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NUGtE canor^. 
 
 Js ti^Btjj a it»t«g matt atl^u titaltt iteate— 
 !|otttBtnsr i«ar«itt, or ]|«ttstt^ tsxht— 
 *^§^tf}fMm$. ^jjtBea" vx^tt^ tuoalii not prnttnlftE 
 ^attttottt itx saunii a huh, hht^tthntti note ? 
 
 BY 
 
 R: a: l^AYLOR, F.R.S.L., 
 
 AUTHOR OF 
 
 " Shall he know them again V '■^Sweden, 1882; Norway, 1884,'' etc. 
 
 PRINTED FOR PRESENTATION ONLY. 
 
 ^ 
 
BOWKER BROTHERS, 
 
 MIDDLE ROW, 
 
 GOaWELL ROAD, LONDON, 
 
^J^^^h^l. 
 
 THESE MELODIOUS TRIFLES 
 
 (with his kind and generously-worded permission) 
 
 ^« liiicatiit to 
 
 HIS GRACE THE DUKE OF WESTMINSTER, K.G., 
 
 AS A SLIGHT RECOGNITION 
 
 OF THE AUTHOR'S APPRECIATION OF THE 
 
 FRIENDLY INTEREST 
 
 DISPLAYED BY THAT DISTINGUISHED NOBLEMAN 
 
 IN WHAT HE HAS PREVIOUSLY WRITTEN. 
 
<1 PREFACE. t>* 
 
 '^— «-4— *— %^— «) 
 
 I ERHAPS those who possess the requisite capacity to 
 criticise judiciously will not consider that I have selected 
 in "NUG^ CANOR^" an inappropriate or too 
 ambitious title for this little volume ; although there 
 may be diflFererrces of opinion excited in respect to the 
 merits and demerits of its contents. But whatever may 
 be said in reference to the poetical claims of the four thousand lines 
 filling its pages, still there is one thing the work can legitimately 
 claim as a right, and that is the quality of uniqueness, for perhaps 
 no other book of '' Melodious Trifles " has ever been written under 
 the same peculiar circumstances. It is, therefore, with a view to 
 explaining its origin, and not with the intention of offering excuses 
 for its production, claiming merits for its contents, or glossing over 
 its defects, that I insert these introductory remarks. For a number 
 of years I have been accustomed to deliver Sunday Evening Lectures, 
 
PREFACE. 
 
 and must have had the pleasure and privilege of giving at least six hun- 
 dred of these in the beautiful Temperance Hall my worthy Father and 
 Mother erected in the village of Thelwall for the elevation of the people 
 amongst whom they resided. "They now rest from their labours," but 
 the influence of their holy lives still lingers, and many who now attend 
 these Sunday Evening Gatherings do not forget them, but still hold them 
 in loving remembrance for their works' sake. Formerly these Lectures 
 were delivered upon subjects selected after the usual fashion, but for a long 
 time the people have furnished these themselves, and my arrangement 
 with them is to deliver the Lectures upon those topics which meet with 
 the approval of the majority, and I may say the decision is usually given 
 in favour of one possessing some special interest or local significance. 
 
 Some two years ago a friend suggested that it would be an agreeable 
 
 innovation if I would introduce in each Lecture an original poetical 
 
 sketch, or even a few verses to serve as a prologue, or a tail-piece ; so on 
 
 Sunday evening, August 22nd, 1886, the first of these was given, the 
 
 title being 
 
 " Music for the little ones ! " 
 
 and which will be found on page 140 in this collection. I generally handed 
 these verses to a friend, never thinking of printing them ; but after awhile 
 a kind of request was presented that this should be done, so I promised 
 that when a hundred had been written they should appear in book form, 
 for presentation only, so that they might serve as a pleasant reminiscence 
 of the many enjoyable, and I trust profitable, Sunday evenings we had 
 
spent together. This, in brief, is the history of these " Melodious Trifles," 
 and their subjects will indicate the tastes and inclinations of the audience 
 who selected them. 
 
 It has been rather remarkable to notice the keen interest the selection 
 of these awakened, and, generally speaking, the people always displayed 
 a decided preference for some particular one of the number submitted. 
 Only upon one occasion have they failed to decide for themselves, none 
 of the subjects provided being sufficiently popular ; so with their per- 
 mission I gave another, which is the subject of Sir Noel Paton's 
 
 celebrated picture^ 
 
 " /« Die Malo," 
 
 and this is the only one in these poetical sketches not brought by the 
 people. For the information of those into whose hands this volume may 
 fall, who have never attended one of our Sunday Evening Lectures, I will 
 explain the modus operandi of dealing with the subjects furnished. The 
 people, on entering the hall, hand Uttle slips of paper to the door-keeper, 
 who passes them to the platform, and after the lecture the subjects these 
 contain are read over. When read a second time, a show of hands is 
 taken, and so the favourite one is selected. 
 
 Just to give a sample, I will here insert those brought on Sunday 
 evening, August 19th, 1888. On this evening the subject had to be 
 chosen for our hundredth poem, so the audience evinced a special interest 
 in the performance of their duty on this occasion. From the following 
 No. 21 was selected, this being considered the most suitable for the last 
 
PREFACE. 
 
 sketch, which appears on page 228 in this volume, and which certainly 
 gives evidence of the existence of a kindly sympathetic feeling : 
 
 I. " God helps those who help themselves." 
 
 3, " Little and often fills the purse." 
 
 3. " Well done, good and faithful servant.'' 
 
 4. " Teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom." 
 
 5. " We have an anchor to the soul both sure and stedfast." 
 
 6. " Waste not, want not." 
 
 7. " It is good to begin well, but better to end well." 
 
 8. " Drive thy business, or it will drive thee." 
 
 9. " More are drowned in beer than water." 
 
 10. " Use the means, and trust to God for the blessing. " 
 
 11. " Where do children love to be, 
 
 When the summer birds we see, 
 
 Warbling praise on every tree ? 
 
 At the Temperance Hall." 
 
 12. " Do unto others as you would have them do to you.'' 
 ■13. " The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death." 
 
 14. " Only that which is honestly got is gain." 
 
 15. " He that serves God serves a good Master." 
 
 16. " Now the labourer's task is done." 
 
 17. " Let us not forsake the assembling of ourselves together.'' 
 
 18. " Deliver your words not by number, but by weight." 
 
 ig. " We will praise Him for all that is past, and trust Him for all that is to come.'' 
 
 20. " Correction should not respect what is past so much as what is to come." 
 
 21. " Thy task is finished may it prove a blessing 1 " 
 
 22. " One good turn deserves another." 
 
 23. " Cleanliness is next to Godliness." 
 
 24. " The end crowns the work.'' 
 
 The reader will perhaps kindly notice that the poems are arranged 
 alphabetically, and not as written, and perhaps the verses might have been 
 
rightly styled " Sunday Evening Poems," as they have all been written 
 on Sunday afternoons. 
 
 Sometimes my friends have been rather amused that at a given time 
 each Sunday I should have written these sketches, and they do not seem 
 to understand how any man could be just in the right frame of mind at 
 one particular time. Well, this might be somewhat difficult to satis- 
 factorily explain ; but, nevertheless, the thing has been done, and here are 
 the productions, and whether they may be considered, in the estimation 
 of others, good, bad, or indifferent, the writer has every reason to feel 
 perfectly satisfied, as they have already fulfilled their intention beyond his 
 most sanguine expectations. 
 
 Now for a while this peculiar department of work ceases, and the 
 effort will (d.v.) assume another form, and this too may lay claim to a little 
 originality, for it is proposed to contribute a Special Hymn for each Lec- 
 ture, to be sung as its introduction. Some time ago I had the pleasure of 
 writing a hymn-book for the use and acceptation of those who kindly 
 attend these lectures, and to hear those hymns sung so heartily and well 
 proves not only a reward, but an incentive to further effort. Thus by 
 writing a new hymn weekly, we shall be able to form another collection 
 by the time our present one requires renewing. 
 
 It now only remains for me to thank all those who have so generously 
 assisted these Sunday Evening Gatherings by their presence, and as I am 
 well aware the attendance is in nowise obligatory, such kindly counte- 
 nance is all the more complimentary, and any non-professional Lecturer 
 
PREFACE. 
 
 must feel abundantly repaid for his gratuitous exertions when supported 
 so well and regularly by a class of people who may be rightly described as 
 loyal, independent, dutiful, intelligent, and God-fearing, an honour to this 
 great nation, and a credit to the village in which they reside. 
 
 To them, I know, my thanks are due, 
 
 For through all sorts of weather, 
 Just like a gallant British crew 
 
 They have pulled well together ; 
 For you must understand that they 
 
 Have not had all smooth sailing, 
 And it is hard to make headway 
 
 When tempests are prevailing ; 
 But in the midst of many a storm. 
 
 Like heroes, ever ready, 
 They have displayed a splendid form 
 
 And kept the ship quite steady. 
 Thus will the ship be kept afloat 
 
 Until the Haven's sighted. 
 For all the men who man the boat 
 
 Are steadfastly united. 
 You well may say great praise is due 
 
 To each brave-hearted sailor ; 
 You cheer the gallant, faithful crew 
 
 And so does R. A. Naylor. 
 
 CuERDEN Hall, Thelwall, August 29M, li 
 
<] INDEX. I>o 
 
 -»•- 
 
 ^ 
 
 -•«- 
 
 NO. 
 I. 
 
 1. " A contented mind is a blessing " ..... 
 
 2. " A flake of snow " 
 
 3. " A gentle reproof spoken in meekness seldom gives Offence " 
 
 4. " A good wife and health are a man's best wealth " 
 
 5. " A kiss when I wake in the Morning " 
 
 6. " A little help is better than a great deal of pity " . 
 
 7. " A pleasant journey and a safe return " .... 
 
 8. " A pretty face to look upon 
 
 Is better than a plain one, 
 But character is everything 
 
 And I must try to gain one " 
 
 9. " A Prosperous New Year " 
 
 10. " A rolling stone gathers no moss '' 
 
 11. -"A Sabbath well spent 
 
 Brings a week of content, 
 And health for the toils of the morrow j 
 
 But a Sabbath profaned. 
 
 Whatsoe'er may be gained, 
 Is a certain forerunner of sorrow " 
 
 PAGE 
 I 
 
 4 
 
 6 
 
 8 
 
 10 
 
 12 
 
 18 
 
 20 
 22 
 
 24 
 
 26 
 
INDEX. 
 
 NO. 
 
 12. 
 
 13- 
 
 14. 
 
 15- 
 
 16. 
 
 17- 
 18. 
 19. 
 20. 
 
 21. 
 22. 
 
 23- 
 
 24. 
 25- 
 
 26. 
 
 27. 
 
 28. 
 2q. 
 3°- 
 
 31- 
 32- 
 
 33- 
 
 34- 
 35- 
 
 " A sober, industrious, good-tempered Husband is a Wife's greatest 
 earthly Treasure " 
 
 " A Token of Love " 
 
 " A Willing Mind maketh a Light Foot " 
 
 " A Word fitly Spoken is like Apples of Gold in Pictures of Silver " 
 
 " A Young Man Idle, an Old Man Needy " 
 
 " Always Cheerful " 
 
 " Be True to your Profession " . 
 
 " Bear ye one another's burdens and so fulfil the law of Christ " 
 
 " Behold how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell 
 together in unity '' . 
 
 " Birds of a feather will flock together'' .... 
 
 " Can such as We enter in " 
 
 " Cast Thy burden on the Lord, for He careth for Thee " 
 
 " Casting all your care upon Him, for He careth for you " 
 "Come forth, O Christian Brother, 
 
 In ordered fair array. 
 Come forth with strains of gladness 
 
 To greet our festal day " .... 
 
 " Come over and help us " . 
 
 " Dare to be honest, good and sincere. 
 Dare to be upright, you've nothing to fear " 
 
 " Every Good Deed will have its Blessing " . 
 
 " Father, we love Thy House of Prayer " 
 
 " Forget not all His benefits " . . . . 
 
 " Friendship is one of the Sweetest joys of Life " . 
 
 " Friendship without Interest and Love without Deceit " 
 
 " Go slowly to thy friends but quickly to their troubles " 
 
 " God has a Plan for every Man " .... 
 
 "Good temper, like a sunny day, sheds brightness on all things 
 
 3° 
 32 
 33 
 35 
 36 
 39 
 41 
 44 
 
 46 
 48 
 SI 
 53 
 55 
 
 57 
 61 
 
 63 
 65 
 69 
 
 73 
 74 
 
 77 
 80 
 
 84 
 
 87 
 
INDEX. 
 
 N<^. PACE 
 
 36. " Have a brave heart " 89 
 
 37. " Have Peace one with another " -92 
 
 38. " He is not dead, but sleepeth " . 94 
 
 39. " How fair is thy love, my sister ! 
 
 How much better is thy love than wine '' .... 96 
 
 40. " I wish my Mother would come " 98 
 
 41. " If everyone swept his own doorstep, the street would be clean " . loi 
 
 42. " If you -your lips would keep from slips, 
 
 P'ive things observe with care : 
 Of whom you speak, to whom you speak, 
 
 And how, and when, and where " . . . . .103 
 
 43. "InDieMalo" 105 
 
 44. " It is good for us to be here " 106 
 
 45. " Kind words are the brightest flowers of earth's existence ; they 
 
 make a Paradise of the humblest home " . . . .111 
 
 46. " Kind words comfort the heavy-hearted " . . . . ■ 1 1 5 
 
 47. "Lean Hard" 121 
 
 48. " Let nothing be said of the dead but what is favourable " . .127 
 
 49. " Let us hope that all who come to this Temperance Hall rnay come 
 
 with a pure heart and mind, for it is there we hear of Heaven 
 
 and learn the way " 129 
 
 50. " Let us pray that we may be ready, like the com, when the Reaper 
 
 comes" . . . . . . . . . -iSi 
 
 51. " Let us then be up and doing 
 
 For a cause so good and true '' 132 
 
 52. " Life's Journey " 134 
 
 .53. " Light behind the clouds " ........ 137 
 
 54. " Man forgives little, God forgives all " 139 
 
 55. " Music for the little ones " 140 
 
 56. "My Father" 141 
 
INDEX. 
 
 ST- "My Mother" 
 
 58. " Never forsake a true friend " .... 
 
 59. " Never meet troubles half-way " . 
 
 60. " No Cross ! No Crown " 
 
 61. "Not forsaking the assembling of yourselves together" 
 
 62. " Nothing so adorns the face as Cheerfulness ; when the 
 
 flower its bloom and beauty pass to the features " 
 
 63. " Now let us all, both great and small, 
 
 The rich as well as poor, 
 Determine that we ever will 
 
 Keep drink outside the door " .... 
 
 64. " Now there stood by the Cross of Jesus, His Mother " 
 
 " At the Cross her station keeping. 
 Stood the mournful Mother weeping "... 
 
 65. " Only a beam of Sunshine " ..... 
 
 66. " Preparing to meet God " 
 
 67. " Prevention is better than Cure " . . . . 
 
 "Purity" 
 
 " Sow in the morn thy seed " 
 
 " Speak unto the children of Israel, that they go forward 
 
 heart is in 
 
 69 
 
 70, 
 
 71 
 
 72 
 
 73 
 
 74 
 75 
 76 
 
 77 
 78 
 
 PAGE 
 144 
 
 147 
 149 
 
 IS4 
 156 
 
 159 
 
 162 
 . 164 
 
 169 
 . 171 
 
 • 173 
 
 • 174 
 . 176 
 
 " Strike at the Root " 180 
 
 " Take care of my tender plant " 182 
 
 " Tell the Truth " 183 
 
 "That Life is the highest which is a conscious Voluntary Sacrifice" 184 
 
 " That little green leaf in our Bible " 186 
 
 " The best way to keep good acts in memory is to refresh them with 
 
 new ones" . . .190 
 
 " The eyes of the Lord are in every place, beholding the evil and 
 
 the good" 196 
 
 " The Harvest is past " 198 
 
INDEX. 
 
 NO, 
 
 79. " The Lord is risen indeed " .... 
 
 80. " The Messiah is come " 
 
 81. "The Snowdrop— The Lily" .... 
 
 82. " The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord " 
 
 83. " The way to happiness " 
 
 84. " There is music in a mother's voice " . 
 
 85. " There is no respect of persons with God " . 
 
 86. " There is a pleasure in contemplating good, 
 
 There is a greater pleasure in receiving good, 
 But the greatest pleasure is doing good. 
 Which comprehends the rest " , 
 
 87. "There's many a slip 'twixt the cup and the lip " . 
 
 88. "Though absent not forgotten" ..... 
 
 89. " Thy loving-kindness is better than life " 
 
 90. " Thy task is finished ! 
 
 May it prove a blessing " 
 
 91. " To the good night is not dark ! 
 
 To the wicked day is not bright "... 
 
 92. "Turn over a new leaf!" 
 
 93. " Unto you is born a Saviour, Christ the Lord " . 
 
 94. " Watch and pray that ye may be ready, for ye know not what hour 
 
 the Master of the house cometh ! " . 
 
 95. " We are sailing o'er an ocean ' 
 
 To our home beyond the tide "... 
 
 96. " We shall all be changed " .... 
 
 97. " We won't give up the Bible ; " .... 
 
 98. " Welcome ! Welcome home, our true beloved Christian '. 
 
 99. " What is a Brother's love to a Sister " 
 
 100. " Wisdom in the man and patience in the wife 
 
 Bring peace to the home and a happy life " 
 
 Friend " 
 
 FAGB 
 199 
 
 201 
 
 202 
 205 
 209 
 2X1 
 213 
 
 216 
 219 
 222 
 225 
 
 228 
 
 230 
 232 
 236 
 
 238 
 
 241 
 
 245 
 247 
 
 249 
 251 
 
NUGJE CANOR/E. 
 
 ^^ J. §miini^h. ^xttt h n f^lt^mn^J 
 
 OW many stories could be told 
 
 This truth to demonstrate, 
 Though none much better could be found, 
 
 And which would illustrate 
 This saying's genuine truthfulness. 
 
 Than that I now relate. 
 
 It clearly shows the blessedness 
 Of being quite content, 
 
 Whate'er our lot in life may be, 
 For we should ne'er consent 
 
 To growl or grumble at that lot. 
 Or to express dissent. 
 
 Now for the story of the King 
 And that poor stable lad, 
 
 Who only for his- daily work 
 Just clothes and victuals had ; 
 
 And yet, His Majesty explained. 
 The boy need not be sad. 
 
NUG^ CANORM. 
 
 The King did by his stables pass 
 
 As he strolled out one day, 
 He spied the lad just through a door, 
 
 And thus to him did say : 
 " What do they find you here to do, 
 
 And how much is your pay ? " 
 
 "I'm a helper in the stable, sir," 
 
 The little lad replied, 
 " My pay is clothes and victuals, 
 
 And nothing more beside ; " 
 " If you have these," the King exclaimed, 
 
 You may be satisfied." 
 
 " Yes, be content, I have no more," 
 
 This was the King's reply ; 
 And such a style of reasoning 
 
 Should urge each one to try 
 To be contented with his lot, 
 
 And what he has enjoy. 
 
 The Scriptures, too, give this advice. 
 
 And certainly agree 
 With the wise words of this great King, 
 
 For they point out that we, 
 If possessing food and raiment 
 
 Should quite contented be. 
 
If more than these things we possess, 
 We may still wish for more, 
 
 And we may never be content, 
 But oftentimes deplore, 
 
 We have not other things we crave, 
 And what we have ignore. 
 
 For very often we do see 
 Those who are well supplied 
 
 With all the choicest things of earth. 
 Which others are denied, 
 
 Not happy with their earthly lot, 
 But quite dissatisfied. 
 
 You may be rich, you may be poor, 
 
 But I would you remind, 
 That though you may look far and near, 
 
 It will be hard to find 
 A greater blessing in this world 
 
 Than a contented mind. 
 
 Sunday Evening, February c,th, i8 
 
 B 2 
 
NUGJE CANORM. 
 
 ''% 1[bb u| fttuttt. 
 
 It 
 
 
 WEET emblem of purity. 
 Appointed to preach 
 \^ Some beautiful sermons. 
 And lessons to teach ; 
 Pray tell us thy mission 
 
 In coming below, 
 And learn us thy lesson, 
 O sweet flake of snow ! 
 
 Well, listen, ye people, 
 
 And I'll try to tell 
 Of the greatness of One 
 
 Who does all things well, 
 And who sends forth His Word, 
 
 Where'er it may go, 
 To fulfil His designs, 
 
 Like the beautiful snow. 
 
NUGjE canorm. 
 
 For it comes down from heaven 
 
 God's purpose fulfils, 
 And is sent to teach man 
 
 To act as God wills. 
 And God's word when proclaimed, 
 
 Does not remain void, 
 For His truth, when spoken, 
 
 Can ne'er be destroyed ; 
 But just like the good grain 
 
 We place in the ground, 
 With marvellous increase 
 
 Again will be found. 
 
 Then learn, O ye Christians, 
 
 From a small flake of snow, 
 A lesson to cheer you 
 
 In your work below ; 
 For snowflakes now whisper 
 
 With voices of love. 
 Of a kind, loving Master, 
 
 Who came from above. 
 And is waiting to bless 
 
 All efforts which flow 
 From pure hearts, which are like 
 
 The beautiful snow. 
 
 Sunday Evening, January l6iA, 1887. 
 
NUG.^ CANORM. 
 
 
 "jT^y 
 
 ":f^^\ ^ y°^ perceive a fault in one 
 ^1 You venture to reprove^ 
 /■^'('J}. Speak only words of gentleness, 
 
 ^>c\, 
 
 >•• 
 
 In meekness and in love. 
 
 Harsh language never should be used, 
 
 For this will only tend 
 To drive a friend away from you. 
 
 Perhaps grievously offend. 
 
 But meekly spoken, wise reproofs 
 
 Of genuine excellence, 
 Are nearly always well received, 
 
 And seldom give offence. 
 
 Thus kindly, friendly, gentle words 
 
 May help you soon to win 
 A brother, who for long has roamed 
 
 Amidst the scenes of sin. 
 
NUG^ CANORM. 
 
 For haughty-Spoken, hard reproofs, 
 Though' they create alarm, 
 
 Will cause the spirit to rebel. 
 And do no good, but harm. 
 
 Would you reprove ! Let words of love 
 Unite with common sense, 
 
 Then you will find that your reproofs 
 Will seldom give offence. 
 
 Think of these words, they teach us well 
 
 How to reprove aright ; 
 Their lesson learn, then you're repaid 
 
 In coming here to-night. 
 
 Sunday Evening, October ^th, 1887. 
 
NUG^ CANORM. 
 
 
 Ian 9 
 
 HOUGH it is true I have no wife, 
 And never had one in my life. 
 
 Yet this I well do know, 
 That a real good wife and health, 
 Are certainly the greatest wealth 
 
 A man can have below. 
 
 If these two things, then, you should find. 
 To be in your own case combined. 
 
 Be thankful that you've got 
 Wealth some men never can secure, 
 So you have reason, and be sure 
 
 To thank God for your lot. 
 
 A good wife will your sorrows share. 
 When trouble comes she will be there 
 
 To help you and to cheer ; 
 When all around is dark as night. 
 Her presence ushers in the light. 
 
 Her hope dispels your fear. 
 
NUGjE canorje. 
 
 Should you have joy, she will rejoice, 
 And often will you hear her voice 
 
 In sweet, melodious tones, 
 Of home-joys speak, looking so bright, 
 Angels would say — and with delight. 
 
 " How happy are such homes." 
 
 Have you a good wife ? Health as well ? 
 Do you think you could fully tell — 
 
 Could you describe the wealth, 
 In one short lecture, such as this. 
 The worth, the pleasurable bliss, 
 
 Of a good wife and health ? 
 
 Your store of language must be large, 
 If you this duty could discharge 
 
 To satisfy yourself ; 
 I fail in this, but not to see, 
 That a good wife and health must be 
 
 A man's best worldly wealth. 
 
 Sunday Evening, September 2StA, 1887. 
 
NUG^ CANORM. 
 
 
 'WM ^OUGH it matters little to others, 
 ^^^^ I think you should never miss 
 ^m'^ From your own fathers and mothers 
 That most prizeable morning kiss. 
 
 Your parents are your greatest treasure, 
 Do not fail to remember this ; 
 
 View their loving affection with pleasure, 
 And please value their morning kiss. 
 
 They won't remain with you forever, 
 
 So honour them every day ; 
 Death itself their love cannot sever. 
 
 And for you they will ever pray. 
 
 So be kind to your father and mother, 
 In this pray do not be remiss, 
 
 So that after this world, in another, 
 You shall have their sweet morning kiss. 
 
NUGM CANORM. 
 
 li 
 
 For there will soon be a re-union, 
 When friend shall again know his friend, 
 
 And enjoy the choicest communion 
 In a life which never can end. 
 
 Keep in view then the great resurrection, 
 Bright will be that morning of bliss : 
 
 Child and parent renew their affection, 
 And pledge it again with a kiss. 
 
 Sunday Evening, November 2StA, 1886. 
 
NUGM CANORM, 
 
 ^^% Jilfb !|^Ij^ \% m^r '^m a gr©ti \t^ uf |*tl^/^ 
 
 -^^ 
 
 -j^ 
 
 T three o'clock this afternoon 
 
 I did begin to write 
 This little poem I present 
 
 To you, my friends, to-night. 
 
 I wondered how I should begin, 
 And what would be the style ; 
 
 And then I thought I would just pen 
 The thoughts that did beguile. 
 
 For when you do investigate. 
 
 And do a subject scan, 
 You can write a simple poem 
 
 Without a well-drawn plan. 
 
 So on looking at our subject, 
 I thought you all would see 
 
 The truthfulness of its fair words, 
 And would with them agree. 
 
NUG^ CANOR^. 13 
 
 For when the statement is thought o'er, 
 
 Our text presents to-night^ 
 Few would be ready to deny 
 
 That it is true and right. 
 
 For what is pity without help ? 
 
 Nay, can it be sincere ? 
 Can one alone in man exist 
 
 Without the other near ? 
 
 Is it not pity in some form, 
 
 Which kindles the desire 
 To render help ; and does it not 
 
 The heart of man inspire ? 
 
 It is this Heaven-created grace, 
 
 Which always will impel 
 That man to freely give and help. 
 
 In whose heart it may dwell. 
 
 Then you may ask — can it exist ? 
 
 Can it dwell in the heart 
 If it does not its life display, 
 
 By help, its counterpart ? 
 
14 NUG^ CANORM. 
 
 Yes, sterling pity may reside, 
 
 Within the heart of man, 
 Though he no help through it affords, 
 
 You ask me, " How it can ? " 
 
 My answer is, man cannot help 
 
 At all times when he would ; 
 But when unable to befriend. 
 
 He would do if he could. 
 
 For there is always strong desirs 
 
 To give help when he can, 
 That is, when genuine pity 
 
 Dwells in the heart of man. 
 
 The little help real pity gives 
 
 Is worth more than the tide 
 Of pity, which just bears the name, 
 
 But nothing else beside. 
 
 For meanless words, what are they worth ? 
 
 From those who do deny 
 The help which they have power to give 
 
 To those Avho for it cry ? 
 
Why, they are really nothing worth, 
 
 Such pity naked stands. 
 Its barrenness is seen to all, 
 
 And never help commands. 
 
 But real pity freely gives 
 What help it can command, 
 
 And only when it cannot help, 
 Deserted it will stand. 
 
 However little help it gives, 
 
 It will do what it can. 
 And shows loquacious pity 
 
 Is nothing but a sham. 
 
 It is the good Samaritan, 
 
 Who ever journeys forth. 
 And proves by actions, yea, how much 
 
 A little help is worth. 
 
 The Priest and Levite they passed by, 
 
 You see not pity's face. 
 They will not help, for in their hearts 
 
 You cannot find this grace. 
 
1 6 NUGJE CANORM. 
 
 The wounded man might cry for help 
 When these two men passed by, 
 
 As pity was to them unknown, 
 They heeded not his cry. 
 
 But with what rapture would he look, 
 How greatly would he prize 
 
 The help, where pity did make one 
 To give its sacrifice. 
 
 That wounded traveller would proclaim, 
 
 In earnest words to you. 
 If he were with us here to-night, 
 
 Our subject is quite true. 
 
 Then pity if you cannot help. 
 But don't withhold the deed ! 
 
 If you are able to assist, 
 So prove a friend in need. 
 
 For when you see a brother's woe. 
 
 And hear a brother's cry, 
 Act as a Christian always should. 
 
 And do not pass him by ; 
 
NUGM CANORM. 
 
 17 
 
 But render help for pity's sake, 
 
 And God will not omit 
 To think of you, and to confer 
 
 On you some benefit. 
 
 Help, Christians, help ! and then at last. 
 
 What will your glory be ? 
 When Jesus Christ shall say to you, 
 
 " Ye did it all for Me." 
 
 Sunday Evening, July 22nd, 1888. 
 
i8 NUGM CANORM. 
 
 
 n 
 
 S HANK heaven for the friends who wish you well ! 
 "" Their kindness is greater than tongue can tell, 
 Their worth is more than gold ; 
 For wherever you may happen to roam, 
 A welcome awaits you when you come home, 
 From friends both new and: old. 
 
 " A pleasant journey," they wish to you, 
 ■VVhen business or pleasure you pursue, 
 
 Or from your own land turn ; 
 Their thoughts are with you every day. 
 For your well-being they will pray. 
 
 And for your safe return. 
 
 How nice to have a wish or prayer 
 Breathed forth from hearts as pure as air. 
 
 And sent to heaven above ; 
 And this by friends so kind and true, 
 So generous and well-disposed to you. 
 
 That they demand your love. 
 
NUG^ CANOR^. 19 
 
 So do your part, and never fail to give 
 
 A loving wish to those with whom you live, 
 
 For friends that you have met. 
 That when you shall have reached the other shore. 
 Your labours ended, and life's journey o'er, 
 
 They will not you forget. 
 
 For life is but a journey, we can prove 
 
 That we are travelling fast, and we now move 
 
 Along life's flowing burn; 
 Yea, quickly follow those who have before 
 Been borne on its swift waters to that shore 
 
 From whence none can return. 
 
 " A pleasant journey " then we wish to you, 
 May you be found among the chosen few 
 
 Who will, when life is past, 
 When all this travelling here below is done. 
 When life is ended, and its race is run. 
 
 Enjoy sweet rest at last. 
 
 Sunday Evening, July l^th, 1887. 
 
 C 2 
 
NUGjE canorm. 
 
 1$ Mkr t^an a jtiain tfn$, 
 j«t t^atjatt^il is ^u^r^ll^og 
 ^nti I mmi lij^ to gain moJ^ 
 
 
 ^•f 
 
 hV-' 1 i<«'^ 
 
 E look upon a pretty face 
 With almost fascination, 
 But on a noble character 
 With looks of admiration. 
 
 The form and features may be plain, 
 But there exists true beauty 
 
 In every face possessed by those 
 Who bravely do their duty. 
 
 But facial beauty, if alone, 
 Might prove a great calamity, 
 
 For prettiness, with naught beside. 
 Means oftentimes just vanity, 
 
NUG^ CANORM. 
 
 But when combined with character, 
 Good looks will prove a blessing, 
 
 For with it, then a pretty face 
 Is truly worth possessing. 
 
 If you should lack a pretty face. 
 Still you may gain the pleasure 
 
 Of having a good character. 
 Which is the greatest treasure. 
 
 But whether pretty, whether plain. 
 The face which God has given. 
 
 Be sure your character will bear 
 The scrutiny of heaven. 
 
 Sunday Evening, December igii, 1886. 
 
 
 
 ^^I^' 
 
NUGyE CANOR.E. 
 
 " % frn^T^t^t^m tlt^m fcnr ! '' 
 
 OW many friends, good and sincere, 
 Do celebrate the opening year 
 With kindly wishes, which each sends 
 To those he looks upon jas friends. 
 
 May this good custom long remain ! 
 For those friends worthy of the name 
 Are well entitled, we believe 
 Our New Year's greetings to receive. 
 
 We wish a prosperous Year to all, 
 To rich and poor, to great and small ; 
 A year of blessings from ills free. 
 One of pure joy and harmony. 
 
 We know the year that has now gone 
 Has been a sad and weary one 
 To many of our friends, for they 
 Have had their loved- ones called away. 
 
 Your sorrowing friends then try to cheer, 
 By wishing them a glad New Year, 
 And hope that " eighty- eight " may seem 
 Much brighter than the last has been. 
 
NUG^ CANORM. 23 
 
 May heaven protect you from all ill, 
 And holy angels guard you still, 
 May He who through this earth once trod. 
 Lead you to happiness and God. 
 
 Then years may come and years may go, 
 But one thing you will feel and know, — 
 Each passing year will nearer bring 
 You to the palace of the King. 
 
 So, weeping friends, be of good cheer, 
 For if you trust you've nought to fear. 
 For you will quickly follow on 
 The friends who with the year have gone. 
 
 Yes, " eighty- seven " is now no more. 
 We enter through the open door 
 Of "eighty-eight," and trust that you 
 May have a pleasant journey through. 
 
 So now good friends assembled here, 
 We wish you all a bright New Year, 
 And hope the " one three eights " may be 
 A year of real prosperity. 
 
 Sunday Evening, January 1st, 1888. 
 
24 NUG.^ CANOPJE. 
 
 '^ % \iMm^ |iun^ %^i\%\^ U io$$/' 
 
 ROLLING stone gathers no moss ; ' 
 This indicates we suffer loss 
 
 Without a settled aim ; 
 For they who like the shifting sand, 
 Unable in one place to stand, 
 
 Can never hope to gain. 
 
 The stone on which the moss appears, 
 Firm has remained for many years. 
 
 Embedded and secure, 
 And quite contented with its Ipt, 
 Exactly in the self-same spot, 
 
 And so gain did ensure. 
 
 Go see the moss which to it cfings. 
 And listen to the song it sings. 
 
 And hear its pretty rhyme ; 
 " If I had shifted up and down, 
 This curious fine mossy crown 
 
 Would never have been mine." 
 
NUG^ CANORAi. 25 
 
 Then go to some man who has done 
 Some mighty work, and who has won, 
 
 Perhaps riches, honour, fame, 
 And that man's certain to be found 
 Of that brave class who stand their ground, 
 
 And ever firm remain. 
 
 Men who are like a rolling stone. 
 And who can find no settled home, 
 
 And to whom nothing clings, 
 Should go to some firm-rooted stone. 
 On which for years the moss has grown, 
 
 And learn the song it sings. 
 
 For stones do teach, without a doubt, 
 That it's unwise to roll about, 
 
 As this means only loss ; 
 For we from them this knowledge gain. 
 That they who in one place remain 
 
 May, like them, gather moss. 
 
 Sunday Evening, Fehruary 19M, 1888. 
 
26 NUGM CANORM. 
 
 ^nb \fs\\\ for 1§b toHs of l0-ntoqr^tiut ; 
 ^ut a ^aBBall^ prtifatt6&, 
 ■^j^atsoe'cti ma^ 60 galnch, 
 
 %% a tfrlaitt farcranncr of $orrout," 
 
 4^'i^=^^^ 
 
 ^Wi^( ^-ESE words were written by Sir Matthew Hale, 
 .1 \w% Whose wisdom few will venture to assail ; 
 y^f r^t He was a good man, famous in his day, 
 
 ^^ And though he has long gone, his fame will stay ; 
 For wisdom-writers, we shall often find. 
 Will live with us through words they leave behind. 
 
 Words such as these should our respect command. 
 Because they will truth's scrutiny withstand, 
 For statements made consistent with its light 
 Will live and grow, and, with increasing might. 
 Appeal aloud to all, both far and near, 
 That words of truth the light will never fear. 
 
NUGM CANORM. 27 
 
 These words suggest we may investigate, 
 And that we should some little trouble take 
 To ascertain correctly, and to see 
 If they with truth's fair teaching do agree ; 
 To this task then we set ourselves to-night ; 
 And see if this great counsellor was right. 
 
 With God's Book first of all these words compare. 
 
 And see if the same teaching is found there ; 
 
 For if you do find out that this is so, 
 
 You need not trouble, or yet further go ; 
 
 For if you see these truths, in God's good Book, 
 
 That is enough, you need no further look. 
 
 Sir Matthew makes two statements, you perceive, 
 And if you will just carefully note these. 
 You then will understand how to proceed, 
 And you will be more likely to succeed 
 In ascertaining if this judge was right 
 In those conclusions we review to-night. 
 
 Firstly, the judge declares, a week's content 
 Will follow if the Sabbath is well spent ; 
 Not only so, but he proceeds to tell 
 
28 NUGM CANORM. 
 
 That for the morrow's toil we've health as well ; 
 And these two blessings, this great judge contends, 
 Follow the man who well the Sabbath spends. 
 
 In statement number two the judge does say, 
 
 That if we do profane God's holy day. 
 
 Whatever we may think that we do gain. 
 
 It is as certain as we it profane 
 
 That sorrow will be sure to overtake 
 
 That man who will God's holy Sabbath break. 
 
 And as we look the Bible through and through, 
 These weighty words are proved to be quite true ; 
 For God we find has in His goodness given 
 These Sabbath days, the best of all the seven. 
 For man's own good, and that man will be blest 
 Who uses well these days of peaceful rest. 
 
 God's blessed Book with instances o'erflows, 
 And speaks of favours granted to all those 
 Who did the Sabbath honour, and obeyed 
 The laws which its Creator kindly made. 
 And He will still the richest blessings send 
 From heaven, if we our Sabbaths wisely spend. 
 
NUG^ CANORM. 29 
 
 And God's good Book does also clearly show 
 That Sabbath breakers will reap loss and woe ; 
 For who can ever hope to make a gain 
 From Sabbath profanation, when the same 
 Strict laws respecting that most holy day 
 Are still in force and cannot pass away. 
 
 So we shall find Sir Matthew's words do bring, 
 And do with truthful echoes loudly ring : 
 They show the Sabbath keeper earns content, 
 For honouring God he never will repent ; 
 But oh how dark the lot of those who may 
 Be tempted to profane God's holy day ! 
 
 Sunday Evening, May 21th 1888. ^..j^-. 
 
3° 
 
 NUGjE canorm. 
 
 u 
 
 Hfil^^is igqat^^i t^x^^ %v^%m^r 
 
 i(-*-j 
 "•*(? 
 
 ?:$:>' 
 
 HO would not say, and that with pleasure, 
 That a wife's greatest earthly treasure 
 
 Is here described with care ? 
 True it is great, because such real bliss 
 Is granted to a wife, that with this 
 She could no joy compare. 
 
 Bright qualities are lovingly entwined 
 In this fair picture, and we also find 
 
 They all three do agree ; 
 " Three graces " call them if you please, 
 For virtuous blessings such as these 
 
 Are graces in reality. 
 
 Pray gaze now at the foremost of the three, 
 That sterling virtue, true sobriety. 
 
 From it great blessings flow. 
 Compare this with the drunkard's state ; 
 On many a wife, sad to relate, 
 
 His sin brings want and woe. 
 
NUGM CANORJE. 31 
 
 Industry has the second place, 
 
 And this is worthy to be called a grace, 
 
 As you will no doubt see ; 
 For without labour, what is man ? 
 A fraud, for without work he never can 
 
 A genuine husband be. 
 
 And now, pray look at virtue number three. 
 Good temper is a grace which seems to be 
 
 A husband's gayest dress ; 
 If you wear daily this fair grace, 
 You will see on your good wife's face 
 
 A look of happiness. 
 
 These graces, when combined will clearly show, 
 A good wife's greatest treasure here below ; 
 
 Husbands, this treasure give 
 To your wives, for they've much to bear, 
 For you and yours how much they care. 
 
 And will do while they live. 
 
 Sunday Evemng, October ind, 1887. 
 
32 
 
 NUGM CANORM. 
 
 ^^ % ¥tlfott uf Jtltt^, 
 
 tt 
 
 HEN what is the message of Love, 
 That to-night from thee shall be given, 
 
 To the beautiful Angel of Love, 
 Who shall carry the news back to heaven, 
 
 Bright spirit from God, who is Love, 
 Oh return to where loving ones live, 
 
 Tell Jesus, the " Token of Love " 
 Is my life — that is all I can give. 
 
 Sunday Evening, September I2th, 1886. 
 
NUGM CANORM. 33 
 
 H 
 
 J l[iem0 iinir m^i| a Jijli luul/^ 
 
 OW often we perceive this truth, 
 As we pass along life's way ; 
 
 Some illustration of this fact 
 We notice every day. 
 
 The schoolgirl with a willing mind. 
 Has a foot and step so light, 
 
 To see her running off to school 
 Is a source of real delight. 
 
 But see the boy who goes to school. 
 
 Sent there against his will. 
 How wearily he jogs along, 
 
 Like some one very ill. 
 
 And so through life you'll find this truth 
 
 Declared on every hand, 
 " A willing mind makes a light foot," 
 
 And will much strength command. 
 
 D 
 
34 
 
 NUG^ CANORM. 
 
 Then what you do, do with a will, 
 If the work be great or small, 
 
 For if you've not a willing mind 
 You'll do no good at all. 
 
 We then should just remember this, 
 That the man who climbs the hill. 
 
 And does perform life's hardest tasks. 
 Is the man who has a will. 
 
 Sunday Evening, February 6th, 1887. 
 
NUG^ CANORM. 
 
 35 
 
 H 
 
 
 ^ MAY our Sunday lectures be 
 Like some enchanting sight, 
 Pictures made with well-chosen words, 
 Illumined with heaven's light. 
 
 For words of truth, when fitly spoken, 
 
 Seem laden with delight, 
 Like golden fruit In silver pictures, 
 
 Chaste, beautiful, and bright. 
 
 Sunday Evening, September l<jth, 1886. 
 
 D 2 
 
36 
 
 NUGM CANORJE. 
 
 '' % luttttg fflnn Pi m ©lit iittt 1#^," 
 
 
 WO often-pictured human scenes 
 Are here presented, and it seems. 
 It might be well that we should view 
 The close connection 'twixt the two. 
 
 You see a poor old man in need, 
 It is a picture sad indeed, — 
 Why needy ? Ascertain the truth I 
 Has he been idle in his youth ? 
 
 There may be needy cases where — 
 Though these, no doubt, are somewhat rare- 
 Hard work has been the rule always, 
 And chiefly in the early days ; 
 And yet in old age you will see 
 These men in need, and you may be 
 
NUGM CANORM. 37 
 
 Rather inclined to qualify 
 
 This statement, which some justify. 
 
 But don't exceptions indicate, 
 
 And only serve to demonstrate 
 
 A rule holds good ? So we must see 
 
 Experience and these words agree. 
 
 Industry, then, should be our aim. 
 By it we're almost sure to gain 
 Of money a sufficient share, 
 That in old age there'll be no care. 
 
 In youth, then, work, bid sloth to fly ! 
 
 Be energetic, and defy 
 
 The temptings which would bid you stay, 
 
 And cease from work in youth's bright day ; 
 
 Seize every moment, cultivate 
 
 Each golden talent, and pray make 
 
 Good use of what you gain, and then 
 
 You honour God, do good to men. 
 
 For money only won't prevent 
 
 A needy age, so be intent 
 
 To gain all knowledge, goodness, truth : 
 
 Be this the aim of every youth. 
 
38 NUG^ CANORM. 
 
 Let thy goal be some lofty height. 
 Which seek to reach with all thy might, 
 Labour for something real, not sham. 
 Try to approach the perfect man ; 
 Then when old age shall creep along, 
 Thou art not needy, and thy song 
 May be of praise to God, that He 
 Has dealt so very well with Thee. 
 
 Sunday Evening, November lith, 1887. 
 
NUGM CANORM. 39 
 
 ii 
 
 tUJt^$ %\tt^ix\.^' 
 
 '(#"w)' 
 
 RUE, 'tis a lesson hard to learn, 
 
 Though difficult, yet wise, 
 To smile at life's calamities, 
 
 Cheerful above them rise ; 
 And still this is quite possible, 
 
 And those who do this know. 
 The benefits of cheerfulness 
 
 Midst changing scenes below. 
 
 We know that many wear a frown. 
 
 But we must cheerful be, 
 And as we journey we will sing 
 
 To all this melody. 
 Would you be always cheerful ? ■ 
 
 Then learn with us the song, 
 Which the soul will sing you daily. 
 
 If you refrain from wrong ; 
 
40 NUGM CANORM. 
 
 And walk along the cheerful way, 
 
 Which God Himself calls " right," 
 And in the path of duty find 
 
 Your chief source of delight, 
 For if you recognise His laws 
 
 The bells within will ring, 
 The glorious hope of future bliss 
 
 Will cause the soul to sing. 
 
 This blessed, cheerful harmony. 
 
 Which makes the heart rejoice, 
 It may be just re-echoing 
 
 The songs of paradise. 
 Is what we all should learn to sing, 
 
 If we would cheerful be, 
 Always here, and then in heaven, 
 
 Throughout . eternity. 
 
 Sunday Evening, November li,th, l8 
 
 -^--^^^SMlMMfE^^:;^^^ 
 
NUGM CANORM. 41 
 
 ^^P^ %xu h v^n-ixx ^xt&nmxir 
 
 OOD Christian people, we should know, 
 
 'Tis well that I and you 
 Should act just what we do profess. 
 
 And thus show we are true. 
 
 Consistency is what we want, 
 Men who with sturdy hearts 
 
 To their profession will prove true 
 By acting out their parts. 
 
 Without deeds words are little worth, 
 And both must be sincere 
 
 If we an influence would wield 
 For good while living here. 
 
 When words and actions correspond, 
 
 Then it will soon be seen 
 By those who may around us dwell. 
 
 That we say what we mean. 
 
42 NUGM CANORM. 
 
 And should the deeds and words agree, 
 
 Oh, who can tell the might 
 Which those professors have whose words 
 
 And actions too are right. 
 
 Then how professing Christians should 
 
 Right zealously pursue 
 The truth in thought, in word, and deed, 
 
 Remaining ever true. 
 
 To do this faithfully and well, 
 We must that great power own, 
 
 Which God through His great Spirit can 
 To poor frail man make known. 
 
 Without this help we all must fait; 
 
 But with it we succeed. 
 So on God's help we must rely 
 
 In every time of need. 
 
 For we may fall through negligence 
 
 In dark temptation's hour, 
 If through our own forgetfulness. 
 
 We fail to seek this power. 
 
NUG^ CANORM. 43 
 
 God knows this, also, what we could 
 
 For our good Master do, 
 If each professing Christian 
 
 Would make his conduct true. 
 
 Then be true to your profession 
 Of Christian faith and love, 
 
 And every day pray and apply 
 For fresh help from above. 
 
 For if we ask God for this power 
 
 It will not be denied. 
 And if we act consistently 
 
 God will be glorified. 
 
 Sunday Evening, March 13M, 1887. 
 
i_ 
 
 44 
 
 NUG^ CANORM. 
 
 
 O bear each other's burdens 
 
 Is really to fulfil 
 The law of Christ, which does proclaim 
 
 This is His royal will. 
 
 This law of love which ruled His life, 
 And claimed His highest powers, 
 
 For others' good and benefit, 
 Is what should influence ours. 
 
 Why did He come from His bright home 
 
 Above the starry sky, 
 To live on earth the life He did. 
 
 And then at last to die ? 
 
_L 
 
 NUG^ CANOR^. 
 
 45 
 
 And why did He while here below 
 Such heavy burdens share ? 
 
 What made Him condescend to come. 
 The sinner's guilt to bear ? 
 
 It was the royal law of love 
 
 Which brought Him down from heaven, 
 And His pure life has to mankind 
 
 A bright example given. 
 
 And just as He went through this world, 
 
 Ruled by this law of love. 
 So you and I must follow Him 
 
 On to the home above. 
 
 Sunday Evening, August 2ist, 1887. 
 
46 
 
 NUG^ CANORM. 
 
 ^^ Jf^ttlit \im jtitib attb \im jlin$»nl M \% fur 
 
 O our homes, our Church, our country, 
 We know there could not be 
 
 By heaven a richer blessing given, 
 Than genuine unity. 
 
 It makes home, Church, and country, 
 
 A type of heaven above, 
 Where the most perfect unity 
 
 Proceeds from perfect love. 
 
 How pleasant and how very good 
 
 The sight must ever be. 
 When those above look down below, 
 
 And find this unity. 
 
NUG^ CANOR^. 
 
 47 
 
 So in your home, Church, country, 
 
 Let each an effort make, 
 To preserve a bond of union 
 
 Which none should ever break. 
 
 Nay, in our little meetings here 
 
 We should an interest take 
 To preserve this heaven-born treasure, 
 
 And this for Jesu's sake. 
 
 That in the land where good men dwell. 
 
 Where brethren all agree. 
 We may behold that glorious sight. 
 
 Heaven's perfect unity. 
 
 Sunday Evening, August jth, 1887. 
 
 ram 
 
 }iN 
 
 /<; 
 
 '^ 
 
 Is a 
 
 Vv 
 
H 
 
 )ijjk u| n l^al^iij mill Butk ^^l^^r* 
 
 n 
 
 TUDENTS of Ornithology, 
 
 Who ever do delight to roam, 
 Where joyous birds sing merrily, 
 A^ Their varied songs so rich in tone ; 
 Will all agree with one consent 
 These words a truism do present. 
 
 For those who watch birds intently, 
 Become conversant with their ways ; 
 
 And some will quite contentedly 
 In this pursuit spend many days, 
 
 And scores of men both good and wise 
 
 Do not this pleasant task despise. 
 
 In fields and woods these students go. 
 The feathery tribe to hear and see : 
 
 They watch them flying to and fro. 
 And skip along from tree to tree ; 
 
 Then listen for the chirp and song 
 
 Presented by this joyous throng. 
 
NUGM CANOR^. 49 
 
 In this sweet season of the year, 
 
 How charmingly these songsters sing, 
 
 We hear their voices loud and clear. 
 And they do make the glad air ring ; 
 
 But when these bright days pass away, 
 
 How little have the birds to say ! 
 
 For when the wintry winds do blow. 
 Melodious notes we seldom hear. 
 
 Perhaps birds do look on frost and snow 
 As something they have cause to fear : 
 
 At any rate they will not sing. 
 
 Till they have news of coming spring. 
 
 But in the winter time we see. 
 
 The truth our subject does proclaim, 
 
 Inland and also near the sea, 
 For everywhere it is the same : 
 
 The birds in flocks are mostly found, 
 
 Whether o'erhead or on the ground. 
 
 And men, like birds, they ever will 
 Find company with their own kind, 
 
so NUGJE CANORM. 
 
 And they will flock together still ; 
 
 For this truth we shall ever find, 
 That birds and men alike agree 
 In claiming their true company. 
 
 This flock within these walls to-night, 
 Well illustrates the point in view ; 
 
 And proves our subject 's true and right, 
 Yea, demonstrates to me and you, 
 
 That human birds of the same kind 
 
 Together you will often find. 
 
 Sunday Evening, March llth, 1888. 
 
NUG^ CANOR^. SI 
 
 m $«t| n% Mj{ ^ht in/ 
 
 HE present life will soon be o'er, 
 And this we all know very well : 
 
 Can we then enter through Heaven's door, 
 And with the sinless ever dwell ? 
 
 Oh yes, we can, for Christ did say 
 
 He would show such as us the way. 
 
 And if we know that He has said, 
 To each poor sinner " Follow Me," 
 
 We march with no uncertain tread, 
 But confidently hope that we 
 
 Shall one day enter through that door. 
 
 And dwell with Jesus evermore. 
 
 For Jesus has gone to prepare. 
 In that delightful home, a place 
 
 For those who here His image bear, 
 And by His footprints try to trace. 
 
 The way along which He did go, 
 
 When He passed through this world of woe. 
 
 E 2 
 
NUGM CANORM. 
 
 And looking to Him as our Guide, 
 And never, never turning back, 
 
 We feel that with Him near our side, 
 We never can mistake the track ; 
 
 But we shall reach, when we have done. 
 
 The world to which He bids us " come." 
 
 If we had all the power to see 
 The beauties of that better land, 
 
 How very anxious should we be 
 Among those blessed ones to stand 
 
 Who have through grace, and faith, and prayer. 
 
 Followed the Master's footsteps there. 
 
 " Can such as we then enter in ? " 
 Will Jesus safely lead us there ? 
 
 And guide us through this world of sin. 
 And for bright Heaven our souls prepare ? 
 
 Yes, that He will. He cannot change, 
 
 And His clear promise does remain. 
 
 Sunday Evening, March ^l/i, 1888. 
 
NUGM CANOR^. 53 
 
 
 li 
 
 i^te'f -^^^ evening's subject does unite, 
 Xm[% By ties I would not sever, 
 
 Two Scripture gems which sparkle bright, 
 The old and new together. 
 
 Both dispensations represent, 
 
 Through saints who show us clearly. 
 
 That laden ones, with burdens bent. 
 Should know God cares sincerely. 
 
 The Psalmist gave the first bright gem, 
 
 St. Peter gave the other, 
 And both were spoken by these men, 
 
 To cheer a burdened brother. 
 
 King David urges each to give 
 The burden which he beareth ; 
 
 St. Peter pleads the incentive 
 " Because the Master careth." 
 
54 NUG^ CANORM. 
 
 The King himself had much to bear, 
 
 So he had every reason 
 To put in practice what he preached, 
 
 In many a cloudy season. 
 
 Read of the trials he passed through, 
 How many and how mighty ! 
 
 He cast his burdens, so may you, 
 On One who is Almighty. 
 
 St. Peter also was aware, 
 The truth he promulgated. 
 
 That God did for His people care, 
 Could not be overrated. 
 
 Then, Christian, look along the past, 
 How many things betoken, 
 
 In thy own. life, the truths still last 
 These saints of God have spokeu. 
 
 Sunday Evening, Ncmember 20lh, 1887, 
 
NUG^ CANORM. 
 
 55 
 
 ^^ ia$fitt]5 jtH \tm ^»ip ttjtijtt !}tw^ \ti\ 
 
 l-«5^3<». 
 
 +>^^S«-S- 
 
 -,-=^ 
 
 E live in a world of care, my friends, 
 And all have enough to do ; 
 
 But he who on his God depends. 
 Will the wisest course pursue. 
 
 For when the cares and trials of life 
 Are greater than we can stand. 
 
 We have a Friend in every strife 
 Who is always near at hand. 
 
 Then why should we trouble, or sigh or fret, 
 
 And why should we ever fear ? 
 God cares for us, so we may expect 
 
 His help when sorrow is near. 
 
56 NUGM CANORM. 
 
 His gracious aid may always be had, 
 For His love remaineth the same ; 
 
 Approach Him, then, when weary or sad, 
 And you will not plead in vain. 
 
 Your anxious cares, your troubles and sin. 
 The load which is hard to bear, 
 
 He will take it, so now cast upon Him 
 Your burden of sorrow and care. 
 
 Rejoice, then, my friends, for He careth still. 
 And soon will all trials cease. 
 
 For God in His love most surely will 
 Change care for eternal peace. 
 
 Sunday Evenings April 2^ili, 1887, 
 
NUGM CANORAi. 57 
 
 Wu %\%ti uttr festal ita^/' 
 
 .4 
 UR festal day is drawing near, 
 
 So we prepare our glad array, 
 Well may we all be of good cheer, 
 
 And greet this joyous festal day ; 
 Because heaven did our labours bless. 
 Yea, crowned them with a rich success. 
 
 Year after year does pass away. 
 
 And we have often joined the throng. 
 
 To celebrate our festal day 
 With strains of music and with song ; 
 
 And now again with gladsome voice. 
 
 The cause demands that we rejoice. 
 
 For twenty-six long years have we 
 Been working with that noble band 
 
 Whose aim and object is to see 
 
 Intemperance driven from the land ; 
 
5 8 NUG^ CANOR^. 
 
 And who delight to work and pray 
 For blessings on our festal day. 
 
 In " eighty-eight " our festal day 
 
 Comes on the fourteenth day of June, 
 
 We hope to see, in fair array, 
 
 Those who are with us in this room ; 
 
 And scores of others now away 
 
 We hope to greet on next Thursday. 
 
 It is with this great day in view. 
 That you have chosen for our text 
 
 These few words which do give to you 
 A glad invite for Thursday next. 
 
 So please respond, don't stay away, 
 
 But join us on our festal day. 
 
 The work in which we are employed, 
 In which all Christians may engage. 
 
 Is one which cannot be destroyed 
 By any who, in scornful rage. 
 
 Would strive this movement to impede. 
 
 For it is God's and must succeed. 
 
NUGM CANORM. 59 
 
 If you just look what it has done 
 To prove that our assertion's right, 
 
 The noble triumphs it has won, 
 
 The victories 'gainst wrong and might ; 
 
 Then you, as Christians, must agree 
 
 That it demands your sympathy. 
 
 Ask those poor drunkards, now reclaimed. 
 Who by its principles were taught. 
 
 The way by which once more they gained 
 Their manhood, which they sold for naught, 
 
 And they with thankfulness will show 
 
 How much they to this movement owe. 
 
 Dark was their lot, and darker still 
 The pathway, as they downward went ; 
 
 Their future full of gloom, until 
 
 The guardian angel, from heaven sent. 
 
 Through this great movement came to them. 
 
 And brought light in their lives again. 
 
 God only knows the heartfelt grief, 
 The misery, the want, and woe ; 
 
6o NUGM CANORM. 
 
 He hears the pleadings for relief, 
 
 And tells the Christians where to go ; 
 God seeks your aid — the call obey, 
 And help to drive this curse away. 
 
 And if through His almighty aid 
 One helpless drunkard you assist. 
 
 If you the instrument are made 
 In helping children to resist 
 
 The evil temptings of strong drink. 
 
 You never will regret, I think. 
 
 Then, Christian Brothers, come along, 
 Yea, come with us in fair array. 
 
 In strains of gladness join the throng 
 Who celebrate our festal day ; 
 
 And show that you do mind the text 
 By turning up on Thursday next. 
 
 Sunday Evening, June loth, r888. 
 
 ^n 
 
NUGM CANOR^. 6 1 
 
 ii 
 
 hmt tmt anh !|^Ip tt$/^ 
 
 ROM Macedonia came the cry, 
 In a vision to St. Paul, 
 
 And like a sterling Christian 
 He responded to the call. 
 
 He gave his help right willingly, 
 With courage did his best, 
 
 Knowing his task was to obey, 
 And with God leave the rest. 
 
 What great rewards his help secured ! 
 
 For it was manifest 
 That God was with him in his work. 
 
 And that he would be blest. 
 
 And grand results we yet can trace, 
 
 Effects we may find still, 
 Of the good done by brave St. Paul, 
 
 Who helped with earnest will. 
 
62 NUG^ CANORJE. 
 
 From far-off lands the cry still comes, 
 May that same love compel 
 
 Many to go at duty's call, 
 And of the Saviour tell. 
 
 For to all lands Christ must be known. 
 Should your call then be " Come," 
 
 Go forth, and you shall one day hear 
 The Master say, " Well done." 
 
 Sunday Evening^ April loth, 1887. 
 
NUGM CANORM. 63 
 
 
 ET your life here below be honest, sincere, 
 ^^The good and the upright have nothing to fear, 
 For angels look on with delight ; 
 Replete with rich blessings your life here will be, 
 Hereafter the glories of heaven you shall see, 
 And be clad in the raiments of white. 
 
 Why then should we fear if we try to do right ? 
 For we know that all things are clear to His sight, 
 
 Who is the essence of all that is good ; 
 His help is all-powerful, He is ever near, 
 We should then be daring, not given to fear. 
 
 What reason is there that we should ? 
 
64 NUG^ CANORM. 
 
 Be valiant and brave, then, not filled with alarm, 
 For the powers of evil can ne'er do you harm. 
 
 So banish all notions of fear ; 
 For the heavenly hosts are sent to befriend 
 The good who with courage with evil contend, 
 
 And in the right way persevere. 
 
 The word of Jehovah will teach you all this. 
 For we are assured the most perfect bliss 
 
 Will to the well-doers be given ; 
 Abundance of peace while in this world below. 
 Then pleasures and joys which this earth cannot knowj 
 
 When the good shall assemble in heaven. 
 
 Sunday Evening, June %th, 1887. 
 
 ^i^r 
 
NUG^E CANORM. 65 
 
 ^' °%m^ %i^th J^^it tttill \^\s\ \W Jtomj/^ 
 
 ^H- 
 
 HE good which you may accomplish, 
 The generous acts you do, 
 
 Will be kept in recollection 
 By heaven, if not by you. 
 
 For there we shall find recorded 
 
 In writing that cannot fade, 
 The deeds of the good and faithful, 
 
 And the sacrifice they made. 
 
 Yes, in God's book of remembrance 
 
 A record will be found. 
 And we shall see that our actions 
 
 Have been strictly noted down. 
 
 Each good deed shall have its blessing, 
 
 If it has not gained it here. 
 For there is the golden recompense 
 
 To reward the good and sincere. 
 
 You may have worked for the welfare 
 Of those amongst whom you live. 
 
 And you may have thought it your duty 
 Your time and your talents to give. 
 
66 NUG^ CANORM. 
 
 Your good deeds may have been many, 
 And so I should have you know, 
 
 That your actions are not forgotten, 
 As the future is sure to show. 
 
 So do not, then, be disheartened, 
 
 Move forward and ever press 
 With the work you have undertaken 
 
 For God, He is sure to bless. 
 
 The good and the true of past ages, 
 Who now from their labours rest. 
 
 Know well good deeds have their blessing, 
 Because they are now with the blest. 
 
 These men would oftentimes labour, 
 And earnestly try, as we should. 
 
 Yea, proved they were Christ's true disciples 
 By trying to do some good. 
 
 And yet they did never weary, 
 But always did what they could, 
 
 Although they did not accomplish 
 The amount of good they would. 
 
NUGM CANORM. 67 
 
 They might then look for an increase, 
 Very anxious they would be ! 
 
 Though it came not, yet they waited, 
 And now they the blessing see. 
 
 And you may, like them, be waiting, 
 And sowing seed early and late, 
 
 You are looking for the blessing, 
 And you work, and hope, and wait. 
 
 The good seed now may be scattered, 
 And they who sow it may weep. 
 
 But God, in the heavenly garner, 
 Will all the gatherings keep. 
 
 And the seed which is sown in weakness, 
 Yea, nurtured by many tears, 
 
 Will then be found in golden sheaves, 
 The growth of many years. 
 
 And the faithful ones will notice 
 
 That every single grain. 
 Yea, every good deed they had done 
 
 Did its own blessing gain. 
 
 F 2 
 
68 NUGM CANORM. 
 
 But still in their generation 
 Some sowers may find it true, 
 
 That blessings quickly follow 
 
 From the good deeds they may do. 
 
 For some, like noble Seneca, 
 
 Are able to extract, 
 Not only in the consequence, 
 
 But a blessing from the act. 
 
 For now accrescent consciousness 
 To man its blessing gives, 
 
 And lends to him encouragement 
 To do good while he lives. 
 
 For genuine satisfaction 
 
 Will follow each noble deed. 
 
 And afterward the blessed fruit 
 From every little seed. 
 
 And when the sowers congregate 
 From north, south, east, and west, 
 
 Then no good doer will regret 
 That he has done his best. 
 
 Sunday Evening, May dth, 1888. 
 
NUGAi: CANORM. 69 
 
 ^* %t&p^ m \m\ ¥|^ l|ott$s 05 !F^»W*'' 
 
 ATHER, we love Thy House of Prayer, 
 And to it we with joy repair, 
 Each holy Sabbath day. 
 h Until we reach " Thy House " above, 
 May we " Thy House " below still love, 
 And in it often pray ! 
 
 In " Thy House" we may meet with Thee, 
 For there the saints of old did see. 
 
 The glory of Thy Face ; 
 May we so love " Thy House of Prayer," 
 That we also may meet Thee there, 
 
 And Thy Blest Presence trace. 
 
 And when to " Thy House " we proceed. 
 To ask for mercy, and to plead 
 
 That we may be forgiven ; 
 Father, may we have faith to see. 
 The look of mercy, for from Thee 
 
 No erring child is driven. 
 
70 NUGM CANORM. 
 
 O'er fields of vice and sin he may 
 Have gone, and wandered far astray ; 
 
 And then who would befriend ? 
 But from that far-off sinful wild, 
 Thoughts of " Thy House " brought back the child 
 
 To Father, home, and friend. 
 
 For who could have a truer friend 
 
 Than God, " Our Father," who will lend, 
 
 Whenever we may pray. 
 Though now in Heaven, a willing ear. 
 And to the eye of faith appear. 
 
 Yea, and forgiveness say ? 
 
 Then in " Thy House of Prayer " we praise. 
 And gladly do our voices raise 
 
 In hymns of holy joy ; 
 Forgiving love is then our song. 
 And willingly we join the throng. 
 
 Who thus their hearts employ. 
 
 O, what devotion should we show, 
 When to " Thy House of Prayer" we ^o. 
 And of Thy goodness tell 1 
 
NUGM CANORM. 71 
 
 For we all know that it is there, 
 Thou dost delight to hear the prayer, 
 Of those who love Thee well. 
 
 We love " Thy House " down here, but we 
 " Thy House " above shall hope to see. 
 
 When Thou dost whisper, " Come ! " 
 Then prayers to praises will be changed, 
 For when the other house is gained 
 
 All praying will be done. 
 
 " Thy House of Prayer" — it is the gate 
 Of heaven, and so we there must wait 
 
 Till we shall enter in 
 *' The better House," not made with hands, 
 Where constant praise Thy love demands. 
 
 From all who are therein. 
 
 So if in " Thy Courts " here below, 
 A day, as one of old did show, 
 
 Is of much greater price 
 Than any thousand days we spend, 
 In godless ways, and when we lend, 
 
 Ourselves to sin and vice. 
 
72 NUGM CANORM. 
 
 What must be that eternal day. 
 
 When in " Thy House " above we stay. 
 
 And with the white-robed throng, 
 We join in praising Thy great love, 
 Thank Thee for leading us above 
 
 In Zion's sweetest song ? 
 
 " Father, we love Thy House of Prayer ! " 
 O may we often worship there, 
 
 And seek for heavenly grace ; 
 So that we all may live with Thee, 
 In heaven, Thy home, eternally, 
 
 And see Thee face to face. 
 
 Sxnlay Evening^ August <^th, i&8,8. 
 
 ^^f^ ^ 
 A 
 
NUG^ CAN OR M. 73 
 
 a 
 
 l[(tr3^i not all l|b \t)xM%r 
 
 
 OD'S benefits are truly great ; 
 But we may oft regret 
 That we omit to offer praise, 
 And His great love forget. 
 
 But we should learn to often think 
 Of such a generous Friend ; 
 
 Who gives us all things to enjoy, 
 Whose bounties never end. 
 
 O may we ne'er again forget 
 
 Our God — for He is kind ; 
 But all His loving benefits, 
 
 For ever bear in mind. 
 
 Let each heart then this night o'erflow 
 With that pure, grateful love ; 
 
 Akin to that displayed by those, 
 Who worship God above. 
 
 Sunday Evening, October lot'i, 1886. 
 
7+ NUGM CANORM. 
 
 *' 1[nfnk|tjp i$ mxt uf i|^ ^tu^al£$l p^$ of Jtf[f/^ 
 
 "^I^NE of the sweetest joys which earth bestows, 
 ^Pj^ Is that which from true friendship ever flows, 
 Cj^ For joy like this, unselfish, pure, and free, 
 Is friendship owning its felicity. 
 
 And what would this world be without such joy; 
 This antidote for that which might alloy ? 
 Why, like a violin without a string, 
 The music gone, not good for anything. 
 
 Then take from life this precious joy, so sweet. 
 And let man be without a friend to greet ; 
 Destroy this living power friendship does give, 
 And dark will be the life that man will live. 
 
 For friendship's joys do give to this life light, 
 But if withheld, then comes the gloomy night ; 
 For if these sweetest joys should pass away, 
 Dark is the night, and dark will be the day. 
 
NUGM CANOR^. 75 
 
 For in this world so full of grief and care, 
 Where we have many sorrows, hard to bear, 
 We often want the help of some kind friend. 
 When we with trials struggle and contend. 
 
 And it does bring sweet joy to know that we, 
 When trouble comes, that we at once can flee. 
 To friends, who will be willing to advise, 
 And readily will help and sympathise. 
 
 And just the same when all is bright and fair, 
 We know the joy if we at once repair 
 To those kind friends, who ever gladly lend 
 An ear to hear the good news from a friend. 
 
 And if our friends come to us in distress. 
 When trials may upon them hardly press ; 
 How sweet will be the joy that we shall feel. 
 If we with help can answer their appeal. 
 
 And should they also come, and with glad voice. 
 Tell of their joys, we also shall rejoice ; 
 And thus through life true friendship still will bring, 
 Those perfect joys which sweetly to it cling. 
 
76 NUGM CANORM. 
 
 But what are friendship's joys down here below 
 Compared with those which true friends hope to know, 
 When they have done with all this toil and strife, 
 And entered on the pure and better life ? 
 
 No interference there with sweetest joys, 
 For nothing in the better world destroys 
 That kindly feeling, which friends entertain, 
 And which hereafter ever will remain. 
 
 For in that land where we all hope to be, 
 With friends throughout a bright eternity ; 
 No passing cloud will friendship's joys bedim, 
 For clouds and darkness cannot enter in. 
 
 The sweetest joys here friendship can bestow, 
 The truest pleasures which the earth can show, 
 Are always subject to, and threatened by decay, 
 And very quickly they may pass away. 
 
 But those pure pleasures, which God has in store 
 For His true friends, will last for evermore ; 
 And friendship's joys, how precious, and how sweet. 
 When with our friends we in His kingdom meet. 
 
 Sunday Evening, May loth, 1888. 
 
NUGM CANOED. 77 
 
 ^^ l[^ink|tp m^mi %ixkn%i attit hm m{\mi 
 
 tf 
 
 RUE friendship of the sterling kind, 
 Is what you may but seldom find, 
 Yet there are those who do obtain, 
 That friendship which ne'er hopes for gain. 
 
 Such friends need no apologist ; 
 For friendship without interest, 
 Abhors the base, frowns on the mean ; 
 Its genuineness is ever seen. 
 
 This friendship it does germinate, 
 Through feelings of a higher state. 
 Than those of interest and gain, 
 For true friends would these things disdain. 
 
78 NUGM CANORM. 
 
 All other friendship soon is gone, 
 
 And only Is ephemeron, 
 
 Can just a short existence claim, 
 
 Should not be known by friendship's name. 
 
 Where friendship stays, then, there must be 
 A genuine reciprocity ; 
 And friendship may thus generate 
 What may be termed the loving state. 
 
 Friendship and love together dwell, 
 Their difference is hard to tell ; 
 For friendship seems a sure receipt, 
 For gaining love without deceit. 
 
 Friendship in this direction tends. 
 For this and love are quite close friends ; 
 Happy the man who gains the two, 
 Hapless is he who cannot so do. 
 
 Friendship for interest is a sham. 
 And a disgrace to any man ; 
 Deceitful love is but a snare, 
 To trap you when you're unaware. 
 
NUGM CANORM. 79 
 
 Deceit and interest are intent, 
 They're on the self-same mission bent ; 
 Deceit she claims some kind of gain, 
 And interest just means the same. 
 
 Friendship and love we should admire, 
 
 But if they're dragged through such vile mire 
 
 As that of interest and deceit. 
 
 Then stamp them well beneath your feet. 
 
 Sunday Evening, November 2'jlh, 1887. 
 

 -^(^Sll^'^- 
 
 HAT does this evening's subject mean ? 
 
 How many will this ask ? 
 
 ^4'^^ For not so clearly is it seen ; 
 ■•jj^j fit 
 
 So to explain it will, I ween, 
 
 Be now my pleasant task. 
 
 " Go slowly to thy friends," except 
 
 When troubles come to them, 
 Then quickly go : try to detect 
 How you may help them, or protect, 
 
 Or be of service then. 
 
 Don't be a trouble anyhow ; 
 
 For frequent going tends 
 Friendship to spoil ; so here's the vow 
 To guide thy visiting from now, — 
 
 " Go slowly to thy friends." 
 
Less frequently let thy calls be, 
 
 If it has been thy wont 
 To haunt thy friends ; for they agree 
 In wishing that thou just could' st see 
 
 Prudence suggesting, ".Don't." 
 
 For surely 'tis unwise to tempt 
 
 Any true-hearted friend, 
 Through over pressure, to resent 
 Thy friendship ; and so be content 
 
 To let the friendship end. 
 
 " Go slowly," when thy friends invite, 
 
 And pray do this at least, 
 Consider well, in every light. 
 Whether thou would' st be wise and right 
 
 In going to their feast. 
 
 Great caution and discretion will 
 
 Be oft required by thee. 
 So that thou mayest, with all skill, 
 Our subject's good design fulfil, 
 
 And yet quite friendly be. 
 
82 NUG^ CANORM. 
 
 But wisdom always draws the line, 
 
 And she is ne'er remiss 
 In guiding thee when to decline; 
 And she will also well define 
 
 When thou should' st answer " Yes ! " 
 
 Be cautious, then, and slowly go. 
 
 Don't haste thy friends to see, 
 Except their troubles and their woe 
 Invite thee, then ne'er answer " No," 
 
 But to their rescue flee. 
 
 For friends who would true friendship show, 
 
 They would go none the less, 
 But oftener, when any woe 
 O'ertakes a friend, to let him know 
 
 They pity his distress. 
 
 Then don't go oft to any friend 
 Whose sun is bright and clear ; 
 
 But if he does with foes contend, 
 
 At once a willing help extend. 
 And prove you are sincere. 
 
NUG^ CANOR^. 
 
 83 
 
 For friendship of the purest type 
 
 In griefs day will abound : 
 •It ever sheds a perfect light, 
 
 Yea, and in trouble's darkest night, 
 True friendship will be found. 
 
 Sunday Evening, April l^th, 18 
 
 G 2 
 
84 NUGM CANORM. 
 
 ^^ ittb \t% 3 fhn h\ mtt^ Ham" 
 
 OD has a plan for every man," 
 
 Nature will tell thee so, 
 And she in many marvellous ways 
 
 Seems charged to let thee know. 
 
 All objects were created 
 
 To work out God's great plan, 
 And He most certainly will have 
 
 Some plan for every man. 
 What purpose has He in our lives ? 
 
 What is His gracious will ? 
 May we have wisdom to find out. 
 
 Then God's design fulfil. 
 
 We may hold different stations. 
 
 And talents great or small. 
 But yet we must each glorify 
 
 The God who giveth all ; 
 For His plan seems that men should try, 
 
 Whate'er their lot may be, 
 To do life's duties manfully. 
 
 And also willingly. 
 
NUG^ CANORM. 85 
 
 The flowers, the trees, the song birds, 
 
 They in their turn do teach 
 That man should do his duty well ; 
 
 His life a sermon preach 
 To all around, like feebler things. 
 
 Who do fulfil God's plan, 
 And often, by their faithfulness, 
 
 Reprove poor faithless man. 
 
 Man, woman, child, canst thou fulfil 
 
 The plan God has for thee ? 
 Wilt thou find out what is His will, 
 
 Then do it faithfully ? 
 Yes, this may be, if thou would'st try. 
 
 And in the Bible look, 
 Praying that God in mercy would 
 
 Unseal that blessed book ; 
 For there thou hast His will revealed. 
 
 The plan He has for thee. 
 What He would have thee do down here. 
 
 Yea, through eternity. 
 
 God's plan respecting all mankind 
 
 The Bible does make clear ; 
 It is that we should always be 
 
 Useful and happy here. 
 
86 NUGjE CANORM. 
 
 For blessed ever is the man 
 
 Who makes it his delight 
 To shun the path that leads to wrong, 
 
 And ever keeps the right. 
 This man will try to do God's will, 
 
 And that with all his might ; 
 He loves the law, and keeps his God 
 
 For ever in his sight. 
 He always looks for God to guide. 
 
 And give him grace to do 
 His will, and in temptation's hour 
 
 Safely to lead him through. 
 This is the man who has found out 
 
 The great God has a plan, 
 Some noble purpose and design. 
 
 In fact, for every man. 
 
 Dear friends, pray try to do God's will, 
 For with His aid you may 
 
 Find out the plan He has for you, 
 And live it day by day. 
 
 Sunday Evenings February I'^ih^ 1887. 
 
NUG^ CANORM. 
 
 87 
 
 H 
 
 
 OOD temper, like a sunny day, 
 ^^M| Sheds brightness all along life's way. 
 And many joys will bring ; 
 It cheers the heart, and kindly greets 
 All those with whom perchance it meets, 
 And brightens everything. 
 
 Good temper is a golden prize, 
 Which you'll obtain, if you are wise ; 
 
 For you will like it well. 
 Its worth it is beyond all price. 
 But may be gained by sacrifice : 
 
 Its value none can tell. 
 
 Good temper lights up all around. 
 And, like the sun, it will be found 
 To shed abroad its rays ; 
 
It will illumine many a face, 
 And its bright influence you can trace. 
 Even on gloomy days. 
 
 Good temper is a priceless gem, 
 More precious than a diadem, 
 
 Or pure gold from the mine. 
 No cold damp mists can mar its light, 
 For it remains both clear and bright, 
 
 And does for ever shine. 
 
 Good temper helps you all through life, 
 Amidst the turmoil and the strife ; 
 
 The many ups and downs. 
 And you are kept free from alarm^ 
 For you remain unmoved and calm, 
 
 Yea, though ill-nature frowns. 
 
 Good temper will, as we have said. 
 Its radiant brightness freely shed, 
 
 And cheer you on your way. 
 For with its precious golden light, 
 Life will become a glad delight. 
 
 Just like a sunny day. 
 
 Sunday Evening, January 2ind, 1 8 
 
NUG^ CAN OR A^.. 
 
 »9 
 
 ^^ "^mt n hv^nt \mtV^ 
 
 '^M 
 
 HE Lad with hard lessons to learn, 
 Should always make a bold start ; 
 And how quickly will he discern, 
 It pays well to have a brave heart. 
 
 The Learner who toils at his trade. 
 Should earnestly do what he can. 
 
 If he would rise to the highest grade, 
 And be counted a first-class man. 
 
 The Artist, who uses the brush, 
 With what a brave heart will he try 
 
 To mount up to fame with a rush, 
 And difficulties defy. 
 
 The Soldier who goes to the strife, 
 Thirsting for honour and fame. 
 
 He will bravely risk his own life, 
 That glory may honour his name. 
 
go NUGM CANORM. 
 
 The Scientist labours to find 
 
 Some truth none other has solved, 
 
 Hard labour he will never mind, 
 To gain his point he is resolved. 
 
 The Author hard study will give, 
 And bravely he will do his best ; 
 
 For he wants his writings to live 
 Long after he may be at rest. 
 
 The Merchant will work hard and long, 
 And before a fortune is made, 
 
 He knows he must stand among 
 
 The brave, pushing men of his trade. 
 
 The Preacher, if he would excel. 
 Must flattering praise withstand, 
 
 And prepare his sermons well. 
 If attention he would command. 
 
 The Statesman, if he would ex&l, 
 Earn laurels, both lasting and great. 
 
 Must with a brave heart master well 
 The varied details of the State. 
 
NUG^ CANOR^. 
 
 91 
 
 The Christian, who works for his God, 
 Must also with brave, loyal heart, 
 
 March forward where heroes have trod, 
 And toil until bid to depart. 
 
 For all that is noble and great. 
 True courage alone will obtain ; 
 
 So whatever you may undertake, 
 Remember a brave heart can gain. 
 
 Sunday Evening, January iyd, 1887. 
 
92 
 
 NUG^ CANORM. 
 
 ^^ !|att^ ^tm^ m\ m^ %m^t^r 
 
 EACE which passeth understanding, 
 
 Is that which Christ can give 
 To those who serve Him faithfully, 
 
 And in His favour live. 
 Without, within, He will give peace 
 
 If we would only bend 
 Our will to His, and then obey 
 
 That which He does commend. 
 
 The mission of the Prince of Peace, 
 
 Was to bring peace to earth. 
 And this great truth was heralded 
 
 By angels at His birth. 
 And He who whispers peace within 
 
 Demands that man should cease 
 From every course of conduct 
 
 Which would destroy earth's peace. 
 
NUG^ CANORJE. 
 
 93 
 
 Then have peace one with another, 
 
 And if required, pray make 
 Some effort for its maintenance. 
 
 For our Master Jesus' sake. 
 For peace on earth, goodwill to men. 
 
 The angels still proclaim. 
 Let all then join this heavenly song 
 
 Who bear the Prince's name. 
 
 Sunday Eviningi November Ith, 1886. 
 
94 NUGM CANOR^. 
 
 
 ^ 
 
 .LEEP, balmy sleep ! How welcome the repose ! 
 
 The weary, worn-out body sighed for rest, 
 He now is free from all life's cares and woes, 
 If')^' And no temptations can again molest. 
 
 The body sleepeth, but the soul still lives, 
 Surrounded by the spirits of the blest. 
 
 Enjoying pleasures this world never gives. 
 But which in Paradise are manifest. 
 
 We linger here awhile, God only knows 
 How soon the messenger may to us come. 
 
 For we may now be numbered amongst those 
 Whose work for God down here is almost done. 
 
 O blessed Master ! may we cleave to Thee ! 
 
 And serve Thee well while our time here shall last, 
 Grant of Thy mercy and Thy love that we 
 
 May rest in peace when this brief life is past. 
 
NUGM CANORM. 95 
 
 We know the body sleeps the sleep of death, 
 Until Thou dost by Thy great power awake 
 
 The sleeping dust again, and give it breath, 
 
 At that great day when earth's foundations shake. 
 
 For when the trumpet sounds the dead shall rise. 
 And soul and body then again shall be 
 
 Joined into one to dwell beyond the skies. 
 With Christ our risen Lord eternally. 
 
 Sunday Evening, December ^li, 1886. 
 
96 
 
 NUGM CANOR^, 
 
 a 
 
 luttt m«:| htiitt h i\^ h^ i\wx mm ! 
 
 a 
 
 -r 
 
 N^^-i-ir 
 
 I OW fair is thy love, my sweet sister ! 
 For in thee all virtues do shine, 
 ^ My true love, pray just let me tell thee 
 Thy love is much better than wine. 
 
 Thy actions betoken the greatness 
 Of the love which thou hast for me, 
 
 Resplendent thy beautiful graces. 
 My sister, I must think of thee. 
 
 Thy kindness, thy trueness, thy goodness, 
 
 All unite to urge me to tell 
 How strong are my feelings towards thee, 
 
 The fact is, I do love thee well. 
 
NUG^ CANORM. 97 
 
 How oft has thy loving affection 
 And love been put to the test, 
 
 But for kindness, care, and attention. 
 Thou hast distanced most of the rest. 
 
 Can we fathom thy love, my sister, 
 Or its equal find anywhere ? 
 
 If we can, then where shall we seek it ? 
 To what can we thy love compare ? 
 
 May thine in one way be exceeded, 
 'Tis by that love we all should give 
 
 To Jesus, our Friend and our Brother, 
 For He died that we all might live. 
 
 Sunday Evemng^ May 1st, 1 887. 
 
 
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gS 
 
 NUGM CANORM. 
 
 U 
 
 tttt$| m^ i|ui|tr tttuitlh ^um^ I '^ 
 
 LITTLE child when in distress 
 Remembers who will sympathise, 
 And rushes where one will express 
 True heartfelt words, and so the cries 
 Are stayed, for those words bring relief, 
 And prove a cure for childhood's grief. 
 
 A mother's presence also quells 
 The fears of any little child. 
 
 And even when the bosom swells 
 
 With angry passions, fierce and wild, 
 
 Then that sweet voice will kindly say 
 
 Kind words to charm the storm away. 
 
 Whenever little trials come 
 
 And that sweet mother should be near, 
 Then little feet will gladly run 
 
 And pour into that willing ear 
 Words which will all be noted down. 
 And that without a single frown. 
 
NUGJE CANORM. 99 
 
 But if the mother is not there, 
 
 What is the first thing mostly done ? 
 
 The little child will breathe the prayer 
 " I wish my mother would soon come " ; 
 
 For children always want to tell 
 
 Their griefs to one who loves them well. 
 
 And while that dear one does remain 
 
 In this world, it will ever be 
 That older ones will not refrain, 
 
 When trouble comes, at once to flee 
 To that one who in many ways 
 Has helped them well in former days. 
 
 For when our childhood's days are gone, 
 
 Still if we have a mother here. 
 We always wish that she would come 
 
 When sorrow's night is drawing near. 
 For her dear presence often may, 
 Bring tidings of a brighter day. 
 
 When she has said to earth, " Farewell," 
 And passed to where bright seraphs roam. 
 
 H 2 
 
NVGM CANOR^. 
 
 When she has long since gone to dwell 
 
 In Paradise, the better home, 
 Then we in thought shall often stand 
 With her in that far distant land. 
 
 And when our time on earth is past, 
 Our mission here is fully done. 
 
 Our heartfelt prayer may be at last, 
 
 " I wish my mother would soon come ! " 
 
 And God may send that mother dear 
 
 To call us to a higher sphere. 
 
 Sunday Evening, March iStA, 1888. 
 
 ^^^^^ 
 
NUG/E CANORM. 
 
 HAT is the meaning of the symbol 
 Which these few words present ? 
 
 I wonder who their author was, 
 And what he really meant. 
 
 To take the matter literally, 
 The meaning soon is seen ; 
 
 For if each one swept his doorstep, 
 The whole street would be clean. 
 
 But 'neath the surface you must go. 
 
 Yourselves to satisfy, 
 For it is there you're sure to find 
 
 The hidden treasure lie. 
 
 Then in the subject deeply dive. 
 
 For you are sure to see, 
 Far down below the water-line, 
 
 This couplet's gist will be. 
 
NUGM CANORM. 
 
 For wrapped inside this homely phrase, 
 It may be tightly bound, 
 
 But break the shell, then you will see 
 The kernel will be found. 
 
 You look and turn this o'er and o'er. 
 Then you perceive its beauty, 
 
 For clearly written are the words, 
 " Go thou and do thy duty." 
 
 If all responded to this call. 
 The earth would be replete 
 
 With Heaven's reflected brightness, 
 And not one dirty street. 
 
 Simday Evening., October 2ird, 18S7. 
 
 
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 a?7 
 
 
NUG^ CANORM. 103 
 
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 ? HESE five things we should not forget, 
 'i For we shall surely find 
 ; It will be to our advantage 
 To bear them all in mind. 
 
 So, firstly, mind of whom you speak, 
 
 Be careful what you say, 
 You may be called upon to prove 
 
 Your words another day. 
 
 Secondly, mind to whom you speak, 
 
 Or you'll be led astray, 
 For many would encourage you 
 
 In slander's evil way. 
 
104 
 
 NUGJE CANORM. 
 
 And, thirdly, please mind how you speak, 
 
 Lest you allow your tongue 
 To say a word ag-ainst the right, 
 
 And utter what is wrong. 
 
 Fourthly, we should mind when we speak ; 
 
 This we shall ever find, 
 Is a very golden maxim. 
 
 We should do well to mind. 
 
 Fifthly, pray mind where you speak ; 
 
 Be cautious, speak with care ; 
 'Tis said that even hedges hear. 
 
 And ears are everywhere. 
 
 Sunday Evening, August l%th, 18S7. 
 
NUGJE CANORM. los 
 
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 HE fiery trial may be near, 
 
 The tempter may stand by, 
 But still the Christian hero. 
 Can all his powers defy. 
 
 His deadly darts prove harmless, 
 For look at faith's bright shield ! 
 
 And Christian has the Spirit's sword. 
 Which he can deftly wield. 
 
 He is in heavenly armour clad, 
 
 And marches in the way 
 Where soldiers of the cross are found, 
 
 Who stand the evil day. 
 
 True Christian heroes, still march on, 
 
 Be firm, resist, be strong, 
 So that at last you all may sing 
 
 The victor's triumph song. 
 
 Sunday Evening, July ilst, 1887. 
 
io6 NUGM CANORM. 
 
 il 
 
 Jt b gtixih ^tiij «$ fu ^ i^^r^.^^ 
 
 '^HAT thoughts around these words entwine ! 
 
 J 
 
 For when their origin we trace, 
 With glory they do seem to shine. 
 As did the Blessed Master's face 
 
 When Peter said, though with some fear, 
 
 " It is good for us to be here." 
 
 Saint Peter, also James and John, 
 Companions whom our Lord held dear, 
 Had with him up the mountain gone, 
 And what did to these men appear 
 The Gospels will to us unfold, 
 For there the tale is plainly told. 
 
 Saint Matthew's version firstly read, 
 Then, o'er Saint Mark's account pray look. 
 And after these, then I would plead. 
 
NUGM CANORM. 107 
 
 Read that according to Saint Luke : 
 Then placing all the three in one, 
 You have the sight they gazed upon. 
 
 You well may love to read this o'er. 
 
 The picture's beauty love to see ! 
 
 For out of all the priceless store 
 
 Of Bible paintings, say, could we 
 
 Select another one like this. 
 
 And which could give such hopeful bliss ? 
 
 For here we have substantial ground. 
 Yea, when with bitter grief distrest, 
 We seek somewhere to build and found 
 Our hopes, where they may safely rest, 
 Till we can say, with hearts sincere, 
 " It is good for us to be here." 
 
 How many how may mourn and weep. 
 For friends they loved who now are gone ; 
 But Jesus will those dear ones keep, 
 And you again shall look upon 
 Those faces, which you once did love, 
 When Jesus shall come from above. 
 
icj8 NUGM CANORM. 
 
 For as we look with love to-night 
 On that fair picture He did paint, 
 We see His face with glory bright, 
 And seeing that we will not faint ; 
 For looking we may safely say, 
 He will bring our own friends some day. 
 
 With Him appeared men who of old 
 In God's good service did engage, 
 Who both were brave, yea, fearless, bold. 
 Whose fame will live from age to age, 
 And those the dear disciples knew ; 
 Thus will your friends be known to you. 
 
 Saint Peter, also James and John, 
 Did on these saints with wonder gaze, 
 The glorious scene they looked upon 
 Might well fill them with great amaze ; 
 Yet in the picture we may see 
 The glories of futurity. 
 
 For if the glory they did see. 
 And which did shortly pass away. 
 Was great, — what will the glory be, 
 
NUGM CANORM. 109 
 
 Which will not vanish, or decay, 
 When He appears, who when below 
 This little glimpse did kindly show ? 
 
 Then hang this picture in your heart, 
 And let this truth there ever dwell, 
 Do not with this bright treasure part. 
 But let It stay, for it will tell 
 Of One, who will not come alone. 
 When He appears to call you home. 
 
 For when He comes in glorious state. 
 
 With saints of old — perhaps friends we knew, 
 
 And hosts of heaven upon Him wait — 
 
 The self-same power He will give you. 
 
 As He gave Peter, James and John, 
 
 Who knew the saints they looked upon. 
 
 And when with Jesus you do see 
 
 The friends " not lost, but gone before," 
 
 What rapture and felicity 
 
 Will fill the soul ; and o'er and o'er 
 
 You will thank God ; say without fear, 
 
 "It is good for us to be here." 
 
NUGM CANORM. 
 
 But even now disciples may 
 Meet with the Master, when they kneel 
 Within His house, and while they pray. 
 His glory see. His presence feel ; 
 Then they will speak, and He will hear, 
 " It is good for us to be here." 
 
 Sunday Evening, August l<)th, 1888. 
 
NUG^ CANORJE. 
 
 
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 StKtf-. ■a ' S 
 
 WEET Paradise ! Oh, how we long 
 To see thy beauties, and to sing 
 The music which the blest enjoy, 
 Who do with gladness ever bring, 
 And will their talents thus employ. 
 
 In that sweet melody of love, 
 Discordant notes are quite unknown, 
 And only kindly words are said ; 
 Here these are often left alone, 
 And angry words are heard instead. 
 
NUGJE CANORM. 
 
 May we not sing celestial songs, 
 To brighten up these homes of ours, 
 And usher in the heavenly light ? 
 May we not plant the beauteous flowers, 
 To make this earth's existence bright ? 
 
 Oh, plant the flowers, and sing the songs. 
 Which they do sing in Paradise, 
 And let this earth's existence be 
 Made brighter, just because your voice 
 Joins in the heavenly harmony. 
 
 So in your homes the songs pray sing, 
 And let the bright flowers grow around 
 The house in which you now may live, 
 And it will presently be found 
 That these the choicest fragrance give. 
 
 These heavenly songs, and beauteous flowers, 
 Are just kind words, and nothing more, 
 And you can freely these command ; 
 May all of you possess a store, 
 And scatter them on every hand ! 
 
NUG^ CANORM, 113 
 
 With these you golden, yea, make bright, 
 Earth's darkest day, and so you should 
 With these kind words a free use make, 
 And by example, like the good, 
 Get many more this course to take. 
 
 For you will find the humblest home 
 A little Paradise may be. 
 With kind words only spoken there. 
 May we earth's brightest flower soon see 
 Springing around us everywhere. 
 
 Then cheer and gladden all you can. 
 And earth's existence will become 
 More heaven-like every day ; 
 So when your work on earth is done, 
 The Messenger may kind words say. 
 
 For if the life you have lived here 
 Has been like that which angels know 
 Who in sweet Paradise do dwell, 
 Death's messenger will kindly show 
 With you at last " All will be well." 
 
114 NUG^ CANORM. 
 
 Then make this earth like Paradise, 
 For there the good will surely find 
 That angry words are never said, 
 For these, we should do well to mind, 
 Will then be numbered with the dead. 
 
 Kind words alone are spoken there, 
 Let us, then, imitate this plan, 
 And let each one take this advice : 
 " Use kind words to your fellow-man," 
 And so make earth like Paradise. 
 
 Sunday Evening, Juiy Isi, 1888, 
 
 
NUGM CAN OEM. 115 
 
 ^^ ^^ittb Wi^% ttimftii|i ^\ \tmi\''\tp^r 
 
 SUBJECT near akin to this 
 
 I think we've had before ; 
 However, it won't be amiss 
 
 Again to look it o' er ; 
 For though not shrouded in the mists, 
 Where indefinitude exists, 
 
 We will once more explore. 
 
 Its meaning is so very clear, 
 
 Its truthfulness as well. 
 That one or more might say, I fear. 
 
 What need is there to dwell 
 On such a subject, when you see 
 Its import fully, and which we 
 
 Do understand so well ? 
 
 I 2 
 
li6 NUG^ CANORM. 
 
 But though some argue in this way, 
 
 Still most of you, I know, 
 "Would take another view, and say. 
 
 That you did clearly show 
 Your special liking, for you did 
 Your humble servant kindly bid 
 
 On it more light to throw. 
 
 For though we had last Sunday night 
 
 A many subjects brought. 
 Still, when you exercised your right 
 
 Among the lot you sought ; 
 And I did then at once detect, 
 When you this subject did select, 
 
 You did not think it naught. 
 
 Your choice I very much admire, 
 
 And certainly will try, 
 Yea, in the lecture I'll aspire 
 
 To show the reason why 
 I like the subject you did choose, 
 And show I could not well refuse 
 
 With your wish to comply 
 
NUGJE CANORM. u? 
 
 'Tis true we all might see its gist, 
 
 For this is very plain ; 
 Yet further study will assist — 
 
 Yea, though the text's the same — 
 The preacher to make old things new. 
 Yea, may enable me and you 
 
 Fresh stores of thought to gain. 
 
 So we to-night will try to dress 
 
 This subject up for you, 
 And hope you'll like it none the less, 
 
 Because it isn't new. 
 But freshened up ; so don't resent, 
 Though clothed in new words we present 
 
 An old friend to your view. 
 
 Yes, one who lives, and ever will 
 
 With all his ancient might. 
 Reason with you, and show you still 
 
 How feasible and right 
 It is for you to comfort those 
 Who are downhearted through life's woes. 
 
 For kind words will bring light. 
 
ii8 NUG^ CANORM. 
 
 For comfort kindly words will bring 
 
 To heavy, weary hearts, 
 For when these blessed strains we sing 
 
 Then heaviness departs, 
 And comfort dwells, and with her light 
 Dispels the shadows of the night, 
 
 And then new life imparts. 
 
 God knows what kindly words will do 
 
 When we are sore distrest, 
 He often speaks to me and you 
 
 And gives the spirit rest ; 
 Yea, through kind words breathes comfort sweet, 
 The heavy-hearted He will greet. 
 
 Yea, He knows how the best. 
 
 " Comfort my people," God has said, 
 
 And this by kind words do, 
 " Comfort ye," often we have read. 
 
 And I know some of you 
 Have not forgotten this command, 
 But sown kind words on every hand, 
 
 And to your God proved true. 
 
NUG^ CANOR^. 119 
 
 How many hearts for comfort sigh 
 
 And plead with us to hear 
 Their mournful notes, and to us cry, 
 
 Because they know how dear 
 A few kind words would be to them 
 When they are sorrowful, or when 
 
 Some grievous trouble's near. 
 
 i 
 
 The Blessed Master spake kind words. 
 
 When He was here below ; 
 And if our life with His accords 
 
 We shall also as we go 
 Along life's way, for as He did 
 Bring comfort by words, we are bid 
 
 This blessed trait to show. 
 
 And when He left this world of woe 
 " The Comforter " did send, 
 
 To speak kind words to us, and show 
 He would with these befriend 
 
 The heavy-hearted ones, who were 
 
 Bowed down with troubles hard to bear, 
 And who did want a friend. 
 
NUGyE CANORM. 
 
 And His disciples ever mind 
 To follow, through His light, 
 
 The precepts which He left behind, 
 And which did sparkle bright, 
 
 Through the example which He set. 
 
 And His kind words, remembered yet. 
 Will light the darkest night. 
 
 " Comfort with these words," saith St. Paul, 
 
 Will you this rule obey ? 
 And like " the Master " comfort all 
 
 You meet with in life's way: 
 And when you see a brother's need. 
 When heavy-hearted ones may plead. 
 
 Have some kind words to say. 
 
 Sunday Evening, July 2<)th, 1888, 
 
NUG^ CAN OR ^. 
 
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 OST of the subjects you select, 
 Perhaps all you kindly write, 
 
 Possess some special interest, 
 Like this we have to-night. 
 
 Of course I do not always learn 
 The subject's special plea. 
 
 But this one's history I know, 
 For it was' told to me. 
 
 For after you did choose this text, 
 A friend brought me a card, 
 
 On which I found was printed 
 A poem called, " Lean Hard." 
 
NUGM CANORM. 
 
 The few blank verses I did read, 
 And though I liked them well, 
 
 I seemed enamoured with the tale 
 The card itself could tell. 
 
 And as I wrote this afternoon, 
 
 Before me stood the card, 
 And thinking of its history, 
 
 I wrote with zeal " Lean Hard." 
 
 Its size would be nine inches wide, 
 And say, twelve inches long ; 
 
 This matters not, you want to know 
 To whom it did belong. 
 
 Well, it was prized by one you knew. 
 Who from our midst has passed, 
 
 Who often read its wise command. 
 And leaned hard to the last. 
 
 She thought a great deal of this card. 
 And why ? Because a friend 
 
 Who also was a child of pain, 
 To her this card did send. 
 
NUGM CANOR^. 123 
 
 The kindly giver, she still gives, 
 
 And its recipient too. 
 Repeats to-night the wise advice 
 
 To me and all of you. 
 
 " Lean hard," yes, they did often feel. 
 When with their grief distrest. 
 
 The peace and comfort they enjoy, 
 Who lean on Jesus' breast. 
 
 For Jesus helped them both to bear 
 Their woe, and pain, and grief, 
 
 They leaned upon the Mighty One, 
 And leaning found relief. 
 
 And as I thought upon the card. 
 And of the two friends gone, 
 
 I also thought that He still lives 
 Whose strength they leaned upon. 
 
 One of them was for many years 
 
 Afflicted sore, yet she 
 Did not forget another's woe, 
 
 As we to-night do see. 
 
124 NUGM CANORM. 
 
 For she did send the card " Lean Hard " 
 
 To one who sorrow knew, 
 To a sister in affliction, 
 
 Who was well-known to you. 
 
 And what did she do in return. 
 
 Who did sing in our choir ? 
 Why, just before she passed away 
 
 Expressed a strong desire — 
 
 For what ? That we should have some night 
 
 The subject on the card 
 For a Sunday evening lecture, 
 
 So we have now — " Lean hard." 
 
 Thus I have told the history. 
 
 As plainly as I could. 
 Of these two words " Lean hard," and hope 
 
 Our lecture may do good. 
 
 For who is there without a load, 
 
 A burden hard to bear ? 
 So to you all we say " Lean hard," 
 
 For Jesus knows your care. 
 
NUG^ CANOR^. 123 
 
 " Lean hard," yes, when with fearful rage 
 
 The fiendish hosts assail, 
 For while you lean on God's great power, 
 
 They never can prevail. 
 
 "Lean hard" when earthly friends do fail. 
 
 And earthly foes defame, 
 And speak harsh things respecting you. 
 
 To tarnish your fair name. 
 
 " Lean hard" when all the world does frown, 
 
 And all around forsake. 
 And this because against some wrong 
 
 You may some action take. 
 
 " Lean hard " when you may for the right 
 
 Desire to do some deed, 
 For leaning then on higher strength. 
 
 You surely will succeed. 
 
 " Lean hard " when all things go across. 
 
 And all seems quite awry. 
 For then you want a greater power 
 
 On which you may rely. 
 
126 NUGM CANORM. 
 
 " Lean hard" when death and sickness come, 
 
 The absent ones would say, 
 Yea, lean with all your doubts and fears 
 
 Until they pass away. 
 
 " Lean hard " the heavenly Mentor cries, 
 
 So said the little card ; 
 And in conclusion I would say, 
 
 " Lean Hard," my friends, " Lean Hard." 
 
 Sunday Evening, August \2th, 1888. 
 
 
NUGM CANOR^. 127 
 
 
 
 HE rule here presented should never be broken, 
 For words of unkindness are better not spoken, 
 So say generous things respecting the dead, 
 And let words in their favour only be said. 
 
 The absent might fail in what we expected, 
 And probably they our pet schemes neglected ; 
 Yea, even might be stout, sturdy opponents 
 Of ideas which claimed us their ready exponents. 
 
 Still none but the All-wise could see and tell clearly. 
 The reasons for actions we might judge severely ; 
 And some might be granted a sweet commendation, 
 To whom we accorded severe condemnation. 
 
128 NUGM CANORM. 
 
 So let US all speak of the dead with great kindness, 
 And let none assume that obstinate blindness, 
 Which makes man oblivious to the righteous deeds done 
 By those who once with him the race of life run. 
 
 We should then determine to be generous-hearted 
 Towards those who have from our midst departed. 
 And then we may hope when we too pass away, 
 That those left behind may have kind words to say. 
 
 The following verse was given at the conclusion of the Lecture : 
 
 Dear friends, pray let me now conclude 
 With the refrain of our prelude : 
 Let nothing but in favour be said 
 Of those now numbered with the dead. 
 
 Sunday Evening^ March 6ih, 1887. 
 
NUGM CANOR^. 
 
 129 
 
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 (52i^*^ 
 
 HAT sympathetic friend could write 
 These loving, hopeful words, 
 
 But one who knows and feels the joy 
 True sympathy affords ? 
 
 What grander tribute could be paid, 
 
 Than for our friends to say, 
 " That it is here they hear of heaven, 
 
 And also learn the way ? ' ' 
 
 If this be so, give God the praise, 
 That He, of His great love, 
 
 Through Christ has pointed out the way, 
 That leads to heaven above. 
 
 K 
 
130 NUGJE CANORM. 
 
 Please come then to this Temperance Hall 
 
 With a pure heart and mind, 
 And God may grant that each of us 
 
 The way to heaven may find. 
 
 Good Christian friends, don't come alone, 
 
 Others induce to come ; 
 Then for this good work you will feel 
 
 That you have something done. 
 
 And if you should reach heaven at last. 
 
 How great will be your share 
 Of glory, if you then should find 
 
 One friend you have led there ! 
 
 Sunday Ev mm g, September llth, 1887. 
 
 ^^^K)l^ 
 
NUG.-E CANORM. 131 
 
 
 n 
 
 
 RAY, yes, that we may be ready, 
 Like the flowing corn we see. 
 
 Yes, ready when the reaper comes, 
 And ripe for eternity. 
 
 The reapers now busy around us, 
 Are toiling from early morn, 
 
 And labouring hard throughout the day, 
 Cutting the beautiful corn. 
 
 And another reaper is busy. 
 
 Yea, working both night and day. 
 
 I wonder if we shall be ready. 
 
 When he happens to come this way ? 
 
 Ready, yes, pray to be ready. 
 
 For he may be very near ; 
 Then we shall welcome the reaper. 
 
 Whenever he may appear. 
 
 Sunday Evening^ August Hth, 1887. 
 
 K 2 
 
132 NUGM CANORM. 
 
 
 WwSift H ATEVER cause demands your aid, 
 ^hS^Mi ■'■^ ^^ ^^ good and true, 
 *^^<}' Be up, and help the work along, 
 '"^ And you will never rue. 
 
 Some say the Christian's duty is 
 To always watch and pray ; 
 
 'Tis true, but we must also work 
 While it is called to-day. 
 
 For life's the time for earnest work, 
 In this cause of the Lord, 
 
 And Christian people to this cause 
 Should every help afford. 
 
 Have you in this great work for God 
 
 Some noble task to do ? 
 Be up and labour with all might, 
 
 Keeping the end in view. 
 
NUGAi: CANORM. 
 
 133 
 
 For soon will come the harvest time, 
 
 When you see the increase ; 
 But not until the harvest home, 
 
 Should any toiler cease. 
 
 Then after toil will come sweet rest, 
 
 Yes, peaceful rest above. 
 For those who have throughout life's day 
 
 Worked for the God of love. 
 
 Sunday Evening, April l^th, 1887. 
 
134 
 
 NUGJE CANOR/E. 
 
 a 
 
 \1-S(% |]JttJJ«^1|/^ 
 
 
 JOURNEY means a passage ; 
 From one place you do start, 
 And travel on until you reach 
 Some near or distant part. 
 
 This life is but a journey. 
 It may be long or brief, 
 
 A really bright and happy one, 
 Or dark and full of grief. 
 
 For all our pathways differ, 
 
 And it Is very plain, 
 Each has its special features. 
 
 And no two are the same. 
 
 But one thing is quite certain, 
 And this point I commend 
 
 To your sincere attention. 
 Each roadway has an end. 
 
NUGM CANORM. 13s 
 
 Note this, then, as you journey 
 
 Along your own highway, 
 And don't forget to keep the end 
 
 Before you every day. 
 
 For all good pilgrims look ahead, 
 
 And think that it is best 
 To charm away their weariness 
 
 With thoughts of home and rest. 
 
 They also know true pilgrims' ways 
 
 At last converge in one, 
 And each brave traveller shall have rest 
 
 When his life's journey's done. 
 
 But there are roads which cannot end 
 
 In peace and endless bliss. 
 And perhaps the pilgrims walking there 
 
 Have never thought of this. 
 
 Then ponder o'er life's journey, 
 
 This question I ask you : 
 You can put it to another — 
 
 Where are you travelling to ? 
 
136 NUGM CANORM. 
 
 Two classes only tread life's ways ; 
 
 The one supremely blest, 
 Who, when the journey's ended, 
 
 Will gain eternal rest. 
 
 The other portion wend their way, 
 And wander here and there, 
 
 Their aimless journey terminates, 
 I would not answer where ! 
 
 But you, I hope, when life is o'er, 
 Will all be found with those 
 
 Who will have reason to rejoice, 
 And hail the journey's close. 
 
 Sunday Evening.^ January S//i, l888. 
 
HINGS are not always what they seem, 
 
 For in the garb of night 
 y- To finite men things may appear, 
 
 And yet all may be light. 
 And so God's ways may often be 
 
 Hard to be understood ; 
 But let each soul remember that 
 
 All things will work for good. 
 
 And if the sky should be o'ercast. 
 
 No ray of light be seen. 
 And without a silver lining 
 
 The lowering clouds may seem ; 
 Yet peering through the darkness, 
 
 With heaven-assisted sight. 
 The man of faith — he knows full well. 
 
 The sun is shining bright. 
 
J3S NVGM CANORM. 
 
 So with our lives when all is dark, 
 
 We're filled with faithless fear, 
 The voice of hope then cries aloud, 
 
 " Remember God is near " ; 
 And with the sight He can bestow 
 
 Even the clouds look bright. 
 We'll trust Him then through this dark world, 
 
 And then all will be light. 
 
 Sunday Evening, October 17M, 1886. 
 
 
 "^'l)%^s-\ 
 
^^ flan |ttj|gtu«$ Killa^ iait ^iJ^^^^^ ^^^^^^ 
 
 WEET Spirit of Christian love, 
 Dwell with us and remain ; 
 
 Pray come to us from above, 
 In our hearts light thy flame. 
 
 Oh teach us how to forgive ! 
 
 That we may be forgiven, 
 And tell us how we ought to live 
 
 That we may all reach heaven. 
 
 How little harsh man will forgive, 
 
 For ever since the fall, 
 Small is the mercy man would give. 
 
 But God forgiveth all. 
 
 Sunday Evening, January loth, 1887. 
 
I40 
 
 NUGM CANORM. 
 
 :CS^« 
 
 "f|tt$^ fur % Htils zM%r 
 
 tea 
 
 yij^S^ 
 
 
 f[ HE children shall have music ! 
 
 This hall of praise shall ring, 
 With the joyful notes of children 
 
 Who love to praise our King. 
 We'll chant forth gladsome music ! 
 
 We'll praise Him more and more ! 
 Until with holy angels, 
 
 We praise Him evermore. 
 
 Sunday Evening, August 22nd, l8 
 
NUGM CANORM. 141 
 
 U 
 
 
 TAT 
 
 ■V 
 
 % 
 
 rffl^ 
 
 E lived that life of faith down here 
 Which all true Christians must, 
 I^M^ Who would expect when life is o'er, 
 A place among the just. 
 He knew in whom he did believe, 
 
 To serve Christ was his aim ; 
 And keeping steadfast to the end, 
 
 Dying to him was gain. 
 On such a life angels would Idok 
 
 With wonder and with love ; 
 And they would bear him company, 
 
 To heaven, their home, above. 
 What cared he for the world's cold frown ! 
 
 He feared not man — but God ; 
 Along the narrow way he walked, 
 Which saints before have trod. 
 
142 NVGM CANOR^. 
 
 Bravely he stood by right and truth, 
 
 Though sometimes against those 
 Who could command much worldly might, 
 
 And dare the right oppose. 
 But trusting in the might of heaven, 
 
 He many victories won, 
 And championed the cause of truth. 
 
 Until his work was done. 
 And after working long for God, 
 
 Knowing that it was best, 
 To serve the Master faithfully 
 
 He entered into rest. 
 To emulate a life like his, 
 
 So faithful, earnest, true, 
 Is taking a line of conduct 
 
 Which none will ever rue. 
 His goodness and his charity. 
 
 We do remember yet. 
 And his many words of counsel 
 
 We never can forget. 
 Pray for that faith which strengthened him, 
 
 And for the same true heart. 
 Which clings close to the Saviour, 
 
 And from Him cannot part. 
 
NUG^ CANORM. 
 
 143 
 
 To live the same good life down here, 
 
 And then to live above, 
 With the Kings of kings for ever, 
 
 And friends we so much love. 
 My father, noble, good and kind, 
 
 I hope again to see. 
 And to the heaven where he now lives. 
 
 May Jesus Christ lead me. 
 
 Sunday Evening, November 21s/, 1886. 
 
 £-S^^ 
 
 
 
144 NUGM CANORM. 
 
 -D^il ffiull^r;^ 
 
 
 '^' N that bright world called " Beautiful,' 
 She has now gone to dwell, 
 
 Its glories, who can picture them ? 
 What human tongue can tell 
 
 One half the beauties of that land. 
 
 Where Jesus reigns supreme ? 
 For the sun is ever shining, 
 
 The fields are ever green. 
 The flowers they never wither, 
 
 The blossoms never fade, 
 For all is golden brightness there, 
 
 Sunshine, without the shade ; 
 Sickness and pain ne'er enter there, 
 
 Want, sadness, or decay ; 
 For the night of sorrow's ended 
 
 In heaven's eternal day. 
 
NUGM CANORM. i45 
 
 God called my angel mother there, 
 
 And now she stands among- 
 The Lord's redeemed in Paradise; 
 
 Oh what a happy throng ! 
 Pure, sinless, perfect, glorified, 
 
 How beautiful the sight ! 
 To see the happy multitudes 
 
 Robed in their raiment white. 
 They stand around the Saviour, 
 
 Jesus — the King of Love — 
 And our dear friends are praising Him, 
 
 For calling them above. 
 They chant forth glorious music, 
 
 Their voices never tire. 
 Who sing the heavenly anthems 
 
 In that celestial choir. 
 Then join your notes of thankfulness. 
 
 With loved ones gone before ; 
 Who through the Saviour's kindness 
 
 Have reached the peaceful shore. 
 That angel form is standing there ; 
 
 Mother, I love you well ! 
 You're waiting there to welcome me 
 
 To where the angels dwell. 
 
146 
 
 NUGJS CANORJE. 
 
 I would not call thee back, mother, 
 But I will come to thee. 
 
 To heaven — and through God's mercy- 
 Dwell there eternally. 
 
 And in that land called " Beautiful," 
 We shall know each other, 
 
 And live together lovingly. 
 You and I — My Mother. 
 
 Sunday Evening, September z6th, 1886. 
 
NUG^ CANORM. 147 
 
 
 11 
 
 ING Solomon did many proverbs write, 
 And His wise observations still remain : 
 To one of these I will allude to-night, 
 
 Because in meaning it is just the same 
 As that- brief subject, on which you thought it well, 
 We should this evening for a short time dwell. 
 
 We will then with your kind permission turn. 
 To those wise sayings of the wisest king ; 
 
 From these we all may useful lessons learn, 
 For to these sayings wisdom seems to cling. 
 
 Undoubtedly King Solomon was very wise. 
 
 And it is therefore well we should his proverbs prize. 
 
 We look this book of proverbs o'er and o'er, 
 
 The wisdom of its author we admire ; 
 As wiser we become, we view the precious store 
 
 Of wisdom with respect, and never tire 
 In reading sayings of so wise and great a king. 
 Who did so well and long true wisdom's praises sing. 
 
 Life's details in these proverbs have a place, 
 They well describe the duties we should do, 
 
 L 2 
 
148 NUGJE CANORM. 
 
 And tell us how to act, yea, you may trace 
 Some words of wisdom to encourage you, 
 In all the varied scenes which you may pass through here, 
 And teach you how along the perfect track to steer. 
 
 The way that we should act towards foes and friends, 
 
 Is pointed out with great exactitude. 
 And specially we find this wise king lends 
 
 His sanction to our text, for we conclude. 
 Wisdom does with its teaching perfectly agree, 
 As from his writings on true friendship we shall see 
 
 ' ' Forsake not ' ' are the words which we do read 
 In chapter twenty-seven in Wisdom's book ; 
 
 " Forsake not," these words with us gently plead. 
 As on their kindly countenance we look. 
 
 These wise and mighty words your very own pray make. 
 
 Then you will not "your friend or father's friend" forsake. 
 
 A friend not false, but true, is such a prize, 
 
 That " wisdom cries aloud," " Do not forsake ; " 
 
 And, if, like wisdom's king, we too are wise, 
 We shall in all true friendship pleasure take. 
 
 We must not then forsake a single steadfast friend. 
 
 But towards him show a friendly feeling to the end. 
 
 Sunday Evening, Jtme 2\lh, 1888. 
 
NUGM CANORM. 149 
 
 H 
 
 ^t^t^ w$^i |j|tiuH^$ |alf-uta^/^ 
 
 f* E are as sure of troubles here, 
 As sparks do upward fly, 
 ^P^V*^ And not one person can escape, 
 However he may try ; 
 For trouble is the lot of all, 
 This no one can deny, ^ 
 
 They may be grievous and long-lived, 
 
 And difficult to bear, 
 But no one should anticipate. 
 
 Or calculate his share ; 
 For borrowing trouble often means 
 
 Much extra wear and tear. 
 
 To think of troubles in advance. 
 And meeting them half-way. 
 
 Is an evil invitation 
 
 To which we all might say : 
 
 Our present trouble surely is 
 Sufficient for the day. 
 
150 NUG^ CANORM. 
 
 Our duty is to bravely bear, 
 The troubles that are sent, 
 
 For it is plain beyond a doubt, 
 We never should consent, 
 
 To brood o'er or conjecture ills, 
 Which we try to invent. 
 
 For there's no life, however bright. 
 
 That is from trouble free, 
 So we should not more trouble make, 
 
 By striving hard to see 
 The ills the future has in store. 
 
 And thinking what they'll be ; 
 
 For it is only foolishness, 
 
 And certainly not right, 
 For man to test futurity. 
 
 By his imperfect sight ; 
 For none but God's omniscient eye. 
 
 Can gaze on that aright. 
 
 Then give attention to our text. 
 It is a good receipt. 
 
NUG^ CANORM. 
 
 'SI 
 
 And acted on you soon will find, 
 
 That it is not discreet 
 For anyone to journey forth, 
 
 The ills of life to meet. 
 
 For fancied troubles may not come. 
 So pray leave them alone ; 
 
 But bravely face the real ones. 
 Until you reach that home, 
 
 In that far-off celestial land, 
 Where troubles are unknown. 
 
 Sunday JSvtmng, February I2ih, 1888 
 
152 NUGM CANOR^. 
 
 H how bright the crown of glory ! 
 
 Which the saints of God shall wear, 
 
 ,^^ ., _^ Who in this life try to serve Him, 
 
 t)W(f ■'^"d who bravely their cross bear. 
 Then what honour ! 
 Will His true cross-bearers share. 
 
 Thy cross, brother, bear with courage. 
 
 There is honour and renown 
 For those who the cross bear bravely. 
 
 And who never lay it down. 
 Then what glory ! 
 The hard- borne cross changed for a crown. 
 
 So through this life's tribulations. 
 Through these earthly crosses show. 
 
 You are steadfast, you are faithful, 
 And through trials perfect grow. 
 
 Then in heaven ! 
 A peaceful rest for ever know. 
 
NUG^ CANORM. 
 
 153 
 
 Refuse to carry then the cross ! 
 
 The cross which God has given, 
 You lose the crown, and Christ Himself 
 
 Away from you is driven. 
 Then what sorrow ! 
 
 No cross on earth, no crown in heaven. 
 
 Sunday Evening, January ^th, 1887. 
 
154 
 
 NUGM CANORM. 
 
 
 OW beautiful the sight must be, 
 To Jesus whom we love, 
 ^^fe^iWhen He looks on this assembly 
 ''"■7ii^^' From His bright home above. 
 He listens to our songs of praise, 
 
 Yea, hears the feeblest voice. 
 And if His angels hear our songs, 
 They also will rejoice. 
 
 Will He permit those friends of ours. 
 
 Who sang with us before. 
 To hear us still, and join with us, 
 
 From yonder golden shore ? 
 We are assembled here below, 
 
 They've reached the blessed shore, 
 Yet our employment is the same 
 
 And will be evermore. 
 
NUGM CANOR^. 
 
 155 
 
 Our meeting's here will soon be o'er, 
 
 So we must not forsake 
 These means of grace, but still attend, 
 
 And this for Jesu's sake. 
 Then of His goodness and His love 
 
 Our praises shall be given, 
 With the assembled multitude 
 
 Who sing His praise in heaven. 
 
 Sunday Evening, March loth, 1887. 
 
15,6 
 
 NUG^ CANORM. 
 
 i|^ \mx\ \% in hmt^^ ii? Huum unit It^aul^ 
 
 — gst: 
 
 |3£^3$S^- 
 
 HENEVER cheerfulness does rule, 
 
 How easy 'tis to trace 
 The glowing beauty, which lights up 
 And so adorns the face. 
 
 For when the heart is in full flower, 
 
 Its bloom and beauty pass 
 Right to the face, and this does prove 
 
 A faithful looking-glass. 
 
 For facial signs are mostly true. 
 And by them you detect 
 
 The seasons of the heart, for they 
 Its feelings will reflect. 
 
NUGM CANORM. 157 
 
 How charming' is a cheerful face 
 
 Lit with a merry glow, 
 Which speaks to you that from the heart, 
 
 Bright sparkling currents flow. 
 
 Like walking through your gardens, 
 Or through the lovely bowers. 
 
 Rich with their bright adornments, 
 The cheerful, smiling flowers. 
 
 How refreshing such surroundings ! 
 
 How beauteous the sight ! 
 To see sweet nature sweetly dressed 
 
 In colours fair and bright. 
 
 But these gay flowers all fade away. 
 
 Their beauty will not last, 
 We see them withered, blighted, dead. 
 
 And sigh, their smile is past. 
 
 And even so it is with friends 
 
 We daily meet with here, 
 As we're walking through life's garden. 
 
 Whose smiling faces cheer. 
 
158 NUGM CANORM. 
 
 Those faces are not always bright, 
 For when the heart-bloom's gone, 
 
 The features change, where are the flowers? 
 You look, and you find none. 
 
 Thus it will be with all of us. 
 The blighting will come soon ; 
 
 The heart and face alike will droop, 
 And will refuse to bloom. 
 
 But there is the fairer garden 
 Where flowers for ever grow, 
 
 Where features bloom, because the heart 
 Will never sorrow know. 
 
 There beauty will adorn the face, 
 
 The winter will be past ; 
 That type of cheerfulness will flower, 
 
 Which will for ever last. 
 
 Sunday Evening, October 161/1, 1887. 
 
NUGM CANORM. I59 
 
 W|$ ritl^ a$ ttt$H ass poxtr, 
 
 -^^^'^^^-^^- 
 
 fMl GOOD resolution for any to make, 
 Dictated by wisdom, I think ; 
 ' And who will regret, who does undertake 
 ^^^^ To keep his door closed against drink ? 
 
 The rich and the poor, alike we invite 
 Strong drink to keep outside the door, 
 
 And there may be some who are here to-night, 
 Who wish they had done this before. 
 
 And certainly, they who ever have known 
 The curse which its entrance may bring, 
 
 Will wish that the door of every home 
 Should be closed against such a thing. 
 
For many there are who sadly bemoan, 
 
 And this they will do evermore, 
 That they have to drink a friendliness shown, 
 
 And opened for him their own door. 
 
 A friend ! nay a foe, dressed up in disguise, 
 
 A wolf in sheep's clothing is he, 
 His victims may weep, he heeds not their cries, 
 
 But laughs as they long to be free. 
 
 This foe having entered, say, who can eject ? 
 
 For he is both cruel and great ! 
 He wishes to stay, and he will reject 
 
 Your pleadings, and smile at your fate. 
 
 And thus you find out, like thousands before, 
 And with them you now will contend, 
 
 That it was unwise to open the door 
 To the foe who posed as a friend. 
 
 For strong drink has entered many a home, 
 On which we now look with dismay ; 
 
 For from all the dwellings he claims as his own, 
 All joys have long since passed away. 
 
No mind can conceive, no pen can describe 
 
 The havoc, and ruin, and sin, 
 Which will be produced, where drink does reside, 
 
 In the homes he has entered in. 
 
 This foe, then, ever determine to keep. 
 
 Not inside, but outside the door; 
 For who would have any reason to weep. 
 
 If he stays there for evermore. 
 
 Sunday Evening, May 13M, 1888, 
 
 M 
 
l62 
 
 NUGM CANORM. 
 
 ^^ ^im ^tv^ %h^ % % ir]j$$ uf %t%m 
 
 " yt t§s iiju$$ l^^tt station fet$pi«g, 
 
 ■ s^-^T-M^r^ 
 
 HE world may frown — all may forsake, 
 Yet though there is none other 
 
 To stand by thee ; one will remain 
 Steadfast and true, thy mother. 
 
 Though clouds may gather thickly round. 
 Thy way grow dark and dreary, 
 
 Though friends may go, thy mother stays, 
 She never will be weary. 
 
 The scene grows darker — death may come. 
 Who then is there to cheer thee ? 
 
 Thy mother still remains, and why ? 
 Because she loves sincerely. 
 
NUGM CANORM. 163 
 
 Oh, who can tell the height or depth, 
 Describe the breath or length — 
 
 Of a true mother's tender love ? 
 By what means gauge its strength ? 
 
 A mother stood before the cross. 
 When Christ was crucified ; 
 
 What anguish did those tears reveal, 
 When our dear Saviour died. 
 
 Could we but know the love she felt 
 Which was not quenched by fear, 
 
 Before the cross, we too should stand.; 
 And hold the Saviour dear. 
 
 Sunday Evening, April pd, 1887. 
 
 M 2 
 
i64 NUGM CANORM. 
 
 ^^©jtl^ It It^am uf ^««$m/^ 
 
 F just a little cheery beam 
 Should come some cloudy day, 
 In it we recognise a friend 
 ^^ To cheer us on our way ; 
 
 And oh how thankful should we be, 
 If only one bright ray ! 
 
 With some the sky is always dark, 
 Without bright beams to cheer. 
 
 And threatening clouds seem to foretell 
 That darker days are near, 
 
 And when no ray lights up the gloom, 
 The heart begins to fear. 
 
 But many times when ill omens, 
 
 Fill us with fear and dread, 
 We hardly dare look at the clouds. 
 
 Which threaten overhead ; 
 But if we did, we perhaps should see 
 
 A beam of light instead. 
 
NUG^ CANORJE. 165 
 
 For though clouds may look black and dark, 
 
 And indicate a storm, 
 We should not fear those lowering clouds, 
 
 Or dread their threatening form, 
 For sometimes it is the darkest, 
 
 Before the coming dawn. 
 
 So when the gloomy clouds surround. 
 
 Dispel dread and dismay. 
 For those dark clouds may disappear, 
 
 Yea, usher in the day 
 Whose light is that eternal light. 
 
 Which cannot pass away. 
 
 But ere we see that glorious light. 
 
 The light of that fair land 
 Where round the Sun of Righteousness 
 
 Bright spirits ever stand, 
 The little beams of sunshine here, 
 
 Must gratitude command. 
 
 For wherever there is darkness. 
 Even a little beam 
 
Of sunshine is acceptable, 
 
 Whenever it is seen ; 
 For without these rays of sunshine 
 
 How dark the world would seem ! 
 
 If only a beam of sunshine, 
 
 You are able to create. 
 If only the lives of others, 
 
 A little brighter make ; 
 God will be pleased, for you do then 
 
 His own work undertake : 
 
 How many beams of sunshine 
 God would be pleased to send. 
 
 To brighten up our earthly lives, 
 If we would only lend 
 
 Ourselves to Him, and for His work 
 Our talents freely spend. 
 
 What are the beams of sunshine 
 Which every person may 
 
 Throw round the lives of others, 
 He meets with in life's way? 
 
Why, just the God-like, kindly deeds, 
 We may do every day. 
 
 Yes, even kindly words and looks 
 
 May throw a ray of light 
 Around the lives of others, 
 
 And banish sorrow's night ; 
 Irradiate the darkest scenes, 
 
 And make the sky look bright. 
 
 For God has given to all the power. 
 And that man will be blest 
 
 With many beams of sunshine. 
 Who makes it manifest ; 
 
 He will bring light to other lives. 
 And for this do his best 
 
 To secure a beam of sunshine, 
 
 A little sunshine throw 
 Into the lives of other folks, 
 
 And learn by this to show 
 Some kindness, not forgetting those, 
 
 Who do much sorrow know. 
 
Only a beam of sunshine ! 
 
 Only a good deed done ! 
 Only a few kind loving words ! 
 
 Only a sunbeam won ! 
 Only ! what does this only mean ? 
 
 Why, only heaven begun. 
 
 Only a beam of sunshine ! 
 
 May we have one to-night ! 
 And through heaven's open casement, 
 
 Behold that fairer light. 
 Which sometimes gilds this lower world, 
 
 And radiates earth's night. 
 
 Oh,, little beams of sunshine. 
 
 We'll scatter you around. 
 And try to drive away dark clouds, 
 
 Wherever they are found. 
 Until we reach the fairer world. 
 
 Where sunbeams will abound. 
 
 Sunday Evening, July ith, 1888. 
 
 
NUGM CANORM. 169 
 
 ^^ f ppmttA iu ysxtti iub/^ 
 
 ^ 
 
 OW can frail man prepare to meet his Maker ? 
 
 What must he do ? What present must he bring, 
 When he goes forth to meet the great Creator, 
 And stands before the palace of the King ? 
 
 Is it beyond his power to gain admission 
 
 To that pure land where seraphs long have trod 
 
 Who know no sin, so have the full permission 
 To roam throughout the paradise of God ? 
 
 Is that good land just for the good and holy ? 
 
 Can none but righteous people enter there. 
 Who to their God their lives have given wholly, 
 
 And spent their days in abstinence and prayer ? 
 
 If this is so, who can hope to inherit 
 
 Those realms of bliss where sinners cannot be ? 
 Oh is there nothing we can do to merit 
 
 An entrance there and all its glories see ? 
 
170 NUGM CANORJE. 
 
 " Preparing to meet God " we try, and failing 
 Through many sins which seem to block the way, 
 
 We sigh for heaven, and faith and prayer prevailing, 
 Prepared we hope to meet God there some day. 
 
 We see ourselves so full of imperfections. 
 
 And hardly hope to tread those courts above, 
 
 Yes, often we do find that our affections 
 
 Are thither drawn, perhaps by the cords of love. 
 
 Will His sweet voice be heard from that grand portal. 
 As we approach the city's pearly gate ? 
 
 To bid us enter that blest land immortal, 
 
 Or shall we hear those awful words, " Too late ? " 
 
 May we be found prepared, and then for ever 
 We'll sing His praises, who did open wide 
 
 Those pearly gates, that we might dwell together. 
 In that great home He promised to provide. 
 
 Sunday Evening, May l^i/t, 1887. 
 
NUG^ CANORM. 171 
 
 "Prevention is better than cure, 
 S^ You all admit I feel quite sure, 
 For it seems very plain, 
 That it is wiser to prevent 
 An evil — though we might invent 
 A means to cure the pain. 
 
 There ever is cause and effect, 
 Remove the one you disconnect 
 
 The link that binds the two ; 
 The source of evil then assail. 
 Its dire effects cease to prevail. 
 
 Does this seem clear to you ? 
 
 Take the example of strong drink, 
 And you will then confess, I think, 
 
 That here we have a test ; 
 One we shall have no fear about. 
 But which will prove beyond a doubt. 
 
 Prevention is the best. 
 
172 NUG^ CANORM. 
 
 How earnestly the drunkard tries, 
 And yet the monster drink defies, 
 
 His efforts to amend ; 
 He falls, and yet he strives again, 
 The fiend will whisper — " All in vain 
 
 You may try to the end." 
 
 Angels look on, he may succeed, 
 For him bright spirits intercede 
 
 Before the throne of grace ; 
 Severe his task ! Hard is the fight ! 
 The course is rugged, still with might, ' 
 
 He may yet win the race. 
 
 Perhaps he would never pause and think. 
 When he began to take strong drink, 
 
 That it was such a pest ; 
 So difficult to drive away. 
 But now he is prepared to say, 
 
 Prevention is the best. 
 
 Sunday Evenmg, July 24M, 1887. 
 
 
NUGJE CANORM. 
 
 173 
 
 
 a 
 
 i^ ;f 
 
 
 ^tia^^^ii^ ^'i 
 
 TRIVE for this purity down here, 
 Such perfectness and love ; 
 A foretaste of that purity, 
 Which saints enjoy above. 
 
 Sunday Evening, Seplember $iA, 1886. 
 
 ^^' 
 
 
 
174 NUG^ CANOR^. 
 
 
 xm m i\\ muijtt % mi^J' 
 
 L LOVELY youtli, commence to sow, 
 
 In the morning of thy days, 
 The seeds of good as thou dost go, 
 
 Along life's various ways ; 
 For little seeds placed m the ground, 
 
 By a loving, faithful hand ; 
 These will most certainly be found, 
 
 To grow by heaven's command. 
 
 And how delightful it must be. 
 
 After sowing many years, 
 To gaze on what we hope to see. 
 
 When the golden fruit appears ; 
 And we may have while here below, 
 
 Fruit for our labour given ; 
 But all results we cannot know, 
 
 Till we see them in heaven. 
 
NUGM CANOR^. 175 
 
 Then in the better world above, 
 
 Through heaven's eternal day, 
 We see the fruit from seeds of love 
 
 We scattered by life's way ; 
 So let us sow from youth to age 
 
 Seed as we pass along, 
 Then may we one and all engage, 
 
 In the joyful, harvest song. 
 
 Sunday Evening^ March 2']ih, 1887. 
 
 '^^ 
 
176 
 
 NUG^ CANOR^. 
 
 a 
 
 
 fOR many years on foreign soil, 
 God's chosen people had to toil, 
 *^1i And weary was their lot ; 
 
 ^ Perhaps they would often wonder then. 
 Whether God did remember them. 
 Or had He quite forgot. 
 
 Egyptian bondage was severe, 
 
 For they worked hard year after year, 
 
 Amidst their cruel foes ; 
 Who could describe their wretched state. 
 As they did toil early and late. 
 
 Or picture all their woes ? 
 
 Their case more desperate became. 
 Until at last deliverance came, 
 
 For God, who saw their woe, 
 Instructed Moses to demand, 
 That Pharaoh, king of Egypt's land. 
 
 Should let His people go. 
 
NUG^ CANOR^. 177 
 
 At first he did God's right disown, 
 Until God's Majesty was shown, 
 
 And felt on every hand ; 
 Then he was willing to agree, 
 To heaven's unchangeable decree, 
 
 And bow to God's command. 
 
 And when from Egypt Israel went. 
 How soon King Pharaoh did repent, 
 
 And quickly did decide 
 He would with all his fighting men. 
 Pursue and bring them back again, 
 
 Though God was on their side ! 
 
 But God did let His servant know, 
 He would this army overthrow. 
 
 And on it ruin bring ; 
 So Moses did the people cheer, 
 And told them they had naught to fear. 
 
 From Egypt's cruel king. 
 
 And though with terror they were wild. 
 Their leader was both calm and mild, 
 In spite of taunt and sneer ! 
 
 N 
 
178 NUGM CANOR^. 
 
 He was not filled with black dismay, 
 For God did to His servant say, 
 That help was very near. 
 
 When they the mighty host did see, 
 In quick pursuit ; in front the sea. 
 
 They did feel great alarm ; 
 But Moses knew that those he led. 
 Would be preserved, for God had said. 
 
 They should not suffer harm. 
 
 King Pharaoh and his hosts had made. 
 These faithless people much afraid ; 
 
 And they did murmur when 
 They saw his army with affright ; 
 They knew the numbers and the might. 
 
 Of Egypt's fighting men. 
 
 But Moses told the people then, 
 That they would never see again 
 
 The host they saw that day ; 
 For God Himself had plainly said. 
 They should be numbered with the dead, 
 
 And He would lead the way. 
 
NUG^ CANORjS. 179 
 
 "Go forward" then was God's command, 
 Yes, forward to the promised land. 
 
 For this command was sent 
 From heaven, and then the people did 
 Right willingly as they were bid, 
 
 And gladly forward went. 
 
 Oh faithful Christian, just as they 
 
 Were shown through doubts and fears the way, 
 
 And reached the other shore ; 
 " Go forward," smile at every foe. 
 For God, who did their foes o'erthrow, 
 
 He lives for evermore. 
 
 Sunday Evining, April %th, 1888. 
 
 N 2 
 
i8o NUGJE CAN OR M. 
 
 ^'^ijit^d%:iuui 
 
 i1 
 
 ~^WW 
 
 ( AN'S heart is like a garden, 
 '^ In it the sowers sow 
 
 The seeds of good and evil, 
 And both take root and grow. 
 
 If the soil be good, the bad seed 
 
 Could not begin to root, 
 And if the ground is suitable, 
 
 The good will soon bear fruit. 
 
 For little seeds will germinate, 
 Then comes the tender shoot, 
 
 Which will become the mighty tree, 
 To bring forth its own fruit. 
 
 Which trees grow in your garden ; 
 
 And which do you think should ? 
 Trees bearing only evil fruit, 
 
 Or those which produce good ? 
 
NUGAi: CANORM. 
 
 If good trees grow then tend them well, 
 Yea, with all watchful care, 
 
 So that they may continue still 
 Plenty of fruit to bear. 
 
 If evil trees, then cut them down. 
 To-night " strike at the root," 
 
 Of every tree that is not good. 
 And brings forth evil fruit, 
 
 Sunday Evening, October ilst, 1886. 
 
I 82 
 
 NUG^ CANOR^. 
 
 -& 
 
 ^asi 
 
 -4-ir 
 
 ^^ l^nb ta« uf mi itn^t\ 
 
 n 
 
 s| HE tender plant — thy soul — O mortal man 
 
 Tend it with care ; 
 ^^j.^^. And in the precious cultivation 
 
 No labour spare ; 
 For He who did entrust thee with the charge — 
 
 The God of Love ; 
 He will require the plant prepared to grow, 
 
 In heaven above. 
 
 Sunday Evening, August 2gM 1886. 
 
 ^^ 
 
NUG^ CANOR^. 183 
 
 ELL the truth ! Yes, both in word and action, 
 And with this golden motto never part, 
 
 So will you earn that peaceful satisfaction 
 Which they possess who speak truth from the 
 heart. 
 
 In God's own book we all are recommended, 
 By loving words which we should not despise. 
 
 Yes, frequently are lovingly commended 
 
 The truth to buy, to keep, and then to prize. 
 
 To teach the truth then we should be persistent. 
 The truth as taught to us in God's good book ; 
 
 But what we find with this truth inconsistent 
 We never should a single moment brook. 
 
 Oh, God of truth, grant that those who possessing 
 The light of truth, and that through knowing Thee, 
 
 May others show the way to gain this blessing, 
 For truly 'tis the truth that makes men free. 
 
 Sunday Evening, December 12th, 1886. 
 
NUGM CANORM. 
 
 a 
 
 
 HIS aphorism I admire, 
 
 It is a precious gem, 
 Which rightfully may claim to be 
 
 The Christian's diadem. 
 
 For what could crown the Christian's life 
 And which would harmonize 
 
 More perfectly with that of Christ 
 Than conscious sacrifice ? 
 
 It was the constant offering 
 Which made His life sublime, 
 
 Whose blessed influence radiates 
 And makes the Christian's shine. 
 
 His life was spent for others' good. 
 And when His life He gave, 
 
 He made this crowning sacrifice 
 The sinner's life to save. 
 
NUG^ CANORM. 183 
 
 The voluntary giving up 
 Of that which we may prize, 
 
 Not just the offal of our store, 
 Should our gifts signalise. 
 
 For this great lever Christ would use 
 
 Our lives to sublimate, 
 The mighty adverse Satan wields 
 
 Man to degenerate. 
 
 And he who chooses selfishness 
 And who will nothing give. 
 
 Who offers up no sacrifice, 
 Has yet to learn to live. 
 
 You ask, who'll reach the highest life ? 
 
 I answer — he who tries 
 And freely volunteers to make 
 
 The greatest sacrifice. 
 
 Sunday Evening, November dlh, 1887. 
 
 ^"V{;^^f:'- 
 
1 86 
 
 NUGM CANORM. 
 
 l( 
 
 )|ai Kill^ gq^tt W in mt '$M^. 
 
 a 
 
 -.V- 
 
 ^(^ HAT little green leaf in our Bible." 
 . To it we turn on sad and weary days, 
 yj^tri When all around is cloudy, and the mist 
 Of dark dismay blocks up the usual ways 
 Through which our friends are able to assist. 
 
 " That little green leaf in our Bible." 
 
 On this we look when murky days are gone, 
 
 When skies are cloudless and in clearer light 
 We find that things are fair to look upon. 
 
 And all around is beautiful and bright. 
 
 " That little green leaf in our Bible," 
 
 In all the varied scenes we pass through here 
 
 To this we flee and ever find a stay ; 
 In that green leaf we have a friend sincere. 
 
 Whether it Is a glad or gloomy day. 
 
NUGM CANORM. 187 
 
 "That little green leaf in our Bible." 
 How we proceed to it when foes around 
 
 Do threaten, and when angry tempests blow; 
 And from it we have very often found 
 
 Strength for our weakness, solace for our woe. 
 
 " That little green leaf in our Bible," 
 We all can find in any time of need, 
 
 For God Himself Who has this green leaf made 
 Has very wisely ordered and decreed 
 
 Its freshness and its beauty shall not fade. 
 
 " That little green leaf in our Bible." 
 Where is it ? Everywhere ! For all the leaves 
 
 Of that blest book will springlike ever seem. 
 And he who searches oft and well, perceives 
 
 Each sacred page remains both fresh and green. 
 
 " That little green leaf in our Bible." 
 
 It may be one of nature's leaves placed there 
 
 By you when you have sought and found relief. 
 To mark the proper place, and show just where 
 
 You found that comfort which assuages grief. 
 
" That little green leaf in our Bible," 
 A leaf of ivy, or a spray of fern, 
 
 To you its weighty meaning is known well, 
 Others may not in that green leaf discern 
 
 That which its voiceless presence will not tell. 
 
 " That little green leaf in our Bible," 
 
 Was it not gathered many years ago ? 
 
 When some dear friend did through the green 
 woods roam, 
 
 Who now has gone from the bleak world below 
 
 To where eternal verdure has its home. 
 
 " That little green leaf in our Bible." 
 Oh yes, we use it just to mark the place, 
 
 The very passage, which our friends did love. 
 In it we see a mother's blessed face. 
 
 Or other friend's who has now gone above. 
 
 " That little green leaf in our Bible." 
 
 Oh how we treasure ! and how much we prize 
 
 These little green leaves, scattered here and there, 
 To mark the purer leaves which make us wise. 
 
 And through which we for Paradise prepare. 
 
NUG^ CANORM. 
 
 189 
 
 " That little green leaf in our Bible," 
 
 For its own sake we love it more and more, 
 
 Because it was by some much loved one given ; 
 But oh, how lovingly should we adore 
 
 Those precious leaves, the priceless gift of heaven ! 
 
 Sunday Evening, April 22nd, 1888. 
 
1 90 
 
 NUGM CANORM. 
 
 " %\\ \t%\ ttw^ In \tt^ 50x1b t^% xxi mpuij^ \% id 
 ^xt^ l|p tttit| nittt ]j«$$/^ 
 
 ^''i'i 
 
 OW many genuine Heroes 
 Whose histories we read 
 p^Have left a sterling record 
 Of many a noble deed. 
 
 Their lives are bright examples 
 
 And we again relate, 
 In deeds, a version of those lives 
 
 Which we do imitate. 
 
 We read of valiant Soldiers 
 
 Who on some distant plain 
 Fought bravely for their country's weal 
 
 And earned a lasting fame. 
 
NUGM CANOR^. 191 
 
 We read of great Commanders 
 
 And deeds of daring done 
 Upon many a stormy ocean, 
 
 And gallant victories won. 
 
 We read of brilliant Statesmen 
 
 And Patriots who could 
 And did make sacrifices 
 
 For their own country's good. 
 
 We read of Christian Martyrs 
 
 Who rather than deny 
 The glorious truths which they believed 
 
 Would suffer, yea, would die. 
 
 We read of God's true Servants, 
 
 Who ever, for His sake. 
 Any hard, dangerous duty 
 
 Would gladly undertake. 
 
 We read of Christ's true followers, 
 
 Who by their actions show 
 That they their memories refresh 
 
 Of how He lived below. 
 
192 NUGM CANORM. 
 
 And as we do read frequently 
 These records, we seem bid 
 
 By what we read to do again 
 The works which these men did. 
 
 So we shall keep In memory 
 
 The noble acts of those 
 Who once did work right bravely 
 
 But now have earned repose. 
 
 We gaze o'er life's great ocean, 
 We note the rolling seas, 
 
 But the good deeds of our Heroes 
 Must not be lost in these. 
 
 We'll freshen up our memories 
 By making old acts new. 
 
 And so keep in recollection 
 The good, the brave, the true. 
 
 We cannot all be warriors 
 And gain fame's fair renown. 
 
 For on our country's battlefields 
 We never may be found. 
 
NUGM CANORM. 193 
 
 Nor can we all be fighting men, 
 Great ships of war command, 
 
 And with the gallant British tar 
 Both fire and tempest stand. 
 
 We may not be great statesmen. 
 On rough seas navigate 
 
 The British ship, or state affairs 
 Guide well and regulate. 
 
 But still there will be something 
 That each of us may do. 
 
 By which we can perpetuate, 
 And others' fame renew. 
 
 For there will be some action 
 Out of the golden store 
 
 Which we may in our lives repeat. 
 Like others did before. 
 
 And just as they did emulate. 
 
 So we may too begin 
 To do the good acts others did. 
 
 And golden trophies win. 
 
 o 
 
194 NUGM CANOR^. 
 
 And should we be successful 
 
 And noble actions do, 
 We then refresh our memories 
 
 By making old acts new. 
 
 Thus shall we show great honour 
 
 To heroes who have won 
 Great fame while they were living here, 
 
 Through noble actions done. 
 
 Then let us one and all declare 
 That we will strive to make 
 
 Our own lives, filled with noble deeds. 
 These good acts imitate. 
 
 For many we now see around 
 
 Make it quite manifest 
 That to keep good acts in memory 
 
 They think this way's the best. 
 
 They try to keep in memory 
 
 The good acts by the new, 
 Which through the Holy Spirit's grace 
 
 They're influenced to do. 
 
NUGJE CANORM. 195 
 
 And so it is, all Christians 
 
 Who read, as good men should. 
 
 The life which Jesus lived below. 
 Endeavour to do good. 
 
 So let us here assembled 
 Refresh our memories still, 
 
 By imitating Jesus Christ 
 And so perform God's will. 
 
 Sunday Evening, April 29M, 1888. 
 
 O 2 
 
ig6 
 
 NUG^ CANORM. 
 
 ^^ %\\ t^t% ti| ||^ Jujjit ^x\ itt itt^ij^ ffet^j bijulbinj 
 
 i|^ $aH anh 1^^ juub. 
 
 n 
 
 N this great world there is no spot, 
 Where the Creator seeth not, 
 
 And where He does not know 
 The thoughts and ways of every man, 
 For He is able, and He can 
 See us where'er we go. 
 
 We can hide nothing from His sight. 
 The darkness is the same as light, 
 
 The night shines as the day ; 
 And from His Spirit none can fly. 
 For to us He is ever nigh ; 
 
 We cannot turn away ! 
 
 Across the ocean we may roam, 
 And live far from our native home ; 
 
 He travels with us there ! 
 Whatever efforts we may make, 
 We cannot from His sight escape, 
 
 For He is everywhere ! 
 
NUG^ CANORM. 197 
 
 He will take notice how we live, 
 And to the good His blessing give, 
 
 The evil He won't spare ; 
 And while the wicked woes receive, 
 The righteous who do strive to please, 
 
 Will all His favours share. 
 
 His eyes are now in every place; 
 Oh may He grant us of His grace 
 
 Strength to live as we should ! 
 Remembering well that we are told, 
 That He for ever will behold 
 
 The evil and the good. 
 
 Without, within, we can be seen ; 
 
 May He make our hearts pure and clean, 
 
 And HI led with holy love ; 
 Then of His goodness grant that we 
 May in His presence ever be. 
 
 In His great home above. 
 
 Sunday Evenings May $/A, 1887. 
 
 J •? rfti <3lt> ufc ^ 
 
198 NUGM CANORM. 
 
 ^* %\\ \^xm^i \% p$i/^ 
 
 §r^^tARTH'S curtains are closing around us, 
 7 ||rI(S The shadows are gathering fast ; 
 Life's journey is nearly ended. 
 And the harvest is almost past. 
 
 But still there is yet time for mercy, 
 Oh, sinner, why will you not cast 
 
 A look to the crucified Jesus, 
 For the harvest is almost past. 
 
 For Jesus is willing to pardon 
 
 Perhaps will be while this life shall last ; 
 
 But then may respond to thy calling, 
 " Too late, for the harvest is past." 
 
 Oh go to Him now for forgiveness, 
 For thy life with sin is o'ercast; 
 
 Then at last the angels shall whisper, 
 " Rejoice, for the harvest is past." 
 
 Sutiday Evening^ October ird, 1886. 
 
NUG^ CANORM. 199 
 
 HO could this blessed truth deny ! 
 
 When many proofs to us are given, 
 Which should at once all doubts defy, 
 For they denote the reason why. 
 And show to us that Christ is^ risen. 
 
 The Risen One we should adore, 
 
 And it is well that you and I 
 Should seek His favour, and implore 
 His mercy, that when all is o'er, 
 We too may live with Him on high. 
 
 Death's prison gates did open wide, 
 Its Master could not be detained ! 
 For Jesus Christ, the crucified. 
 Who for the world's redemption died, 
 A signal triumph o'er it gained. 
 
 How then should we delight to own 
 Our Blessed Lord is risen indeed ; 
 For now He stands before the Throne, 
 And to Him we make our wants known, 
 And for His help we ever plead. 
 
AroTind His presence hosts appear, 
 
 Yea, ever anxious to fulfil 
 His high behests, which they hold dear, 
 And His sweet voice they love to hear. 
 
 And do with joy perform His will. 
 
 So we on earth must imitate, 
 
 The angels who do live with Him ; 
 
 Who in their pure and sinless state. 
 
 Will in their rapture celebrate. 
 His triumph over death and sin. 
 
 Let this then be our constant aim. 
 
 To please Him both in word and deed ; 
 So shall we honour His great name. 
 Who kindly bore the sinner's shame. 
 
 And prove " The Lord is risen indeed." 
 
 Then when our own time comes to die. 
 
 We know that He will safely keep 
 Our bodies, and that you and I 
 May hope again to meet on high, 
 
 When we arise from death's long sleep. 
 
 Sunday Evenings April \st, 1 888. 
 
NUG^ CANORAi. 
 
 ^^ M\\ ^t%m^ \n^ \tm\" 
 
 ^1 IVE ear, O people ! for the angels are singing ; 
 if They are heralding forth the Saviour's birth ; 
 " The Messiah has come," the angels are bringing 
 This message of love and good-will to earth. 
 
 The hope of our race for a long time expected. 
 His Father at last of His goodness did send ; 
 The earth's true Messiah, though by many rejected, 
 Has come here to be our Saviour and Friend. 
 
 The bright angels brought us the glorious tidings. 
 Of Jesus, who came from His bright home above ; 
 With no condemnation, with no bitter chidings. 
 But with a heart full of pity and love. 
 
 Poor sinners can now be no longer forsaken, 
 For higher than earth our hopes we may raise ; 
 " The Messiah has come," our love to awaken. 
 Join then with the angels in chanting His praise. 
 
 Sunday Evening^ December 26th, 1886. 
 
NUGM CANORM. 
 
 THE SNOWDROP. 
 
 ^t 
 
 EMINDER of my childhood's days ! 
 I'll think of thee with love always, 
 Sweet little snowdrop. 
 
 I know the place where thou didst grow, 
 Though now so many years ago, 
 Sweet little snowdrop. 
 
 Thou cam'st the first, so thou didst bring 
 Glad tidings of the coming spring, 
 Sweet little snowdrop. 
 
 How often I did watch for thee. 
 How very glad again to see. 
 Sweet little snowdrop. 
 
 So sweet, so pure, thou didst appear, 
 And just the very same each year. 
 Sweet little snowdrop. 
 
NUG^ CANOR^. 203 
 
 So humble, hopeful, perfect, mild, 
 .How like a gentle little child, 
 Sweet little snowdrop. 
 
 But how unlike humanity. 
 So full of pride and vanity, 
 Sweet little snowdrop. 
 
 But we must pray that we may be. 
 In thought, in word, and deed like thee. 
 Sweet little snowdrop. 
 
 THE LILY. 
 
 In flowerets' language I do learn 
 Something of thy majesty ; 
 
 And there I also do discern 
 That thou meanest purity. 
 
 Oh flower, so beautiful and fair, 
 How I love to look at thee ! 
 
 Thou emblem of those graces rare, 
 Majesty and purity. 
 
204 NUG^ CANORM. 
 
 I would so like to speak with thee, 
 Canst thou listen ? Canst thou talk ? 
 
 " No ; " yet thou dost say to me, 
 " Come and in my footsteps walk." 
 
 Oh that I could ! but man is weak. 
 
 Fair flower, what dost thou say ? 
 I thought I heard thy sweet voice speak, 
 
 Didst thou not whisper — " Man may." 
 
 But how can man become like thee, 
 Lovely, pure, and beautiful ; 
 
 Fulfilling well life's destiny. 
 And to his Maker dutiful ? 
 
 Oh, voiceless flower ! we cannot hear ! 
 
 But thy answer, which we read 
 In living language, we hold dear. 
 
 Because it is expressed in deed. 
 
 In this way thou canst talk with me. 
 
 Emblem of true majesty ; 
 O that we each and all may be 
 
 Lovers of thy purity. 
 
 Sunday Evening, February 20i/i, 1887. 
 
NUG^ CANOR^. 
 
 205 
 
 ^* %\t $bp uf It juuit man tit\ tt^W^it ^ l|a Jtutjh/^ 
 
 OOD ! good ! who may this appellation claim ! 
 Can anyone be worthy of the name ? 
 We read that God is good, and none beside 
 
 Can earn this name through merit of their own, 
 For earth's best sons and daughters turn aside 
 From righteous ways ; and though they may bemoan 
 The evil which through frailty they have done, 
 Have they a right to this fair title won ? 
 
 Say, is there one in all the world who could 
 Claim justly for himself the name of good ? 
 Look well around, and can you find a man 
 
 Who will by word and action clearly show 
 That he at all times does, and proves he can, 
 
 Act like the good, who live above and know 
 What real goodness is — where skies are fair. 
 And this choice flower is met with everywhere. 
 
 In Paradise, that land of endless light. 
 No sin can ever enter, and the right 
 
2o6 NUGM CANORJE. 
 
 Is always done, and they who now do dwell 
 Within its peaceful borders, they know how 
 
 The good should live ; and they in whispers tell 
 Their friends below who sigh for goodness now, 
 
 How sweet it is to live where goodness can 
 
 Claim for its own not one but every man. 
 
 But though we may be earnest and sincere 
 In our endeavours to be good down here ; 
 Still oftentimes the tempter who assails 
 
 Through all those wily arts which he can use 
 Comes off the conqueror and prevails, 
 
 Because when Satan tempts we may refuse, 
 Or perhaps we may forget, the power 
 Which God could lend us in temptation's hour. 
 
 Still God is good, and will remember yet 
 
 His people, though they often may forget 
 
 To cling to that great power which He can wield 
 
 For their protection and their lasting good ; 
 By which he can from cruel temptings shield 
 
 His chosen people, if they only would 
 Trust to His guidance, to Him ever pray, 
 To lead them right along life's devious way. 
 
NUGM CANORyE. 207 
 
 But God is good, and of His goodness will 
 
 Look leniently upon His servants still ; 
 
 Their weakness He knows well, and does forgive 
 
 Their faults and failings, even though they may 
 Forget Him oft and frequently may give 
 
 The angels cause to weep, about the way 
 They act towards One, to whom as men we should 
 Each day look up, the Author of all good. 
 
 And though we are imperfect at the best, 
 As claimants none of us could stand the test. 
 Yet God will count us good, if we belong 
 
 To His true fold, and try to do the right. 
 Yea, though we're weak, yet He will make us strong. 
 
 And kindly guide our faltering steps aright ; 
 Yea, order our steps all along life's way. 
 If we but trust Him each and every day. 
 
 Thus by His holy counsels He will lead, 
 
 And make us good in thought, in word, and deed. 
 
 And if through error we are led astray, 
 
 He will not leave us, but will bring us back. 
 For He of His great goodness often may, 
 
 In darkest night, point out to us the track ; 
 
2o8 NUGM CANORM. 
 
 Yea, will our footsteps guide by day and night 
 And graciously assist us to do right. 
 
 And though not really good He will assist, 
 With His great power, when we try to resist 
 Those fierce temptations to which we're exposed, 
 
 And He will wisely order and advise. 
 Yea, also kindly help and strengthen those 
 
 Who ever march still onward with the wise 
 Along life's great highway, with dangers rife, 
 
 Determined they will gain the Crown of Life. 
 
 For God is mighty, and He will, and can, 
 
 Order the steps of every faithful man 
 
 And safely lead him all life's journey through. 
 
 So that he may, when all the danger's o'er, 
 Reach that bright home where all the good and true 
 
 Dwell with God, who is good, for evermore. 
 My prayer for you is that the great God would 
 Order your steps aright and count you good. 
 
 Sunday Evening, June ^rd, 1888. 
 
 6-= -(P^KaGA^" 
 
 /<< 
 
 VsaJ 
 
 •Y. 
 
 
NUG^ CANORM. 209 
 
 ^%\\ ttta^ iti !|ajip«$$$." 
 
 ••^S>it(g^^<«* 
 
 HE royal road to happiness 
 
 Is that which saints have trod ; 
 Whose happiness is perfected, 
 For they are now with God ; 
 They're dwelling in His company, 
 
 And nothing can molest 
 The happiness which they enjoy 
 Who live among the blest. 
 
 We cannot know much of that bliss 
 
 Which saints possess above ; 
 But some slight foretaste they enjoy, 
 
 Who know that God is love ; 
 And knowing this keep His commands, 
 
 Feeling that they are blest 
 Who honour and obey His laws 
 
 And leave to Him the rest. 
 
210 
 
 NUGM CANORM. 
 
 O Heavenly Father, guide us still 
 
 Along- this royal way ; 
 For with Thee ever as our guide 
 
 We cannot go astray ; 
 But trusting Thee and loving Thee, 
 
 We know when life is past. 
 We shall enjoy that happiness. 
 
 Which will for ever last. 
 
 Sunday Evening, October 24M, 1886. 
 
NUGM CANORM. 211 
 
 <^ 1^*^ \^ xixixixt m a mni]^^j|^$ imt^r 
 
 -^ 
 
 WEET music has a mighty power, 
 It will the passions quell, 
 And you may try and search in vain 
 To find its parallel. 
 
 Sometimes the loud exultant tones 
 
 May exercise their skill ; 
 But yet the low pathetic notes 
 
 Are more attractive still. 
 
 A gentle solace they will bring, 
 
 An influence command ; 
 The plaintiveness of their appeal 
 
 Not many will withstand. 
 
 It is such music children hear. 
 For Christian mothers say 
 
 Kind, loving words, so they produce 
 This music every day. 
 
 p 2 
 
NUG^ CANORJE. 
 
 It is the music children like, 
 For it soothes every fear ; 
 
 Its sympathy their grief will quench, 
 And dry a falling tear. 
 
 How very often we have heard, 
 In childhood's happy time. 
 
 The gentle, sweet, melodious notes 
 About which I now rhyme. 
 
 And little children here to-night 
 
 Have reason to rejoice ; 
 They hear the music spoken by 
 
 A gentle mother's voice. 
 
 You never will forget the tones, 
 For they will with you stay ; 
 
 When your good Christian mother 
 Has long since passed away. 
 
 You will remember, I feel sure, 
 
 The music of her voice, 
 Until your mother you shall hear 
 
 Speaking in paradise. 
 
 Stmday Evening, January 2<)th, 1888. 
 
NUGM CANORJE. 213 
 
 ^^ %\ti^ h m w^ni tH ^tv^tm m'^ to/^ 
 
 ISPARITY there cannot be, 
 We're equal in God's sight, 
 ,^ Respect of persons, there is none 
 With God Who judgeth right. 
 
 The rich and poor are just the same, 
 
 And men of low degree 
 Are judged, like those of high estate. 
 
 By God impartially. 
 
 No inequality exists, 
 
 For God is not like man, 
 Who varies his opinions 
 
 And has no settled plan. 
 
 For worldly motives operate. 
 
 So influence the mind. 
 That often unwise judgments 
 
 Are formed upon mankind. 
 
214 NUGM CANORM. 
 
 We also err through ignorance, 
 Our knowledge being small ; 
 
 But all is seen and known by God 
 Who is the Judge of all. 
 
 No worldly glitter can deceive ; 
 
 No vain assumptive pride 
 Will have the least effect with God, 
 
 Who looks on every side. 
 
 He views the life, the faith, the works. 
 
 And if man is sincere, 
 He will receive the recompense 
 
 However slighted here. 
 
 It is the poor despised of earth 
 
 Who may exalted be. 
 When the great Judge declares to us 
 
 Our future destiny. 
 
 Perhaps some poor humble cottager. 
 
 Now held in light esteem. 
 In some great place of honour 
 
 Hereafter may be seen. 
 
NUG^ CANORjE. 
 
 215 
 
 God's plan is clearly shown to us, 
 
 Pray imitate the same ! 
 Despise no Christian in this world 
 
 For fear of future shame. 
 
 For just the persons we ignore 
 
 Afar off we may see 
 With God in heaven, while we, alas ! 
 
 Dwell on in misery. 
 
 Sunday Evening, January litA, i8 
 
2i6 NUGJE CANORM. 
 
 " Wi^txt is a pleasure itt tuntsmplatiitg joatt, 
 %\\u i$ a gri*al0^ pbasmiis ia ramtutag gaub ; 
 J at i|B gr$at^$t pbasar^ i$ itojag gach^ 
 
 -T,|,£'X-'"o',|, ■ , , 1 ;,, 
 
 HE main word in our subject's " good;" 
 In starting you may think I should 
 Explain its meaning with great care, 
 For thrice you find it mentioned there ; 
 And when its meaning you do trace 
 
 How much you find it does embrace, 
 
 Its varied qualities you see 
 
 And gaze on them admiringly. 
 
 Look at it in a natural way ! 
 Of good you might have much to say ; 
 Or from a moral point of view, 
 You will see much to interest you ; 
 
NUG^ CANORJE. 317 
 
 But you secure full recompense 
 To seek good in a higher sense, 
 Spiritual may be the term, 
 Then try its meaning to discern. 
 
 Good, though a little word, it seems 
 Really to comprehend, and means. 
 Perfection, virtue, earnestness. 
 Prosperity and happiness ; 
 Abundance, prudence, cheerfulness. 
 Richness, advantage, pleasantness. 
 Kindly attentions, faithfulness, 
 Friendliness and righteousness. 
 
 What pleasure, then, to contemplate ! 
 So we on good should meditate. 
 For if on good we are intent 
 We never shall this course repent ; 
 But greater pleasure we perceive 
 When we some form of good receive ; 
 To think good brings a pleasant thrill, 
 Recipients feel more pleasure still. 
 
2l8 
 
 NUGM CANORM. 
 
 But doing good, this is the best, 
 For it comprises all the rest. 
 The greatest pleasure this will give, 
 So try to do good while you live ; 
 For doing good you do God's will, 
 And life's design you will fulfil ; 
 Then he who has done what he could 
 Shall live forever with the good. 
 
 Sunday Evening^ Decemler nth, 1887. 
 
 - I B ^^-m^ ■ ii » « i 
 
 " ~ri " rr-i iiT — t r""- 
 
NUGM CANOR^. 219 
 
 ^1^$^^^$ mmxi jt $Hp 'imti i\t tup imb 
 
 Iw^ HIS proverb which we often hear 
 May have some special meaning, 
 
 Yet from it I hope to succeed 
 In useful lessons gleaning. 
 'Tis true this proverb is applied 
 
 Without exaggeration, 
 To one particular phase of life 
 
 Some have in contemplation ; 
 But taking life from day to day 
 
 We see its application, 
 For frequently things take a turn 
 
 Against our expectation ; 
 For great uncertainty exists 
 
 In all our speculations. 
 Our wisest plans are disarranged 
 
 Despite our calculations. 
 
230 NUGM CANOR^. 
 
 Thus we do find this proverb true, 
 
 For there is many a slip ; 
 Though when success may seem as near, 
 
 As 'twixt the cup and the lip. 
 
 Then don't make sure of anything ! 
 
 This is a world of changes ; 
 For we may plan, but Providence 
 
 Oft otherwise arranges ; 
 For disappointment then prepare 
 
 In this state of transition, 
 Let castle-building be dismissed 
 
 And keep in check ambition. 
 
 How many nurtured life's fair dream 
 
 In the rosy days of youth ! 
 What did the after facts reveal 
 
 But this homely proverb's truth ? 
 
 Now to the joyous I would say 
 Hope may be advantageous. 
 
 But should disaster blight your hopes 
 Learn then to be courageous ! 
 
Don't be disheartened when you fail 
 
 To win the prize you covet : 
 If you are right in wishing it 
 
 Determine that you'll win it ! 
 Attempt again ! be brave ! be strong ; 
 
 But pray don't fail omitting 
 In all your calculations here 
 
 The risk there is of slipping. 
 
 Man, woman, child, then exercise 
 Great caution in arranging, 
 
 And bear in mind the things of earth 
 Are changing, changing, changing. 
 
 Sunday Evening, May 22ttd, 1887. 
 
222 NUGJE CANOR^. 
 
 ^* M\mtf^ nh^ni mi hv^niknJ^ 
 
 H, yes, we will remember yet 
 Our absent friends, and won't forget. 
 For many things remind 
 \ Those who remain of friends so dear, 
 Whose genial presence we miss here, 
 And who were good and kind. 
 
 Just look around and all you see 
 Will whisper of the past to thee. 
 
 Recalling friends now gone ; 
 For all things which we now behold 
 Proclaim that in the days of old 
 
 Our friends did look upon. 
 
 For little things on which we look, 
 A bit of paper or a book. 
 Will very often tell, 
 
NUGM CANORM. 223 
 
 Yea, speak to us of days of yore, 
 Of friends who handled them before, 
 Yes, friends that we loved well. 
 
 We gaze upon an old arm-chair 
 And think of one who did sit there 
 
 Whom we did dearly love ; 
 A father, mother, husband, wife. 
 Departed from this earthly life 
 
 And gone to dwell above. 
 
 How can we then forget, while we 
 So many varied objects see 
 
 Reminding of the past ? 
 Impossible ! Who can forget ? 
 We must our friends remember yet 
 
 As long as these things last. 
 
 For many a time the smallest thing 
 Will with it to our memory bring 
 
 A friend now passed away, 
 A little sock, or sash, or boot, 
 A bit of ribbon, or the flute 
 
 Our children used to play. 
 
224 NUGM CANORM. 
 
 Reminders many, on all hands, 
 We listen to your mute demands, 
 
 So we will not forget 
 Our absent friends now passed away, 
 For they through you do seem to say 
 
 We do remember yet. 
 
 Dear absent ones, we know that you 
 Will to your earthly friends be true. 
 
 For you are dwelling where 
 Friendship will live, expand, and grow 
 Much better than it could below. 
 
 May we all meet you there ! 
 
 Sunday Evening, Februarv 26i/i, 1888. 
 
 <&^ 
 
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NUG^ CANOR^. 223 
 
 " %\x^ Iuumgkmb«^$$ x% \t\\t^ '^m Xh^^ 
 
 ^jl^ IFE ! what is life ? Just that brief span, 
 ^U^Jft The few short years assigned to man, 
 The time commencing at his birth. 
 Concluding when he leaves this earth ; 
 And though these years with ups and down are rife. 
 Yet very closely will man cling to life. 
 
 However interesting life may be, 
 Yet on all hands we see its vanity, 
 Uncertainty is stamped on all around, 
 And many imperfections may be found ; 
 Disease and death stand ever lurking near, 
 To take away the life we hold so dear. 
 
 For this life at its brightest is but vain, 
 We are the subjects of much grief and pain. 
 And though the zephyr breezes often blow. 
 Though for long years we may not sorrow know ; 
 Yet cruel winds will come with chilling blight, 
 And usher in the dreaded, gloomy night. 
 
 Q 
 
226 NUGM CANORM. 
 
 On one life we have looked for many a day ; 
 Now we do sigh, that one has passed away ; 
 The world now mourns ; another life is past, 
 The German Monarch now has breathed his last. 
 And England's sons and daughters will, and should, 
 Join in the grief for " Frederick the Good." 
 
 Mysterious to us, we ask not how. 
 
 Or why he should have gone ; but humbly bow 
 
 To God's own will, for to Him all is clear ; 
 
 And trusting Him we have no cause to fear, 
 
 For on His lovingkindness we rely. 
 
 And never ask of Him the reason why. 
 
 Our own good Princess and her people weep, 
 But of His lovingkindness God will keep 
 Both them and us throughout earth's sorrows' night, 
 Illuminate the gloom with heavenly light ; 
 Though friends depart, He ever is the same. 
 And His great lovingkindness will remain. 
 
 The world does mourn to see a nation's tears, 
 Shed over one whose goodness it reveres, 
 Whose life was nobly spent, and who did well 
 The duties of his sphere, and who will dwell 
 
NUG^ CANOR^. 227 
 
 Where golden graces to perfection grow, 
 And where again the good each other know. 
 
 Thus will the summons come to one and all, 
 None can refuse, all must obey the call. 
 Life is but short, our years threescore and ten, 
 These' very soon will pass away, and then 
 Who longer can a hold on life retain ? 
 But then we hope the better life to gain. 
 
 Through God's great lovingkindness each one may 
 
 Reach that bright home, and through Him find the way 
 
 To that fair city where the angels live. 
 
 And where we hope that we shall one day give 
 
 To Him our praises, for His kindly care, 
 
 And that He did for heaven our souls prepare. 
 
 We dwell on His great love while here below, 
 And we of His great kindness something know. 
 We prize His lovingkindness more than life. 
 As we pass on amidst this care and strife ; 
 Our life is transient, and our friends the same, 
 But His great lovingkindness will remain. 
 
 Sunday Evening, June 17M, 1888. 
 
 Q~2 
 
228 NUG^ CANORM. 
 
 ^^ %\v^ iii$k x% Mx^i^ \ %x\ if pcuf a H$$$ttt0." 
 
 ^-5((— -Jjt— SE-2iz:r£sr-V3 
 
 INISHED ! yes ! completed is the task ! 
 With satisfaction we present the last 
 ^" Brief little sketch, which will make up five score. 
 For we have had Just ninety-nine before. 
 
 A friendly valediction you bestow 
 
 Upon the task, and by your action show 
 
 A kindly spirit ; hoping that it may 
 
 A blessing prove, and for this perhaps you pray. 
 
 This subject chosen out of twenty-four, 
 Its own tale tells, for when I read them o'er. 
 This you admired much better than the rest, 
 And hearing all, this one you thought the best. 
 
 Its application I could clearly see. 
 And knew quite well why you did choose for me 
 The subject, which you deemed exactly right. 
 And suited for our hundredth sketch to-night. 
 
 Yes, finished is the task, the work's complete. 
 And pleased I am that you should think it meet 
 To wish it well, when it in lasting form, 
 Another art does with new life adorn. 
 
NUG^ CANORM. 229 
 
 How long the work may live, I cannot tell, 
 But thank you all because you wish it well, 
 And feel assured that you will often pray, 
 It will a blessing prove for many a day. 
 
 To you unbounded thanks I really owe, 
 
 And though through want of power I cannot show 
 
 The gratitude I feel to friends so true, 
 
 Still I would say, " To you the honour's due." 
 
 It was through you that I did undertake. 
 The task now done, and I with pleasure state 
 My obligations ; for you did suggest 
 This work which you are hoping may be blest. 
 
 One hundred sketches, with four thousand lines. 
 This one completes, and when you read these rhymes 
 In after years, reminding of the past. 
 Perhaps then you'll wish a blessing on the task. 
 
 And should the great God, who does give the might 
 By which alone we speak, and read, and write ; • 
 See that the motive power was good, not vain, 
 The task now finished will the blessing gain. 
 
 Sunday Evening, August 26IA, 1888. 
 
230 
 
 NUGM CANORM. 
 
 
 -K-H) 
 
 >^ 
 
 »0 darksome night the good can know, 
 The wicked no bright day, 
 
 'SA^ For righteousness the light is sown ; 
 For wickedness, no ray. 
 
 Deluded soul, O say hast thou 
 Relinquished the last shred 
 
 Of goodness ? Art thou surrounded by 
 The darkness of the dead ? 
 
 May sapient sight afford thee skill. 
 
 Assisted with that might, 
 Which God alone can give, to see 
 
 No day with thee is bright. 
 
 But seraphs from celestial climes. 
 Will with a halo crown 
 
 The good man, for upon his way. 
 The heavens will never frown. 
 
NUGM CANOR/E. 
 
 231 
 
 He walks through life — in darkness ? No ! 
 
 For God He is the way, 
 The truth, the light, so with the good. 
 
 His presence makes night day. 
 
 With Deo Gratias on his lips 
 
 He still clings to the light 
 Which penetrates earth's cloudy sky, 
 
 And brightens this world's night. 
 
 Then comes the halcyon eventide, 
 • The darkness — there is none ! 
 The good then sleep, awake, and find 
 The night is past and gone. 
 
 Sunday Evening, October %oth, 1887, 
 
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 irr? 
 
 HIS we have done, for Eighty-Six 
 Is gone, and now inviting 
 Stands Eighty-Seven's bright open page, 
 And on it we start writing. 
 
 Let this then be a real new leaf, 
 
 Bespeaking holy graces ; 
 With us let old things pass away. 
 
 And new ones take their places. 
 
 Oh hopeful youth, write well thy book. 
 
 And so along life's stages, 
 Have tales of loving, generous deeds. 
 
 To fill its golden pages. 
 
 For life is likened to a book. 
 In which we note each action ; 
 
 The wrong we write, means misery, 
 The good, sweet satisfaction. 
 
NUG^ CANOR^. 233 
 
 Turn o'er the pages of your book, 
 For there you'll find recorded 
 
 Life's doings, and if they are good, 
 What pleasure is afforded ! 
 
 But looking through life's history, 
 
 We find sins of omission. 
 How great the wrong, but greater still, 
 
 Are those sins of commission. 
 
 Some lives are nearly written up, 
 Perhaps they have quite omitted 
 
 To write the good, so their book's full. 
 With evil deeds committed. 
 
 And others have their pages fiUed,^ 
 Just with one bright, true story, 
 
 Of noble deeds, and generous worth, 
 And wait for coming glory. 
 
 With one life ends with mournful notes. 
 
 And melancholy sadness ; 
 The other ends his course with joy^ 
 
 And songs of holy gladness. 
 
234 NUG^ CANOR^. 
 
 Let each one open his own book, 
 
 For now is just the season. 
 Alarmed to do it ! Why are you ? 
 
 Your conscience asks the reason. 
 
 We gaze upon the loathsome sight, 
 Our consciences are smitten, 
 
 We see the wrongs, the sins, the crimes, 
 In all their blackness written. 
 
 But what atonement can we make ? 
 
 Oh bitter condemnation ! 
 The dark, sad book seems blacker still 
 
 Upon examination. 
 
 Yet Jesus can for all atone, 
 
 His love flows like a river, 
 The streams of mercy cannot cease, 
 ^ For Jesus is the Giver. 
 
 Lord Jesus, in the stream which flows 
 From Thee, the fount of blessing. 
 
 Be pleased to wash away the stains 
 Of sins we come confessing. 
 
 Then on the pages of life's book, 
 May deeds of love betoken 
 
NUG^ CANOR^. 23s 
 
 Our gratitude to Thee, who hast 
 To us forgiveness spoken. 
 
 And this new leaf we now begin, 
 Oh God, make it transcendent ! 
 
 By records of our thankfulness, 
 And with good deeds resplendent ; 
 
 For as we turn another leaf, 
 
 With manly resolution, 
 We should remember we are brought 
 
 Nearer our dissolution. 
 
 So we would ask Thy gracious aid, 
 For with Thy power assisting, 
 
 We shall succeed in doing well. 
 And evil deeds resisting. 
 
 Then when life's book is quite complete. 
 Thou shalt read at its ending, 
 
 A grateful record of Thy love, 
 And kindness in befriending. 
 
 And when the bright new leaf appears, 
 
 No turning — oh no, never ! 
 We hope to join that blessed throng 
 
 Who praise Thy love forever. 
 
 Sunday Evintng, Jantuiry 2nd,iSSj. 
 
236 
 
 NUG^ CANOR^. 
 
 ^^ Unlti x^m h \tm n ^amurnj^ il^mi \\t Jut[b. 
 
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 RIGHT Christmastide is here once more, 
 
 And we with gladness tell 
 The story we have told before 
 
 Of our Emmanuel. 
 
 So lowly born, and yet He came 
 To be our Great High Priest ; 
 
 Angelic hosts proclaimed His fame 
 At His first natal feast. 
 
 And earth each Christmas time since then. 
 
 Has spoken of the love, 
 Displayed by Christ to sinful men 
 
 In coming from above. 
 
 And though He left His Father's throne, 
 And was despised, yet blest. 
 
 When He was in this lower home, 
 In flesh made manifest ! 
 
NUG^ CANOR^. 237 
 
 The life He lived, the death He died, 
 
 Was all for you and me ; 
 And we know He was crucified 
 
 For us on Calvary. 
 
 Oh, Saviour of this sinful earth ! 
 
 Oh Christ the living Lord ! 
 We would with joy announce Thy birth, 
 
 And our glad praise accord. 
 
 Sunday, Christmas Day, December 25M, 1887. 
 
2.38 NUGM CANORM. 
 
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 kmm mi m\ni \txnt i\t ^mit^r uf i\^ \mn 
 
 
 HE Master will come, we know not how soon, 
 It may be the morning, the evening, or noon ; 
 But the day nor the hour none of us can tell, 
 Yet if we are ready, then all will be well. 
 
 Good Master, pray grant that each one may still 
 Be earnest and active in doing Thy will ; 
 That when Thou returnest we then shall not grieve, 
 But the news of Thy coming with great joy receive ! 
 
 Oh, Jesus, blest Master, we would ever pray. 
 That we may be watchful all through life's brief day, 
 And Thee our own Master with constancy serve. 
 Be pleased then in mercy Thy servants preserve. 
 
 Thy coming, good Master, may be very near. 
 
 But still there is nothing to fill us with fear ; 
 
 For if we are ready, what joy it will be, 
 
 To hear the "Well done" Avhen 'tis spoken by Thee. 
 
 Sunday Evening, Decemlier liik, 1887. 
 
NUGM CANORM. 
 
 
 .^=^^^ 
 
 IL^ES, we're sailing o'er life's ocean 
 Steering for the other shore, 
 Heeding not the wild wave's motion 
 Or the thunder's fearful roar. 
 
 On our chart we are relying, 
 Careless of the raging foam, 
 
 Cruel tempests still defying 
 Knowing we are sailing home. 
 
 Courage, sailors ! show devotion, 
 Battle hard with wind and tide. 
 
 Fear ye not the storm's commotion. 
 Think about the other side. 
 
 Trust the compass, mind your steering, 
 
 At the post of duty stand, 
 Even now you may be nearing 
 
 The long looked-for Fatherland. 
 
Steer straight on — keep your ship steady, 
 Look for friends who have before 
 
 Reached the land and now stand ready 
 To receive you on the shore. 
 
 Lo, the tempest is abating, 
 
 See, the haven is in sight. 
 And your own true friends are waiting 
 
 And will welcome with delight. 
 
 Sunday Evening., September \th, 1887. 
 
 
 
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 [$ $|aH aH ht t^nn^^/' 
 
 OW bright the prospect we may entertain ! 
 
 One that will gladden and revive the soul. 
 That we shall one day undergo a change, 
 
 And we shall then become pure, perfect, whole. 
 Immortalized and fitted for that place, 
 Where faithful servants see their Master's face. 
 
 Clothed as we are we cannot hope to stand 
 Among the sinless ones, who ever roam. 
 With raptured freedom, through that lovely land, 
 , Where we at last shall hope to find a home ; 
 But when made like them, then we know that we 
 Shall live with them through Heaven^s eternity. 
 
 Our bodies must be changed, our hearts as well, 
 For there corruption never will be found ; 
 
 And if in that land we shall ever dwell. 
 We then shall find that in its holy ground 
 
 No seeds of evil germinate, and bear 
 
 The evil fruit we now find everywhere. 
 
 R 
 
242 NUG^ CANOR^. 
 
 For all is good, and pure, and holy there, 
 No evil thought, or word, or deed can be ; 
 
 For they who Heaven's eternal glory share, 
 Are even from the thoughts of evil free ; 
 
 So we shall be, yea, free from every stain, 
 
 Ere we an entrance in that bright land gain. 
 
 We live amidst the varying scene 
 
 Of life's uncertainty, but we know well 
 
 No changes, or decay, will there be seen, 
 
 For earth's dark gloomy shadows cannot dwell, 
 
 Where skies are bright, throughout an endless day. 
 
 And where there is no species of decay. 
 
 Here we do mourn when our dear friends depart, 
 But there these changes never will be known ; 
 
 No tearful face, no sighing, downcast heart, 
 For tears will never darken that blest home. 
 
 Where all is perfect joy, and love, and peace. 
 For there ethereal pleasures never cease. 
 
 Down here below, earth's sorrows will arise, 
 
 And trouble, pain, and bitter grief be ours ; 
 But these things darken not the fairer skies, 
 
NUGM CANORM. 243 
 
 Nor can they exercise their cruel powers ; 
 For all these fitful shadows, all this strife, 
 Belong not to the future, better life. 
 
 With that fair life, the present then compare. 
 
 And very different the two will seem : 
 Here we have flowers that fade away, but there, 
 
 Nothing will mar the bright and glorious scene. 
 Which never will be subject to earth's change, 
 But will forever beautiful remain. 
 
 And if the future world is unlike this. 
 
 If all the interesting objects which they see 
 
 Who do enjoy its pleasurable bliss, 
 
 Are from decay, and change, forever free, 
 
 Then its inhabitants must also know 
 
 A life much higher than we live below. 
 
 What noble attributes the blest enjoy ! 
 
 And rare capacities of exalted type. 
 Facilities these talents to employ ; 
 
 For with these bright endowments, all unite 
 To glorify the Great Redeemer's name. 
 And praise the power which brought about the change. 
 
 R 2 
 
244 NUGM CANORjE. 
 
 " We shall all be changed ! " O cheering news ! 
 
 Our many imperfections perfect grow, 
 When our Redeemer by His power renews 
 
 Our bodies, and makes each of us to know, 
 That we through His great love may live with Him, 
 Where sin and sorrow never enter in. 
 
 So change us now ! and change us at the last. 
 
 That we, most blessed Lord, may dwell with Thee ; 
 
 For we know well this life is fleeting fast. 
 On all is now engraved " Mortality." 
 
 Then, blessed Lord, what praise we'll give to Thee, 
 
 With sinless lips through Heaven's eternity. 
 
 Sunday Evening, July i^th, 1888. 
 
NUGM CANORM. 245 
 
 H 
 
 
 -r 
 
 IS said that England's Queen was asked, 
 
 By some great foreign Chief, 
 " What's the secret of your greatness ? " 
 
 Note well the Queen's belief — 
 For to the Chief she quickly gave 
 
 A Bible, and replied : 
 " The Word of God has made us great, 
 
 For on it we've relied." 
 
 God bless the Queen for her reply ! 
 
 Her answer was so true ; 
 And a more God-fearing Monarch 
 
 This country never knew. 
 
 For fifty years her reign extends ! 
 
 What nation's ever seen 
 A better Christian Ruler 
 
 Than our most gracious Queen ? 
 
246 NUGJE CANORM. 
 
 We know she loves the Bible well, 
 
 And will do to the end, 
 Because she's proved God's Book to be 
 
 Our nation's greatest friend. 
 
 So we won't give up the Bible ! 
 
 But let the whole world know, 
 And those who tempt us, understand 
 
 Our answer shall be " No." 
 For should we leave this blessed Book 
 
 'Twould certain ruin bring, 
 So we will not forsake God's Word, 
 
 But closer to it cling ; 
 For men and nations will be blest 
 
 Who for direction look. 
 And are guided by the counsels 
 
 Contained in that grand Book. 
 
 Sunday Evening, February 27M, 1887. 
 
NUG^ CANOR^. 247 
 
 U 
 
 
 ELCOME, beloved Christian Friend ! 
 
 Welcome again to home ! 
 May blessings on thy head descend, 
 
 And heaven at all times thee befriend 
 For kindness thou hast shown. 
 
 We all do welcome thee to-night, 
 
 For we are glad to see 
 Once more thy countenance so bright, 
 And would express our great delight 
 
 To meet again with thee. 
 
 For old and young will gladly own, 
 
 And also gladly lend 
 Their lips to make thy virtues known. 
 And ever wish a welcome home 
 
 To such a Christian friend. 
 
 So pray accept from all now here 
 The welcome which they give, 
 
248 NUGJE CANOR^. 
 
 For they do breathe the prayer sincere, 
 That such a friend, so kind and dear, 
 May long amongst them live. 
 
 We know there is another home 
 
 Where loving friends do dwell. 
 Where pain and sickness are unknown, 
 And where you would delight to roam 
 With friends you love so well. 
 
 But you have friends in this world still 
 
 Whose friendship is sincere. 
 For they are kind, and ever will 
 True friendship's duties well fulfil 
 While they remain down here. 
 
 Some have with friends been forced to part, 
 
 And now may stand alone. 
 For many a sad and lonely heart 
 Feels a great loss when friends depart 
 To their eternal home. 
 
 Still there is that approaching day 
 Whose brightness cannot end, 
 When in the home far, far away, 
 Each one may hear the loved ones say, 
 " Welcome, true Christian friend." 
 
 Sunday Evening, March 2iiA, 1888. 
 
NUGM CAHOR^. 349 
 
 j^itt x% It Jrui|?ji $ Juti$ i% ^ ^i$ter ? 
 
 HO could describe a brother's love, 
 Or rig^htly estimate 
 3i\S^ Its value to a genuine heart, 
 Which can reciprocate ?,, 
 
 What artist could a picture paint 
 And by his skill make known, -•- 
 
 By some design, this phase of love, 
 Which brightens many a home ? 
 
 Collect your jewels, silver, gold, 
 Yea, all your wealth bring forth ; 
 
 These things would not explain the sum 
 A brother's love is worth. 
 
 You cannot paint, you cannot tell. 
 
 And money never shows 
 The value of a brother's love : 
 
 A sister only knows. 
 
2sq 
 
 NUGM CANOR^. 
 
 She might be able to explain. 
 In glowing language tell, 
 
 How precious is a brother's love, 
 Because she loves him well. 
 
 Thus mutual love is love's reward. 
 By this alone you know, 
 
 The value of a brother's love, 
 A sister's love will show. 
 
 Sunday Evtnitig, May 2<jlli, 1887. 
 
 
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NUG^ CANOR^. 251 
 
 ^^ ^bbcm in ^t man atih plbnti vx 1|^ ictfe^ 
 
 ISDOM and patience here unite 
 In their demands to claim to-night, 
 That every one should plainly see 
 How these two virtues do agree. 
 
 Some Writer, in a happy strain. 
 Has tried to show to us the gain 
 Which is secured by all those who 
 Have claimed acquaintance with the two. 
 
 This saying's truth you've power to test, 
 And you can see if homes are blest, 
 Where these two virtues do preside, 
 Do happiness and peace abide ? 
 
 A man with wisdom blest then find. 
 Whose wife is ever patient, kind. 
 Go to their home, I think you'll see 
 Something of earth's felicity. 
 
2S2 NUGM CANORM. 
 
 Without the wisdom in the one 
 The home's true peace will soon be gone; 
 Without sweet patience in the wife 
 The house becomes a place of strife. 
 
 Good lady, if your husband's wise, 
 You certainly have got a prize, 
 And he will have a happy life 
 Who has secured a patient wife. 
 
 But if the husband wisdom spurns, 
 And if the wife from patience turns, 
 Where is home peace ? Why, it is gone, 
 And happiness ? Why, there is none. 
 
 So wisdom, patience, they do seem 
 Just happiness and peace to mean ; 
 These golden virtues try to gain. 
 And may they with you e'er remain. 
 
 Then you will have a happy lot, 
 Your home will be a peaceful spot, 
 Your life become a living act 
 To prove our subject is a fact. 
 
NUG^ CANOR^. 
 
 253 
 
 If this is SO, why hesitate 
 In your own case to demonstrate, 
 Husbands with wisdom, patient wives, 
 Have happy homes and peaceful lives. 
 
 Sunday Evening, December l^h, 1887. 
 
if 
 
 
BOWKER BROTHERS, 
 
 MIDDLE ROW, 
 
 aOSTTELL BOADf LONDON