uns/iine ~*r -^ "^ Marij C Brine UGS8 URR4RY SUNSHINE The Temple Series* Dainty cloth bindings. Illustrated. Price, 35 cents each, postpaid. THE FOUR G'S. Rev. Theodore L. Cuyler, D. D. JUST TO HELP. Amos R. Wells. GOLDEN COUNSELS. Dwlght L. Moody. WELL-BUILT. Rev. Theodore L. Cuyler. D. D. HELPS UPWARD. Rev. Wayland Hoyt, D. D. A FENCE OF TRUST. (Poems.) Mary F. Butts. PLUCK AND PURPOSE. William M. Thayer. LITTLE SERMONS FOR ONE. Amos R. Wells. WISE LIVING. Rev. George C. Lorlmer, D. D. TACT. Kate Sanborn. YOUTH AND AGE. Rev. James Stalker, D. D. SUNSHINE. (Poems.) Mary D. Brine. MAKING THE MOST OF ONESELF. Rev. A. S. Gumbart, D. D. OLD LANTERNS FOR PRESENT PATHS. Rev. Francis E. Clark, D. D. THE INDWELLING GOD. Rev. Charles A. Dickinson, D. D. ANSWERED I Rev. J. Wilbur Chapman, D. D., Rev. R. A. Torrey, D. D., Rev. C. H. Yatman, Rev. Edgar E. Davidson, Thomas E. Murphy, and Rev. A. C. Dixon, D. D. United Society of Christian Endeavor, Boston and Chicago. "Sunshine" And Other Poems By Mary D. Brine Author of " Grandma's Attic Treasures," ' Story of Aunt Patience," " Grandma's Memories,' " The Mother's Song," etc., etc., etc. United Society of Christian Endeavor Boston and Chicago Copyright, 1899, BY THE UNITED SOCIETY OF CHRISTIAN ENDEAVOR CONTENTS. PAGE SUNSHINE 9 FOOTSTEPS 10 " GOD'S ANGEL" n ONLY THESE 12 AFTER THE VESPER SERVICE 12 WITHIN MY HEART 14 "CHRISTIAN WORK" 15 How LITTLE IT COSTS! 16 AMID "THE EVERLASTING HILLS" . ... 17 A HAPPY DAY A RESTFUL NIGHT . . . .18 THE WEE BIRD OF THE HOME-NEST . . 19 DON'T FRET ! 20 PASS ON YOUR BLESSINGS .... 21 SOME PEOPLE 21 AT CLOSE OF DAY 22 HOME-MADE SUNSHINE 22 To THE "SHUT-INS" 23 CONFIDENCE 24 THE WORD ON THE PANE 25 THE "ANGELUS BELL" 26 " MOODS " 27 " FORWARD ! " 29 A DAY IN JUNE 29 GOD EVERYWHERE! . . . . . . -30 v vi CONTENTS. FACE THE NIGHT-WATCH 3 1 MY "STEWARDSHIP" 3 2 STITCHES 33 His GIFTS 34 CONVALESCENCE 35 " PRAYER 3 6 WILL IT RAIN? 37 AN UNFRAMED PICTURE 3 8 DARKENED EYES 39 THE DOVE AT THE COMMUNION TABLE . . . 4 1 Two VIEWS OF A QUESTION 4 2 THE PRAYER OF A GRATEFUL HEART ... 43 THE HARVEST-TIME 44 GIVE A "HELPING HAND" 45 THE "HAPPY LAND" 46 THANKSGIVING 48 AN ADVENT HYMN 49 A CHRISTMAS JUBILEE 5 THE CHRISTMAS MONTH 5 1 THE NEW YEAR 5 2 THE GIFT OF THE NEW YEAR 53 ASH WEDNESDAY 53 AFTERWARDS 55 WITH THE EASTER-TIDE 56 EASTER DAY . 57 ASCENSION DAY 5& MEMORIAL DAY 59 DECORATION DAY AT NIGHTFALL .... 60 THE LESSON OF SUMMER 61 "His MERCY Is OVER ALL!" 62 PREFACE AND DEDICATION These poems selected from the author's collection (and, by kind consent of the editors for whom they were originally written, re- issued in book form) are respectfully dedicated to the public, with the hope that they may find favor and acceptance. Very truly, M. D. B. SUNSHINE. THERE'S plenty of sunshine to spare for us all, Then into our lives let us take it ; This world, though brimful of the glorious light, Can be dark, if we choose so to make it ! We should open our hearts, let the sunshine pour in, And light up the dark, dismal places ! With sunshine within, and sunbeams without, 'T will be hard to wear sad, gloomy faces. Go seek out the lives that are clouded and sore, Where sunshine perchance has not entered, And give to them freely from your brimming cup, Where gladness and joy have long centred. O, all the world over there's light for us all ; Then into our lives let us take it ! The world, though brimful of the glorious gift, Can be dark, if we choose so to make it. SUNSHINE. footsteps. THE snow came down through the livelong night, And lay in the morning high and white O'er field and meadow, as far and wide As the eye could reach on either side. Down to the gate I picked my way To speak a moment to neighbor Grey, And little Teddy, my bright-eyed son, Coaxed hard to " go out in the snow for fun." " The snow is deep, and my boy so small I fear in the cold drifts he may fall," His mother kissing the red lips said. But coaxing, and shaking his curly head, My little son answered : " Let me go ! I'll step where papa has stepped, you know ! I'll tread right straight where he treaded, you'll see, And of course, mamma, 't will be safe for me ! " So stealing consent with his kisses sweet, Equipped for the sport, the dear little feet Were set with care as he walked along In the tracks of my own feet, broad and strong, Till he reached my side, at the gate at last, Where I caught him up and held him fast, And he laughed, as he cried with his eyes ashine, " I choosed your footsteps, papa, for mine ! " " Chose my footsteps ! " Ah ! all that day The words of my trustful boy would stay SUNSHINE. Down deep in my heart ; and within my brain Repeated themselves again and again, Till I sent to my Father a prayer for aid To turn aright each footstep I made While journeying onward by night or day 'Neath storm, or in sunshine o'er life's highway. " To tread where papa has trod, you see, Of course, mamma, will be safe for me ! " God grant I may tread ere it be too late The path which leads to the Golden Gate. Where stands my Father, with outstretched arms, To gather me in from hurt and alarms ; For treading the way that his footsteps lead Will always be safest for me, indeed ! "(Bofc'g $ngef." [Ps. 34 = 7-] O, BLESSED thought ! that night and day " God's angel " watches o'er us, That wheresoe'er our footsteps stray " God's angel " goes before us. How safe we ought to feel, how free From anxious cares depressing, If we but rest us willingly (Our need of aid confessing) On this assurance of his love, Who keeps such watch and ward above, And lends an angel from his throne To " tarry round about his own " ! ii SUNSHINE. JUST to do the very best that in us lies each day; Just to glean the sunbeams, and toss the clouds away ; Just to keep on hoping, though disappointments grow ; Just to let a healing smile follow the tear-drop's flow ; Just to be as loving as we can, and kind and true. Clinging to the " Golden Rule " in all that we may do ; Just to count the blessings, with the ills of life ; And our heaven-helped victories over pain and strife. Then, as on we journey toward life's setting sun, Christ will wait to greet us with the praise, " Well done ! " " ART weary, mother ? Lean a little more Upon mine arm, that I thy steps may guide More surely o'er the way." " Ay, child, my store Of strength were small, save thou wert by my side. How calm and still this hour! It is as though Our pastor's benediction were outspread Upon the twilight air, and softly broods, Till even nature bows a reverent head. Didst note the text, my girl ? " " Yea, mother, this It was : ' At eventime it shall be light ! ' ' " Ay, child, and pray that it be not amiss That my old heart should yearn for that glad time." " Dear heart ! and has the day of thy good life Seemed but so wearisome to thee, alas ! SUNSHINE. That thou shouldst wish the all too hasty hours On pinions yet more fleet to speed and pass ? " "Nay, daughter; for the Master whom I serve Hath shared each burden he hath deemed it best To lay upon my back. Yet he himself Hath bidden us look forward to that rest Which doth await the weary servant here, Beyond the clouds, those clouds that dim the days Of mortal life, however fair the dawn, And lead us sometimes into weary ways." " Now have a care, dear mother, lest thy feet Should stumble o'er this rough and thorny ground." " I fear me not ; thine arm is young and strong; A daughter's love is hedging me around." " Yea, mother, has it not to thee been true And steadfast through the years so swiftly flown ? And have I not been doubly blessed the while In thy dear love ? " " Ay, child, so God hath known ; And I bethink me of the love which guards Each one of us along the way of life ! O, there be stones, and thorns, and tangled paths, And many a byway leading unto strife ; And foes unseen, and fears we dare not face, And tiresome hills we are too weak to cross." " And Hope is tempted to forget her gain, But in the shadow sits to count her loss. Is it not so, my mother ? " " Nay, for Faith, Hope's best companion, bids her lift her eyes From where earth's shadows lie so heavily, And look beyond the gloom to starry skies. SUNSHINE. Think of that love which shareth every woe ! Think of that heart which knows each human fear ! Think of that hand which waits in tenderness To wipe from human eyes each sorrowing tear ! Think of that arm which lets us lean yet more Upon its strength ! and, as thou guidest me, My tender daughter, how much more I know The sweetness of my Master's sympathy ! " " See, mother ! though this day has been so dark (With lowering clouds and threatening storm), behold ! The western sky hath clothed itself anew, And wears its purple robe, and crown of gold, Fit ending for the vesper service." "Ay ! It promises a restful, peaceful night. Child, thinkest thou again of that sweet text? Truly, ' At eventime there shall be light ! ' ' O, MY heart hath many chambers, and each chamber holds its own Of all the varied treasures cherished by my heart alone. My friends are ever welcome to its fancies, should they care To take the keys of friendship, and ope the chambers there. But there 's one no earthly friendship can enter night or day, And 't is there its inmost treasures are hidden safe away. SUNSHINE. Hopes, fears, and earnest longings, thoughts unbetrayed by speech, The glad and sad, together, beyond e'en friendship's reach. No friend can ope that chamber, God only holds its key; And there he deigns to enter, to bring peace and help to me. Whate'er he may discover of wrong and error there, He helps me in my trying to keep his chamber fair. My heart takes sweetest comfort in the thought that day or night He knows its grief for sinning, its efforts toward the right. And while it hath that chamber for Christ, and love divine, Those which my friends may enter, with truer friendship shine. "Christian " CHRISTIAN work ! " How good it is to do ! Its feeblest effort makes one's heart more true ! And its results, how can they fail, indeed, Since Christian work sows only best of seed ? So, Christian, work ! Nor tire through the day ; The night will come when Christ will put away The toil, the care, the worries ; and he knows How well his " worker " earns a sweet repose. '5 SUNSHINE. feitffe 3f osf0! How little it costs if we give it a thought To make happy some heart each day ! Just one kind word, or a sunny smile, As we go on our daily way. Perchance a look will suffice to clear The cloud from a neighbor's face, And the touch of a hand in sympathy Remove the tear's sad trace. One walks in sunlight ; another goes All wearily in the shade ; One treads a path that is fair and smooth, Another must pray for aid O'er ways that are rough with stumbling- stones, Where the tired feet go slow ; One sees with eyes which are glad and bright, Another's with tears o'erflow. We pass each other along the way, But we don't take pains to heed (We who are filled with our own content) The sum of our neighbor's need. Can't we stop to give just a kindly smile ? A friendly word or so ? Or perhaps one glance of sympathy Which might lessen a neighbor's woe ? Can't we kindle anew a dying trust, And stay some falling tears ? 16 SUNSHINE. And help sweet faith to revive again In the midst of griefs and fears? O, it costs so little ! I wonder why We give it so little thought. A smile, a word, a glance, a touch, What magic with them is wrought ! ms fiffs." OVER the distant mountains lies a soft and tender haze ; Upon the nearer hills all day a golden sunlight plays ; The valley lies in safety 'neath the grandeur of the heights, And revels in the beauty of the summer's dear delights. As far as eye can see it views God's pictures fair and sweet ; No flaw, no blot to mar his work, but all sublime, complete. And, over all, the tender skies, so fleecy, soft, and blue, And, still beyond, the "watchful love," so wonderful and true ! Again, behold ! a sudden change comes sweeping o'er the sky, And now upon the mountains, see ! cloud-shadows darkly lie. The valley can no longer laugh, since, 'neath the gloom o'erhead, Its merry friends, the sunbeams, have faded, and have fled. Now dark and darker grows the sky, until at last the rain 17 SUNSHINE. (Sweet nature's tears) bursts forth as from a heart o'erfull of pain. , And, till the grief is spent, the face of nature must be sad, And then, her heart refreshed, the clouds have passed, and she is glad. Now watch the sun behind those clouds ! how coyly it peeps through A little rift, now here, now there, till wider spreads the blue Of heaven's own glorious canopy ; and down the moun- tain's side The sunlight riots once again, and scatters far and wide. The storm has passed ; the valley smiles again in peace serene ; And just a little sermon has been preached to me, I ween. The thought is only this, that wheresoe'er life's tears may be, There will always be God's smile behind the clouds, for you and me ! $ ijappE as (gesffuf (nigftf- To wake in the morning with grateful heart that the perils of night are o'er, And the prayer that wherever we go by day, God's guidance may go before, To keep us safe o'er the slippery ways, and to save from hurt and sin, O, that is the key to "A Happy Day," And the way the day should begin ! 18 SUNSHINE. To kneel with an humble, thankful heart for mercies enjoyed all day, And a prayer for peace as the hours of night aie passing in darkness away, To trust in the care which f aileth not, and the love of the " Faithful Friend," O, that is the key to " A Restful Night," And the way that the day should end ! 0e 'Wee $ira of tfye gomemesf. THE sun hath ceased its shining, and gently sinks to rest, The birds are homeward flying, each to its own safe nest. 'T is now, at sunset hour (the tenderest since the morn), That the dear dream-angels gather, and " lullabies " are born. Safe hiding in the leafage of the tree beside my door, Full many a mother-birdie hovers her young birdlings o'er; And here within my home-nest my own wee birdling lies, While over earth are shining " our Father's " starry skies. O wee bird of my home-nest, come nestle close to me ! Better the arms of mother than nest in leafy tree ! One, caring for the sparrows, with tender heart and true, Cares with a love immortal, dear babe of mine, for you. Ay ! mother's arms infold you, but his are ever near To hold us both from danger, and both to him are dear. 1 9 SUNSHINE. To him we all are " children," who dare not go alone, And mother's strength is weakness, save in his strength alone. See ! fast the stars are gathering, their nightly watch to keep O'er every little birdling, through the long hours of sleep ; And slumberland is echoing with the tender lullabies Which from the quiet shadows of the nesting-hour arise. And whilst the hours are fleeting, and silence reigns supreme, And while the stars in heaven still brightly, softly gleam, May our Father bless my baby, and hold her in his care, Till my wee bird of the home-nest wakes to the morning fair. on'f $ref! WHAT are we fretting for day after day, Worrying our smiles and good temper away, Envying our neighbors, and reaching for gains Which, when we attain them, are n't worth half our pains ? If we know in our hearts that in heaven above There's a " Father " who watches his children in love, Then why are n't we true to that knowledge, and so Just trust to him wholly, and let the doubts go? " God is in heaven, 'Us well with the world ! " His glorious banners on earth are unfurled ; Then let us be happy, and worry no more ! When faith enters in, doubt flies out the heart's door, And once rid of doubt, it is true as can be That the heart from its worries and fears will be free. And in place of our sighs there'll be many a song To lighten our troubles, and help us along. SUNSHINE. on THERE are cheerful hearts, and lives that are glad, Which wake to a day of praise ; There are those whose hearts for a weary while Have long forgotten the joy and smile Of life's sunshiny days. Let those who gather the joys of life So easily day by day, Remember the lives which grieve, and are sad, And, remembering, strive to make them glad, And brighten life's sombre gray. JJome Qpeopfe. THERE are some people whom to know is such a true delight That just the very thought of them inspires one toward right. We're better, for the truth that lies Before us, in their kindly eyes, And there's a trust which never dies, Or dark our days, or bright. Such people are the sunbeams God doth scatter o'er life's way To cheer us, after troublous clouds perchance have marred the day. Whate'er the gloom, the strife, the care, Whate'er the burdens we may bear, Dear Friendship's sunbeams still are there, To turn to gold life's gray. 21 SUNSHINE. fo0e of ANOTHER day has gone, and we Perhaps its record would not see. Too little love, too little care, Too little time for grateful prayer, Too little striving for the right, Too little search for "kindly light." Alas ! the record would but show How fast our faults and follies grow. Turn from our sins, dear Christ, away, Forget them all, at close of day. Forget the faults which made thee sad; And if we haply made thee glad, Remember only that, this night, And keep us safe till morning light; And grant the morrow's page may be More clean for thy pure eyes to see. WHAT care I as the days go by, Whether gloomy or bright the sky? What care I what the weather may be ? Cold or warm, 't is the same to me. For my dear home skies, they are always blue, And my dear home -weather (the glad days through) Is " beautiful summer," from morn till night, And my feet walk ever in love's true light. 22 SUNSHINE. And why ? Well, here is my baby sweet, Following me round on his restless feet, Smiling at me through his soft blue eyes, And gladdening and brightening my indoor skies. And baby's father, with fond, true heart (To baby and me, home's better part), His face is sunshine, and we rejoice In the music heard in his loving voice. So why should I heed, as the days go by, Whether gloomy or bright the sky Of the outside world, when we're busy all day Mamifacturing sunshine which fades not away ? With smiles, with kisses, with peace and joy, Father, mother, and baby boy, We are living each day in the sunshine we make, And the dear Lord helps us, for love's sweet sake. to f0e " " The Lord is my shepherd." DEAR sick and sorry ones, do not despair, For 't is to you God gives his tenderest care. The shepherd, walking daily 'mongst his sheep, Seeks out the weary sick ones, and doth keep Them ever near him, so to guide and lead, And give them of his comfort in their need. Are you " too tired " to put your prayer in speech ? Be comforted ; your Father you may reach 23 SUNSHINE. With just a thought, as with closed eyes you lie, Waiting for pain, at last, to pass you by. Just think your prayer ; the Father knows it all, And, bending low, he hears the silent call. Do not despair, dear sick ones, doubt, nor fear ; Just look for him, and lo ! he is so near ! Confidence. THOU Father in the world above ! Thou God of pity, and of love ! Thou tender, sympathetic Friend, Whose sweet compassion hath no end ! Thou Guide, for all who trust to thee ! Thou Saviour, when from harm we flee! Thou wondrous Christ and Lord of all, Who deignst to listen when we call ! O, fill our hearts with grateful praise, That human life, in all its ways, Hath claim upon thy listening ear, And praying, knows that thou dost hear. No matter when, nor how, nor where, The heart sends up its instant prayer, The time, the place, counts not with thee So much as trust and loyalty. The prayer which clingeth to belief Finds ready answer and relief, In thy sweet love, and thy dear grace, Whate'er the time, where'er the place ! For this we bless thee night and day, And thank thee, while to thee we pray. SUNSHINE. on t$e (pane. A True Incident. I WAS weary, I was troubled, I was vexed with anxious cares ; Things had " all gone wrong," I argued, spite of wishes, hopes, or prayers ; E'en my children gave no comfort, for my heart seemed turned to stone, And of all who bowed 'neath burdens, the saddest, I, alone. Thus it seemed to me one morning, as I gathered one by one The "duties" all around me, toiling till the last was done. And the afternoon was quiet when the children went to play, And I sat me down a moment to bewail the cares of day. How I thought them each one over, dwelling on them drearily ! " Who, I wonder," moaned I sadly, " cares, or gives a thought to me, Or e'en knows I'm heavy-hearted, as the toilsome days goby?" And my tired soul made answer only with a tired sigh. Then I rose, and to the nursery went to take up work again. But behold, a -word before me, gleaming on the window- pane ! 25 SUNSHINE. Just one word in printed letters! Well I knew from whence it came, For how often little Teddy loved to print that sacred name! The sacred name of " Jesus," as he breathed upon the glass, And with his tiny fingers spelled the dear name,, and alas, 7 that name had so forgotten ! In shame I bowed my head, As the answer to my murmuring upon the pane I read. " Dear Lord," I prayed, " forgive me ! Jesus does my troubles know ; Jesus knows I'm heavy-hearted; Jesus knows my every woe ! " And my gloom like mist then vanished, sunshine filled my heart again. And I blessed the little finger that spelled " Jesus " on the pane. OVER the fields its silvery tones Come floating soft and clear; And the toilers pause in their weary toil, And bow their heads to hear The call to prayer. And they seem to feel The touch of the " Hand of Love," And labor lightens with every thought That soars to the throne above. 26 SUNSHINE. O bell which calleth the mind away From the things of care below, How sweet to lay our burdens down In the shrine of the sunset's glow, And rest in the lessons of faith and trust Which thy clear, soft echoes teach That we're never too far for the touch of God, And the love of his heart to reach ! Is it a cheerful mood, my friend, that holds your heart to-day ? Then hold it fast, nor let it creep from out your heart away. Is it a kindly mood? Still try to keep it for your own, Nor let it leave you save by way of friendly look and tone. Is it a loving mood? E'en so love shall be won for you ; For where dwells love, there is no room for aught unkind, untrue. Is it a discontented mood which turns your thoughts to gall, And digs a deep and gloomy gulf, where every thought will fall Below the plane of faith and trust, and only shadows reign ? Then do your best to climb the pit, and find the light again. 27 SUNSHINE. Is it an anxious mood ? Fear not ! for there is One to share The burden of your anxious fears, the weight of every care. And, " casting all your cares on him because he cares for you," 'T will not be long before his peace shall shine the shad- ows through. So do cheer up, ye moody ones ! Do try to lift your eyes And find the brightest, bluest spots which linger in the skies. Why need you hunt for shadows when the shine is all you need ? Why do you let the gloomy thoughts your better nature lead? Why, when you find the roses, look for the thorns they hide, As though those thorns were all they give, and nothing sweet beside ? Why mar your pleasure with a fear \&?>\. pain may lurk behind ? Why grieve o'er woes you do your best through moody moods to find ? O, if your " moods " you needs must have, choose only those which hold The merry sunbeams, filling life with words and deeds of gold. The cheerful, kindly, loving moods, which like sweet incense rise From the pure altar of your heart to seek the tender skies. 28 SUNSHINE. SEVEN small letters ! yet behold the strong, brave word they spell. And if we take the proffered hint, and use its meaning well, We're bound to leave behind us all the things that vex and wear, And, pressing bravely " forward," win life's choicest gifts so fair. Go forward in endeavor ! go forward in the way Which leads to right and duty, as we journey day by day. And as you go, look forward to the great reward which lies In waiting for us, when we reach the goal beyond the skies. ($. ag in O DAY so fair ! O day so rare ! Vouchsafed from heaven above. To soft blue skies we lift our eyes, Our hearts o'erflow with love. For each sweet day that comes our way, For each sweet night of peace, We yield a prayer of thanks for care And love, which will not cease. O, may that prayer on faith's bright wings Reach the dear Giver of all good things. SUNSHINE. " He spreadeth out the heavens and ruleth the raging of the sea." How can the heart of man find room for doubt of God's dear love, Or cavil at the wondrous streams of mercy from above, While far as eye can reach we see the beauteous land- scape spread, The rolling ocean at our feet, the azure sky o'erhead, The glorious sunshine of the day, the starshine of the night, And know the joy of every gift which maketh life so bright ? No room for doubt, dear Lord, should lie within an honest heart, Where honest eyes behold the truth in every sign and part Of this great world, wherein we dwell at thy supreme command, Supported, loved, provided for by thy almighty hand. Thy truth lies plain, for man to read, through all this world below, And thou hast written it in the skies, which shine and gleam and glow Above the landscape. Every note of nature's harmony Sings out the blessed song of praise from nature's heart for thee ! So how should heart of man find room for question or for doubt, When viewing all thy wondrous works so freely spread about? 3 SUNSHINE. Thou God, who madest heaven and earth, how can we fail to see, To know, believe, and evermore confess our debt to thee? ' THE busy day has passed : night's shadows fall O'er rich and poor, o'er weak and sick and sad, O'er happy hearts, o'er strong and well alike, And tenderly infold lives good and bad. Above the " world and all that dwell therein," The Lord of heaven and earth his vigil keeps. There is no spot in all the universe Beyond that watch which wearies not, nor sleeps. To those who toss throughout a weary night, Wakeful with sickness, or from carking care, How sweet the thought that One is " standing guard," And all our weariness with us doth share ! To those who sweetly rest from night till dawn, In slumber happ'ly undisturbed, how sweet The thought that 't is his watchful, tender love Which ever spares us, still new days to greet ! O busy world of " creatures here below," Whether ye prize or slight his tender love, This ye must surely know, your good or ill Is marked by those pure, watchful eyes above. 'T is not for naught he keepeth guard o'er all This world of varying moods ; so let us pray That through his wondrous care our nights may lead Safe through the shadows unto " perfect day." 3 1 SUNSHINE. A LITTLE dark-eyed son have I, scarce four years old is he; But those bright eyes and listening ears, what heed they pay to me ! And everything he sees me do, so does he also try, And whatsoe'er he hears me say, so says he by and by. Full well I guard my deeds each day, lest thoughtless act of mine A little learning heart to wrong should presently in- cline. Nor must I yield to hasty speech of words unkind, lest he A little later grieve my heart with faithful mimicry. My laddie came to me one day, when I, o'erfull of care, The interruption of a word could scarcely heed or bear. " Help me, mamma ! " he coaxed. " No, no, go help yourself" I cried. He looked at me with troubled eyes, then turned from me aside. The words had scarcely left my lips ere they had left my mind, And presently, at ease again, I went my boy to find. In tender mood I lifted him to sit upon my knee, " Give mother a dear kiss ? " I asked. " Go he'p you*- self! " said he. I took him at his word, and kissed the dimpled cheeks and chin, Then hid my eyes upon the heart my words had entered in. 32 SUNSHINE. "For O," thought I, "if thus he heeds so slight a thing I say, What if still further from the right I lead my boy astray ? " And ever since, I seem to feel my stewardship to be A sacred trust from the dear Lord, who gave my charge to me, And who so placed his confidence in me, and my en- deavor, By giving me a soul to train for his best love, forever. PATIENTLY sewing as days go by, Whether come rain, or a cloudless sky; Patiently setting the stitches aright From dawn of day till the shades of night Bring rest awhile to the hands and heart, And a chance for the long-pent tears to start. Tears, perchance, of trouble and woe, Which every heart for itself must know ; Tears of weariness, tears of pain For the cares which will wake to the dawn again ; And tears of failure of hopes long past, All free to flow, while the night shall last. But when the morning again is here, Back to the toil, however drear ! Back to the stitches, one by one, Set side by side till the task is done ! And another waits, and another still, All ready the day's long hours to fill. 33 SUNSHINE. Well, do not each of us, in our way, The "stitches" of character set each day? One by one, and side by side, Till our tasks are finished at " eventide " ? One by one in the morn of youth, Sewing the stitches of love and truth. Or the stitches which bind us, alas ! too well, To the tempter's bright and alluring spell. Setting the stitches, as we go, Either for happiness or for woe ; Careless, or careful, which are we, As we sew our stitches so constantly ? Setting the stitches, one by one, As life goes on toward the setting sun ; Whether for wrong, or whether for right, The task will be finished when comes the night. God grant we work in his blessed name, Since Christ, our Master, our work must claim. THE springtime may be fair and sweet 'neath skies of tender blue ; But, O thou Giver of the gifts, send me in kindness, too, The sense of gratitude and love, which surely shall o'erflow The hearts of those who thus receive and use thy bounties so. 34 SUNSHINE. For if we fail thy love to read in these fair gifts of thine, And if we do not feel the grace which renders them divine, Then we of half our birthright, Lord, defraud ourselves, alas ! And the true sweetness of thy gifts unknowingly we pass. So send with all the springtide joys so welcome here below A sense of love and gratitude each heart to overflow. onuafescence. BACK from the borders of the shadowy shore, Slowly, with faltering feet, I turn once more, And with a dreamy, wondering surprise, This side of heaven again unclose my eyes. Dear, loving ones stretch out their arms to me, Those whom I thought on earth no more to see ; And tender words of welcome reach my ear From lips whose speech I 'd thought no more to hear. Out 'neath the sunshine loved ones wheel my chair, That I may gather strength in the sweet air That fills all space between glad skies and earth, And revel in new life's delicious birth. What thoughts are these which overflow my soul, As back, and further back, death's shadows roll ? O God of that dear home so far above, Where I had almost reached thee and thy love, Thou knowest the thoughts my lips cannot express, The gratitude my heart would fain confess ! 35 SUNSHINE. I did not shrink from going, Lord, to thee, When I supposed that thou hadst called for me. But O, thou knowest the depths of my poor heart, And knew its grief from these loved ties to part. And thou wert merciful ! and I am here ! And gratitude hath made thee yet more dear. How beautiful earth seems again to one Who with its joys has been so nearly done! More beautiful, because I seem to stand Also within the distant happy land, And the sweet peace of thy dear heaven above, Seems following me e'en here 'mid scenes I love ! Dear God, make this fair earth a heaven to me, By tarrying near, that I may walk with thee Along earth's ways, and thank thee night and day, That I am spared 'mid these dear scenes to stay. SAVIOUR, help me, day by day ! Though pain and trouble come to me, Help me to put my fears away, And trustingly depend on thee. Mine eyes are darkened through my sins. My feet are tired, and fain would rest, And my proud spirit has not owned That thou, dear Saviour, knowest best. But, weary of my wanderings, Lord, Frightened, not knowing where to turn, 1 call, at last, upon my God, And for his loving care I yearn. 'T is only through thy strength that I 36 SUNSHINE. May find the courage which I need ; And wisdom I shall only learn, When to thy loving words I heed. And so, dear Father, pardon all My faults, my sins, my grievous ways, And henceforth, heart and voice shall join To sing with grateful love thy praise. The shadows from my wondering eyes Shall lift at thy kind touch at last, And I will walk the path thou lead'st, Till toil and danger all are past. Then, help me, Jesus, day by day, Though pain and sorrow come to me, To put all doubts and fears aside, And lovingly depend on thee. Thou art my strength, my guide, my help; Thou art the Shepherd of thy sheep ; Within thy fold, where all is peace, Dear Saviour, thou thy flock will keep. 0tff 3t (gain ? WELL, yes ; it is cloudy ; perhaps it may rain, But it cannot be " pleasant " forever, you know. There 's always an equal division, you'll find, Of sunshine and shadow, as through life we go. But one thing is certain, though clouds may hang low, The sun is behind them, all ready to shine ! And to keep a brave heart when vexations are near, Is to lighten the trouble that makes us repine. If the tear-drops must fall, let us try, if we can, A rainbow to make, as we smile through our tears. 37 SUNSHINE. And in thinking of paths that are sunny and bright, We '11 forget to be peopling unknown ones with fears. Even clouds have their blessings ; they help us to know The joy and the beauty of each sunny day, For the blessings and joys that are many and free, We do not half value till taken away. So now heed my " sermon," my dear little friend, As you stand on the threshold, and ask, " Will it rain ? " Go bravely ahead with a sunbeamy heart, And come rain, or come shine, you '11 be happy, 't is plain. $n QXnframefc (picture. ONLY a landscape, beautiful with the grace of a sum- mer's day, And bright in the glow of the sunshine over the lawn at play. An old house sheltered and guarded by many a stately tree, Where the leaves, in the summer breezes, are fluttering merrily. White daisies cover the greensward, and golden butter- cups lie Where clover-blossoms are nesting, under the azure sky. There are bees in the fields and pastures, and butterflies on the wing, And many a nest in the tree-tops, where birdlings are learning to sing. There 's a meadow slope in the distance, where cows are browsing all day, And a brook, through ferns and wild grasses merrily coursing its way. 38 SUNSHINE. Think not my picture was painted for silent gallery walls, Where only through shaded windows the sunlight charily falls ; Ah, no ! for I stand in my doorway, and breathe the fragrant air, And hark to the sweet sounds of nature while viewing my picture so fair. Its beauty can never be bounded by frame of ebon or gold, And the scenes so gladsome to look at never grow faded and old. No painted sunshine could equal the shine of the sum- beams I see ; No canvas could glow with the beauty my picture is giving to me ; No artist could paint me a landscape so radiant with blossom and bloom; No semblance could scatter such fragrance, the soft summer air to perfume ! So I cherish the beautiful picture which nature has painted for me, And I fill my soul with the sunshine, so glad, so golden, so free. arftenefc (ggeg. DEAR Earth, I know that thou art beautiful, For I can feel thy mantle, soft and green, And rest upon thy bosom, though a cloud Of darkness lies thyself and me between ; And I can feel upon my upturned face The sunshine which doth make thee smile all day, But which, alas ! doth never touch my world, Or turn the shadow of my life away. 39 SUNSHINE. I know that thou dost deck thyself with flowers. For that I thank thee, since the power is mine To gather from thy bounty, for my own, A share of the sweet fragrance which is thine ; And thy light breath hath kissed all day my brow As though some pitying angel from above Would comfort with caresses my lone life, And tell me of thy beauty and Christ's love. There come to me, sometimes, in visions fair, Bright glimpses of this world I cannot see, And I can picture to myself awhile Some of the glory which belongs to thee. I listen to the murmuring of the brook, And fancy how the ripples dance and gleam Beneath the sunlight, while the pale green ferns Keep nodding in the breeze, beside the stream. Then, too, kind friends do freely loan to me All the free use of their own happy eyes, And I can listen long to the kind lips Which speak of all that shines beneath the skies. Ah, yes ! dear Earth, I know that thou art fair; I feel it, breathe it, as the days go by ; And thy sweet bloom, thy gracious beauty, grows More deeply in the heart of such as I. And yet and yet for just one hour of sight, That my own eyes might glory in the light Which overspreads this earth ! That I might view The landscape's tender green, the sky's bright blue ! O heart, be patient ! Faith must bring thee rest. God hath me in his care, and he knows best ! 40 SUNSHINE. t f0e Communion A True Incident. THE morning had been cloudy, the skies were dull and gray, As the congregation gathered on the holy Sabbath day Beneath the time-stained arches of a quaint old church, to hear The preaching of the gospel, the truth of God, so dear. Soft, mingling with the music of the low, sweet organ strains, Came the patter of the rain-drops against the window- panes, And they beat their own wild rhythm, till the gray- haired man of God Descended from the pulpit to the table of the Lord. And, speaking of " the Master," the covenant to sign, He bade us all come forward to take the " bread and wine " ; And many a heart long troubled, and they which felt no care, And those whom strife had riven, and those who loved, met there, And one and all were welcome. Then the earnest prayer was said, As the organ chords rose softly above each low-bowed head. When lo ! the clouds were riven ! the sunbeams darted through, And within the chancel window a white dove swiftly flew! SUNSHINE. Down to the sacred table the fluttering wings were spread, And the white dove, all unf earing, ate of the crumbs of bread. That dove with sunshine coming, the white-winged bird of peace, Was it, indeed, an omen that all woe and strife should cease ? Were the clouds that long had rested on troubled hearts that day, With the sullen skies and rain-drops, at last to pass away? O, brighter grew the sunshine, till our hearts seemed flooded o'er With the sense of heaven's nearness, and Christ's love forevermore ! of a Question. THERE are always two views of a question, and so Why is it we only see one, When arguing a matter, and hold that we 're right, And consider the argument done ? Are we wiser, forsooth, than our neighbor, who holds That his view of the case is correct ? Why can't we " keep cool," as we talk o'er the thing? And why can't we each recollect That there are two views of a question, and so Take a look (for the sake of fair play) At the side which our neighbor is viewing, to see What stumbling-block lies in the way 42 SUNSHINE. Of a mutual concession ? No, pride interferes, And 't is only our side that we view. And we argue ourselves into anger, at last, And, maybe, a friendship falls through. of a (Ghrafefuf fE>earf. LORD, I have been thinking, and the thoughts within me grow, Till within thy gracious hearing I must let them over- flow. 1 Ve been pondering on the blessings which have crowned my varied years, And, like sunshine through cloud-shadows, smiles are gleaming through my tears. I remember times, so many, when despondent, tired, sad, Thou hast come 'twixt me and sorrow, with some plan to make me glad, Some tender message, maybe, or some hope at last ful- filled, Some thought which brought me comfort, till my mur- murings were stilled. I 've been thinking of the blossoms thou hast strewn along my way, That I might not heed the thorn-pricks which beset me day by day, And the bit of blue, so hopeful, always peeping from the sky! I had but to look to find it, as the clouds were passing by. 43 SUNSHINE. And the talents thou hast loaned me, for the glory of thy name, Help me that not one be wasted, ere thou come to claim thine own. Talents small or great, unless thou wilt bless their use to me, I may fail in all my efforts to give glory unto thee. Yes, Lord, I have been thinking, and, though fast my ' thoughts do grow, 'T is a comfort past the telling, that thou every thought dost know. And, while pondering on my blessings, grateful prayers to thee I send, For the helplessness which binds me to my Master and my friend. O LORD, 't is not so much the things we say As those we do to please thee day by day, Which show our thought, and grateful love of thee, And prove our wish true servants e'er to be. So mindful thou of all our needs, dear Lord, So true each promise of thy precious word, That hearts o'erfull of gratitude and praise A daily offering at thy shrine should raise. So thankful, Lord, indeed, we wish to be, And morn and night bend low the head and knee, And ask that thou wilt make our deeds to show How love in warm and thankful hearts can grow, 44 SUNSHINE. And daily spread its influence around Like seeds well scattered over fruitful ground Till for thy harvest thou shalt gather in Thy " well beloved," forever safe from sin. WHEN the beautiful summer has really come, And the flowers are blooming so sweet and fair, And the grand old trees are waving their leaves, And stretching their arms to the fragrant air; When the fields and meadows are clothed in green, And trimmed with clovers and daisies white, And over them all the spreading skies Are flooding the earth with the glad sunlight, 'T is then, yes, then, that our children love To leave behind them the city streets, And hasten away to those wonderful charms, With which sweet summer each little one greets. But what of those children, poor and sad (Fatherless, motherless, it may be, too), Shadowed by poverty, sickness, and pain, Crowded and stifled the summer through ? What of the little longing hearts, Which wait so patiently day by day For a glimpse of the happy, beautiful things That rarely, if ever, pass their way ? They, too, must long for the " beautiful place," Where everything grows so sweet, so fair! They, too, must wish for a little space In the broad, green meadow ; a whiff of air 45 SUNSHINE. That is flower-scented and fresh and cool, And the wealth of clovers and daisies white, And the sound of birds in the grand old trees, And a frolic with all the sunbeams bright ! Shall we give them a chance to share with us The sweet, glad charms of the summer-time ? As the joy-bells ring in our care-free hearts, Shall they catch the echoes of each glad chime ? For them, as for us, God's gifts were meant (May he help us remember that every day), And the " helping hand," outstretched in his name, He will fill to o'erflowing, ah, yes, alway ! SITTING in the gloaming on a time not long ago, Building castles at my fancy in the firelight's ruddy glow, I heard the children singing, as they rested from their play, The song, " There is a happy land, far, far away ! " How often in my childhood had I sung the same old tune, When my life was clear and cloudless as a day in merry June, When my heart paid scanty tribute to the sacred words I sang As out upon the summer air my childish treble rang. But thought had come with later years, and I could not agree To feel that " happy land " so " far," so very far from me ! 46 SUNSHINE. I did not think the Father with his tender, loving heart, Would choose to dwell from earth below, so very far apart ! So far from us who need him so, and like to feel him near ! Ah, no ! I could not think dear heaven so " far away " from here ! So, listening to my children as they sang their little hymn, The firelight's glow grew misty, for my sight with tears was dim. My mother and my father, side by side, and hand in hand, Were dwelling with the angels in that far-off " happy land," My husband, too, had gone there (ah, me ! the tears fell fast), And even then my trouble, my sorrow, was not past, For while my heart seemed breaking, the sad angel came once more, And cast the shadow of her wings beside my home-fold door. For prayers were unavailing ! The Shepherd Christ had need Of the youngest lamb of my wee flock. How could the angels heed The arms I cast about her, the baby on my breast ? And so, at last, they bore her back, in his dear arms to rest. Those loved ones now are waiting in that " happy land " for me, That " happy land, far, far away " ? No, no ; it cannot be ! 47 SUNSHINE. It must, instead, be near us, for truly do I know That God and all his angels are near us here below. 'T is but a little waiting till the veil that spreads between This home and that be lifted; and the things unseen be seen At last, with glorious vision. Until then I'll sing each day, With perfect faith, " There is a happy land, not far away ! " And the nearness of those dear ones about the glorious throne Shall fill my heart, and teach me that I live not life - alone! O DEAR " Thanksgiving Day " ! Could we but know How freely for us all Christ's mercies flow, Our hearts would make of each and every hour A " time of thanks," for wondrous love and power. For " wondrous love," because of it each day Our faults, our sins, are pardoned, washed away ; For " wondrous power," because his mighty arm Alone can shield and guard mankind from harm. There 's not a moment of the day and night, There 's not a time of darkness or of light, Of peace and gladness, or of pain and woe, Where'er we wait, or wheresoe'er we go, When round about our lives his mercies fail, Or when our prayers to him will not avail. 48 SUNSHINE. 'T is only that we lack the grace to see And feel those mercies flowing full and free. The loving God who giveth all we need, How long he waited, patiently indeed ! Until his harvest-time shall be complete And he may gather home the golden wheat Of human thanks for blessings year by year, And for the joys which make our lives so dear ! Let us, to-day, for his sweet mercies' sake, Sow seed that must for him rich harvest make ! COME, thou loving, patient Jesus ! Come in all thy tenderness ; Hearts await thee, souls desire thee ; Come, thy watching ones to bless ! Lo ! the night, far spent, is passing Into space ; the day draws near. Now let timid ones take courage, Casting off all doubt and fear. For the Lord and Master cometh In his might and majesty. He will break the chains that bind us, He will set his people free. Dear Lord Jesus, give us wisdom, That our lamps burn clear and bright, As we wait thy gracious coming Through the long hours of the night. 49 SUNSHINE. O the comfort which possesses Loyal hearts, thou Christ of ours, When we think of that great mercy Which engages all its powers In the cause of our salvation, Striving our poor souls to win, Bearing with the faults and failings Of a people born to sin. Come ! and mayst thou find a welcome Worthy of thy sacrifice ! From the snares of doubt and weakness May thy love our hearts entice ! Come and lift our spirits upward To the mercy-seat, where we, Jubilant in long-sought freedom, Sit to learn the truth from thee. JJu6tfee. O THE bells in my heart ! They are ringing ! are ringing ! The songs, O the songs Which my glad heart is singing ! And all for the coming of Christmas again, And the joys and the blessings which flock in its train. The wonderful blessings Which Christ, for the sake Of his own glorious birthday, Has bidden us take SUNSHINE. From his bountiful hand, as a token of love Poured out on his children from heaven above. What wonder that bells, In my loyal heart ringing, Keep chime with the songs That the glad world is singing ! For here is the Saviour's dear birthday again, And love, the chief blessing that follows in train. OF all the months within the year, December, as we know, Is best and dearest in our hearts, because so long ago It gave this world on one glad night O night of peace and joy ! It gave this world a wondrous gift, a new-born Baby boy ! A Baby boy, whose mother heard the hosts of heaven sing Loud Glorias to her little Son, of heaven and earth the king ! O happy, happy, happy month ! All peace and love it brings To each and every home wherein the Christmas Gloria rings. O honored month, which holds for aye the birthday of our Lord, The Saviour of a helpless world, our ever-living God ! 5 1 SUNSHINE. The Christmas bells ! How sweet their chime ! God bless their tidings now, And lay his seal of peace and love upon each heart and brow ! MAKE it a glad one. O dear Lord, to whom our years belong, Make it a happy year, all crowned with love and praise and song ! Fill it, yea, let it overflow with loving gifts from thee, And the best gift of all, dear Lord, a grateful heart would be. A heart to thank thee for the gift of each new lease of life; A heart to trust the hand which sends each joy, each care or strife ; A heart to pray, and to believe that thou wilt answer prayer ; A heart to hope, a heart to love, a heart thy peace to share. O tender Christ, bless thou this year! Bless its fair dawn, and bless Its noontide, and its nightfall, Lord, and let each heart confess As days and weeks and months pass on, and the young year grows old That of the glory of our God the half can ne'er be told! SUNSHINE. of f0e (Ueis THE gift of another year, my Lord, from thy dear hand we take, O, grant that we use it gratefully, for thy tender mercy's sake. Its every moment should speak of thee, its hours show forth thy praise, And freighted with love and kindly deeds should be its passing days. Thy watchful love hath brought us safe through the old year's paths, we know. Stretch out thy kindly hand again, and lead us as we go Through the untried ways of this year so new, and grant our paths may lie Where the brightest beams of thy bounteous grace may fall from the throne on high. Lift up our hearts till they shout for joy, and grant the gift of " Peace Good-will to men," that the Christmas chime may not with the New Year cease. OPEN for us, thou door which has been closed So long between the seasons of our " Fast," And let us pass thy portals, and sit down In close communion with our Lord, at last. Sins have been many ; errors have been great; Hearts have been thoughtless ; feet have wandered long 53 SUNSHINE. From the right path, but open thou for us, That we may enter, and confess our wrong. Dear Christ, who standeth just within the door Which opens to the season now at hand, Thou criest " Welcome ! " as we onward press, Beside thee, eager for thy hand. Nothing that thou hast made can thy heart hate ! The penitent forgiveness find with thee ! Within us, then, dear Lord, new hearts create, And help us faithful evermore to be. '. Bless to us all the season of our fast. The Lenten time can open blinded eyes And bid them read thy laws so long transgressed, And look upon thy mercies, and be wise. Our sins have wearied us, till we are fain To turn to thee for comfort. Lift the weight Of grief and sorrow from our hearts, before We learn, alas ! repentance comes too late. So shall the fasting, and the time of prayer, And quiet, earnest seeking after thee Be daily blessed to us, and thy dear hand Laid on our heads in " Benedicite " Be, Lord, the only " weight " which we shall feel A precious " burden," which we long to bear Our whole lives through, for touch of thine, we know, Is the assurance, " Child, I hear thy prayer ! " 54 SUNSHINE. AFTER the winter, the springtime fair, With the scent of blossoms filling the air ! No longer a landscape bare and brown Silent and drear 'neath winter's frown, But gathering daisies fresh and white, And dainty buttercups, golden bright, And nodding grasses that bow in the breeze, And life and vigor for woodland trees ! Brooks set free from the Frost King's reign, Taking their frolicsome course again, Woodside glory of bud and bloom Hiding all traces of wintry gloom ! And, over all, the beautiful skies Blue and pure as a baby's eyes ; And the song of the birds come back to sing A joyous welcome to happy spring. After the Lenten, quiet and sad, Cometh the Easter with all things glad. And fairest of all the things which grow, Sweet as the summer, and pure as the snow, Are the Easter lilies, fragrant and white, Flinging their banners out to the light. And thus, with the springtime bright and gay, Doth earth's grave Lenten vanish away. 55 SUNSHINE. f0e Now is the time for weary hearts, And lives bowed down with care, To put aside their weight of woe, And with the Easter share In the glad promise, the glad hope Which comes with Easter-tide, And in the comfort of its dawn, With Faith and Hope abide. Now is the time when far and near The earth awakes to sing Its glorious -Jubilate, while The Easter carols ring ! Now is the time when lilies fair Bloom forth in white array, Glad emblems of the spotless " Lamb," And " Resurrection Day." Why should ye not put off your grief, Ye weary ones ? and ye Who weep with many a woe of care, From sorrow get ye free ? For listen ! hear the bells ring out The story of His love, Who died for us, and rose again, And, from his home above, Now, even now, his strengthening arm He reaches out, to bear 56 SUNSHINE. The burdens ye are grieving o'er ; And he will ever share Your weariness, O sorrowing ones ! Then sing ye now ! and hide, O doubting, tired ones, beneath The wings of Easter-tide. HAPPY, happy Easter day sets its'bells a-ringing ! Once again the Lenten passed hearts are tuned for singing ! Let us cast our woes aside, think no more on sorrow, While from the glad Easter-tide hope and peace we bor- row. Let us lift our eyes above, seek the glorious blue, And remember that beyond dwells the Christ so true. And that ere he reached his throne, for our sakes he died! And our risen Christ we see with the Easter-tide. Come, ye hearts that have been sad, hear the joy-bells ringing ! Come, ye hearts that have been glad, join ye in the singing ! Praise the living Christ whose eye sees our every need. Praise the Lord of hosts, who is our " Comforter " indeed. 57 SUNSHINE. (Ascension O THOU most loving Saviour Who dwelt 'midst human woe, And felt the bitterest anguish That human life could know, What rapture filled thy spirit When came at last the hour Which saw thee rise to glory In majesty and power ! Thy tender heart, sore riven For man, knew no more pain ; From heaven sent down to save us, To heaven returned again. What glorious hallelujahs Throughout that heaven rang ! What songs of love and triumph Thy waiting angels sang ! Dear Lord, we yet are dwelling 'Midst sin, and want, and woe ! Look down from that high heaven On human life below. And help us to remember The mansions which await The coming of thy people Beyond the " pearly gate." 58 SUNSHINE. So may we strive more truly Thy blessed heights to reach, And lessons thou hast taught us, Help us, also, to teach, That, at thy second coming, All ready we may be To rise to life undying, O Christ, our King, with thee ! (ttlemoriaf LYING at rest from the battle and strife In this brave, busy world of ours ! Lying in peace, with their " arms laid down," 'Neath the soft green turf, and the flowers ! War and victory passed away, They rest in their last, calm sleep, While over their graves the steadfast skies Their tenderest vigils keep. Hark ! the sound of the soldiers' tread, And the roll of the muffled drum ! Down the street to the " silent camp " The loyal regiments come. They come with hearts that are filled with pride, And eyes that with ardor glow, To deck with blossoms the quiet graves Of those " comrades " lying low. 59 SUNSHINE. Think you e'en though the years roll on, And men are busy with care And toil and pleasure, profit or loss, Each having his burden to bear That tender thoughts of the brave and true, Who answered their country's call, Can fade ? can pass from the heart away As leaves from the dead trees fall ? Ah, no, for out to the springtime breeze Our glorious flag is spread, And it tells its story of " battles won," And of brave and honored dead. And we, who yet in the ranks remain, Fighting the foes of life, God grant we honor the cause, and die Glad victors in the strife. ecorafion ap af @tig0ffaff. THE twilight shadows softly fade away, And gentle eve infolds " The Soldiers' Day." The stars and flowers now their vigils keep Above the graves where our loved heroes sleep. The atmosphere is fragrant with the rare, Sweet incense of the floral tributes there, And soft spring breezes chant a lullaby To the dear sleepers 'neath the quiet sky. For every heart that lieth there at rest So passionless upon earth's quiet breast ' Some loving, living heart hath ached to-day, With thoughts of hopes and joys long passed away ; 60 SUNSHINE. And memory brings to view a vanished face That loving eyes its lineaments may trace, While -'loyalty " a martial host has led To show remembrance of the honored dead. Sweet flowers, risen from the soil again, Tell us that summer did not die in vain, Since in God's time its buried treasures rise To give him glory here beneath the skies. So shall they rise, our dead, once strong and brave, Sleeping to-night with " honors " on each grave, Their patient lives were not laid down in vain ! Beyond the skies, heart shall meet heart again. &es0on of Rummer. HERE comes the summer sweet and fair, Flinging her fragrance on the air; Smiling a greeting with eyes ashine, And her brow serene with a peace divine, Summer, sweet summer, I welcome thee, Though I know not what thou dost hold for me ; Whether thy joys I may truly reach, Or whether patience thy lessons may teach ; Whether thy sunbeams all day will lie Bright on my pathway, or whether I Must walk in shadow part of the way, As thine hours pass on toward the close of day I welcome thee for thine own sweet sake, And all that thou givest I '11 gratefully take, Of the gifts thou bringest to earth again, 61 SUNSHINE. To scatter so freely o 'er hillside and plain. May He who sent thee with all thy cheer, Help me to feel his presence near In thy radiant beauty, so fair, so sweet, Till thy joys within me are all complete, And thy sweetness shall be of his love a part, And thy lessons shall hide in my grateful heart. "fig (fierce 3s >er ff!" IT is wiser to count our mercies, the blessings which strew our way, Than to wearily ponder the troubles we stumble upon each day. It is wiser to welcome the sunshine that gladdens the sky overhead Than to fear for the sometime shadows which darken the way we tread. It is wiser to joy in the beauty of the roses which open each morn Than to pass them by unheeding, for dread of the prick of the thorn. If we only will count our mercies, we '11 find that they far outweigh The thorns, the shadows, the troubles we 're doomed to meet each day. And so, though sorrow must meet us, and tears must ofttimes fall, Yet ever will be this comfort : " His mercy is over all ! " 62 Each book, 25 cents. Dainty cloth bindings. These books give the choicest thoughts from the best works of the foremost devotional writers. The complete works of these great authors are too formidable for many readers, but Dr. Clark has, with great care, selected their best thoughts, and has also written for each volume a bright introduction, giving an exceedingly helpful and interesting sketch of the author's life and works. The Presence of God. By FRANCIS E. CLARK, D. D. Selections from the devotional works of Bishop Jeremy Taylor. Living and Loving, By FRANCIS E. CLARK, D. D. Selections from the devotional works of Prof. A. Tholuck. The Golden Alphabet. By FRANCIS E. CLARK, D. D. Selections from the works of Master John Tauler. The Kingdom Within. By FRANCIS E. CLARK, D. D. Selections from " Imitation of Christ," by Thomas a Kempis. Quaint Thoughts. By BELLE M. BRAIN. Fifty quaint selections from an old-time army chaplain, Thomas Fuller. A very delightful book with this title has been made up by Miss Brain from the writings of that famous old army chaplain, Thomas Fuller. Cole- ridge said that, next to Shakespeare, Thomas Fuller excited in him " the sense and emulation of the marvellous." UNITED SOCIETY OF CHRISTIAN ENDEAVOR Boston Tremont Temple, Chicago J55 La Salle Street. Our Latest Publications* Lincoln at Work. B Y wimam o. Finely illustrated by Sears Gallagher. 173 pages, cloth, embel- lished cover design. Price, $1.00. Probably no one is better acquainted with the e very-day life of Abraham Lincoln than William o. Stoddard, one of his secretaries at the White House (luring the greater part of the war. In a series of fascinating and most graphic chapters, Colonel Stoddard pictures the gaunt, ungainly young politician, his rapid and marvellous rise to power, and that strange life in the White House, so appealing in its pathos, its