 
 
 Rising, falling, like a cloud-drift 
 Floating round us to and fro. 
 
 Filling hearts with joy and gladness 
 While they are singing soft and low. 
 
 Always happy, always joyous, 
 
 Hearts brim full of love and peace, 
 
 Some day we will join their number. 
 Some day earthly cares will cease. 
 
 Then we'll see the holy city, 
 Many mansions there we'll see. 
 
 Then they'll ask in tones of pity 
 If there's one that's built for me. 
 
 Mansions there are, built while living 
 On the earth plane here below. 
 
 With kind deeds, kind words, and giving 
 Charity to those in need, you know. 
 
 NOBLENESS 
 
 What is more noble in mankind 
 
 Than one with a will of his own, 
 Who dares to say no, and means it 
 
 When temptations around him are thrown; 
 Who follows the teachings of Mother 
 
 That she taught when a child, at her knee, 
 Who to self dares be upright and honest. 
 
 That is the Man for me. 
 
 Don't mind the laughter of comrades 
 
 When you tell them you don't smoke and drink, 
 For they in the end will respect you, 
 
 Ah yes, my boy, more than you think. 
 And your friends, and the angels, will guard you 
 
 Into paths that are narrow and straight. 
 That leads to the portals of heaven 
 
 With a welcome of joy at the gate. 
 [27] 
 
Then and Now 
 
 THEN AND NOW 
 
 Years ago when in my childhood 
 Thoughts of heaven came to me, 
 
 When I roamed throughout the wildwood 
 Or knelt at night at mother's knee. 
 
 Hosts of faces came before me, 
 Faces framed in mist it seemed, 
 
 And they smiled on me so kindly. 
 Kindly, like a warm sunbeam. 
 
 But in years, as I grew older. 
 
 Again they came all wreathed in light. 
 And they'd tap me on the shoulder, 
 
 Till I'd hide my face in fright. 
 
 Now, I know it was the loved ones. 
 From the unseen world above. 
 
 Come to teach me life eternal. 
 And all there is to life is love. 
 
 Now I see with clearer vision 
 Than I did when in my youth. 
 
 And I know it is our mission 
 
 To spread forth the spiritual truth. 
 
 And I hope to do my duty 
 Unto those to truth are blind. 
 
 That their hearts may see the beauty 
 In the act of being kind. 
 
 That their hearts may be the lighter. 
 And their soul may so expand. 
 
 And their lives may be the brighter. 
 When they reach the summer land. 
 
 [28 1 
 
Songs of the Night 
 
 ANGEL LOVED ONES 
 
 Angel loved ones, gather here, 
 
 Bring us messages of love, 
 Let us feel your presence near. 
 
 Radiant from your home above. 
 For we need thy guiding hand, 
 
 E're our feet should go astray. 
 Lead us to the summer land, 
 
 Into the relams of perfect day. 
 
 Fill our hearts with sweet content, 
 
 While on earth we struggle on, 
 When our earthly life is spent 
 
 We may greet the gladsome morn. 
 Loving friends we then shall see. 
 
 Waiting on the tideless shore. 
 With our own we'll surely be. 
 
 And we'll part with them no more. 
 
 SONGS OF THE NIGHT 
 
 Oh, sing me a song of the eventide. 
 
 As nature is sinking to rest. 
 The birdlings all nestled beneath the 
 
 Wing, and close to their mother's breast. 
 
 I love to hear the night bird's coo, 
 
 As they sing their love songs to their mate, 
 
 And the wise old owl sings to-whoo, to-whoo, 
 As he sits on the garden gate. 
 
 The oriole, calling its mate to rest. 
 
 To its home in the maple tree. 
 And to hear the cry of the whip-poor-will, 
 
 Is oh ! such sweet music to me. 
 129] 
 
A Loving Message 
 
 And as my head on my pillow I lay. 
 And list to the songs of the night. 
 
 It fills my heart with love, and I say 
 God is good and all things are right. 
 
 And I drift away to the land of nod, 
 To the songs of the eventide, 
 
 And I know if I die, I'll go to God, 
 O'er the waves of the crystal tide. 
 
 AN APPEAL 
 
 Loving friends draw near to me. 
 
 Let me of thy beauties see. 
 Open up the gate- way wide, 
 
 That I may get a glimpse inside. 
 
 The portal of the heavenly spheres, 
 From whence the light of life appears, 
 
 And teach us wisdom, love, and peace, 
 And make our hearts as white as fleece. 
 
 A LOVING MESSAGE 
 
 Mother, I come to greet you. 
 To fill your heart with cheer. 
 
 To tell you that your spirit friends 
 Are with you now and here. 
 
 The longing of your lonely heart 
 Sometime will be fulfilled, 
 
 Within that land of promise 
 By God, for He so willed. 
 
 Be patient, calm and cheerful 
 And smile instead of frown, 
 
 To fret and mourn is fenrful 
 And will never win the crown. 
 
 [30] 
 
Someone's Boy 
 
 When the ripened grain is ready 
 For the reaper's sickle keen, 
 
 With a stroke that's strong and steady 
 He will lay it low I wean. 
 
 But though laid low, 'twill rise again 
 
 In living fields of green, 
 To wave in golden glory 
 
 Forever on the scene. 
 
 SOMEONE'S BOY 
 
 I have a little offering, 
 
 It isn't very great. 
 But it may ease the suffering 
 
 Of someone near the gate. 
 
 One day a weary pilgrim 
 
 Drew near my outer door. 
 And asked if I would help him, 
 
 For he was very poor. 
 
 I gladly gave him food to eat, 
 
 A warm coat for his back, 
 God grant that I may never 
 
 A deed of kindness lack. 
 
 He thanked me o'er and o'er again, 
 It filled my heart with joy. 
 
 To know I eased another's pain — 
 For he was some mother's boy. 
 
 So let us ever help the sad. 
 That o'er our pathway stray, 
 
 T'will ever make our own hearts glad, 
 By doing kind deeds day, by day. 
 
 [311 
 
An Old Proverb 
 
 It's darkest just before the dawn. 
 
 Is a proverb old and true, 
 And shadows flee at approaching morn 
 
 For me as well as you. 
 
 Then don't despair, for joy will come, 
 And life will seem more bright, 
 
 Reflections from our heavenly home 
 Will make all things come right. 
 
 A SWEET THOUGHT 
 
 Sweet the hour when I shall greet you. 
 
 Child of love, so pure and sweet. 
 For I know that I shall meet you. 
 
 When life's journey here's complete. 
 For I know that you'll be waiting 
 
 By that ever tideless sea. 
 For the coming of the boatman 
 
 That shall bear me home to thee. 
 
 AN OLD PROVERB 
 
 Laugh and the world laughs with you. 
 
 Is a proverb we've heard for years, 
 And a true one, for which I can vouch for. 
 
 For it banishes trouble and fears; 
 For when we are joyous and happy. 
 
 In our life no trouble finds place. 
 So then each day let us always 
 
 Be seen with a smile on our face. 
 
 It's one of the best of cure-alls. 
 Of the ills we imagine we have. 
 
 And by laughing we avoid many pitfalls. 
 That we meet on land and on wave. 
 
 [321 
 
Look Within 
 
 If you meet a grouch on your travels, 
 
 Looking for trouble or fight. 
 Just laugh and tell him it's folly. 
 
 And most always he'll say you are right. 
 
 So it pays to speak in kindness. 
 
 To the pilgrims we meet on the way, 
 It may help to free them from blindness 
 
 Of anger, which they might display, 
 A laugh and a kindly word spoken. 
 
 Will cause wrath to turn into love. 
 And by so doing, the angels of heaven. 
 
 Will shower blessings on you from above. 
 
 THE CALL OF THE MASTER 
 
 Did you ever sit by the bedside 
 
 Of a friend just passing away? 
 And notice the expression of sweetness. 
 
 That over their features would play? 
 The expression of peace, joy and gladness. 
 
 That in life you had ne'er seen before, 
 T'was the joy that they feel at the greeting 
 
 Of loved ones they meet on the shore. 
 
 Should we feel the sadness of parting? 
 
 With those we have loved long and well. 
 When we know their going from earth life. 
 
 Means progress of life ! Who can tell? 
 My faith stronger grows as I witness. 
 
 The peaceful expression of death. 
 And I long for the call of the master. 
 
 And will welcome the reaper called Death. 
 
 LOOK WITHIN 
 
 I look within my inner self to see if 
 
 All is well. 
 And if a fault I find therein, unto 
 
 My God I tell, 
 
 [33] 
 
Not One Star 
 
 In humble prayer and faith I ask 
 
 To free my heart from guile, 
 In meek and lowly humbleness, 
 
 As if I was a child, 
 Before the bar of God I stand, with 
 
 Meek and contrite heart, 
 And pray to him, the oversoul 
 
 To remove the poisoned dart. 
 And when I knock upon the door. 
 
 Wide open it will swing, and I hear 
 The angels voices say, dear child, come, enter in. 
 
 A SOLILOQUY 
 
 Why is it my lot to be lonely. 
 
 With no companion to bless? 
 The last years of life, if I only 
 
 Had some one to love and caress. 
 
 I cannot see why I should suffer, 
 I've done the best that I could, 
 
 I've wasted my life for another 
 And have tried to do as I should. 
 
 My wife, children all, have been taken, 
 
 And left me alone to my fate, 
 And I'm lonely, so lonely and shaken. 
 
 That the end now I patiently wait. 
 
 God grant that the strength may be given 
 To me till the summons shall come. 
 
 That calls weary pilgrims to heaven. 
 To dwell in that beautiful home. 
 
 NOT ONE STAR 
 
 There's not one star a shining. 
 
 To guide me on my way. 
 To ease the heart's repining 
 
 Of the sorrow of today, 
 
 [34] 
 
Another Day 
 
 Perhaps when dawn awakens, 
 
 There will be a hand stretch forth. 
 
 To guide me to that haven, 
 
 Where the spirit has new birth. 
 
 Oh, that the gate might open, 
 
 That I might enter in. 
 For I am tired of traveling 
 
 Through this weary world of sin; 
 Not that I would shun my duty 
 
 Or not another's burden share. 
 But I'm weary, weak, and footsore, 
 
 And to go is now my prayer. 
 
 MEMORY 
 
 Memory is the master, and it wields a scepter bold. 
 And fills our hearts with sadness, as to us the past 
 
 unfolds, 
 But a smiling face hides many a pain, in the heart of 
 
 vain regret. 
 And the more we try, the harder we strive, the less 
 
 we can forget. 
 
 ANOTHER DAY 
 
 Another day is ended, the time for rest has come. 
 Our souls, will soon be blended in our celestial home; 
 We'll know no care or sorrow there, 
 
 But peace and joy and love. 
 With loving friends, we then will share. 
 
 The heavenly home above. 
 
 And as we lay us down to rest upon our downy bed, 
 We'll wake perhaps among the blessed, 
 
 For we know there are no dead. 
 
 For Christ, who died and rose again, 
 
 [35 1 
 
To My Brother 
 
 Into that brighter realm. 
 
 Is captain of our destiny. 
 And is ever at the helm. 
 
 He'll guide our bark with safety, 
 
 Into that harbor fair, 
 Where we will meet our loved ones, 
 
 For we'll know each other there. 
 
 Then come, thou fount of every blessing. 
 Let thy love spread near and far 
 
 May its light the way illumine. 
 
 The loving souls, who cross the bar. 
 
 May the boat that bears them over. 
 
 Have for pilot, God's right hand, 
 That they may safely reach the harbor 
 
 Of that bright, that promised land, 
 Free our hearts of words, of hatred — 
 
 Plant within the seed of love, 
 Nourish them with thoughts of kindness 
 
 To be garnered in the home above. 
 
 TO MY BROTHER 
 
 There's a light in the window my brother, for thee, 
 
 in the window of the soul, 
 And if you follow that light, I see you reach someday 
 
 the goal. 
 Temptations will spring up along your path, and 
 
 hard to resist they will be, 
 But if steadfast and honest to self, you will find, that 
 
 others will help you to be. 
 
 Strength will be given you day by day 
 
 If you ask the All Father for aid. 
 And the angels of love will put in the way 
 
 A light that will illumine the shade; 
 
 [36 1 
 
Angel Voices 
 
 So be steadfast in purpose and steer your barque 
 
 straight 
 For the harbor that now is in sight, 
 
 And your success is sure, though to you it seems 
 
 late. 
 And your future will ever be bright. 
 
 God in his mercy will lighten the way 
 
 That now seems dark and drear. 
 For His loving kindness endures always. 
 
 And His guardian angels are near 
 To help and strengthen us here below 
 
 As we wend our weary way, 
 Though our path is rough, and our progress slow, 
 
 We will reach the goal someday. 
 
 We must not think of our own heartache 
 
 For there are others who need our care. 
 And to help to lighten their burdens today 
 
 Will help to lighten our share. 
 In meeting a poor weary one on the road 
 
 Just give them a nod and a smile. 
 It will give them new courage, and ease 
 
 Up their load, and we'll know in our hearts it's 
 worth while; 
 
 For the seeds that we sow in this life you'll find, 
 Will grow, be they evil or good, 
 
 And we'll reap the same, which ever the kind 
 So be watchful, and sow as we should. 
 
 ANGEL VOICES 
 
 Listen to the angel voices 
 Whispering in thy ear, 
 
 Telling of that life supernal. 
 Relieving us of fear. 
 [37] 
 
In Memory of Mother 
 
 Telling us that all is brightness, 
 Be not afraid to cross the strand. 
 
 For as you enter the vale of shadows 
 God will take you by the hand. 
 
 And lead you out into the sunlight, 
 
 Into fields and pastures green, 
 By the waters pure as crystal, 
 
 Glistening like a silver sheen. 
 
 Why those tears,'* because I am leaving, 
 
 This old earth for pastures new, 
 You should not, my friend, be grieving, 
 
 Just because I leave your view. 
 
 You should know that I'll be near you, 
 
 Ever near you in the home, 
 Help to guard you and to guide you. 
 
 Through life's pathway, let what may come. 
 
 And as your spirit nears the gateway. 
 
 Of that land of sweet delight, 
 I will lighten up the pathway 
 
 That leads to where there is no night. 
 
 So dry those tears and be more cheerful, 
 
 Let thy heart be light and free, 
 For e'er long I'll come and take you. 
 
 Just beyond that tideless sea. 
 
 There you'll sing and shout with gladness. 
 There with friends you'll be once more. 
 
 There you'll find no sign of sadness. 
 There you'll dwell for evermore. 
 
 IN MEMORY OF MOTHER 
 
 Another flower has withered, 
 The petals now have dropped. 
 
 The fragrance now is scattered. 
 For earthly life is stopped. 
 
 [38] 
 
In Memory of Mother 
 
 It is gathered by the chemist, 
 In the laboratory of his love, 
 
 And perfume of their presence 
 
 Will descend from the home above. 
 
 You will miss the earthly presence 
 
 Of the mother in the home, 
 But you will feel the love of spirit. 
 
 For she'll linger in the home. 
 In the twilight of the evening, 
 
 In the sunshine, just the same, 
 You may feel her loving presence 
 
 As you sweetly speak her name. 
 
 She'll be ever near to guard you. 
 
 Help to ease your earthly pain, 
 So don't mourn the loved ones going. 
 
 For your loss is her great gain; 
 Loved ones waited at the border 
 
 Of that bright and glorious shore. 
 Loving hands stretched forth to help her 
 
 Into peace for ever more. 
 
 There's another in the home life, 
 
 A companion old and gray. 
 Who will soon receive the summons 
 
 To that land of perfect day. 
 Just think of the happy meeting 
 
 In that realm of spiritual life, 
 Of brothers, sister, loved ones, 
 
 Best of all, husband and wife. 
 
 Soon the veil for us will render. 
 
 And we'll see beyond the bar 
 Our heavenly home in all its splendor 
 
 Just within the gates ajar. 
 They'll be waiting, watching calmly. 
 
 Ever on that tideless shore, 
 Till the boatman bears them upward. 
 
 Where they'll meet to part no more. 
 [39] 
 
I Wonder 
 
 JUST BELIEVE 
 
 May the love of the great Jehovah 
 
 Linger in my heart for aye, 
 And when the earth life's journey's over, 
 
 Take me to that perfect day. 
 
 There no evil can assail me, 
 There no sorrow, grief or care. 
 
 That's where peace and joy await me, 
 There with friends his love I'll share. 
 
 God is good, why should we doubt him.'* 
 
 Every burden he'll relieve, 
 Just have faith and trust within thee. 
 
 Cast out doubt and just believe. 
 
 Then you'll see with clearer vision 
 
 All the workings of his love. 
 Then you'll know, what is your mission. 
 
 To gain a home with him above. 
 
 Tarry not, oh weary pilgrim. 
 
 Be the roadway smooth or rough; 
 
 God is good, and He'll sustain thee. 
 Tell me, isn't that enough? 
 
 I WONDER 
 
 I wonder if it's sinful 
 
 If we want to pass along. 
 
 Into the world celestial, among the angel throng, 
 
 To be tired of the struggle, that is always with us 
 
 here. 
 To be always longing, longing, for the summer land 
 
 so near. 
 
 I wonder if the tired heart will ever find its rest. 
 Or are the stories told us nothing but a jest.'* 
 
 [40] 
 
I Wonder 
 
 Why is it that our spirit friends one day tell us 
 
 things are fair? 
 And before us see no sorrow, no pain, no grief, no 
 
 care. 
 Next day they see no brightness, but darkness all 
 
 around. 
 And not a ray of sunshine, in our aura can be found; 
 It seems so very strange to me, but then I cannot 
 
 doubt, 
 For oftimes through the cloud drift, I can see our 
 
 loved about. 
 
 It's then that I take courage, to go on as before, 
 
 Then I hear a wee voice whisper, 
 
 Look up, and grieve no more. 
 
 There are others round about you, worse off, but 
 
 don't complain. 
 Seek out the weaker brother and try to ease his 
 
 pain. 
 
 It will make your own heart lighter 
 
 By helping others on. 
 And your life will be the brighter. 
 
 And give thanks that you are born; 
 No matter if you have not wealth 
 
 In wordly things of earth. 
 The mansion that you build in heaven 
 
 Is what will prove your worth. 
 
 So lay aside the thought of self 
 
 And do the best you can 
 To lift your brother's thoughts on high 
 
 And try and be a man. 
 The Christ cared not for earthly praise. 
 Nor what the world might say, 
 He only did his duty in his quiet pleasant way. 
 
 Take pattern by the Master and his principles 
 
 emulate. 
 It will uplift and give you joy 
 [41] 
 
In Memory 
 
 And guide you to the gate. 
 
 Then forge along and think not of the cares that 
 
 gather round thee, 
 For as ye do it unto them, ye do it unto me. 
 
 The angel world looks from afar 
 
 And smiles on all good deeds. 
 You do not have to go to church 
 
 Or follow out their creeds. 
 To be a christian is to help 
 
 Your fellow men arise 
 To get a glimpse of God's bright home 
 
 Beyond the deep blue skies. 
 
 Then do not give up hope, my friend, 
 
 For life is what we make it. 
 And if you've had one doubtful thought 
 
 I pray you now forsake it. 
 For seed that's sown on mellow soil, 
 
 Takes root and brings forth bloom. 
 And will repay you for your toil 
 
 And give you courage to resume. 
 
 The harvest will be greater and 
 
 Fill the store-house full of grain. 
 That will tepay you for the toil, 
 
 Reheve the heart from grief and pain; 
 Praise God from whom all blessings flow, 
 
 I think I'll hear you sing, 
 O grave where is your victory, 
 
 O death, where is your sting? 
 
 IN MEMORY 
 
 As I gaze upon the features 
 
 Of the friend whose mortal clay, 
 
 Who has gone the way of all God's creatures, 
 And joined the throng, just o'er the way. 
 
 [42] 
 
Our Loved Ones 
 
 Many years he mingled with us. 
 
 By the tie of kinship dear. 
 But he's gone to meet the loved ones 
 
 Who are waiting over there. 
 
 Awaking just across the river. 
 
 Amidst the fields of emerald green. 
 
 Where all is peace and joy forever. 
 And not a cloud to mar the scene. 
 
 On the banks there stood to welcome 
 The companion of early days. 
 
 Among the host of loving angels. 
 Pure and white, now meet his gaze. 
 
 The shouts of welcome overwhelmed him 
 As his bark touched on the shore, 
 
 In his arms he clasped the loved one 
 Who had crossed the border just before. 
 
 Oh, the pleasure of reunion 
 
 Of loving hearts that beat as one. 
 
 Where we'll meet no more to sever 
 Just beyond the setting sun. 
 
 OUR LOVED ONES 
 
 Our loved have left the mortal, 
 
 To dwell in fairer lands. 
 They have stepped within the portal, 
 
 A home not made with hands. 
 
 They are waiting there to greet you 
 As you cross the sands of time. 
 
 And will be the first to meet you 
 In that home of peace sublime. 
 
 [43] 
 
Sunday Morn 
 
 Be happy mother darling, 
 Don't mourn for me today, 
 
 For some day I'll be calling. 
 And will meet you on the way. 
 
 I am not dead but living, 
 In a land so bright and fair, 
 
 And with angels sweetly singing, 
 And someday I'll meet you there. 
 
 SUNDAY MORN 
 
 The bells are ringing their gladsome songs, to call the 
 
 people out 
 To church to pray and worship, and anthems there 
 
 to shout, 
 But I prefer to worship, in silence in my room, 
 And commune with loving angels, alone within the 
 
 home. 
 
 There I can get in rapport with the divine spirit of 
 
 us all. 
 And feel the heavenly presence as his blessings o'er 
 
 me falls. 
 My heart is filled with kindness, and peace, from the 
 
 home above. 
 And from out that room of silence I bring sweet 
 
 thoughts of love. 
 
 No shrine to me so sacred as the one we built at 
 
 home. 
 And consecrate to the oversoul, in the silence of our 
 
 room. 
 Then let our thoughts be thoughts of love, let us live 
 
 them day by day, 
 And then perchance the time may come we'll have 
 
 no need to pray. 
 
 [44 1 
 
A Reverie 
 
 WHY 
 
 Why do you doubt the spirits message 
 Flowing from the fount of gold, 
 
 When they tell you of the blessings 
 In a story new, yet old? 
 
 Time is nothing there in heaven, 
 
 For the year is but a day, 
 So accept of what is given. 
 
 It may help you on your way. 
 
 For your guardian spirits gather 
 Round your pathway every day, 
 
 And if you'll trust to them your welfare. 
 They will guide you, come what may. 
 
 Father, Mother, Sister, Brother, 
 All your friends are working there. 
 
 To relieve you of all bother, 
 
 So, dear one, why need you fear. 
 
 A REVERIE 
 
 The country air is laden 
 
 With the perfume of God's flowers. 
 And it fills my heart with gladness. 
 
 To sit in Sylvan bowers. 
 
 It brings us nearer to the gate 
 
 Of our bright home above, 
 Where we may rest our weary souls 
 
 In realms of peace and love. 
 
 We've only a little time to wait 
 
 Before the veil will rend, 
 And our tired heart away will float 
 
 With our loved ones, there to blend. 
 
 [45] 
 
Lines to a Lady 
 
 THE FLOWER 
 
 Flowers of the summer are fading away 
 Like the physical bodies from day to day, 
 
 To bloom again, in the garden above 
 
 Nourished and watered by God's divine love. 
 
 No seed time or harvest will there us assail, 
 
 For life is eternal and fair. 
 And God in his mercy and love will prevail 
 
 In that beautiful home over there. 
 
 Then fondly cherish each flower of earth, 
 
 No matter how small it may be. 
 For we'll see them again at the spirit's new birth 
 
 As we cross o'er the bar, you and me. 
 
 LINES TO A LADY 
 
 May your path be strewn with flowers 
 Of the brightest, glorious hue. 
 
 Gleaned from heaven's choicest gardens, 
 Filled with blessings dear for you. 
 
 May they fill your heart with gladness 
 Freshed by the heavenly dew. 
 And your happiness be unbounded. 
 Is my greatest wish to you. 
 
 May the step you think of taking 
 Never cause you grief or pain. 
 
 And the mate who stands beside you 
 Help to fill your life with gain. 
 
 [46 1 
 
God is Love 
 
 May no sorrows cross your threshold 
 As through life you wend your way. 
 
 And that love may guard and keep you 
 Through life and all eternity. 
 
 Help each other with affection 
 Though you may be near or far. 
 
 And the angel band will bless you 
 Till you cross the harbor bar. 
 
 GOD IS LOVE 
 
 God is love, oh man of earth, 
 
 Why will you ! can you doubt 
 God is love and love is God, 
 
 And love we cannot do without; 
 With love to guide us on our way 
 
 For He hath said believe in Me, 
 We surely cannot go astray. 
 
 And He'll lead us to eternal day. 
 
 Extend a helping hand to those 
 
 Who deeply need thy care, 
 For that ye doeth unto them 
 
 Is in accord with God and prayer. 
 Don't preach my friend and idle be. 
 
 But practice, that's what counts. 
 And your heart will fill with joy 
 
 That gushes from the heavenly founts. 
 
 Let thy best thoughts go out to them 
 
 Who in distress are calling thee. 
 And God will bless you with his love 
 
 And say, well done, come unto Me. 
 So climb the ladder rung by rung 
 
 That leads to heaven above. 
 And on life's journey you will find 
 
 That love is God and God is love. 
 [47] 
 
A Christmas Greeting 
 
 And as you near the golden shore 
 
 Your loved ones there to greet, 
 And from them never more to part, 
 
 And they'll guide your weary feet. 
 Then let your watchword ever be, 
 
 That God is love and love is God, 
 And in this motto you will find 
 
 That love is everything to thee. 
 
 Then to the loved ones up above 
 
 Our praises should be given, 
 For through the God of light and love 
 
 Their messages are given. 
 A message from a dear kind friend, 
 
 A word from those above. 
 It proves to us there is no end 
 
 To God's eternal love. 
 
 A CHRISTMAS GREETING 
 
 This is the time our hearts grow light 
 
 When Christmas tide draws near. 
 For friends and kindred then unite 
 
 Around the fireside's cheer. 
 This greeting is from a friend whose hand 
 
 Is writing this to you, 
 Inspired by a spirit friend 
 
 At one time whom you knew. 
 
 He sends you greetings from above. 
 
 And hopes you'll understand 
 That he'll be waiting there for you 
 
 To help you o'er the strand. 
 It won't be long you'll have to wait 
 
 Before you'll clasp the hand 
 Of Him who watches at the gate 
 
 To greet you in the summer land. 
 [48] 
 
The Tired Heart 
 
 THE TIRED HEART 
 
 Although surrounded by our friends 
 
 There is a tie that binds 
 Us to the loved ones gone before, 
 
 Beyond the balmy winds. 
 
 A tie that never can be broke, 
 For its welded here by love 
 
 Of years of toil, of grief and joy. 
 And it still survives above. 
 
 And as I'm sitting here alone 
 Upon this Christmas night 
 
 My thoughts go back to years gone by 
 When all ahead seemed bright. 
 
 For it is hope that keeps us up. 
 
 And keeps us forging on. 
 But hope ofttimes turns to despair, 
 
 And leaves our hearts forlorn. 
 
 There is many a slip twix cup and lip 
 
 In this sad life of ours, 
 And when we think we are most blest. 
 
 Oft proves the saddest hours. 
 
 I ofttimes think my heart is free 
 Of the love that's of the past, 
 
 But in a moment there comes a flash 
 That tells me it will ever last. 
 
 The love I gave was pure and true. 
 But it struck no answering cord, 
 
 Upon the heart I gave it too. 
 But that is now with God. 
 
 [49] 
 
The Tired Heart 
 
 And so, dear friend, I think it best 
 To lay aside this mortal coil, 
 
 For life gives me no happiness. 
 It matters not how hard I toil. 
 
 It matters not how hard I strive 
 
 The old love to forget, 
 It's like to me a grand old oak 
 
 Whose roots are firmly set. 
 
 Why do we give our heart's best love 
 To those whose hearts are cold, 
 
 It seems unjust wisdom from above 
 To give us lead for purest gold. 
 
 And now my mind is firmly set 
 
 On going far away. 
 Where friend or foe shall never know 
 
 Where this old form doth lay. 
 
 To die alone is my desire 
 
 Beside the babbling brook, 
 That my tired heart may pass up higher 
 
 From nature's quiet nook. 
 
 Forgive, dear friend, if this you see 
 
 And lisp a silent prayer. 
 For one who from this world departs 
 
 To dwell with loved ones there. 
 
 And now, dear friend, as I depart 
 
 I send you this farewell, 
 I know I'll wake in heaven. 
 
 For to me there is no hell. 
 
 God in his love, created us all. 
 He knew what our life would be, 
 
 And so instead of condemning 
 
 He will say, dear child come unto me. 
 
 [501 
 
Good Cheer 
 
 For well He knoweth our sorrows, 
 Our heartaches are all of his plan, 
 
 Do you think after all we have suffered 
 He'll deny us his love, which is grand. 
 
 Ah ! no dear, his love is far reaching. 
 His mercy spreads out near and far, 
 
 He'll stand at the heavenly portal 
 And help us across the bar. 
 
 Then why should I waver and falter 
 
 To enter the heavenly fold. 
 To lay my heart on God's altar, 
 
 Which to him is more precious then gold. 
 
 I'll watch for your coming, my dear one, 
 I'll wander along by the shore. 
 
 And I'll be the first one to greet you 
 When we'll meet to part never more. 
 
 Then bid me God speed on my journey, 
 
 I don't wish to tarry you see, 
 For my loved ones are urging me onward 
 
 To dwell in eternity. 
 
 GOOD CHEER 
 
 Give me the house that is full of laughter, 
 
 Give me the home that is full of mirth, 
 One that rings from pit to rafter. 
 
 That's the home where love has birth; 
 Where the heart is glad and joyous. 
 
 That's where sadness cannot dwell 
 But where little things annoy us, 
 
 O! gee whiz! that's worse than H--1. 
 [51] 
 
Good Cheer 
 
 In the morning let us greet them 
 
 With a bright and sunny smile. 
 Then our burdens will seem lighter 
 
 And our hearts be free from guile. 
 Nothing like a kind word spoken 
 
 To the dear ones here below, 
 For kind thoughts ascend to heaven 
 
 And rebound to us you know. 
 
 Never let a chance go by thee 
 
 That a kindness can be shown, 
 And my friend beyond the portal 
 
 We shall know as we are known. 
 Do to others as you would then 
 
 Have them do unto your own, 
 For you know that God's command, friend, 
 
 That descends down from the throne. 
 
 Don't you know they are our brothers, 
 
 Yours, dear friend, as well as mine, 
 For all things around above us 
 
 Are the works of love divine. 
 Let us always wear a smile here, 
 
 It may gladden some poor heart. 
 That is weary and oppressed dear. 
 
 Give their life a freshened start. 
 
 Nothing like a bright good morning 
 
 With a kind and sunny smile, 
 For each word in kindness spoken 
 
 Will be answered with a smile. 
 For the seed you sow in kindness 
 
 You will reap again on high. 
 And a wrong you do in blindness 
 
 Will be forgiven bye and bye. 
 [521 
 
Memories of the Past 
 
 A CHRISTMAS GREETING 
 
 Please accept this Christmas greeting 
 From the spirit friends above, 
 
 Sent you through the hand of friendship, 
 Written by the hand of love. 
 
 Heavenly bells are chiming sweetly 
 In your home this Christmas tide. 
 
 Angel voices sing hosannas 
 
 As they stand there by your side. 
 
 They are singing Christmas carols 
 
 For the birth at Bethlehem, 
 Glory be to God the Father, 
 
 Peace on earth, good will to men. 
 
 Let our thoughts ascend up higher 
 
 As the old year fades away. 
 That our hearts may be the lighter 
 
 On that gladsome New Year's day. 
 
 MEMORIES OF THE PAST 
 
 Oh ! for the days of my childhood 
 Just to return to them once more. 
 
 When we together roamed the wildwood 
 And o'er the rock bound shore. 
 
 Drove the rabbits from the thicket 
 And the plover from the glen. 
 
 And watched father from the wicket 
 Feed the chicks and mother hen. 
 
 As we strolled out in the spring time, 
 Through the meadows wet with dew. 
 
 Plucking flowers of rarest beauty. 
 And I gave them all to you. 
 
 [53] 
 
Memories of the Past 
 
 I can see your bright eyes sparkle 
 
 As they did long years ago, 
 When I took your hand in mine, dear, 
 
 As we wandered to and fro. 
 
 I remember well the spring, dear. 
 Where we drank the nectar sweet, 
 
 And the violets and daisies 
 
 Scattered there beneath our feet. 
 
 I can hear the rippling brook dear 
 
 As it glides along its way 
 And the humming of the bees, dear. 
 
 See the butterflies at play. 
 
 There our life was but a song, dear, 
 One sweet song from morn till night, 
 
 As we tripped the light fantastic 
 
 Through the flower-decked meadows bright. 
 
 And oh for those days of my childhood 
 When I stood at my mother's knee, 
 
 And could hear her once more singing 
 Of that lullaby to me. 
 
 Hush my babe, lay still and slumber, 
 
 Holy angels guard thy bed, 
 And to feel her soft hand pressing. 
 
 Pressing lightly on my head. 
 
 But those days have gone forever. 
 
 Life is but a passing dream. 
 And we soon will be furgotten 
 
 Like a leaf tossed on the stream. 
 
 But she's gone beyond the portal 
 
 To that heavenly home above. 
 And she's waiting there to greet me, 
 
 Greet me with a mother's love. 
 [54] 
 
The Longing Heart 
 
 And I'm longing for the time, dear, 
 When I too shall cross the strand, 
 
 Where my loved ones now are waiting, 
 Waiting with extended hands. 
 
 I can hear them softfy whisper 
 
 As they hover o'er my bed, 
 Come with me, fear not, my darling. 
 
 All is life, there are no dead. 
 
 Then the veil was rent asunder 
 
 And I saw with vision clear 
 My heavenly home in all its brightness 
 
 And loved ones whom I once knew here. 
 
 Then I woke to life again, dear, 
 On my cheek a tear drop gleamed, 
 
 And I thought I'd been to heaven, 
 But it only proved a dream. 
 
 THE LONGING HEART 
 
 Sitting in my chamber lonely. 
 Oh! how lonely no one cares. 
 
 Wondering what the future '11 bring me, 
 Rain or sunshine, smiles or tears. 
 
 Far away from all my kindred. 
 
 And the friends of long ago. 
 Will I hear again their laughter? 
 
 On the earth plane here below? 
 
 Do they think when twilight deepens 
 
 Of the one so far away. 
 Pray to God to guide his footsteps 
 
 That he may not go astray? 
 
 [55 1 
 
A Little Child 
 
 As they gather round the fireside 
 Do they see the vacant chair? 
 
 Do they miss the voice that mingled 
 With their own at evening prayer? 
 
 But I hear no answering echo 
 To the thoughts I send afar, 
 
 Perhaps they all have crossed the river, 
 Just beyond the harbor bar. 
 
 Soon I'll join with you, my dear one. 
 In the rest for which I long, 
 
 And you'll greet me with your laughter. 
 And I'll join with you in song. 
 
 There I'll have you with me always. 
 There my aching heart will cease. 
 
 In my arms my love I'll fold thee. 
 And my soul will be at peace. 
 
 A LITTLE CHILD 
 
 The sweetest thing on earth to me 
 
 Is the kiss of a little child. 
 With their little arms twined round my neck, 
 
 And their face all wreathed in smiles. 
 
 I love to feel their little hands 
 
 Pressed gently to my breast. 
 As I sing to them a lullaby 
 
 That lulls them off to rest. 
 
 I wonder when they sleeping lay. 
 
 And off to dream land go. 
 If they're talking with the angels, 
 
 I'd really like to know. 
 [561 
 
The Holy Spirit 
 
 Their little face lights up with smiles, 
 
 As if touched by angel hands, 
 I've often wished that I might know 
 
 If a guardian angel by them stands. 
 
 Oh ! angel of glory, angel of light. 
 
 Shed o'er thy children thy blessing tonight. 
 
 Open their eyes that they may see 
 
 The home over yonder prepared by thee. 
 
 Oh! give them strength and vision clear. 
 
 That they may see thee when thou art near. 
 
 That they may feel thy gentle touch 
 
 On their brow for which they've longed so much. 
 
 To hear the whisper in their ear 
 
 Of loved ones who dwell in the other sphere, 
 To feel the breeze of their fluttering wing 
 
 And catch the strain of the songs they sing. 
 
 And still the dearest thing on earth 
 
 To me is a little child, 
 And I bless the God who gave them birth, 
 
 And their sweet and winning smile. 
 
 When Christ gave out the mandate 
 
 Little children come to me. 
 He chose the fairest flowers 
 
 Ever scattered o'er the lea. 
 
 Transplanted them to heaven 
 
 In his gardens up above. 
 Where they're watered by God's blessings 
 
 And nourished by God's love. 
 
 THE HOLY SPIRIT 
 
 Come holy spirit, heavenly dove. 
 And fill our hearts with kindness. 
 
 Many souls are taught God's love 
 By relieving them of blindness. 
 [57] 
 
Some Day, Somewhere 
 
 If they could see the open door 
 
 Through which the light doth shine 
 
 Wouldn't they naturally wend their way 
 Towards that home divine? 
 
 Come and give us that which we seek. 
 Give us strength to meet the fray. 
 
 For the spirit is willing but the flesh too weak 
 To fight our battle day by day. 
 
 Oh loving angels from afar, 
 
 Take away all doubt and fear. 
 Come across the harbor bar. 
 
 That I may feel thy presence near. 
 
 We cannot teach our brother man 
 
 If we have not partaken 
 Of the manna that flows from God's right hand 
 
 And our worldly deeds forsaken. 
 
 Preaching can never cleanse the heart 
 
 Of earthly habits fraught. 
 But practice daily and each act 
 
 Will be a living thought. 
 
 Oh! then thou great spirit divine. 
 
 Help us to do thy will, 
 For my thoughts are wholly thine 
 
 Until this earthly form is still. 
 
 Oh ! help me to forgive the thought 
 
 Of ill and hate to those 
 That I may know just what to do 
 
 Before in death my eyelids close. 
 
 SOME DAY, SOMEWHERE 
 
 Some day you will understand, my child. 
 When years have come and gone, 
 
 What it means to be alone, 
 No love, no friends, no home. 
 
 [58] 
 
Some Day, Somewhere 
 
 Many times an aching heart is masqued 
 By smiles and words of cheer. 
 
 When all the time we are longing 
 For just one word of love so dear. 
 
 Your life is just beginning 
 When all looks bright ahead. 
 
 No clouds obscure your sunlight. 
 No pain, no sorrow dread. 
 
 May you never wake from dreamland 
 To the storms and ills of life. 
 
 May your pathway be a path of cheer 
 Without one thorn or care or strife. 
 
 And when you are sitting all alone, 
 Your head bowed with grief and care, 
 
 Remember in this wide, wide world 
 You have one friend somewhere. 
 
 Some one in whom you can confide, 
 Someone who thinks of you. 
 
 Someone who takes an interest 
 In everything you do. 
 
 Somewhere in this great universe 
 
 It may be far away, 
 But the distant call of friendship 
 
 Will bring them back some day. 
 
 We will leave you with the angels. 
 They will guide and lead you right 
 
 Till you reach the land of sunshine 
 And the home where all is bright. 
 
 [59] 
 
Out of the Past 
 
 OUT OF THE PAST 
 
 Through the pathway of life as I wander along 
 
 And gaze on the beauties of earth, 
 There comes to my mind thoughts of sorrow and 
 strife 
 
 I have had to contend with since birth. 
 
 And I question myself if the struggle's worth while. 
 
 Will it pay to keep forging along, 
 With your heart filled with grief though masqued by 
 a smile 
 
 And the lips are giving forth song. 
 
 Have you ever had a loving friend? 
 
 One whom you held most dear, 
 In whom you placed implicit faith. 
 
 Was happy with them near. 
 
 Well, once I had a little maid. 
 
 The fairest in the land, 
 I thought she loved me dearly 
 
 When she gave to me her hand. 
 
 I cherished her beyond all else, 
 
 I thought that I was blessed 
 In having won a heart so true 
 
 To honor, love, caress. 
 
 And as the years rolled on apace. 
 
 Two little birdlings came 
 To bless our home and fireside. 
 
 That nothing could defame. 
 
 And after years of toil and strife 
 
 Into our happy home 
 Where peace and joy all that was life, 
 
 The tempter one day came. 
 
 [60] 
 
Which Was It 
 
 He stole the loved ones from my hearth, 
 
 All that was life to me, 
 He crushed my heart, he killed my faith 
 
 In all humanity. 
 
 Years have passed with their sunshine and rain, 
 
 A break in the clouds I can see, 
 And God in his mercy has healed the pain. 
 
 And that is enough for me. 
 
 O friend ! lay aside your own sorrow and grief. 
 Give to others kind words and a smile, 
 
 For as much as ye give you shall doubtly receive 
 And relieve your sad heart from its guile. 
 
 For God with love will heal our wounds 
 
 All sorrow and pain take away. 
 So be ready, dear friend, when the trumpet shall 
 sound. 
 
 To dwell in his presence always. 
 
 And the songs of the angels will lull you to rest 
 
 As you float on the elysian sea. 
 And there with your loved ones you'll dwell with the 
 blessed 
 
 Throughout all eternity. 
 
 WHICH WAS IT 
 
 While sitting by the window listening 
 
 To the sparrow's cheery song, 
 The sunlight through the pane was glistening 
 
 In beams so wide and long, 
 I thought I saw the angels 
 
 Descend that shaft of gold 
 And gather up the little ones 
 
 Into the Master's fold. 
 161] 
 
At the Fork of the Roads 
 
 Ascending and descending 
 
 Upon that ladder bright, 
 That leads from earth to heaven, 
 
 The land that has no night. 
 Within their eyes a light of love. 
 
 Upon their lips a smile, 
 All robed in garments snowy white 
 
 Without a spot of guile. 
 
 I thought they lead me to the gate 
 
 And bade me enter in 
 To the land of love and happiness. 
 
 Where all are free from sin. 
 I thought my loved ones gathered 
 
 Round me as in the long ago. 
 With all their loving kindness 
 
 And eager to me show 
 
 The beauties of the kingdom 
 
 Of God's bright home above 
 Where I would live in peace and love 
 
 When the Master bade me come. 
 I roused myself and found my eyes 
 
 With tears of joy were streaming, 
 I wonder had I been to heaven 
 
 Or had I just been dreaming. 
 
 AT THE FORK OF THE ROADS 
 
 At the fork of the roads I stood thinking 
 Of which I should travel today. 
 
 The one that leads down to the valley 
 Or that leads to the hills far away. 
 
 One leads to sin and destruction 
 
 Where pleasing temptations ensnare, 
 
 The other to fame on the hilltop 
 
 Which is reached by sorrow and care. 
 
 [621 
 
Thankfulness 
 
 Now which would you take, friend, come tell me. 
 If you stood at the forked roads today? 
 
 The road that leads to the valley. 
 Or the one to the hills far away? 
 
 I chose the one to the hilltop - 
 
 Whose brow was sun kissed warm and bright, 
 
 Where I could look down in the valley 
 Where day was as dark as the night. 
 
 There no ray of light ever entered. 
 
 For there was no sunrise at morn, 
 And all who enter that valley 
 
 Are forever sad and forlorn. 
 
 If a pilgrim you meet where the roads fork. 
 
 Just start him aright on his way, 
 For the road that leads to the hilltop 
 
 Will end in eternal day. 
 
 Don't let him go down to the valley, 
 
 To grovel in darkness and sin. 
 But show him the way to the hilltop 
 
 Where eternal life he will win. 
 
 Let us put a sign there for the brother 
 Who knows not which road he should go, 
 
 That he may not descend to the valley 
 To find there destruction and woe. 
 
 It will point out the way to the hilltop. 
 
 Though through sorrow he reaches the crest, 
 
 He'll find at the end of his journey 
 The beautiful city of rest. 
 
 THANKFULNESS 
 
 Oh what a lot to be thankful for. 
 
 The sunshine, the rain and the flowers. 
 
 The fruit and the grain and the harvest 
 Garnered in from this green earth of ours. 
 [63 1 
 
Mother Darling 
 
 The health we enjoy and the pleasure 
 We derive from the meeting of friends, 
 
 The Master he gives us full measure 
 x\nd continues the same to the end. 
 
 Then let us give thanks on the morrow 
 For the blessings received up to now. 
 
 Let us sing and laugh away sorrow 
 
 As we work with the sweat on the brow. 
 
 For nature has so planned the future 
 That we'll have enough and to spare. 
 
 So let us make this our prime feature 
 To offer thanksgiving and prayer. 
 
 MOTHER DARLING 
 
 Your loved one has left the mortal 
 
 To dwell in fairer lands. 
 She has stepped within the portal, 
 
 A home not made with hands. 
 She is waiting there to greet you 
 
 As you cross the sands of time. 
 And I'll be the first to greet you 
 
 In that home of peace sublime. 
 
 Be happy, mother darling, 
 
 Don't mourn for me today, 
 For some day I'll be calling, 
 
 And I'll meet you on the way. 
 I am not dead but living, 
 
 In a land so bright and fair. 
 And with angels sweetly singing. 
 
 And some day I'll meet you there. 
 
 64] 
 
Consolation 
 
 I am with you, mother darling, 
 
 In the home beside your chair, 
 And you'll feel my fingers resting, 
 
 Resting lightly on your hair; 
 You will hear my gentle whisper, 
 
 So don't think I've gone afar, 
 And for you I will be watching 
 
 When you start to cross the bar. 
 
 CONSOLATION 
 
 When life's mirror we gaze within. 
 
 All things will be revealed, 
 For then there'll be no mystery. 
 
 For nothing is concealed. 
 And when we feel forsaken 
 
 By earthly friends and kin. 
 We are watched by spirit friends. 
 
 And by doing right we'll win. 
 
 What profiteth us if all the world, 
 
 Should worship at our feet. 
 If our spirit friends forsake us. 
 
 And deny their love so sweet? 
 Let us lift our thoughts to those on high 
 
 For help we so much need 
 To guide our footsteps in the right. 
 
 Regardless of church or creed. 
 
 For all are stepping-stones to light. 
 
 Made bright by God's own hand. 
 And do His bidding with all our might. 
 
 That our lives may so expand, 
 That we may see no evil 
 
 In our fellow-man while here. 
 That our lives may so reflect the love 
 
 Of the spirit world so near. 
 [65] 
 
Sweet Rest 
 
 SWEET REST 
 
 Rest, sweet rest, their weary toil is o'er, 
 They've gone to live in peace and love 
 Upon the other shore. 
 
 No veil obscures their vision now, 
 
 Their eyes are opened wide. 
 No gray hair crowns their placid brow 
 
 Upon the other side. 
 
 They're free from pain and sorrow. 
 
 And all the ills of life. 
 And perhaps upon the morrow 
 
 We'll be free from earthly strife. 
 
 They've joined the heavenly chorus. 
 
 Where harmony holds sway, 
 And voices blend in one grand strain 
 
 Of melody each day. 
 
 Oh speed the time, when I may add 
 
 My voice in tuneful song. 
 That may blend in loving kindness 
 
 Among that angel throng. 
 
 I'll wait patiently thy favor. 
 That shall call me up above. 
 
 To dwell in peace forever 
 With those I so much love. 
 
 I assure you I'll be ready, 
 
 When the boatman calls for me, 
 
 With my sails set firm and steady 
 To cross the crystal sea. 
 
 My record book all open, 
 
 The pages clean and neat. 
 That all may read it o'er and o'er. 
 
 And not ask me to repeat. 
 [661 
 
In Memory of a Friend 
 
 For those who seek the light on earth 
 The same to them is given, 
 
 And they will find the other birth 
 Is just a step toward heaven. 
 
 IN MEMORY OF A FRIEND 
 
 Sweet be thy rest, oh loving spirit. 
 
 Thy work on earth is o'er. 
 Thou hast left thy earthly casket, 
 
 To dwell in peace forever more. 
 
 Long you toiled in earth's condition, 
 Suffering pain with patience here. 
 
 Until the change we call transition. 
 Thou art gone, but still you're near. 
 
 Yes, we miss you from the fireside, 
 
 And the parting gives us pain, 
 But we know in realms immortal 
 We shall all meet you once again. 
 
 We shall wait a message, dear one. 
 
 Wafted to us from afar. 
 That shall ease our hearts now saddened, 
 
 From your home across the bar. 
 
 No more parting, no more sorrow. 
 Free from earthly joy and pain, 
 
 And perhaps that on the morrow 
 We may greet you once again. 
 
 Know we not when we shall sever. 
 From this mortal house of clay. 
 
 But we know 'twill be forever. 
 We shall dwell in perfect day. 
 
 [67 1 
 
Christmas Eve 
 
 It was God, who willed that all things, 
 Should evolve from low to high, 
 
 Therefore we shall join in singing, 
 With our loved ones by and by. 
 
 Should we weep when friends are going, 
 To that happy home above? 
 
 Isn't it enough in knowing 
 
 God so willed it with his love ? 
 
 When a flower fades and withers, 
 With the blast of winter's breath, 
 
 We watch it rise again in spring time, 
 From conditions we call death. 
 
 Proof enough of life immortal. 
 
 Life continues on and on. 
 Thus it is beyond the portal 
 
 With our loved ones that are gone. 
 
 Then our tears will change to laughter, 
 Then we'll know as we are known, 
 
 Together in that grand hereafter 
 We will gather round the throne. 
 
 CHRISTMAS EVE 
 
 Another Christmas Eve is here, 
 With thoughts of joy and sadness. 
 
 And memories of loved ones dear, 
 Which fills my heart with gladness. 
 
 The gifts of love and kindness wrought 
 By hands long since grown cold. 
 
 We cherish now the loving thoughts. 
 Of those now in the fold. 
 
 [68] 
 
Which is Right 
 
 Oh time, turn back, just one short while. 
 
 Make me a child again. 
 That I may lay on mother's breast. 
 
 To free my heart from pain. 
 
 That I may once more hear her voice. 
 
 While in her fond embrace; 
 To feel her breath upon my cheek. 
 
 Her kiss upon my face. 
 
 The saddest time of all the year, 
 
 To me is Christmas Eve, 
 For memories of the long ago, 
 
 Cause my poor heart to grieve. 
 
 Oh time, turn backward in thy flight. 
 
 Oh stay thy flowing tide. 
 Make me a child just for tonight. 
 
 With mother by my side. 
 
 My cup of happiness would o'erflow. 
 
 Could I but once more see 
 Her face and hear her loving voice. 
 
 Whispering unto me. 
 
 But well I know it cannot be. 
 
 This side the great divide. 
 But when the veil shall lift, I'll see 
 
 Her waiting on the other side. 
 
 WHICH IS RIGHT 
 
 There are so many ways to heaven, 
 
 I wonder which is right. 
 One says this, another that. 
 
 Against each other they all fight. 
 [69] 
 
Which is Right 
 
 The Baptist claim that you must be 
 
 Baptized in waters deep, 
 Or you will go to a place so warm 
 
 That ice will never keep. 
 
 The Methodist do not baptize, 
 
 But sprinkle, so they say. 
 And go to church three times a day, 
 
 And sing, and shout, and pray. 
 
 The Orthodox are red hot too. 
 
 They have made some awful bulls. 
 
 For once they claimed that hell was paved. 
 With innocent infant's skulls. 
 
 How cruel is the Father 
 
 That would banish such as these, 
 To a life of endless torment, 
 
 Where sorrow ne'er would cease. 
 
 It's easy to consign a man to hell 
 
 If he is not of kin, 
 But otherwise, they'll manage 
 
 Into heaven to get him in. 
 
 These narrow minded people. 
 Close communion, and all such, 
 
 Will find when they reach heaven 
 That creeds don't count for much. 
 
 The man who enters heaven 
 
 On Christ's merits is a sneak, 
 And the one that tells him that he can 
 
 Has a brain that's mighty weak. 
 
 The religion that they teach you 
 They don't believe themselves, 
 
 It's only for the dollars. 
 
 That helps fill their pantry shelves. 
 
 170 1 
 
The Ripened Grain 
 
 The ministers tell us that we die, 
 
 And go to heaven or hell. 
 But no, dear friend, we're just transfered. 
 
 To the land where loved ones dwell. 
 
 What proof have they of the life beyond 
 
 The misty veil of blue. 
 Have they ever had a message? 
 
 And if so, would they tell you? 
 
 I thank the heavenly Father 
 
 I'm not bound by church or creed, 
 
 But try to live the golden rule 
 In thought as well as deed. 
 
 If we would use our reason, 
 
 And investigate the truth, 
 We would find our earthly teachings 
 
 Were a myth we were taught in youth. 
 
 We ipust stand on our own foundation, 
 
 And build the best we can. 
 And work out our own salvation. 
 
 And thereby deserve the name of man. 
 
 And when the Master calls the roll 
 In that heavenly home above, 
 
 You can answer "here," with thankfulness 
 That you are worthy of His love. 
 
 THE RIPENED GRAIN 
 
 The reaper has garnered the ripened grain 
 
 Into His home on high. 
 Relieved them from their earthly pain. 
 
 Where we'll meet them by and by. 
 
 [71] 
 
An Appeal 
 
 Mourn not the dear one's going, 
 
 For they are free from care. 
 They are through with this life sowing, 
 
 And they'll harvest over there. 
 
 Though they could not voice their heart's best 
 thoughts 
 
 Like others here below. 
 They will sing the anthems with the throng 
 
 Of angels there we know. 
 
 Some day the mists will clear away. 
 
 Then we'll see beyond the veil, 
 And there we'll see her watching. 
 
 For our tiny bark to sail. 
 
 She'll reach across the river, 
 
 And clasp you by the hand, 
 And lead you into paradise, 
 
 The land that's far more grand. 
 
 Then weep not for the loved one. 
 
 Who has left the fireside cheer, 
 For its only the body you laid away. 
 
 Her spirit is ever near. 
 
 She has only left the mortal. 
 
 For the spiritual more fair. 
 And she'll wait beyond the portal. 
 
 For your coming over there. 
 
 AN APPEAL 
 
 Inspire us, oh Lord, with thy bounteous 
 Love, to do good to our fellow men. 
 
 That we may go forth with thy spiritual 
 
 Truth, and enlighten the world with our pen. 
 
 [721 
 
Courage 
 
 My heart is aggrieved as I gaze here and yon 
 
 At the follies of earth here below, 
 And oh I long to lighten life's burden with song, 
 
 And by my example to show 
 
 If we have the Christ principle enshrined in our 
 heart, 
 
 And give smiles not frowns every day. 
 Then we will rejoice in doing our part. 
 
 To gladden some life on the way. 
 
 COURAGE 
 
 Cheer up, oh weary traveler. 
 Your journey is nearly o'er, 
 
 I see the dawn a-breaking, 
 For you on the other shore. 
 
 The clouds are tinged with crimson, 
 By the sun's approaching light. 
 
 And by that light dispelling 
 The darkness of the night. 
 
 It is a new life adawning. 
 
 For you as well as me. 
 So prepare thyself for sailing 
 
 Across the crystal sea. 
 
 You ask me if I'm ready, 
 If I am not afraid to die? 
 
 My answer is No, No, my friend. 
 For my spirit friends are nigh. 
 
 They reach across the river. 
 And take me by the hand. 
 
 They'll lead me home in safety. 
 Through that gulf of sinking sand. 
 
 [73 1 
 
Don't 
 
 And when the reaper life draws nigh 
 
 The field of ripened grain, 
 May the harvest yield be worthy 
 
 The Master's toil and pain. 
 
 Start your building now, my brother, 
 Don't wait until it is too late. 
 
 Don't depend upon another 
 
 To get you through the pearly gate. 
 
 Each one has got to earn his passport. 
 By living upright, just and true. 
 
 Let it be that at the roll call 
 The first to greet us will be you. 
 
 DON'T 
 
 Don't censure till you know, my friend. 
 
 The reason of the Why. 
 For every road- way has an end. 
 
 And we'll know by and by. 
 
 Don't think it hard and cruel, 
 
 Just because we're far away. 
 For of times the choicest jewels. 
 
 Are embedded in the clay. 
 
 Don't think because we wander. 
 
 That we do not think of you, 
 For absence makes the heart grow fonder. 
 
 And we trust it's so with you. 
 
 Circumstances change our plans, 
 
 Oftimes against your will. 
 And things we do sometimes seem strange, 
 
 But yet we do them still. 
 
 [74 1 
 
Clouds 
 
 Sometimes we'll understand, my friend, 
 
 Why pleasures are denied. 
 But conscious of our duties lend 
 
 Us strength our time here to abide. 
 
 Everything comes to those who wait, 
 With patience and with faith. 
 
 For ere the year rolls round we'll see, 
 That our troubles were a wraith. 
 
 Sometime the clouds will clear away. 
 
 Some day with keener eyes 
 We'll see the way as bright as day 
 
 That leads to paradise. 
 
 So keep up courage till the end. 
 It won't be very long I wean, 
 
 Before the sun will shine again, 
 And make the fields look green. 
 
 CLOUDS 
 
 The sun has set behind the hills. 
 
 Another day is done. 
 A few hours' rest and then we'll see 
 
 Again the rising sun. 
 
 And so we keep a struggling on. 
 Through this short life of ours. 
 
 And we must expect to find a thorn 
 Along our path of flowers. 
 
 What matter if the clouds are dark. 
 
 They all are silver lined. 
 We know that after rain the sun 
 
 Will shine out warm and fine. 
 [751 
 
The Mystic Sound 
 
 The clouds roll on forever, 
 
 And though dark at times they be, 
 Sometime the silver cord will sever, 
 
 Then we shall clearly see 
 
 The beauties of that other land. 
 Now hidden from our view. 
 
 Created by God's loving hand, 
 And be with friends we knew 
 
 Long years ago, who once have trod, 
 This earth plane here below, 
 
 Who now we feel are with us, 
 Some day we too shall know. 
 
 Some day the veil will lifted be. 
 Some day the clouds will break. 
 
 Then the sunshine we will see 
 Across the mystic lake. 
 
 For just beyond the darkness, 
 
 Those clouds are tinged with gold. 
 
 And we shall all be gathered 
 Within the Shepard's fold. 
 
 THE MYSTIC SOUND 
 
 Hark, hark, what sound is that I hear. 
 That is floating through the air.^* 
 
 It's like a message in my ear, 
 And it tells of a land more fair. 
 
 It*s like the sweetest music, 
 
 Or like some tinkling bell ! 
 Like an angel's whisper, saying 
 
 Fear not, all things are well. 
 
 f76l 
 
Beckoning To Me 
 
 Ah! now I catch their meaning! 
 
 We are drawing near the shore, 
 Of that promised land of peace and love. 
 
 Where parting is no more. 
 
 The going through the shadows, 
 Of the valley dark called death. 
 
 Is nothing but the quenching 
 
 Of this earth life's fleeting breath. 
 
 Our guardian angel leads the way. 
 On through the shadowy vale, 
 
 Until we reach the point from which 
 Our tiny bark sets sail. 
 
 And as we near that shining shore. 
 
 The gate swings open wide, 
 We float along in peace and rest, 
 
 There ever to abide. 
 
 Our friends will bid us welcome, 
 With outstretched hands of love. 
 
 And clasp us to their bosom 
 In that heavenly home above. 
 
 They'll lead us to our mansion! 
 
 Surrounded by bright flowers. 
 The seed we planted here on earth. 
 
 To bloom in heaven's bowers. 
 
 As we draw near our passing. 
 
 Into the realms above, 
 We'll then receive the blessing. 
 
 Of God's redeeming love. 
 
 BECKONING TO ME 
 
 How sweet is the thought that our loved ones out 
 
 there. 
 Are waiting our coming, their blessings to share! 
 It will not be long before I shall see, 
 That beautiful shore, for they are beckoning to me. 
 [77] 
 
Hope 
 
 Chorus: 
 
 Beckoning to me, beckoning to me. 
 
 The loved ones out yonder are beckoning to me. 
 
 When life's journey's o'er and our spirit takes flight. 
 We'll enter that harbor, where there is no night, 
 The friends that have left us we once more will see. 
 With loved ones we'll dwell, for they are beckoning 
 to me. 
 
 Be ready, dear friend, for the summons may come. 
 To take you away e'er the rise of the sun, 
 The reaper of death always comes silently, 
 It may be that now they are beckoning to me. 
 
 HOPE 
 
 It is not all of life to live, nor all of death to die. 
 
 If it were so we would not give life up without a 
 
 sigh. 
 But out there in that world of space, beyond the 
 
 ether blue, 
 We'll meet our loved ones face to face, and find their 
 
 hearts as true 
 As when they left us for that land of promise just out 
 
 there. 
 Within that heavenly garden, filled with flowers, 
 
 rich and rare. 
 Then we shall know the reason why earth's pathway 
 
 seemed so rough. 
 Then we'll find life's what we made it, be it honest or 
 
 a bluff. 
 We must always do our duty, what we feel is just and 
 
 right, 
 And if so we'll share the beauty of that promised 
 
 land of light. 
 
 [781 
 
Be Ready 
 
 When the veil is rent asunder, and our loved ones we 
 
 behold. 
 Who are waiting just out yonder, within the Shep- 
 herd's fold. 
 We'll thank God for lessons taught us, and we'll not 
 
 regret the past, 
 For through trials and temptations we shall reach 
 
 the goal at last. 
 So it is not all of life to live, neither all of death to 
 
 die. 
 For we're always with our loved ones, for they are 
 
 forever nigh. 
 So let us blend our thoughts with theirs, and seek for 
 
 truth and light. 
 That we may see the way that leads to that land 
 
 that has no night. 
 
 BE READY 
 
 Lead me to that life eternal. 
 
 Out of darkness into light. 
 Fill my heart with love supernal. 
 
 That shall make my life more bright. 
 
 I'll keep my lamps all trimmed and burning. 
 That they may reflect my life's true aim. 
 
 That they who from their sin returning 
 May find the path that leads to fame. 
 
 Though your light to you seems small. 
 Its rays reach farther than you think. 
 
 It may rescue some weak brother. 
 Who is drifting o'er the brink. 
 
 And your praises he will echo. 
 
 To the oversoul of all. 
 And your heart will fill with gladness. 
 
 Be your efforts great or small. 
 
 [79] 
 
In Answer 
 
 When the reaper life shall call you. 
 To lay down your earthly cares. 
 
 If you've been faithful to your duty 
 You'll reap life's blessings over there. 
 
 The seed we sow in spring time, 
 In the fall we will reap again, 
 
 But oh ! what of the harvest, 
 Will it bring us joy or pain? 
 
 Let the seed be thoughts of kindness. 
 Sown in soil of love and peace, 
 
 Watered by the tears of gladness. 
 Till our life on earth shall cease. 
 
 IN ANSWER 
 
 In answer to the question in the letter I received 
 
 I'll tell to you with candor, and I know that you'll 
 
 agree. 
 Harmony is the secret of the soul's emancipation. 
 And 'twas meant that we should live, from the time 
 
 of God's creation. 
 
 Our duty lies along these lines, though ridicule assail 
 
 us. 
 If conscience tells us we are right, let nothing else 
 
 prevail us. 
 If we more closely listened to the voice of God within 
 
 us. 
 Our lives would be far happier by the contentment it 
 
 would win us. 
 
 We should not let the gossip of the world our foot- 
 steps guide, 
 
 For it leaves us lost and weary among brambles by 
 the wayside. 
 
 [80] 
 
To My Friend 
 
 If a little pleasure we do deny ourselves from time to 
 time. 
 
 Instead of marring it will bring to us content of 
 mind. 
 
 When we think of other's welfare, our troubles we 
 forget, 
 
 And in this way learn our lessons, through expe- 
 rience we have met. 
 
 It is grand to do for others more unfortunate than 
 
 we. 
 For by doing so we're building our home beyond the 
 
 mystic sea. 
 Now you see, my friend, my reason, and my mission 
 
 is of love. 
 That my spirit may be ready for that brighter home 
 
 above. 
 
 TO MY FRIEND 
 
 Speed away, speed away, on thine errand of truth. 
 Let thy wings bear thee on to perpetual youth. 
 The work is before you, thy mission is broad. 
 Then go forth with a will, and give out the word 
 
 That will lift up the pilgrim, now tottering along. 
 And it may lighten their burdens, fill their hearts full 
 
 of song. 
 Have courage, my brother, don't falter nor fall, 
 For success lies before you, though your efforts be 
 
 small. 
 
 If truth be thy beacon, thy guide, and thy light. 
 No fear but thy council will always be right. 
 For truth is a warrior that cannot be downed. 
 So have it your motto, thereby wear a crown. 
 
 [81] 
 
In Memory of a Little Child 
 
 GONE TO SLEEP 
 
 Gone to sleep, a peaceful rest be unto thy tired 
 
 heart, 
 We know our loss is thy great gain. 
 Although 'twas hard to part. 
 
 Thy birth into the summer land. 
 
 We know was bright and fair. 
 
 And the loved ones took you by the hand. 
 
 And led you up the golden stair. 
 
 They lead you through the forest isle. 
 Out into meadows green. 
 Where flowers kissed by breezes mild. 
 And watered by the mountain stream. 
 
 Then through the open gates of pearl. 
 They lead you to the door 
 Of your home, and you meet the loved ones 
 Whom you'll part with nevermore. 
 
 IN MEMORY OF A LITTLE CHILD 
 
 (who has passed to the higher life) 
 
 The life of a rare sweet flower 
 
 That grows on the parent vine 
 Has gone to God who gave it 
 
 To earth for a little time. 
 In the garden of heaven she'll blossom 
 
 Into the perfect flower, 
 Nourished in God's warm bosom, 
 
 A light of love and power. 
 [821 
 
In Memory of a Little Child 
 
 You will miss her at the fireside, 
 
 In the circle of the home, 
 And you'll listen for the footstep 
 
 That on earth will never come. 
 You will miss her earthly presence, 
 
 Now she's free from pain and care. 
 But her spirit will be present, 
 
 As you bow in evening prayer. 
 
 The form you so much cherished 
 
 Was of earth, now cold and grim. 
 But her soul can never perish. 
 
 And to mourn is earthly sin. 
 God, He gave, and now He taketh, 
 
 To His home more bright and fair. 
 On the shore for you she waiteth. 
 
 For your coming over there. 
 
 Listen for her angel whisper. 
 
 For the message she will bring. 
 It will lift your thoughts toward heaven, 
 
 And your hearts with joy will ring. 
 She's not dead, the God who gaveth, 
 
 Never meant that life should die, 
 For the spirit ever liveth 
 
 In the realms of peace on high. 
 
 What seems death is but transition 
 
 To a higher life than this; 
 And she's left the earth condition 
 
 For a life of perfect bliss. 
 She'll be waiting at the portal, 
 
 Though your going may be late. 
 But when life has left the mortal, 
 
 She will meet you at the gate. 
 
 She will ever linger near you, 
 For her spirit's just out there. 
 
 And her voice at eve will mingle 
 As you bow your heads in prayer. 
 
 [831 
 
Beautiful Rest 
 
 A FRIEND'S ADVICE 
 
 When your heart is heavy laden. 
 
 And bowed down with grief and woe, 
 
 Look to Him to lift the burden, 
 He who all thy sorrows know. 
 
 Faith in Him will make you happy. 
 Drive all sorrow from thy heart, 
 
 And prepare your soul for glory, 
 Nevermore from friends to part. 
 
 If on earth no more I greet thee. 
 Dearest friend, oh don't forget. 
 
 That in heaven once more I'll meet thee. 
 Where the sun will never set. 
 
 If you should pass away before me. 
 To that bright celestial shore. 
 
 Friend, I hope you'll wait my coming. 
 In that bright far evermore. 
 
 When I see you struggling onward. 
 
 By the river I will wait. 
 There I'll wait to guide you homeward. 
 
 Lead you through the golden gate. 
 
 Now farewell, for I must leave thee. 
 Leave thee here, my new found friend. 
 
 All I ask is not forget me. 
 But be faithful to the end. 
 
 BEAUTIFUL REST 
 
 (dedicated to my friend Alice) 
 
 Beautiful rest! She now has gone 
 
 To dwell in love and peace. 
 Free from earthly strife, and storm. 
 
 For her all pain has ceased. 
 
 [84] 
 
Beyond 
 
 Beautiful rest! no censure gave 
 In thought, in word, in deed. 
 
 But simple faith in God was hers. 
 And kindness was her creed. 
 
 We'll miss her kindly smiling face, 
 Her words of love and cheer. 
 
 Be proud, that we could call her friend, 
 As we gather round her bier. 
 
 Beautiful rest! earth's journey's end, 
 
 Her loneliness is o'er. 
 She now has joined her loving friends. 
 
 On God's eternal shore. 
 
 BEYOND 
 
 Out beyond the cloud-drift. 
 
 Where we all must go some day; 
 Where the oversoul has gathered. 
 
 Those who now have found the way. 
 Where the sun in all its brightness 
 
 Sheds its light on you and I, 
 And our loved ones now are waiting 
 
 To greet us by and by. 
 
 Where the flowers are ever blooming 
 
 On the hill and in the dale. 
 And peace and joy are radiant. 
 
 Just beyond the shadow vale. 
 From which love flows on forever. 
 
 To the earth plane here below. 
 That fills our hearts with kindness. 
 
 Which on others we bestow. 
 
 The fount to which our thoughts ascend. 
 When bowed with grief and care. 
 
 To that great source, the oversoul. 
 Who answers humble prayer. 
 
 [85] 
 
Meditation 
 
 Then let us now on bended knee 
 
 Give thanks to Him on high. 
 For things that seem like hardships, 
 
 Are but blessings in disguise. 
 
 And with thoughts and deeds of kindness. 
 
 Towards our brothers, then 
 The world will be a heaven, 
 
 Peace on earth — Good will to men. 
 
 MEDITATION 
 
 While sitting by the window. 
 
 And looking into space, 
 I wondered when the veil would rend 
 
 And show me mother's face. 
 For oh! I get so lonely, 
 
 Since mother went away. 
 It seems as if I never could 
 
 Live through another day. 
 
 And then a calm comes o'er my heart. 
 
 And I hear a wee small voice, 
 Saying, — Cheer up, and don't complain, 
 
 It is thy Master's choice. 
 It is not long you'll have to wait. 
 
 Before the veil will lift; 
 When you can see within the gate. 
 
 Beyond the white cloud-drift. 
 
 There mother will be waiting. 
 
 And watching on the shore. 
 With outstretched arms, to greet you 
 
 Where parting is no more. 
 Then you will be with mother. 
 
 And other friends so dear, 
 Who are waiting for the rending, 
 
 Of the veil which now is near. 
 
There are no Dead 
 
 THE PRAYER 
 
 Our Father, Who are in heaven, 
 
 To Thee we daily pray. 
 That health to us is given. 
 
 And strength, from day to day. 
 That we may do our duty, 
 
 According to Thy will. 
 That we may see the beauty 
 
 Of spiritual truth fulfilled. 
 
 Give us this day, our daily need. 
 
 And our trespasses foryive. 
 As we forgive our brothers. 
 
 And help them here to live. 
 From temptations free our pathway. 
 
 Our hearts from hate and sin. 
 And to Thee, be all glory. 
 
 Forever more. Amen. 
 
 THERE ARE NO DEAD 
 
 Another soul has entered 
 
 Into the Shepard's fold. 
 Wherein all life is centered. 
 
 For the half was never told 
 Of the truth, for which we're seeking. 
 
 In faith and steadfast mein. 
 That shall teach us of the beauties 
 
 Of that land by us unseen. 
 
 There they'll get a bright good morning, 
 From the angels at the gate. 
 
 Who will greet them at the dawning 
 Of the day for which we wait. 
 [87] 
 
The Spirit of Love 
 
 There with open arms the loved ones, 
 Will enfold them to their breast. 
 
 And to their mansion they will lead them, 
 Where their souls may find sweet rest. 
 
 And at evening they may wander, 
 
 Back to the earthly sphere, 
 To try and ease the heartaches, 
 
 And dry the falling tears. 
 Try to make us see the folly 
 
 In the useless tears we shed. 
 And try to make us understand. 
 
 They live — there are no dead. 
 
 THE SPIRIT OF LOVE 
 
 Do not despair, if the way seems dark. 
 
 The clouds will pass away, 
 And the sun will shine as bright again. 
 
 At the dawn of another day. 
 
 For no cloud is so dense but a bright sunbeam 
 Can pierce it, and break the gloom 
 
 Of the saddest heart, and make it seem 
 As bright as the sun at noon. 
 
 So open the door of the soul, my child, 
 
 And let the sunlight in. 
 Invite the spirit of love and truth 
 
 To come and abide within. 
 
 And by so doing dispel the gloom, 
 
 That in thy heart now dwells. 
 For the spirit of truth, with its power of love. 
 
 Can maketh all things well. 
 
 [88] 
 
The Waif 
 
 SILENCE 
 
 Go into thy chamber of silence. 
 
 And commune with the loved ones gone. 
 
 Whom once we knew in the earth life. 
 And will know in the life to come. 
 
 For they can help us, and guide us 
 
 In the pathway of the right, 
 That shall lead us into oneness, 
 
 With the fatherhood of light. 
 
 They know your cares and sorrows. 
 When in prayer our heads we bow. 
 
 And ask their help in earnestness. 
 They will cool our fevered brow. 
 
 Then let us sit in silence, 
 
 A little while each day. 
 That we may gain the strength of will, 
 
 To help us on our way. 
 
 THE WAIF 
 
 Pity the poor little waif tonight. 
 
 With no place to lay his head. 
 Whose heart is filled with grief and pain 
 
 For the parents, who are dead. 
 
 No one to care if they live or die. 
 
 Or a kindness to them show. 
 Or mind their little pitiful cry. 
 
 Or shelter them from the snow. 
 
 Can you give thanks to the God above 
 
 As you sit round the festive board, 
 When you know of a poor little waif in your midst 
 
 And not give from your bounteous hoard .^^ 
 
Who 
 
 There is many a one if you look around, 
 Who is hungry, sick, and cold. 
 
 Just open the door of your heart today 
 And gather them into its fold. 
 
 NEW LIFE 
 
 New life is born within my heart. 
 
 The sun shines bright today, 
 The clouds that gathered yesterday 
 
 Have all been swept away. 
 A loving spirit whispered 
 
 Unto my weary soul, 
 And I'll wait the call up yonder, 
 
 To answer to the roll. 
 
 WHO 
 
 I wonder who the next will be 
 
 To cross the river wide, 
 I wonder if it will be me, 
 
 To drift in with the tide. 
 
 I'm ready if the call should come. 
 My barge is on the shore. 
 
 To take me to my heavenly home, 
 To dwell in peace for evermore. 
 
 The reaper gives no warning 
 To the grain at harvest time. 
 
 But cuts it down, with sickle keen. 
 And lays it low in line. 
 
 He separates the good and bad, 
 And keeps the two apart. 
 
 Just as the oversoul of all, 
 Intended from the start. 
 [90] 
 
In Memory of a Dear Friend 
 
 Its just the same with us, dear friend, 
 We know not how soon t'will be 
 
 That reaper life will cut us down. 
 To dwell in eternity. 
 
 He gathers in the flowers. 
 
 Into His mansion fair. 
 And blesses them with showers 
 
 That flow from fountains rare. 
 
 So cultivate the good in life. 
 
 Uproot the weeds of sin; 
 Replace the evil in the heart 
 
 With love, and you will win. 
 
 IN MEMORY OF A DEAR FRIEND 
 
 She has gone at last to heaven, 
 To the rest she so long craved; 
 
 And the veil for her is lifted. 
 
 Though her form lies in the grave. 
 
 Many years on earth she suffered, 
 Longing, waiting, for the call 
 
 Of the loved ones gone before her, 
 It's the destiny of all. 
 
 Loved ones helped her o'er the border 
 That so many feet have trod. 
 
 Now her earthly pain is ended. 
 And her spirit is with God. 
 
 Do not mourn the one departed. 
 Gladly welcome her demise. 
 
 Long she suffered, all is ended 
 Now with her beyond the skies. 
 
 [911 
 
In Memory of a Friend 
 
 Loving ties that once were broken. 
 
 Now are blended into one, 
 For she's joined the loved ones waiting; 
 
 Just beyond the setting sun. 
 
 Oh! what joy, for those awaiting 
 One whose barge has just set sail 
 
 For the shore, in realms celestial, 
 And the home beyond the veil. 
 
 I can hear their song of welcome. 
 
 As her spirit took its flight, 
 And she'll waken in the morning. 
 
 In the land that has no night. 
 
 IN MEMORY OF A FRIEND THIS POEM IS 
 DEDICATED 
 
 A father has left the fireside, 
 
 To dwell in realms of light; 
 Just crossed the river of mystery. 
 
 To the land that has no night. 
 
 No more will we feel the hand clasp. 
 
 Or the loving warm caress. 
 As we listen for his footstep. 
 
 That no more comes home to rest. 
 
 You may not hear his gentle tread. 
 
 Or greet his gentle smile. 
 But rest assured he's with you. 
 
 Watches o'er you all the while. 
 
 His love is as strong as ever. 
 
 Though you may not see his form. 
 
 But his spirit hovers near you, 
 Ever near you in the home. 
 [92] 
 
Face to Face 
 
 Don't mourn your loved one's going, 
 For your sorrow causes pain 
 
 To the spirit whose outflowing, 
 Was for betterment and gain. 
 
 He has only crossed the river. 
 
 Through with this life's toil and care, 
 
 And he'll wait beyond the portal 
 For your coming, just out there. 
 
 Seek the light of spiritual essence. 
 That will fill your soul with peace, 
 
 And the sorrow of his going. 
 Will for you forever cease. 
 
 Some day you will get a message 
 From the loved one gone before. 
 
 Saying, wife, I'm waiting, watching. 
 For your coming, on the shore. 
 
 FACE TO FACE 
 
 Some day the silver cord will break. 
 And from this world I'll take my flight 
 
 To dwell with loved ones gone before. 
 In that dear home where all is bright. 
 
 Some day my aching heart will cease. 
 Then I'll be free from earthly care. 
 
 The boatman waits to bear me o'er 
 The river, to that land more fair. 
 
 The veil will rend and I shall see 
 Within the pearly gates of light. 
 
 Where I shall be in one with thee. 
 And see thy face with clearer sight. 
 [93] 
 
Some Day 
 
 And I shall see them face to face, 
 And be with them forever more. 
 
 Yes, I shall see them face to face, 
 Upon that bright celestial shore. 
 
 CLOSE TO THEE 
 
 God of love, in mercy grant, 
 
 This prayer to me tonight. 
 That I may make the songs to chant 
 
 In Thy home so fair and bright. 
 
 I see no lining to the clouds. 
 They look so dark, and drear. 
 
 So take me home to dwell with Thee, 
 I'm tired of staying here. 
 
 My friends are all beyond the veil. 
 
 My eyesight is too dim 
 To penetrate the clouddrift 
 
 That veils the sights within. 
 
 Thus I pray, oh loving Father, 
 Waft me o'er the golden sea, 
 
 That my soul in peace and gladness. 
 May ever more be close to thee. 
 
 SOME DAY 
 
 Some day, the angels will call us. 
 For the glad tidings we wait, 
 Joy it will be when we meet them. 
 Loved ones who wait at the gate. 
 
 Mother will wait for my coming. 
 On the banks of the chrystal sea. 
 
 And through the thin veil I can see them, 
 Waiting and watching for me. 
 [94 1 
 
The Beautiful Land 
 
 Long I have waited a message 
 From you, dear mother, so fair. 
 
 That I may know you are near me. 
 And happy in the home over there. 
 
 Some day we'll meet o'er the river, 
 Where parting we'll know never more. 
 And hear the sweet songs of my childhood, 
 When we meet on that beautiful shore. 
 
 Chorus: 
 
 Some day — Some day — 
 
 Some day we'll go to our rest. 
 Some day the angels will call us. 
 
 To dwell in the home of the blest. 
 
 THE BEAUTIFUL LAND 
 
 Oh ! let me go to that land of light. 
 
 To that beautiful land where there is no night. 
 
 Where all is brightness, free from sin. 
 
 And we can be in oneness with Him. 
 
 My heart is tired with the worldly strife. 
 Where the clouds hang low, and sin is rife. 
 But a kindly voice speaks in our ear. 
 Forget thyself, and help those near. 
 
 For in so doing, you build your home 
 In after life, when all things come. 
 To those who do their duty here, 
 They can enter that life without a fear. 
 
 For God imparts to every one. 
 
 The love that which if we have done 
 
 Our best toward our brother man. 
 
 Will give us our place with the angel band. 
 
 [95 1 
 
The Message 
 
 THE REAPER 
 
 The reaper of life's harvest, with his sickle tipped 
 
 with love. 
 Has gathered from earth's garden, for his garden up 
 
 above, 
 There to bloom in all its beauty, with others of its 
 
 kin. 
 That were taken from our fireside, to that land that's 
 
 free from sin; 
 Then let us wait in patience, for the time when we 
 
 shall be, 
 Transplanted to the garden, where from earth's toil 
 
 we'll be free. 
 
 Where we'll bloom in greater fragrance then we ever 
 
 hoped for here. 
 When we'll dwell in sweet contentment, w^ith our 
 
 loved ones ever near. 
 There to roam through fields elysian, not a cloud to 
 
 mar the sky, 
 And join in the mighty chorus, singing anthems by 
 
 and by. 
 
 Oh! the joy we'll feel at meeting with the friends 
 
 who have gone before. 
 And to hear the shouts of greeting as we near the 
 
 other shore. 
 So have courage, brother, sister, for the time is 
 
 drawing near 
 When you'll hear the Master calling. 
 Come to me, and have no fear. 
 
 THE MESSAGE 
 
 My heart is sad while writing these lines to a friend 
 
 so dear. 
 But my thoughts will keep uniting with the spirit 
 
 that is near. 
 
 196 1 
 
Mother Darling 
 
 So I feel it is my duty to obey this one command, 
 By giving you the message from one in summer 
 land. 
 
 A mother, sister, friend has gone, 
 
 One whom we all held dear, 
 She has crossed the chrystal river, 
 
 Though her spirit still is near. 
 Don't mourn for her departure, 
 
 For she has not gone so far 
 But what her love can reach you. 
 
 From her home across the bar. 
 
 She'll be happy with the loved ones 
 Who will meet her on the shore. 
 
 Of that land of Ife eternal. 
 
 Free from pain forever more. 
 
 I can see her looking earthward. 
 With a smile of sweetest love. 
 
 With a hand stretched forth to guide you 
 O'er life's pathway, from above. 
 
 Oh ! what a grand reunion 
 
 It will be for us some day. 
 When we meet with all our loved ones 
 
 On that grand thanksgiving day. 
 
 MOTHER DARLING 
 
 Listen, mother dear, to the music in the air. 
 
 Can it be the angels singing. 
 In their heavenly home so fair? 
 
 Oh, yes they are calling, calling. 
 For me to join the throng. 
 
 So farewell, sweet mother darling, 
 Our parting won't be long. 
 [97 1 
 
Mother Darling 
 
 Don't weep for me, dear mother, 
 
 If you miss me from your side ! 
 For I will be with brother. 
 
 Just on the other side. 
 Where we will wait your coming. 
 
 In that glorious morning land. 
 And when we see you coming, 
 
 We will take you by the hand. 
 
 So farewell, my mother darling; 
 
 Farewell, your child must go. 
 Don't you hear their voices calling.? 
 
 And I must obey, you know! 
 Don't be sad now, little mother, 
 
 For my spirit won't be far. 
 And some day you'll hear me calling 
 
 You, from just across the bar. 
 
 Oh, look, mother, there stands brother, 
 
 Just within the open door. 
 And he's smiling, oh! so sweetly. 
 
 And he whispers, evermore. 
 We'll be together, sister. 
 
 In that home where all is bright. 
 And some day we'll come for mother. 
 
 When her spirit takes its flight. 
 
 Grandma stands just back of brother 
 
 And she beckons me to come. 
 So I must not linger, mother, 
 
 I must hasten to that home. 
 Take me in your arms, dear mother. 
 
 Lay my head upon your breast. 
 That's right, mother, kiss your darling, 
 
 I'm content, now I can rest. 
 [98] 
 
Give Thanks 
 
 OUR DEPARTED 
 
 Tread softly, the angels have called them, 
 No more shall we see their dear form. 
 
 But yet in the evening twilight. 
 
 They will mingle with those in the home. 
 
 Speak softly, disturb not their slumber, 
 They are resting so peacefully there; 
 
 They'll awake to be greeted by numbers 
 Of friends, on the bright golden stair. 
 
 They were watching as God gave the summons. 
 That called them from enrth life away, 
 
 A hand reached forth from a clouddrift. 
 And lead them to eternal day. 
 
 Don't mourn for the loved one just drifted 
 
 Away from your side for a while, 
 For e're long the veil will be lifted, 
 
 And they'll greet you again with a smile. 
 
 Look upward, be steadfast and kindly. 
 
 To those you meet every day, 
 And your burdens will rest on you lightly. 
 
 And help to make brighter your way. 
 
 A thought, a word of kindness. 
 
 Sent into the azure blue. 
 Will be felt by the sad, and the weary, 
 
 And return again unto you. 
 
 GIVE THANKS 
 
 Give thanks unto our spirit friends. 
 For the health that we enjoy 
 
 For by their aid the light extends 
 To other hearts, my boy. 
 [99] 
 
The Angels are Calling 
 
 Patience brings its own reward. 
 To those who struggle on 
 
 Toward the spiritual light of truth, 
 With a heart filled full of song. 
 
 THE ANGELS ARE CALLING 
 
 The angels are calling me, mother. 
 
 To dwell in that beautiful land, 
 Where flowers, and green fields elysian 
 
 Are tended by God's loving hand. 
 Don't weep when I start with the boatman 
 
 To cross the deep river so wide, 
 For the Captain will pilot me safely, 
 
 Yes, safely over the tide. 
 
 The angels are calling me, mother, 
 
 I'm sorry for you, I can't stay. 
 But then, mother dear, I'll be near you. 
 
 Though to you I seem far away. 
 Don't think of me, mother, as there in the tomb. 
 For I shall be free from its shadows and gloom. 
 The angels will bear me through clouddrifts of light, 
 To wake in the morning, where there is no night. 
 
 I would like to kiss my papa before I go away. 
 
 But tell him how we missed him 
 
 On this our parting day. 
 
 And tell him I'll be watching 
 
 For the boatman, on the shore 
 
 That will bear him to that harbor. 
 
 Where we will part no more. 
 
 Good bye, my mother darling, 
 
 Kiss your child good night once more. 
 
 For I hear the angels calling, 
 To me from the other shore, 
 f 100 1 
 
Faith 
 
 Just listen to the singing, 
 
 Of that angel choir so grand. 
 They have come to take your darling 
 
 To her home in morning land. 
 
 The angels are calling me, mother. 
 
 Just listen to their voices so sweet. 
 They come with garlands of flowers. 
 
 And drop them right here at my feet. 
 Hark! can't you hear the strains of the anthem, 
 
 That floats on the air of the room.? 
 Good bye, mother dear, I must leave you. 
 
 To dwell in that beautiful home. 
 
 FAITH 
 
 Beautiful birds are singing to me. 
 
 From the trees in yonder wood, 
 I know they are there, though I cannot see 
 
 Them, but oh! I wish I could. 
 
 Like the birds, the spirit friends are near. 
 
 With their songs, and words of love. 
 Though we cannot see them, our hearts they cheer, 
 
 With messages from their home above. 
 
 Why should we doubt their coming then. 
 Though they are hidden from our sight. 
 
 We cannot see the power that feeds 
 The grand electric light. 
 
 The same force that rules the sun. 
 
 Gives them the power to come. 
 That we may know that they still live 
 
 And linger in the home. 
 
 [101] 
 
A Lone Traveler 
 
 A LONE TRAVELER 
 
 A poor old traveler, was wending his way. 
 O'er a bleak, cold country road. 
 
 His coat was tattered, his hair was gray. 
 And he carried a heavy load. 
 
 His thoughts they wandered to the past. 
 
 When he was but a boy, 
 Then he was full of life and jest. 
 
 With a heart brim full of joy. 
 
 His life was all before him, 
 
 Aspirations grand had he. 
 The castles which he built with vim, 
 
 Were real to him you see. 
 
 He thought of the dear old swimming pool. 
 In the meadow neath the oak tree's shade. 
 
 Of the comrades he met at the old red school, 
 Of the games he once had played. 
 
 But that was in the long ago. 
 Long years have past since then. 
 
 His friends long since have passed away. 
 He knows not where or when. 
 
 He has no home, this poor old man. 
 
 No place to lay his head; 
 But he wanders along with his heavy load. 
 
 And thinking of the dead. 
 
 The dead? Oh no! they are not dead. 
 
 But just commenced to live. 
 They will lighten his load, and fill his heart 
 
 With love, that only God can give. 
 
 So forge along, thou martyred soul. 
 
 For you are nearing your journey's end, 
 
 Your loved ones await on the other shore, 
 A helping hand to lend. 
 [1021 
 
On the Passing to Spirit-Life 
 
 The boatman waits while the angels sing 
 Songs of welcome and cheer. 
 
 And shout hello, from the summer land. 
 As they see you drawing near. 
 
 ON THE PASSING TO SPIRIT-LIFE OF THOSE 
 BY THEIR OWN HAND 
 
 Dear friend, we know the sorrowful heart 
 That is yours this beautiful summer day. 
 
 Of the burden of grief which has been your part, 
 To carry along life's way. 
 
 But strength hath been given day by day. 
 
 By loved ones from the other side, 
 Although your cup to the brim was full, 
 
 And they still with you abide. 
 
 Look upward, not earthward, I hear them say. 
 
 For comfort in time of need 
 And your prayer will be answered by loved ones here, 
 
 And your heart from sorrow be freed. 
 
 Don't think because he stepped aside 
 
 From the timeworn beaten path, 
 That the God whose love forever abides 
 
 Will chasten him with His wrath! 
 
 For no one knows the pain he endured, 
 
 But the God who gave him birth. 
 And He will forgive the erring one. 
 
 Who has left this suffering earth. 
 
 Forgive, as ye wish to be forgiven. 
 
 Is the text of the golden rule. 
 And rest assured that the life in heaven. 
 
 Will be peace unto the soul. 
 [ 103 1 
 
On the Passing to Spirit -Life 
 
 Then let our lives so shine below 
 
 That when our time shall come 
 That we may meet the friends we know. 
 
 Who have gone to that heavenly home. 
 
 I think I hear the mother say, 
 
 As she now draws close to thee, 
 Be glad, not sad, for the one just gone. 
 
 For his soul from pain is freed. 
 
 No more on earth will you see the form. 
 
 As you gaze on the vacant chair. 
 That used to sit in the twilight gloom. 
 
 With the rest of the family there. 
 
 But from his home beyond the blue. 
 
 He will aid you as of yore. 
 And you will feel his presence. 
 
 More plainly than before 
 
 To cheer your saddened heart at eve. 
 
 Smooth out your furrowed brow. 
 And free your heart from all the grief 
 
 That shadows o'er you now. 
 
 Rejoice! and be glad, for the one that has passed 
 
 To the home of heavenly love. 
 Where his feet now roam, through the fresh green 
 grass, 
 
 With the loved ones who dwell above. 
 
 Mourn not for the brother who now has gone. 
 
 For his sufferings now are o'er. 
 He entered the valley of death alone. 
 
 Well knowing the welcome on the other shore. 
 
 For mother was there with open arms, 
 And father, and sister, and brother too, 
 
 To greet the weary heart who came 
 
 From the tired form to the dome of blue. 
 
 [104 1 
 
A Memory 
 
 We know it's hard to part with friends, 
 
 When they leave us here on earth; 
 But think of the joy that comes to them 
 
 By the means of the other birth. 
 
 Let us be ready to join the throng 
 
 In the land that has no night. 
 And mingle our voices with them in song 
 
 In the heavenly home where all is bright. 
 
 For the banks are lined from shore to shore 
 With hosts of loved ones dressed in white, 
 
 Who are waiting our coming, to part no more. 
 In that heavenly home where there is no night. 
 
 A MEMORY 
 
 Seated one day at the organ, 
 
 O'er the keys my fingers strayed. 
 The melody was of a dreamy tone, 
 
 I knew not what I played, 
 I thought the angel choir broke forth. 
 
 In heavenly strains so sweet. 
 They filled my heart with gladness. 
 
 And my soul with them repeat. 
 
 The words of God be with you. 
 
 Until we meet again. 
 And I heard the gladsome tidings. 
 
 Of peace on earth, good will to men. 
 And then I heard the voices 
 
 Of the loved one from on high, 
 They told me of the life beyond. 
 
 That was mine in the by and by. 
 
 There is not a sparrow falleth. 
 But is guarded by His love. 
 
 He careth for their welfare, 
 
 And they'll live with Him above: 
 1105] 
 
The Real Judge 
 
 How can you doubt the kindness 
 To His children here below. 
 
 Who are likened to His image. 
 On whom He his love bestows. 
 
 But that strain will ever linger. 
 
 In my heart, as long as life 
 Shall give me power to run the keys. 
 
 Or battle with the strife. 
 And when life's blood has ceased to flow, 
 
 And I am known no more. 
 Among the earth's great throng below 
 
 I'll mingle as I did before. 
 
 THE REAL JUDGE 
 
 God, the giver of all good. 
 
 Is just alike to all. 
 He chasteneth those who sing and pray. 
 
 As well as they who fall. 
 His principle we should uphold, 
 
 And live the golden rule. 
 And by so doing we will find 
 
 We all will reach the goal. 
 
 He placed us here to live the life 
 
 He preordained before, 
 And therefore we must do his will. 
 
 Just that, and nothing more. 
 It's not for us to judge a man 
 
 By what we see and hear. 
 He'll judge us all by what we've done. 
 
 And judge right, never fear. 
 [1061 
 
Across the Border Land 
 
 ACROSS THE BORDER LAND 
 
 Just across the border land. 
 
 Beyond the mystic sea. 
 The loved ones now are waiting. 
 
 Waiting there, for you and me. 
 Their hands outstretched in welcome. 
 
 As our little bark sets sail, 
 And they'll sing their glad hosannas 
 
 At the rending of the veil. 
 
 What a gathering of the loved ones. 
 
 As they come from near and far. 
 To give us hearty welcome. 
 
 To their home across the bar; 
 O the glory of the dawning 
 
 Of that bright and happy day. 
 As they smile and say good morning. 
 
 When we meet them on the way. 
 
 Don't regret the hour of parting, 
 
 When the earth friend leaves your side. 
 For in spirit they will meet you. 
 
 When you reach the other side. 
 Then accept the Father's promise, 
 
 Of a life beyond the grave, 
 If we build our heavenly mansion 
 
 Here on earth by being brave. 
 
 Let us be like Christ our brother. 
 
 Living pure lives kind and true. 
 Doing unto one another 
 
 What you'd have them do to you. 
 Then this world would be a heaven. 
 
 Without need of Sunday School, 
 And we'll rise up and sing praises 
 
 For the Master's golden rule. 
 [107] 
 
A Dream of Heaven 
 
 A DREAM OF HEAVEN 
 
 Last night, as I lay sleeping, 
 
 I had a dream so fair, 
 I thought I saw a ladder, 
 
 Reaching upward in the air. 
 The uprights were of jasper, 
 
 And the rungs were made of gold. 
 And the voice from up above me said 
 
 Come into thy Father's fold. 
 
 As I climbed that golden ladder. 
 
 Care and sorrow passed away; 
 And I felt my heart grow lighter, 
 
 As the night turned into day; 
 And I heard the sweetest music. 
 
 Made by angel voices sweet, 
 And I joined the heavenly chorus, 
 
 Which lent lightness to my feet. 
 
 And I met the loved and dear ones, 
 
 Whom I'd known before on earth; 
 All had come to greet and welcome me 
 
 Into that other birth; 
 And I plucked the rarest flowers. 
 
 Such I'd never seen before, 
 And the perfume overwhelmed me 
 
 As I stood upon the shore 
 
 Of that sea of brightest chrystal, 
 
 With its rippling waves of light. 
 And thanked God I'd crossed the border land. 
 
 In which there was no night. 
 But the awakening in the morning 
 
 Was the saddest of my life, 
 For I found myself once more among. 
 
 Earth's turmoils, sin and strife. 
 [108] 
 
After Awhile 
 
 The experience of that glorious dream 
 
 Will ever fill my heart 
 With love toward my brother man. 
 
 Till from earth I do depart. 
 I know my loved ones liveth, 
 
 As in the vision shown to me. 
 And the God of love, who giveth, 
 
 Life beyond the tideless sea. 
 
 A THOUGHT 
 
 Seeds of kindness, sown in gladness, 
 Bring forth flowers of sweetest love, 
 
 Watered by the tears of sadness, 
 And nourished by the God above. 
 
 Though we suffer pain and sorrow, 
 On the earth plane here below, 
 
 They are but lessons for tomorrow. 
 That our lives may better grow. 
 
 AFTER AWHILE 
 
 After awhile, all will be o'er. 
 
 All sorrow, heartaches, pain and care, 
 Then we will live on that fair shore, 
 
 Free from the evil tempter's snare. 
 
 After awhile, we'll greet our friends 
 In the land of sunshine's golden light. 
 
 In the summer land of which we dream. 
 The land in which there is no night. 
 
 After awhile we'll awake to find 
 The friends who left us long ago. 
 
 Who will greet us with a love more kind. 
 In robes as white as purest snow. 
 [ 109 ] 
 
Lead Me On 
 
 After awhile our faults we'll see. 
 The good, the bad, as they pass by. 
 
 Upon the panoramic sea, 
 
 And we'll exclaim! can that be I? 
 
 Oh! let us do what we think right. 
 No matter what the world may say. 
 
 And after awhile with the spiritual sight, 
 We will view our home, as bright as day. 
 
 SUNSHINE 
 
 Look inward, not outward. 
 
 Upward, not down. 
 And send out the sunshine. 
 
 Thereby win the crown. 
 
 By so doing the love light 
 Will shed light o'er your path. 
 
 For a word spoken kindly 
 Will turn away wrath. 
 
 LEAD ME ON 
 
 Lead me on, oh loving spirit. 
 To that burnished gate of gold. 
 
 That I may so do the duty, 
 Of my God the oversoul. 
 
 Lead me on, my child, to heaven. 
 In my heart create that love. 
 
 That shall blossom into beauty, 
 In that glorious home above. 
 
 [110] 
 
Ask, and Ye Shall Receive 
 
 Lead me on, oh guiding loved one, 
 To do good to those of earth. 
 
 That may cheer the sad and weary, 
 Fill their hearts with joy and mirth. 
 
 Give me power to lead them onward. 
 Into light of spiritual truth. 
 
 That they may so see the beauties. 
 Of that bright eternal youth. 
 
 ASK, AND YE SHALL RECEIVE 
 
 Guide me, oh ! thou great Jehovah 
 In the path that leads to God. 
 
 That I may sail the sea celestial. 
 
 Where none but Jesus' feet have trod. 
 
 Long I've wandered, lone and weary. 
 Through this life of vice and sin. 
 
 Till my heart is oh ! so dreary, 
 Striving hard the goal to win. 
 
 Will there ever be a rending 
 
 Of the veil that I may see 
 Where peace and love are ever blending, 
 
 And a resting place for me? 
 
 Yes, my child, the clouds are breaking. 
 Dawn is peeping o'er the hill. 
 
 And the sun will soon be shining. 
 And the birds their songs will trill. 
 
 Then your heart will fill with gladness, 
 And your lips will give forth song. 
 
 And your soul be free from sadness; 
 Courage, child, it won't be long. 
 
 [Ill] 
 
Prophecy 
 
 Angel friends are now preparing, 
 A mansion in that home above. 
 
 And e're long your soul will enter 
 Through the gate, where all is love. 
 
 THE TWILIGHT HOUR 
 
 I love to wander through the woods, 
 At twilight's gentle hour, 
 
 And listen to the night birds' song, 
 Neath nature's quiet bower. 
 
 I sit me down beneath the trees. 
 
 And worship God alone. 
 It brings me nearer to the love 
 
 Of Him whose light so shone 
 
 That we might follow in the path. 
 That leads to peace and love. 
 
 For He who lives for others finds 
 His treasures up above. 
 
 Obey the laws of nature, 
 
 For transgression is a sin 
 And when you reach the pearly gate, 
 
 They'll welcome you within. 
 
 PROPHECY 
 
 I see in the future a path of light, 
 And it reaches from sea to sea. 
 
 It's the spirit of truth in its armour bright, 
 Bringing freedom to you and me. 
 
 [1121 
 
Rays of Sunshine 
 
 Freedom from bondage of dogma and creed, 
 Whose chains have held us so long. 
 
 For the links in that chain I see grow weak 
 As our faith in the spirit grows strong. 
 
 For the truth of spirit has proven itself 
 The religion the world must accept. 
 
 And the angel world has opened the door 
 For us to enter step by step. 
 
 Not many years will roll around 
 
 Before we all will meet 
 In one grand church where love abounds. 
 
 And we'll worship at the feet 
 
 Of Him whose power of love went forth. 
 
 And healed the sick and lame. 
 And by His mediumistic power He raised 
 
 The dead to life again. 
 
 I also see, in that great day. 
 
 By angels to me shown, 
 That friend and foe will go hand in hand. 
 
 And we shall know as we are known. 
 
 RAYS OF SUNSHINE 
 
 Let us scatter rays of sunshine. 
 Instead of clouds of night. 
 
 That we may reap the harvest 
 In our heavenly home so bright. 
 
 Sow the seeds of human kindness 
 In the hearts of those you meet. 
 
 That they may enjoy the flowers 
 That spring up around their feet. 
 
 [113] 
 
Friendship 
 
 The flowers are the kind thoughts, 
 That we sow from day to day. 
 
 And the harvest will be twofold, 
 That we'll reap along the way. 
 
 DON'T 
 
 Don't be weary in well doing, 
 Don't speak ill of friend or foe. 
 
 Cheer the weak, the sad, the erring, 
 By sowing roses as you go. 
 
 Don't repeat the idle gossip. 
 That you hear from passers by. 
 
 For if you say they said it, 
 The story they'll deny. 
 
 Don't frown upon your neighbor, 
 Just because they frown at you : 
 
 Wear a smile of friendly greeting. 
 And perhaps that they'll smile too. 
 
 Don't you know if you sow flowers. 
 Flowers you'll reap, as sure as fate. 
 
 And the harvest will surprise you. 
 When you enter through the gate. 
 
 FRIENDSHIP 
 
 It is sweet to be remembered 
 By those we love most dear. 
 
 To know that you are numbered 
 As a friend with heartful cheer. 
 
 [114] 
 
The Angel in the House 
 
 To know that we are counted 
 As a friend, the same today, 
 
 Although our paths are severed. 
 And we are far away. 
 
 The time may come, it can't be long, 
 When we shall meet again. 
 
 I wonder will it be with joy, 
 Or will it give us pain? 
 
 God grant thy loving kindness. 
 May fill our hearts with love. 
 
 And mold our friendship stronger, 
 In that heavenly home above. 
 
 THE ANGEL IN THE HOUSE 
 
 There's an angel in our house. 
 
 And I hope she's come to stay. 
 And I know I'm not mistaken. 
 
 For I found her there today. 
 She's the sweetest little angel 
 
 Ever sent to earth below. 
 And if you could only see her. 
 
 You would say so too, I know ! 
 
 Her eye's are blue, and her hair is brown. 
 
 And her cheeks just like the rose, 
 And her chin is like a snowdrop. 
 
 And the pinkest little toes; 
 Her ears are like a sea shell, 
 
 And the cutest little nose, 
 If you think we do not love her 
 
 Well, just ask someone that knows. 
 [115 1 
 
The Angel in the House 
 
 This tale of love a little child. 
 
 Was telling to her mate. 
 One day as I was passing by 
 
 Two children at the gate. 
 Someone had left this little babe. 
 
 On the door step of this home. 
 And they took it in, to take the place 
 
 Of one which now had gone. 
 
 The people they were happy. 
 
 And the child was too, we know. 
 And she knew it was an angel, 
 
 For her mamma told her so. 
 And now I tell this tale to you 
 
 As I heard it on that day. 
 And may God bless that little home 
 
 Forever and for aye. 
 
 [116