'' "^^..^^ "^v ^ >-^ , •n^o* 0'°"%. •/.^.v-"^" Zo /IBs Wiitc CONTENTS Prefatory Lines . . Shining Pathways Confidence in God . Christian Optimism Wherever and Whatever . How to be Unhappy . The Word of God . Perfect Peace Murmur Not . An Empty Nest . An Evening Meditation The Ministry of Cheer . My Student Lamp . Children at Play . My Books Our Boy of Five Years Cheer for the Despondent Mental Pleasures . " My Cup Runneth Over" An Appeal for Strength The Wings of Christ God's Messengers My True Friend My Father's Heart The Glorious King . From Cross to Crown PAGE I 3 • 5 7 9 II 12 H . i6 i8 . 20 22 . 24 26 . 28 30 . 32 33 • 34 36 . 38 39 . 41 42 . 43 44 CONTENTS The Saviour's Love . A Prayer for Times of Need Moses in the Aric of Bulrushes The Power of God A Morning Prayer . An Evening Prayer His Will . Tears . Visions . A Call to Prayer . Triumph Over Death What am I? Returning Spring A Picture of Spring The Resurrection A Holiday . An Heir of God Walking in the Woods The Power of Contact June A June Day Meditation Daisies Two Summer Servants Buttercups . A Summer's Day A Prayer Light After Darkness To a Cloud . PAGB 46 47 49 51 52 54 56 58 60 62 64 65 66 68 70 72 74 76 78 79 8i 82 84 85 86 SS 89 90 CONTENTS The Lighting of the Stars To the Evening Star . God's Watchfulness . The Rain Harvest Time .... Do Not Borrow Trouble Autumn Lines to a Faded Aster On Seeing a Faded Leaf . The Woods in Autumn A Morning Scene Walking at Sunset Among the Mountains Autumn on the Mountains . An Autumn Thought November Somewhere .... The Gift of Snow The Sound of Sleigh Bells at Night Flowers in My Study Window . Pennsylvania .... Abraham Lincoln Memorial Day Washington's Birthday The Stars and Stripes The Flag of Freedom Thanksgiving Hymn Thanksgiving .... PAGE 92 93 95 97 99 100 loi 103 105 107 108 109 no 112 114 116 118 119 120 121 123 127 129 131 135 CONTENTS Be Thankful A Cause for Thanksgiving A Call for Thankfulness . The Christmas Message A Royal Birthplace . An Apostrophe to the Bells Sunrise on the Ocean On the Strand . Homeward Bound . The Fisherman's Wife Retrospection . Redeeming the Time The Passing Years . Contentment Thoughts at Sunset . Evening Scenes The Pinions of the Lord Keep Thou My Lips Discipline Higher The Quiet Hour Thy Kingdom Come Wait on God . The Golden Age . The Home Beyond "There Shall Be no Night There *'And There was no More Sea" A Sonnet of Faith 170 172 174 175 177 179 i8i 183 185 187 SHINING PATHWAYS Prefatory Lines I KNOW, my friend, I cannot sing Like many famous poet birds, Nor mount their glowing sky of words, For I have not their breadth of wing. But though I cannot sing so fine, Nor soar, like them, in wondrous flight. My faith in God can show the light That doth on every pathway shine. Then enter in and welcome be To all the cheer my lines enfold ; Discard the dross and keep the gold That privilege, friend, I give to thee. Shining Pathways It may be o'er the mountains high That thou must go alone, Whose upward path beneath the sky- Is paved with many a stone ; But if thou trusteth in thy God, His word will come to pass, That for the road thou shalt be shod With shoes of iron and brass. It may be through a valley deep Thy journey's path will lie, Where everlasting shadows sleep, And vultures feast and fly ; But if a faith that cannot fail Thou hast, O soul, in God, Thy faith to thee within that vale Shall be thy strength and rod. SHINING PATHIVAYS Or through a wilderness may be The path that thou must walk, Where prowling beasts have liberty By day and night to stalk ; But if thy faith in God shall fill Thy bosom to the core, The hons' jaws He'll lock, and still The thunder of their roar. And if thou'rt called to travel far Across a stormy sea, From which the light of sun and star Shall hide itself and flee ; Yet trusting in the Lord thy God, He'll bring thee joy and peace, For winds and waves obey His nod, And at His bidding cease. There is no place by pilgrims trod In all this earth around. In which the promises of God By faith are never found ; Where'er the path of those that trust. The land or ocean way. It is the pathway of the just That shines to perfect day. CONFIDENCE IN GOD Confidence in God Come weal or woe, come joy or pain, Come days of light or days of rain, My Lord is good and kind : Come smiles or disappointment's frown, Come loss or gain, come cross or crown, I shall a blessing find. Whate'er may come, whate'er may be, Whate'er may fall from God on me. He is my Father still : Whate'er His wisdom may assign, Whate'er He sends. He is benign, And gracious is His will. Though He should slay me, I will trust; Though tempted Him to call unjust, My faith shall never fail : Though numerous foes should on me rise. Though death should come in darkest guise, O'er these I shall prevail. SHINING PATHIVAYS O Father, Thou art Love in name, And all Thy ways Thy love proclaim With more than trumpet sound ! All things that come are good from Thee ; Thy will is like a spreading tree On which pure fruit is found. CHRISTIAN OPTIMISM Christian Optimism The world is dark or passing fair, As we ourselves do make it ; We have a joy or find a care, Just as we choose to take it ; When the meads are bright beneath the blue Of over-arching glory, Why clothe them in funereal hue. And tell a different story ? The best of men, their face aglow, With all things are contented, And by their lives they clearly show Their birth they've not repented. Some walk along through crowded days. As if by all forsaken, And choirs of angels, chanting lays. No song in them could waken ; The world's a dreary place to them. It yields no light or pleasure ; On smiles they frown, and mirth condemn, And pain they count a treasure ; In groans and sobs they take delight. While happy times are flying, And cheerful themes they hurt and blight With baneful breath and sighing. SHINING PATH IV AYS My friend, the woods are full of song. The fields with green are shining, And gleaming streamlets rush along 'Tween banks with emerald lining The stars of night the skies parade In sheen that is a wonder, While lightnings often flash and fade Without a sound of thunder ; Why then a mourner be, whose eyes In tears are ever flowing ? For God, the Father, kind and wise, Thy life with good is sowing. IVHEREVER AND IVHATEVER Wherever and Whatever Where'er my path may lead, Through field or wilderness, Through desert wild or verdant mead, That path Thy love will bless. Whate'er may be my cross, Though grief of soul or pain, Though failure deep, or heavy loss, That cross shall bring me gain. Where'er may be my place, If high it be or low, Contentment shall illume my face, Thou dost no ill bestow. Whate'er may be my life. If light or stormy frown, If rest, or if the battle's strife. That life shall win a crown. SHINING PATH IV AYS Where'er I be or go, Whate'er may come or cease, Thy tender grace shall all things show, My heart be filled with peace. Whate'er may be Thy will, \ Though now I cannot see \ What purposes Thou wilt fulfill,! Thy will is best for me. THE IVORD OF GOD How to be Unhappy If thou wouldst be unhappy, friend, And filled with discontent ; If thou o'er thorns thy way wouldst wend Till all of hfe is spent ; If every flower thou wouldst blight That smiles on thee in grace, And e'en the day wouldst turn to night, Away its brightness chase ; And also e'en the night wouldst mar, Increase the shadows all. And banish every twinkUng star. Not one of them recall ; Then give to thoughts of self thy heart, And what the world thee owes, And in thy mind, like weeds, will start A multitude of woes ! II SHINING PATHIVAYS The Word of God Men often follow beams untrue That lead them into mire, As ships a wrongful course pursue, When lured by the wrecker's fire : Thy Word's a lamp that shineth bright To cheer me 'long my way ; Attending to its guiding light, I cannot go astray. The world a feast of sin aflfords. It spreads a banquet grand, And foolish ones, in Satan's cords, Sit there on every hand : Thy Word is pure, and far more sweet Than honey found in hives, And richer than the finest wheat That for the harvest thrives. 12 THE WORD OF GOD The earth gives playthings made of dust, That please for one brief day, Like burnished crowns that gather rust. Like robes that soon decay: Thy Word, O Lord, is my delight. Its truths are ever new : They glow like stars that gild the night. Or like the sunlit dew. O hoAv I love Thy Word, my Lord ! 'Tis more than heaps of gold ; In keeping it there's great reward, It makes Thy servant bold : He need not fear, Thou'lt guard his way, Who in Thy Word abides. And lead him home to lasting day. Where danger ne'er betides. SHINING PATHl^'AYS Perfect Peace Thou wilt keep him in peace, peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. Isaiah 26:3. (Marginal Reading.) In perfect peace Thou, Lord, wilt keep The one whose mind on Thee is stayed ; No grief shall cause his eyes to weep, His heart shall never be dismayed. This peace, O Lord, that Thou dost give Is more than peace to those that trust — A peace that owns that Thou dost live, And also owns that Thou art just. Let trials come, like billows strong Across a stormy, raging sea, * This peace within awakens song That bursts in triumph, praising Thee. Thus peaceful were those men of old That persecution bound with chains. For through the prison aisles there rolled A hymn to Thee in happy strains. 14 PERFECT PEACE And hosts of witnesses are found That speak of peace, this perfect peace ; Through all the earth hath gone their sound, Their testimony shall not cease. 'Tis peace on peace, the peace that falls From out the heavens on the saints; That lights with joy e'en dungeon walls. And quiets murmurings and complaints. SHINING PATHIVAYS Murmur Not The day and all its hours are done, And done are all its cares ; The flaming chariot of the sun Its king no longer bears. Within their tents the soldier stars Have lit their evening lamps, The guardians of the warrior Mars At rest within their camps. And Luna yonder, smiling queen, Ascends her throne of light, While round her is the lesser sheen Of her attendants bright. And as she sits in royal state. The stars their faces veil. Content on her commands to wait. And let their glory fail. She holds her court through all the night, Until the dayspring breaks ; And then her robes grow strangely white, And she her throne forsakes. i6 MURMUR NOT And so, my friend, whoe'er thou art, To whom these hnes appear, When all thy hopes from thee depart. Be filled with patient cheer. The shadows of thy life shall grow Resplendent with the stars That in the heavens grandly glow, When night the sunshine bars. And even then more light shall fall, While night wears slow away ; And o'er thy sky a golden ball, The sun, shall make new day. O heart, be still, and murmur not. Thou hast no cause to fret, Thy God hath thee ne'er once forgot, He never will forget. 17 SHINING PATHIVAYS An Empty Nest Within a honeysuckle vine, The leaves of which were dead, On which the summer light did shine,. Upon whose beams it fed, I found a nest in which the birds Had reared their callow young. To which they talked in chirping words. And oft sweet morsels flung. Deserted now, the nestlings flown, The sport of Winter's breath, And by it rudely tossed and blown, It hung a sign of death ; And sorrow filled my heart with pain, For 'twas a saddening sight ; Yet what seemed loss, in truth, was gain. And what seemed dark was light. A}^ EMPTY NEST These better thoughts went through my mind, And brought to me their cheer, As sunbeams would upon the blind, If vision should appear ; That nest I saw in other form, While there it hung above, Not now a type of death, the norm Of life and tender love. And so around us, as we tread Our onward pilgrim way, Are many sights on us to shed Inspiring sheen of day ; Count nothing lost that God has made. He knoweth what is best, E'en though its beauty from it fade, And leave an empty nest. 19 SHINING PAT HIV AYS An Evening Meditation The day is done: The setting sun Is spreading gold along the west ; And o'er the sky- All homeward fly The birds that seek their place of rest. The day is o'er, And work no more The artisans of shop and mill : Their labor ceased, From toil released. Domestic joys their bosoms fill. The day departs, And night imparts To all the earth the shadows deep That bring rehef From care and grief, For these are lost in peaceful sleep. 20 AN EVENING MEDITATION So shall the day That none can stay, The longer day of life, depart, And silent be, My friend, to thee The trembling pulses of thy heart. And shall that day Go on its way To leave contentment in its train ? Or shall grim Death Remove thy breath, And free thy soul for lasting pain ? O that a day. For thus I pray. Of splendid sheen may then come down On thee, my friend. And o'er thee bend An angel thee with hfe to crown ! 21 SHINING PAT HIV AYS The Ministry of Cheer Away on quickened feet, A sunbeam from the sky, Ran forth a suffering face to greet. Swifter than eagles fly. It flashed within a room Where one long ill had lain ; A failing heart forgot its doom, And ceased its aching pain. A flov/er on the sill Was brightened by its smile ; And o'er the sick one played a thrill That banished care awhile. And thou a cheer canst bring, Like sunbeams from the skies ; In hearts of anguish music ring, And dissipate their sighs. 22 THE MINISTRY OF CHEER Then be alert for deeds Of kindness true, divine. Thus scattering round the pregnant seeds That shall in harvest shine. For what is sown in love Will surely bring reward In the amaranthine fields above — The gardens of the Lord. 23 SHINING PATHIVAYS My Student Lamp My student lamp I greatly prize, Its glow to-night recalls the past, For through it memories are cast That bring old days before my eyes. How quickly fly the years of youth ! Their wings are like the flashing light That darts through clouds of storm at night O lamp of mine, I've learned this truth ! For me thou didst illume the page Of knowledge with thy fiery beams, And wakened in me gorgeous dreams Of fame in manhood's future age. And thou, O lamp, art still the same. While I have changed in thought and form Although my heart is yet as warm As when I first beheld thy flame. 24 MY STUDENT LAMP Of earthly crowns I have no thought ; To bless my fellow-men I aim, Which brings to me a richer fame Than that which once I fondly sought. To be as Christ the Lord divine, And win from Him the radiant prize Held forth to view within the skies, For this my soul doth long and pine. How oft my hand thy wick shall light, When evening stars are kindled high, I cannot tell, or when shall fly My soul aloft from out thy sight. Yet beam, O student lamp of mine, E'en after I have gone away ; Beam on with calm, unflickering ray, And know thou didst my soul refine. 25 SHINING PATHIVAYS Children at Play The children play along the street, And wake the echoes of the air; I watch them from my bower retreat, And think of them as free from care. In fancy drive they steeds of fire, And mimic war's wild, fierce alarm ; And as the battle rises higher, The more intense becomes the charm. They change the sport, with child's caprice, And sail toy ships the highway down, To far-off land, perhaps to Greece, Perhaps to some sweet fairy town. Play on, my lads, while the hours are bright, And sunbeams fall upon your path ; Soon life will be an earnest fight, And round you rage in sullen wrath. CHILDREN AT PLAY Life, too, v/ill be an ocean wide, And o'er its waves your ships will sail ; God grant to you a favoring tide, Unruffled by a single gale! And in the battle that shall break May you the sword most bravely wield, Pass on a conqueror's place to take, And force the enemy to yield ! 27 SHINING PAT HIV AYS My Books As knights of old in castles strong With pride looked on their arms. And memories around would throng. Reviving war's alarms ; So look I on my books around Me on my study walls ; And as I gaze my heart doth bound. My brain the past recalls. Some are the trophies of the days When learning was a strife, And bring to mind the many frays That served to fit for life : And these now rest upon the shelf, The battle all is done ; And I to-day another self, Recall the triumphs won. But other spoils are hanging here My study walls along ; And these are cherished more and dear. And in me waken song ; They are the riches of my heart In manhood's deepening days — A wealth that doth to me impart The mood to speak its praise. 28 MY BOOKS Let knights within their castles strong The past in pride relate ! I to a grander age belong, And live in better state : My books are liner prizes far Than glistening spears and shields. Than coats of mail or helmets are, And each more pleasure yields. 29 SHINING PAT HIV AYS Our Boy of Five Years Our boy has lustrous eyes That beam and glow with love. In color like the arching skies, When clouds hang not above. Our boy has shining hair, Aflame with heavenly light, For lambent sunbeams nestle there, And lend their presence bright. Our boy has velvet cheeks. Where kisses romp and play, And when the mouth their beauty seeksj 'Tis loth to turn away. Our boy has lips whose sweets Are like the honey rare That bees lay up in their retreats From flowers rich and rare. Our boy to us doth bring Great joys before unknown, And we have crowned him as our king ; Our hearts are made his throne. OUR BOY OF FiyE YEARS He rules both you and me, We love him to the core ; Our love for him is like the sea That glistens far from shore. Does he our love return ? What answer shall I tell ? His soul with love for us doth burn ; We know it does full well. No autocrat is he Who wields a tyrant's power ; Our footsteps never from him flee, We ne'er before him cower. And may he reign in peace Through all the coming days ! And may our love and his ne'er cease To be a theme of praise ! 31 SHINING PAT HIV AYS Cheer for the Despondent One day as I passed along the street, My heart a heavy thing, A bird on a tree, in music sweet, Began to chirp and sing. And as on the air the melody rolled, My heart grew strangely light. Like bubbles that float in tints of gold Among the sunbeams bright. And so there are songs in all the way Of life for mourning ones ; The Lord sends His birds with cheering lay To sing around His sons. 32 MENTAL PLEASURES Mental Pleasures Among the books that hne the walls Within my study here I sit, at times, till twilight falls. And till the stars appear. It is an hour of phantasy. And through the shadows wide, Like figures in a darkened lea, My fancies round me glide. Like spirits, in the deepening gloom They onward pass, till night Fills every space within the room, Yet none of them affright. They are my friends from out my brain, As such they welcome are ; Their presence brings no grief or pain, Not one would I debar. And thus, though one be quite alone, He may around him find. Unless his heart be turned to stone, These pleasures of the mind. 33 SHINING PAT HIV AYS "My Cup Runneth Over" To Thee, my God and King, While heavenward I go, My heart shall e'er its tribute bring. Thy love and kindness show. Thou comest to my soul, When I am pressed by foes ; Thy strength Thou dost not to me dole. My cup with grace o'erflows. In sickness and in grief Thou dost Thy care bestow ; And with the joy that gives relief My cup doth overflow. Should want to me draw near, And scatter wide its woe. No chain shall bind my heart with fear. My cup will overflow. 34 MY CUP RUNNETH OVER No gloom my eyes shall dim, When Death his shadow throws ; My cup Thou'lt fill clear to the brim, Until it overflows. Thy hand, my life, O Lord, With love and kindness sows; Through all my days Thou wilt afford A cup that overflows. 35 SHINING PATHIVAYS An Appeal for Strength O Jesus, Saviour, King, Whose praise the angels sing In realms of light ! Thy throne I bend before, With sin my soul at war, And strength from Thee implore To win the fi?ht. The Christian soldier's Friend Thou art, and power wilt lend To those who seek : Thou wilt not turn away From those who to Thee pray ; Nor wilt Thou answer nay, When Thou dost speak. Then arm me, mighty Lord, With a celestial sword For all of life : And with this in my hand, I'll. boldly take my stand Against each hostile band In every strife. 36 AN APPEAL FOR STRENGTH And when the conflict's done, And final triumph won, Lord, Thee I'll praise: The glory give to Thee ; And through eternity Thy grace my theme shall be In grateful lays. 37 SHINING PATHIVAYS The Wings of Christ How often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings ! Matt. 23 : 37. It pleases me, that phrase of old, Which from the lips of Jesus fell ; Though set in homely words, 'tis gold ; It has the music of a bell. To prove His love for sinful men, He draws a scene from nature's soil ; And by a lowly mother hen That love is shown as in a foil. What grandeur rises in the thought That 'neath His wings I may abide! For me the privilege was bought, The price was blood from out His side. O gather me, my Saviour dear. Beneath Thy pinions wide and strong ! And nestling there, I shall not fear. Though many foes around me throng. 38 COD'S MESSENGERS God's Messengers The winds that in the winter blow. All rude and boisterous things. The rain that falls, the driving snow. All sorrows dire, and stings Are messengers from God above, Whate'er the form they assume, And issue from a heart of love With benisons abloom. We often fail, howe'er to see These angels in disguise, That come from out eternity To make us truly wise ; We do not look their robes within. Discerning wondrous light ; We judge them all to be akin To shadows of the night. 39 SHINING PATHIVAYS Yet all the while, with patient mien. These servants of the Lord, In secret holding grandest sheen, Concealing their reward, Are waiting for our hands to tear The veils that hide their face^ Supernal glory seeing there, And lineaments of grace. O learn the lesson, troubled ones ! That God is good and wise ; And that the sorrows of His sons Should not give birth to sighs ; A Christian's griefs have ever been Like geodes to the sight, All rough without, but full within Of crystal gems of light. 40 MY TRUE FRIEND My True Friend When my heart is worn with grief, And the clouds are hanging low, Christ, my Saviour, gives relief, And new joys begin to flow. He's my Friend, and ever near. Lending aid in sorrow's hour : And His presence brings me cheer. Like the light upon a flower. He will never me forsake. As the friends of earthly name, Who, when troubles sore awake, Often lose true friendship's flame. Though a cross should bear me down. Though a host of foes should laugh, Though I wear a thorny crown, Though my riches turn to chaff, He my Friend will ever prove. Near my side will ever be ; Nothing can His friendship move ; *Tis a rock within the sea. 41 SHINING PATHIVAYS My Father's Heart Thou art, O God, my joy and light In every time of grief and fear ; Thy smile illumes the darkest night, And brightly gilds each falling tear. Thy tender hand my sorrow quells, And smooths my trouble into rest, Till sweetly ring, like evening bells. The notes of peace within my breast. Thy loving voice, like music chords That float their melody in air, A thrill to all my soul affords. And banishes my every care. Thou hast for me a father's heart ; And leaning on Thy bosom warm. Thou wilt to me Thy grace impart, Whenever trials break in storm. 42 THE GLORIOUS KING The Glorious King We worship the Lord enthroned high above, Whose sceptre is swayed in wisdom and love, Our King most illustrious and worthy of praise ; The angels surround Him, their voices upraise. All things Him obey. His will is supreme, The skies and the winds, the lightnings that gleam ; He speaks in the thunder and shakes the whole earth, The clouds hold His treasures, to flowers give birth. His footprints are made in the ocean's wide path, The sunbeams His smile, the tempest His wrath ; The billows His power full well understand. He levels their heads by a sign from His hand. How glorious our King and mighty His ways ! How should we to Him lift up our glad lays ! This King is our Father — O wonderful thought ! — His love brought salvation, our freedom hath bouo^ht. 43 SHINING PATHIVAYS From Cross to Crown If so be that we suffer with Him, that we may be also glori- fied together. Romans 8:17. Jesus, Saviour, crucified By a host of hellish foes, Torn Thy feet and hands and side, All for me Thy many woes, Shall I fear to share with Thee Sorrow's pangs and trials sore ? Shall I from my troubles fiee, Suffering with Thee nevermore ? What am I that I should ask To be free from grief and pain ? Can it be an irksome task Thee to serve, or is it vain ? Am I better than wast Thou, Lord of lords and King of kings. Wearing thorns upon Thy brow, And enduring all their stings ? 44 FROM CROSS TO CROJVN Give me courage, blessed Lord ! Never Thee may I forsake, Even though a flaming sword To my heart its way should make May I carry any cross Laid upon my shoulders down, Well prepared to take the loss That shall gain a heavenly crown. 45 SHINING PAT HIV AYS The Saviour's Love O Thou the chiefest 'mong the throngs Of earth or heaven, lovely, fair, To Thee we hft our even songs, And breathe to Thee our evening prayer. We bless Thee for Thy wondrous love, And seek to have more love to Thee ; For us Thou earnest from above, And died upon the cruel tree. O when we think of Thy great shame, The cross, the nails, the thorny crown, We laud and magnify Thy name, And sing the love that brought Thee down I But when we think of our poor hearts So destitute of love's return. Our spirit sinks and guilty starts, And blushes on our faces burn. O Christ, to us give love to Thee That shall possess our inmost soul, A love whose depth is like the sea, O'er which the tempests vainly roll. 46 A TRAYER FOR TIMES OF NEED A Prayer for Times of Need When clouds above between the sun And earth outspread their colors dun, And curtain all my light, Thy face, O Lord, lift Thou on me, Till all the noisome shadows flee ; And then Thy glory I shall see, Enraptured with the sight. When foes shall beat against my heart. And hurtles there each flying dart My faith to overthrow, Encircle me, O Lord, with might, Till these retreat in quickened flight. Like gloom when sunbeam rays bedight The heavens with their glow. When trial's hammer, great and stark, Descends on me, a quivering mark For every thundering blow That pounds upon the stithy's block. May I, O Lord, receive the shock, Believing that each sturdy knock Will make my graces show. 47 SHINING PAT HIV AYS When disappointments round me crowd. And when my head in grief is bowed, Like grasses 'neath the gale, Still may I trust, have no despair,' Cast off my fears and every care ; And plume my soul with fervent prayer Through joyous heights to sail. Yea, Lord, let come e'en blighting death To pinch my heart and seize my breath, And lay me in the grave ; Within the monster's face I'll fling The challenge, " Death, where is thy sting ? While near me shining angels sing, And victory's banner wave. 48 MOSES IN THE ARK OF BULRUSHES Moses in the Ark of Bulrushes Upon the bosom of the Nile a httle boat A mother's hand in faith, yet trembling, set afloat ; And eager eyes upon it gazed that olden day, As on the silvery stream, upborne 'mong flags, it lay. Strange cradle that in which an infant form to rock, To feel the motion of the wavelets and their shock, Perchance to be an object that a monster's ire Would crush with flaming jaws, or trample in the mire ! But He who guides along their shining track the stars, And sets the oceans in their bounds with mighty bars. The God of Israel, great and strong, watched o'er that ark. For in it slumbered there from heaven a vital spark. Those puny hands were yet to strike a deathful blow Against a tyrant's power, and Jehovah show As God supreme o'er all of Egypt and the earth ; From Pharaoh Israel free, and give a nation birth. 49 SHINING PATHU/AYS And yonder far along the centuries of time Is seen the issue of that Hebrew's faith sublime, For out of it for slaves came glorious liberty, And out of this again the Cross the world to free. So tossing there upon the Nile, his mother nigh, And hushed to slumber by the wavelets' lullaby. The infant Moses slept in peace that ancient hour. While in his heart grew freedom's germ in grace to flower. 50 THE POIVER OF GOD The Power of God The Lord is King o'er all the world. The clouds His chariots are ; His banner's in the skies unfurled, And floats in every star. He wieldeth bolts of thunder great. And hurls them from His hand ; He rides upon the storm in state, Or tramps along the land. His messengers are tempests wild, That rush with swiftest wing; Or zephyrs, blowing soft and mild. Their tidings to Him bring. The ocean rolls at His command, The waves obey His will. And beat in rage upon the strand. Or smooth become and still. O let us praise this mighty One, To Him lift up our songs ! He is our God, our Shield, our Sun, To Him our praise belongs. 51 SHINING PAT HIV AYS A Morning Prayer As now the earth hath turned away From all nocturnal gloom, And everywhere the beams of day The skies and fields illume, So, Lord, my soul reverts to Thee, The Source of heavenly light ; Uplift Thy glowing face on me, And banish all my night ! Before Thee, Lord, these early hours My soul receptive waits, As for their coming king the flowers Stand waiting at his gates; And when with flashing hand he opes His palace doors of flame. From garden spots and verdant slopes They praise his glorious name. 52 A MORNING PRAYER So come, O God, Thou greater King, To bless this soul of mine ! And then my grateful heart will sing To Thee, my Lord divine : In radiant beauty I shall go. And in Thy hkeness be, Reflecting here on earth below The hght that shines in Thee. Thus up I breathe my praying voice To Thee at early morn ; Thy righteousness I make my choice For all the hours unborn : And Thou, O Lord, wilt hear my cry, It meets Thy holy mind; So while the sun surmounts the sky I seek, and seek to find. 53 SHINING PATHIVAYS An Evening Prayer Luke 24: 13-35 As low the light of day descends, And fall the shadows wide; As now, O Lord, the journey ends, With me, I pray, abide ! The path together we have walked Throughout the sunny day ; And Thou of heavenly things hast talked Abide Thou here, I pray ! My heart hath burned, as yonder burn The stars within the sky ; And still, O Lord, my soul doth yearn To have Thy presence nigh ! A plenteous board I cannot spread Before Thee as my Guest ; But in the breaking of the bread I shall myself be blest ! 54 AN EP^ENING PRAYER This very eve come with me sup, Whate'er may be the fare ; And in the lifting of the cup I shall a blessing share ! Abide with me through all the night, And converse with me hold. Until the sun the eastern height Shall climb in robes of gold ! Yea, gracious Master, e'er abide With me and be my Friend ! I wish no other friend beside With whom my life to blend. Thou hast a charm of voice and speech That thrills me to the core ; Hear Thou my prayer, I now beseech, Abide till life be o'er ! 55 SHINING PATHPVAYS His Will My Lord, O let Thy will Be ever done in me! Thy gracious plans fulfill, Whate'er those plans may be ; Thou knowest what is best For every child of Thine ; I shall for aye be blest. Thy wisdom is divine. Though dark should grov/ the skies, And lightnings through them dart. And tears bedew these eyes. Because of pain at heart, O may my hand take hold Of Thine more firmly still ! And faith wax strong and bold To Buffer all Thy will ! 56 HIS WILL Should disappointment blight Each purpose fond of mine, And should there come a night Through which no stars can shine, Still may I trust in Thee, While o'er the shadows fly, Until the dawn I see In splendor rift the sky ! Whate'er the lot may be That here Thy loving will Shall choose and mark for me, E'en though it nearly kill, Afford me plenteous grace Thy kindness. Lord, to know, That with a smihng face I may that kindness show ! 57 SHINING PATHV/AYS Tears V/eeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning. Ps. 30 : 5. The eyes that know of sorrow naught, Are not the truly blest, For tears with joy are often fraught, And furnish life with zest. The tears that weep o'er sinful stains Upon an erring heart, Are like the gently showering rains That make the flowers start. The tears that fall beneath the rod A heavenly Father wields, Are like the dew upon the sod Within the smiling fields. The tears that flow around the bier Of one whose breath is gone, Like glasses fine, draw heaven near Upon the sense to dawn. 58 TEARS The tears that drop in any night Of trial or of woe, If saintly ones, are fired with light. And richest beauty show. There may a season be of pain, And counted not as blest; But when the gloomy shadows wane, The day doth bring a guest. 59 shijVing pathways Visions As the traveler lay him down 'Neath the stars' resplendent show. Wrapped about in shepherd's gown, Seeing angels come and go 'Long a stairway reaching high, Up to heaven's gates of gold, So do visions from the sky Yet their beauty rich unfold. To the weary pilgrim soul, Traveling to the better land, Longing for the shining goal At the Lord's almighty hand, God affords a blissful sight, Cheering him along the way, Of the heavens full of light, Streaming from eternal day. 60 VISIONS Heaven comes within our dreams, Angel forms around us crowd ; And the desert brightly gleams, More than when there is no cloud : Songs of night we gladly sing. Even when in fetters bound, And the notes of triumph ring Through our prison walls around. All the air the saints about Peopled is with radiant forms ; And the soul may laugh and shout In the midst of thickest storms : Therefore in the Lord we'll boast, Mention of His kindness make. Round us is a heavenly host, When we sleep and when we wake. 6i SHINING PATHIVAYS A Call to Prayer Softly through the evening air Comes the voice of distant bells, Music waking sweetly there, Every note of worship tells. For those bells from out their height Speak of God, and call to prayer, Filling all the silent night With the message that they bear. Borne their notes upon the wind. Penetrating far and near ; Hope they bring to those who've sinned, To despondent ones their cheer. Hark ! the sound increases now, Veers the breeze another way, Summoning farther ones to bow Unto God, and to Him pray. Soft again their message falls — Changing are the winds to-night- Westward now they ring their calls, Then the echoes take their flight. 62 A CALL TO PRAYER Hushed the bells, and still their tongues, Ceased each note upon the ear: Mount, my soul, prayer's golden rungs ! Climb to God, to Him draw near ! Yonder hand that swung those bells Had no thought perhaps of me, But his music wrought its spells, Made a soul its duty see. So one's deeds or words may be Fraught with influence all unknown, Lasting as eternity, Lifting souls to Heaven's throne. 63 SHINING PAT HIV AYS Triumph Over Death As the shades of evening fall, When the day its course hath run, And upon this earthly ball Night her reign hath then begun, So shall Death his shadows bring Round this mortal frame of mine, Wounding it with cruel sting, And in darkness it confine. But my soul shall v/ing its flight Where no gloom can ever rise, In the realms of lasting light, Far beyond these earthly skies ; And my dust within the ground, Sleeping through the ages there, At the call of Christ shall bound. And immortal beauty wear. 64 IVHAT AM I? What Am U When up I look and view the stars, Fair Venus, Jupiter and Mars, And all the hosts that stud the sky, My tongue exclaims with him of old. Who wrote with pen of heavenly gold, " Before these, Lord, O what am I ? Why dost Thou visit me, O Lord ? And why to me Thy care afford ?" Then, in the presence of these lights That flame along the vaulted heights, There comes to me a voice divine. And whispers softly to my soul, " Yon orbs that o'er the heavens roll. And in their path with splendor shine, Are less than thou, immortal one. For thee I've called to be My son." 65 SHINING PATHJV/iYS Returning Spring I HEAR a voice to-day That in the south wind calls ; And shackled flowers that voice obey^ As down their prison falls. I see a wand to-day Held forth in queenly hand ; And troops of grass line all the wa^r In fields and meadow land. I hear a sound to-day, The sound of tramping feet ; And bannered trees their ranks array All through the woods and street* I see a flash to-day Along the brooks and rills ; And all the streams in festive play Are leaping down the hills. I hear the notes to-day Of birds in carols poured, To heaven sending up their lay In praise of God the Lord. 66 RETURNING SPRING I see His love to-day, The love of God the King; The springtime months that love display, As they their grandeur bring. I hear once more to-day A voice within the breeze, A voice divine that bids me pray, And sends me to my knees. 67 SHINING PA THIVA YS A Picture of Spring Along the valleys, up the hills The grass unrolls its shining green ; The smiling brooks and laughing rills Leap seaward in their flashing sheen And everywhere, Through all the air, With wings of light, Make joyous flight Returning birds of springtide days, Or from the boughs trill forth their lays. The orchards witching beauty wear. As if had dawned a bridal hour ; The passing breezes fragrance bear From every tinted, bursting flower And all around The furrowed ground Shakes off the rime Of winter time, And from the wardrobes of the sun Dons garments by the rainbow spun. 68 A PICTURE OF SPRING The woods upon the air fling out, Their gorgeous banners, furled so long, To celebrate a tyrant's rout, Whose power now can work no wrong ; And towards the sky, Aspiring high. Those banners spring. As if on wing, To bathe their folds in richer air. And with the light its glory share. O gladsome Springtide, fair and sweet. What magic arts are thine to-day. As coming forth from thy retreat, Thou dost all things in grace array ! We welcome thee Most heartily ; And sing thy praise These balmy days. For thou, the messenger of God, Hast freed the earth from Winter's rod. 69 SHINING PATHIVAYS The Resurrection The Lord is risen from the grave ! Let radiant Spring her banners wave In honor of the day ! Let bursting flowers in mead and vale With perfumed breath the Saviour hail, And glory fine display! The grass that greens the sloping hills And richly lines the sparkling rills The wondrous fact proclaims ; Through frost and snow that held it down It rose, and gained the emerald crown That now with beauty flames. So Christ, the mighty Lord, arose, Triumphant over all the foes That swayed o'er Him their rod, Ascending high through heaven's gate In majesty and royal state. The everlasting God. 70 THE RESURRECTION O clap your hands, ye forest trees ! Let every swiftly passing breeze The echoes bear away ! And you, O men of all the earth, To resurrection notes give birth, And bless the Lord to-day ! 71 SHINING PATH IV AYS A Holiday A PEACEFUL morn it is around, The sky's a deep cerulean hue, And for the woods I'm gladly bound To breathe pure air and Nature woo. Away from the haunts of busy trade, And all that makes the world seem wild. My footprints shall in joy be made, And I shall be sweet Nature's child. I will not at these radiant hours Be at my desk and con my books ; I'll go and court the balmy flowers, And lay me down by purling brooks. O no, I will not be this day A serf in chains and grinding care; From my study door I'll hie away. And be as free as the summer air. 72 A HOLIDAY To all that move the hand or brain Such times make life more bright and keen, Like gently falling sprays of rain That lend the grass a richer sheen. That soul is dead that has no thrill In the presence of fair Nature's face ; His heart is gone, his pulses still, And in the grave should be his place. 73 SHINING PATH IV AYS An Heir of God And if children, then heirs. Romans, 8 : 17. I LOOK around to-day As far as eye can see, And view, in all their fine array, The gifts of God to me. I own the emerald fields Before my vision spread, And all the wealth that each one yields, For so my Lord hath said. I own the woods beyond. My pride is in its trees ; I own the ferns that wave their frond In greeting to the breeze. I own the brooks and rills That flow in silver sheen ; I own the everlasting hills Enrobed in flashing g:reen. 74 A}^ HEIR OF GOD I own the birds in air, And all the flowers bright ; Possessions round me everyv/here Come out before my sight. I own the whole of earth, And all that it doth hold ; My riches far exceed the worth Of mountain heaps of gold. The clouds above I own, And all beyond their height ; And to my faith a crown and throne Await my upward flight. For God hath given me A soul that cannot die ; And blessed v/ith immortality, His chosen heir am I. 75 SHINING PATHjyAYS Walking in the Woods A PLEASURE 'tis when the woods are green To v/alk their aisles along, And step upon the flashing sheen That falls from hanging boughs between. Lending grandeur to the scene ; I there can think no wrong. These forest temples, wide and high, Beneath the sunlight's glare, Whose pillar trees reach towards the sky. While o'er them, swiftly moving by, Vapors on white pinions fly, To me my God declare. Such wondrous paths I cannot tread, Or on their beauty gaze, Without inclining low my head, And being by the Spirit led, Finding there the heavenly bread That comes to him who prays. 76 IV^LKING IN THE P/OODS These wooded solitudes proclaim The Lord in marvelous tale ; The sculptured trees uplift His name In summer green, in autumn flame, Ever glowing with His fame, E'en 'neath the wintry gale. 77 SHINING PATHIV/IYS The Power of Contact O ZEPHYR mild of summer hours ! Whence came thy fragrance sweet ? The breeze repHes : " I kissed the flowers In gardens down the street." O sunbeam, sparkling round me here ! Whence came thy radiance bright? It answers me : " From heavens clear, Unshadowed by the night." O bird that sings in joyous notes ! Whence came thy lay that thrills ? " My parents had it in their throats ; I learned it from their bills." Would we be sweet, and also bright, And melody impart ? Sweet things and fair we must not slight, And music store in heart. 78 JUNE June The queen of all the months art thou, With garlands roseate on thy brow, And sitting on thy throne in grace ; A month whose smiles the fields illume, And one in which no wintry gloom Can lift aloft its scowling face. The lilting birds within the trees Outpour the richest melodies, And trill their chorals in thy praise ; While purling brooklets flow along, And gratefully their meed of song Give unto thee through all thy days. The woods their gonfalons unfurl, Which softly playing zephyrs curl. In honor of thy royal reign ; And, now and then, across the sky, The pregnant clouds, as on they fly. Send down on thee their treasured sain. 79 SHINING PAT HIV AYS The yellow butterflies in air Flit to and fro without a care, Qr rest themselves on daisies white ; And fireflies in the starry eve Through all the shadows deftly weave Their gleaming threads of golden light. The emerald fields increase in sheen, And deeper grows the beauteous green That upward springs to kiss the sun ; Then sound the notes of harvest joy, And men the shining hours employ, Till haying time is o'er and done. O balmy June, thou art, I ween, By Heaven's decree ordained the queen Of every month within the year! A type of life beyond the earth, Where cometh naught of want or dearth. And all the days are full of cheer. ^o A JUNE DAY MEDITATION A June Day Meditation There's beauty everywhere to-day, In mead and vale, along the way ; The touch of magic hands Hath broken winter's bands, And banished every trace and print of death. There's fragrance in the air lo-day ; The summer breezes in their play Have kissed the blooming flowers, And all the sunny hours Are laden with the sweetness of their breath. There's glory in the sky to-day, No tinge of darkness or of gray To mar the lustrous light That makes the heavens bright ; And so God's world beyond, for thus He saith. 8i SHINING PATHIVAYS Daisies I LOVE the daisies white ; They make the June days bright, As if the snow Had fallen low From out the heaven's height. They stand and nod to me From all the fields I see This summer's day, In pure array, As sweet as they can be. How rich their petals are ! Their rays are like a star With disc of gold ; In all the wold They shine, both near and far.. 82 DAISIES The farmer in dismay Beholds them at their play And with a frov/n He mows them down, Because they make no hay. But God hath use, I trow. For all things here below Of every shade ; And He hath made The daisies upward grow. 83 SHINING PAT HIV AYS Two Summer Servants Thou comest here, O gentle breeze, To fan my brow, My servant thou, While I, thy master, take my ease. And thou, O blooming, fragrant rose, Regalest me With odors free, As o'er thy form the zephyr blows. How happy I this summer's hour, And doubly blest, While courting rest, To have such servants, breeze and flower ! But God hath given both to me, And Him I praise For all His ways ; His love is wider than the sea. 84 BUTTERCUPS Buttercups To-day o'er all the verdant meads The buttercups their blooms unfold, Appearing there like countless beads Agleam with burnished gold. Along the banks, where in between The shimmering brooklets onward run, Tliey shine and glow in wondrous sheen, Like sparks from out the sun. As if by fairy fingers sown, They fringe the beaten path I tread, And cluster round each wayside stone With crowns upon their head. Ye flowers that bloom in grace to-day, To me ye all a lesson teach — That Solomon, in grand array, Your splendor could not reach. And if so clotheth you the Lord In more than royal majesty. Shall not His kindness e'er afford A fitting robe for me ? 85 SH!Ml?>IG PAT HIV AYS A Summer's Day The breezes play Along ihe way This summer's day, As children do, without a care ; They come and go, And to and fro They softly blow, And breathe upon me fragrance rare. The grasses green, In wondrous sheen, A restful scene Afford these weary eyes of mine ; And on this day They seem to say, From books away Turn thou, and see us as we shine. The butterflies, In gorgeous dyes, Now upward rise, And flit abroad on capering wings ; They brush the air, And beauty bear. As everywhere They go, arrayed like storied kings. 86 A SUMMER'S DAY Along the sky, As eagles fly O'er mountains high, The clouds are passing fair and white ; And as they gleam, I pause to dream, Until they seem Like heavenly mansions golden bright. And thus the day Doth pass away. Till twilight gray Its star-embroidered curtain flings Athwart the sky ; And then I sigh That night is nigh To hide these glories 'neath her wings. 37 SHINING PATH IV AYS A Prayer A POET strolled at break of day- Through woodlands green to muse and pray : The dew was on the grass and trees, And round his brow played morning's breeze. Which bore to him, as on he strolled, The breath of the fields in perfume roiled, For through the air that summer's morn Were wafted sweets from the acres torn By the reaper's scythe another day — The odorous scent of new-mown hay. And as he caught the fragrant air. He moved his lips in fervent prayer : " O Lord, Thou art a Reaper grand Whose arm sweeps wide o'er every land ; And down Thou dost in windrows lay The frames of men, and none can stay Thy swinging arm, or check its power: But when shall come my dying hour. And all my pulses in me fail, May I, like the grass, my life exhale ! " 88 LIGHT AFTER DARKNESS Light after Darkness At evening-, in the sunset's glow, The clouds around were hanging low : The rain all day in torrents fell On fields and woods and shady dell ; But now the floods had ceased to pour, And the clouds with light were gilded o'er The Artist, God, a picture fair, With cords of fire had hung in air: And while I looked there came a dream, All brightened with the sunset's gleam : I saw a vision not of earth — A vision of celestial birth — Whose scenes were laid with flashing gold ; And as the dream these views unrolled, I thanked the Lord for sunset rays. And my glad heart awoke in praise. What saw I there within the skies ? The dream was only for my eyes ; But this I learned, O happy sight ! That after darkness comes the light ; That after pain God gives a balm, And after storms He giveth calm ; The hand of God a sunset paints Before the soul in terror faints. 89 SHINING PATHJVAYS To a Cloud O'er yonder height, Aflame with light, O beauteous cloud, thou sailest on * With wings of white, A pleasing sight, More graceful than a floating swan ; And as I see thee there, So virgin-like and fair. My soul leaps up to thee In thrilling ecstasy ; And in my heart there swells a grateful song To Him whose breath doth waft thy form along. 90 THE LIGHTING OF THE STARS The Lighting of the Stars The stars are kindled one by one Within the sky, As if the slowly setting sun Had flung on high A thousand sparks of beaming light, And these had flown Through all the shadowed space of Night, And round her throne They each had sown Their brilliant rays, then ceased their flight. 91 SHINING PAT HIV AYS To The Evening Star Thou walkest up the stairs of night In trailing garments gemmed with light To seek thy waiting throne ; And 'neath the flashes of thine eyes Thy stellar courtiers in the skies Thy crown and power own, Saluting thee On bended knee With dignity, And by the act their love to thee make known. GOD'S IVATCHFULNESS God's Watchfulness The flowers close their eyes Beneath the evening skies, And go to sleep ; While overhead the stars, Till dawn their brilHance mars, Climb heaven's steep. The birds no longer sing ; They fold each weary wing, Their flying ceased, Until the breaking day The first enlightening ray Sends up the east. Both slumbering birds and flowers Through all the shadowed hours Of kindly night Are safe, and so am I, For God is ever nigh To show His might. 93 SHINING PATHJVAYS He knoweth naught of sleep Who doth His Israel keep As chosen friends ; By day the Lord's our shade. And when the day doth fade. He still defends. 94 THE RAIN The Rain The driving rain ! From lowering clouds it pours» Upon the roof it roars, And beats against my study pane. The drenching rain ! It falls in copious showers. But 'twill awake the flowers ; It never comes to earth in vain. The blessed rain ! There's joy in all its drops ; They tell of plenteous crops In harvest time to load the wain. The heavenly rain ! Sent earthward from above In messages of love ; It bears to men no word of pain. The sparkling rain ! The silvery smile of wealth ; It brings both cheer and health, And shines with promises of gain. 95 SHINING PAT HIV AYS Melodious rain! Its music charms my ear, While in my study here, As sound its notes upon my brain. The rhythmic rain ! Of God and grace it sings, And blessing rare it brings: Why murmur then, or why complain? 96 HARyEST TIME Harvest Time A FIELD of golden wheat I see, And silvery prongs are flashing there : And harvesters give shouts of glee That echo round and come to me In waving music through the air. For though in toil they toss the grain, < Yet joy is beaming from their eyes ; Their brawny arms will load each wain With yellow wealth and labor's gain, Till Hke a mountain it shall rise. And then, with all this treasure filled, The train along the way will pass ; And lissome hands the barn will gild, For so the harvest's Lord hath willed. With bundled sheaves, a towering mass. The world's a field, and in it we Are sowing seeds of good or ill, That, ripened in eternity. For then the garnering is to be, Our hearts with joy or pain shall fill. 97 SHINING PATHIVAYS Then sow not to the flesh, my friend. The Holy Spirit's aid employ ; Be righteousness thy aim and end, Of all thy thoughts the source and trend. If thou wouldst reap everlasting joy. 98 DO NOT BORROW TROUBLE Do Not Borrow Trouble The days of summer go, And soon will come the fall ; Then Winter high will heap his snow, And build his icy wall. But while the days are bright, And the flowers spread their leaves, We should not mind the coming night, But gather in the sheaves — The sheaves of good and joy. The sheaves of pleasure, too ; And thus the passing time employ, While harvest days are few. The pains of life are these : We often chafe and fret, And make ourselves most ill at ease With troubles still unmet. There is a better way : In God our trust to place ; On Him our anxious minds to stay, Whatever comes apace. 99 SHINING PAT HIV AYS Autumn The sun is kissing now His sweetheart flowers good-bye, As dying pallor mounts their brow Beneath his love-lit eye. The trees are fading fast, Their leaves a winding sheet : The summer's gone, the harvest past, 'Tis seen in field and street. The winds are blowing cold, They sweep the forests clean ; And vandal frosts, becoming bold. Are stripping all things green. The sheriff of the year, In spite of all this woe, Will soon upon the scene appear. And lock the land with snow. He cannot seize hope, howe'er ; That is beyond his power ; The woods again shall beauty wear, The gardens burst in flower. loo LMES TO A FADED ASTER Lines to a Faded Aster Thou wast an aster in the earth, A star in grace and name; But now departed is thy worth, And sullied is thy fame. One plucked thee, O thou star of day, And thought to keep thy charm ; But, lo, thy beauty passed away ! His fingers wrought thee harm. Within a garden thou didst glow With radiance soft and bright ; Alas, thy beams no longer show ! And vanished is thy light. Thou art a spoiled and withered thing, A piteous flower to see ; And thou again shalt never bring Thy blooming sheen to me. 'Twere better far to let thee grow Within thy native earth, Where thou couldst be a star below, And honor give thy birth. loi SHINING PAT HIV AYS I'll bid thee now my heart's good-bye, And bless thee for thy cheer ; And would that in thy shaded eye There were an answering tear ! 1 02 ON SEEING A FADED LEAF On Seeing a Faded Leaf 'TwAS but a leaf with edges torn, And cast upon the ground, Yet once it was in beauty born, And was with emerald crowned. It sat, a prince enthroned on high, And breathed 'mid royal state ; But frost and wind beneath the sky Wrought out its bitter fate. Its crown was dimmed by icy breath, Its glory passed away. And on the ground, all stained with death, In mire and dust it lay. And as I saw this withered thing Thus loosed and trodden down, I thought of passions and their sting And men with sullied gown. How many souls most nobly born Become to sin a prey, And with no care of future scorn Their virtue toss away ! SHINING PATHU^AYS The leaf, howe'er, had lived its time» And served its mission well ; Then God upon it sent the rime, And thus it died and fell. But tempted men, and women, too, A crown of knowledge wear, And when they fall, their death they woo. And cause their own despair. 104 THE WOODS IN AUTUMN The Woods in Autumn When through the woods, on rambling feet, I pass on these autumnal days, I miss the songs that once so sweet Resounded here in chorus praise. These stretching aisles of pillar trees To music tones are strangely still ; And through them sweeps the flying breeze Whose touch is rude, whose breath is chilL Where are the birds that caroled here Within this wooded temple's choir ? What mean these leaves that, brown and sere, Are dropping from yon arch of fire ? The flames, alas ! are spoiling all The beauty of this temple room ; And on each leafy, frescoed wall Is traced the temple's coming doom. What vandal hand hath wrought this thing, Applying here a ruthless torch ? What arm along these aisles did fling The sparks that now this grandeur scorch ? 105 SHINING PATHIVAYS But, hark ! I hear a voice that speaks Above the conflagration's roar: •" The Architect in this way seeks His woodland temple to restore." So in our lives the self-same Hand Doth trial send, and pain and woe , And though we may not understand. Some day we shall His wisdom know. io5 A MORNING SCENE A Morning Scene The morning mists, like draping veils around A picture fine, have risen from the ground. With glowing eyes I look upon the hills That, radiant with the golden sheen that fills The air these soft and balmy autumn hours, Are standing forth beyond, like lofty towers. The monuments of God, whose shaping hand Hath given them their form, and made them grand, Embellishing them with varied tints and gay That now His wondrous skill and power display, The hues that rainbows bear within the skies, That only God can paint, celestial dyes. And like the psalmist of the olden time. Whose vision saw the works of God subUme, Up to these hills I look for strength and grace, Beholding there the matchless, shining face Of Him who is my Father and my Lord, And who to me will strength and grace afford. For He not only doth His beauties fling Upon the hills, but guides a sparrov/'s wing. 107 SHINING PAT HIV AYS Walking at Sunset When sunset hues their radiant, hngering glow Have backward cast among the snow-white clouds, And twinkling stars their points begin to show Above the world and all its teeming crowds, I love to walk from city streets away To view the glory of departing day. For such an hour affords a charm to one Who in the secret of his soul doth hold Communion with his God ; his pulses run With quickened life more precious far than gold; And as the orb whose grandeur makes the day Sinks from his sight, his heart leaps up to pray. 'Tis like a view of heaven's flashing gate That yonder clouds on fire with light afford ; And one can fancy that in splendid state Hath entered there the world's majestic Lord ; And that His train have followed on in line, While back the rays of sheen celestial shine. io3 AMONG THE MOUNTAINS Among the Mountains Among the mountains on these autumn days Enraptured stood my soul, and forth did gaze Upon the handiwork of God : With more than painter's art and skill hath He Resplendent made the spreading scenery By stretching out His mighty rod — His rod of power within the potent hand That sways the sea, the arching sky, the land. Here hath He walked, it seemed, with stately tread Each rising sun and all the trees to wed, Till wintry death shall break the tie : And as each bridegroom kissed his blooming bride. While standing at the nuptials him beside, Rich blushes rose her cheeks to dye ; And now the varied hues of autumn time Have rendered all the mountain trees sublime. Awake, my soul, not only to admire These woodland heights that glow with lustrous fire. Enkindled by the solar rays. But see thy Maker's footsteps everywhere, For all the earth note thou His loving care. Then wake to celebrate His praise ! The King He is not only of the hills. With glory all created things He fills. 109 SHINING PAT HIV AYS Autumn on the Mountains The signal fires of autumn time The mountain sides begin to climb, And flashing high Beneath the sky, They tell of wintry winds and rime. The morning mist, the smoke that curls From off these fires, ascending, whirls Around and round Above the ground, As down the sun his radiance hurls. The flying leaves are embers bright. The sparks that seek the upper light. And mount the air To shine and flare, And fall below in lasting blight. Each mountain summit is aglow With burning tongues to speak of woe That comes apace, Like steeds that race. From distant lands of ice and snow. IIO AUTUMli ON THE MOUNTAINS Yet blaze, ye autumn-kindled fires, As blazed before your ancient sires. For in your flame I read the Name The angels praise with heavenly lyres ! As in the desert bush of old His glory God did there unfold Before the eyes Of Moses wise, So here doth beam His face of gold ! Ill SHINING PATHIVAYS An Autumn Thought From out the north the sweeping air Is blowing fierce and cold ; The leaves are falling everywhere In showers of tarnished gold. The trees are losing all their pride, And in the v/oods and street They stand, 'mid desolation wide, Awaiting snow and sleet. So in our lives there comes a time When winds in rudeness pass ; There comes an hour of hurtful rime To blight our joys, alas ! But falling leaves again shall rise In resurrection sheen. Beneath the spring's benignant skies Unfold their living green. From life to death and death to life The plan of Nature flows : What seems to us the way of strife With heavenly wisdom glows. 112 AN AUTUMN THOUGHT Then shall not joys that strew the ground, Like fallen leaves that die, With brightness new again be crowned When milder grows the sky ? O let not faith in fetters lie, But let it e'er be free, That, like an eagle, it may fly In glorious liberty! SHINING PAT HIV AYS November Though oft thy days are dark and drear. At thee no murmuring should we fling. For thou hast days replete with cheer, That prompt the soul to laugh and sing, And rise, like caroling larks, on joyous wing. Thy trees are almost stripped and bare. What leaves remain are rough and worn But we recall the beauty rare That once by thee was grandly borne; And we are ingrates, if we show thee scorn. The winds that sweep along thy path Are often rude and fiercely chill ; Yet balmy airs, with naught of wrath. Are lingering close around thee still ; And these accept we as thy better will. Thy clouds oft gather black and low, And hang above in frowning guise, As if they wished, in falling snow, To bury all we love and prize ; But these replacest thou with glowing skies. 14 NOVEMBER What glory, in the eventide, Enriches all thy starry dome, As through it, flashing far and Vv^ide, The meteors leap and onward roam ! And, looking up, we think of God and home. So life itself, complaining friend, Hath, here and there, some worthless dross But God, in love, doth on us send What compensates us for our loss ; A crown of gold surmounteth every cross! SHINING PAT HIV AYS Somewhere Somewhere the light is beaming, Though here are shade and gloom ; The sun, in glory streaming, Doth somewhere the earth illume. Somewhere the flowers are growing, Though here each one is dead ; Their beauty they are showing Where summer hath not fled. Somewhere the brooks are laughing, Though here in ice they're bound; And thirsty lips are quaffing The sweets within them found. Somewhere the birds are singing, Though here their voice is still; Somewhere their songs they're flinging In joy from out their bill. For ne'er the earth forsaketh The Lord who reigns on high ; Somewhere He bliss awaketh Beneath His sleepless eye. ii6 so ME IV HE RE And here the somewhere must be In God's appointed time ; He doeth all things justly, His wisdom is sublime. Then cease, my soul, repining-, And give thyself to song; Thy clouds have a silver hning, Nowhere the world goes wrong. 117 SHINING PATHIVAYS The Gift of Snow Psalm 147 : 16. The snow is gently falling down O'er all the fields and o'er the town, Enwrapping Nature snug and warm In vesture woven by the storm. More princely than the jewelled gown That Solomon wore in his renown Is this that God doth now bestow Upon the earth — a robe of snow. For Cometh it from Him on high ; His mandate flings it from the sky ; He spreads it up the hillside steep, And lays it o'er the valley deep. So thought the bard of Israel's day, And wrote the thought in living lay; He said, " Like wool He giveth snow, And scattereth hoar-frost to and fro.'' And as the psalmist saw the Hand That shears the clouds o'er all the land To coat with snow the naked wold, Likewise should we His love behold. 118 THE SOUND OF SLEIGH BELLS AT NIGHT The Sound of Sleigh Bells at Night Hear the bells across the snow, As the sleighs in swifmess go ! Sleigh bells, sounding music sweet, Ringing through the quiet street. Hear the jingling of the bells O'er the roads and through the dells ! Borne upon the wintry air, Echoes waking everywhere ! Hear the distant, tinkling bells ! Softly now they chime their spells, Then increase and swell the sound, As the riders homeward bound. Hear the bells across the snow, As the sleighs in swiftness go ! Ringing, jingling, tinkling all. Till the hours of morning fall. 119 SHINING PAT HIV AYS Flowers in My Study Window The queen of summer time hath fled, And tyrant Winter reigns instead Upon his throne of snow ; His sceptre waved the flowers aw^ay, And all the mandate must obey, He would no mercy show. But gentle hands for some made room. And these within my study bloom, In spite of Winter's wrath ; And though the tyrant sends the wind With gyves of sleet these flowers to bind. My windows block his path. Behind the glass they safely rest. All in their summer glory drest, And breathing fragrant peace ; Their emerald leaves and blossoms fair Shall have a lover's thought and care, Till Winter's power shall cease. PENNSYLVANIA Pennsylvania Of Pennsylvania, woods of Penn, I sing; Let all the poets in her rich domains To her their love, their praise, their tribute bring, Proclaiming her the fairest queen that reigns. Her Allegheny hills uplift their forms As monuments of skill and power divine, Whose rugged sides and crests have stood the storms Of centuries arrayed in battle line. What valleys lie between her towering mounts. Where villages and hamlets nestling are ! What torrents rush in song from springing founts,. Whose music wild doth echo wide and far ! Within her hills what stores of iron found ! And diamond coal within her pregnant mines \ Yea, every acre of her empire's ground Abundance hath and with it grandly shines. Her rivers pour along their banks a tide Whose blessing towns and cities gladly share ; And in these streams the State has royal pride, The prince of all the mighty Delaware. 121 SHINING PAT HIV AYS What forests deep and wide to her belong, Whose aisles, like those within cathedrals old, Have seen among their stately pillars throng The years, like priests in vestments fringed with gold ! And all her cities boast illustrious name, Abodes of joy and peace, and cheer and light, Whose many industries the skies inflame. When shadows fall from out the wings of night. May all thy sons in honor for thee toil, O Pennsylvania ! thou who art their pride ; And ever praise the glory of the soil On which their patriot fathers bled and died. 122 ABRAHAM LINCOLN Abraham Lincoln Emancipator of a teeming race, We sorely miss thy kindly beaming- face From 'mong the throngs that walk the rolling earth Within the land that proudly gave thee birth. Upon thy couch of death at rest thou art, Yet livest thou within the bounding heart Of this great nation, saved by thee in war, Whose banner grandly floats on every shore. Enshrined thy image is within the breast Of millions North and South, and East and West Who love thy blessed name, and hold it dear, And thy most precious memory revere. The kings of earth in diadems of gold Dominions wide in majesty behold ; But thou dost reign with sceptre grander far, Each gem around thy crown a blazing star. When felled in martyrdom by murderous hands, Thy fame was flashed abroad through all the lands; And loyalty, inspired of God above, Thee placed upon a ilirone of lasting love. SHINING PATHIVAYS Thus reignest thou, O Monarch of the Free, Thy name the synonym of Liberty ; And thus reign on through all the coming days, A nation's theme of patriotic praise. 124 MEMORIAL DAY Memorial Day Uncover, men, hats off to-day ! I hear the footfalls of the dead — The veterans brave who gave away Their life, whose blood in war was shed. I see them marching on and on. While over them Old Glory plays, Agleam with stars and streaks of dawn : Uncover, men, your hats upraise ! They onward tramp in long review, These heroes of the olden days, Our noble soldier boys in blue. And mingled with them many grays. There is no North or South to-day. United all Columbia's land ; Forgotten now the sanguine fray That once each made a separate band. Salute them, as they pass, with cheers. These noble boys in blue and gray, Who come from out the silent years ! Hurrah ! hurrah ! hats off to-day ! 1-5 SHINING PATHIVAYS A fancy ? Yes, but fancies oft Of truth the semblance are in mind ; At least they lift the thoughts aloft, And keep one's eyes from going blind. Imagination, then, allow To see these veterans on parade ; Salute them with uncovered brow ! Their glory cannot ever fade. And as we deck with flowers gay The graves where they so long have lain. There comes a trembling voice to-day, " Remember those upon the Maine ! '* 126 IVASHlNGTCrrS BIRTHDAY Washington's Birthday All hail the day that saw the birth Of one renowned in all the earth, And garlanded with fame ! A noble man in war and peace, Whose memory shall never cease To burn with lambent flame. His country owns his prowess rare, Preserves his deeds with loyal care And patriotic pride ; His bravery shall e'er be told, It shines in history as the gold Washed by the sweeping tide. Mount Vernon, as a sacred trust, Enfolds his form of sleeping dust, And glories in her prize ; Yet lives he in the breasts of men. And love has traced with glowing pen His name along the skies. 127 SHINING PATH IV AYS Let orators his virtues tell, And poets weave a charming spell Around his valorous deeds, Till thoughts and words in every heart Within the Union shall upstart Like germinating seeds. O ring, ye bells, his natal day ! Your echoes send on wings away Throughout Columbia's land ! Peal forth in melody his birth, Till teeming millions praise his worth Around on every hand ! And you, O banners, rich with stars, Resplendent, too, with sunshine bars. Upon the air on high Fling out your folds in waving rays To celebrate this day of days Beneath the vaulted skies ! 128 THE STARS AND STRIPES The Stars and Stripes From yonder mast a banner flies, A poem written in the skies, The standard of a nation free ; And as it waves along the air, A scene presenting wondrous fair, It in me wakens ecstasy. As I its radiant bands behold, They bring to mind the days of old, When battle cannon flamed and roared They tell of blood by patriots shed, And whisper softly of the dead Who for the land their life outpoured. The history of the nation shows In every star and stripe that glows Within that banner's folds of light ; From Maine to California's sea It flies in glorious liberty. Like eagle wings in upward flight. 129 SHINING PATHIVAYS Unfurl the flag, then, every day ! Let sunbeams kiss it in their play, As from above they hasten down ! The sight will fire the people's heart, And nobler life it will impart To all who wear a freeman's crown. 130 THE FLAG OF FREEDOM The Flag of Freedom When Freedom sought from Heaven a sign With which to show her power, There came to her a voice divine At dawn's inspiring hour ; It bade her take the stars of morn And rays of rising hght, And with their hues her flag adorn, The blue, the red and white. She waved her banner in the sky, The standard of her might. And men, beholding it on high, Then hailed it with delight ; It spoke to them of breaking day, The dawn of better things, When night and every curse away Should fly on sable wings. To victory that banner led Against each battling foe ; And for its honor many bled. And suffered pain and woe ; For triumph came from heaven down In each successive war, The lustre of its starry crown Increasing: more and more. 131 SHINING PAT HIV AYS We hail this favored flag to-day, And wave it through the air ; The Lord of Hosts in every fray Hath given it His care ; It is the flag of liberty, The chosen of our God ; Where'er it floats it maketh free, And breaks the oppressor's rod. Wave on, wave on, O symbol grand, In God Jehovah's name, Till every ocean breeze hath fanned Thy folds of light and flame ! Until in all the rolling world No tyrant's throne shall be, And Calvary's banner be unfurled On every land and sea ! 132 THANKSGIVING HYMN Thanksgiving Hymn Ye people, bless the nation's Lord ! He doth to all his gifts afford Beneath Columbia's sky ; He sends His grace in copious showers, And fills our hearts and homes with flowers, Around His blessings fly. To Him lift thanks, and voice His praise, Like birds that sing their joyful lays. He is our mighty King ; On Him let all the people wait In gratitude around His gate, His loving kindness sing. Beneath His hand our fields behold ! See harvests rich spring up as gold ! Look on the wains of wheat ! O'er all the country far and wide His mercies flow in deepened tide, They never know retreat. 133 SHINING PAT HIV AYS O let the people upward rise, And praise the Lord of earth and skies, To Him make gladsome feast ! Give thanks to God in earnest prayer ! Let swing your censers through the air, Each soul a grateful priest ! 134 THANKSGIVING Thanksgiving As flowers lift their fragrant hearts Up to the light within the skies, Whose benison their grace imparts, So, Lord, to Thee we lift our eyes. Thou art the Source of all we are, And all we have descends from Thee ; Thy blessings fall from near and far. And rain on us continually. We thank Thee, Lord, that once our hand Did feel the pressure tender, fine Of those who've reached the heavenly land, And now upon Thy breast recHne. For home and friends we thanks return — • The hallowed spot in which we live, The hallowed loves that in us burn — For these we fervent praises give. For books our library walls along. And papers on the evening board. Our souls outpour to Thee a song, And praise and thanks to Thee afford. 135 SHINING PAT HIV AYS For music tones from fingers soft, And from the lips we dearly love, On which we've printed kisses oft. We thank Thee, Father kind above. For raiment and for daily food, And ceaseless care and ministry. Bestowed on us for highest good, We adoration give to Thee. For native land and freedom joy. And all that these do signify, Our tongues Thy praises now employ, And honor Thee, the Lord on high. But loftier far than all of these, As mountains reach, in towering height^ Above the level land and seas, There comes to view a richer sight. It is the Cross of Christ Thy Son, That calls Thy greatest gift to mind ; And for the victory that He won We struggle fitting praise to find. 136 BE THANKFUL Be Thankful There is within this world of ours Too much of grumbling o'er one's state ; Too many growl at thorns on flowers, Too many tongues the Lord berate : Behold the throngs beneath the skies ! See how some frown as on they pass ! They lift above no beaming eyes, Their hearts are hard as stone, alas ! Is there no cause to praise the Lord ? Is life a barren waste of hours ? Does God not one rich gift afford ? Does He in love send forth no showers Of blessing fine upon the earth ? O praise Him for His wondrous grace ! All hearts to gratitude give birth, And smiles be wreathed around each face. He has the heights of wisdom found Who sees the will of God enact All things in all the world around. Each form of life and every fact : God's goodness shines in sombre things, As well as in the pure and bright ; So, then, to thankfulness give wings. And upward let it take its flight. 137 SHINING PATH IV AYS A Cause for Thanksgiving I THANK Thee for these eyes of mine, O Lord, Thou Source of light ; And that Thou hast their vision fine Preserved from blindness' night. With these I all the sky survey, And all its pomp behold — The splendors of the eve and day In silvered beams and gold. Within their sweep the lasting hills That tower high are seen ; And all the landscape glory fills Their orbs with heavenly sheen. They view the woods, the spreading fields, The smiling of the streams ; And each of these a pleasure yields That paints the brain with dreams. Upon the varied flowers I gaze, The clouds that come and go, The autumn's hues and autumn's haze, And winter's fleecy snow. 138 A CAUSE FOR THANKSGIVING A thousand sights my vision bless In earth, in air and skies ; A thousand scenes with soft caress Embrace my rapturous eyes. For love-lit glances, too, I praise O Lord, Thy gracious name, From other eyes, whose kindled rays Have flashed in mine their flame. Thy gift, O Lord, of healthy sight Encircles many more ; It is an ocean of delight That stretches far from shore. Let others grumble, if they will, And find no cause for praise ; I'll thank Thee, Lord, that naught of ill Hath quenched my vision's blaze. 139 SHINING PATHIVAYS A Call to Thankfulness COME, my soul, with joyful lays, And sing to God, thanks now upraise Like fragrance from the flowers : Let grateful adoration rise To Him who dwells above the skies, And kindness on thee showers. 1 bless Thee, Lord, and own the love That sent the Saviour from above. The richest gift of Thine : The cross of Christ Thy goodness proves. Its scene of grace my spirit moves, For 'tis a sight divine. O Lord, give flaming tongue to me, That I may ever speak for Thee, And tell Thy wondrous grace ; For this may I expend my breath. Till comes the silent hour of death. Then rise to see Thy face. 140 A CALL TO THANKFULNESS E'en then, in grander world above. My theme shall be redeeming love Through endless years the same : I'll praise Thee 'mong the angel throngs That sing their everlasting songs, And celebrate Thy fame. Ill SHINING PATH IV AYS The Christmas Message YEl)ells of earth, ring forth the sound. With gladness in each peal ! Let music in the air abound, Proclaiming human weal ; O ring it out beneath the sky- That Christ hath come, the Lord on high ! Ye often ring most mournful knells, And speak of tears and death ; But now be merry Christmas bells, With joy in every breath ; Ye need not sorrow now, or sigh. For Christ hath come, the Lord on high ! At times ye ring a wedding peal. And summon happy hearts To come and in them ever feel The thrill that love imparts ; But now incarnate Love is nigh. For Christ hath come, the Lord on high ! 142 THE CHRISTMAS MESSAGE Ye bells, ring forth the message grand O'er mountains, vales and hills, Till every part of every land The grandeur of it fills ! O ring the tidings, let them fly, That Christ hath come, the Lord on hi^rh \ H3 SHINING PATHIVAYS A Royal Birthplace Micah 5 : 2, and Matthew 2 : 6 Thou Bethlehem of Juda Art not the least among The many towns of Israel, For over thee was sung The angel song and chorus That told Messiah's birth ; Thus God hath thee exalted, Endowing thee with worth. From thee hath come a Governor, His rule the nations know ; A wise and righteous Sovereign For all the earth below ; The incarnate Lord and Saviour, Whose reign shall never cease; The everlasting Jesus, The mighty Prince of Peace. 144 A ROYAL BIRTHPLACE Ye bells that now are chiming Through all the Christmas air, Fail not to peal the glory Of Bethlehem the fair ; The little town of Juda 'Mong thousands in the land That cannot, in their boasting, Parade a fame so grand. Like Ivlicah, Bethlehem Ephrath, We sing to-day thy praise, For out of thee hath issued The Ancient of the Days, Whose goings forth eternal Have lasting footprints made Upon the massive bowlders In earth's foundations laid. HS SHINING PATHWAYS An Apostrophe to the Bells Ye bells, peal it forth again, God's message to the earth ! There's peace and goodwill to men Because of Jesus' birth. O let it ring, And tidings fling Upon the air in joyous sound Wherever human souls are found ! Ye bells, hanging high above In steeples lofty, grand. Ring out, 'neath the sky, the love Of God to every land ! O let it peal For earthly weal, That Christ was born to bless mankind, Their hearts with golden cords to bind. Ye bells that were cast to mark The flight of passing days, Now call upon men to hark To your melodious praise ! Ring sweetest notes Forth from your throats, And send your thrilhng music tones. Abroad through all the earthly zones. 146 A}^ APOSTROPHE TO THE BELLS Ye bells, O the news relate Of Christ in Bethlehem born ! The world to redeem from hate By war and strife now torn ! Ring out the peace, That shall not cease, When all the earth the Lord shall know, And far and wide His grace'shalllflow ! U7 SHINING PAT HIV AYS Sunrise on the Ocean From ocean's crystal depths the sun Comes forth in royal splendor bright ; The stars, in silver clad, are done, The waters glow with grander light; The heaving billows flash with fire, As if had opened gates of gold, While up the crimson heights still higher The sun his glory doth unfold. The radiance flames along the shore. And kindles sunbeams o'er the strand, Until the beach becomes a floor All glistening with resplendent sand. On which the breakers gladly bound With pearl-shod feet in dance of mirth. And wake the sleeping echoes round To celebrate the day king's birth. The ships that in the gloom of night Appeared as spectres 'gainst the sky, All clothed in garments ghostly white, Seem now like broad-winged birds that fly With wind beneath each snov/y wing ; And leaping 'long the shining main. The sparkling waves begin to sing A sunrise song of joyful strain. 148 ON THE STRAND On the Strand Beating on the strand, Waking echoes grand, Are thy waves, O sea ! From thy giant heart All thy billows start In sublimity. Foaming as they fall, Breaking as a wall In the sunlight's glow ; Thunder in their sound. Scattering far around Crystals white as snow. Back to where they came, Flashing like a flame, Flow they 'neath the sun ; Rolling in once more Onward to the shore ; Ever thus they run. Toss thy waves, O sea ! Thoughts they bring to me Of the mighty God ; In the calm or storm Walks His shining form ; O'er thee bends His rod. 149 SHINING PATH IV AYS Homeward Bound From out the harbor's peaceful light A ship went forth one day ; Her wing-like sails were fair and white, As on she sped away. The sailor lads were singing songs, Their hearts the music beat ; And rippling wavelets came in throngs Their bark to kiss and greet. And they were thinking of the home Beyond that foreign port ; And making pictures in the foam That dashed around in sport. In humble cottages away In distant, native land, Good wives, from windows washed with spray, Were beckoning with their hand. What scenes of welcome came to sight, As many days wore on ! Alas ! there fell a fearful night That never broke in dawn. 150 HOMEIVARD BOUND And still those wives are looking forth, Yet look each day in vain ; And freezing winds from out the north Sting widowed hearts with pain. And o'er another, deeper sea Are waving spectral hands ; They beckon towards eternity Those left in earthly lands. 151 SHINING PATHPVAYS The Fisherman's Wife " My heart be still ! the sea doth moan. Its waves are beating high : I fear some ill — was that a groan ? Hath come beneath the sky." Thus thought a wife, one night on shore. Her husband on the sea, 'Mid billows' strife and awful roar, Engaged in fishery. The wind grew wild, its voice was loud, The rain came driving down : She hugged her child, her head she bowed^ A wife's love was her crown. The cottage door was opened wide. And there her husband stood ! Her heart, once sore, regained its tide, She blessed the Lord so good. 152 THE FISHERMMrS IVIFE Like lovers true, their arms they wound About each other's form ; Like lovers new, with joy around, They cared not for the storm. And with their boy still sleeping on, A picture fair they made ; And sweet employ, till hours were gone, The good wife's fears repaid. 153 SHINING PAT HIV AYS Retrospection My Father, one more year of life On me Thou hast bestowed ; A year of conflict and of strife, Yet bright has been the road. A year of trials, pains and tears, As all the years now dead ; But e'en in these Thy love appears. And blessings crown my head. My crosses flame with grace and love, My griefs all flash with light ; The glory comes from Thee above, And gilds the darkest night. In this Thy school below the skies I've conned the lesson well. That he who would to faith arise Must learn Thy love to spell. 154 RETROSPECTION Thy will, O Father kind, be done, Whate'er may come or be ; I am Thy heir, Thy chosen son. Thy will is best for me. And if the year that now is nigh My form with death should fill. My soul, through Christ, to Thee would fly. And praise yet more Thy will. 155 SHINING PATH IV AYS Redeeming the Time As shuttles quickly fly, So run the years away ; Improve each one that passes by, For none their haste can stay. The years are all a gift From God to mortal men, And when their parting wings they lift. They never come again. And when their wings are spread Upon the air to fly, Their opportunities have fled, And ne'er again come nigh. O when the steeple bell Rings in another year, It sounds for one just gone a knell. Laid out upon its bier. The years, these passing years, That last for one brief day, O fill them not with judgment spears. And fling their good away! 156 REDEEMING THE TIME No life is true and real That reaches not the prize Which God has stored for human weal Beyond these earthly skies. Make life a ladder high With rungs of flashing gold ; Then upward lift aspiring eye, And climb to wealth untold ! 157 SHINING PAT HIV AYS The Passing Years One by one from heaven above Come the years to men below ; And their pinions flame with love, Born of God whose will they know When they up to God return, What on them doth He discern ? One by one the years take flight On the wings of hours and days, Passing out beyond the sight, Laden oft with curse, not praise : One by one they quickly fly Up to God within the sky. One by one the years of grace. Birds with light upon their wings, Come to earth from lasting space, And each one a blessing brings : Let no curses on them be For the eves of God to see. 158 THE PASSING YEARS One by one the years take flight On the wings of hours and days, All with love are wondrous bright, Therefore freight each one with praise, As they flash beyond the skies, Saying to them, " God is wise." 159 SHINING PATHIVAYS Contentment A WREATH of fame, abloom with flowers, And not one pricking thorn, Is sought by some through many hours, Till hope becomes forlorn : Some win the fragrant smelling prize, But wear it for a day ; Its beauty glows before the eyes, And then comes swift decay. A wealth like that of fabled king, Whose touch made flashing gold. Or that of storied magic ring Aladdin's hand did hold, Is wished by some, in feverish haste To have a plenty stored ; And heart and soul are put to waste. And finer good ignored. But I am like that ancient seer Who asked for an even lot, That he should have no cause to fear. And rest on an easy cot : Contentment with my station now, Whate'er that station be, Is better fame than men allow. And better gold to me. 1 60 CONTENTMENT And such a joy within the heart Behind it leaves no pain ; My faith in God shall e'er impart To me the highest gain ; Let men have all the world affords, And all its honors own, A mind content would make of boards For me an emperor's throne. i6i SHINING PATHIVAYS Thoughts at Sunset I SAW the sun go down last eve, A great red ball of fire ; And ere he took his final leave, He gilded yonder spire. And as he went full out of sight. Still back were cast his rays, The kisses thrown to the coming night. And the pledge of following days. And e'en when every golden ray Had faded out of sight, The stars replaced the sheen of day. And beautified the night. Like this the joys of hfe oft fade, And hope almost expires, But others just as bright are made Whene'er the need requires. 162 THOUGHTS AT SUNSET Be still, sad heart, and cease from sighs ! Look up, and courage take ! The sun that now goes down the skies Shall on the morrow wake. And in a city fair above No darkness ever falls ; Eternal light and flaming love Emblazon all its walls. 163 SHINING PATHIVAYS Evening Scenes I SAT within the twilight Beside the window pane, And watched the stars, like princes. Come forth with shining train, Until their flashing splendor Set all the sky aglow, And down was shed their radiance Upon the earth below. I saw the lamps of the city- Through all the shadows gleam, Then burst in flaming beauty, Like some old poet's dream. Until it seemed they'd borrowed From the stars above their light, And scattered o'er the highways A million jewels bright. I saw the lights that flickered In homes across the way, And saw their mellow lustre Through each apartment play, Till, like Aladdin's palace, Each dwelling sprung to sight. As though the arms of genii Had reared it in the night. 164 EVENING SCENES Then upward on the pinions Of faith my soul did fly, Beyond these lamps nocturnal, Beyond the stars on high, Until I caught the grandeurs That over Zion blaze, The eternal world and city, And the home of endless days. 165 SHINING PATH IV AYS The Pinions of the Lord Psalm 91: 4 The pinions of the Lord ! What mighty pinions they 1 To all who trust they peace afford Through every trying day. His feathers, covering thee, Will hide thee from the storm, And thou in perfect shelter be, And in the blast be warm. Let tempests rush and roar, And lightnings cleave the sky. With God above, around, before. No harm can thee come nigh. Like eaglets in their nest Upon the mountain height, The saints beneath His wings at rest Are safe by day and night. 166 THE PINIONS OF THE LORD He broods them with His care, Protects them by His grace ; The weakest fledgeling hiding there No troubhng foe may chase. Then trust in God, my friend, Thou surely wilt be blest ; To all thy wants He will attend, While in His downy nest. 167 SHINING PATHIVAYS Keep Thou My Lips It needs no master mind to prove What sinful causes often move The lips to speak unlovely words, That, soon as spoken, like the birds Let loose from fowler's net, soar away Beyond recall, though hard we pray For them in backward flight to turn, That we may heal the stings that burn With memory's fire our hearts within, And daily front us with our sin. Our words can be like showers fine. Whose silver drops in radiance shine, As on the fields they softly fall. Each one a tiny blessing-ball ; Or like the sunbeams through the clouds, That earthward rush in glistening crowds But evil words and words of ire Are like the flames of prairie fire ; They sweep away the heart's content, And leave their stain, though we repent. 1 68 KEEP THOU MY UPS How deep the wisdom of the sage Who asked in youth and in old age That o'er his lips there might be set A watch divine, lest he forget, And have his tongue a master be To loose from their captivity Unspoken words upon the air That should no freedom ever wear ! I pray, O Lord, for this the same : My lips touch Thou with holy flame. 169 SHINING PAT HIV AYS Discipline Lord, I thank Thee for the past ; For all the shadows that were cast Along my path ; And none of these hast Thou in vain Upon me sent, though giving pain, Or in Thy wrath. For griefs, as well as joys, O God, 1 thank Thee now ; and for the rod Within Thy hand That pulsed upon my haughty will. And gave me blows that helped fulfill Thy purpose grand. I thank Thee for the sorrows deep That often made me sigh and weep, And cast me down. For through my falling tears I've seen, As through a glass, the wondrous sheen Upon my crown. 170 DISCIPLINE The hand that smote me through the days Of all my life I kiss and praise ; For tender love, Like that which marks a gardener's heart. Was Thine, to make my graces start And reach above. Not yet, O Lord, the blossoming hour ; More pruning yet, more clouds to lov/er And bring the rain ; But do Thy work, Thou knowest best; Whatever may come, I shall be blest, And beauty gain. 171 SHINING PAT HIV AYS Higher Lord, my God, I lift a prayer To Thee with earnest breath, Desiring grander robes to wear This side the way of death ; For higher good my soul doth pine, To live with Thee, my Lord, And drink the sweet, refreshing wine Upon Thy banquet board. On me Thou hast bestowed a life That turned me from the earth ; From sin, from fleshly lusts and strife, Renewing me in birth ; But there are heights I yet would scale With eager feet and care, Above this lowly mountain vale. To breathe a richer air. Up where the eagles build their nest, And spread their wings to fly. Where towering peaks, in splendor drest, Stand forth beneath the sky, 1 would, like Moses, gladly climb, And converse with Thee hold, Till all Thy majesty sublime Doth sinful me enfold. 172 HIGHER O grant to me this better part, My God, that I may fling The broods of sin from out my heart, Remaining there to sting; That I may burst the binding chain Which fetters yet my soul, And upward toil more life to gain, And find Thee at the jroal ! 173 SHINING PATHJVAYS The Quiet Hour At times within my study walls. While twilight from the sky Around me in the silence falls, And no one else is nigh. Among my friendly books I sit And muse of many things — An hour when visions o'er me flit. And brush me with their wings. It is a solemn, holy hour, And often thoughts assume The richness of a garden flower In full and fairest bloom : For through the shadows gently steal Sweet odors from the mind, That cause my waiting soul to kneel, And there the Master find. Then rising, all the room around Is filled with heavenly light ; My praying soul the Lord hath found, And sees His presence bright; And while the stars their beauty flino^ Athwart the skies above, My grateful heart to Christ doth bring An evening gift of love. 174 THY KINGDOM COME Thy Kingdom Come Matt. 6 : lo and Romans 8 : 22 From sunny isles and snowy plains, From seas and oceans wide, From lands where sin in triumph reigns, And binds humanity in chains, A voice hath often cried, " Thy kingdom come ! " From mountain crags and peaks on high, From valleys deep below. And from the valleys to the sky Again and oft again that cry Hath told its tale of woe, " Thy kindom come ! " From hamlets nestling by the streams, From verdant, dewy mead, From cities where corruption teems, Where evil all the darker seems, Hath gone that voice of need, " Thy kingdom come ! " 175 SHINING PATHIVAYS From cottage door, from kingly hall That echoes royal feet, From peasant yard, from garden wall Where marble fountains rise and fall. The lips of prayer entreat, *' Thy kingdom come ! " From all creation groaning long, From man and every beast, From rocks and trees, from birds of song, From all of nature cursed by wrong, That prayer hath never ceased, " Thy kingdom come ! " Why tarry. Lord, Thy chariot wheels Behind yon veil of cloud ? The travailing earth in spasm reels. And longs to hear the trumpet peals That shall proclaim aloud, " The king-dom's come ! " 176 ^AIT ON GOD Wait on God O TELL me not this world of ours, Which now is rank with weeds of sin. Shall ne'er again yield holy flowers ! That here we shall no triumph win ! Though ages roll, and nations fall, And Christ is veiled within the skies, Forgets He not the world at all, His kingdom wide shall yet arise. A thousand years are as a day Within divinely sweeping sigjit ; And centuries may pass away, As moves along a watch of night. God makes no measurement of time. To Him eternity belongs ; And with a leisure most subhme He views the world's abiding wrongs. And in the day of His own choice His Son will come in glory clouds ; The saints shall hear a trumpet voice, And gather round their Lord in crowds. 177 SHINING PATHIVAYS For then shall watchers lift the cry, " This is our God, His praises sing ! " And o'er the earth the news shall fly, Like birds that flit on lightning wing. O wait in patience for the thought That God in splendor will unfold ! His purposes shall all be wrought, And shine within His plan as gold. 178 THE GOLDEN AGE The Golden Age There are no days like by-gone days, So thinks the senile heart ; No ways there are like ancient ways, None now such bliss impart ; For when the vision back is cast, It sees a golden age ; That heart then sighs for all the past, And deems the action sage. The brightest days are coming days Affirms the youth in glee ; And on the future is his gaze, While present moments flee ; The golden age is yet to beam Before his eager mind ; And thus his thoughts with lustre gleam, As they their views unbind. But to the sensual epicure The golden age is now ; With plenty near his joy is sure, And pleasures crown his brow ; Within the present days he tries To taste the chiefest good. Asserting that the rich and wise Are those supplied with food. 179 SHINING PATHIVAYS The true philosophy is found In looking up and on, Away from sordid, earthly ground Towards everlasting dawn ; The better life beyond us lies Declares the sacred page ; And those who look with faith-lit eyes Discern the golden age. 1 80 THE HOME BEYOND The Home Beyond John 14: 1-2 "Ye trust in God, believe in me," Saith Christ to all disciples true ; " Let not your hearts in trouble be, There is a home prepared for you." A home it is beyond the earth, Above the heights where eagles fly ; And Christ hath spoken of its worth : A mansion 'tis within the sky. And why should righteous ones with care Be burdened sore, or be opprest. When in that home awaiting there The saints of God shall find their rest ? Within its walls no tears shall flow, Unless the tears of joy they be, For sorrow there no one shall know Through all the long eternity. i8i SHINING PATHiVAYS What songs shall break from every tongue In praise of God that home within, Far richer than were ever sung By any lips yet stained with sin ! O blessed home beyond the stars, Enrapturing is the thought of thee ! No sin thy brightness ever mars, For perfect is thy liberty ! 182 *' THERE SHALL BE NO NIGHT THERE " There Shall be no Night There " In heaven above there is no night To shroud the day in gloom, For God is there and He is light, And He doth heaven illume. No night of sorrow spreads a shade To pall the sunny hours, For joys are there that never fade, And never lose their flowers. There is no night of weeping there To dim the bending skies, For tears have ceased, and every care, And with them grieving sighs. No night of trial there descends To cast its shadows dun, For there the Christian's battle ends, And victory is won. 183 SHINING PATHIVAYS And there no night of death e'er falls To breathe its noisome breath, For over heaven's crystal walls Ne'er leaps the form of death. No darkness there ! no waning light ! O what a heaven this ! A heaven with radiance ever bright. And with unclouded bliss ! 184 " A}^D THERE WAS NO MORE SEA' " And There Was No More Sea Rev. 21 : 1 Be Thou, O Lord, our friendly Guide Life's troubled waters o'er ; Our ship is frail, the sea is wide, And distant is the shore ; But with Thy hand upon the helm, We shall not be afraid ; No storm our bark can overwhelm, Thou hast the ocean made. At Thy command the tempests blow. And e'er Thy will obey ; The waves that rise Thy power know. Thy servants all are they ; The sea is under Thy control. Its Master strong art Thou ; And though the billows toss and roll. To Thee they all must bow. 185 SHINING PAT HIV AYS And though, at times, Thou quiet art, And seemingly asleep, When from their lair the tempests start And whip to foam the deep, Our souls with terror shall not quake. However rude the storm : The sea at Thy behest will break, And recognize Thy form. Then rage, ye winds, ye billows rise. If rage and rise ye must ! Though frowning e'er be all the skies, In God we'll place our trust; And when the voyage we complete, And reach eternity. No storms on us again shall beat, Beyond there is no sea. 1 86 A SONNET OF FAITH A Sonnet of Faith A WINTRY scene, before my vision spread, Stands forth to view. The fallen, driven snow Doth cover all the fields the clouds below, And wrap in pall of white the flowers dead, From which the hues of summer time have fled ; Whose fragrant blossoms now no longer blow, Or in the gentle winds wave to and fro, For desolation reigneth o'er each head. But with the eye of faith I upward gaze Beyond earth's winter with its frost and rime. And see the land of everlasting spring, Where God's eternal sunlight ever plays ; Where cease the sorrows dire and griefs of time. And where grim Death doth never flap his wing. 187 H 488 83 4 c*°^ a" "-sj. .** ^ ,^^m^'. X^^^ y^^ *,^^^. .V ' ,0 '^^f.^ / >' ^^ P^ A lO*/!, ." ->""*^ * r.\.„.^>'. ^^0^ > & Hq ;«» «• ^^•^^. r. ^--d ^^^. o, **«tv> .0 ^^-n^^ V V ^ * • d . 'V ;♦ «.f*' o, '' «o 0^ .•• • •'• ,v q.. '.T.' ^0 •*. v^ .»*:ii.'» <>. r .. U"^ •»' '^ .-i-^, ■i^^r HECKMAN BINDERY INC. ^ OCT 85 t/IAMOLJCCTCD LIBRARY OF CONGRF^q " 1 iif IHilii, . ^ ^^B: "* ^m- 1