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Out of the Depths 
 
 BY 
 
 CARRIE B. VAUGHAN 
 
 Is 
 
 m 
 
 ARTIetVeRIX^jTl 
 
 BOSTON 
 RICHARD G. BADGER 
 
 Ube ©orbam press 
 1908 
 
Copyright, igoy, by Carrie B. Vaughan 
 \_All Rights Reserved.'] 
 
 \ 
 
 LIBRARY of CONCiWESS 
 Two Copits Receivou 
 
 DEC 30 1907 
 
 Cypyigni tntry 
 
 CLASS A XX6. Wu. 
 
 COPY B, y 
 
 M^ 
 
 A 3 
 
 « 
 
 0^. 
 
 1-^ 
 
 ? 
 
 The Gorham Tress, 'Boston, U.S.A. 
 
CONTENTS 
 
 The New Thought .... 
 God Liveth Ever ..... 
 
 7 
 
 8 
 
 The Night Doth Come 
 
 9 
 
 We Die Daily ..... 
 
 10 
 
 Aspiration ...... 
 
 Resting in God ..... 
 
 ''He Gives His Angels Charge'' . 
 
 10 
 
 II 
 II 
 
 Thorn-Crowned ..... 
 
 12 
 
 " Dozun to 'Sleep'' .... 
 
 13 
 
 ''Non Nobis Solum" .... 
 
 H 
 
 Only a Little Way .... 
 The Human Aura .... 
 
 15 
 18 
 
 Belief 
 
 21 
 
 '' De Profundis" ..... 
 
 22 
 
 He Gives Us Choice .... 
 
 23 
 
 He Leads Us .... . 
 
 24 
 
 Finished . . . . 
 
 25 
 
 He Conquers Who Endures . 
 
 26 
 
 Thy Brother ..... 
 Trust 
 
 27 
 28 
 
 Our Dead ...... 
 
 29 
 
 Kin ..... 
 
 30 
 
 Thy Holy Hill . . . . ^^ . 
 ''And There Shall be no more Night" . 
 
 30 
 31 
 
 The Inner Life ..... 
 
 31 
 
 Sometime ...... 
 
 33 
 
 The Bells 
 
 • 34 
 
Peace on Earth ..... 
 
 • 35 
 
 The Mother of Jesus .... 
 
 ■ 36 
 
 Blind from His Birth .... 
 
 38 
 
 ''Resurgam*' ..... 
 
 - 40 
 
 The Easter Lily ..... 
 
 • 40 
 
 Arbutus ...... 
 
 • 41 
 
 Sunshine after Rain .... 
 
 • 42 
 
 " fFe feel the things we ought to be beneath th 
 
 e 
 
 things we are .... 
 
 • 43 
 
 A Petition 
 
 • 43 
 
 Release ...... 
 
 • 44 
 
 Cheerfulness ..... 
 
 • 45 
 
 Inner Sunshine ..... 
 
 • 46 
 
 ''Where Will You Spend Eternity?'' 
 
 • 47 
 
 My Father s House .... 
 
 . 48 
 
 Incentive ...... 
 
 49 
 
 ''Thou wilt keep him in Perfect Peace whose M 
 
 m(^ 
 
 is Stayed on Thee'' 
 
 50 
 
 I Know Not ..... 
 
 51 
 
 Return . . ... 
 
 52 
 
 Light and Shadow 
 
 53 
 
 Life 
 
 54 
 
 Adversity ...... 
 
 54 
 
 Why 
 
 55 
 
 Again a Child ...... 
 
 56 
 
 My Prayer . 
 
 SI 
 
 Repose ....... 
 
 58 
 
 His Ways are Hidden Ways . . . . 
 
 58 
 
 To a Child ....... 
 
 59 
 
 De Shadows ...... 
 
 60 
 
 Charity ....... 
 
 61 
 
 Let Them Shine Through . . . . 
 
 62 
 
 Pompey's Prayer ...... 
 
 63 
 
 To-Morrow ....... 
 
 64 
 
 Messages ....... 
 
 65 
 
 The Spirit's Flight 
 
 66 
 
Burden-Bearing . 
 
 
 
 66 
 
 The New Birth . . . . 
 
 
 
 67 
 
 Progression .... 
 
 
 
 68 
 
 Into the Silence 
 
 
 
 69 
 
 Conscience .... 
 
 
 
 70 
 
 *^My Peace I Leave with Tou'' 
 
 
 
 • 71 
 
 Discipline .... 
 
 
 
 72 
 
 The Christ Child 
 
 
 
 • 73 
 
 Child Jesus 
 
 
 
 • 74 
 
THE NEW r HOUGH f 
 
 ' Tis borne upon the waiting air, 
 
 It pulses o'er the sea: 
 The vibrant thought of worlds afar 
 
 Bids superstition flee. 
 
 It moves the whole glad earth to-day 
 
 With influence unseen; 
 Now millions own its magic touch 
 
 And walk with angel mien. 
 
 For day by day and hour by hour 
 
 New impulses unfold. 
 And yet, 't is naught but ancient lore, 
 
 Deep mysteries retold. 
 
 Our Father's hand still leadeth us 
 Through meadows fair and sweet, 
 
 Or into paths of deepest woe 
 To make our lives complete. 
 
GOD LIVETH EVER 
 
 God liveth ever, ever}^where: 
 
 If near to Him we 're found 
 There 's naught too hard for us to meet 
 
 His love and help abound. 
 But we must choose the better part: 
 
 He waits for us to call 
 And gives us lavishly indeed; 
 
 What harm can e'er befall ? 
 
 Then seek Him in the burning bush 
 
 And on the mountain-top; 
 We cannot look in vain for Him, 
 
 Nor go where God is not. 
 It only needs the open eye, 
 
 The heart attuned to praise. 
 To see His hand in ev'ry act, 
 
 His love o'er all our ways. 
 
 O, could our feet but scale the heights 
 
 What visions would be ours! 
 But we can strive, and in our flights 
 
 Ascend the lofty tow'rs 
 That bring us near the realm beyond 
 
 And there await the call 
 From Him who plans our pilgrimage, 
 
 Who knows and pities all. 
 
 He will not turn one soul aside. 
 
 But with unfailing love 
 Will lead us gently on and on 
 
 To dwell with Him above. 
 Press forward! if endeavor fail, 
 
 Still let your aim be high; 
 The moment waits when sure success. 
 
 Through Him, is drawing nigh. 
 
 8 
 
THE NIGHT DOTH COME 
 
 The night doth come as surely as the day, 
 
 And we have need of all that night can bring: 
 
 The shining of the stars, the fair, pale moon. 
 The darkness folding close — a phantom thing. 
 
 When night doth come all work is laid aside, 
 And men go forth, each on a different quest: 
 
 Some but to eat and drink — carousal coarse — 
 And others to enjoy a well-earned rest. 
 
 How wonderful the power that night doth hold! 
 
 Base deeds it hides while better thoughts have 
 birth 
 As peace and rest encompass weary souls 
 
 Within its broad domain, encircling earth. 
 
 The night has many phases all its own; 
 
 Day follows day amid unceasing change. 
 But each returning night healing and balm doth 
 bring. 
 
 The dark, mysterious night — is it not strange ? 
 
 The precious pearl is hid in tight-closed shell 
 And there in darkness forms in purity so white : 
 
 Thus souls to full maturity shall grow, 
 And shall attain unlooked for light. 
 
 Then let us thank the Giver of the night: 
 He saw our need and in His own good way 
 
 Provided rest for weary, troubled souls. 
 The night doth come, — so bravely meet the day. 
 
WE DIE DAILY 
 
 We daily die unto our old desires: 
 
 The acts that please us, and the words that 
 wound. 
 The things that at a distance loomed so large 
 Can scarce be seen when at our feet they 're 
 found. 
 
 The little things that torture and perplex 
 Are slowly dying as we gain in pow'r: 
 
 The time will come when we shall keep serene 
 Whatever fate shall render as our dow'r. 
 
 ASPIRATION 
 
 Lord, thy spirit now reveal, 
 Let our souls no sin conceal. 
 Pure and open as the day 
 Be our thoughts and acts alway. 
 
 May we never lose a friend — 
 Help and cherish to the end. 
 When at last our race is run 
 May we leave no good undone. 
 
 Gaining freedom, this our plea: 
 "Not a tear let fall for me: 
 O, thou hast no cause to weep, — 
 Flesh, not spirit, here doth sleep. 
 
 He that loseth life shall find: 
 Links invisible shall bind. 
 Swifter yet our souls shall meet. 
 Joining in communion sweet. 
 
 10 
 
RESTING IN GOD 
 
 Resting in God! 
 What thought can so inspire ? 
 
 Resting in God, 
 We from the world retire. 
 
 Resting in God, 
 All evil falls away. 
 
 Resting in God, 
 We gain in strength each day. 
 
 Resting in God, 
 Our thoughts are all of peace. 
 
 Resting in God, 
 We find all sorrow cease. 
 
 Resting in God, 
 Each day grows strangely calm. 
 
 Resting in God, 
 We gain the victor's palm. 
 
 ''HE GIVES HIS ANGELS CHARGE 
 
 )» 
 
 "He gives his angels charge" concerning thee, 
 "Lest thou shouldst dash thy foot against a 
 stone," 
 
 Then bids thee roam the wide world swift and free 
 And know that thou canst walk no more alone. 
 
 They hold thee though the way be dark and long; 
 
 If thou wouldst rest they softly guard thy sleep. 
 Then let thy heart and lips breathe gladdest song — 
 
 Because His love doth sure thy footsteps keep! 
 
 II 
 
(( 
 
 THORN— CRO WNED 
 
 I close mine eyes at twilight's calm, 
 When in the silence still I rest, 
 
 And lo! within a halo bright 
 
 I see the Savior's head, so blest. 
 
 Alas! His brow is pierced by thorns — 
 A woful fate! what can it mean ? 
 
 Yet never smile so sad and sweet 
 Upon another face was seen. 
 
 *'Lord, show me not the crown of thorns: 
 I cannot wear it now," I pray, 
 But let some lighter task be mine; 
 And give me strength to serve, each day. 
 
 I only live from hour to hour. 
 
 To look ahead appalleth me. 
 I '11 meet the burdens as they come. 
 
 But let my soul unfettered be. 
 
 If I have turned aside at times 
 
 From discipline or duty stern. 
 Appear and show the better way; 
 
 Nor let me e'er Thy precepts spurn. 
 
 I read that human 'tis to err: 
 O, teach me how to be divine! 
 
 Grant me forgiveness, full and free. 
 
 Then, — all my love and service. Thine. 
 
 it 
 
 Keep Thou the future veiled," I plead. 
 If happiness shall come to me 
 I may, in eager waiting, slight 
 
 Some task to draw me nearer Thee. 
 
 12 
 
If I must still be sorely bruised 
 Withhold the knowledge for awhile; 
 
 And when a little stronger grown, 
 
 Lord, grant that then I, too, may smile." 
 
 (( 
 
 DOfVN TO SLEEP'' 
 
 My precious babe, I fold thee close 
 As ''Down to sleep" I lay thee now, 
 
 And "Pray the Lord" thy "Soul to keep 
 As over thee in prayer I bow. 
 
 I cannot say "If thou shouldst die," 
 My little one, — I love thee so. 
 
 O, stay and make my Heaven here! 
 I cannot, cannot let thee go. 
 
 Without thee, what would life become ? 
 
 A cold and barren thing, indeed! 
 O, stay his hand if Death draws near 
 
 And let my baby wake, I plead. 
 
 Now shut those eyes of dazzling blue, — 
 The heavy lids fall softly down. 
 
 Then rise and fall again, and lo. 
 My baby's off to Dreamland Town. 
 
 >> 
 
 n 
 
C( 
 
 NON NOBIS SOLUM'' 
 
 Thou canst not live unto thyself alone: 
 
 Each thought goes out, though much against 
 thy will; 
 
 The words thou speakest, though at midnight hour, 
 Bear each a message — be it good or ill. 
 
 Then rule thyself. Let thought and action tell 
 Ot that great Power which ever watches o'er, 
 
 Until the world shall see upon thy face 
 Reflection of the inner light once more. 
 
 O, make that light the priceless pearl of life! 
 
 And guard thy soul from e'en the tiniest stain. 
 These having done, when called to higher spheres 
 
 Know that thou surely hast not lived in vain. 
 
 Let not thy thought be wholly for thyself: 
 For even now, upon the border-land 
 
 Await the weary and discouraged souls 
 
 Who can be saved by kindly, helping hand. 
 
 It may be that one word, or thought or deed 
 May turn the current and inspire their souls; 
 
 Then do not hold it back, but freely give 
 As He has given who human life controls. 
 
 "Not merely for ourselves" must guide thy life; 
 
 Now send the thought the waiting world around. 
 Let the discouraged the vibration feel, 
 
 And in it may new impulses be found. 
 
 H 
 
ONLY A LITTLE WAT 
 
 Only a little way, 
 
 Just through an open door, 
 Out of the flesh, we say, — 
 
 Just as we were before. 
 
 Loving as we have loved, 
 
 Still closely bound to earth. 
 Grieving alone for you, 
 
 Flesh is of little worth. 
 
 Waiting till you can see 
 
 Some rift within the cloud, 
 Our saddest thought is this: 
 
 That grief must still enshroud. 
 
 Whene'er some light shall fall 
 
 Upon your darkened path, 
 O, then be ours the joy 
 
 That never mortal hath! 
 
 Your vision is too dull 
 
 To see the glories veiled 
 That dawned upon our opened eyes 
 
 And we with rapture hailed. 
 
 When you the step must take 
 
 Our loving hands will guide. 
 Keep not this knowledge for yourself, 
 
 But spread it far and wide. 
 
 Go, tell the world that we 
 
 Are still unchanged and true, — 
 
 Save that through death we have attained 
 A broader, wiser view. 
 
 15 
 
We have the power to guide, 
 
 So hold yourself in peace. 
 O, grasp this wondrous truth 
 
 And let your mourning cease! 
 
 What though rebuffs must come ? 
 
 They give an added zest 
 And purify the soul; 
 
 Then yield not to unrest. 
 
 Never while cords of love 
 
 Reach from your souls to ours 
 
 Shall we be wholly weaned from earth. 
 Through linked with mighty pow'rs. 
 
 But if the time shall come 
 When earthly love grows cold 
 
 No longer by your side we stay — 
 Yet still we closely hold. 
 
 Ours is the larger love, 
 
 Which asks that what is best. 
 
 In His good time, may come to you 
 And give you peace and rest. 
 
 We have our work to do: 
 To help some sin-sick soul. 
 
 To gently turn the wayward feet. 
 Or hurtful thought control. 
 
 While we have not the powV 
 
 To every thought renew, 
 We can suggest the rightful course 
 
 And help them to be true. 
 
 i6 
 
We can bring better things 
 Within their vision keen 
 
 Until all evil 's crowded out, 
 The while we work unseen. 
 
 When the glad day shall come 
 That you the truth accept, 
 
 Then evermore the light will shine 
 Beloved, do not reject. 
 
 It means so much to us: 
 For we have waited long. 
 
 Unseen, unrecognized, the while 
 In love we round you throng. 
 
 We often go, 't is true, 
 
 But never far away; 
 The least vibration chains our feet 
 
 And by your side we stay. 
 
 O, will you not give rein 
 
 To the unselfish love 
 That lets us go to gather strength 
 
 And knowledge found above ? 
 
 Then we can give you more, 
 And lead you farther on, — 
 
 Until at last we lead you to 
 The glad, unending morn. 
 
 17 
 
THE HUMAN AURA 
 
 Each being hath its aura, 
 
 And ev'ry opened eye 
 Can read it with a ready glance — 
 
 Can trace each laugh or sigh. 
 
 If thou hast scattered sunshine 
 
 Along some darkened way, 
 Then will that light illume thy soul 
 
 And in thy aura play. 
 
 The colors of thy spirit 
 
 Thou takest ev'rywhere: 
 No human hand hath mixed them. 
 
 Yet they glow in beauty rare. 
 
 They tell, to thosg who see them, 
 
 A strange and varied tale; 
 Not all are bright — a few so black 
 
 They make the spirit quail. 
 
 With some, 't is like a palette 
 With paints unmixed and crude; 
 
 But after they are blended 
 And Artist eye hath viewed. 
 
 When Artist's hand hath held the brush 
 
 And in the light they gleam 
 How great a marvel hath been wrought - 
 
 How beautiful they seem! 
 
 If thou canst gain an entrance 
 
 Into the childish heart 
 Thou yet mayst learn of many things: 
 
 Strange mysteries impart. 
 
 t8 
 
Some say when night hath fallen, 
 While yet they wait for sleep 
 
 The rainbow colors round them play 
 And bring them slumber deep. 
 
 Still others say a magic wheel 
 Is turning round and round, 
 
 While some can see the rainbow arch; 
 Few have no colors found. 
 
 The Christus knew whereof he spake: 
 
 To his disciples taught 
 A lesson when within their midst 
 
 A little child he brought. 
 
 ''Become a little child again, 
 
 And thou shalt surely be 
 Within my kingdom great, indeed — 
 
 From ev'ry sin set free. 
 
 But if through thee offense appears 
 
 To e'en the smallest one, 
 Then woe be thine — and woe for all 
 
 Through whom offense shall come." 
 
 Become a little child to-day. 
 
 And thou shalt surely see 
 Life's colors play before thine eyes 
 
 In perfect harmony. 
 
 Each soul its aura can control 
 And make it coarse or fine. 
 
 The outward form .? It matters not — 
 The psychic force is thine. 
 
 TO 
 
If in the grasp of passion base, 
 
 The shadow of thy sin 
 Shall fold thee close until o'er self 
 
 The victory thou shalt win. 
 
 If all the standard colors 
 
 Are with thee and around 
 Complete development is shown, 
 
 With strength, and thought profound. 
 
 And if the perfect rainbow 
 
 Shall arch above thee, then 
 It shows that thou art blessed indeed 
 
 Above thy fellow-men. 
 
 If haply time there cometh 
 
 When enshrined in purest light 
 
 Thy spirit waits, the victory 
 Is thine, — the future bright. 
 
 Then let no failure daunt thee, 
 
 For help is always near 
 To blend the colors. At thy call 
 
 It will at once appear. 
 
 And when the Master Artist 
 
 A few deft strokes applies, 
 Lo! beauty that is born of God 
 
 The waiting souls surprise. 
 
 20 
 
BELIEF 
 
 What is belief? A most illusive force. 
 
 Elusive too, and changes in an hour, — 
 Aye, in an instant's time; while it exists 
 
 It full dominion o'er the soul has pov^^'r. 
 
 We think belief is fixed, and then comes doubt; 
 
 We question why the saintly souls of earth 
 Must suffer more than those of blackest dye: 
 
 And it is then that unbelief has birth. 
 
 Thereafter scales must ever sway and swing. 
 
 Few hold the balance true from night till morn: 
 They say they do, but deep within their souls 
 
 Day after day the weighing still goes on. 
 
 And so it will till dawn of better things 
 
 That come through the benignant hand of grief; 
 
 When plunged into the depths then may we say: 
 "Lord, I believe; help Thou mine unbelief." 
 
 Could we but see our loved ones as they are — 
 The gift is ours, though in abeyance held — 
 
 How surely it would serve to give us faith : 
 Each day our souls to God more firmly weld. 
 
 It is the thought that here we may not know 
 What lieth just beyond that frets us so. 
 
 But we can know of many hidden things 
 If we but loose our hold on all below. 
 
 And in the future, when the truth is known, 
 As it must sometime be, beyond a doubt, 
 
 Belief becomes a most substantial force 
 That none of us will care to live without. 
 
 21 
 
Now, while we wait it will be better far 
 To live the Christ-life. Do not let us mar 
 
 A new-formed faith, unsettle old belief, — 
 But for ourselves accept what brings relief. 
 
 If we but question in all honesty 
 It matters little what belief may be. 
 
 Hold fast to God, who whispers to our souls. 
 Sometime we'll know that true belief makes free. 
 
 ''DE PROFUNDI S" 
 
 **Out of the depths" have I cried unto thee: 
 Thou, only Thou, my tired spirit can free. 
 Long have I waited, but joy cometh not — 
 Darkness o'ershadows. The rest I have sought 
 Cometh no nearer; I wait in despair. 
 Now, ''De Profundis" — and into Thy care. 
 
 "Out of the depths" into brightness untold! 
 Long have I suffered. Thy love hath consoled. 
 Long have I waited Thy summons, and now 
 Lowly before Thee in gratitude bow. 
 List to the words that I gratefully sing 
 Lord, "De Profundis!" Thy praises shall ring. 
 
 22 
 
HE GIVES US CHOICE 
 
 He gives us choice: 
 He does not say **Thou shalt," 
 
 But," Wilt thou time thy daily steps to mine ? 
 'T is as thou wilt. Walk with me 
 
 And the universe is thine." 
 
 He gives us choice: 
 He sends no rosy dreams to tempt; 
 
 But, "Wouldst thou gain the victory divine? 
 Arise and fight beside me, 
 
 While thy deeds with glory shine." 
 
 He gives us choice: 
 If we accept the wrong 
 
 He leaves the door ajar and waits our call. 
 Then welcomes us. We thank Him 
 
 That He cares so much for all. 
 
 He gives us choice: 
 But, loving us. He strives 
 
 To lead us gently heavenward each day. 
 Let us be led, and through Him 
 
 Find the light, the truth, the way. 
 
 2.^ 
 
HE LEADS US 
 
 He leads us. 
 O, the thorny places where He leads us! 
 
 Sometimes so sharp we scarce can bear the smart. 
 But in a little while, in tender love 
 He feeds us 
 And pours the softest oil upon our hearts. 
 
 He leads us. 
 Very close to Heav'n He leads us! 
 
 Sometimes so close we long to dwell therein 
 Whate'er we do, "Our Father" 
 Always heeds us. 
 To serve Him better let us now begin. 
 
 He leads us. 
 Yes, how willingly He leads us! 
 
 Though sometimes we reluctant lag behind, 
 With clasp of His sustaining hand w^e feel 
 He needs us, — 
 And quickly grasp the plan that He designed. 
 
 He leads us. 
 Many, many ways He leads us! 
 
 And we are healed by virtue of His touch. 
 We go, rejoicing at the heritage 
 He deeds us. 
 To work with Him, — who gives us all so much. 
 
 He leads us. 
 Let us thank Him that He leads us, 
 
 And with unfalt'ring trust our hand extend. 
 Though it be dark, "Our Father" sees 
 And reads us. 
 He knows what forces in our lives to blend. 
 
 24 
 
FINISHED 
 
 We may walk through the valley, 'neath the shadow 
 Ere we leave the body to its sure decay. 
 
 We may hold the Angel Death in close communion 
 Ere the spirit enters on the heavenly way. 
 
 ''Dust to dust" may long remain unspoken, 
 We may plead in vain for our release. 
 
 Useless ever is the soul's rebellion, — 
 
 When it yields, then follows priceless peace. 
 
 Many lines deep in the soul are chiseled 
 By the loving Master Hand before we go; 
 
 It is when His plan alone has been perfected 
 That we the glorious life beyond may know. 
 
 Life in death is given unto many. 
 
 Death in life required of but the few. 
 
 Greatest brilliancy doth follow deepest polish 
 Of the diamond, bright as morning dew. 
 
 We must meet ev'ry sorrow without flinching, 
 Greeting with a smile the mallet's swing. 
 
 When Life's Sculptor shall pronounce us finished 
 Heavenly harmonies within the soul shall ring. 
 
 25 
 
HE CONQUERS WHO ENDURES 
 
 We know not why so dark the path 
 
 Doth He before our feet, 
 Nor why our Hves must ever show 
 
 Some portion incomplete. 
 
 Why is it not, Hke fairest flowers. 
 
 Perfect and sweet and full ? 
 Why always show the flaws within ? — 
 
 Is life for aye a school ? 
 
 And must we struggle day by day 
 
 To gain a victory slow, — 
 Honor and truth yield to our toes 
 
 At their first, weakest blow ? 
 
 Nay, though we fight with palsied hand 
 
 Still truth and honor may. 
 At least, be ours, — and God's own love. 
 
 Then cast the gloom away. 
 
 26 
 
THT BROTHER 
 
 Why seest thou thy brother's fault ? 
 
 His weakness thine may be; 
 Then "Cover it with silence deep" 
 
 Should be thy daily plea. 
 
 Thou knowest not why he to sin 
 
 The barriers let fall: 
 Let his own conscience give reproof, 
 
 Then help rebuild the wall 
 
 And build it higher, so that he 
 Intrenched more strongly be. 
 
 Make him more eager for the fight. 
 Lead him himself to free. 
 
 When, at the last, o'er self and sin 
 
 The victory is gained 
 Be glad for him as for thyself. 
 
 His courage never waned. 
 
 27 
 
TRUST 
 
 We know not if the way 
 
 Be long or short; 
 The Father holds our hands, — 
 
 Then doubt Him not. 
 
 He will not lead us where 
 
 We cannot go 
 Nor will He tell us why 
 
 He leads us so. 
 
 We must take all on trust: 
 
 That we can do; 
 His loved has never failed 
 
 The long years through. 
 
 Why should we question when 
 
 It doth appear 
 That we are left alone .? 
 
 He 's always near. 
 
 Although we oft may change 
 
 He changes not, 
 And we shall always find, 
 
 What'er our lot, 
 
 That when to Him we turn 
 
 A refuge sure 
 Will open to our souls, — 
 
 His love endure. 
 
 28 
 
OUR DEAD 
 
 Within the gallery of time 
 
 Are hung fair pictures all our own. 
 Life's ladder round by round we climb, 
 
 Each step is on the canvas thrown. 
 
 In youth the days too quickly fly, 
 Our very griefs are lightly borne: 
 
 We live and love and laugh and cry 
 With joy, and then — we mourn. 
 
 The years pass on and we, the while, 
 Still view the canvas as of yore; 
 
 We watch the shadowy phantoms file 
 Until our hearts can bear no more. 
 
 But as the eventide draws near 
 
 We sit and gaze, with folded hands, 
 
 Adown the years without a fear; 
 
 "Our Father" sees. He understands. 
 
 Where once we wept in anguish keen 
 We now subdue the rising tear, 
 
 For, wiser grown, although unseen 
 We know our dead are always near. 
 
 For them we smile, our love we show 
 By bright'ning paths for other feet. 
 
 Released at last, full well we know 
 That we shall go with footsteps fleet. 
 
 So while we wait we smile and sing — 
 Each day but brings them nearer still 
 
 They, by their gracious presence, bring 
 The pow'r life's mission to fulfil. 
 
 29 
 
KIN 
 
 It is not in ties of blood 
 
 That the soul finds kin, 
 Often 't is the stranger's hand 
 
 Lets the sun shine in. 
 
 Often 't is the stranger's eye, 
 Glancing swiftly into ours, 
 
 That stirs some half-forgotten dream 
 Or rouses latent pow'rs. 
 
 There is magic in a glance, 
 
 There is strength to which we hold 
 If behind the mask of flesh 
 
 Beats a heart of gold. 
 
 THY HOLT HILL 
 
 Lord, who shall stand upon thy holy hill ? 
 
 The man whose life is clean, whose soul is pure, — 
 The man whose heart with human love can thrill, 
 
 Who for love's sake will even wrong endure. 
 
 The steadfast man, who builds upon a rock. 
 Who walks each day the perfect path of peace. 
 
 Who flinches not however hard the shock, 
 
 Who calmly smiles and bids temptation cease. 
 
 30 
 
''AND THERE SHALL BE NO MORE 
 
 NIGHT " 
 
 Dost marvel at the brightness on thy way ? 
 Behold, for thee hath dawned unending day. 
 No more shall night its sombre shadow throw 
 Across thy pathway. Thou art safe we know. 
 No ill can harm thee now, no care or pain. 
 But we, alas! reach after thee in vain. 
 
 Upon thy loved ones left falls night, indeed! 
 Thou art the gainer, ours the hearts that bleed. 
 And yet, we bravely smile amid our tears; 
 For thee no more our hearts shall fill with fears. 
 But looking onward, upward, calmly say: 
 "At last we, too, shall find unending day." 
 
 THE INNER LIFE 
 
 The inner life ? A deeply hidden force, 
 
 Revealed to God alone. 
 We walk apart, alas! by day and night, 
 
 While mingling with our own. 
 
 Why is it we cannot in thought unite 
 
 If all God's children are .? 
 Why must we be so sorely hurt at times ^ 
 
 Our souls by discord mar .? 
 
 I ask: without the struggle, what is birth ? 
 
 And death is much the same. 
 If such strict discipline the flesh requires 
 
 We surely must not blame 
 
 31 
 
The All-wise Pow'r who thus that life has hid 
 
 From curious, prying eyes, 
 That He requires the strictest discipline 
 
 If we would win the prize. 
 
 Though to our untrained souls the way seems long 
 
 And we oft turn aside, 
 We must take all the steps, and we retard 
 
 Our growth when we have tried 
 
 To reach life's mile-stones by a different route 
 
 Than in His plan laid out. 
 But, in the pauses, let us, day by day, 
 
 In silence stand without 
 
 The temple of each soul we fain would win, 
 
 And gently fan the spark 
 That glows with wondrous purity therein 
 
 To overpow'r the dark. 
 
 Soon will the tiny spark burst into flame. 
 
 Revealing treasures hid. 
 And with the magic pass-word, "In His name," 
 
 To enter we are bid. 
 
 And told to take for ours the shining gems 
 
 Best suited to our needs. 
 At last we learn that when this choice is given 
 
 We earn it by our deeds. 
 
 That we are not required to walk alone 
 
 When we can comprehend 
 The glorious brotherhood of God and man, — 
 
 Gain pow'r the two to blend. 
 
 32 
 
SOMETIME 
 
 Sometime, when the lessons of life have been 
 learned, 
 And the garments we Ve worn put aside, 
 We shall know why our efforts were seemingly 
 vain. 
 Why sorrow so oft did betide. 
 
 Perhaps we may see, as each lesson we conned 
 
 The hand of the Teacher divine 
 Led us tenderly on o'er the ruggedest paths 
 
 While He taught us our will to resign. 
 
 When safe in the school of His wisdom above 
 
 The reason for living we see. 
 We may thank Him for much that seemed hard 
 at the time — 
 
 Refusing to grant us our plea. 
 
 He knoweth what lesson removed from our heart 
 
 The bitterness, doubt or despair: 
 Then with the sweet faith that in childhood we 
 knew 
 
 Let us speak to "Our Father'* in prayer. 
 
 O, Lord, may we ever turn trusting to Thee 
 Though the gold in our lives turn to dust. 
 
 Thou canst care for our loved ones far better 
 than we — 
 We yield to Thy will. Thou art just. 
 
 33 
 
THE BELLS 
 
 I heard the bells on Christmas eve, 
 
 I hear the bells to-day 
 Ring out their carols clear and sweet. 
 
 O, list! how soft they play! 
 
 What is the message that they bring ? 
 
 "Peace and good will to men." 
 The waiting air their tones repeat. 
 
 Again I hear! again! 
 
 Though roaming lone in distant land 
 
 My spirit will not stay, 
 But on the wings of memory dear 
 
 Serene it floats away. 
 
 It seeketh those it fain would bless: 
 The loved, the tried and true. 
 
 In faith it touches broken threads, 
 Uniting old and new. 
 
 It asks no greater boon than this: 
 
 To carry peace and love 
 To those in anguish and despair. 
 
 And bid them look above. 
 
 I would that all the bells could hear. 
 Though in the depths they dwell. 
 
 O, Father, so attune their ear 
 That in Thy love they dwell! 
 
 All, all who hold within themselves 
 Good will to men, and peace, 
 
 Belong to Thee alone this day. 
 And wayward quest shall cease. 
 
 34 
 
Then ring, ye bells! play o'er and o'er! 
 
 Afar the tidings fling! 
 And gladden ev'ry waiting heart 
 
 With messages ye bring. 
 
 PEACE ON EARTH 
 
 What led the wise men in their quest 
 
 That wondrous night of old, 
 When on they went, nor paused for rest, 
 
 With gifts of spice and gold ? 
 
 It was a star of radiant light 
 That led, and failed them not 
 
 Until it shed its lustre white 
 Above the Child they sought. 
 
 Then, "Glory to the King of Kings!" 
 They bow them to the ground. 
 
 While "Peace on earth" an angel sings — 
 They marvel at the sound. 
 
 Though ages long have passed away 
 
 His glory never dims, 
 Triumphant, each returning year. 
 
 Resound the Christmas hymns. 
 
 Then "Peace on earth" indeed we find, 
 Within each heart "Good-will." 
 
 A love embracing all mankind 
 Repeats that message still. 
 
 35 
 
THE MOTHER OF JESUS 
 
 There is a wondrous story, 
 
 A tale of olden time, 
 That filled the world with glory, — 
 
 Made motherhood sublime. 
 
 'Twas in an eastern country. 
 
 Within a temple served 
 A fair and spotless maiden, — 
 
 Nor from one duty swerved. 
 
 She daily grew in beauty. 
 
 No stain her soul could show. 
 
 Then chosen of the Lord was she 
 Sweet motherhood to know. 
 
 The Angel came to Joseph 
 
 In revelation clear 
 And bade him give her watchful care 
 
 He had no cause for fear. 
 
 >i 
 
 5> 
 
 He of the *' House of David 
 His yearly tax must pay. 
 
 And "Bethlehem, the golden 
 Was many miles away. 
 
 So Joseph, grave and reverent. 
 His trembling child-wife placed 
 
 Upon a poorly laden beast. 
 
 Their Bethlehem journey traced. 
 
 But when within the city 
 No inn, with open door 
 
 He found, no one to pity — 
 Only a stable floor. 
 
 36 
 
There for a moment placed her, 
 Then quickly spread some grain 
 
 Within a manger hard and rough, 
 Then sought his wife again. 
 
 How tenderly he laid her 
 
 Upon that lowly bed! 
 How glory shone around her — 
 
 Who had been heaven-led! 
 
 The waiting hours passed slowly 
 When, — hark ye to the sound! 
 
 A baby's cry rang lowly 
 The silent rafters round. 
 
 And soon the holy Jesus 
 Was cradled on her breast: 
 
 To sleep the Babe and mother sank 
 In quiet, dreamless rest. 
 
 Then, "Christ is born of Mary," 
 
 The waiting angels cry. 
 The sky is filled with radiant light, 
 
 Loud anthems ring on high. 
 
 "Glory to God, the highest! 
 
 Peace and good will to men!" 
 Is sounding on the waiting air. 
 
 Again it comes! Again! 
 
 The waking mother, smiling. 
 Her babe more closely clasps, 
 
 While, slowly borne upon her. 
 The wondrous truth she grasps. 
 
 37 
 
No one can wrest it from her, 
 
 The honor hers alone. 
 Yet, O, the agony, the grief 
 
 That mother-heart has known! 
 
 Full well we know the story. 
 And each returning year 
 
 ** Glory to God the highest" 
 Still echoes far and near. 
 
 BLIND FROM HIS BIRTH 
 
 With eyes unseeing, and with wearied face. 
 There stands a man who has been blind from 
 
 birth. 
 But not alone, for pitying angels come 
 To cheer him as they lightly tread the earth. 
 They gather round him, bearing golden gifts. 
 And precious, loving thoughts to make him 
 
 strong. 
 But still he sees not. So those shining ones 
 Return to higher spheres from which they throng. 
 They sorrow, for the tidings that they bear 
 Will grieve the One who for mankind doth care. 
 
 They seek His presence with reluctant step, 
 There to confess their failure in low tone. 
 Yet well they know awaits a welcome sure. 
 For all who strive He never will disown; 
 And these His angels are! they see His face; 
 And, seeing, gain each time an added grace. 
 These are the words they utter, bending low, — 
 Saddened, and yet with faces all aglow: 
 *'0, Master, we have offered gifts so pure and 
 free 
 
 38 
 
Unto a groping, weary, earth-born soul 
 
 But he could none perceive. We now return to 
 
 thee: 
 May we not bear to others waiting there 
 The priceless treasures that he could not see?" 
 
 The Master listened. Then He spake as one 
 To whom all things are plain: *'Nay, do not, 
 
 fear, 
 For there shall come a time when I, his Lord, 
 Shall so anoint his eyes that sight be clear; 
 Let him then enter on his heritage. 
 If long delayed, perchance he '11 hold it dear 
 And waste it not. The good can always wait — 
 Evil alone must haste or be too late. 
 Now, till his opened eyes shall gaze on hands 
 
 outstretched, 
 Laden with gifts from other worlds than his 
 Watch o'er him. Guide his heavy, stumbling feet 
 Until upon the solid rock he stands. 
 There will I ope his eyes, and thou shalt watch 
 The wondrous change sweeps o'er him when he 
 
 sees. 
 O, then present thy gifts and thou shalt know 
 What gratitude e'en earth-born souls can show." 
 
 The angels wait. May all who now are blind 
 Press forward till they stand upon that rock 
 Whose sure foundation faileth not and then, 
 While all the radiant host around them flock 
 In gleaming, spotless robes of silv'ry white 
 The Master's hand shall gently touch their eyes 
 And the most precious gift in life be theirs 
 As they, with glad surprise, behold the light. 
 
 39 
 
t( 
 
 RESURGAM '' 
 
 **I am the resurrection and the life." 
 
 These words spake Christ to one who waited 
 long. 
 List! as the Easter-tide again returns 
 
 We hear our Savior's words in sweetest song. 
 None can forget that on the cross He died, 
 
 All sufferers His agony recall. 
 But with the thought of resurrection, life. 
 
 Our grief is turned to joy. No tears shall fall. 
 
 THE EASTER LILT 
 
 The Easter lily bends its graceful head 
 
 And breathes its perfume on the balmy air. 
 
 Within its purity it doth imbed 
 
 A wealth of gold that gleams with beauty rare. 
 
 So, deep within thy soul God's love imbed: 
 It shall shine forth like gold that 's tried by fire, 
 
 And far and near its radiance be shed — 
 To serve His risen Son thy one desire. 
 
 40 
 
ARBUTUS 
 
 Hidden under the leaves so dead, 
 Shedding its perfume rare, 
 
 Gently lift from the ground away, — 
 Gather with tend'rest care. 
 
 Surely, a spirit dwells within 
 Chastened by sufF'ring deep: 
 
 For thus alone doth beauty bloom 
 And undimmed brightness keep. 
 
 Softly it speaks to me to-day, 
 
 Now let it speak to you, 
 While it is fresh and fair and pure. 
 
 Laden with morning dew. 
 
 Listen. 'Twill tell of shady dells, 
 Of birds and humming bees. 
 
 And nimble squirrels chattering 
 In gnarled and leafy trees, 
 
 Of butterflies at early dawn. 
 Moths in the dark'ning night, 
 
 The grim old rocks with lichens gray 
 Flooded with golden light. 
 
 Open your heart to the message fleet 
 Borne on its blushing face: 
 
 For more than all it speaks of Him 
 Who gave such dainty grace. 
 
 41 
 
SUNSHINE AFTER RAIN 
 
 **Into each life some rain must fall, 
 Some days be dark and drear." 
 
 The loved are called, and we are left 
 To bear our sorrow here. 
 
 But not alone. He comfort sends. 
 And e'en the opening flowers 
 
 Speak tenderly of happier days 
 And cheer our saddest hours. 
 
 He called our dear ones to Himself, 
 
 We have not far to go. 
 And with His love to comfort us 
 
 We yet great joy may know. 
 
 The rain has fallen on our path — 
 Now may the sunshine fair 
 
 Illume each step until with Him 
 We endless sunshine share. 
 
 4-2 
 
" WE FEEL THE THING WE OUGHT TO 
 BE BENEATH THE THING WE ARE'' 
 
 — Hugo. 
 
 Beating against its prison walls, 
 
 Struggling itself to free, 
 We feel beneath the thing we are 
 
 The thing we ought to be. 
 
 Crushed by the sins that we commit. 
 Held back by word and deed, — 
 
 We know it can, at any time. 
 By our own act be freed. 
 
 Then let us not discouraged grow: 
 
 All souls shall be revealed 
 While heart to heart in truth speaks out. 
 
 And naught can be concealed. 
 
 We each must gain the victory: 
 
 Yield not to what we are, 
 But yield to what we ought to be 
 
 And growth no longer bar. 
 
 A PETITION 
 
 Lord, underneath the shadow of Thy pow'r 
 I would be found when danger threatens me. 
 
 There, too, be found when I of blessings sing, — 
 When tasting Thy rich bounty, full and free. 
 
 Nearer to Thee each day, O Lord of all, 
 Draw me and mine in tenderness and love. 
 
 Weak though I be, O Father, hear my call; 
 And ever turn my thoughts from earth, above. 
 
 43 
 
RELEASE 
 
 I am spirit now, I plead, 
 
 And no more am bound by creed, 
 
 For Infinity alone 
 
 Speaks in language all its own. 
 
 Higher, higher let me climb, 
 Mingle with the souls sublime 
 That to greater deeds inspire. 
 "Is this truly thy desire.^" 
 
 "Strive each day some good to do. 
 Be to others just and true, 
 Self forget, the right defend, — 
 Thou shalt conquer in the end. 
 
 When thou canst resign thy will. 
 And thy spirit, calm and still. 
 Hour by hour and day by day 
 Scatters blessings on its way. 
 
 Then, indeed, with grander souls 
 He whose pow'r thy fate controls 
 Will award thy place with joy 
 Where no dross shall gold alloy. 
 
 Earth or heav'n, it matters not: 
 Sin in each hath pow'r to blot. 
 When from Self redeemed at last. 
 Thou shalt find thy struggles past.' 
 
 44 
 
CHEERFULNESS 
 
 Dost find cheer 
 Looking on a smiling face ? 
 
 The same smile 
 Thine own sadder face would grace. 
 
 What cheers thee 
 That for other lives attain; 
 
 Comfort give, 
 Then thou hast not lived in vain. 
 
 If a frown 
 Thou each sunny morn shouldst meet, 
 
 Day of gloom 
 Would retard thy footsteps fleet. 
 
 Then wear smiles 
 Though sorrow stern eat thy heart. 
 
 Let thy grief 
 Unselfish be. Do thy part. 
 
 45 
 
INNER SUNSHINE 
 
 The sunshine floods the earth 
 When clouds have passed away; 
 
 But know, 't is inner sunshine 
 That brightens all the day. 
 
 E'en through the darkest hour 
 Its radiant light doth cheer; 
 
 When dowered with it the soul 
 Hath little cause for fear. 
 
 Within its steadfast light 
 
 Dark Sorrow's flag is furled. 
 
 The smiles of eye and lip 
 
 Shed brightness o'er the world 
 
 46 
 
t( 
 
 WHERE WILL TOU SPEND ETERN ITT r 
 
 Eternity is here, and now: 
 
 I'll spend it with my brother, man. 
 
 Forget myself to comfort him — 
 This is a part of God's great plan. 
 
 He bids us seek the mourning ones, 
 Pour softest oil upon their hurts, 
 
 Weep when they weep, and share their joys, - 
 Such acts as these the soul converts. 
 
 He does not wish us now to dwell 
 ^^ In Heav'n's high courts, or He would say 
 ''Come home." Nor need we leave the earth 
 To dwell in Hell —'t is here each day. 
 
 Yes, after death we live again: 
 For still our influence shall speak. 
 
 Then let our lives be strong and pure. 
 And yet with sweetness be replete. 
 
 47 
 
MT FATHER'S HOUSE 
 
 The way unto my father's house I seek, 
 I do not know why there are none to tell. 
 
 Each day I search and hsten, — who shall speak ? 
 No other thought inspires me — is it well ? 
 
 They tell me that His house is fair to see, 
 For ev'ry child a room therein is found. 
 
 O, quickly to its shelter let me flee! 
 
 Where peace, and joy and rest for aye abound. 
 
 There I no more shall care or sorrow know. 
 On me no more the hand of sin can rest. 
 
 I long to dwell where all is peace, not woe. 
 When sheltered, I shall feel my lot is blessed. 
 
 I hear a voice, it whispers in my ear: 
 
 "Turn back, my child. Thou hast a work to do. 
 
 Fulfil thy mission, then without a fear 
 
 Seek thou that house. The door will ope to you.*' 
 
 48 
 
INCENTIVE 
 
 The miner daily grasps his pick 
 And toils with patient hand; 
 
 Full well he knows that nuggets rare 
 Are scattered through the land. 
 
 He cannot hope for fortune large 
 
 If to despair he yields, 
 And many days of fruitless search 
 
 He spends in barren fields. 
 
 But perseverance to the end 
 
 A sure reward will gain, 
 And he will find the golden ore 
 
 That long has hidden lain. 
 
 So with the mind: we cannot pause 
 
 If rich returns we ask, 
 But in the field of knowledge delve,— 
 
 Nor slight the smallest task. 
 
 49 
 
''THOU WILT KEEP HIM IN PERFECT 
 PEACE WHOSE MIND IS STATED 
 ON THEE " 
 
 "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace." 
 
 O, Wilt thou, then, bid all life's turmoil cease ? 
 
 Canst thou pour balm upon a wounded soul 
 
 And heal all scars, as the fresh seasons roll ? 
 
 Nay, child, the scars but show, in very truth, 
 
 A fight was fought, and both old age and youth 
 
 Should glory in these emblems of their deeds 
 
 Tho' at each scar the spirit freshly bleeds. 
 
 And when with sorrow bowed e'en to the ground, 
 
 "He jests at scars that never felt a wound" 
 
 Will take a deeper meaning unto thee. 
 
 Ye shall see, too, that like the spreading tree 
 
 Ye must be pruned if compact ye would grow. 
 
 And flinch not when the knife descends: the blow 
 
 Falls to remove disfiguring debris. 
 
 Thus giving freer life. — The sages thus agree. 
 
 50 
 
/ KNOW NOT 
 
 ''I know not, oh, I know not. 
 
 What joys await us there," 
 Now let me softly whisper: 
 T is Httle that I care." 
 
 (I >' 
 
 To do the present duty 
 Is joy enough for me: 
 
 To ease some daily burden. 
 Set some tired spirit free. 
 
 To scatter golden sunshine 
 Upon some darkened life. 
 
 To cheer a wounded spirit, 
 Or check some bitter strife. 
 
 To never cast a shadow 
 So close to Him I keep, — 
 
 This fills my heart with gladness 
 And present joys are deep. 
 
 51 
 
RETURN 
 
 Low in the ground my body lies, 
 
 Behold a spirit strong and free. 
 I come to thee in glad surprise — 
 
 My thoughts may now be voiced by thee. 
 
 Oft would I speak to those I love, 
 
 There is the veil of flesh between 
 I cannot pierce; I look above 
 
 And ask to influence unseen. 
 
 I strive to make my presence known. 
 
 And oftentimes the mvstic link 
 That bound our spirits seems to own 
 
 My subtile spirit touch, I think: 
 
 I long to bid them look beyond 
 
 Their narrow lives to other spheres. 
 
 Where they shall find a closer bond 
 Unites us in the coming years; 
 
 A common brotherhood reveal 
 
 To those who dimly understand 
 The glories that the flesh conceal. 
 
 As day by day their souls expand. 
 
 I ask that soon each one may know 
 
 That death is not decay, indeed! 
 But life, full, grand and free evolves 
 
 Through death. For this great boon I plead. 
 
 52 
 
LIGHT AND SHADOW 
 
 We have lived within the sunHght 
 And our days were passing sweet; 
 
 Every hour was filled with gladness, 
 Joy with every heart-throb beat. 
 
 Thou hast crowned our lives with blessings, 
 Kept us in Thy shelt'ring fold: 
 
 Now, as darkly come the shadows, 
 Keep us as Thou hast of old. 
 
 Help us bear the pain Thou sendest 
 With a spirit strong and sweet. 
 
 Learn the lesson Thou hast set us 
 Patiently, and when complete 
 
 Let us, kneeling at Thy footstool, 
 
 Every syllable recite; 
 Then wilt Thou, in tend'rest pity. 
 
 All the broken threads unite 
 
 That were severed when our loved ones 
 Passed from earthly sight away; 
 
 Grant that in Thy gracious presence 
 We may find unending day. 
 
 53 
 
LIFE 
 
 O, what is life, that we should cling to it ? 
 *Tis but the tide that keeps the storm-tossed ship 
 
 From reaching port. 
 How we rush on, impelled by that great force 
 Which in ourselves, as in the ocean hoarse 
 
 Doth flow and ebb. 
 
 But sometime it shall beat itself to rest, 
 
 And we, released, shall feel that God knew best, 
 
 Held us to gain 
 Development so rounded and complete 
 That at the last a spirit strong and sweet 
 
 Should onward pass. 
 
 ADFERSirr 
 
 "Sweet are the uses of adversity." 
 
 And if through adverse toil is born a gift, 
 
 Then use it wisely. It may lead thee on 
 
 Till e'en the darkest cloud is pierced by rift. 
 
 54 
 
WHY? 
 
 Why do we hunger so for human love ? 
 
 We know Thy love, O God, is always near. 
 Are we so weak we cannot look above ? 
 
 That we must find our present comfort here ? 
 
 Yes, we are weak: and so we cry to Thee 
 For aid to tread life's pathway, as we go, 
 
 With step so patient, yet so firm and free 
 That others, watching us, may ever know 
 
 Whence comes our strength, as on Thy arm we 
 lean. 
 
 And still the craving of their sorrowing hearts; 
 O, may they quickly heavenly comfort glean. 
 
 And know no further grief ere life departs. 
 
 Then, as that life to Thee returns again, 
 Grant that it shall the perfect circle make: 
 
 When measured by the heav'nly compasses 
 Grant that no flaw^the perfect whole shall break. 
 
 55 
 
AGAIN A CHILD 
 
 Again a child I wander lone 
 
 Upon the sandy beach, 
 And gather shells the surging waves 
 
 Have strewn within my reach. 
 
 I write my name upon the sand 
 
 As in the days gone by, 
 Then watch the quickly rising tide 
 
 Advancing as I lie. 
 
 Full soon the name is washed away, — 
 
 And still the restless sea 
 Yet higher climbs, with swift approach. 
 
 Till I am forced to flee. 
 
 I climb the bluff and joyously 
 
 Across the field I flit 
 To seek the blasted cedar tree 
 
 And in its shadow sit. 
 
 The beach plums hang upon the bush, 
 Great gold and purple balls. 
 
 While poised against the blue above 
 A lonely sea-bird calls. 
 
 The rustling grasses nod their heads, 
 
 The sea-weeds idly float; 
 Afar the rugged fisher sings 
 
 As gently rocks his boat. 
 
 And now the sun adown the bay 
 
 Shines gloriously bright; 
 The colors deepen, flicker, fade, 
 
 Then merge in black of night. 
 
 56 
 
MY PRATER 
 
 O, Thou who mark'st the sparrow's fall, 
 
 Mark, too, with pitying eye, 
 The weakness of Thy child, I call — 
 
 O give a quick reply. 
 
 Each morn, as doth the light of day 
 
 My waking eyes illume, 
 I crave Thy spirit's strength for mine 
 
 And cast away my gloom. 
 
 At even-tide, when looking back 
 
 My failures, Lord, I see. 
 Wilt Thou blot out my every sin ? 
 
 The good I offer Thee. 
 
 May I no more find good in sin 
 
 But taste Thy joys divine. 
 Now let me truly feel within 
 
 Thy daily love is mine. 
 
 And grant, O Lord, that in Thy light 
 
 My spirit shall grow pure 
 Until at last I end the fight 
 
 And gain the promise sure. 
 
 For well iTknow it hath been said 
 
 The pure in heart alone 
 Have gained the pow'r Thy face to see. 
 
 Accept me as Thine own. 
 
 Then when the last, long sleep shall come 
 
 My eyes shall calmly close: 
 My dying thoughts to Thee shall turn, 
 
 Whose hand this boon bestows. 
 
 57 
 
REPOSE 
 
 When my tired soul would seek repose 
 I turn from earth to heaven, 
 
 Sustain'ed by the Hand divine 
 That paints the sky at even. 
 
 I gaze upon the changing tints 
 
 And feel w^ithin, around, 
 A holy peace; I lean on Him, 
 
 And I with joy am crowned. 
 
 ''HIS WATS ARE HIDDEN WATS " 
 
 ''And underneath its branches 
 Is the grave of a little child, 
 fVho died upon life's threshold, 
 And never wept or smiled.^' 
 
 — Longfellow. 
 
 How wonderful to never weep or smile. 
 
 But pay thy dues to life and death at birth. 
 
 Then yield the dainty clay to funeral pile 
 Or the soft pressure of benignant Earth. 
 
 Not once upon thy soul shall fall a stain, 
 
 Not once another soul shall sin through thee. 
 
 Thou hast upon thy mother's breast ne'er lain, 
 And yet her tender love flows full and free. 
 
 Thy tiny form hath now to dust returned; 
 
 Thy spirit, lent by God, with Him doth rest. 
 Through grief, thy friends His wisdom have dis- 
 cerned. 
 
 '*His ways are not our ways," — yet they are best. 
 
 58 
 
TO A CHILD 
 
 Before you lies an unsailed sea, 
 
 Within your helpless hand 
 Is placed the helm to guide your bark 
 
 Toward an unknown land. 
 
 When once that bark, so fair and frail. 
 
 Is launched upon life's sea 
 It must sail on until at last 
 
 You reach that country free 
 
 Where none need fear as into port 
 
 With battered hulk they sail 
 If in their hearts they call on God: 
 
 His love will never fail. 
 
 O, there they find the door of Heav'n 
 
 Is ever open wide, 
 A list'ning ear for aye inclined, — 
 
 Can aught but good betide ? 
 
 It may be that your voyage is short, 
 
 And that He loves you so 
 He soon will guide your tiny feet 
 
 Across the threshold low 
 
 With hand so gentle you will feel 
 
 No rougher touch than sleep. 
 While tenderly your eyelids press 
 
 Upon your waxen cheek. 
 
 But should the voyage prove long and rough, 
 
 Then will His pow'r sustain; 
 E'en should the angry waves engulf 
 
 You will not call in vain. 
 
 59 
 
And you will find, as years pass on, 
 The seasoned timbers strong 
 
 Withstand the fiercest winds and waves 
 Though storms beat loud and long. 
 
 As gently falls the night of life, 
 
 Then cross the harbor bar 
 And anchor at the door of Heav'n — 
 
 Where His Beloved are. 
 
 DE SHADOWS 
 
 De shadows fall across our lives 
 An' none can tell de reason why. 
 
 My soul done question eb'ry day, 
 But it doan get no sure reply. 
 
 Sometimes it tinks it understan's, 
 An 'den calamities come fas'; 
 
 My po' ole soul is overwhelmed 
 An it done lose its faith at las'. 
 
 But soon a rif comes in de cloud, 
 It sees de sun a shinin' froo; 
 
 So den it puts its cares away 
 An' lets de inner sun shine, too. 
 
 De pain an' woe a message bring: 
 Our God done lub His chil'en well. 
 
 If hard dey seem He knows de best, 
 An' oft of comin' joys dey tell. 
 
 60 
 
CHARirr 
 
 A robe of white wears Charity, 
 
 She 's fairer than a flow'r. 
 Her Hps both pearls and rubies drop; 
 
 Her love, a priceless dowV. 
 
 Her presence makes men manlier. 
 She sees no sin that's past: 
 
 For virtue only has she eyes, 
 Redeems all souls at last. 
 
 She shields the weak with mantle pure, 
 Her hand doth lead them home. 
 
 No evil thought hath Charity 
 
 Though far from right they roam. 
 
 Then let us closely follow her 
 
 Until we, too, may wear 
 Both robe and mantle like her own 
 
 And strive her work to share. 
 
 6i 
 
LET THEM SHINE THROUGH 
 
 Let them shine through — 
 They are within thy soul — 
 
 Peace, Love and Joy, 
 
 Shine through as the seasons roll. 
 
 They are thine own, 
 
 And none can quench but thee. 
 No mortal frail dominion hath 
 
 Over thy soul so free. 
 
 Let them shine through — 
 
 Others will peaceful be 
 If steadfast thou. 
 
 O, then, as the days ye see 
 
 So quickly pass 
 
 Reach out to all around 
 Until their waiting, weary souls 
 
 With Peace for aye abound. 
 
 Let them shine through — 
 
 Love gives a wondrous pow'r. 
 
 Bid her come in, 
 
 She bringeth a priceless dow'r. 
 
 Guided by her 
 
 Never offence shall come: 
 From hearts that are inspired by Love 
 
 No unkind thoughts have sprung. 
 
 Let them shine through — 
 
 Joy is a welcome guest; 
 Keep her always. 
 
 Her presence thy soul hath blest. 
 
 62 
 
Friends gather round 
 Listening to her voice. 
 
 Then let her banish all thy care 
 And evermore rejoice. 
 
 POM PETS PRATER 
 
 Vse ole an' feeble, Massa, 
 
 Dese ban's can work no moah, 
 
 Please take me home ter Heab'n, 
 I see de op'n doah. 
 
 I heah de angels callin', 
 I see dem beck'n me — 
 
 Massa, show^ dy mercy 
 An' set mah spirit free. 
 
 1 feel mah eyelids closin'. 
 At Heab'n's gate I stan' 
 
 Now, praise de Lord! His face I see. 
 I've gained de ** Promised Lan'.'* 
 
 63 
 
TO-MORRO W 
 
 What will to-morrow bring to thee ? 
 
 A life of joy, 
 
 From care set free ? 
 Or will it bring more grief and pain ? 
 Will it prove glad or sad refrain ? 
 
 If Fate doth unto thee allot 
 
 Sweet joy, rejoice! 
 
 And yield her not. 
 To joy, how glad the welcome giv'n! 
 How soon the thongs that bound are riv'n! 
 
 If pain is sent, then may it bring 
 
 The strength to bear, 
 
 The heart to sing. 
 When spirit conquers flesh, O, then 
 E'en pain is helpful unto men. 
 
 Wilt thou be brave, or sore rebel 
 
 If hard the blow .? 
 
 Ah! who can tell 
 But this: It is not ours to know 
 What it will bring of weal or woe. 
 
 64 
 
MESSAGES 
 
 When friends reach out to us from far away 
 We greet each message with a beaming eye: 
 
 Why should we offer less when spirit friends 
 Send out their call, awaiting a reply ? 
 
 Receptive always must our spirit be 
 
 If we the touch of unseen hands would feel. 
 
 We ask too much, — no earthly friend waits long 
 Unless we glimpse of inner self reveal. 
 
 They summon us, but when the tryst they keep 
 We simply wonder if it can be so, 
 
 The while they strive conditions to adjust 
 And conquer barriers we may not know. 
 
 O, if in love they haste to comfort bring. 
 
 How sorely we must hurt them by our doubt 
 
 When gladly they have left the higher sphere! 
 Unseen, unfelt, — yet they are all about. 
 
 The pow'r to see the flesh is giv'n to all: 
 How few the spirit even understand. 
 
 Still less can see the real, the lasting self 
 
 That soon or late must join the waiting band! 
 
 Who now would ask to feel the wounded side ? 
 
 Accept with joy the truth so full and free 
 And thou shalt find that truth without alloy, 
 
 While greater knowledge soon shall come to thee. 
 
 Then be not slow to say: "I know you 're here," 
 And always quickly to their call respond. 
 
 How gladly should we welcome ev*ry sign 
 Of love that reaches out from the ** Beyond." 
 
 65 
 
THE SPIRITS FLIGHT 
 
 It may be far, it may be near — 
 The moment for its upward flight; 
 
 It may be at the dawn of day, 
 
 Perchance 'twill pass at noon of night. 
 
 But soon or late, it first must learn 
 
 Upon the Infinite to lean: 
 To feel the presence of the Lord 
 
 And know He's near, although unseen. 
 
 BURDEN-BEARING 
 
 Do not cast all on God, 
 
 But exercise your will 
 And your own burden bear — 
 
 His strength your heart will fill. 
 
 If you sit weakly down. 
 Waiting, beside the road. 
 
 Say: "Take my burden up, 
 I faint beneath its load." 
 
 Such weakness He will spurn. 
 For you were born to fight; 
 
 Adjust it to your back 
 And feel it growing light. 
 
 Know if you bravely live 
 He will in love draw near 
 
 And pity, help and bless. 
 Then call without a tear. 
 
 '^' 66 
 
THE NEW BIRTH 
 
 When trailing o'er our threshold in the night, 
 Or ent'rng 'mid the noonday sun's strong glare, 
 
 The Angel Death doth bear our loved away 
 Take courage! they shall find a life more fair 
 
 For, newly born, their souls can enter in 
 To glories hidden from our veiKed eyes; 
 
 While even we, if in the Silence held. 
 
 Can sense their welcome and their glad sur- 
 prise. 
 
 'Tis seen upon the pale, fast-freezing face — 
 The smile of rapture as they enter in; 
 
 Be glad for them! the final struggle past 
 Their place among immortal ones they win. 
 
 'T is but a cord, invisible to us, 
 
 That binds the spirit to its changing clay; 
 When gently loosened by soft, angel hands 
 
 Rejoicing they are safely borne away. 
 
 Let no rude shock come near them when the call 
 Sounds clear and sweet within the waiting ear. 
 
 Be glad their heritage is gained so soon. 
 Await a later summons without fear. 
 
 For God is love, and all can trust to Him 
 
 The fairest blossoms and the full-grown wheat. 
 
 He cares for them. Sometime, within the future 
 dim, 
 Our call will come and we our loved shall greet. 
 
 67 
 
But while in earnest work we calmly wait 
 
 A wondrous bridge is stretched from shore to 
 shore, 
 
 On which in silence, or with silver speech, 
 They come and go until we part no more. 
 
 PROGRESSION 
 
 O, earth-bound Soul, take heed! 
 
 Thou hast a mission here: 
 For untold wealth of thought may come to thee 
 
 Alone, from higher sphere. 
 
 Life is but one short step. 
 
 It leads to vaster realm 
 Where, in the light of knowledge gained through 
 life. 
 
 No force can overwhelm. 
 
 He who hath gained the pow'r 
 
 To view life's phases with impassive eye 
 
 No longer questions why rebuffs must come, 
 For his clear vision sees the sure reply. 
 
 When spirit is released 
 
 From its repression by environment. 
 It knows through seeming flaws, sometimes, 
 
 Comes beauty and content. 
 
 And in that gladsome hour 
 
 When fettered Soul soars free, 
 To its progression and development 
 
 No limit there shall be. 
 
 68 
 
INTO THE SILENCE 
 
 Into the Silence, O Soul, thou must go, 
 Thoughts waiting expression by thee thou shalt 
 
 know. 
 Sweeter, diviner than ear ever heard 
 Are the songs yet unsung but awaiting thy word. 
 
 Into the Silence, where naught can assail; 
 Only the spirit, while there, can avail; 
 'Tis given by God, and brings blessings untold: 
 Through Him will each soul into beauty unfold. 
 
 Into the Silence where wisdom doth wait. 
 Long though thou tarry 't is never too late. 
 Great are the truths that shall come to thee there, 
 Blessed the knowledge that Silence shall bear. 
 
 Into the Silence, thyself thou shalt find. 
 Infinite depths formed by Infinite Mind, 
 Reverence and awe with thee there shall abide. 
 Be found in the Silence whatever betide. 
 
 Into the Silence with self to commune. 
 There with the angels keep ever in tune. 
 There find thy mission, — 't is waiting thy will. 
 There, too, find the message that others may thrill. 
 
 Into the Silence where peace is instilled. 
 When message is given and mission fulfilled. 
 When ineffable light shall encompass thy soul, 
 Then commune with thy loved as the seasons 
 shall roll. 
 
 69 
 
CONSCIENCE 
 
 Deep, deep within our being lies 
 A pow'r mysterious to mankind 
 
 It proveth an unerring guide, 
 And yet it cannot be defined. 
 
 (( i 
 
 T is of celestial fire a spark," 
 Says one, and that is true indeed. 
 It casts a glow upon the good. 
 
 But burns the noisome fruit and weed. 
 
 Another likens to a voice: 
 
 It is a voice, both low and sweet, 
 
 Which faileth not to meet our ear 
 Its daily warnings to repeat. 
 
 We long to sin and lo! we hear 
 That voice within, it bids us stay 
 
 And tells us evil is the fruit 
 
 Of what we fain would do or say. 
 
 Its sure decay shall taint the soul 
 Ere we from bondage are set free. 
 
 We spurn temptation as it bids, — 
 Consuming flame removes debris. 
 
 Day follows day; we purer grow 
 While yielding to that voice divine 
 
 Until in very truth we say: 
 
 ''Father, my will is merged in Thine." 
 
 7© 
 
(( 
 
 MT PEACE I LEAVE WITH TOU" 
 
 You cannot hope to walk with God 
 
 While still some secret sin 
 You clasp so closely to your heart 
 
 He cannot enter in. 
 Until all evil forth is cast, 
 
 Garnished and swept for Him 
 The chamber of your soul, and pure, 
 
 He cannot enter in. 
 
 Though weary, storm-tossed, you may know 
 
 His deep, abiding peace 
 And ne'er go forth again to roam. 
 
 But weary quest shall cease. 
 For read we in his *'Holy Word:" 
 
 **My peace I leave with you." 
 O, precious gift beyond compare! 
 
 So old, yet ever new! 
 
 Then hand in hand with Him go forth — 
 
 His love shall round you shine 
 Until, reflected, all shall see 
 
 The radiance divine. 
 'T will lead them gently unto Him, 
 
 And then they, too, will grasp 
 His kindly hand and scale the heights 
 
 Eternal truth to clasp. 
 
 71 
 
DISCIPLINE 
 
 We must suffer, we must work 
 
 Till a smile we wear 
 Though the heart be sorely wrung 
 
 With its load of care. 
 
 And if we still rebel, 
 
 When the flesh is worn away 
 We cannot hope to enter in 
 
 To everlasting day. 
 
 But in another sphere. 
 
 Yet always near to man, 
 We must be shaped through discipline 
 
 Till we accept His plan. 
 
 Then we will surely find 
 
 The key to perfect rest: 
 Quickly the soul will upward rise 
 
 No more by sin oppressed. 
 
 72 
 
THE CHRIST-CHILD 
 
 When in their stalls, at midnight hour, 
 The cattle knelt before the Child, 
 
 He raised his hands as if to bless, 
 
 Then slept, — and in his dreams he smiled. 
 
 He saw not in the future dim 
 
 The rugged road, nor cross, nor crown. 
 But safe in Mary's arms he lay, 
 
 While little stars looked softly down. 
 
 She clasped him closer to her breast — 
 A gift divine, sent from on high. 
 
 Her mother-heart grew strangly calm 
 As swiftly fleecy clouds went by. 
 
 Soft shadows fell, but round the Child 
 A pure, white halo seemed to chng; 
 
 Afar she heard, that wondrous night, 
 A host of angels sweetly sing. 
 
 O mother-heart, rejoice! rejoice! 
 
 For lo, thy little Child, alway, 
 The Savior of the world shall be, — 
 
 Turn darkest night to endless day. 
 
 73 
 
CHILD JESUS 
 
 Child Jesus in a manger, 
 
 The little stars on high 
 Shone o'er the infant stranger 
 
 And sang his lullaby. 
 
 No song was ever sweeter. 
 And children to this day 
 
 Do not forget to listen 
 If they his will obey. 
 
 Their ears are ever open 
 To catch the songs above, 
 
 Their eyes are ever watching 
 In tenderness and love. 
 
 For at the hour of midnight 
 Each glorious Christmas-tide 
 
 The lullaby still echoes 
 
 O'er earth and heaven wide. 
 
 O, may we learn a lesson 
 E'en from the little child! 
 
 May we believe and listen, 
 
 And praise the Christ Child mild. 
 
 74 
 
 W 1 
 

 
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