.'ry ' Y-.-^ LOVE'S MESSENGER LOVE'S Messenger A BOOK OF POEMS FOR ALL LOVING HEARTS BY LOUIS O. SHILLING The Miami Union Publication Company, Publishers Troy, Ohio 1915 1^3^^'? COPYRIGHTED, 1915 BY LOUIS O. SHILLING TROY, OHIO JUN I9rdi5 OC!.A4014?1 DEDICATION To my kind, affectionate, christian father, David Shilling, this book of poems is lovingly inscribed, by his son, THE AUTHOR. Go forth my little book, Love's messenger in truth, Help all to give kind looks. The aged as well as youth; Teach principles so bright. Some soul of you may say, "You led me in the light, To walk the Narrow Way." CONTENTS LfOve's Messenger. Love The Light of Love Mother's Love Happy Days of Yore Baking Bread Love One Another . A Song of Love Knick-Knacks Heart Yearnings The Passion of the Soul The Cows are Coming Home Little One (Illustrated) Cradle Song (IHustrated) Joy and Sorrow Cross and Crown Loving Jesus Brotherly Love My Friend and I Jonathan and David . Hope (Illustrated) . True Friendship Because I Love You Love's Pleadings Kind Words Shut-Eye Town Somebody's Child "Ye Did It Not To Me" Hypocrisy Contradiction of Sinners Envy Behold the Lamb of God The Divine and Human Tra The" Second Coming of Christ The Day of Judgment Eternity Moving On Secret Prayer Careworn . . ' Conscience Faith (Illustrated) Heaven and Earth Thoughts of Heaven gedy 15 16 17 18 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 28 29 32 35 36 37 39 40 41 44 47 49 51 51 53 54 57 61 63 69 70 73 79 80 85 88 89 90 91 92 95 96 CONTENTS Thyself Will You Be There? . Easter (Illustrated) Glory to God; Or the Song of Moses Lamb The Angel of Peace (Illustrated) The Best You Can . Public Opinion .... Young Kittens (Illustrated) Thou Shalt Love Thy Neighbor as Industry .... The Inner Man Myself, the Ego Bad Company How to be Nobody Scoffers and Scorners Brave Hearts Win Ridicule .... Rescue Work The Transformation . Nothing to Do The Liar .... The Thief Faces My Little Boy Friend My Little Girl Friend Watching the World Go By Our Flag .... Our Country's Stand The Drummer Boy Unfurl the Flag (Illustrated) The Two Duckings The Two Mothers (Illustrated) Why the Hens Don't Lay The Way of Life Nature to Nature's God The Boys .... A Crowd of Girls Nature's Teaching The Barefoot Boy Heels Over Head The Swimming Pool Nature's Young Nobleman Nature's Song . The Flood .... Perpetual Youth and the 97 98 101 115 118 119 121 124 127 128 129 130 132 133 134 135 136 137 139 140 141 142 143 145 147 149 150 151 153 156 158 160 162 164 166 168 171 174 175 177 179 182 184 186 CONTENTS Live For Something Opportunity .... The Butterfly Chase (Illustrated) Autumn Leaves Grumble Town .... Axes To Grind Chestnuts Out of the Fire The Blarney Man The Accommodating Man On Dit (Flying Rumor) Gossip-Town .... Suspicion .... Eighty Years Old Der Demb'rance Bledge Matilda Jane .... Unless I Change My Mind Joe, The News Boy Christmas Everywhere Bennie; Or How God Cared For Him (Illustrated) .... The Mountain of Jehovah's House New Year's Wishes Trifles Is There a Devil? .... Posing . . . Selfishness Printer's Ink A Prayer ... . . Golden Gleanings (Illustrated) Parting Farewells Be Strong Can't You Talk (Illustrated) The Young Inventor . Little Orphant Willie Gushing The Failure of Success A Successful Failure The Greater Good . The Three Friends (Illustrated) Immortality .... The Narrow Way A List of Friendships Come, Crown HIM Lord of All Thine the Glory In the Morning (Memorial) 187 188 189 193 194 197 198 199 201 203 204 206 208 201 212 214 215 219 226 229 230 232 233 234 236 236 238 239 242 243 244 247 248 251 252 255 258 259 260 262 263 264 266 267 LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS The Author . . ... Frontispiece Love's Messenger . . (Facing Title Page) Christ Blessing Little Children ... 30 Cradle Song 34 Hope 46 Faith 94 He is Risen .100 The Angel of Peace ..... 117 Young Kittens 123 Unfurl the Flag 155 The Two Mothers 159 The Butterfly Chase 192 The Announcement to the Shepherds . . 227 The Recall of the Gleaners .... 241 "Can't You Talk" . . . . . .246 The Three Friends 261 Portrait of David Shilling, the Author's father 271 PREFACE The following list of poems from my pen are published with some misgiving owing to the lack of time in bringing out the work. Many productions have had to be eliminated which may be issued in another volume at some future date. It was my in- tention to commemorate the one-hundredth anniver- sary of my father, David Shilling, who was born near Frederickstown, Maryland, September 16th, 1814, but a few months have proved inadequate to crowd in the work of a life time. Grateful acknowledgment is given The Miami Union Publication Company, especially to Mr. H. A. Pauly of said company, for valuable services ren- dered. The illustrations inserted are mostly reproduc- tions of celebrated paintings, purchased from The Perry Picture Co. and George P. Brown & Co., Maiden and Beverly, Mass., and are used to illustrate the thought presented in the composition. LOUIS O. SHILLING, Troy, Ohio. Author. ERRATA We realize that no book should go to the public with a list of errata, yet, notwithstanding all dili- gnce, several errors have crept in, so human is it to err. There may be a few inaccuracies we have failed to note, for which we can only ask the read- er's kind indulgence. (See "Printer's Ink," page 236.) Attention is called to the following: — In Ridicule — (page 135) the word "way" omitted in fourth line of fourth stanza. Seventh line in third stanza, should read "gibe" instead of "jige." Myself: — The Ego: — First word of fifth stanza should read "My" instead of "Hy". (Page 129.) In "The Barefoot Boy," on page 175, next to last line in sixth stanza should be omitted, same being fourth line in said stanza. Page 225 is not the ending of poem, it is con- tinued on next page. In Immortality: — Page 260: — In the fifth line, should be "world's applause" instead of "word's ap- plause." LOVE'S MESSENGER 15 LOVE'S MESSENGER "Tell me if he loves me, Birdie, Tell me if lie still is true, That he never has forgot me, That he sends his love by you. Tho' he far away is sailing, Does he love me still the same? Has his love ne'er yet been failing? Does he oft repeat my name? "What, dear Birdie, have you brought me? A fond letter from him — say? Yes you have, you darling Birdie, And he's coming home to stay! Ah, my heart with joy is leaping! And my blood seems running wild! God in Heaven, how I thank Thee! Greatful as an humble child! "You, my pretty little Birdie, As the messenger of love. Brought to me this loving token; — What a precious little dove! And he says. He loves me ever, That he thinks of me each day. That forget me he can never. Long as he has heart to pray. "Some one's coming. Birdie, dearie. For I hear a step so clear; — Ah, a figure in the doorway! Oh, my heart is full of fear! Oh, 'tis he! My friend! My lover! Oh, he holds me to his heart! On my lips he presses kisses. Vows he'll never from me part! "Yes, he sailed o'er stormy ocean, And was once ship-wrecked at sea; But his thoughts while on the waters, Were of God, and little me! 16 LOVE'S MESSENGER And he asked God there to save him, Through the merits of His Son, And his prayer was answer'd fully, And a victory is won." LOVE Say, what is Love? Pray tell us now. Describe to us her dealings. If you can tell us when and how, One knows he has such feelings. It needs no pen of our to tell. The record of Love's sailing. The word of God has told us well. That Love is never failing. Love is not fickle as some think. But loves on and forever, Tho' in the arms of death we sink, True Love will leave us never; E'en tho' the object of her love. May give her pain and sorrow. Love still is Love, and looks above, — Prays good may come tomorrow. And for the object of her love. In prayer is oft found kneeling. She lifts her soul to God above. That He may place the sealing Of His approval on their hearts. Their love together blending, Sincerely prays they ne'er may part. Through ages never ending. Love may be called to suffer much. But still complaineth never; Tho' some may misconstrue her touch. She endures forever. She bears all things against herself, Tho' many raise false stories; Cannot be bribed by gilded pelf. Nor does she seek its glories. LOVE'S MESSENGER 17 Now, Faith and Hope and Charity, Forevermore abideth; But greatest of these graces three, Is Charity that hideth, Foreyermore in hearts of Love; None need mistake her meaning. For from the Heavenly Courts above. Her rays are ever streaming. THE LIGHT OF LOVE Oh bright is the love and as fair as the summer. That lives in the heart that is free from all guile; It breathes forth a greeting to hail the newcomer, And smiles like fair summer! Sweet summer! To welcome to goodness, to bask in her smile, That never, no never can ever defile, But gives life like the sun of sweet summer! As twitter so free all the glad chirping sparrows. Their love for each other in tops of the trees; As up and away they dart swift as an arrow, — Fast flying arrow! Deep piercing arrow! — Oh bear ye my message o'er land or o'er sea. Safe to my dear lover wherever he be, — I send him my love by the sparrows! Hie away, sunbeam, and take ye my love, Shining a blessing upon my love's heart; Tell him that the' we have parted in sadness, I love him! I love him! I love him! Miles cannot lessen the love in my heart. In Heaven above we'll never depart. But will meet at the gates in sweet gladness! Come again sunbeam, swift as the swallow, Bring me a message I long so to hear; Tell me his love is now ready to follow, Never is hollow, but swift as the swallow. Comes to my heart with his love ever dear. Comes with his blessings my heart thus to cheer. And close to thee. Sunbeam, to follow! 18 LOVE'S MESSENGER The light of true love is forever shining. And is a sure guide like the sun in the sky; Oh give me Love's sunbeam to chase far repining. Sweet sunbeam! Fair sunbeam! Dear sunbeam! Oh bring me sweet message, love never can die, His love to be proving my lover will try. Ever smiling and never declining! MOTHER'S LOVE When the twilight gently falling On the threshold of the home, Mother to her boys is calling, To her arms they gladly come; In her love to rest securely. Where no evil can defile. Dwell in love and good so surely, In the sunshine of her smile, Trusting, knowing, mother's goodness. Is to lead her boys aright; Trusting, knowing, mother's kindness, Pure and holy in God's sight: All the words that she may utter. Every thought is love to show. And her heart seems in a flutter. Lest her love they should not know. But unshrinkingly she teaches. Holy lives and holy thought. Arms of love around them reaches. Through her love to God they're brought. Round the home piano gather. Mother with her boys to sing. Be it fair or cloudy weather, Mother's love will to them cling. List a moment to their singing, And the power of the hymn. Deepest joy to each heart bringing. Till the eyes with tears are dim; "All for Jesus, all for Jesus," Sweet their voices mingle low, /\ LOVE'S MESSENGER 19 "All for Jesus, all for Jesus, Wash me whiter than the snow." "All for Jesus, all for Jesus," Not the passing of a whim; "All my life I give to Jesus," In the singing of that hymn; "All my being ransomed pow'rs," What a consecrated love! "All my days and all my hours," And all evil from me shove. Sweet the voices gently mingle, As the hymn-hook leaves are turn'd, Like electric sparks to tingle. Love into each heart is burn'd; Like a river swiftly flowing. Ever onward to the sea. Mother's love with depth unknowing, Draws us nearer. Lord, to Thee. Love supreme and love unbroken, "Nearer, oh my God to Thee," Mother's love of God's a token, Through her love God's love we see: Thus the dear old hymns are ringing, Love unspeakable we feel. To our hearts and lives are bringing. Our heart's homage where we kneel. Then, another hymn in singing, "Jesus lover of my soul," Sons and daughters 'round her clinging, "While the raging billows roll;" Tho' the world's fierce battle raging, "Hide me, oh my Savior, hide," All the woes of life assuaging, "Safe into the haven glide." Young men, old men, stop and ponder, Over your dear mother's love; Have you of life made a blunder. From your life oh do not shove, Her pure love and prayers entreating You to higher life to rise. 20 LOVE'S MESSENGER By God's love evil defeating, In God's light ever be wise. Mother's love and mother's blessing, Shining down through all the years; That you might God's love possessing. Nearer to your God draw near. O'er your woes be not repining, All the clouds will break away, And the love of God refining, Turns the darkness into day. Take then with you on life's travels, Mother's love and God's above; All life's tangles will unravel. In the light of God's dear love; For this love flows on forever. Shines above the highest star. Glory that will leave us never, Light below, above, afar! HAPPY DAYS OF YORE How often I think of the days of my childhood, When on dear father's knee I climbed for a tale, To list to adventures in mountain and wildwood, Which stories so thrilling would make my face pale. I listened with eager, absorbing attention, First clapping my hands, then kicking my feet; So pleased were my feelings o'er what he made mention, I thought that his stories could never be beat. O days of my childhood! Days of my childhood! When the tales told by father could never be beat! The scenes 'round that fireside I'll ever remember. When all 'round the table we sat down to tea; And when it was over I sat near the embers, And mother sat knitting with work on her knee; There father oft sat reading news from the paper. Or sometimes a story from God's holy Book; LOVE'S MESSENGER 21 Or else with my brothers and sisters to caper, I played hide-and-seek, and oft hid in a nook. O days of my childhood, frolicsome childhood, When I played hide-and-seek, and oft hid in a nook! I ne'er can forgot those days full of pleasure, The days of my childhood, the days of my youth; It was there that I learned sweet lessons to treasure, And gathered the pebbles from the sea-shore of truth. The old wooden school-house with trees all sur- rounding, The faces I met at the half-open door; I see in my fancy my playmates abounding. Upon the logs where we played totter of yore. Sweet days of my childhood, fun loving childhood, With even the logs where we tottered of yore! We were bare-footed boys full of fun and good nature, And played on the hill-side in innocent glee; We pictured the future in fine glowing features; When we grew to be men how great we would be. But gone are the faces of many a youngster, And gone are the scenes that my boyhood once knew. For death silenced the voice of many a songster, Which still in my memory looms into view. O days of my childhood, rollicking childhood. Which still in my memory looms into view! BAKING BREAD In brown fancy apron she stood in the kitchen. Her sleeves were rolled up, her face in a glow; And thus did my sister her hands nearly blister. While she kept on kneading and kneading the dough. Now who could be purer, more faithful or surer, In baking good bread satisfaction bestow. To appetites craving so nicely behaving. As she who so carefully kneading the dough? 22 LOVE'S MESSENGER How quick was her kneading, our wants she was heeding. The desire of us all she seemed well to know; A moment she lingers, her swift flying fingers, So graceful and tender in kneading the dough. Now quickly she's placing, as if she were racing. The loaves she was kneading all into a row; When properly risen, how quick she imprisons Into the hot oven the loaves from the dough. At last she is taking the loaves she's been baking. Out of the oven to the cupboard instead; The baking is over, and sweeter than clover, The scent fills the room from the baking of bread. Oh, love is a power far sweeter than flowers. And with it a light we may constantly shed, A light full of beauty on every duty. Even though it may be but the baking of bread. LOVE ONE ANOTHER Oh love ye one another! For the way is growing dreary. And the heart is often weary. And the mind is in a query, O'er cares that ever bother. Oh love ye one another! For the pains are often darting, Through the heart at sudden parting. In the eyes the tears are starting, Which none can ever smother. Oh love ye one another! For the winds are counting blowing, And the world is hate bestowing. And true love ye should be showing, Amid the direst pother. LOVE'S MESSENGER 23 Oh love ye one another! For Death's angel o'er us hovers, And the grave will soon us cover, Whether foe or whether lover. So love ye one another. Oh love ye one another! God is love, and He is dwelling, In the heart where love is welling. On that life His love is telling. Eternal love for others! Oh love ye one another! God is love, and Heaven's ringing. With the joy that love is bringing, And the angels love are singing, So love ye one another! SONG OF LOVE Come and sing a song to me, Happy we would ever be, In God's love, from above, Happy we will be. May we one another love. And our love forever prove, Faithful we, happy be, In each other's love. Then as through the world we go. Bright our love shall ever glow. Trials be, steadfast we. To each other grow. Many souls our love shall see, And our love to them shall be, Spirit sweet, love to greet. Love unchangingly. Stronger now than death is love, Ends our life on earth above, Still to grow, pure as snow. Love is ever love. 24 .LOVE'S MESSENGER For true love can never die. Ever lives and joys supply, To increase, giving peace, Even death defy. Then love on forevermore. Everlasting joy in store, Love's sweet song, joys prolong. Dwell forevermore! KNICK-KNACKS "Papa, dive me sudar seet!" Baby cries in glee, "Tause, you know, I like to eat. Ail the dood I see; Honey now is dood, you know. And I like it too. If I'd eat a bushel full, What you 'spose I'd do? "I would swell into a man, Biggerer than you, If I eat all that I can, — Burst dese clothes in two. I like tandy, 'es I do! Won't you det me some? Wis you'd go and det it now. And come right back home." Thus the baby wishes make, Father kissed his boy. While he pressed the infant heart. Close to his with joy. And I thought, as this he did, Of my wishes too. Knowing God, our Father sees. All our hearts clear through. Just like baby we may wish, Knick-knacks many ways, God in kindness gives to us, Or withholds each day; LOVE'S MESSENGER 25 We may wish what God sees best, For us not to have; Least we injure our poor souls, If to us He gave. Do not murmur at His will. He is good and kind! Our desires He will fulfill, If they surely bind Our poor erring hearts to Him; — Let us then be sure. That the pleasures we may seek. Make us not impure. HEART YEARNINGS The heart of man yearns for true affection, For all mankind desires appreciation Of what each one has done. No individual, high or low, rich or poor, But feels the need and desires just commendation From his brother man. Each effort made in progress is hope's aspiration. That one and all may meet the approbation Of a successful life. But no one gains true satisfaction. Until the light of love brings fond contentment. Resting in the bosom of his God. Man must advance, until, bathed in the smile of the Infinite, He is folded to the heart of God in one loving embrace; His life supremely blest, His soul completely glorified in union with his Maker, Sharing His glory and His love while countless ages run. His life forever hid with Christ in God. As God is love, so every one who loveth truly. Is born of God and knoweth God; All such He claims as precious jewels 26 LOVE'S MESSENGER That shall adorn His royal diadem, In His everlasting Kingdom to never fade away, To rejoice with Him forevermore. So love alone can satisfy, And calm and rest the weary soul, And bring the only true success. All wealth and fame, and the acme of earth's each ambition. Fades into insignificance before the love of God, As fades the moon before the shining sun. THE PASSION OF THE SOUL Call not that love which is debase, From human nature's toll. With low propensities deface. And wrecks on fearful shoals; Of earthly origin, it spurns The pure in heart, and ever burns, To reach its climax, then returns To earth a ruined soul. Not what the general herd calls love. Is the passion of the soul; But that whose origin above. Is lasting virtue's goal. Profane infatuations bends, To call that love which but attends. To smirk at fancy, and to blend. Impurity that oft cajoles. Call not that love in fickle guise. That stumbles at offense. That faithful virtue oft surprise. Insulting moral sense; To gratify frail vanity. Charmed by a low insanity, To sink into inanity. By an egotist's pretense. Sometimes the hungry, thirsty soul. Is offered husks to feed. LOVE'S MESSENGER 27 Partaking such, seek to console. To satisfy its needs; But empty is the carnal thing. That ever brings to life a sting, All hope and peace away to fling. Mole like to burrow low in greed. Where virtue cannot have full sway, True love cannot exist; But finer feelings turn to clay, And fade away like mist; In bonds of base servility, Is abject lust, sterility. To end in imbecility, A ruined life consist. The union of affection true. So excellent and great, In bright perfections ever sure. With joy invigorates. Above all selfish thoughts to soar. In virtue live, in virtue store, And blessings give forever more, The passion of the soul creates. No envy stirs the loving soul, No ostentatious vaunt. No evil thought upon it roll. Iniquities to flaunt; And seeking not its own, yet finds. Complete enjoyment in its kind. One soul, one thought in every mind. Remorse can never haunt. Thus soul to soul, and heart to heart. As one in spirit blend. United feelings show a chart. That soul to soul commends; Thus hand to hand unchanging cling. With sweetest music life to ring, Full confidence in each to bring. That holds unto the end. The passion of the soul unites, Congenial spirits here. 28 LOVE'S MESSENGER 'Tis born of Heaven and incites, To life beyond this sphere; In virtue has its rise and aim, Its immortality proclaims, That blest fraternity inflame, To life Divine adhere. God is the author and support, Of loving kindness true. And safe into the Heavenly Port, That love He will renue; Unchangeable to ever be. In heights of immortality. Basks in His smiles eternally. His face to ever view! In Heaven there are no sad hearts, No unrequited love, No soul unsatisfied in part, But love will all approve; That happy region, — Love's abode. Diffusive tenderness the code. Where no defilement can corrode. Rests on God's bosom, — boundless love! THE COWS ARE COMING HOME Clink a clink, a clink a clink. The cows are coming home; Now hear their merry bells. Which makes a perfect jingle. And weaves o'er us a spell, As sounding from the dingle, With clink, a tinkle, clink. The cows are coming home. Clink a clink, a clink a clink. Their coming seem but slow. As they move closer still The clink a clink still jingles; The sounds us strangely thrill, And with our feelings mingle; Clink a clink, a clink a clink, How sweet the music grows! LOVE'S MESSENGER 29 They stop now for a drink, Close by a running rill. And to it place their lips; There's Lilly, Doss and Brindle; As they the water sip, The clinking sound but dwindles, We hear their tinkle clink, When they have had their fill. Clink a clink, a clink a clink. The cows are coming home. They see their home in sight, Now listen to their lowing, — They seem to know the right. Their instinct love is showing. With their clink a tinkle, clink. There is no place like home. LITTLE ONE Little one, little one, come to me. Birds are happy and so are the bees, Into the woods we'll go, Where the wild flowers grow. Trip along, skip along, Come with me. Bring along, sing along, A song to me. Little one, little one, glory bright, Nature is beaming in gladsome light, Come along and see. List to the lark so free; Line along, shine along. Nature's glee. Smile along, awhile along. Come away with me. Little one, little one, bright and gay, Make me happy the livelong day. Come along with me. Tripping it o'er the lea; 30 LOVE'S MESSENGER Out about, scout about, Flowers see. Rout about, shout about, So glad and free. Little one, little one, here we go, Happy and free as the birds we know, Up in the leafy tree. Sweetly they sing to me, Walk about, talk about, Love to me. Chase about, face about, Come again to me. Little one, little one, love is best, Nothing is greater, nothing so blest, Love along with me. Singing with love and glee; Love along, shove along. Loving me. Keep along, sweep along, Through eternity. Little one, little one, you and I, Journeying Homeward toward the sky. Heaven our Home so fair, Jesus our Love is there, Know His love, show His love. Every where. Feel His love, seal His love, We all may share. "Suffer the children to come to me!" Jesus is calling o'er land and sea. Come to Him and see, Happy to ever be. Meek His grace, seek His face. Heaven see, Love His face, know His grace, His little one be! THE PERRY PICTURES. BOSTON EDITION. 807. FROM PAINTING BY PLOCKHORSr. 1825" COPYRIGHT, 19C8, BY EUGENE A. PERRY. CHRIST BLESSING LITTLE CHILDREN 32 LOVE'S MESSENGER CRADLE SONG Sleep, sleep, sleep, Dear little one sleep; A loving watch keep, Angels are watching you. Make then no more ado. Safe in the arms of love, Right from the Throne above, Sleep, sleep, sleep. Sleep, sleep, sleep. Dear darling one sleep. For my love is deep; Deeper Almighty Love, Nothing can ever shove. Out from the love that holds, Safe in His precious fold. Sleep, sleep, sleep. Sleep, sleep, sleep, My precious one sleep. There's no cause to weep. Rest in God's loving care, Ever in love to share, Safe from all harm secure. Resting in love so sure. Sleep, sleep, sleep. Sleep, sleep, sleep, My sweetheart now sleep, Tho' rough winds may sweep. And the storms near us roll, Peace, sweet peace to your soul. For God will us keep. Awake or asleep. Sleep, sleep, sleep. Sleep, sleep, sleep. My little sweetheart, Love will not depart. Rest in this heart of love. Angels smile from above. LOVE'S MESSENGER 33 Love will not grow less, And Jesus will bless. Sleep, sleep, sleep. Sleep, sleep, sleep. The world onward sweeps. Through the Universe deep. Held by Eternal Mind, Love will us ever bind, Folded in Jesus' love. Close to the Throne above. Sleep, sleep, sleep. LOVE'S MESSENGER 35 JOY AND SORROW The leaves lie dead upon the ground, The snow is falling, falling; The chickadees from twigs of trees, Their mates are calling, calling; And some poor hearts are full of gloom, While others joy are showing; Some sounds are dismal to the ear. While others fill our hearts with cheer; The sighing wind, the whirling snow, As through it all the children go. As home from school they trip with glee, We wish that we might be as free, Back youth to us bestowing. A widow passes slowly by, Her form is bending, bending; We see her burden in her eyes, The tears are sending, sending; She is old and poor, and heaves a sigh, As tho' her heart was broken; Her life is full of pressing care, The snow to her brings keen despair, For how can she each need supply. With but a dime some food to buy? Now who in earthly goods to bless. Will calm the widow's sore distress. As a religious token? Upon our travels here below, We meet with joy and sorrow; We hear a ripple of a laugh. Which ends in sighs tomorrow; We taste the bitter and the sweet. Both fair and cloudy weather; We scarcely see one sunny ray. Which seems inviting to be gay, Before there falls a shadow deep. Which causes us to stop and weep. Oh let us then to each one give. In love to Christ some help to live. And grow in strength together! 36 LOVE'S MESSENGER CROSS AND CROWN We often speak of heavy crosses, Which we are called upon to bear; And sometimes feel there're many losses, Which have been our lot to share. Yet could we realize, my brother. How bright the crowns in Heaven shine, We would complain no more of crosses, But love to bear them — yours and mine. A cross, you say, to speak for Jesus, A cross to seek some soul to win Out of the path of sin and darkness, When Jesus died to save from sin. Then nobly bear your cross, my brother. For it may lead to Jesus' feet, And if it does, oh joy and beauty, 'Twill give you some of Heaven's sweets. A cross to leave off worldly pleasures. When Jesus left His Father's throne; A cross to yield up earthly treasures. When for your sins Christ to atone Gave up His life for you a ransom. That you might live by saving grace. That you might reign in Heaven forever Within the smiles of His dear face. Then Jesus calls you, O my brother, "Take up the cross and follow me," The crown awaits you, be not weary. But in well doing always be. All crosses soon shall fade, my brother. When death at last to us shall come. And we shall share the crowns of glory, When angels bear our spirits home. Yes, Crowns of glory, O my brother. Shall break upon our rapturous sight. And palms of victory forever We'll wear amid the glories bright. LOVE'S MESSENGER 37 And there within the shining portal, We'll no more crosses have to bear, As glorious beings, all immortal, A crown of life we each shall wear. Some time on earth we bear our trials. Some times reproach, for Jesus' sake. Some times to suffer self-denials. Some times the scoffs and jeers to take. Yet, look above you, O my brother, Behold a smiling Saviour stands. And holds to us the crowns of glory. With tender, pleading, loving hands. LOVING JESUS God, our Father, Jesus sending. As our Saviour dear; In the world of hate contending, With a purpose clear. Loving Jesus, Love eternal! Casting out all fear; Love supernal, bright and vernal, Is Thy love so dear. In the garden burdens growing, Dark as death appear; Bloody sweat Thy love there showing, Loving Jesus, dear! Cn the cross all pain enduring. Scoffers far and near; All bur foes for us subduing, Loving Jesus, dear! To the cross our sins there nailing, With a love so clear. Love forgiving and unfailing. Loving Jesus, dear! By Thy blood our souls redeeming, Drawing us so near. That Thy love in us is beaming, Precious Saviour, dear! 38 LOVE'S MESSENGER Oh Thy love, so great and glorious, Drying every tear We through Thee shall be victorious. Precious Saviour, dear! And Thy light of love shall ever, Make salvation clear, Knit our souls to Thee forever, Loving Jesus, dear! In Thy light and love abiding. Heaven to us appear; We with Thee in God be hiding, Loving Jesus, dear! Perfect love shall then unite us, Casting out all fear; Sweetest union that invite us To Thee Saviour, dear! One in Thee and one another. Thou our life appear; All our souls in Thee to cover, Loving Jesus, dear! Praise and blessings, honor, glory, Raise we far and near; Ring forever love's sweet story, Loving Jesus, dear! Glory to Thy name most glorious, Highest heavens hear; Over all to be victorious. Gracious Saviour, dear! Love eternal, bright and vernal. Wipe away each tear; Robe us in Thy love supernal, Loving Jesus, dear! LOVE'S MESSENGER 39 BROTHERLY LOVE Let brotherly love continue, Let it grow deep and strong; And blessings ever bringing, Tho' the world be full of wrong; Stretch out the hand of protection. And grasp the arm that is weak; Let love reach a true perfection, 'Mid the storms of life so bleak. Let love be without pretentions, With hypocritical smiles; There is no need to make mention. What love shows forth all the while; The tree by its fruit draws attention. So love is seen by each deed; Kind thoughts and kind words heals contention. To nourish the soul that it feeds. Come helper, come brother, come lover. There's many a one need your cheer; Some poor, some rich and some others, Who suffer from pride and from fear; Some hearts are hungry and starving. For the kindness and love we should show. Our fame in their memory carving. If we give them the best that we know. Then speak forth the words of sweet kindness. Of brotherly love as we go. To many who lack in their blindness. To discern the high from the low; The places we pass on life's highway. We never shall see them again; Go out in the hedges and by-ways. And the lost ones seek to regain. For somewhere in Heaven above us. There'll be a recounting again, We shall meet with the spirits who love us. And those whom we love in life's chain; 40 LOVE'S MESSENGER And tlie kind loving Shepherd willl bless us. And bring us all into His fold, Before His dear Father confess us, To ever His glory behold. MY FRIEND AND I We are going down the mountain side together. My friend and I; And hand in hand to act as a strong tether, My friend and I; He is the younger, I the older, yet in strolling. My friend and I, Down life's pathway, each to each, to be consoling. My friend and I, That in hearts where love is welling, Just to have love's presence dwelling, Heart to heart, true love compelling, My friend and I. For although my steps soon may seem to falter. Near life's end; And I may slip away from life to alter One short bend; There will come a time that each will treasure. My friend and I, Difference in ages cannot measure. My friend and I; In the bright, the bright forever. Ages never once can sever. Each as one in Christ together, My friend and I. A thousand years is as one day with God our Father, My friend and I; Through endless ages sweet consolation gather. My friend and I; No time, nor age, nor distance there can sever. My friend and I; With God to live, with God rejoice together. My friend and I; And through the cycles of eternity, From death and sin forever more set free, With myriads of friends rejoice to see. My friend and I. LOVE'S MESSENGER 41 JONATHAN AND DAVID When opposition filled the pathway Of David's life, he had one friend With heart of love so true and trusty, He followed him unto the end. Because some souls are cold and formal, True love affects them with disgust. They seem to think all such abnormal. And all emotion they distrust. Not so thought Christ of that disciple. Who leaned upon the Master's breast, Thus showing love for the dear Saviour, That seemed to shine above the rest; We know the love of Christ was greater, Than the beloved John could be, And He revealed it some years later. To John on Patmos in the sea. While David's life was full of danger. And Saul the king sought him to slay. And in the jealous fits of anger. Threw obstacles within his way, 'Twas then the prince as his good angel, Brought love and cheer to David's heart, For Jonathan his own life risked, His father's faults he sought to thwart. So thus to give the best and brightest. To those in whom we most delight. But simply proves the perfect rightness, To show the strength of loving might. Thus Jonathan in loving David, Without one thought of self had he. But stripped himself of all his garments, Bestowing them on David free. Prince Jonathan his friend arraying, Showed perfect love both kind and good. Each act his princely love portraying. With sympathies both understood. 42 LOVE'S MESSENGER Thus pleasant Jonathan so loyal, Gave all he had to his dear friend, From princely state, to robes so royal, With love befriending to the end. So Christ, our precious Lord and Master, Hung stripped upon the bloody tree, More pure than finest alabaster, In love he died to set us free; That in His righteousness transplanted, We all should walk with Him in white. Eternal glory to us granted, And love our souls to Him unite. Was Jonathan's pure love one-sided? Did David only love pretend? Was Jonathan somewhat misguided, When as his soul he loved his friend? We read, that once David exceeded. And when he saw what love had cost. He wept the tears love quickly heeded, And seemed to love his friend the most. In life we may have special friendships, Dear ones we love as our own souls, And oft exceeds the tie of kinship. To cherish such in friendship's role; As soul to soul close knit together. With heart to heart and hand to hand, Be it in fair or cloudy weather. As true and loyal friends to stand. When Jonathan was slain in battle. King David mourned in sorest grief. Declaring that his friend was lovely. And o'er his loss sought no relief; For Israel's beauty in high places, Was smitten low as by an asp. The mighty with his manly graces. Had fallen low in death's cold grasp. "Upon high places is thy glory, O Israel, so foully slain! The mighty fallen! Shameful story! Amid the yielding fields of grain. LOVE'S MESSENGER 43 Go tell it not in Gath, nor publish It in the streets of Ashkelon, Least daughters of Philistine rubbish, Rejoice and triumph more anon. "Ye cruel mountains of Gilbora, Let no dew fall on you nor rain, Your yielding fields give forth no harvest. For here was Israel's glory slain! For here the mighty ones are fallen, And vilely cast away their shields; The shield of Saul was not anointed With oil, God given power to wield. "From the blood of the slain in battle, From the fat of the mighty pack, Amid the tumult and the rattle. Brave Jonathan's bow turned not back; The sword of Saul returned not empty, The foe felt the point of his steel. They both were swifter than the eagles. And stronger than the lion's heel. "For Saul and Jonathan were pleasant To one another in their lives. And in their death were not divided. More strong than death their love survives. Ye daughters of Israel, be weeping, For Saul who clothed you in delight. With ornaments of gold kept heaping. On your apparel in your sight. "O Jonathan, how art thou fallen! The mighty in high places slain! The beauty of all Israel fallen. In all that grace and love pertain! I am distressed for thee, my brother; Thy love was wonderful to me. So very pleasant above others. Surpassing women's in degree!" Our lips but falter in the telling Of love too sacred to describe. And only God knows the indwelling Which love upon our hearts inscribe. 44 LOVE'S MESSENGER Tho' trials come with cares harrassing, The Heaven morn love is close at hand, And every earthly love surpassing, The depth of which few understand. 'Twas thus Christ loved us, O my brother. With love that shines forth brighter still, Than that of Jonathan's for David, With which He'll cause our souls to thrill. Then follow on to know the Saviour, And seek to do the Father's will. More strong than death, love lives forever, All Heaven and earth at last to fill. HOPE List, list to me, Tho' trials are bending and fears are attending, And each day's duty is burden'd with care, Tho' shadows impending, yet upward ascending. The hope of the spirit lifted in pray'r. Hope is a star. Far brighter than morning, its bright rays adorning. And reaches beyond the clouds in the sky; A glad day is dawning, all gloomy thoughts scorning. And cheer to the heart will ever supply. Lift then your eyes, From out of the gloaming, the trouble-sea foaming. Where glory awaits the children of Hope, Those seeking a homing, and nevermore roaming. The gates of pure joy their coming will ope. Strike then the lyre. The glad music ringing, the song of Hope singing, Far over the land and out through the air. While praises are swinging and Heaven is bringing. To shine upon Hope an effulgence so rare. LOVE'S MESSENGER 45 Hope lifts her hands, In meek supplication and anticipation, Of gaining the bliss that Heaven bestows. In Hope's consummation of Love's coronation. The height of true love forever to know. Hope then is crown'd, A star for our guiding, forever abiding. And is the soul's anchor, steadfast and sure. Whatever betiding, with faith still presiding, Within the Vale reaching to ever endure. Rest then in Hope, The Day-Star is gleaming, its bright rays are beaming. To lighten our path as onward we plod, Life's twilight glad meaning with glory is streaming, On every true soul that hopeth in God! LOVE'S MESSENGER 47 TRUE FRIENDSHIP Pray tell where does true friendship dwell? Ye many wise men of the earth; Does it in every hosom swell, Where rises scenes of joyous mirth? Do plays and bows, and put on "airs," Fulfill the vows of friendship true? Or do the worldly pleasures fair, With love the stricken hearts imbue? True friendship rejoices not in others repining, Nor glories in a neighbor's fall, But from the true heart is ever shining, Bringing good cheer with loving calls; For the friendship of a friend. Is that which clingeth unto the end. To comfort the heart in time of grief, Ever seeking to lighten the gloom, To make the heart glad and send relief, — Reaching beyond the tomb. Oh then, what is true friendship worth, That love is ever bestowing, To follow the Saviour's steps on earth, His kindness ever showing? We mention all the pearls of the sea, And diamonds and gems ever sold, But none is worth true friendship's plea. When with unbias eyes we behold, That the friendship of a friend. Is that which clingeth to the end. Come, I will show you now a friend. One worthy of your fondest trust, Your heart must not weary of him, Nor leave his influence to rust; You were long in learning his worth. For he dazzled you not at first sight; From small beginnings he sprang forth In your esteem and reach'd its height; He stood not as on top a hill. Beckoning for you to follow, 48 LOVE'S MESSENGER But clasp'd your hand with such good will, You knew his heart could not be hollow; And thus you toil'd up hand in hand, He gladly your burdens bearing, And what on earth he call'd his own, He wish'd with you to be sharing. He show'd you the friendship of a friend. Is that which clingeth unto the end. I hear the communion of friends. They speak from their fullness of soul, While confidence opens their lips, Revealing thoughts beyond control; They tell each hope and aspiration. With fervent beatings of the heart, Imparting secrets of affection. In which both feel they have a part; No secrets have they from each other. Indulgence beams from each eye, Tho' in kinship they are not brothers, God seals the gap with friendship's tie. Never be weary with friendship like this. But greet your true friend with delight, Such virtue may lead to the mansions of bliss, That quickly may burst on your sight; For the friendship of a "Jonathan" true. Is blest with endeavors of love. For his own life he'd give up for you And thus his faithful love will prove. That the friendship of a true friend, Is that which clingeth to the end! < The world has corrupted much good, And marr'd true friendship sacred fame. For it calls any one a friend, Whom as a foe it does not name. But such be as flies that gather. While plenty spreads 'round at your board, But take flight at cold stormy weather. When want give you nothing to hoard; Thus worldly friendship is never true. But is wrapt'd in the bosom of self; If to enrich self is found a clue. It fades away to gain the pelf. But the friendship of a friend. Is that which clingeth to the end. LOVE'S MESSENGER 49 Fidelity is Friendship's true friend, They walk together arm in arm. And in unity seek to lend, A helping hand in time of harm. The danger time is always so near, With burdens unseen are many falling, — True friendship's love will cast out fear, With christian aid good cheer is calling! There are many souls life's pathway trudging. With steps all uncertain and weary, Go, give them your aid without begrudging, The efforts to cheer the way that is dreary. Prove, that the friendship of a friend, Is that which clingeth to the end. Go lighten their hearts and cause them to sing, In their journey o'er rough places, And show them the goodness that springs. In practicing christian graces; Give the hand of true friendship, my brother. And lift up the soul by sorrow oppress'd; To the stars in your crown, add others, That you forever may be bless'd. If kindness to Christ's friends we bestow. We riches in Heaven will gain. With our treasures there we all may know, The sweet consolation in Him to obtain, That the friendship of That True Friend, Will guide us Home when life shall end! BECAUSE I LOVE YOU What e'er for others I may do, As duty calls, the poor indue, Be now assured of this one thing, My heart's true offering I bring To you, my cherished friend, so dear. That you may know my acts show clear, Witness, kind Heaven, now above you. That what I do for you, I do. Only because I love you. 50 LOVE'S MESSENGER For sweet love's sake, no more, no less, That prompts each act your soul to bless; Is it so strange that seeds should grow? Or flowers bloom where waters flow? Or that the deeds of love should show, The love that in the heart aglow. Should on love's object, love bestow? Of what I do or say, you know, Comes from my heart with love's caress. Close to my heart your love to press, With fond desire that you possess. Abiding love for me to bless And cheer my life, whatever stress Of care or circumstance oppress; Yet not to make love's claim excess. Not vaunting love's true blessedness. To seek its own in righteousness. But to rejoice in faithfulness. Each act to prove the sentiment, Without one thought of detriment; Thus what I do God knows above you, No conscious wrong I hold in view. But do for you because I love you. And when the parting of the ways. Death seems to intervene and stays The flow of life on earth in clay; Yet far above, beyond, always. Love still will live, more strong than death, And at the parting of the breath, Soar to the Land of Pure Delight, Methinks to wait the coming flight. Of spirits sweet, our loved and blest. To mansions fair in love to rest; Where eye to eye, and face to face. We'll know the depth of love and grace. That never will decrease but glow. With heavenly light and glory show, The souls made whiter than the snow Soul knit to soul with Christ to be, Throughout a blest Eternity, As God is love, in love above you. With Him rejoice your soul to see. Or wait for you, because I love you! LOVE'S MESSENGER Bl LOVE'S PLEADINGS By the words that Thou hast spoken, By Thy promises unbroken, By the power of Thy might. By Thy truth where love delights, By Thy love on Calvary showing, Stronger love than death bestowing. Hear, oh hear, dear Christ, our pleadings. May Thy love in all exceeding. Triumph over every wrong. Fill our souls with joyful song; As the song-birds sweetly sing, Fill our hearts with love to bring. Our love's tribute, joy to raise. Songs of gratitude and praise; Give to us, O Christ, divine. Union close as branch to vine. Love's impress to never shove. Love's response in those we love. Bearing light from Heaven above; Never let our love decrease, But with strength and force increase. More and more, as on our way. Shadows break and turn to day; More and more, our li-\|es to fill; With Thy love to do Thy will; Love be manifest in deeds, Love to answer love in all our needs; Satisfying love to hold Love's embrace to ever fold. Soul to soul, knit one in Thee, For all time and eternity. KIND WORDS It was dark and cloudy weather. And our hearts were filled with gloom; We were shut in all together. And depression seemed our doom; 52 LOVE'S MESSENGER But at last a sunbeam stealing Through a cloud of blackest hue, Gave us hope and cheered our feelings, What it meant we all well knew, it was i^nly then foretelling, Soon would come a brighter day, All our murmurs quickly quelling, For it tade us all be gay; As the sunbeam shone so cheering. We all gave to it a name. Called it "kindness" so endearing. That we cheerful all became. When the heart is full of trouble. Pressing hard a load of care; When our trials all seem double, Life has burdens all may share; Then a kind word fitly spoken. Like a sunbeam in its gleams, Clouds of care are quickly broken, By the kindness all esteem. Mildly chide an erring brother, For kind words a soul may save; And the kindness may win others, And will crown an honored grave; There are many in their blindness, Oft from virtue led astray, Who have oft been saved by kindness. Which like sunbeams light the way. Shed, oh shed the sunbeams kindly. For kind words can never die; But the evil words will blindly, Cause within a heaving sigh; And kind words may bring a blessing, Which may soon dispel all gloom. And such sunbeams so impressing. Will shed light beyond the tomb. LOVE'S MESSENGER 53 SHUT-EYE TOWN A Lullaby To Shut-Eye town, without a frown, Rock-a-bye baby boy. In your night gown and curly crown. To Shut-Eye town ahoy! Zephyrs hailing while we're trailing, Never quailing nor bewailing, Ships are sailing, love prevailing, To Shut-Eye town with joy. So shut your eye, and don't you cry. My little baby boy. Sleep with delight until daylight. Dreams Shut-Eye town employ; Stars are twinkling, eyes are blinking, Cowbells tinkling, flowers shrinking, Cease your thinking, to rest sinking, To Shut-Eye town, my boy. Yes close your eyes, and peaceful lie. My darling baby boy, Do not take fright, but sleep all night, And Shut-Eye town enjoy; Heads are bobbing, hearts are throbbing, Mouths are gobbing when hobnobbing, Be not sobbing there's no robbing. In Shut-Eye town, my boy. Up in the skj'- the moon may try. To blink her eyes with joy. And bright starlight, smile at the sight. In Shut-Eye town, my boy. Shadows creeping, winds are sweeping. Eyes are peeping, love is heaping. Angels keeping, watch your sleeping, My darling baby boy! 54 LOVE'S MESSENGER SOMEBODY'S CHILD Out in the gloomy night dreary and cold, Wandered a child as a lamb from the fold. Deprived of a home and all loving hearts, By one hard as stone, who bade her depart. Exhausted she halted in a doorway. As a temporary shelter in which to stay. None seemed to notice her poor little form, Only a waif in the cold bitter storm. Only a beggar all tattered and torn, What was she there for? Why was she born? Thus did many with their reason decide. As by her they sped in their pomp and pride. Millionaires' daughters with jewels all bright, Drew up their dresses and swept out of sight. Mothers who thought of their children in bed. Gave scarcely a look as by her they sped. And fathers seeking their own fireside. Thought not of the misery on the outside. Who would have pity on one in distress? Who would give help and the wanderer bless? A poor lone widow was walking that way. Returning from work at the close of the day. Many long hours had she toiled that day. But received in turn mere pittance for pay. No thick set of furs swept over her back. No money had she to ride in a hack. A faded shawl o'er her shoulders was thrown. But little on earth could she call her own. Her tired aching limbs were stingingly cold, She plainly was clad, her garments were old. LOVE'S MESSENGER 55 But quickly she saw the little one's plight, And her heart moved with pity at the sad sight All of her own woes she quickly forgot, Nor thought of her cares and own bitter lot. Pressing her hand on the little girl's head. These were words she tenderly said: "You poor little lamb! Take hold of my hand, I've not much to spare, but still imderstand, "That such as I have with you I will share, Tho' little I've got, yet some I can spare: "You're somebody's child, you see, and I know. If you were mine wandering out in the snow, "How glad I would be if some would come, And pity my child and take her safe home." The poor little girl still clutching her hand. Sank fainting to earth unable to stand. Gathering her up in her arms by her side, 'Mid the scorn and scoff of worldly pride, 'Mid the snow and the wind, the storm going wild. Moved somebody's mother with somebody's child. With limbs numbed with cold, they at last drew nigh. To a tenement building five stories high. With the child in her arms, her head swimming fast. Up, up to her room she struggled at last. Then gently her burden she laid on her bed, And o'er the cold child the covers she spread. 'Twas useless to rub the child's frozen limbs, Her chances of living were far too slim. In vain hot tears were given with care. In vain the food the widow would share. The shadow of death swept o'er the sweet face. As the passing from earth to Heaven took place. But over it all a deep joy was seen. The poor little sufferer's pain to screen. The veil twixt Heaven and earth seemed to lift, And into the Spirit-land visions to drift. 56 LOVE'S MESSENGER "O lady! dear lady!" cried the child in delight, "I feel very happy with you here tonight! "I feel, oh so queer, O good lady, say. What means these children around me at play? "Such beautiful flowers they scatter near me. Their faces are happy and glad I can see. "But listen, they're singing, oh what a fine sight! There's a place that is golden, sparkling and bright! "The children are now right close to my bed, Such beautiful darlings all 'round my head. **Who was it called my name? — The place is so bright! An angel has kissed me — I bid you good-night." And the little tired spirit in joy took its flight, To the Saviour of children to dwell in His light. And somebody's child to the Saviour of love. Bore the name of somebody's mother above. Methinks that the angel of records looked down. Recording her deed as an act of renown, With love to the Master, the King of kings. Done unto Him, while another one brings, A glittering star in a crown of life, For her, who out from the cold and strife. Gathered a poor little lamb of God's fold; Tho' she be poor as the world may behold. And tho' she be passing under the rod, Yet is she rich in the eyes of our God. LOVE'S MESSENGER 57 "YE DID IT NOT TO ME' Matthew 25:45. If Jesus should come to the world. And walk on the earth today, And point to the anguish untold, That many pass by on their way, How many would offer excuses. For all their neglect of God's poor, And justify all their abuses, Their cravings have brought to their door. I think of the many depressed ones, In ignorance, squalor and dearth, The poor, the despised and distressed ones, The weary downtrodden of earth; — Sometimes the Church in her glory, Arrayed in her pomp and pride. While singing the blessed Old Story, Pass by to the other side. The pharisical living, Tho' spread in gorgeous array. Withholding a merciful giving, To those in need by the way. Is evinced by the deeds and sayings, Of many professing Christ's name, Tho' claiming His likeness portraying, Put His cause to open shame. They might say the poor are unworthy, Ungrateful, and living in dirt. They cannot bear to be seen there, With all their shortcomings alert; Tho' millions and millions are dying. While they hoard up their dollars of gold, Deceiving themselves by their lying, While their brothers suffer with cold. Imagine they're doing God's service. In church entertainments they make, 58 LOVE'S MESSENGER In suppers and fairs be pursuing. To eat all their stomachs can take; Having worked to increase contributions, They think they are blest evermore, And fully obtained absolution, Tho' the poor they turn from their door. In Judgment, I think He'd be saying. To those who only profess, "My cause you are foully betraying, My Spirit you do not possess; You have thought to pass by the needy. The ones for whom I have died. And lay up your dollars so greedy, That none might know how you've lied. "How you've lied to your own deception. While attending the means of grace. But your finely arranged direption. Is an insult to my face; The ones you should treat as brothers. The ones for whom I have died, Are the ones you've attempted to smother, — The ones to whom you have lied. "With a selfish heart of unkindness, You've mistreated the ones I love, By your greed and lust came your blindness, Dread evils upon you to shove; And your heart full of hate so repelling. Drove my little ones from your door, From your heart, your soul and your dwelling. Then ask me to love you the more! "Down in the slums of great cities. In the midst of poverty's shame, Deserving ten-thousand pities, I dwelt as the halt and the lame; But your heart was too hard to receive me, Tho' my sufferings were as the worse, No money you spared to relieve me. Society demanded your purse! "I was hungry, and you did not feed me. When thirsty, you gave me no drink; LOVE'S MESSENGER 59 As a stranger you did not heed me, Nor cared of me to think; While I stood outside beseeching. Protection from wind and cold, You took me not in, tho' preaching. My love in language bold! "When naked, you gave me no clothing, No money had I to buy. You spurn'd me from you in loathing. To wander away and die; When sick and in prison, you cared not, No pity had you for me. What was it to you if I fared not, I was too obnoxious to see! "And then as a child in a factory, I toil'd in poverty's name. Amid conditions distracting, 'Mid breeders of vice and shame; And my cries reach'd unto Heaven, But you heard not, nor did not care, For gold made your heart a craven. And innocence you did not spare. "As a little child bespattered. You saw me in the street, With uncomb'd hair, and garments tattered, With cold bare aching feet; But that did not at all concern you. If poverty to me struck home, No grief nor condition could turn you. You pass'd me by as a gnome. "Strong tentacles of want securing. The poverty that struck home, Yet with all the evils alluring. Belching out its filthy foam; Your small measly soul was slinging, A slur on my way and dress. Yet not one effort was bringing. To lessen one bit my distress. "And now you are helpless and needy, And stand before One you have spumed; 60 LOVE'S MESSENGER In the seeking of wealth you were greedy, And from my sufferings you turned; Receive then your pay as you gave it, You wasted life in selfish strife, To harvest remorse that crave it, — Strikes home to your soul like a knife. "You profess in public to know me, Yet trample my name in the dust. Then by pious prayers seek to show me, How great is your faith and trust; Your prayers are an abomination, And I know you not at all, Depart to your own condemnation, Hypocrites, great and small!" Then many will answer in terror; "We never knew, Lord, it was Thee! It surely must be an error. We failed Thy sufferings to see! When saw we Thee hungry, nor fed Thee? When failed we to give Thee drink? When sick or in prison, when fled we. Away from Thy presence to shrink? "How could we refuse to respect Thee, A stranger out in the cold? Or when naked we fail'd to protect Thee, That we might be gainers of gold?" Then the KING shall answer convincing. As He points where the evils were rife, Each hard shriveling soul keenly wincing. O'er the doom of an empty life. "Inasmuch as you failed in perceiving, Opportunities of your day. The needs of the hungry relieving. And the stranger within your way; Of the poverty all surrounding, Those sick and in prison as well, With nakedness and squalor abounding, Your selfishness help'd to swell; "Inasmuch as you have slighted. The very least of these, And by your neglect have blighted. Their lives by taking your ease; LOVE'S MESSENGER 61 Inasmuch as you failed in giving, Unto the least of these so free, You have fail'd in all of your living, For you did it not to ME!" Then in utter darkness despairing. Shall these to themselves go away, To weep o'er their losses so glaring. Eternity can not allay; While all who are righteous in Jesus, Shall shine forth as the sun; In life everlasting, increasing The joy of victory won! HYPOCRISY There are many people thinking. Their full duty done by linking. Strict conformity to law. To the letter of the law; With external acts and manners. Like the waving of bright banners. While internally they're planners. In their hearts are but outlaws. Filled with many moral flaws. To conform to outward showing, Outward ceremony knowing. By religious forms inspired, Thinking that is all required; All the ritual repeating, All external forms completing, While their inward hearts are beating, Dark and damning things desired, That their evil minds conspired. Tho' the character be evil, And their feelings like a weevil, , Gnaw their souls with inward guilt. Sensual and selfish guilt; If the outward form obtaining, Strict conformity maintaining To the law, no fault attaining. Guiltless judge all such to be, Tho' filled with hypocrisy. 62 LOVE'S MESSENGER Their hypocrisy engender. Many errors and offenders, Infidels to cast a slur, To all good raise a demur; With hypocrisy to juggle, Truth with error in a struggle, Their hypocrisy to smuggle, Right as wrong and wrong as right, Foolish souls without a light. Thinking, if good form maintaining. They may count themselves obtaining, Life eternal without flaw. By their outward forms of law; A full title to salvation, Tho' their hearts in simulation. Filled with every profanation. They are guiltless without flaw, If they but obey the law. Outwardly they are fulfilling. Inwardly they are unwilling. To obey the highest claims, When internally their aims, Is for selfish gains and plunder, Tho' it part true friends asunder. To gain more is a preponder. Inwardly devoid of shame, Thb' their neighbors they defame. This, however, is no matter. If the public they can smatter. Evil in the heart ignore, Secretly their lust to pour, Into other hearts to shatter, Hopes of peace their virus scatter. Both themselves and others flatter. As they oft have done before. They are vile to the heart's core. Jesus Christ the law applying. Thoughts and feelings purifying. Evil we shall not desire. Wicked feel nor to aspire; For all evil thoughts are blasting, LOVE'S MESSENGER 63 All the good His love is casting, Inward guilt that may be lasting, Tho' good form was all acquired, In self-righteousness attired. There is need of a new creature, A new birth with all new features, Sinful thoughts all washed away. Holy feelings have the sway; Highest joys and aspirations. Suitable for every station. Never ending in duration. Brighter still the Heavenly Way, Shines at last one perfect Day. CONTRADICTION OF SINNERS Hebrews 12:3. When Jesus Christ the Truth of God, Was manifest to man, A number seem'd to think it odd, And fail'd the truth to scan; While others did not seem to care. Indifferent to fate, In Him no interest cared to share. But only self to sate. And some were fill'd with pride and scorn, And posed themselves as guides. To gain in power oft suborn, A number to decide, That whether spake they truth or lies, Official acts were sure, And tho' the truth they should deny, They officially were true. And if officially they said. That white was black, forsooth, — All who officially were led, Accepted such as truth; €4 LOVES MESSENGER And if they designated night As being day to snare. Or right as wrong, and wrong as right. To differ none would dare. So when they told officia' lies. To fearful frauds conceal. Officially to falsify. Officially to steal. The burden'd people must believe Officials when they spake. Or else officially receive. Abuse that they would make. So when the Lord of Heaven and Earth, Spake forth the truth of God. Their sordid minds were such a dearth. It probed them like a rod: So in accord to contradict. And every act oppose. They sought to make his words conflict. And rise up as his foes. But tho' they sought his words to twit. He knew their hearts, and said: — •"Scribes. Pharisees and hypocrites. Ye den of Tipers bred. Woe unto you who seek to cl^m Out side the cup to bless. Wh^n foul within you seek to screen Extortion and e:tcess, •"Scribes. Pharisees and hypocrites. Who he*Ty iMurdens bind. Grievous to bear and all im£t 0& otker men to grind, WWle ye yoarselves will never touch A finger to remove, Y^ se^JBS benefits from such. Tkose ImrA^LS yoa approve, "^Ye bUBd svides who strain at gnats Anise, mint and cummin tithe. Yet let important things fall fiat. And swaUow a cam^^ blit^; LOVE'S MESSENGER 65 Ye fools and blind who leave undone. The greater things of law, Responsibilities to shun, In little things pick flaws. "Scribes, Pharisees and hypocrites, Like sepulchers so white. All outward beautiful befit, Within, corruption's blight; Woe unto to you, for ye appear As outward unto to all, To righteous be, while ye adhere Within vile thoughts to thrall." So Jesus knew each mind and heart. As He still knows today. As still today He truth imparts, To all who truth obey; And tho' like hypocrites of old. Some choose the good to hate. To contradict His words are bold. And show themselves ingrate. The Lord of Heaven and Earth now knows, Each individual heart, Tho' He submitted to men's blows. To light of life impart; He bore the mockery of all Who said He was deprave, Redeeming sinners from the fall. Immortal souls to save. If we had seen the Saviour bow. And in the garden pray, With bloody sweat upon His brow. And grieving life away, We well might wonder He should give. To sinners such as we, His precious life that we might live Throughout eternity. By traitorous lips He was betray'd. And friends forsook and fled, Tho' for them all He humbly pray'd, While His soul and body bled; 66 LOVE'S MESSENGER And can it be that this He bore, For sinners such as we? That we might live forever more, His glorious face to see? Then He was scourg'd with cruel thongs, And bore each given blow, Tho' He might had ten legions strong, Of angels to bestow Deliverance and homage great; And yet He chose to bear, The shame and pain of devil's hate. That we His life might share. Crown'd with the thorny crown of blood, Was ever tragedy, So heartless, cruel, like a flood, Insulting majesty? As silently he bore his cross, And sank beneath its load, Was ever there such scene so gross, As on that Calvary road? And as he hung upon the tree. His foes reviled with hate, And laugh*d and scoff'd with mockery. Rejoicing at his fate: Amid it all His matchless love. Shone through the darken'd pall, O'er hate and sin and far above, They heard His pray'r for all. Oh never was their love so great, So tender, true and grand, That lived above all human hate, Or devils' cruel brand; And ne'er was love put to such test. As Jesus bore to save, The noblest, purest and the best, That on the cross he gave. And shall we then unfaithfully be. And highest love repay. With only base hypocrisy. To murmur at the way LOVE'S MESSENGER 67 He leads us on the path of life, To glorify His name, Tho' it may be where foes are rife, And scoffers seek to shame? He bow'd his head and yielded all, Safe in the Father's hands, While quaking earth and graves to call, Asunder burst their bands; Then to the tomb loved ones commit, His body to repose, — But, tho' officials contradict, He triumphantly arose. In life His words they contradict, And His vicarious death; His resurrection contradict, Gainsaying every breath Of truth He utter'd to unfold. That life of light might shine In every heart give peace untold, And never more repine. Captivity He captive led, Ascending to God's throne. And with His blood which He has shed. He intercedes now for His own; And tho' we meet with trials here. And sinners contradict, And hypocrites will domineer, Jesus will us acquit. Consider Him enduring all, Such contradiction base. Of sinners in the turbid brawl, Against Himself to face; Scribes, Pharisees and hypocrites, A look from Him convict. With one accord as from the Pit, Seek but to contradict. Has cruel mockery or men, Your efforts set at naught. And by the use of tongue or pen, Your ruin often sought? 68 LOVE'S MESSENGER Tho' all the demons of the Pit, Your spirit seek to crush, Think of the agonies of Christ, And let your mumurs hush. When evil men around you throng, And faith in Christ revile. And oft exert an influence strong. To tempt you with their guile. Turn a deaf ear to all they say. And think of Christ who bore, Fierce contradiction on life's way, And help divine implore. When some attempt your faith to scorn. They scoff at Christ your Lord, And their condition all forlorn, Is written in His word; Then if reviled, be patient, true. And to God's praise awake. For Jesus bore reproach for you. Bear all for Jesus' sake. Rejoice, my brother, that your name Is in the Book of Life, Inscribed by Him who bore the shame, The cross, and all its strife; , Be never weary doing well. For your own soul's renown, Show forth Christ's life His love to tell Let no man take your crown. LOVE'S MESSENGER 69 ENVY The spirit of envy is evil, And to supplant another's gain, Is more destructive than the weevil. That eats out the heart of the grain; For while stealthily seeking to slander. The object of envy galore. It eats through the vitals and panders, The envious heart to the core. In public and private life seeking, To injure and then overthrow. The envious heart is found reeking, In vices more vile than it knows; While grieving o'er good found in others. And turning the light into night, Vile envy is seeking to cover, All its wrongs to make them seem right. No matter how great the devotion. The honest heart seeking the good. Or how sacred be the emotion. With envy is misunderstood; No matter how great the successes. The toiler has faithfully wrought. With envy its but the excuses. High favors of others have brought. For envy, a greed-eyed monster. Sits gloating with evil desires. And every good deed as a punster, Misconstrues and soils with its mire; It crucified Christ, our Redeemer, And jeered as he hung on the cross, Accusing Him as a blasphemer, With religion their murder to gloss. Then heed not when envy inveigle. The efforts that others put forth, Like snakes in their places to wiggle, To frighten away the true worth. Believe in the truth as you see it, And choke foul envy aside, Your conscience will surely decree it. In faith, hope and love to abide. 70 LOVE'S MESSENGER BEHOLD THE LAMB OF GOD "Behold the Lamb of God, who taketh away the sin of the world."— St. John, 1:29. Supreme, eternal, yet a man, Behold the Lamb of God! Omnipotence's salvation plan, Behold the Lamb of God! He is the Son of God most high. Behold the Lamb of God! He is the Son of Man to die, Redeeming Lamb of God. In truth through Him were made all things, The eternal Lamb of God; The whole creation ever rings. Behold the Lamb of God! Without Him was not one thing made. Behold the Lamb of God! He will exist though all things fade, The Omnipresent God! In Him is life eternal, free. Behold the Lamb of God! That life is light that all may see, The glorious Lamb of God! That light of life forever shines. The precious Lamb of God, From error's night the truth define. Through CHRIST, the Lamb of God. The holier a person is. The more must he hate sin; And tho' forever you may quiz. You'll never once begin To know the holiness of God, Supreme and perfect far, Throughout the universe of God, Above the brightest star. LOVE'S MESSENGER 71 As God is holy and hates sin, As no other one can hate. He who loves sin its wages win. His soul abominates; The wages of all sin is death, God's justice then demands. Sin meet its doom in every breath, — Be banish'd by His hand. Banish'd in everlasting night. From the MOST HOLY ONE, Without one ray of hope or light, Who are by sin undone; With demons black as night to dwell. Fierce inward fires to burn; The gnawing conscience ever tells, There can be no return. Is there no hope for any soul. Where sin has left its blight? Must God's just judgment on all roll, And drive all from His sight? No, justice can be satisfied, The sinner to depute, The penalty of sin complied. By a pure substitute. As God is Holy and hates sin. The Holy Lamb of God, Approval of the Father wins. The HOLY LAMB of GOD! As sin is sin, the Holy God, Can no allowance make; The Lamb of God will feel the rod. And suffer for our sake. How great Thy love that overflow'd, O Holy Lamb of God! To save our souls from death bestow'd Unto Thyself sin's prod; And bore the wages of our sins, O precious Lamb of God! Upon the cruel cross to win, And raise us up to God. And from our hearts to take all sin, Behold the Lamb of God! 72 LOVE'S MESSENGER Give light and peace and joy within, Behold the Lamb of God! Deny yourself, take up your cross, Behold the Lamb of God! And follow Him, count all things loss. To gain the Lamb of God. He is the Way, the Truth, the Life, Behold the Lamb of God! He'll give you joy and peace from strife, To know the Lamb of God; For time and for eternity, Rejoice in Him as God, Tho' some turn from His love away. And spurn the Lamb of God. But soon will come an awful Day, The glorious Lamb of God, With heavenly hosts in grand array. Will come, the Lamb of God; And in the clouds of glory bright. They'll see the Lamb of God, And many tremble at the sight. Of CHRIST, the Lamb of God! The heavens'll shine with blazing fire. Foes of the Lamb of God, Will seek from retribution dire. Hide from the wrath of God; Now earth to earth and dust to dust, Behold the Lamb of God! And all the evil and the just. Behold the Lamb of God! Before His great white throne they'll come, And see the Lamb of God; He'll separate gold from the scum. As Judge, — the Lamb of God! The wicked shall go into hell. With all who know not God; The righteous shall in Glory dwell. Before the Lamb of God! The SPIRIT and the Bride say "Come!" Behold the Lamb of God!" -/. LOVE'S MESSENGER 73 And whosoe'er is thirsty, come, Drink from the Fount of God; And whosoever will, oh come! Take fully now of God! Oh drink your fill and ever come, To Christ, the Lamb of God! Oh seek His face and taste His grace, Behold the Lamb of God! Drink deep. He will your soul embrace, Your Saviour and your God! And all your sins He'll take away, The precious Lamb of God! And ope to you the gates of Day, •••ifro holiness and God! THE DIVINE AND HUMAN TRAGEDY When earth and moon and sun and stars, In utter chaos dwelt, When darkness reign'd both near and far. Nor breath of life was felt; Before came mists, and void fill'd space. With vacuum so still. No height nor depth a sound could trace, Controll'd by Infinite Will; There first began creation morn. The dawning of the day. When love and happiness was born, And darkness fled away; While rays of light and joy and grace. The universe was shed, Love dwelt supreme in every place. To happiness was wed; In every plant, in every stone. In every grain of sand, In every drop of water shone, God's love on every hand. Thus love design'd to make it clear. That only good should live, And praise and blessings should appear. The grace of God to give 74 LOVE'S MESSENGER To every one Love's sweet embrace. Fair as the morning light. To gaze upon the FATHER'S face, And never know the night. But Evil stalk'd with blacken'd brow, With hatred for all good, Gave utterance to vicious vows, As man before him stood, So upright and supremely grand. The noblest work of God, That he would wreck on every hand. And sway his evil rod, And bring all under his control, — Destroy creative plan. And ruin man, in body and soul. And place on him a ban; That Love might die, and Evil live. And Satan rule o'er all. And with deceit in cunning give. Great honor to man's fall. Thus to allure as with a drug. By subtile lies to win, Man to his bosom sin would hug. As evil dwelt within. To fill his heart with lust and pride, Intoxicate his brain. That man in Evil would confide. And count his loss as gain. Count failure a success, and say. That he was rich and grand. No sorrow could blot out his way, No pain could wilt his hand. So with deceit all veil'd with truth, The father of all lies. Sought to beguile perpetual youth. By ambition vaunted cries. Why should not man so great and grand. Increase in knowledge more. And equal with his Maker stand, A god upon life's shore? "Eat of this fruit, and you shall see. You shall not surely die; LOVE'S MESSENGER 75 Exalted as the gods you'll be, And with their wisdom vie; You shall increase in knowledge more, In power and in might, Your eyes will open to explore, The glories of the light." Man yielded to ambition's lust, As he still yields today, As still today he seeks to thrust. Great riches in his way; As still today beneath the ban. The Evil One holds sway; Man still the victim of his plan. Walks in the evil way; He strives to climb up over all. In wealth as well as fame, With cruelty that should appal, And blanch his cheeks with shame. Thus man fell from his first estate. To depths of sin and woe, The victim of Satanic hate. Held captive by his Foe. He fell, and knew that he was dust, Sin's penalty must pay. And let ambition rue its lust. In fell destruction's way; And thus man died to every good. As base as he was grand. Before his God in shame he stood, Condemn'd on every hand. But Love still lived, more strong than death, Fair as the morning light, In spite of all satanic hate, In spite of all the blight Deceitful, subtile malice gave. To hold the evil ban; The soul of man love yet would save, By God's salvation plan; And give redeeming grace to all. Who would take hold on Life, And seek to know the blessed call, To end the evil strife. 76 LOVE'S MESSENGER Then God his holy arm made bare, And Christ His Son came forth, In love supreme, beyond compare, Tho' few might know His worth; The captive souls were loosed of bans. And from the curse set free, Demolish'd were the Devil's plans, By Christ's sweet liberty. The blind were made to see the light, The lame to leap with joy. The dumb to know God's healing might, With praise their tongues employ; The deaf to hear the sweetest voice, Like music to the ear. The sin-sick troubled soul, a choice Of Christ to calm all fears. He shed ten-thousand blessings round. Whereon the earth He tred. He spake, and at the Sovereign sound, The hellish legions fled! The loving Jesus, oh how great. His sympathy and grace! His matchless love combatting hate, By taking man's own place. Enduring all satanic spite, Earth's treason and its scorn. While shielding all with hearts contrite, As they anew were born! By giving up His precious life. He paid for sin the price, And shed his blood amid the strife, A vicarious sacrifice! Thus was God's justice proved complete. Sin's penalty was paid, That sinners might their Saviour meet. As all on Him was laid. Redeeming love bore all our sins. And nail'd them to the cross. So man was born anew within. And purged from evil gross. But still the Serpent seeks to charm, As only serpents can, LOVE'S MESSENGER 77 With fair deceit to hide all harm, To hold the soul of man; He vaunts again ambition's lust, As an angel of the light, Make wrong seem right and evil just. And all hope of Heaven blight. So in the garb of christian faith, The Dragon of the Pit, With lying wonders to deceive. Exerts his foulest wit; Oft fills the churches full of strife. Hypocrisy and cant; Producing simply forms of life, Controll'd by Satan's grant; And there in envy many strive. Who shall the greatest be, For highest honors to connive, Tho' oft they bend the knee. Where the sons of the World and the Church, Walk closely hand and heart. And only Christ who knows them all, Can tell the two apart. A lying wonder shall appear. The prophets have foretold; And all the v/orld will marvel in fear. His greatness to behold. The Devil's son, the Man of Sin, Usurps Messiah's claim. And sitting in God's temple win. Applause and loud acclaim. Asserting that he, himself, is God, His mark all must receive, And as a scepter wield a prod, — All must on Him believe. That he is Christ, his Mark to take. To worship at his shrine. Or all his emissaries make, A raid that would combine, A confiscation of his store. So none can sell or buy. Who will not wear his Mark before, And his loud praises cry. Then soon will come the dreadful Day, God's wrath in flaming fire. 78 LOVE'S MESSENGER Consume such mockery array, With vengeance swift and dire; For Christ shall come in glory bright, And power from on high, With all the angels of the light, To bring the Judgment nigh. The heavens shall glow with fervent heat, Destroying all God's foes. He from the cheat will sift the wheat, — God's people, saved from woes. God's people by the angels brought, Into His kingdom bright. His own redeem'd His blood has bought. The children of the light! God's people, gather'd safe at last. Into the Home above. Where naught shall enter that can blast. The happiness of love! And Anti-Christ, the Devil's son. Shall be consumed away. Just as he thought his victory won, While yet he held his sway. And the great Dragon held in chains. Shall shrink as in a fit. With all his imps will writhe in pains. And be cast in the Pit; And nevermore shall Satan's wiles, Be wielded over man. And nevermore shall he beguile. Or mar salvation plan. The Sun of Righteousness shall shine. With healing on his wings. And love and joy the saved entwine, As Heaven with music rings. All glory, honor, praise and might, Be unto to God our King! All glory to the Lamb of Light, Our grateful homage sing! He has redeem'd us from all sin. From Satan set us free. The Holy City bright within, HIS face we'll ever see! LOVE'S MESSENGER 79 THE SECOND COMING OF CHRIST Oh the Church is waiting as the years go rolling by. To see the coming of her Lord; There's an inward longing and a heaving of a sigh, For Jesus to fulfill His word. When shall the Bridegroom come and claim His bride? When shall the Church into His presence glide? When shall we reign, dear Saviour, at Thy side? O Bridegroom, Bridegroom, come! Yes, we're waiting, watching, for the coming joyful Day, To know and see Thee as Thou art; To behold Thy glory, and to meet Thee on Thy way, Tho' many may from Thee depart. How long, O Saviour, shall we wait on Thee? How long before from sin we shall be free? How long, O Bridegroom, ere Thy face we see? O Jesus, Jesus, come! Are we now expecting that Thy coming will be soon? Let us rejoice at Thy right hand. Whether coming in the night, or coming quick at noon. In all Thy glory great and grand. Soon shall the heavens glow with glory bright, Soon shall we gaze upon the raptuous sight, Soon shall it thrill us each with fond delight, O Jesus, Jesus, come! "Surely I come quickly," is the promise of Thy word. Commanding us to watch and pray; Thy reward is with Thee, may it peace to us afford. In joys that never fade away; When shall the promise time at last arrive? When shall no longer sin and evil thrive? When shall the dead in Christ be raised alive? O Bridegroom, Bridegroom, come! 80 LOVE'S MESSENGER When Thyself revealing in the clouds of flaming fire, With all Thy mighty angel bands. Taking vengeance on Thy foes who do not Thy desires, Obeying not Thy just commands. Then shall we still rejoice, O Lord, in Thee, Rejoice that Thou shalt all triumphant be. And in Thy coming give us victory, O Jesus, Jesus, come! THE DAY OF JUDGMENT When fierce lightnings pierce the air. And a dread almost despair. Coming on one as a snare. Like a thief takes unaware. As the lightning dart and flash, And the thunders roll and clash, Rumble, grumble, mumble — crash! Wind lash, rain dash, storm slash. Whirling missiles in the air, Striking terror and despair. To the old and young and fair. No respect of persons there. Who for storms do not prepare; Then the rain begins to pour. Sounds like many waters roar. And the muffled thunders blore. And reverberating more. Like a dull explosion soar, Peal on peal, and peal afar. And the very heavens jar, As the lightning bolts unbar. And the things of nature scar, Heaven's artillery at war. Kings and vassals bring to par; As the voices of the thunder. Overhead, around and under, Shakes the earth both here and yonder. Filling hearts with awe and wonder. Causing all to stop and ponder, Over sins and every blunder, That our souls have sought to plunder. LOVE'S MESSENGER 81 Brings the Judgment to our door. Striking fear to the heart's core; When the trump of God shall sound. From the grave the dead shall bound, Earth shall tremble, heavens roar, Many will their lot deplore, While not only Earth is quaking. But the very Heavens shaking, — Angels bright HIS coming sound. Heaven and earth and all around, Gather from remotest bound, In the sea and underground. And no hiding place is found; From end to end of heavens flare, Flaming fire in vivid glare. As the coming of the KING, Vengeance on the evil bring, Tho' they on rocks and mountains call, To fall on them and cover all. To hide them from HIS shining face. They cannot find a hiding place; Naked and bare before HIM stand; All who have spurn'd God's just command; Not one cover for their shame, Who despised the Saviour's name. Their distress take form and shape. And not one shall e'er escape. From the coming Judgment path. From the fury of God's wrath! Comes God's judgment to our door, Whether rich or whether poor. Whether wrong or whether right. Worldly wise or ignorance sight. Revealing sin and all its plight, Nowhere can one soul take flight, Not one place to hide in fright. From the terrifying blight. In its wake eternal night. Comes to lost souls in such plight, Hopes of future joys to blight. But to souls wash'd in the flood. Of our great Redeemer's blood. Comes that Day with great delight. 82 LOVE'S MESSENGER Christ appears a raptuous sight, And His righteousness enfolds. All belonging to His fold; Bringing joy and glory bright, Causing evil to take flight. And the purified in heart, Shall see God to ne'er depart; In His presence ever be, Welcomed into joy so free, Praising Him eternally; Thus is sounded God's decree. Goats as goats to ever be, But His sheep His eyes shall see; On His left the goats to place. On His right, His sheep of grace; Thus He separates them all, Wheat from chaff both great and small. Each shall go where he belongs. Whether weak or whether strong. All the surging fearful throng, Judged aright, in no sense wrong. Individually among; Evil is who evil think. And of evil he shall drink; Evil have who evil are. Evil souls to ever mar. Peace of mind and heart and soul, As the Judgment on them roll! All must face the Judgment Day, Attending hosts of God array. Foes of God are brought to bay. The unforgiven had their say. In unforgiven state to stay. Useless then to stop and pray. Time is past and all must pay. The wage unpardon'd sin defray. Fell destruction all the way, None can ever dare gainsay; — Comes to unforgiven souls, Quicker than the thunder's roll, Fiercer than the lightning flash, Falleth doom an awful crash, 'Mid the groans of pain and strife, 'Mid the terrors ever rife; LOVE'S MESSENGER 83 There ambition rues its lust, Scatter'd to the winds like dust; There the pomp and show and pride, Wilted like a scorch'd leaf glide, Into fell destruction wide, Less than nothingness abide, In the depth of sore despair. Not one hope of future there, Banish'd from the God of love. Driven from the Heaven above. To the depth of sharpest pains. To the depth that sin can stain, In the depth of darkness chain, Utter misery attain; Where the worm of conscience gnaws. In hell's hideous Monster's jaws. Remorse of conscience in its clench. Internal flames will never quench. Dying yet as living still. Thus lost souls their guilt fulfill. Meet the fate they chose at will; They the only one to blame. For their endless woe and shame. Then the Earth back in the sun, Quick as lightning on a run, May be drawn in its fire. And entirely be burn'd up. Made to drink the fiery cup, That no taint of sin be found, In God's universe around. Then perhaps, as ages roll, There will open a new scroll, There will dawn a brighter morn, A new Earth and heaven be born; — But, whatever be God's plan, It will only be a span. Till the coming of the KING, Joy or woe to all shall bring. But to him whose righteousness, Is Christ's righteousness to bless. Truth and righteousness shall live, In the mansions Jesus gives, To His own that they may shine, In His presence all divine; 84 LOVE'S MESSENGER Like the stars forever bright, Shine rejoicing in His sight; So the coming of the KING, Will to such great comfort bring; They shall shine forth as the sun. Long as eternity shall run; Age on age to dwell in light. Glory, honor, power, might. Dwelling ever in God's sight, Perfect made through Jesus' might; Cleansed and purified complete. By Redeeming Love so sweet, Loving friends each other meet. Walk upon the heavenly streets; Meet in bliss no tongue can tell, Meet where God and angels dwell. Meet in Heaven where all is well. Where can come no sad farewell; Pleasures evermore enjoy. Purest love without alloy. In the mansions of the KING, Sweetest notes of love to sing. Sweetest music ever ring, To the saved forever bring. In the mansions of the KING. Come, oh come, eternal KING! Come, Thy victory to bring! Come, oh come, the Spirit pleads! Come, oh come. Thy Bride to feed! And the marriage supper spread. Feast on Thee, the Living Bread, Come with all Thy glory bright. Gather us to realms of light. To be evermore with Thee, JESUS CHRIST, our Victory! LOVE'S MESSENGER 85 ETERNITY The great Past to the great Beyond^ Expanses of vast eternity; Into the Present we respond, From out the past Infinity; We journey hence, and swiftly glide, Into the great Beyond so wide. No human knowledge can divide, — Fill'd with the great Divinity. Unto the High and Lofty One, Inhabiting Eternity, What has been, is, or will be done, — Our First and great Paternity. Naked came we from His hand, Naked before His eyes we stand. Naked we go thither from this land, A numberless fraternity. The measureless, infinite space, With no beginning and no end. Its great expanse we cannot trace. With all the powers we may bend; Worlds upon worlds, from star to star, Before, beyond, and still afar. The vast abyss our knowledge bar. Throughout eternity to trend. An infinite circle's boundary line Must be straight to infinite be. Yet, if we find no arc or sine, A circle we can never see; Tho' paradoxal this may sound. Yet by infinities we're bound, Our finite minds to much confound. The problems of infinity. From cycles that our sun may run. As age on age may come and go. Comparing him with other suns, Is but a speck in space to show; 86 LOVE'S MESSENGER With Pleiades, a grain of sand, Or with Orion and his band, Or far Arcturus nobly grand, To insignificance would grow. If from Polarius we cross To bright Centauri in space, Millions of years and miles engross, — Ten-million miles a minute race; Yet still beyond these points extends, Infinity of space to ever wend Through all eternity, — no end, With all eternity to trace. In just eight minutes from our sun To reach our earth light travels fast; From brilliant Serius light runs Eight years his rays on us to cast; While many, stars for hundred years. Their light to us will not appear, So distant far no sage or seer Can e'er compute the way so vast. Our sun is traveling in space. His solar-system by a law, Along with him as in a race From Mercury to Neptune draws; Could we in space a journey take, From star to star their courses take, Billions of years and miles at stake. No nearer to the end to draw. More wonderful and greater still, The Infinite God controlling all. Completely they obey His will. From hosts of stars to atom small; So, leaning on His arm of might. We sweetly glide into the light, Of His eternal glory bright. Surrendering to Him our all. Our finite minds can never grasp Infinity of space to know; Far past our mortal ken to clasp. Eternity with all its flow; LOVE'S MESSENGER 87 Yet, trusting in Almighty Love, We journey forth, beyond, above, His kind protecting care will shove. All harm from us to peace bestow. The universe of stars we see, "God's House of many mansions" fair, A place prepared by His decree, For all who shall His glory share; Thus age on ages to explore, His works expanding more and more, To know and feel and still adore. Eternal Love beyond compare. What then is this brief life on earth, Compared to all eternity? Why will men make their lives a dearth, And only sordid gold to see? The treasures of the world to mold, The pleasures of the world to hold. To be outside of God's dear fold, Throughout the vast eternity? All praise and glory to God's name, The heavens great His praise declare! The firmament show forth His fame, His handiwork to share; Infinite years before the day. Without beginning He held sway. From everlasting, GOD ALWAYS, Glorious beyond compare! All praise and glory to Thy name. Almighty FATHER ever be! Create in us an holy flame, And from all evil set us free! All honor, glory, power, might. Unto the Lamb of God, our light. To see Thy face and in Thy sight, Dwell in a blest eternity! 88 LOVE'S MESSENGER MOVING ON The earth is moving around the sun, It is rushing along in a madning run, Encountering meteors on the way, Which dart to its surface every day. Moving on, moving on! We flash by a comet with dashing speed. As tho' we were riding on lightning steeds, A flashing of light, a catching of breath, A fleeting of thought, a passing to death, — Moving on, moving on! The sun is moving in infinite space, And all of his planets are following apace. Each in its own orbit, yet following the sun, As tho' they were chasing each other in fun: — Moving on, moving on! The countless number of stars in the sky. Rest not day nor night as onward they fly. Each has its own sphere, each has its own speed, Yet all are in motion, let every one heed. Moving on, moving on! The earth and the planets, the sun and the stars. The comets and meteors are moving afar; And out of commotion, like a deep swelling ocean, Whatever their portion, is order and motion, — Moving on, moving on! The whirling, boundless universe is life. All infinite space with motion is rife. No sluggard can live, no drone can exist. They must go with the current or vanish in mist. Moving on, moving on! Then onward, my laddies and lassies today. In life's many battles go forth to the fray, You have your own duties, you have your own sphere, Move on to accomplish as God's will appear, Moving on, moving on! His power is o'er you. His presence is nigh. No evil can harm you, stop not then to sigh. And wish your lot different for under God's hand. Your journey is sure, and the purpose is grand! Moving on, moving on! LOVE'S MESSENGER 89 SECRET PRAYER In the closet quickly stealing, Come I with a load of care, God in secret sees me kneeling. Knows my burden hard to bear: Known to Him are my feelings, As His blessing I implore, In His love He sends the healing. Draws me nearer than before. None may know the peace abiding In the soul that Christ has share. Only those whose hearts confiding, Cast on Him their every care: And the world its powers combining, Holy peace can never give, Worldly joys end in repining. Cannot make the dying live. There are many broken hearted, Can the world bind up the wounds? In the eyes where tears have started. Can the world cheer with its sounds? When the death chill quick has darted. Will the world then satisfy? Comfort give to friends departed. When the time -has come to die? Oh the world is full of sighing, But it cannot lift the load; And there's many daily dying, But it cannot cheer the road: To find comfort are you trying? Then in Jesus Christ confide. He the Comforter supplying, With you ever will abide. For when death your soul is fighting. Can you hope and comfort find. In the world that has been blighting, Every effort of the kind? 90 LOVE'S MESSENGER Christ the valley will be lighting, And will take your sins away, All your wrongs He will be righting. If you seek His face today. You disconsolate come praying. Bring your burdens to His feet; Heed His promise, hear Him saying, "I will give you comfort sweet." In His presence ever staying, You will find true joy and peace; Care not what the world is saying, You will find a sweet release. Then, O closet, meek and lowly. Let me enter, let me pray! There my Saviour, pure and holy. Will His love to me display, Tho' I enter quickly, slowly Shall I leave the blessed place. For I've lost my burden wholly, By the power of His grace. CAREWORN Ye careworn souls look up, Oh trust the Lord! What steps have lost their lightness. What eyes with faded brightness. What load of pain or sorrow. What dread of the tomorrow. That Heaven cannot cure? What heart devoid of hope, But may find joy? What life so full of troubles. When trials often doubles. When many friends are failing, . And fears the heart assailing. That Heaven cannot cure? Oh bring each daily care To Jesus' feet! LOVE'S MESSENGER 91 Tho' floods of care have swollen. And from your life have stolen, The hopes that were inspiring, Your efforts ever tiring, — Find ye in Christ a cure! The Ruler of the world Forever reigns; Amid the burden bearing, When not a soul is caring, While cares are sore oppressing. Oh seek from HIM a blessing. His help is ever sure. Come ye disconsolate, Hope now in God! Find rest where'er ye languish. And peace to calm your anguish, Your cares on Jesus casting. Find pleasure everlasting. Where sin cannot allure. CONSCIENCE The moral sense that must decide. What things are right and what are wrong, May be perverted by our pride. And weakened when it should be strong; Or when by circumstance we deem. An act is justified at will. When it is finished and it seems, To cast o'er us a moral chill, Heed then and there the prompting true, Least we again should misconstrue, Least sin again our hearts allure. And we the voice of conscience still. For quickly will the moral sense, Be dulled by failure to take heed, Its stifled promptings less intense. Until the evil good exceeds; 'Tis easy then to practice fraud, With sophistry make wrong seem right. 92 LOVE'S MESSENGER And all delinquencies to laud. Or palliate the fault in sight; Then as the conscience weaker grows, Ceases to murmur or to know, There comes at last an overthrow. With conscience dead and life a blight. Your private conscience some would be. Dictate to you how you should live. Where you should go, what you should see, What you should take, what you should give; When you should laugh, and when weep hard, When you should speak and when keep still, What you should wear and what discard. What you should eat, what take when ill; The inner monitor as guide. In ways of truth and safety glides. If you will heed when it will chide, Your soul with peace will fill. 'Tis greatly wise to time review. And let each act be put to test Of conscience's judging power true; To make inquiry, what is best? Each deed and act construe; And ask them, if to Heaven bore They glad and welcomed news? If not, forgiveness then implore; And ever strive for better life, Tho' foes without and in are rife, Through Jesus conquer in the strife. Be saved forever more. FAITH Now faith is assurance that we shall receive. The things we have hoped for forecast. To feel what we cherish we firmly believe. Will come to us surely at last. Our minds give assent to the truth as from God, His word is the truth that He gave, To do His full will to be led by His rod. His law on our hearts to engrave. LOVE'S MESSENGER 93 Our loving kind Shepherd, we trust Him for all, And on Him we wholly rely; He'll surely receive us to come at His call, To own us He will not deny. By grace we are saved through faith in our Lord, And that is His precious true gift, That brings us to Him in fullest accord, 'Tis not of ourselves or our thrift. A loving and hearty reliance on God, Divinely wrought in us to live. Which leads us forth safely as under His rod. Salvation to us He will give. So trusting in Him we shall ever rejoice, Tho' storms in our lives may beat fast, All evil and danger will cease at His voice. The peace He commandeth shall last. By faith we o'ercome all temptations and strife, For faith in His cross points above, Through Him we shall conquer tho' evils are rife. He still intercedes by His love. And when in His glory He comes us to claim, Our faith will give place then to sight, Redeemed by His blood He will free us from blame, To ever abide in His light. Thus faith in His word as His law to fulfill, His promise to all who believe. The joy of our Lord then forever will thrill. The glory of Heaven receive. Have faith then in God all your fears to allay. His law and His word standeth sure. The gloom and the darkness will soon fade away, But Heaven will ever endure. All glory and honor we'll give to His name. The song of redemption we'll sing; Love's promise fulfilled and full triumph proclaim. All Heaven with gladness shall ring. LOVE'S MESSENGER 95 HEAVEN AND EARTH Life on earth has various changes, Like the many kinds of weather, And in all its different ranges, Pain and pleasure walk together: But the life of Heaven is gladness, Where can come no sin of madness. And there falls no wail of sadness, On the happy blood-washed throng, Singing their triumphant song. Here the farewell words are spoken. Here are sighs forever sighing. Here are hearts crushed down and broken, Here are loved one sick and dying: But in Heaven comes no parting. And no pains within are darting. Not a sigh or tear e'er starting, For the souls are full of joy. And sweet praises they employ. Here the hopes of life are blighted, And our peace oft turn to trouble; Here are hearts neglected, slighted. Worldly fame ends in a bubble. But in Heaven peace is lasting. And no disappointment blasting Joys that evermore are casting Holy love upon the heart, Which shall never more depart. Here are hearts madly forsaken For a moment of false pleasure; Here are lives with aims mistaken, Seeking only earthly treasures. But no one is evil treated. Where all evil is defeated. Where in Heaven all completed, In pure joy and peace and love. Reign with Christ the saints above. 96 LOVE'S MESSENGER Hoard not up on earth your treasures, Where they rust and soon are fading; Where are found but passing pleasures, Where are snares the soul degrading. Seek you joys that last forever, And where treasures fadeth never. Where in Heaven none can sever, All the good that gather there. In that Happy-Land so fair. THOUGHTS OF HEAVEN When we gaze upon the sunset With its many tinted hues, Shining forth in all its glory, Lighting up the heaven's blue, 'Tis then we think of the brightness Of that world beyond the sun. Where no woes of life can enter. Where our triumphs are begun. When the sun in all his splendor Wakes the beauty of the hills. And the darkness far has left us. And our hearts with rapture thrills, Then we think of that glad Heaven, Where our Saviour is the light. Where no darkness there can enter. What a beatific sight! When a storm has spent its fury. And the clouds like billows roll Far and high like lofty mountains, Then the sunlight cheers the soul; Then there comes a thought of Heaven, When the storms of life are past. We shall feel the rays of glory. Bringing cheer to us at last. As the rainbow in its beauty Paints God's promise to restore, So, through Christ, our heavenly rainbow, We shall sorrow nevermore; LOVE'S MESSENGER 97 Oh the glad and happy meeting! Oh the bright and happy Day! We shall hail that glorious dawning, Chasing shadows far away! Brighter than the gorgeous sunset, Fairer than the morning light. Is that land beyond the shadows. Where there is no trace of night; Far beyond all earthly trials, Free from every sense of gloom. Is the land of happy spirits, Free from pain, — beyond the tomb! WILL YOU BE THERE? Beyond the chance of earthly doom, Beyond a life of care and gloom, Beyond the shadows of the tomb. There is a place all fair; No sorrow on the soul can lie, No teardrop glistens in the eye. No clouds can overcast the sky? Oh say, will you be there? No loneliness will press the heart. No pain within the soul can dart. And friends will never there depart. But peace and joy will share; There dwells in glory fair and bright. The blood-washed throng in pure delight, And there can come no sin's dark night, — Will you, dear friend, be there? In that fair clime comes no farewell, And ne'er is heard a rising knell, No pain nor death can weave a spell, No fear can enter there: But Christ, the Lamb of God is there. And reigns in glory bright and fair. Oh will you for that place prepare? Dear friend, will you be there? 98 LOVE'S MESSENGER Where ne'er are seen looks of despair, Will you be there and Heaven share, And from the trace of earthly care, A crown of glory wear? Will you be there with friends to meet, In love to dwell in Christ complete, Amid the music grand and sweet, Oh say, will you be there? Oh shall we meet there face to face. And clasp each loved one in embrace. Where evil ne'er our souls can chase. Oh, will you meet me there? Oh, may we meet on Heaven's strand, And take each other by the hand, And walk among the angel band — May we at last meet there! EASTER How sad the moments must have been. And dreary was the gloom. That seem'd to shadow every heart. When Christ slept in the tomb; Oh, there were eyes fill'd full of tears. And hearts were fill'd with dread. And very nature seem'd to bend. And tears of sorrow shed. But as the eastern sky grew red. And shone with splendor bright, Appear'd there with the coming morn, An angel of the light; He roll'd away the heavy stone. That stood before the tomb, And Christ the conquering God arose. And life burst into bloom. What joy was then in every heart. That once was fill'd with fear, When once again they saw their Lord, And knew that He was near! LOVE'S MESSENGER 99 Well might they worship at His feet, And talk of matchless grace. And wonder much in fear and love. While gazing on His face. So when we bury loved ones dear, And lay them from our sight. And bow our heads, eyes fill'd with tears. And all seems dark as night; Could we with faith but look above, The gloom would fade away. As with the Easter morn we see, The Resurrection Day. Now Jesus sits upon His throne, Our interceding Lord; And waits the full appointed time, To carry out His word. Hear His commission all in love. Commanding us to go And tell the Gospel everywhere, His grace and beauty show. We will go forth to do His will. To all the world proclaim, The glorious Gospel of our Lord, The wonders of His name; And we will work 'till Jesus comes. To claim His jewels bright, And trust through Him we all shall be, Crown'd with the crowns of light. THE PERRY PICTURES. BOSTON EDITION. 815. "HE IS RISEN." FROM PAINTING BY PLOCKHORST. 1826- COPYRIGHT, 190 7, BY EUGENE A. PERRY. LOVE'S MESSENGER 101 GLORY TO GOD; OR The Song of Moses and The Lamb Deut 32. Rev. 15:3-4. In the beginning was the Word, Glory be to His holy name! And the Word was with God, And the Word was God, The same was in the beginning Christ, our Lord, With glorious majesty in full accord. Glory be to His holy name! He was and is the only God, From first to last His mighty rod, Creative force as with a prod, Brought forth His works without discord, To glorify His holy name! Hark, then ye heavens, and let earth now hear. Glory be to His holy name! The doctrine dropping as the rain, Distilling as the dew again. To glorify His holy name! As the small rain on tender grass appears, And showers fall on herd both far and near, Jehovah's greatness to proclaim On hills and valleys, fields of grain, Our Rock, His works perfection gain, Our Rock shall be our glad refrain, Higher than us to Him we shall adhere, And shout His praise in glad acclaim! A God of faithfulness and purity. Glory be to His holy name! All just and right is He, His people to set free. Glory be to His holy name! He is the only sure security, 102 LOVE'S MESSENGER Both here and now to all futurity, His people to reclaim; For some corruptedly to deal, Are not His children, but reveal. Their blemish as a blot to seal. Their destiny in dark obscurity, A foolish people full of shame. Remember then the days of old so grand, And glorify God's holy name; The ages come and go, And generations show. The Holy God remains the same; He dwelleth not in temples made with hands, Nor served is He by hands of men whose bands Can add no greatness to His fame; As tho' He needed anything. Seeing He giveth life that springs. From Him the Source of life to sing. His constant praises and expand, Eternal glory to His name! For man's ability is fix'd by bounds. So humbly glorify God's holy name; The finite mind of man, Can scarce begin to scan, The glory that befits God's holy name; Jehovah's portion is His people found, In howling wilderness and desert ground. To glorify His holy name! On Jacob He bestow'd a claim. Of His Inheritance to name. His chosen people with an aim. With wondrous care to them surround. To glorify His holy name! And as an eagle stirreth up her nest, ;■ And instinct love inflame. To flutter o'er her young. With healing wings among, Jehovah's love became. Protection to His people manifest. To bear them on His pinions and divest. Them from all evil and and all shame, To glorify His name. LOVE'S MESSENGER 103 From first to last became, Remaining still the same, The Alpha and the Omega to blest. All who will glorify His holy name! Thus on the highest places of the earth, His people rode in high acclaim. To eat the increase of the field. His mighty love their way to shield, To glorify His holy name! And tho' they long sojourn'd in land of dearth, He made it bloom and blossom forth in mirth, To glorify His holy name! Out from the flinty rock, Flow'd water for their flocks, Flow'd milk and butter from their stock, While deserts blossom'd as the rose in birth, To glorify His holy name! But Jeshurum grew rich, and to resist, Forsook his God in pride and shame; He wax'd so fat and slick. Against God's truth to kick. He fail'd to glorify God's holy name; Thus in the way of evil to persist, Lightly (*Bteem'd as but a shadow mist, .'The glory due God's holy name. The Rock of his salvation strong. Forsook and with false gods to throng, Steep'd in abominations long. Against God's word became antagonist. Dishonoring His holy name. The Rock of their salvation they forsook, Dishonoring God's holy name, So their prosperity, Led their posterity, To future generation's shame; God's promises in Christ to overlook. Rejecting Him with wicked hand they took, — Dishonoring God's holy name, — The Rock that would them free, And nail'd Him to the tree, On sin-cursed Calvary, Tho' Heaven frown'd, and nature's forces shook. Upon themselves His blood they blame. 104 LOVE'S MESSENGER Thus sacrificing unto devils low, To wallow deep in mirely shame, With imagination vain. Not liking to retain, God in their knowledge, so became Corrupt, until God's anger should them show, How He abhor'd them in their sins to grow, They would not glorify His holy name. Then He scatter'd them afar. Among strange people char, And their remembrance bar. By their complete and lasting overthrow. And they alone to bear the blame. O foolish people, so unwise and base. Dishonoring God's holy name! In v/hom no faith is found, But evil deeds abound. Dishonoring God's holy name. Oh that they wise would be to understand their place, And know that one would then a thousand chase, When glorifying God's great name; And two ten-thousand fright, And quickly put to flight, Except their Rock in might, Had sold them into bondage and disgrace, Who brought reproach upon His name. By their iniquities their souls they sold. Dishonoring God's holy name; Their rock is not our Rock, Our enemies to shock. Will judge the power of God's name. For their vine is like the vine of Sodom bold, And like Gomorrah's field their hoards of gold. But only added to their shame, Became as grapes of gall. With bitter clusters all, With wine their souls to thrall, As serpent's poison, and asp's cruel venom fold. In fierce and everlasting flame. Thus in God's law as treasures seal'd in store. To glorify His holy name. LOVE'S MESSENGER 105 God's vengeance so intense, As a just recompense, To all dishonoring His name; As a sure consequence that always score, When fast their feet are slipping more and more, Dishonoring God's holy name; For retribution close at hand, Day of calamity to hrand, Which they can nevermore withstand. The things that hastily shall press them sore, All who dishonor His great name. Thus will Jehovah judge His people sure. To glorify His holy name; And in their helplessness. Will pity their distress, And glorify His holy name; "Where are your gods, can they give refuge sure, Your rock in whom you trusted to endure? Let them give help and fame, Let them rise up and aid. Be your protection to evade. The evils that your sins have made. And know that they are naught and cannot cure. Which only our Rock can tame." Jehovah, He alone is God always, — Eternal glory to His name! His is the right to kill. Or make alive at will. To glorify His holy name; To wound or heal, and none can say Him nay, For our own good, or His just glory pay, To glorify His holy name; None can escape His hand. His judgment to withstand, His vengeance reprimand. That should He whet His glittering sword to slay. To glorify His holy name. Then let God's adversaries all take heed, Repent, and glorify His holy name; For He will surely recompense. All who will seek to give offence. And will not glorify His name; 106 LOVE'S MESSENGER His arrows drunk with blood shall speed, His flaming sword devouring flesh proceed, The wrath of man to praise His name; All of His enemies put down, From Satan with death's evil frown, To ever wear the victor's crown. O'er sin and every foe succeed. To glorify His holy name. To Him shall the gathering of the people be. To glorify His holy name! When Shiloh shall appear, To gather far and near. To glorify His holy name! Rejoice, ye nations, with His people free, Avenging of His servants' blood to see, To glorify His holy name! That He is Lord o'er all. His mercies then will fall. And all His people call. Through Him to gain a glorious victory, To glorify His holy name! The great and glorious Lamb of God appears. Oh glorify His holy name! For His people He'll atone, To bear their sins alone. And by His precious blood proclaim, An expiation for His people dear, All who accept and to His cross draw near. Will see the glory of His name. And feel the power of His grace, Redeem'd from every blood and race. And in His kingdom find a place. And by His blood each guilty soul made clear. To glorify His holy name! Not all are Israel who are of Israel's list, Nor all who may profess God's name; They rejected their true King, With all the insults they could fling. Dishonoring God's holy name! The word of God by prophets sought to twist. So truth was hidden from their eyes in mist. That they should never know His name; LOVE'S MESSENGER 107 Tho' as the Dayspring from afar, He shone forth as the Morning Star, — The Sun of Righteousness unbar The gates of light to all who will not Him resist, And seek to glorify His name. His spiritual and moral worth they own, Yet brand Him false in all His claims; As tho' a fount could water throw. Both fresh and salt at once to flow At the same time, yet be the same; Thus showing their hypocrisy alone, To evil deeds and darkness they were prone, And fail'd to glorify His name; They spurn'd the Rose of Sharon bright. The Lily of the Valley white, All pure and holy in God's sight. And condemnation reap'd as they had sown. Because they would not own His name. He grew up as a tender plant in sight of men. And glorified God's holy name; As a root out of dry ground. No form or comeliness was found. To draw unto Himself false fame; He was despised and rejected of men, A man of griefs and sorrows, pass'd human ken, And many fail'd to praise His name; Their faces from Him sought to hide. Lest His deep sorrows should them chide, And such reproach they could not bide, Too great for thought, or word of tongue or pen. To glorify His holy name. Yet notwithstanding He has borne our griefs, That we might glorify His name; And carried all our sorrows free, And all our sins nail'd to the tree. That we might glorify His name; Thus He was wounded for our sins as chief, For our inquities to give relief, Was bruised to free us from all blame; The chastisement of all our peace. Was put upon Him to release. Our captive souls, make sin to cease. 108 LOVE'S MEfSSENGER To give us love and joy for all our griefs, To glorify His holy name! Death's scourging stripes for all our sins He bore, Oh glory he to His great name! For by His stripes we're doubly heal'd. True love and justice stands reveal'd, We are redeem'd to praise His name! So do we all esteem Him more and more, Stricken, smitten and afflicted of God most sore, We love and praise His holy name! For we like sheep had gone astray, Return'd each one to His own way. And as our substitute to pay, The penalty of all our sins He bore. That we might glorify His name. In Him the fulness of the Godhead dwells, Let all then glorify His name; In Him we are made full complete, All sin within us to defeat, To glorify His holy name! Hand written ordinances against us quell. Which contrary was to us, yet us befell. He took all out the way to claim Ourselves as His, without a loss. Forgave our sins and nail'd them to the cross. To separate gold from the dross, Spoil'd principalities and powers fell; To glorify His holy name! Thus mercy and truth have together met, To glorify God's holy name; And righteousness and peace have kiss'd. And not one sinner shall be miss'd. Who wish to glorify God's name; And tho' the Judgment may be fully set, In Christ the penalty of sin is met, To glorify God's holy name; Then glory in the Highest sing. And peace on earth great joy to bring, Through Jesus Christ our Lord and King, For He has paid and cancel'd all our debt, That we with joy might praise His name. l^OVE'S MESSENGER 109 Having full power His life to lay down, To glorify His holy name, No evil hands against His will. One drop of His dear blood could spill, No matter what might be their claim; Tho' hell might rage and demons scoff and frown, Our Lord and Saviour wears the victor's crown; Oh, glory be to His great name! Able to lay down His life in pain. Able to take up His life again, Able to cleanse us from all stain. Make us heirs of His glory to share His renown. And glorify His holy name! By wicked hands they nail'd Him to the tree, To die in ignominious shame; Thus our iniquities He bore, That He from death might us restore. As His redeem'd our souls to claim; That we might more than conquerors be, To dwell with Him throughout eternity. And glorify His holy name. His body in the tomb they laid. And many seem'd to be afraid. Responsibility evade. While demons a carousal held and scoff'd in glee, — Their greater punishment inflame. But to the tomb an angel came in shining white. Glory be to God's holy name! His countenance like lightning shone. With glory from the Heavenly Throne, As dead the soldiers all became; He roll'd away the heavy stone in sight, And Christ the conquering God arose in might! Angelic hosts in glad acclaim. His praise forever more to sing; Thus death has lost its bitter sting, And boasting grave no triumph bring. Thanks be to God, whose victory and glory bright. Gives us the victory in His name! His body from the grave arose complete, Glory be to His holy name! To doubting Thomas' firm appeal. 110 LOVE'S MESSENGER He says, "Reach forth thy hand and feel, That it is I, Myself, the same; Now see the nail-prints in my hands and feet. And thrust thy hand into my side and greet. Thy risen Lord to praise His name! Now see, and feel, and know I live, And be not faithless but believe." Thus comfort they could all receive, And the disciples then were glad to greet Their risen Lord to praise His name! Now if Christ be not risen from the dead, Then death He has not overcame; And all our preaching is in vain, Our faith is vain, and sin's dark stain, Remains upon our souls in shame. The thorny crown, the cross on which He bled. And those who died in Christ are lost instead. If false His resurrection claim; And we false witnesses are found. And in iniquities abound. Our hopes of Heaven all unsound, An ignisfatuus the Gospel light thus shed. And we most miserable to name. But now has Christ arisen from the dead, Oh, glorify His holy name! Tho' many teachers false arise. Do Satan's bidding in diguise. And vaunt themselves in pride and shame, As Anti-Christ the christian highway tread. Blind guides to lead the blind, and spread Eternal death and sin inflame. Like owls blink at the shining sun, Cry out, "Where is it? There is none, No light, no life, no victory is won." Tho' Christ, the Way, the Truth, and Life has shed, Eternal glory to His name. He only is the Resurrection and the Life, Glory be to His holy name! Triumphant from the tomb He rose, And vanquish'd death and all His foes. Glory be to His holy name! LOVE'S MESSENGER 111 His word cuts deeper than a two-edged knife, Divides the evil from the just in life, To glorify His holy name! And every one who Him believe. As his own Saviour Him receive, Shall never die, but shall achieve, Eternal life through Him, tho' fears are rife, To ever glorify His name! Thus death is swallow'd up in victory, Glory be to His holy name! He is the Way, the Truth, the Life, Supreme in power ever rife; Glory be to His holy name; Not a God of the dead but the living is He, Because He lives shall we live also, and be free To glorify His holy name! For when the trump of God shall sound. From every point of earth around. Wherever His elect are found. His angels bright shall gather them from sea to sea, To glorify His holy name! Know, God is just the same today as in the past. Oh! praise and glorify His holy name! CHRIST JESUS, yesterday, today. And forevermore to stay The same, and all shall praise His name; And every knee shall bow and tongue confess at last, That He is CHRIST, the risen CHRIST, to cast Eternal glory to His name! Hark then, and listen to the cry. Triumphant shouts from earth and sky, He comes again to satisfy, And claim His own, while evil stand aghast, At the great glory of His name! Holy! Holy! Holy! Lord God Almighty, bright, Most glorious Thy holy name! As Thou most holy art, The unsaved sinner must depart. Or seek forgiveness through Christ's name; Holy! Holy! Holy! Lord God Almighty, smite All sin within and purify and make us white! To glorify Thy holy name! 112 LOVE'S MESSENGER The holier that one may be, The more must he hate sin and see. That God, Most Holy, must decree, Sin muts be banish'd, that purity and light, Shall ever glorify His name! Each struggling soul a battle then must fight. For Satan seeks all to inflame. With such temptations to undo. The work of grace in hearts made new, Perchance they cease to glorify God's name. To smallest things he stoops if he can blight. The Christian's hope, and pleasures false invite. That he may cease to glorify God's name; Yet he can only but annoy. The soul in Jesus full of joy. For God such efforts will destroy, And hold His own, that they may walk with Him in white. And glorify His holy name! Tho' Gog and Magog may God's saints surround, With all devices they can frame. And tho' they number as the sand, God's judgment they cannot withstand, Devour'd they shall be in flames; For suddenly the trump of God shall sound. And for God's foes no hiding place be found, The saved shall see and praise God's name; God's people shall deliver'd be, Christ as the end of law will free, And to His saints give victory. The song of Moses and the Lamb resound. To glorify God's holy name! Thus shall the ransomed of the Lord return. To glorify His holy name! With singing unto Zion come, With everlasting joy at Home, And glorify God's holy name! Great joy and gladness in their hearts shall burn, Eternal love and light all sin shall spurn, To glorify God's holy name! All sighs and sorrows flee away, LOVE'S MESSENGER 113 No shadow falls, but bright the ray, Shall shine one glad eternal Day, And darkness, sin, and sorrow overturn, With hallelujahs to God's name! Thus palms of victory through Christ they'll wear. And glorify His holy name! And a new song of joy they'll sing. Of Moses and the Lamb to bring. United praises to His name! And from their eyes shall God wipe all their tears. And all their sorrows, cares and pains and fears. And all shall glorify His name! And they shall dwell in joy and light, And there shall be no more of night. But purest love and glory bright. All the redeem'd of Christ shall share. To praise and glorify His name! Redeem'd! Redeem'd! Redeem'd by the blood of the Lamb! Glory be to His holy name! From out of every nation bought. And kindred, tongue, and people brought. To glorify His holy name! Wash'd and made white in the blood of the Lamb, Sweeping through the gates of the New Jenisaleio, Glory be to His holy name! Chanting with angels the one sweet lay, Of Moses and the Lamb to stay, To dwell in an unclouded Day, In the Home of the Saved to shine as a gem, To glorify God's holy name! Thus reunited shall they ever be. Glory be to God's holy name! Friends shall join friends in joy to greet. With fathers, mothers, children sweet, And glorify God's holy name; And a new song of joy they'll sing so free. Of Moses and the Lamb, sweet liberty, And glorify God's holy name! And these are they array'd in white. And shine forth as the sun in light. And ever dwelling in God's sight. 114 LOVE'S MESSENGER Have wash'd their robes in Jesus' blood to see, Him face to face to praise His name! And hallelujahs they all sweetly sing, "Glory to God in high acclaim! Worthy the Lamb of God once slain. Who wash'd us free from every stain. To glorify His holy name! All glory, honor, and thanksgiving bring. All power, riches, wisdom to our King, To glorify His holy name! Thus to receive eternal praise. All worthy Thou, Ancient of Days, King of the saints, oh ever raise Us up to Thee with songs of joy to ring Thy praise, and glorify Thy holy name!" The song of Moses and the Lamb they sing. And glorify God's name sincere; "Great and marvelous are Thy works," they say, "Righteous and true are all Thy ways. King of the Ages, who shall not fear. And glorify Thy name, O Lord, Thy praise to ring. For Thou only art holy! And all nations bring Their homage and Thy name revere; For all shall come to worship Thee, Thy righteous acts so great and free. Made manifest in victory!" As on a waveless sea of glass, no trouble spring. They stand and chant His praises clear. Allelujah! Thou God Omnipotent reigns! And all shall glorify Thy name! Thy works are manifest and great. Thou canst destroy yet still create, All things to glorify Thy name! Ten thousands, thousand, shall take up the strain. The song of Moses and the Lamb refrain. To praise and glorify Thy name! Forever with the LORD to be. Forever from all sin made free, Forever, Christ, our Victory! Eternal love and joy and peace attain. Worlds without end to praise Thy name! LOVE'S MESSENGER 115 THE ANGEL OF PEACE Out of the midnigtit of sorrow, Into the dawn of tomorrow, Into a life free from blight; Out of a life of oppression, Burdens weighed down with depression, Into the triumph of right. Out of the struggles engaging, Many fierce conflicts here raging, Into a perfect release; Out of the evils surrounding, Out of the dangers astounding, Into the quiet of peace. Out of life's problems so urging, Into the light that is merging. Bringing good cheer to the soul; Out of the mysteries perplexing. Out of the trials so vexing. Into the peace that consoles. Out of a life of commotion, Tempest swept oft as the ocean. Into a life of repose; Never to suffer or languish. Free from all worry and anguish, — Glory of Heaven disclose. Out of a world's imposition, Blinded by selfish ambition. Errors as dark as the night; Into a state of assurance. Into the peace of securance. Into the pure realm of light. Blest is the soul that is trusting. All of life's trials adjusting, Casting all care on the Lord; Over the storm tossing billow. Making God's bosom his pillow. Bringing a calm from discord. 116 LOVE'S MESSENGER Sweet is the joy of the union, Faith, Hope and Love in communion, Some lack the power to know; Sweet is the joy of redemption, Giving sweet peace and exemption. Washing the soul white as snow. Comes there a faith that is lasting, Comes there a peace that is casting, Joy that will ever increase; Comes there a hope that is given, Up from the earth to glad Heaven, Borne by the Angel of Peace. THE PERRY PICTURES. BOSTON EDITION. ANGEL OF PEACE FROM PAINTING BY KAULBACH. 118 LOVE'S MESSENGER THE BEST YOU CAN "I'm doing the best that I can," Said a little boy at play; Yet in the foot-race that he ran, He beat his record some way; So you can never know your best, Until you have stood the test. "I'm doing the best that I can," Said a lazy lad at school; Yet when his lessons began. They made him out a fool; So he had not done his best. But lied his conscience to rest. "I'm doing the best that I can. In doing what is right;" Said one, who duty failed to scan. Sought darkness rather than light; Tho' he said he had done his best, He surely failed to stand the test. For to do the best that we can, To our fullest capacity. Might show us shallow in plan, Or doubt our plain veracity; Can we know we have done our best, If we never have stood the test? Because some think they've done their best. They cease to labor or to pray; The best they can do is but a jest. And brands them weaklings in the fray; Yet some contend without amends. They've done their best, and there it ends. We sometimes think we've done our best, When little more effort we make. Which shows our mistake and suggest. That closer attention we take, — More work and less talk in our trade. And never our duty evade. LOVE'S MESSENGER 119 Some persons feel like giving up. There's nothing more that they can do. They drink the dregs of a bitter cup, Unable to see their way through. Yet, in all the worry and strife, They might find better things in life. Some seem afraid to overdo. Heart-failure soon them overtake. They make a farce of efforts true. The best they do is but a fake; Not strong enough to stand the test. They never do their very best. Christ said, "She has done what she could," Undoubtedly it was her best; So it is fully understood, There are some who do stand the test Of doing the best that they can. And God accepts them in His plan. PUBLIC OPINION The notion of a fickle crowd. That agitates to madness. With psychic powers to enshroud, That leads to depth of sadness; And yet just like a flock of sheep. People will form opinions, Oft trample truth all in a heap. To form a strange dominion. Public opinion oft is sired By many superstitions. Mothered in ignorance, inspired By many base ambitions; It has approved of many wars, And many persecutions; Enacted laws that left their scars, To end in dissolution. 120 LOVE'S MESSENGER It Samuel Johnson drove to write. In words of condemnation, Against Americans incite Tax, that brought indignation; When Quakers would not all conform To puritanic notions. Public opinion raised a storm, To force on them their potion. Public opinion has brought forth, Such false and silly notions. Which nothing proved to be of worth. Requiring cleansing lotions; In trousers tight and trousers full, With peg-tops oft to ramble, With dudish hands their pockets pull. Then up the street to amble. Public opinion has approved. Of hoopskirts far extending, Then to wear tight-skirts it behooved With big hats quite commending; While big and small sleeves in their turn Yielded to public notion, With tucks and frills in turn to spurn, For plainness with emotion. If strong enough to now deny, The things of popular folly. You're strong enough to then defy, Oppression and be jolly; For when you value conscience's guide. Above the praise that's fickle. You'll value man's welfare beside, Rewards of men that tickle. Tho' of your fellow men you crave. Their good opinion ever, Yet, if to gain such you enslave, Your liberty and sever. The right to live as conscience guide, By truth of revelation. You had better let opinions slide, For Truth's illumination. LOVE'S MESSENGER 121 Public opinion seldom stops, To investigate an action, But like a mob oft overslops, Then scares at its infraction; Public opinion should be weighed, In Truth's unfailing balance. Then oft before it is obeyed, See that it has no valance. By manifestations then of truth, Ourselves to all commending. To every one's consciences forsooth, In God's sight truth defending; Public opinion only lasts, When many seek to follow. But truth will error ever blast. So shun all that is hollow. YOUNG KITTENS "I have the very nicest pets, That you just ever saw; They're 'bout as tame as they can get, With smooth and silky paws; There's mother puss as you can see, Shows love for her bright family. As playful kittens as can be, — But, they have got sharp claws. "Once when I grab'd them up too quick, They scratch'd me, so they did; At first I felt just sort of sick. And they ran off and hid; But when I pick them up with care, They do not seem a bit to scare, And when I with them goodies share, For more they all will bid. "With little tiny mews entreat, To give them more and more; Then in my lap to go to sleep. And purr and purr some more; 122 LOVE'S MESSENGER For they all know that I'm all right, And would not hurt them, one least mite. And so they seem to take delight, To play all o'er the floor. "There's Susan, Jane and little Pete, Old Tabby's children cute; The very finest you can meet, Tho' some call them dumb brutes. 'Spose now a great big mouse should run, Right under your big chair in fun. And kitty's teeth it quick would stun, Wouldn't that be just to suit? "And wouldn't you feel kind ashamed You treated them with scorn. Just cause they're kittens you had blamed, 'Em being like they're born? I rather guess you'd think them nice. And smooth their fur slick as the ice. If they should catch all of the mice, You'd feed them good each morn. "Old Tabby seems right well to know. When I her kittens pet. That only kindness them I show, And so she does not fret; Sometimes she comes and follows me. And rubs her head upon my knee, Just so that I her, too, might see. As close as she can get. "Marm says. We may be very sure. That animals can tell. If we are good and kind and pure. All fear in them will quell; So if I quickly slip behind. They do not scare a bit to find, One who to them is always kind, And seems to know so well. THE PERRY PICTURES. 820. D. BOSTON EDITION. FROM PAINTING BY KNAUS. 1829- YOUNG KITTENS. 124 LOVE'S MESSENGER THOU SHALT LOVE THY NEIGHBOR AS THYSELF Once I asked a simple question, In a joking sort of way, To a man with piles of money, He had brought to bank away: — "Won't you share your pile with me, sir, Love your neighbor as yourself?" But he shook his head emphatic. Said he needed all his pelf. Needed it, you know, in business, To gain more of the same kind; He replied, "Thou shalt not covet. So you need just never mind; If you want a pile of money. You should scratch for it yourself. Save the pennies, earn the dollars. If you want to gain in pelf." "Good advice," I said, "but don't you Love your neighbor as yourself?" "If I did," he quick retorted, "They'd soon lay me on the shelf." "Well, perhaps," I said, insisting, "But what of the great command, — As thyself to love thy neighbor, That was ever meant to stand?" "Well, who does it? Show me, can you? I should like to look at him." Said the man of wealth and plenty. As he talked and looked so grim. "I'm not saying," I retorted, "You evade the question so. Your excuses do not alter All the facts that you should show. "Do not alter the commandment. So just let me share your store." Quothed the man of wealth and plenty, "You're my neighbor nevermore; LOVE'S MESSENGER 125 If indeed you were my neighbor, You'd not want my money so, Would as leave that I should have it, So, you see, it is no go." "If I do not want your money, Will you give it to me then? Seriously, will you consider, This commandment you should ken?" "If you promise not to take it, Not to spend a single cent," Said he carelessly and smiling, "I will yield you my consent." "I'll not take it, I'll not spend it, Let the poor do all of that;" Said I humbly, bowing meekly, "Over this we shall not spat. Look outside the window yonder, Many poor are passing by, I'll just call them in rejoicing All their needs you will supply." "If I gave a million dollars, It would not their wants supply. Would not buy all shirts and collars. So it's useless thus to try." "But you can relieve and bless them, Lend encouragement to live. Let your kindness then caress them, By the money you can give." But he shook his head quite sadly, "Upon second thought," said he, "I would feel the loss too badly, Wealth is all of life to me; For myself I must be keeping All my wealth to live in peace, Tho' the poor may suffer greatly, I cannot their wants decrease." So he turned away and left me. Left the poor to struggle on. Clinging fast to all his dollars. That o'er him a triumph won; 126 LOVE'S MESSENGER He is one among the many, Always grasping after wealth. Caring more for earthly treasures Than about his neighbor's health. Caring more about his money Than he is about his God, Loving all his dollars better, Pricking him as with a prod; To increase his store of riches. Ever grasping after more, Trusting in it for protection, As an idol to adore. Does it pay to be so solemn Over anything today, Just excepting making money. How to get and make it pay? In the making and the spending. To have much is to want more. For the wants of all the richest Keep on adding to their store. Thus they heap up riches ever. O'er the needs of all the poor, Whose necessities are many, Ever rapping at their door; Seriously, just think a moment. When at last will come the call, To depart from earth and leave it. Will the rich feel great or small? Feel himself so poor and needy, When he goes as go he must. Soul before the God who gave it, Earth to earth and dust to dust? What will riches then amount to. All the pomp and show and pride. All the glory of earth's wisdom, But a mockery and bribe. For a mess of pottage turning. From a crown of fadeless light, All the joys of Heaven spurning. For the dollars now in sight; LOVE'S MESSENGER 127 There's no need to give example, Wlio does this or who does that? Christ has given his commandment, And His word all doubts combat. For the Word of God forever Shall abide tho' all else fail; Tho' the hordes of evil utter All their doubts and sneers and wails; Owlet Atheism casting Somber shadows o'er the heart, Cannot keep the sun from shining, Nor the good that Truth imparts. There are many slurs and murmurs Cast upon the lowly heart, Who in meekness seeks to follow, Christ our Lord in every part; God will own all His true loved ones, Who have given all to Him, For their sacrifice returning. Heavenly joys that never dim. Whether we may empty purses. Or whatever we may give. Words of blessing, deeds of kindness, From a heart of love shall live; Treating all mankind as brothers. Words of kindness, deeds of love. Giving to the poor and needy. Smiles like sunshine from above. INDUSTRY To work is greatly wise, For toil will sweeten many cares, And drive away distressing poverty; Brave honest toil will bring a sure reward. For in all labor there is profit. While bragging lips but tend to penury. Like empty barrels give forth the loudest sound. While pride is humbled by a sore necessity. 128 LOVE'S MESSENGER Bold strike the hammer on the anvil. And tho' the sparks fly thick and fast, There comes therefrom a piece of mechanism Which put so many persons in a wonder; And, patiently the sculptor chisels out ideal beauty. Till toil at last fills the whole world with admira- tion; While in yon corner sulks old lazy-bones, Who grumbles at his sore distress, And wonders why he is not much respected. The mushroom springs from out the ground. But withers in the rays of noonday sun; So will all hasty efforts suffer like defeat, Amid the jostle of ambitious people. Then toil you onward, not so much for selfish aim. As that which seeks to benefit mankind; And from the point of small beginnings. Your efforts will be crowned with much success; And in this life, and in the World to Come, You then shall wear the toiler's diadem. THE INNER MAN Man's inner life is seen by how he acts. The' he may seek his thoughts to hide, Yet still emotion can but fill the soul Of him who is by power wrought upon; He who has no emotion, has no heart. No manhood, and no kindly feeling. What tho' ambition strives to climb the height of fame; What prompts it, but the inner man? Aye, and what prompts each act before 'tis done? And what gives birth to deeds we see each day? Whence comes there crimes and deeds of horror? Whence avarice with grasping claw. That robs the widow of her penny? Whence comes there forth the life of sin? Whence stalks its foulness like some awful goblin — Except emerging from the inner man? What silly heart that practice such deception, LOVE'S MESSENGER 129 Dare thinks that it in turn is not deceived? Dare thinks its purposes are hidden. And that the inner man cannot be seen? All foul within and dreadful to behold — The inner man so full of all corruption, And needs and ever needs a cleansing all divine, Then seek it for the inner man. MYSELF:— THE EGO Psalms XIX: 14. My inner life, my inmost self; What to myself, I in secret art, — The mysterious something, secret elf, That makes condition of my heart; That principle that prompts each act. Each thought and every aspiration. This bring Thou under Thy control. And place on it Thy approbation. Heart of my life, center of my being, Out of which flows thoughts beyond control; So little understood, yet ever fleeing Out of the flood life of the soul; — Hy ego, self, my individual being. That hears and sees and feels so keenly; — I, I myself; O God, dwell Thou within me! Guide me, O Jehovah Jesus, all serenely! Make my life thine, a living fountain flowing,, Out and forever onward to life eternal; So Christ in me, hope of eternal glory showing, Perfection in a life supernal! Let every word my mouth shall utter, And all meditations my mind shall start. Be prompted by Thy gracious love that flutters In my soul, at each beating of the heart. And so, dear Lord, abide in me. And may I ever live in Thee, Thus resting, I in Heaven shall be, I, Lord, in Thee, and Thou in me! 130 LOVE'S MESSENGER Let every thing I do and say, Be prompted by Thy faultless love, And every thought, and all desire, Perfect be through Thee, my Life! My Love! Thus loving Thee, my Light! my Life! Walking in the light as Thou art light, — Thy gracious love shalJ calm all strife. All fears, all doubts, and in Thy sight May I accepted be, thus to abide, — Hidden with CHRIST in GOD, I see,— No harm can ever me betide, — I in the Kingdom of God, And the Kingdom of God in me! BAD COMPANY How apt we are to breathe disease, In atmosphere impure. Where odors foul on every breeze, All epidemics lure. No one can live long in a place. With filthy stenches in his face, Where fever breeds and leaves a trace. That leads to death so sure. You ask a man about his health. And quickly he replies, "Good health is worth more than the wealth, Than all the world supplies." So, should a dangerous disease. Spread o'er this place and death increase, We'd from this climate seek release. And healthy place try. So is it with bad company, Brings danger in the way. To lead the soul in misery. Who choose with such to stay; The peril vice brings to us all, Is like dread fevers when they fall. On all exposed both great and small, The voice of conscience slay. LOVE'S MESSENGER 13: Vice is contageous and abides, In filthy atmosphere; With dread miasma lurking wide, The character to smear; In sad disgrace the soul to bring, Remorse of conscience, fiery sting, No hope nor rest whereon to cling. But fills the heart with fear. A good old dog, was old dog Tray, So sociable and kind. But in bad company to stray. He seem'd to be inclin'd; Tho' innocent of wrong intent, Yet he was found with dogs that spent, Their time in killing sheep, which meant, A judgment most unkind. The dogs the farmers saw with hate, Among their sheep they shot. Their guns did not discriminate. But kill'd Tray on the spot. If in bad company you go, You'll reap the evil others sow, That soon will prove your overthrow. Your reputation blot. Would you escape from ruin great. From evil persons flee, For such the pure contaminate, With their bad company. Flee from companions with vile names. Flee from their low and wicked aims. Flee from their vice and from their shame. From ruin quickly flee. 132 LOVE'S MESSENGER HOW TO BE NOBODY Nobodies you will see Standing around saloons, And you a nobody will be, If you accept their boon. To follow such as a delight. Your joy and peace will ever blight. Go to saloons and drink, And play at cards and dice. If you in ruin wish to sink. And can afford the price. If nobody you wish to be, This is the way, you soon will see. Go to saloons and drink. Of wine and lager-beer, A nobody people then will think You surely will appear. Tho' they may wear the finest clothes, All nobodies to ruin goes. And if you wish to read, Dime novels are the best. The minds of nobodies to feed, If sin you are in quest. A first class nobody to dread, With stomach full and empty head. Thus time you'll surely kill, And kill yourself as well. And deep remorse you soul will fill, Remorse of endless hell. But if you nobody will be. The end is plain for you to see. Young men and boys today, Who stand around saloons, As nobodies in drunken frays, Have graduated soon. Heed good advice and shun such class, And from all evil quickly pass. LOVE'S MESSENGER 133 SCOFFERS AND SCORNERS A contemptable sneer, a gibe or a leer, Is tlie argument of a craven; The covert fling, or an unjust sling, Shows a heart as black as a raven. All royal worth by deeds or birth. Melts away in the seat of the scornful, The coveting snob, desiring to rob. With the plea, that truth is so mournful. Just think of a jeer, a scoff or a sneer. As a solution to a problem! A parody on truth, enticing the youth. Of every sound reason to rob them; The contemptuous grimace, on the scornful face. Set at naught a lifetime of teaching, With purposes low, nothing good to bestow. With an egotism far reaching. The satirical word that cuts like a sword. Undoing the wisdom of sages. In the lust of base pride, the truth to deride. That existed throughout the ages. Thus the scornful's proud seat is a fraud and a cheat, Where scoffers are very abusive. Their words so untrue, only evil imbue, With their efforts very obtrusive. Let the scorner then scoff, his self respect doff, He but scoffs to his own undoing; Not a thing will he gain for all of his pains. Nor a particle of truth be subduing. While the scoffers may sneer, with many a fleer. The truth we'll still fondly cherish, While over and above, our God who is love. Not one soul of his own shall perish. 134 LOVE'S MESSENGER BRAVE HEARTS WIN O brother, man, be brave and true, In doing what you know is right, Tho' round your way there be but few, Who sympathy may give to you, Brave hearts will conquer in the fight. Some sneers and scoffs will oft bestow, And laugh and shout and raise a din, Then you your principles should show. And never fear, for you must know. In all the strife brave hearts will win. With flattery some then will stuff. When trying hard to lead to sin; Tho' they your pious notions bluff. And answer you in voices gruff. Be sure brave hearts will ever win. Tho' others from your company, Upon their heels away will spin, And seek to lead all they can see, To use against you calumny. Fear not, brave hearts will ever win. Oh, then, be brave to do your part, Tho' some may frown and some may grin, Be brave, tho' cowards use their darts, And seek to stab you to the heart, Remember, brave hearts always win. Be brave, and live to do and dare. And let you action bear a kin To all your noble thoughts so fair, And you with many fame will share. And prove brave hearts will ever win. Yes, brave hearts win, and Christ our King, Will help us when we flee from sin; If bravely we to Him will cling. In Heaven we at last will sing, And know full yell how brave hearts win. LOVE'S MESSENGER 135 RIDICULE Be not afraid, of ridicule, If in your purpose you are right; Without exception is the rule, Contempt will push it far from sight. You have no cause to fear a jeer. For ridicule is a poltroon. Ignore the scoff, the slight, the sneer. And their effects will vanish soon. A sneering look may tickle some. Who are possessed of childish minds, The laugh of fools strike many dumb. Who to good sense are always blind; For many fear an empty laugh, More than they do a gun-shot wound, The idiotic dope they quaff, Which fools or demons may compound. Not one among a thousand lives. Whose idol is not pleasure sought; Yet like an ignisfatuus gives, Light that deceives tho' treasure bought; So folly leads the lustful mind, Which cannot look on wisdom's gaze, To hide behind a jige that blinds. While ridicule the conscience glaze. Deriding hearts of unbelief. Are harder than the rhinoceros' hide; The shafts of truth on ears that deaf, Fall heedless to the beside. Cast not your pearls before the swine, For pigs are pigs and wallow low. And with a sniff will underwine. Your purest motives to o'erthrow. With silent scorn ignore the gibe. Supreme contempt is what they need; A panacea to prescribe. For ridicule on which they feed; 136 LOVE'S MESSENGER Tho' deaf as door-nails and so blind, They cannot help but feel and mind, Your just contempt to ever shun. To brave a laugh or brook a sneer. Requires much courage to the end; With strength of mind without a fear. The shafts of ridicule to bend. To have the courage to say "No," To every wicked scheme at hand, Tho' persecutions overflow. Yet nobly all the jibes withstand. God giveth strength to every soul. Who diligently seek His face; Those who are weak He will console With joy to know His saving grace; And in the end give victory, To overcome with great renown. Through Him whose blood has set us free. And with eternal life will crown. RESCUE WORK Like a ship that is sinking far down in the deep. Soon to go down, soon to go down ; Many souls filled with horror beginning to weep, — Fear they may drown, fear they must drown; Many, oh many are drifting today. Like ship-wrecked vessels on which they must stay. Unless they are rescued from sin's dark way, Their souls to destruction go down. Brother, O brother, then bend to the oar. Bend to the oar all of the way; Rescue the perishing souls we implore, Oh save them from dying today! Save them from evil that throng 'round their way. Swift is the current in which they now stray. Drifting them down in a vortex to stay, — Oh save them from dying today! LOVE'S MESSENGER 137 Tempters abounding on every side, Casting a snare, seeking to snare. With many a pit-fall in which, they may slide, Covered with glammer and glare; Oh win them by love to the only true light. Oh show them such kindness they never can slight, But will turn from the evil to do what is right. And save them from lasting despair! Many are burdened and bowed down with care,' Pressisng them sore, ever in store. Obey you Christ's law, their burdens to bear, And show them His love evermore; Go give them the joys of an heavenly song. And cause them to sing while passing along. Dispelling their doubts with faith that is strong. The joy of true living restore! Brother, O brother, then seek souls to win. For this is wise, yes, this is wise, — Out from the darkness of ruin and sin, To Jesus, oh help them to rise! They that are wise like the firmanant far. Shall shine forth in Glory as beautiful stars, No evil can spoil them, no sickness can mar, But life that is endless, their prize! THE TRANSFORMATION I look'd upon a child most beautiful to see. His little sturdy limbs were partly bare to free Them in his graceful movements to and fro; The sunlight shone upon his handsome face to show That he was wondrous fair, and innocent and free, And happy in his play, while his heart was flll'd with glee; His boyhood grace betoken'd manhood skill. That one would fain look forward to with right good will, The promise of the future coming man fulfill, A sight delighting eyes and hearts with joy to fill, The hope that when to man's estate the lad should grow. In human perfection, a perfect man would show. 138 LOVE'S MESSENGER I look'd again when fleeting years had pass'd away. The dreadful sight I saw fill'd me with sore dismay; I saw a reeling form with bloated cheeks and eyes, His sensuous lips apart, his tongue bespeaking lies, His clothing soil'd with hands and cheeks be- smeared; And as I look'd, I wonder'd much and fear'd. And when I knew that what I saw was once the boy. So innocent and pure, so full of childish joys. In bitterness I groan'd aloud in grief so sore. My heart was pierced with disappointment to the core ; An end of all human perfection I had seen. And to the dust I bow'd me down in sorrow keen. Yet once again I look'd, and, lo, a FORM appear'd, He touch'd the bloated cheeks with in and guilt besmear'd, He swept the c obwebs from his swollen b loodshot eyes. And bid him look and live, his soul to never die; He touch'd his heart, redeem'd and purified his soul, And made him as a child again, completely whole! And, as I look'd and this great transformation saw, He as a child became in man's estate to draw. In purity and love and innocence behold. The cleansing power of the Lamb of God was told, — My heart sang out in joyful praise, and free from pain, The lost was found, the dead brought back to life again! As in the days of yore when o'er the earth He tread, And at His sovereign voice the hellish legions fled. So even now His power wanneth not at all. Unto the uttermost He saves both great and small; He saves all who will come within His touch divine. And take Him to their hearts, His love within to shine, To cast out every idol, destroying every foe. With washing divine make them whiter than the snow; Then come every one to this Fountain so p ure. To the Fountain of Love your salvation make sure. And rejoice in the knowledge of sins wash'd away. Thus transform'd in His image forever to stay. ■LOVE'S MESSENGER 139 NOTHING TO DO Nothing to do! Oh who to mankind needs so blind, But some good work may always find? Please answer — who? Nothing to do! Have hands or brain now toiled so much That work they never more should touch, All your life through? Nothing to do! When each day's need stares in the face, And souls your help would soon embrace, If they but knew? Nothing to do! How can you sit and sadly mope. And criminally give up hope And live untrue? Nothing to do! When souls are dying every where, And you some help to them can spare. They plead with you! Nothing to do! A life of idleness brings pain, And racks the soul with grief and stain. None can undo. Oh haste to do, The work God gives to you each day, And you no more will need to say: — "Nothing to do." 140 LOVE'S MESSENGER THE LIAR The liar is the worse excuse, Of any person that can live; You ne'er can tell what foul abuse, He'll make of confidence you give; He'll promise almost anything. With no intention to fulfill; If you rely on him, he'll bring. You disappointment will a chill; Your confidence betraying, Your honest heart dismaying. A liar lies to hide the truth. But meets with very poor success; To hide the lie, his lying mouth. Will utter lies to much excess; But what he gains by all his lies. He cannot even tell himself; And what he loses if he tries, He cannot estimate by pelf; Which proves his life is hollow, — Bad reputation follow. And if perchance he tells the truth. He is suspected of a lie; For who can tell the facts forsooth, On lips where falsehood casts a die? Thus through the world a liar goes. His fellow men will trust him not; His life is fill'd with all the woes. That follows from the lies that blot; With falsehood as commander, His own life he will slander. We lock our houses from the thief, And gain protection more or less; But who can find there is relief, From lying lips that bring distress? But worse than all the woes entire. That human fiesh is heir. Will be the liar's part in fire, With conscience's gnawing past repair; Thus is God's word portraying. The liar's fate dismaying. LOVE'S MESSENGER 141 THE THIEF The evil heart that lusts for gain, And will advantage often take, Of every neighbor to obtain, A little extra profit make; A scanty measure he will sell, Or give slight weight in what you buy, With here and there his cash to swell. He quickly filches on a sly. And there are some in debt to run. Will quietly forget to pay; When he receives an urgent dun, Will leave the place or run away; And when he squanders all his means, And will not settle for his deal, Will any one with sense that's keen. Say that the fellow did not steal? If an employer wage retain. To gain some interest from pay. And makes the toiler wait in vain, Tho' glaring are his needs each day, — To answer then the question right. In honesty to be but brief. Of misery brought thus to light. But just to say, he is a thief? When workmen time will waste for pay. And seek to make their service brief. Employers' profits waste away. Are they not acting like a thief? If one in gambling frauds obtain, A fortune great past all belief, While many praise him for his gains, I know no better word than thief. We lock our doors to bar the thief. But still sometimes will suffer loss; But when he's caught he's brought to grief, Few with excuse his crime will gloss; 142 LOVE'S MESSENGER But when the speculator cheat, And thus adds to his earthly store, He's counted smart by some to beat. And wins out on "his secret score. When one with a sensation craze. By slanderous talk will cause much grief. And gain the fame of evil blaze, I simply say, he is a thief. A thief to steal another's fame, A thief that injures past belief, Which should cause all to blush with shame, The meanest coward — a sneak thief. FACES I gaze upon the faces. Of the people on the street, Amid the many traces. And the rush of busy feet; Some looks are cold and sour. Others fair as fair can be. While some show forth much power. In the features that I see. Some looks are calm in trouble. With care some are pressed down; And some are light as bubbles. Other faces wear a frown; And many are the people. As I pass them to and fro, Whose selfishness like steeples. Over all is seen to grow. Some, looks of love are showing, With affection ever great; Some, looks of scorn bestowing. On the object of their hate; Some with despairing faces. Pleadingly look up to me; And some with manly graces. Look and smile so pleasantly. LOVE'S MESSENGER 143 Some faces crime besmearing, Look upon me with a scowl; With looks of shame appearing, Others shun me with a growl; While virtue shows the treasure, Of the good and pure In heart, With faces full of pleasure. When a soul from sin departs. Some look deceit so sneaking. None could ever guess amiss, The soul within is speaking, All its envy with a hiss; And tho' they seek to cover Their deceit, they do not know, Upon their faces hover. Things they never wish to show. Oh many kind of faces, Do I meet with on my way; Each action bearing traces To the awful Judgment Day. I lift to God my pleadings. When on the streets I stroll. Who all our thoughts are reading, To have mercy on each soul. MY LITTLE BOY FRIEND I have a little friend. He's loving, bright and fair; His head of golden hair. With eyes of blue. And heart so true, His lips like roses red. An invitation spread. To take him in my arms. And soothe away all harm. Befriend him to the end. The first I met this friend; A little baby boy. 144 LOVE'S MESSENGER My heart was filled with joy; He smiled so bright, A pretty sight, His laughter woke the dell. And threw o'er me a spell, I could not cast away, It hangs o'er me today, To cling unto the end. So soon this little friend, Grew to a boy of nine, Fast to this heart of mine, He faster grew. Sweet as the dew; And holds me with his love, Perhaps like that above. Entwining 'round my heart. To never, never part. But clinging to the end. And when to man's estate. He grows so big and fine, I still shall call him mine. My little friend; Regards to blend. In all the walks of life. To cheer in all the strife; And when life's race is run. At setting of the sun, Our love shall not abate. And I would have it so. That love be without fear. Be perfect, bright and clear, Till life shall end. And then to spend, Eternity with God, For God is Love, His rod Will keep us in the way. That leads to endless Day, — Yes, I would have it so. LOVE'S MESSENGER 145 MY UTTLE GIRL FRIEND With silent trust her hand in mine, She climbs upon my knee; Around my neck her arms entwine, In all things to agree; Sweetly smiling, Fears exiling, With heart so full of glee. Her dark blue eyes look into mine. And blinks so pleasantly. Her charming innocence refine, By her sweet infancy; Sweet purity, A security, With perfect liberty, I draw her to my heart in love. Her ruby lips I kiss; And soul to soul, like that above, No one can take amiss. Not polymathy, But sweet sympathy, Will ever bring such bliss. And as she sits upon my knee. She talks to me and play. Sometimes she claps her hands in glee, At something I may say. In ecstasy, Of expectancy. More to follow right away. "Now come and have a cup of tea, I'll pour it right away," And so she climbs down from my knee. Singing a happy lay; While she demands. To take my hand, To show her childish play. 146 LOVE'S MESSENGER "My dolly's name is Ruth, you know, And say, she is so fine! I've set my table just to show, When it is time to dine; Oh my gracious! She's so precious! I am so glad she's mine! "Aunt Ella dressed her up so smart,— Now don't you think it 'swell'd?' God bless dear Aunty's little heart. She goodest ever tell'd! And my dolly, She's so jolly. Sweet as perfume ever smell'd." And thus she prattles in her glee. About this thing and that; The things so seriously she sees, To me is baby chat; But still I love. And will not shove, Her from me for all that. And so it is with us, my friends. Our Heavenly Father knows, Oft what to us importance lends. To Him is childish show; He condescends. Us to attend. While in His love we grow. And just because we are so small. He loves us still the more; And if we heed our Savior's call, He'll bear us safely o'er. Every trial. Self denial, Safe to the Heavenly shore. LOVE'S MESSENGER 147 WATCHING THE WORLD GO BY Little Lew and his sister Sue, Sat near a window on a stool. Looking down on the avenue, Watching the world as in a school; While their sister Em stood near, All three on the world to spy, Looking, listening, with eyes and ears, Each one watching the world go by. Many passing on their way, Going hither and thither along, Up and down the street always. In an endless surging throng; Some were young and some were old, Some seemed weak and some looked strong, Some were timid, some were bold, Some went right and some went wrong. Some dressed up in latest style. Rushed by many dressed in rags; Some passed others with a smile. Some with gait of boast and brag. Sauntered on and out of sight. Others quick their places fill. Rushing, tramping, left and right. Like an ever grinding mill. Some in wagons move along, Some in automobiles rush. Some on motor-cycles strong. Dash along without a blush. Thus they watch the world go by. Little Lew and his sister Sue, See in all their thoughts to ply, Learning lessons from their view. "Look, dear Children," Emma said, "Let us learn a lesson well, Every thing we see will aid, Some life's mysteries to tell; 148 LOVE'S MESSENGER You, my little brother Lew, The necessity must know. Of protecting little Sue, From the world you see below." "Yes, indeed," said Lew, "to show. Some philosopher has said, If you really wish to know, How you will be missed when dead; — *In some water your finger place. Then pull it out the hole to see, That will show in the world's mad race. How soon you will forgotten be.' " "Yet," said Em, "Our Saviour, kind, Sees and knows all of our thoughts, Keeps us one and all in mind, Each, our souls His blood has bought; Not the smallest thing can fail. And He marks the sparrow's fall, And He knows why we are frail. Yet He surely counts us all. "We should never thoughtless be, Of the world thus passing by; Individuals that we see, God will surely each descry; We are also part of the world, Yet in faith we look above, Out from chaos, has God unfurl'd To every one His boundless love. "From the world's mad rush and stings, We a refuge safe can find, In the shadow of His wings, Close our hearts to Him will bind; For His love as a sure sheath, Will protect us from all harm, We shall feel that underneath. Are the Everlasting Arms." LOVE'S MESSENGER 149 OUR FLAG (Tune, America.) The Stars and Stripes we see, Emblem of unity. Red, White and Blue; Long may it o'er us wave, In freedom's light to save, Which God our nation gave, To make us true. Then let us join to sing. Sweet praises to our King, Our fathers' God; To the Red, White and Blue, We'll never bid adieu. Till laid away from view, Beneath the sod. For love so pure and true. Mingled in all its hues. Our flag shall stand; The flag so dearly sought. The flag for which we fought. And with it freedom bought. Waves o'er the land. Our Country's flag we see, Emblem of liberty. Red, White and Blue; Our Father, God, we raise. To Thee our grateful praise. Oh guide us all our days. And make us true! 150 LOVE'S MESSENGER OUR COUNTRY'S STAND Say have you seen a sight more grand, Red, White and Blue wave o'er the land? Our Starry-Banner bright and fair. That kiss the breezes in the air, From shore to shore, from sea to sea, This anthem high we all shall ring, "Good-will to all our fellow men, And loyal truth to God our King." Dear grand old flag, no other flag More dear may be, shall never drag; The glorious Stars and Stripes shall wave, O'er land and sea to cheer the brave; From north to south, from east to west, One happy song we all shall sing, "Good will to all our fellow men. And loyal truth to God our King,'^ We love each star in its blue field. We love each stripe that seems to yield. Great joy of heart long as we gaze. Upon the emblems of God's praise; From valleys low to mountain crest. With thankful hearts we ever sing, "Good will to all our fellow men. And loyal truth to God our King." Oh as we wave our flag on high, Star-Spangled Banner in the sky. Our hearts to God in worship bow. And for our fellow-men we vow, — From rivers' source to lakes and seas. Our efforts we shall ever bring, — "Good will to all our fellow men. And loyal truth to God our King." Oh may our Country firmly stand. For God and Home and Native-land, To put down wrong, to do the right. To stand approved in God's own sight. LOVE'S MESSENGER 151 And by our flag, the sign of truth. Wave forth this message which we sing, "Good will to all our fellow men, And loyal truth to God our King." So let our glorious banner wave. Red, White and Blue to ever save. To give sweet peace the nations crave, All o'er the world the Gospel pave; From year to year, from age to age. Its flashing folds in triumph fling, "Good will to all our fellow men. And loyal truth to God our King." THE DRUMMER BOY It was on Shiloh's field they bore. The dead and dying in their gore. And eyes were wet which ne'er before Had shed a single tear. It was a drummer boy they laid. Close by a tree within the shade. And close attention to him paid, And bent a listening ear. "Alas!" said he, "my time has come. And death's cold sweat, I feel it some Upon my brow, my hands are numb. But I do not feel a fear; My breath is short, — say, will you tell My friends at home all that befell Us here, how lives were sold so well, For our flag and country dear? "In vain loved ones at home will wait. In vain they'll watch the open gate. From early morn till evening late, 'Till they learn that I am dead; Tell them we charged as soldiers brave. And fought our country's life to save. And for this cause my life I gave. That I die without a dread. 152 LOVE'S MESSENGER "Say to the dear ones safe at home. That tho' they all will miss me some. And while I may not to them come, We all shall meet again; We'll meet in bliss no tongue can tell. We'll meet in Heaven where all is well. Where you, my comrades, all may dwell, Where'll come no parting pain. "I love my country and my God, And every where my feet have trod. From northern states to Dixie's sod, To serve them both I've tried." While near him stood the loyal band, In royal blue so brave and grand. He raised his eyes and clasp'd his hands, And pray'd before he died. "O Jesus," said the dying boy, "Give me Thy peace and Heaven's joy, And help my friends here to employ. Their lives in serving Thee, — " He paused, they raised his head with care. But he was dead; — his golden hair Fell on his forehead young and fair, But he from pain was free. They bore him to a soldier's grave. As one who for his country gave. His life blood as a martyr brave, Tho' he was but a youth. Through bloody struggles hearts grown sear, The drummer boy to them was dear. And on his grave they drop'd their tears. Because he loved the truth. And when the coming of the May, Brings forth the flowers bright and gay. The loyal hearts that beat today. Strew flowers o'er his grave; Strew violets of deepest blue, Strew daisies with the richest hue, Bedew'd by tears of memory due. The drummer boy so brave. LOVE'S MESSENGER 153 UNFURL THE FLAG Unfurl the Starry Banner, The Red, the White and Blue, Show by our loyal manner. To the good old flag we're true; The folds of grand old Glory, Triumphantly shall wave. And teach its blessed story, In language true and brave. Its emblems full of beauty. Bring gladness to the eye. Inspire us all to duty. For this to live or die; Around our flag we rally. Three cheers and once again! From hill-tops, plains and valleys. The good old flag ordain! To put down all oppression, And give sweet liberty. And by a quick succession. Uplift humanity; Thus heart and hand attending. To cheer our bonny Flag, Enthusiasm sending, From plain to mountain crag. We love its field of glory, And every star so true. Shall tell to foes a story. All insults they shall rue; Then as true sons of freedom. Stand loyal, true and brave, Fling forth our Starry Banner, O'er land and ocean wave. And may our Starry Banner, Float o'er our youths today. Shield them in every manner. And every evil slay; To give a sure protection. To them from moral drain. To free from all infection. Our Flag without a stain. 154 LOVE'S MESSENGER Lift high our royal Standard, Fair youth all o'er the land, And like a mighty vanguard. Go forth a conquering band; From youngest to the oldest. For God and truth to fight, Nor fear to be the boldest, In doing what is right. Our Starry Spangled Banner, Shall float o'er sea and shore. And stand the test of scanners. To wave forevermore; Wave on its blessed story, And good to all incite, And give to God the glory. In waving folds of light. Let tyrants then be quailing. And cease now to oppress. Our flag will be prevailing. To succor in distress; Unfurl our Starry Banner, All loyal, brave and true. From cot to lordly manor. The Red, the White and Blue. Be it in sound of battle, Where deadly missiles fly. Amid the guns that rattle, Our flag we'll lift on high; 'Mid navy's cannon's booming. Wave on forever free. All tyrants to be dooming, When our dear flag they see. Unfurl the Flag, Old Glory, And let the nation prove. The beauty of its story. And every stain remove; And may we be a nation, Led by our FATHER true, And give Him adoration. With the Red, the White and Blue! Unfurl the Flag 166 LOVE'S MESSBNGEE THE TWO DUCKINGS "Once it rained so awful hard. It made the gutters overflow. The one in front of our yard, So in a hurry you may know, I took my shoes and stockings off. And tho' some folks may at this scoff, I waded in clear up to here. Way up above my knees, or near; I was having a fine time. For every thing was just so prime. "But what do you think took place? Just next door that Smith girl lives, I think she is a disgrace, For she thought it fun to give Me a big ducking, I guess; She got the hose, and, distress! Squirted water all over me, Till I was wet as I could be. My, but I was mad, you bet! With all my clothes wringing wet. "Marm, she came out of our house. And first thing she saw 'twas me; Just as wet as a drown mouse. And she was mad, that I could see; With me wet through to my skin, All I told her sounded thin, While that Smith girl laughed fit to kill. And then ran off with a short trill Of tra, la, la, I wish some day. She'd be compelled to move away. "Well, Marm took me quickly inside, And I will not just now tell All that she did to me, — but I cried, So I'll not on that subject dwell; But she put dry clothes on me. Then I went out doors some things to see, When that Smith girl just laughed again. Guess she had laughing on the brain, And she made ugly faces too. And then I thought just what I'd do. LOVE'S MESSENGER 157 "And so I coaxed her out of doors, To show her something on pretense; 'Twas fine I told her just to boor Her with a thing I thought immense; So when she came up close to me, I grab'd our hose as you can see, And then I gave her a big dose. Every bit, just as I chose, I squirted water from her nose, Good and plenty to her toes. "Now, was she mad? Well, I guess! You should have heard her scream; And if you had seen her dress, You might have thought me mean; For I just laughed her fit to scorn, 'Twas the most fun I had since born. And May Smith's mamma soon came out. And marched her in, all in a pout, And I made faces at her quick, And paid her back for all her tricks. "But then that was not the worse, When Marm knew what I had done. She made me feel some "remorse" As she called it, for my fun, For what I did, May Smith got sick, And anyway, 'twas a mean trick To fight a girl, so mamma said. One should be manly, not ill-bred; But I think it hard to do just right, When you have such fine fun in sight. "But I promised Marm I'd try And be a better boy. And then tears came in her eyes. She said were tears of joy; Cause, she was pretty certain sure. For badness she could find a cure. And any way, I know she's right, The best of mothers in my sight. She's loving, kind and good and true, I'm trying now my best to do." 158 LOVE'S MESSENGER THE TWO MOTHERS "Cluck, cluck, cluck, cluck, old mother hen, Why do you make such noise? Your children small from one to ten. Bring mother care and joy; Now, Dearie, child, take crumbs and feed, The little chickens all. Be kind to them by words and deeds. Then watch the old hen call. "Cluck, cluck, cluck, cluck, what does she say? 'Come every one and eat;' And here they come as tho' at play. Running to get a treat; Their mother's call to them is sweet, And quickly they obey; Which is a lesson I entreat, That you should heed each day. "Now don't you grab up any chicks, Be careful not to scare. Or mother hen will scratch and pick, And in a rage will flare; If a big giant great and tall. Should grab and squeeze you so, Your mother might give out a squall. To save her baby too. "If you their trust and love would win, Just feed them, and you'll find, That mother love is all akin. From brutes to human kind; This old hen. would lay down her life, To save one of her chicks; All through your life in every strife. Your mother's love will stick. "The love of mother hen will last Until she v/eans her chicks. And then she'll pick them fierce and fast, And will not to them stick; But know, dear child, your mother's love. Through all your life will go. In all your trials true will prove. Her words and deeds will show." THE PEflR. r.u lurin,. 3194. BOSTON EDITION. FhOM PAINIING BY ELIZABETH OARDNER-BOUGUEREAU. TWO MOTHERS AND THEIR FAMILIES 160 LOVE'S MESSENGER WHY THE HENS DON'T LAY "I wonder why the hens don't lay," Said Aunt Matilda Brown, "I've sent the boys to search the hay, Not one have they brought down; The hens are looking bright and pert, The rooster boldly crows. There's nothing to the hens divert From laying eggs, I know. "Perhaps they're hiding of their nests, To raise a family, And what their instinct tells them best. They all seem to agree; But when the boys came from the mow, With not an egg to show, Well, it was rather strange, I vow, With yellow on Jim's nose. "I think I'll take a moment off, And search for eggs myself, For hens and boys will often scoff At truth in seeking pelf. What's all that cackling now I hear? Oh goodness, gracious me! I think that voice is full of fear, I'll just step out and see." So Aunt Matilda waddled out. To search the barn and hay; When near the barn she heard a shout, A giggle funny lay. And then a boyish voice rang oiit, — "I tell you Joe, that's fine. But if aunt knew, we'd catch it stout, I don't want that in mine." Then on the barn stairs quick to hie, Up to the corn and hay, Matilda saw the reason why. Her hens refused to lay; LOVE'S MESSENGER 161 For in the hay sat Jim and Joe, With sturdy sprawling legs, While each the other tried to show Success in sucking eggs. "Oh hoity-toity!" cried their aunt, With anger in her eyes, "I now can see why eggs are scant, When boys like you are nigh! And so you think it's fine to steal The eggs your aunt should use, Perhaps this switch will make you feel, Effects of such a ruse." So Jim was switched about the legs, And Joe likewise received, A lesson upon sucking eggs, Which they had not achieved; How little foxes like a lie, A little theft to flout. Will spoil the life, however sly. One's sins will find him out. And now the sequel let me tell. That came to Jim and Joe, The punishment that on them fell. To every one should show, — It never pays to lie or steal, Nor wicked tricks to play, And if you wickedly should feel. Seek help divine each day. 162 LOVE'S MESSENGER THE WAY OF LIFE 'Thou makest me to know the ways of life." —Acts 2:28. 'I am the Way, the Truth and the Life." — Jesus, St. John 14:5. Whence cometh life? How far remote its origin? Was ever time when life existed not, and death Reign'd full supreme, and nothingness was all in all? What then caused a beginning? How could life begin Without life or First Cause to cause a beginning? Or how could time exist at all if life did not? What power started the wheel of life in motior When life was bom? Or who was its Progenitor? And when life first began was not its Producer The Life of life, and through this Source all motion sprang? Can there be motion without a motive power? Or a preceding whence there was no Precedent? Or anything produced without a Producer? Or ever be design without a Designer? That Power giving life, is Life, also the Way, And as Truth was drawn to the plummet true. The way made plain, tho' one be low and foolishly born, With such deficiency, need never err therein. Since then the Source of life is Highest Life Himself, All creative force comes from the Uncreated ONE. The Way of life is then the true and living way Of Him who brought all life and immortality to light; And He will cause His face to shine on all who seek His face to truly live, to walk with Him in light; On such He breathes the breath of that vitality That never wastes away, but gives perpetual youth. Thus walking in the light of His dear countenance. That light shines forth in every life that does His will, The Power of which continually sweeps the uni- verse of stars, And obtains obedience from all existing life. Wherever life is found forever to obey, LOVE'S MESSENGER 163 The gladsome, wholesome laws to each life pro- longing, From everlasting to everlasting to give life eternal. There be some in life in occupying his own sphere, And having his own particular work to follow, May sometimes feel his calling the most important, And his knowledge superior to those about him; The which to call in question gains his full contempt. To embitter the heart with petty jealousies. And the condemnation of the voice of conscience; Which also sets his rights above the rest, That others should yield to him and clear the way, So that he be not impeded in his working, To accomplish all required of him to do; Whereas, there be others, who, in the ways of life. Have just important work to follow as himself, And need the sympathies and cheer of those around; So that if each one struggles to elbow a passage In the crowd that surges up and down the ways of life. With thoughts on self, make self the acme of each goal; — Life's energy is lost, its objects fade from sight. And soon becomes perverted and its purpose lost; For one had best to never have lived at all. That to have lived in vain, to change the way of life Into that dark and mournful chasm without God, — Which forms an entrance to the ways of death; For the true ways of life will give help to others. And to each opportunity and strength affords. Lifts from the ways of death unto the ways of life. We see beauty in the ways of nature's life. We list to the zephyrs sigh in the forest, The echo of their footsteps resounding so near. That the footsteps are seen where sweet daisies smile. Where the brooks in the valleys go dancing along. Clapping their hands in each diminutive billow. Dancing, prancing, prattling, on and forever; While over and above are the everlasting hills. Affording homes for the eagles to cover their brood; While we, gather up the sunbeams lying in our path. Praising the Creator who has made all things good. 164 LOVE'S MESSENGER So we are all join'd together in the ways of life, Each pleasing personality, the smiling face. The soaring of sweet song, the loving looks sublime. The innocence of children, the charming music Of their merry voices, and the glory of their pres- ence; While over and above us and all around us, Dwells the eternal presence of the Eternal God; And, in the ways of life, unsullied and refined. Draws us yet closer to Himself in love and light, As He bestows on each an inheritance divine. Reserved in Heaven, to wait the sons of God. How glorious then the life on which God's glory shines. Which yields itself to shapen be by Love Divine! What blessings must attend the ways of life each day, On each soul coming in the light of Truth to live. For death can have no power over Eternal Life! So he who truly liveth and believeth on HIM, Shall never die, but live forever in the light! While in our earthly house we may with joy ex- claim, — "O grave, where is thy victory? O death, where is thy sting?" For in that humble passage, we gain the height of Life! NATURE TO NATURE'S GOD Up the steeps on a bright summer morn, Voices clear as a bugle horn; List to the echoes as they flow, Over valleys and hills aglow: Come follow, follow me. The birds are singing free. We'll come, we'll come with glee. To follow, follow thee! Cheering sunbeams are shedding the light. Shadows are fleeting, so is night, LOVE'S MESSENGER 165 Open your eyes to light of day, Open your hearts in happy lay: And sing a song of glee, With nature to agree. Hurrah! hurrah! we're free, To follow, follow thee! Flowers blooming on the high hill side, Daisies growing in meadows wide, Beckon us onward as we go, Moved by the zephyrs as they blow: Come follow, follow me. There's beauty now to see. We'll come away with glee. To follow, follow thee! Waters flowing in the bright brooklet clear. Bubbling over in right good cheer; Rippling onward silvery brook, Give refreshment to every nook: Then ripple on so free. With laughing health of glee, Your nature's joy we see, To follow, follow thee! With the birds and bees and ants employ, Labor and, worship and enjoy. Fruits of sweet nature all the way — Smiles to cheer the close of day: To nature's God we flee. To rest at last in Thee, Our Heavenly Home to see, To follow, follow Thee! When the wind blows and lightnings flash, Thunders roll and all nature clash. Back of effects and nature's laws, — God Almighty, the great First Cause. Thy form we cannot see. Our spirits worship Thee, In deep humility, To follow, follow Thee! Twinkling stars all Thy glory declare, Countless worlds each Thy goodness share. 166 LOVE'S MESSENGER Each in their orbits declare Thy fame, Praising forever Thy great name. We would draw nigh to Thee, In spirit worship Thee, Made one through CHRIST in Thee, To ever follow Thee! Happy hearts ever cease now to roam. See we afar our long distant Home; Love and glory light up the way. Turning darkness into day. Then come go Home with me, Our Heavenly Father see. All glory, glory be, Dear Lord, to follow THEE! THE BOYS Here comes the boys! The jolly rollicsome boys. With their freedom and their joys, Heads and bodies in perfect poise. With all their pranks and lively noise, Their heads are level to employ, The youth of life to life enjoy. While they are boys. Now listen to their whistle, Weet! weet! weet! weet! It will your feelings bristle, Weet! weet! weet! weet! As sounding through the thistles, Weet! weet! weet! weet! Youth's vigor they enjoy. Here comes the boys! From foot-ball, base-ball, flying kite, Prom swimming, boating, running quite. The sport that all the boys invite. With leaping, jumping to excite. The healthly glow such fun incite. Health of minds and bodies white, For sturdy boys. LOVE'S MESSENGER 167 Rushing, flushing, push and scuffle, Rip-flash, slap dash! Never once their feeelings ruffle, Dip-clash, loud splash! Not a single one to muffle. Whip-lash, air slash! The jolly sport of boys. Here are the hoys, Here's Raymond, Lew and Paul and Phil, And Dave and Dick and John and Will, And Harry, Forest, Burton, Ed, And Gordon, Charles and Rob and Fred, And Marion and George and Roy, And Ralph and Walter full of joy. And Lloyd and Luther, Karl and Sam, Dear to my heart as little lambs, Are all the boys! Although they make a clatter, Tramp, tramp, tramp, tramp! As through my door they patter. Tramp, tramp, tramp, tramp, I love their merry clatter. Tramp, tramp, tramp, tramp. Give to the boys their joys. To all the boys, A hearty welcome I extend, I call you one and all my friends. And trust my love with yours may blend, And for good lives will all attend. That none to evil will descend. But to the higher life attend, While you are boys. Confident you all can enter. My open door. Bid you welcome as frequenters. To my heart's core. May not one be a discenter, My books ignore. Working for the good of boys! List to me boys; — Perhaps I know just what you think, And what you mean by every wink, 168 LOVE'S MESSENGER For I can guess as you may know, I'm one with you, just let me show, How men are only boys grown tall, A few more years as men you all. Will be as I am, boys; Then will come the strain of battle, Tug, tug, tug, tug! Farm and store and shop now rattle. Tug, tug, tug, tug! We must be more than dumb cattle. Tug, tug, tug, tug! If as men we live, my boys. And when, dear boys. At close of day, the setting sun. Proclaims the race of life is run. We look afar across the sea. Where the great gathering will be, And by the power of God's grace. In His dear love meet face to face, All of the boys. For you know this is but training. Filling life's tome. Through Thee, dear Saviour, we attaining, Heaven our Home, Immortal youth at last be gaining, Lead all safe Home, Thy children, — the boys! A CROWD OF GIRLS Of all concentrated neatness, Of earthly things alive. With a full array of sweetness. Like honey to the hive, Is a crowd of girls I see. Tripping homeward o'er the lea, Vie with bird and honey-bee. Their beauty ever thrive. Oh sing with the maids, the birds, and the honey- bees, Tra, la, la, la, la, tra, la, la, la, la, LOVE'S MESSENGER 169 Sweetly we join in the gladsome melody, Tra, la, la, la, la, tra, la, la, la, la. Their cheerful voices strive. Each graceful form seem to glisten. With beauty they all bring, I gaze with rapture and listen. As merrily they sing; There's a crowd of girls today, Trilling each a happy lay, Some in earnest, some in play. Like birds upon the wing. Oh merrily, merrily, they hasten all, Tra, la, la, la, la, tra, la, la, la, la. So cheerily, cheerily, they heed the call, Tra, la, la, la, la, tra, la, la, la, la, Home with a happy swing. What they say is not mere chatter, A crowd of girls must talk. For boys and men oft blatter. As through the world they walk; So let the girls have their say. To lead their brothers today, In the strait and narrow way. That they make not life a balk. Oh then sing of their faithful efforts to me, Tra, la, la, la, la, tra, la, la, la, la. For their goodness and sweetness ever must be, Tra, la, la, la, la, tra, la, la, la, la. To help us "walk the chalk." Will some one make a suggestion, A crowd of girls will hark? For they all make an impression. Each bachelor to "spark"; For if they make up their minds, A bachelor husband to find. They can get most any kind. When going on a "lark." There're bachelors galore, some younger, some older, Tra, la, la, la, la, tra, la, la, la, la, And each fair maid can lug off one on her shoulders, Tra, la, la, la, la, tra, la, la, la, la. To make them "toe the mark." 170 LOVE'S MESSENGER There is Florence, Grace and Tessie, And Hazel, Mae and Ruth, And Estella, Martha, Bessie, With Jennie, Pearle and Truth; While Gertrude, Marie and Rose, Ivy, Kate and Belle compose, A crowd of girls jocose, And bubbling o'er with youth. Oh cheerily, cheerily, they sing o'er the lea, Tra, la, la, la, la, tra, la, la, la, la, Their laughing and chaffing is full of pure glee, Tra, la, la, la, la, tra, la, la, la, la, A pleasing sight forsooth. A moment to pick wild flowers. They linger on their way. Increasing all of their powers, In all they do and say; For a crowd of girls so bright, Are human flowers in sight, Crown'd with the glory of light. To gain our love always. Oh sing of their faith, their trust and their love to me, Tra, la, la, la, la, tra, la, la, la, la, To the glory of pure life great honor shall be, Tra, la, la, la, la, tra, la, la, la, la. Home with a happy lay. Come take my hand in the passing. Along life's rugged way. For the brave ones soon are classing, The right from the wrong today; For all the beauty we see, Must with God's glory agree. And each you ever may be. All lovely girls to stay. Then sing to the glory of love in your glee, Tra, la, la, la, la, tra, la, la, la, la, For true love is of God and is perfect you see, Tra, la, la, la, la, tra, la, la, la, la, Along the Heavenly Way. LOVE'S MESSENGER 171 NATURE'S TEACHING Spring Time The murmuring brook, the bubbling spring. The winter's clasp have broken; The woodland songsters gaily sing. With new life they foretoken; The sun peeps from a cloud of rain. And lights the world with glory, And hope revives in hearts again, Repeating nature's story. The little plants shoot from the ground. As from deep sleep awaking, From tiny graves they all had found, A resurrection making; The budding twigs, the dew-drops fair. On grass so green and tender. And every where from nature's lair, The hidden lives surrender. The Wood-anemone enjoys, The force of nature's power. While fabled Anemos employs. The beautiful Wind-flower, As harbinger of coming Spring, Where zephyrs quickly blowing. Unto its leaves so closely cling. Soon strips it of all showing. Spring-beauties and the Ear-drops, From out the ground are peeping. The Saxifrage from rocks to crop, Up into life are creeping; The Twin-berry and Blood-root show, And Dandelion golden. And every where life is aglow. And cannot be with-holden. Consider then the Lilies fair, And Violets so royal, And Butter-cups and Daisies rare. To Nature's law are loyal; 172 LOVE'S MESSENGER And all the flov/ers of the field, Their tiny petals raising, Their beauty and sweet fragrance yield. Their Maker's power praising. The Hyacinth and Blue-bells sweet. And little sprigs of Clover, And blue For-get-me-nots to greet. The eyes of every rover; Thus every where new life is seen. With tiny tendrils clinging. From singing birds and plants so green, A resurrection bringing. Except the seed falls to the earth. And in the ground decaying, It by itself remains in dearth. No beauty there displaying; But if it dies it springs to life, All beautiful and vernal. And shows the love of God is rife. And evermore eternal. The teaching that all nature gives, Shows forth a resurrection; And shall the seeds of plants re-live, And souls meet with rejection? Sure as our Saviour death put down, Upon the cross so gory, With immortality He'll crown, And raise us up in glory! The chrysalis shows life to pry, — The shell is burst asunder, A beautiful wing'd butterfly. Show resurrected wonder; And in the air, ail gorgeous fair, It floats a thing of beauty; Thus every where nature declares. To resurrect is duty. This mortal in corruption sown. In incorruption rising; For Christ all death has overthrown, In victory surprising; LOVE'S MESSENGER 173 In weakness and dishonor sown, To wither as the flower; Raised up by Christ, new-life is shown. In glory and in power. Celestial bodies in the sky, All differ in their glory. Terrestrial bodies here will die. But have redemption story; The sun shines forth one glory bright, The moon shows forth another. And all the stars in different light. Their glory never smother. No human soul can e'er recite. The fullness of God's glory, As through the mists we see the light, Reveal'd in nature's story; But when the sands of time shall break, Then from the shining Portal, The music grand will us awake. All glorious and immortal! Then children of the Heavenly King, Fear not, the chains are broken; Death cannot captive our souls bring, — The voice of God has spoken; Christ captive led captivity. Almighty Intercessor, Gives soul and body liberty. Defeats the great Oppressor. All praise and glory to His name, The Lamb of God eternal, Who at His coming us will claim. In beauty bright and vernal! All glory, honor, wisdom, might, — We'll sing the old, old Story, And dwell with Him in endless light, And give HIM all the glory! 174 LOVE'S MESSENGER THE BAREFOOT BOY The patter of bare feet, Upon the ground so warm. Gives forth a freshness sweet. That holds us with a charm; The life so young and tender. With form which beauty renders. Will bring a sure defender. To save from every harm. His movements ever fleet. Is like a song of joy, His happiness complete, The sturdy barefoot boy; So blithesome in his patter. On dusty road to clatter. Or in the brook to spatter. His time he thus employs. His boyhood grace we see. Free as the birds in air. And as he romps in glee. Like pearly sea-shells fair; His well shaped calves and ankles, As o'er the ground he crankles, Will not your feelings rankle. For he is debonair. Oh happy, barefoot boy, A blithesome, lithesome sight. Each breath of life enjoy, To romp in the sunlight; In shady dell or valley, In crankling brook to sally, Your jubilant spirit tally. To play with all your might! Oh sturdy barefoot boy. Along the river bank. Where boys and turtles cloy. And in the water clank; LOVE'S MESSENGER 175 With fishing rod and hackle;, The finny tribe to shackle, For soon your fly they tackle, As in a lively prank. Oh blessed barefoot boy, So close to nature's heart, With bird and bee enjoy. The lessons of her art. You know the leafy bowers. Where squirrels have their towers, And nuts so thickly shower. The lessons of her art; As in and out they dart. Oh sturdy barefoot boy. Play on while youth shall last. May nothing mar your joy, Your innocence to blast; In running, leaping, swimming. With youthful life be brimming. Your sense of right ne'er dimming, Nor evil o'er you cast! O sturdy barefoot boy, To manhood so akin. Pull well your time employ, Life's victories to win; Blest little man, engraver. Of good by your behavior. Live close to Christ our Saviour, And triumph over sin. HEELS OVER HEAD Little Lou's swift antics. Nimble in his play. Give to some the frantics With his sports so gay; There are fourteen boys, And a dog enjoys, Heels over head; Acrobatic feats assay. Limber, nimble Lou displays With his legs outspread. 176 LOVES MESSENGER First upon the heel-ball, Then upon the toe, Down upon his hands fall, Heels o'er head he goes; Walking on his hands, Envy of the band, Heels up, head down; Legs a spradling in the air. Toes a wiggling, boys all stare, Walking upside down. Then he turns a hand-spring. Lights upon his feet; But a moment standing. Then the act repeat; Little acrobat, Nimble as a cat — Flip-flop, on top; Heels ascending over head, On his hands he lightly treads, That he may not drop. All the boys that see him, Want to do the same; Some would like to be him. Winning boyish fame; Have a circus fine. Every boy in line. Hodge-podge, dislodge; Arms and legs are flying round, Hardly seem to touch the ground. You are safe, don't dodge. Jolly little grinners. At their comrade stare, Happy little sinners. Not a load of care. Bothers them at play, All the livelong day; Tip-top, sure pop; Give to each a blessing kind. Boys are boys, so never mind, Keep them up-on top. LOVE'S MESSENGER 177 THE SWIMMING POOL Where the sycamores are growing, Up the river above the dam, Where the branches closely throwing, Leaves of beech and maple cram A thick shade upon the bank. Where the squirrels play their pranks, Where the grass is tall and rank, And the zephyrs slightly blowing. Where the warblers' notes are heard. And the songs of other birds. There the water deep and cool. Constitutes the swimming pool. Down the bank so quickly sliding. Are the youngsters nude entire, While their rollicking inspiring. Just the fun that each desire; Down the steep incline they glide. Not one minute to decide. In the river quick they glide, Like the frogs to swim acquiring; In the water swiftly dive. One by one as they arrive, Only to crawl out in train. And the sport repeat again. Thus they keep the "mill" a going. Coming up and sliding down. Like a big procession showing. That their sport gains much renown; When they of the water tire, Fun and action their desire. Soon another game inspire, With their faces all aglowing. All along the bank they play. Leap-frog in the same old way. Over backs and heads to vault, Doing it without a fault. 178 LOVE'S MESSENGER Then a change they all demanding, To the spring-hoard swiftly hie,^ — One upon the end is standing, While the others o'er him fly, In the river down they plunge. Soak up water like a sponge. Lazy in the water lounge. While their lungs they are expanding. Thus they sport the hours away. In the water most the day. There the river deep and cool. Is the boys' old swimming pool. Where the vines on trees are clinging. Naked bodies hang on high. Shouts of glee the welkin ringing, Swinging forth 'twixt earth and sky; In the current swift they drop. Like the fishes play and flop. Then upon the bank to hop, To the vines and ropes are springing, Swaying, shimmering in the sun. Shouting, laughing, — oh what fun! Joyous youngsters out of school. In the dear old swimming pool. Now if someone should be asking, What is call'd a swimming pool? I might say without truth tasking. Not attempting to befool; — It's a body of water great, Surrounded by boys in state Of perfect nakedness elate. In and out the water basking, Sport themselves like some wild ducks;- Pity then the poor boy's luck, Who knows not the swimming pool. In the river deep and cool. LOVE'S MESSENGER 179 NATURE'S YOUNG NOBLEMAN Young Raymond was a sturdy lad. And dearly loved good fishing. The open air, with nature glad, To be with nature wishing; With hook and line at early morn. He often sought the river, As being one to nature born, Sincerely loved the Giver. The woods, the streams, the rocks, the air, To nature's heart appealing. The birds and squirrels in their lair Their secret haunts revealing; The daisies and the daffodills, The grass and sprightly rushes, The shells and pebbles near the rills. The song of happy thrushes. The flowers of field and garden rare, The lilies of the valley, The buttercups and violets fair. He, their true friend and ally; The arrow-heads and meadow-sweet. The nodding lady-tresses. The insects that the dew-plant eat. Where grow the water-cresses. He lessons from the ghost-plant drew, To gain in self reliance. To shun the parasitic view. But climb the steps of science; That spiritual and natural laws Are every where agreeing. And illustrations often draw Where lives from snares are fleeing. And in the streams to fish or swim, Himself of nature's portion. The graceful movements of his limbs. Showed nature form consortion; 180 LOVE'S MESSENGER By nature bred, of nature fed, To Mm it seemed innately, To be by nature ever led, By nature grow up stately. The nearer perfect is the man In physical proportion, The nearer comes he to God's plan, And freer from extortion; The nearer he to God will live, In heart-felt close communion. The greater happiness will give. With God in perfect union. So he was kind to every thing, The birds, the bees and flowers. The worth of living made him sing. And filled his life with power; And thus he helped to benefit The living world around him, His love and kindness to emit. Where friends had always found him. And thus as nature's nobleman, He grew to love all living, The works of God he loved to scan, Himself a part in giving Attention to God's laws and might, Whose love o'er ail is reigning. Was led to walk in truth's fair light. No works of God profaning. To pry into the mysteries Where nature's life seems hidden, To study their deep histories. Which sometimes seems forbidden; "The smallest life that ever grows. The lowest protoplasm, In little things that seemed to show. To finite minds a chasm. And just because of nature's laws. To ever be observing. He thus escaped the many flaws. Where thousands oft are swerving; LOVE'S MESSENGER 181 He could not be effeminate, And still be true to nature. And being true it made bim great, In every line and feature. And, as one of tbe sons of God, Witb His deep works to mingle, And step by step bis way to plod To cause great joy to tingle In every fiber of bis soul. To more and more enlighten. His every act and tbought control, His way tbrougb life to brighten. God made the woods, the land and sky, And all tbe laws of nature. And nothing can escape His eye. He cares for every creature; He is the law of nature's laws. The Uncaused Cause impending. The great First Cause without one flaw. His works in love attending. And so He leads His children on. By laws He has created, To do the right and evil shun. To higher life translated; To lean on Christ and Him to know. The only true example, By loving kindness ever show. His grace is ever ample. Thus nature's nobleman we see. In mind and soul and body; Polite and kind to ever be. Without one trait that's shoddy; With love to God and fellowmen, And every living creature. Behold the perfect gentleman. Shine forth in every feature. 182 LOVE'S MESSENGER NATURE'S SONG The morning sun is shining, The birds their notes combining, With nature in accord. With nature in accord. The air with music ringing. All living things are singing. In harmony to chord. In harmony to chord; Tra la, la, la, la, tra la, la, la. la. In harmony to chord. There's music in the valley, All nature's forces rally, With tuneful voices ring. With tuneful voices ring, From hill and meadow sounding. Are cheerful notes resounding, From every living thing. From every living thing; Tra la, la, la, la, tra la, la, la, la. From every living thing. The lark on high is soaring. The cardinal song is pouring, With thrush and wren to vie. With thrush and wren to vie. The warbler's notes in banter. With orioles instanter, In trees their nests to tie. In trees their nests to tie; Tra la, la, la, la, tra la, la, la, la, In trees their nests to tie. The bees on wings are humming. The ants from home are coming, The gardens to explore. The gardens to explore; From leaf and plant they ramble. Industriously they scramble. LOVE'S MESSENGER 183 To gather in their store, To gather in their store; Tra la, la, la, la, tra la, la, la, la. To gather in their store. The honeysuckles growing. Their perfume are bestowing. Unto the breezes fair. Unto the breezes fair. With flower gardens blooming, With verdure all assuming, To drive away despair. To drive away despair; Tra la, la, la, la, tra la, la, la, la. To drive away despair. The children play and chatter. O'er lawns their bare feet patter, In fun and frolic play. In fun and frolic play; Come out, enjoy the blessing, God's goodness now confessing. Your fears to all allay. Your fears to all allay; Tra la, la, la, la, tra la, la, la, la, Your fears to all allay. Come out among the roses. The pinks and other posies. To leafy bowers hie. To leafy bowers hie; Come out among the flowers. Where beauty ever towers, God's blessings to apply, God's blessings to apply; Tra la, la, la, la, tra la, la, la, la, God's blessings to apply. 184 LOVE'S MESSENGER THE FLOOD The floods have lifted up their voice. — Psalm 93:3. The flood has lifted up its voice, Above the breakers of the sea; Like many waters that rejoice, Like chatting children to be free, With angry forces that agree; The flood has lifted up its waves, And like a thief into the night, And be he brave or be he knave. Shall feel the power of its might, That none can fail to see. With rumbling, mumbling, crumbling course. The flood rush on with clapping hands, And in its grumbling, jumbling, tumbling force, Devour homes and cover lands. The voice of many waters strand; Upon its rushing, gushing, crushing crest, Its muddy current deep and wide. Its brushing, flushing, frushing quest. Within its path all things collide. Led as it were by unseen hands. And like a prattle, rattle, tittle, tattle. Sounding like voices in the wind. All sorts of debris wattle, battle. Communications to abscind; A constant fury in its grind; The voice of many waters sound. While lightning flash and thunder roll. Reverberating to dumbfound. The stricken conscience — sinful souls. Forgiveness for all sins to find. With flashing, slashing, lashing scourge, From east to west the lightning play, Its clashing, crashing, gashing verge. Upon the dreadful Judgment Day, How soon to come not one can say; LOVE'S MESSENGER 185 In dashing sheets the rain descending, Its pouring, roaring, soaring high, All nature's forces seem unbending. In bloring, scoring, goring cry, All human efforts to delay. And thus above, below, about us. The looming, glooming, dooming fright, With every fear of death to flout us. With spooming, fuming, spuming flight. Increase our fears with added plight; And with its whirling, swirling, motion. In gurgling, struggling haste. Flows on the muddy, scuddy lotion. With all its tangle mangle waste, Give to our view a sorry sight. We cannot span the chasm wide — Our hands are too short to save. From the belching, squelching, swashing tide. Surrounding us like slaves. Prevents the rescue that we crave; The seething, wreathing, smeeting flood, So many fathoms deep, A surging, gurgling, urging, scurging scud. Like sin within our souls to keep. Which oversweeps wave upon wave. And thus with sounding and pounding. Rebounding, dumbfounding, astounding, Redounding and grounding abounding. Surrounding, profounding, propounding, A fascinating spell. Then packing and cracking and racking. And blacking and whacking and sacking And clacking and smacking and tracking And hacking and knacking and snacking, To many a death knell. Death dealing, stealing, sealing fury Sweeps down the torrent many souls. Congealing the feelings with flurry. All the environments to cajole. As on and on the current rolls. 186 LOVE'S MESSENGER Our Lord controls the winds and waves, They sweetly shall obey His will, Tho' frighting, blighting, lightning rave, But all shall heed His "Peace be still!" True faith in Him will all console. Then trust Him when the flood is near, Tho' raging storms and waves beat high; For perfect love casteth out all fear, — By those He loves He standeth nigh. Nor need they ever heave a sigh; Tho' earth may quake and heaven shake, He is our God and King; His loving kindness all things make. For our own good our weal to bring, No more to suffer or to die. For when the trump of God shall sound, That time shall be no more, Before His Judgment seat redound. Too late their sins deplore. No hope for them in store; For in an unexpected time, The Son of God will come. With His angelic hosts sublime. To cast away the scum; While His redeemed shall Him adore. In glory bright forever more. PERPETUAL YOUTH On the hillside green where the boys are at play, In the sunshine bright and clear; Where they sing and shout in innocent glee, Is the music that I hear. Oh the zephyrs blow from off the hills. And waft their shouts to me, And it cheers my heart and with joy my soul fills, And I join their melody. To the brook they hie where the water flows deep. And the stream is smooth and wide; LOVE'S MESSENGER 187 There they strip to plunge in the water to lounge, Or to romp upon its side; And their shouts of glee ring out to me, From valley, hill and dale; And I turn back time, I am one with their glee, In their sprightly sport so hale. Yes the dial of time is turned back with joy, And fair youth is renewed again. When we stop to think of the time we were boys. And their happiness we feign; Oh the fountain of Perpetual Youth, We'll find at last Above, If in Christ we live to us youth He will give, In the eternal Home of love. There none will grow old, but perpetual youth. Will exist forevermore; For the Fountain is the eternal Truth, That our Saviour has in store; Let us all then drink of that Fountain of Life, That we never may grow old. When at close of day in the end of earth's strife. We'll be gathered in God's fold. LIVE FOR SOMETHING Live for something, have a purpose. In your life to do and dare; Make your aiifi so true and steady. You success with all can share; Go not at your work half-hearted. Put forth efforts that will tell. If your aim is worth attaining. It is worth to do it well. Sit not down to useless dreaming. Of the things you wish to do, Life is real, and simply seeming, Will bring nothing unto you. If you had a million dollars. You might build a mansion tall. You might dress in fine apparel. But you have not got it, — that is ail. 188 LOVE'S MESSENGER What is all the worldly fashion, All the glitter, pomp and show. When your life on earth is ended, Can it peace on you bestow? Can the world with all its riches, Save a struggling soul from death? Can it give one peace and gladness. At the parting of the breath? God His love is ever shining In the heart a pure delight; Be Love's messenger defining, His great love to all in sight. Every soul you may be meeting, Drop a w^ord to cheer and bless. No kind words are lost in greeting. But will lead to true success. Folded arms are ever weary. Selfish hearts are never gay; You will cheer the way that's dreary, If you but some kind words say. Scatter forth then seeds of kindness, Soothe the broken hearted cry. Rescue soul from sinful blindness. For your reaping bye and bye. OPPORTUNITY When opportunity goes by. It will not wait for you to tarry, And tho' you beckon with a sigh, It will not stay with you to parry; Then shout aloud, shout aloud, shout aloud, Swell the chorus. Opportunity's before us! There's no time like the present time. The past is far beyond recalling. In northern zone or southern clime, It is just the same however galling. Then shout aloud, shout aloud, shout aloud, Swell the chorus, Opportunity's before us! LOVE'S MESSENGER 189 There's no time like the present time, The future is not ours to use it; So if we'd make our lives sublime, The present, we must not abuse it; Then shout aloud, shout aloud, shout aloua. Swell the chorus. Opportunity's before us! The present is the only time, To be advancing or declining; Procrastination is a crime. Which causes many sad repinings; Then shout aloud, shout aloud, shout aloud, Swell the chorus. Opportunity's before us! Seek opportunities to save, And to do good to those around you; Be in the present ever brave. Success will truly then surround you; Then shout aloud, shout aloud, shout aloud. Swell the chorus, Opportunity's before us! THE BUTTERFLY CHASE Into the woods at play, Little Katie bright and fair, Seeking nature's beauties gay. Birds and leaves and flowers rare; Insects humming all around. Bees and butterflies are found. Nature's music, nature's sounds. Fill the woods, the streams, the air. There, a gaudy, gauzy thing. Flitters past her in the air. While she laughs and shouts and sings. Chasing it with floating hair; Now it settles on a rose. As if seeking a repose. All its beauty to disclose, So inviting to ensnare. 190 LOVE'S MESSENGER Ere she reaches where it rests, Quick it lifts itself on high, As if seeking her to test, — Chase the winged butterfly; With its wings of gorgeous hues. Tauntingly spread out to view, As she follows to pursue. What is beauty to her eyes. With a nosegay in her hand, Seeking beauty with much tact, In the air to that on land, By her graceful form and act; Beauty on the earth ensnare. Beauty on the wing in air. Beauty child and flowers share, And the butterfly attract. Ah! it drops to earth again. And she rushes to the place, Thinking she may it obtain. With her dog to run a race. But the butterflies in pairs. Flits again up in the air. Filling her with keen despair, As the prize she fails to gain. It is ever thus in life. Chasing shadows for a prize, Disappointments ever rife, Over us to tyrannize; While our efforts we engage. Fretful feelings to assuage, In our lives at every stage, Over every woe to rise. Chasing, chasing, butterflies. Ever striving to obtain. That which seems beyond our rise. Ever seeking to attain; Just so near and yet so far, Ever seeking to unbar. Hitch our chariot to a star, But to feel a bitter strain. LOVE'S MESSENGER 191 Foolish fashions, folly's quest, All the glory wealth can crave, Like fantastic bubbles test. Ends in failure and the grave; Only God and Heaven are real, Jesus, as the Truth reveals, Perfect life and perfect weal, — His eternal power to save! Come, oh come and seek His face. Taste and see that He is good. You can never learn your place. When you have not understood; God is infinitely great. Over all He reigns in state, Mercy, love and patience wait. For your own soul's livelihood. BROWN'S FAMOUS PICTURES NO 156C BUTTERFLY CHASE LOVE'S MESSENGER 193 AUTUMN LEAVES I stroll'd through the woods one autumn day, The sun was o'er me shining. The work of the frost made a display. All through the foot-path lining; Most beautiful in death appear'd. The leaves with colors tinted, My thoughts grew calm, my heart was cheer'd, By many lessons hinted. There, red and yellow, brown and green, Seem'd mix'd up all together; The variegated colors seen, In cool and frosty weather; And yet they were but frosted leaves, Too soon to be decaying; Then would we for lost beauty grieve. Or near their graves be staying? So will it be with us, dear friends. When this brief life is over. We'll be forgot you may depend, When o'er us grows the clover; But then unlike the leaves so fair. We'll see another dawning, And in the resurrection share, When on us breaks that Morning. These tinted leaves in life so green. But simply kept on growing, 'Till nipp'd by nature's frost so keen. They fell in beauty glowing; So if we God's command obey. We need not be repining, Death cannot fill with sad dismay, The heart where love is shining. Death to us all at last will come, His frosts our lives are nipping, Soon we'll depart to our long Home, — For the sands of time are slipping; 194 LOVE'S MESSENGER But may our end on earth be peace. By doing life's full duty, Our trials then in death will cease, And crown our lives with beauty. Unlike the leaves that fade away, And perish in the falling, Good lives with noble deeds will stay. For such the world is calling; Like a paean of triumph long. Such lives will keep on living; Never forgotten is the song. That constant joy is giving. For tho' the leaves in beauty fall. And frost the earth is searing. The Spring-time will revive it all, With fresh new life appearing; So will the resurrection show. Good lives are not forgotten. But will arise and love bestow. New life by God begotten! GRUMBLE TOWN John Grumble lived in Grumble-Town, Where people learned to grumble; Upon their faces they wore frowns. And were not very humble. They talked about their neighbors' ways, Their own affairs neglecting, Their business thus decreased each day. Their spirits much dejecting. Now, mistress Grumble's maiden name. Was Polly Jane Contention, But when she Grumble's wife became. Her words were hard to mention; She grumbled much, she grumbled long. Her children joined the grumble. From morn to night this was their song, 'Twas grumble, grumble, grumble! LOVE'S MESSENGER 195 The people all fared very well. But would not rest contented, A lothing spirit them befell, To which they all consented. So every one in Grumble-town With others tried to dabble, Along the streets, both up and down, 'Twas, gabble, gabble, gabble! The people at the council growled, Some swore low in a mumble; The council at the mayor then howled. And all began to grumble. They grumbled that the times were hard. And that they had no money; While business they did not regard. Things were not very sunny. The school-board in a fix to get, Went off to hire teachers, With growls and scowls and howls were met. Amid the grumbling screechers; And when it came election day. Some fifty were suggested, To take their places and their pay, With grumbling to be pested. The churches at their pastors growled. And turned them out their pulpits, And every where on them they scowled. And treated them as culprits. No matter tho' they preached like Paul, Not one could suit their notions. On every side was heard a squall. Mixed up with threatening motions. Near all the factories shut down, Their business fast decreasing; Their managers all wore a frown. Their grumbling never ceasing; The working class poor wages got. And could not pay the grocer. The grocers grumbled at their lot. As hard times pressed them closer. 196 LOVE'S MESSENGER The business men could but complain Of all their obligations, Their losses great without much gain. Filled them with consternation; No one would give a helping hand. When hopes began to tumble. But then they all around could stand, And nothing do but grumble. And Grumble-town grew poorer yet. Still none would cease to grumble, And people's houses were "to let," While some lived in a jumble; Their selfish hearts were selfish still, They would not help a brother. But satisfaction them would fill, When others they could bother. Alas! alas! for Grumble-town! A hurricane went sweeping, And blew the grumblers' houses down. And many set to weeping; It many grumbles blew away. And others madly tumbling, 'Till to and fro in every way, It shook out all their grumbling. Then they repented of their sins, And acted very humble. And soon prosperity to win. They sought without a grumble. Then Grumble-town was changed in name. As well as in appearance, And gained success and honest fame. Without an interference. LOVE'S MESSENGER 197 AXES TO GRIND There is a parabolic old story. Of a man with an axe to grind, And tho' it be an allegory. There's a moral for all to find; For no matter how hard one may labor, Or how well his work he may do. Can be spoiled by a meddlesome neighbor, Who has his own object in view. There are some as natural born critics. Believe they are fully inspired, To give special advice on all subjects, The only and best thing desired; If you handle a paying position. And you gain much success by your toil. They are sure to ignore the conditions. And with slurs your efforts oft spoil. They are sure they could do it much better, Tho' half of your life has been spent In the work to improve such conditions, While they hide their purpose intent; They have axes to grind as an object. Put themselves or friends in your place, So all you might do on the subject, They will misconstrue or efface. So the slandering backbiting sinner. Presents a false motive to light. To your face he will praise you a winner, While he seeks your prospects to blight; Only envy at times seems the reason, He secretly wounds you to kill All the good you may do, v/hile his treason. His own specious pockets will fill. Thus the slanderer's secret traducing. Your motive whatever they be, The regards of your friends so abducing, To alienate all he can see. 198 LOVE'S MESSENGER That he may appropriate emoluments, That rightly belongs to yourself, And take to himself all extollments, And gobble up all of the pelf. Do not heed then his fluster and bluster. Except a precaution to take. To guard well your interest and muster. Your courage his influence to break. . Be honest and upright in doing, Tho' to God your prayer be a sigh, For noble work you're pursuing, And the Omnipotent Arm is nigh. For some day will come retribution. And the slanderer brought to light. Will be punished for all his pollution, He has heaped up in the Lord's sight: For all he has gained for his meanness. Will profit him then nevermore. For the Judgment will show his uncleanness,- And the JUDGE now stands at the door. CHESTNUTS OUT OF THE FIRE The old time fable of the monkey and cat. Should well be remembered by all; For human nature is just the same, so that, One is apt in error to fall; And many shrewd schemers are seeking cats' paws. To pull their chestnuts out of the flre. Their profits from pockets of others to draw, Tho' some burnt fingers acquire. When you meet a man with project so great. That he asks your means to invest, That will double your money at a quick rate. Then quietly to him suggest, — That he should invest his own money that way. If riches one easy can make, Let him practice his preaching each day. Or set him down as a fake. LOVE'S MESSENGER 199 When a lean man sells what will make you fat. And a fat man to make you lean, Just think once again of the monkey and cat, And realize just what they mean; When a poor man sells what will bring you wealth. And your hard earned money desire, Just think of his purpose with all of his stealth. To pull his "chestnuts" out of the fire. When any one asks you to do a mean trick, And explains it all as a joke, Just think how the monkey tried to be slick. With the cat's paw his chestnuts to poke; When one asks a favor you ought not to grant, Because the results would be dire, To get you in trouble, don't heed his rude cant. Nor rake any "chestnuts" out of the fire. When any one flatters his purpose to gain. Suggesting you do not the right, Just treat his hypocrisy with a disdain, And deliver yourself from a plight; When one seeks to gain at another's expense, In morals or money conspire, Just think of his low and wicked pretense, To draw his "chestnuts" out of the fire. THE BLARNEY MAN The blarney man is the kind of a man, That slips around with ease; He flatters you then splatters you. Your patience sadly tease: He's mealy mouth, but really sloth, Tho' stirring quite a breeze. He'll bluster you or fluster you. If he can't do as he please. The blarney man is a handy man, To have around betimes; The truth he stretches, while he fetches. Your foes to daud with grime: 200 LOVE'S MESSENGER He will jumble you and humble you, Providing you have pride, And stumble at and grumble at, His blarney to o'er ride. The blarney man is a "sandy" man, He is sand and gall by spells; He trifles you and rifles you, Tho' you know he is a "sell." He seeks your graces for slick places, Or to gain a little pelf, While his smiling, quite beguiling. Is prestige for himself. The blarney man is an able man. In business not his own; He's bombastic and sarcastic. But reaps what he has sown. What he chooses, that he loses, For none respects his name, Tho' he scrambles in his rambles, His actions bring him pain. The blarney man is a blankerty man. His life is but a blank; His arrogance and ignorance. Upon your feelings clank; His oily tongue is soiling some. Also himself deceives, He's blank of sense, with blank pretense. None can his word believe. LOVE'S MESSENGER 201 THE ACCOMMODATING MAN The accommodating man, Is a very fine man, Yes, a very fine man is he; He is used by his friends, To meet all the ends, Of every society. Has he a dollar to lend, Or a fiver to spend. What a very fine fellow is he! When he draws in his purse. And cannot disburse. He's the meanest man that can be! The accommodating man. Is a very fine man, Yes a very fine man is he; The public can use him. And always abuse him. If he none of their faults ever see. If he misses his meals. In helping out deals. He's obliging as all will agree. If he goes home to eat. Or must sleep ere they meet. What a great calamity! The accommodating man, Is a very fine man, Such a very fine man is he; If he loans all his books. With bright pleasant looks. What a grand noble hearted man is he! If he buys all you read. And fills every need, He's great and magnanimously free! With no money to burn, He should ask a return, What an unreasonable man is he! 202 LOVE'S MESSENGER The accommodating man, Is a very fine man, The finest and best man is he; He invites you to dine. At his feast very fine, He's fine in superlative degree. If he goes to the length, Of all of his strength, To make every one happy and free; But if he fails and drops out, How soon they will shout. What a miserable wretch is he! The accommodating man, Is a very fine man. Oh a very fine man is he; He a very fine mark, For all the mean sharks, To use his liberality. But to glut their desire. In efforts conspire. To appropriate all they can see. And when all out of pelf, He is laid on the shelf. Such an useless old man is he! The accommodating man. Oft may fail in his plan. And yet I would fain rather be. The accommodating man. Than one of the clan. That live in hypocrisy. Or for love to give hate. Or to misappropriate. Any kindness as a donee; Or fail to appreciate. Before it is too late, The true kindness that all should see. For the accommodating man. There will be in life's plan. Some true loyal friends such as he; And no matter how small. His deeds one and all. Will fully accounted for be; LOVE'S MESSENGER 203 At the end of life's race, Nothing e'er can efface, Kind deeds to humanity; In the right spirit live. And true service give. For time and eternity. For 'tis better to grieve. Over false friends who leave. Than false to your God and self be, It is better to bear, All that snobs can declare. In all their base mockery, Than a trust to misplace, By a snobbish disgrace, Tho' an "accommodating" man you may be. ON-DIT (Flying-Rumor) Tittle-tattle, tittle-tattle. Hear the mouths of many rattle. Each and all prepared to battle. With their tongues to tell. Pit-a-patter, pit-a-patter. Gracious, what an awful clatter! What can ever be the matter? Can it be a bell? Hark! The tongues of gossips waggle, How they do your feelings haggle, And your thoughts can only straggle, 'Mid the clanging sound. Guess they've greased their tongues with otto. Hearsay is their only motto. Wish I now was in a grotto. Hidden underground. There in peace I might betake me, Where no sounds of war would shake me. And no strife would ever wake me. Should I fall asleep; 204 LOVE'S MESSENGER For they go through queerest motions, And they have such absurd notions. They should cleanse them with some lotion, For the stain is deep. GOSSIP TOWN Mother Goose Modernized Hark! Hark! The sharp tongues bark! The gossips have taken the tov/n. Some in rags and some in tags. And some in velvet gowns. Old Maiden Tittle Tattle went round the town. With Aunt Busy Body done up brown, Look, look, look, in her night gown. To babble all over the town-o. The town-o, the town-o, To babble all over the town-o! Old Mistress Talkative with much on her mind, Talk'd about every body so unkind; Talk, talk, talk, tongues on the grind. Every body talked about in the town-o. The town-o, the town-o, Talked about every one in the town-o. Handsome Susan Gasbag simply had to blow. With her loose tongue always on the go. List, list, list, to all she knows. Reputations damaged in the town-o. The town-o, the town-o. Damaged reputations in the town-o. Old Mistress Crafty Scoffer went on a trudge. With Mistress Envy, Spiteful and Smudge, Gad, gad, gad, through all the sludge, Breaking family ties in the town-o, The town-o, the town-o. Breaking hearts and ties in the town-o. LOVE'S MESSENGER 205 Little Miss Giddy Prattle could not keep still, Help gave the gossips with a good will. Gab, gab, gab, all got their fill. Drabbling all the scum, in the town-o, The town-o, the town-o, All the scum drabbled in the town-o. Old Mistress Haggle Naggle, Grudge and DeMean, All great gossipers that can be seen, Lick, lick, lick, the filth unclean, All the old scandles in the town-o, The town-o, the town-o. The old scandles mongers in the town-o. Old Mistress Knowit All had a big fry, All the gossips big-bugs went there, — oh my! Think, think, think, how fame dies, Nothing too good to smear in the town-o. The town-o, the town-o. Not one good they do in the town-o. Old Mister Don't Believeit got in their Way, Such an old fogy must have his pay. Hark, hark, hark, list to the fray; Tongue-lash'd the poor man over the town-o. The town-o, the town-o. Chasing the poor man over the town-o. Old Mother Gossip Hobble jump'd out of bed, Up went the window, out went her head, "Come, come, come, the news I'll spread, To tell it all over the town-o," The town-o, the town-o. Gone to tell it over the town-o. Little Miss Snipper Snapper in a rage 'rose. Flop, went her petticoat, up went her nose, "Gone, gone, gone, without any hose, The old hag has gone to the town-o, The town-o, the town-o, To blab it all over the town-o. Old Man Wranggle Jangle got on his "ear," Wanted to punish all, but had fears. Fear, fear, fear, how they might smear, 206 LOVE'S MESSENGER His reputation in the town-o, The town-o, the town-o, Smear reputations in the town-o. Mister Pious Redress started on a run, Down went his right foot, up went his gun, "Stop, stop, stop, I'll spoil your fun, Or drive you all out of the town-o. The town-o, the town-o. Will drive you all out of the town-o." Oh the battle that was fought, raised a big din, Mister Pious Redress did not win; Shame, shame, shame, black as sin. All the peace destroy'd in the town-o, The town-o, the town-o. None had any peace in the town-o. Poor little Johnny Scarecrow got in a fright. Too much gossip done all in the night. Ran, ran, ran, with all his might. Away from such spooks in the town-o, The town-o, the town-o, Ran from the gossip spooks in the town-o. If a body loved a body in the town. Gossip tongues a wagging made all frown. Mad, mad, mad, to put love down. And shut the gates of Heaven to the town-o, The town-o, the town-o. The gates of Heaven shut to the town-o. SUSPICION Suspicion many, suspicion strong. Suspicion false, suspicion wrong. Suspicion mean, suspicion base, Which causes ill-will to fill a place, In the hearts of those who live it. That to others they may give it. Suspicion is a dire disease. Which eats one's vitals at its ease, LOVE'S MESSENGER 207 And robs the heart of loving joy. And makes itself a vile decoy; While the love of many stealing, It sears the heart past healing. Suspicion, ah, whence came you now. With rattling tongue and restless brow, With sour looks and foul distrust. With all suggestions so unjust? Viperous monster! Your stinging, Fierce with pain some hearts are wringing! Away! you enemy of all good! Away! we'll have it understood, You ne'er shall rob us of our peace, So cause your evil work to cease! With true love we'll set to chasing, All your goblins so debasing. Away! you will not understand, For as a tyrant you demand, A change in what does not exist. Which you in ignorance insists, All must be true, because suspecting, Without knowledge truth rejecting. So many die not understood. Because suspicion hinders good; Pronounces sentence ere is known, The truth beneath the surface shown; Suspicion as the greatest liar. Along life's path strews thorns and briers. We'll beat a club on your vile head. And fill your evil soul with dread; If now, at once you take not flight. We'll slay you, fiend, by truth's fair might. And our God in mighty power, Will dire vengeance on you shower! 208 LOVE'S MESSENGER EIGHTY YEARS OLD "I'm eighty, sir," an old man said, "I'm eighty just this day." And as he spoke he bowed his head. As if about to pray; And when he raised his head to speak, His lips were quivering much. And when he spoke his voice so weak, Did quick my feelings touch. "There's Ruth, my wife, sleeps in her grave. She's slept there seven years; Her spirit rests with God who gave, — I feel that's very clear. I look back on my days of youth, I courted her so fair, She was my darling little Ruth, With wavy flaxen hair. "Her eyes were like the azure blue. They cheered my soul each day; For she was kind and good and true. And spoke her heart that way. Yes, we were wed, she was my bride. Some sixty years ago, She was to me a joy and pride. With heart as pure as snow. "Some bitter trials to us came. For life has ups and downs, But in them all she was the same. And never wore a frown. It seems to me but yesterday, We humbly knelt in prayer. When death our first born took away, 'Twas very hard to bear. "Some children though to us were spared. Grand-children, too, you see. These many years they all have shared. Our love and sympathy; LOVE'S MESSENGER 209 And they are happy, sir, today, They forward look in life. While I look backward all the way, And life seems but a strife. "The greatest blow I ever had. Came to me when Ruth died, She left me lonely, weak and sad, When taken from my side; But then I know 'twill not be long, 'Till I shall reach that Shore, I'm waiting for the boatman strong, To come and row me o'er. "I know in whom I have believed, And many years ago. As my Redeemer I received, Christ Jesus, who to show, His precious love for sinners lost. Died hanging on the tree, To ransom us his blood it cost. And this He did for me. "And as He is I soon shall see. And in His likeness wake; And with our loved ones ever be. And in their joys partake; I'll bid farewell to earthly things, To join the hosts above; There peace and happiness will bring. Eternity of love. "So, while a backward look I take. O'er years that's in the past, I also forward look to wake, In that blest land at last. I'm eighty, sir, and now release. With Heaven near me seems, As though I might with joy and peace, Lie down to pleasant dreams." The old man leaned back in his chair, As if to rest awhile; His face so calm and peaceful there, Showed he was free from guile. 210 LOVE'S MESSENGER At first, we thought he fell asleep, Instead of taking breath; And so he had, in slumbers deep. He slept the sleep of death. DER DEMB'RANCE PLEDGE Ven I gomes home der otter night, I dinks dot I vas drunk; Der vheel-parrow unto me fell, Vich rather raised my spunk. "Vat ish it now you vish to do?" I criet all crazy mat, "Act like a man, lay down your clubs. Or you vill vish you hat!" I bruised my shins py kicking hart, Ont drew it out my vay; Ven down the cellar vay I fell, Vhere I dought I must stay. My hat vas mashed, my pritches tore. Ash down der stairs I fell, Der floor it hit me on der nose Ont it pegan to swell. My leetle poy he hert me sware, Ont comes unto der toar: "O, poppy, tear, say ish dot you?" He ax me o'er and o'er. Now none vas tear to my poor heart, Ash my tear leetle poy, I loves him tho' I vas a prute, Dot voult my soul destroy. Der steps I dried to gobble up. My poy he dooks my handt. To help me up — I felt so pat Dot I coult hardly standt. Ont so he let me in der house. And den pegan to cry, "O poppy, poppy tear!" he criet, "Ish goin' you to die?" LOVE'S MESSENGER 211 My vife she criet so awful hart, Ont wrung her hants mit grief; Ont acted like her heart was proke, Ont coult get no relief. I felt so pat ash ne'er pefore, Dot leetle poy of mine, He goes den in another room, Ont der I hert him whine. It sopered me now pooty quick, I vent up to der toor, Ont der I see my leetle poy, Vas kneeling on der floor. He prays, "O Got, make poppy veil, Keeps he from der saloon. Don't let him trink of rum again, Oh, hear, ont answer soon!" I rushed right in, ont kissed my poy, Ont dooks him in my arms, Ont bromised him I'd trink no more — Dot rum no more coult charm Me into der saloon again; I'd live a petter life, Ont dot I'd try ont happy make My leetle poy ont vife. My leetle poy den got a bledge, Ont helt it up to me: "Der demb'rance bledge, O poppy sign, So dot ve all can see, Dot you vill surely keeps your wort, Ont trinks no more of rum, Ont keeps avay from der saloon, Ont home vill soper come." Veil, pless his precious leetle heart, Der bledge I hat to sign, Ven quick his tarling leetle arms, Arount my neck dit twine. He kissed me over o'er and o'er, Ont knelt town py my site, Ont prayed der Lord to make me goot. In Jesus to confite. 212 LOVE'S MESSENGER Dot vas der last dot I trank rum, I runs from it avay, I findt dot Jesus in my heart, Has comes mit me to stay. Now I ish glat ash I can pe I signed der demberance bledge, For I hat got more den I dought. Close up to ruin's edge. Now every dings seems pright mit shoy, My vife ont poy ish glat. My home is happy ash can pe Vitout my feeling sat. I'll never trink anotter trop, Ont dis ish vat I do — I vote for brohipition straight, Ont dinks dot you shouldt too. MATILDA JANE "Matilda Jane, just mind these flies, While I take up the dinner; I think they are an awful pest — The dirty ugly sinners! They eat all that come in their way, And drown themselves in butter, And if you do not watch them close, They'll put you in a flutter. "Matilda Jane! Where are you now? You heard what I was saying? Why, 'Tilda's gone, well, I declare! Where has the girl been straying? Ah, there she is, out by the gate. And there is Joseph Weller; I wonder what they're up to now — He'd like to be her fellow. "It seems to me but yesterday. When 'Tilda was a baby; And now she's having her own way, And is a grown up lady. LOVE'S MESSENGER 213 It seems so queer that it is so — Well now, what is the matter? That young scrape-grace kissed her just then. And I gazing right at her! "It's one sure thing, they don't believe. In the new-fangled notion, That kissing folks will all receive. The microbes with commotion; If so called wise folks sterilize Their love and inability, I wonder if they'll take the prize. For the deadest of sterility. "Now, as for me, the old time way. Is just as good as any; Far better than love in decay, Not worth a single penny; In every walk of life we need, Love's power to awaken. The best that lies in thought and deed, Which never can be shaken. "Well, well, 'twas many years ago. When John and I were lovers; The memory stirs my very soul — So I'll the meal uncover. An extra plate I'd better place. Upon the dinner table; I'll tell them both to come and eat, And let their love be stable. "Why 'Tilda, child, you startled me! You came in kind a' quiet; Your face is red as roses dear. Or something very nigh it. And here is Joseph Weller, too. Come, sit down to the table; I read the secret in your eyes. And know its not a fable. "Yes, yes, I give you my consent. And with it my heart's blessing — There, there, Matilda Jane, don't cry. You know I'm good at guessing! 214 LOVE'S MESSENGER But come, the dinner's getting cold, And you'll not find its equal, So rest your hearts till bye and bye, A wedding be the sequel." UNLESS I CHANGE MY MIND I ought to marry, did you say, And thus my heart to bind, By wedlock's knot which surely pays. Unless one change his mind? Tho' with pretty girls I mingle, A good wife's hard to find. So expect me to live single, — Unless I change my mind. I knew a lover in a fix. Or something of the kind, When love with money tried to mix, His purse came out behind; Then his sweetheart went to pouting. Her words did sadly grind, When she bade him go, while shouting, "I've only changed my mind!" And then another lover, too, Whose girl said, "Yes" so kind. He bought his furniture all new. And then, she changed her mind. Then he rushed 'round in a hurry. And sold all he could find. But he acted in a hurry. Again she changed her mind. I've heard of other aching hearts, With wedlock quick to bind. They promised they would never part. But then — they changed their minds. Yes, she promised to obey him. And be both good and kind, But her temper did dismay him. And soon he changed his mind. LOVE'S MESSENGER 215 He promised he would for her care, And he was so inclin'd, But when she shook him by the hair, It made him change his mind. There are some who just to marry. Take any one they find. Would it not he best to tarry. Until they know their mind? But if one never finds his mate, To live a life sublime And single-blessedness his fate, Tho' sad, it beats the time. Of double-cussedness which shows. To love they both are blind. Where jealous hearts and cruel blows. Will cause a change of mind. Now if all their mouths would muzzle, To every word unkind. They might better solve life's puzzle, To seldom change their mind; A bachelor, you say I am, And that I ought to find, A partner in Bciy life, — ahem! Perhaps I'll change my mind. JOE, THE NEWS BOY "Come right this way!" cried little Joe, "And buy your morning papers;" And as he spoke, upon his toe. He danced some funny capers. And then he rushed along the street, His papers loudly calling, 'Till 'gainst a barrel struck his feet. And with it he went sprawling. It full of refuse proved to be, Of ashes, boards and papers, And broken bottles one could see, And some old greasy tapers. 216 LOVE'S MESSENGER Joe quickly scrambled to his feet, His papers holding tightly, There met his eyes upon the street, A debris quite unsightly. But ah! upon the pavement there, He saw what was surprising, A pair of shoes the worse for wear. Which Joe at once was sizing. "Oh cracky! They are just my size. Although they're little rended, I think they are a nice surprise, I'll have them quickly mended." Under his arm he tucked the shoes, Then up the street went rushing, Some people he could but amuse. But past them he kept pushing; For some can never be content, With money or with dressing; But Joe, as on his way he went, Thought old shoes were a blessing. "Yer morning papers now right here!" Joe's voice kept loudly singing; His bare feet on the pavement there, Kept up a constant ringing. "An Herald, sir? Ah, thank you, sir! Hard times seem seldom slacking. But when I get a customer, I think there's not much lacking." "Quite right, my boy," the kind man said, "Success lies not in seeming, The only way to keep ahead, Is in doing, not by dreaming." Then as he spoke, as in a dream. He turned with steps so slowly. And walked away, which made him seem, A man of wealth, but lowly. He did not know that he had dropped. His pocketbook with money; But little Joe upon it hopped. And thought it rather funny. LOVE'S MESSENGER 217 "Hi! hi!" cried he, "what luck is this! I only seemed to spy it; Now I can live in perfect bliss, If money will but buy it. "But then, it isn't mine," thought Joe, "To keep it would be stealing; I'd rather live on hardened dough, Than have such kind of feelings." So, with this good thought in his mind, He made his feet to caper, Until he came up close behind. The man who bought his paper. "Say, mister, here's yer pocket-book. You dropped it way back yonder; I tell you, sir, it made me look. And made me think and wonder; But here it is, all safe and sound, It gives to me much pleasure. To give the owner what I've found, Tho' it may be a treasure." "Well, lad, you are an honest boy," The man spoke with much feeling, "May I your services employ, To help me in my dealings? What is your name? Where do you live? You must have a good mother; The money back to me you give. Has saved me lots of bother." "My name is Joseph Beck," said Joe, "I live back in the alley. My parents both are dead, and so, I stay with old aunt Sally. But I attend a mission school, I learned there 'bout the Saviour, Who taught us all the Golden Rule, Which causes my behavior." "You've said enough," was the reply, "Which should convince all scoffers, If Christianity they try, 'Tis worth more than filled coffers. 218 LOVE'S MESSENGER What are those things under your arms? Old shoes, sure as I'm living! Throw them away, don't take alarm! You'll find I'm built on giving." And then he took Joe to his store. And dressed him up completely. From head to toe, as ne'er before, Had he been dressed so neatly. "I want a cash boy now," said he, "If you'll take this position, Perhaps sometime you then will see, I'll better your condition." Joe's eyes were filled with grateful tears, He thanked his benefactor. Whose laugh filled him with right good cheer, As being chief contractor. And Joe went with this man to live, Whose name was William Gartner, Success his efforts seemed to give. For he became his partner. Now reader, will you kindly take, A lesson from this story? Tho' rich on earth it does not make. To help you on to glory; True principles bring sure reward, So beautiful and vernal. That Heaven will at last regard, And crown with joy eternal. LOVE'S MESSENGER 219 CHRISTMAS EVERYWHERE Christmas in the Northland, Christmas at the pole, Christmas in the Southland, Singing in the soul; Christmas to the eastward, In the golden glare, Christmas to the westward, Christmas everywhere. Christmas on the mountains, Christmas on the plains, Christmas in the fountains, And the dewy rains; Christmas in the valley, And on hill top fair, Christmas joys to rally, Christmas everywhere. Christmas on the ocean, Christmas on the land, Christmas full of motion. Far and wide expand; Christmas to the earth hound, Christmas in the air, Christmas full of mirth bound, Christmas everywhere. Christmas in the palace, Christmas in the hut, Christmas free from malice, With its holly-cuts; Christmas in the city, And in hamlet bare, Love and joy and pity, Christmas everywhere. Christmas up in Heaven, Sweet the angels sing. Purest joy is given, O'er our Savior King; 220 LOVE'S MESSENGER Glory in the Highest, Men and angels share, Bringing Jesus nighest, Christmas everywhere. Bow in pure devotion, Spread your gifts to Him, Deepest heart's emotion, Joy fill'd to the brim; Honor, praise and glory, To our Saviour fair. Tell the old, old Story, Christmas everywhere! BENNIE ; or HOW GOD CARED FOR HIM A Christmas Story. 'Twas late at night on Christmas eve. The wind was fierce and cold; As in the streets trudged Bennie Steve, Like a lamb out from the fold; A little orphant boy was he. With no glad home to face, Amid the bright festivities, Seem'd sadly out of place. The biting winds chill'd his slight form, And pinch'd his aching feet; Facing the cold and cruel storm. Facing the world, out in the street! Out in the street, facing the world. With all its neglect and scorn, Its selfish hearts, with crimes untold — Might wonder why he had been born. The people on the street rush'd by. Scarcely glancing at the boy; All seem'd intent with wealth's supply. To fill their homes with joy. LOVE'S MESSENGER 221 The purchasing of Christmas gifts, Drain'd many purses here and there, While some bought gifts as an uplift, Others sought to outdo with glare. And 'mid the throng, the lad as part, Moved aimlessly along, With eager eyes and hungry heart, Not knowing what was wrong. Unable to solve the problems deep. The reason why of this or that, Or why he seem'd to want to sleep, With cold and hunger to combat. So tired and weary and ready to fall. He could not with the crowd keep pace, He on a nearby doorstep small. Sat down to rest, his strength to brace; Then in his childlike faith so deep, Words learn'd from a kind mother's knee. He pray'd the Lord his soul to keep. And from all trouble set him free. "Dear Jesus, hear a poor boy pray. Give me some good things now to eat, A place that's warm, a place to stay. And loving hearts I do entreat; I seem alone, I know not why, — I cannot longer keep awake. If 'tis Thy will for me to die, I pray Thee, Lord, my soul to take!" Then all was silent, for he slept. While the angels guarded from above, Their faithful watches o'er him kept. All prompted in the name of love. And tho' no help seem'd near at hand. Yet Providence was guiding all, Tho' some may fail to understand. Sufficient aid would heed the call. 'Twas late at night, there came a call, For a doctor to see the sick. He did not ride the distance small. But made his trip by walking quick. 222 LOVE'S MESSENGER " 'Tis a rough night on the poor," thought he, "I truly hope that there are none. Out in the street compell'd to be, I tell you, it would be no fun," He stamp'd his feet for he was cold, And sadly shook his head, And felt inclined the fates to scold, And wish'd himself safe home in bed. "Why is it I must be out late. And that on Christmas eve, While waiting for me by the grate, My wife will sit and grieve? "A doctor's life is not his own. He must be ever on the go; And yet, I would not live a drone, And not one act of good bestow; Yet, still, I cannot once deny, I'd rather be at home in bed. This cold would soon one stupefy, And freeze him soon quite dead. "But Associated Charity, The needy now endows, Substanciates the verity, Of the Christian's faith and vow." So musing thus he walk'd along. And quickened his pace. His thoughts on others weak and strong. And the woes of the human race. But, ah! What caught his eyes to see, A form upon a doorstep near! "A child asleep! O God!" cried he, "He's frozen dead, I greatly fear!" He raised poor Bennie in his arms, And rubb'd him for awhile, He gave him wine his blood to warm. But warm'd his heart with smiles. "Come, little man, come home with me," He said, in accent kind; "When warm'd, we'll seek a jubilee. This Christmas eve to find; LOVE'S MESSENGER 223 Maybe you are a Christmas gift, The Father gives to me; At any rate, this thing we'll sift, To find your pedigree." Poor Bennie felt so faint and cold, That he could hardly stand. But as the doctor took firm hold, And took him by the hand, He felt an answer had been sent. To his earnest heart felt cry, An angel in disguise it meant. To his special needs supply. The doctor then pull'd off his cloak, And threw it around the boy. And laugh'd as tho' it was a joke. That made him leap with joy. They walk'd and ran for quite a while, 'Till exhausted Bennie lay. Near the doctor's heart, who with a smile, Bore him home the rest of the way. Into the presence of his wife, Who sat close by the fire. Out from the cold and worldly strife. Into the warmth of love's desire. The doctor bore poor Bennie Steve, And placed him on a chair. Took to his home that Christmas eve, A living gift so fair. "See wife, I found this boy most dead. Nearly frozen in the street; We'll quickly fix him a warm bed, And some hot food to eat." The lady's eyes with pity shone. But she smiled a welcome bright, To the boy who had been left alone. The battles of life to fight. While the doctor prepared a hot bath. As only a good doctor can. And doing it all in good rath. For the poor little orphant man. 224 LOVE'S MESSENGER The good lady went right to work, As only a good lady can. Never thinking one moment to shirk. To give all relief she could plan. So quickly her table to cram, With many good things to eat. Hot coffee and jellies and jam, With Christmas candy so sweet; Hot doughnuts and butter and bread, Choice meats for Christmas fare. She furnish'd a bountiful spread, With the poor little lad to share. Then the doctor gave Bennie a bath. And a good rub-down hard to beat. As giving the best that one hath, And all as a Christmas treat. But the feast was ready at last. And all sat down to the meal. And they all enjoy'd the repast. Overflowing with Christmas weal. Then being warm'd and clothed and fed. And freed from pressing care, They Bennie led to a nice snug bed. While he could only thanks declare; He sank upon his knees to pray, "I thank Thee, Lord, a thousand times, And thanks enough I cannot say. For every thing so good and prime!" The doctor loudly said "Amen!" While his good wife kiss'd the boy. And never felt by human ken, A greater Christmas joy. Thus with a grateful heart to God, Bennie sprang up with a bound. Was tuck'd in bed, and with a nod, Was sleeping soon quite sound. And when it dawn'd the Christmas morn, And the bells rang out their joy. No gayer heart was ever born. Than that of the orphant boy. LOVE'S MESSENGER 225 The doctor and his wife like gems. Were Christmas gifts to him, And he a Christmas gift to them, With cups of joy fill'd to the brim. Then on his knee the doctor took. Little Bennie in his joy, While his wife read from God's holy Book, Of another little Boy, Born in the town of Bethlehem, Near two thousand years ago, Crown'd with a heavenly diadem, To sin and pain o'erthrow. That little town of Bethlehem, Amid the grass and rocks. On hillside shone forth as a gem. Where shepherds kept their flocks; Where Heaven and Earth together came, And angels sang with joy, Honor'd by God with greatest fame, As the birth place of that Boy, 'Twas there the wise men traced the star. That shone before them bright. Out from the east they travel'd far, To find the Source of light; And there above that baby Boy, That in a manger lay, Shone bright the star to show the joy Of Heaven and Earth that day. 226 LOVE'S MESSENGER Oh joyously the angels sang, On that first Christmas day, Glory to God, the Heavens rang! Good will to men to stay! And peace and love and joy to find, In that sweet babe to know. That full salvation, peace of mind. We are made whiter than the snow! O little Babe of Bethlehem, God's greatest gift to man! The fearful tide of evil stem. By God's salvation plan. All woes of life in Thee shall cease. To Glory shall uplift, To every one who seek Thy peace. In God's first Christmas gift! "Now, Bennie, dear," the lady said, "You've heard this story old. When the first Christmas dawn was shed, God's love to us was told; To Him in turn ourselves we give. And He will us uplift. So you may stay with us to live, Another Christmas gift." "Yes, Bennie," spake the doctor clear, "You are our Christmas gift; And never more need you to fear, That you'll be cast'd adrift; For God so loved the world to give. His only begotten Son, And through this greatest gift we live. And victory is won. "And we commemorate this Gift, Each Christmas day, you see. And give ourselves to Him and drift. Into His love eternally." So Bennie staid there all his life, And a faithful man became, In winning souls from sin and strife, To own the Christian name. THE PERRY PICTURES. 811, BOSTON EDITION. FROM PAINTING BY PLOCKHORST. 1825- COPYRIGHT, 1913, BY EUGENE A. PERRY. ANNOUNCEMENT TO THE SHEPHERDS 228 LOVE'S MESSENGER How little we can ever know, The good, kind acts may do. How they increase and grow and grow, That when with earth we're through. Their influence will still be felt; Kind words and deeds will ev-er live. Oft icy hearts are seen to melt. With the warmth that kindness gives. Not only on this Christmas day, But every day we live, Should we seek out and find a way. Some help to others give; The poor and needy 'round us throng, The lame, the sick, the blind, We should assist, rebuking wrong. But to erring souls be kind. Some monuments of masonry, Of noble granite shafts. Seek to preserve their memory. Large sums of money drafts. Palatial residence some build. To dwell in marble walls. Their earthly lives with wealth to gild. Only to die and leave it all. A greater monument elate. If means will but afford, To christianize and educate. Perpetual fame record. In human lives thus made to shine, Bright as the starry sky. Fair youth's posterity in line. Can never, never die! LOVE'S MESSENGER 229 THE MOUNTAIN OF JEHOVAH'S HOUSE Micah 4:1-4. Above the mountain of depression, Above the hills around about; On mountain top above oppression, God's people shall his praises shout; The poor, the halt, the lame and blind, God's loving kindness here will find. With healing balm of a pure mind, With perfect faith purged from all doubt. Above sectarian observation, One common people with one Lord; One faith, one purpose and oblation, In loving harmony to chord. Bathed in God's light of grace to know. All people shall unto Him flow, To learn God's way for He will show, How they shall all obey His word. Above the valley and the shadow. Above the hills of man's behest. More brilliant than some eldorado, God's mountain shines above the rest. And many nations then shall say, "Come, let us go up in the way. Of the mountain of the Lord to pray, Unto God's house, we shall be blest. "There in His name we all believing. He'll teach and lead us in His way, And we His grace and peace receiving, Walk in His path and truth obey. No laws of man, but God's above. Sail be our guide, the law of love. Thus evil He will from us shove, And keep us that we never stray." 230 LOVE'S MESSENGER And He shall judge among the peoples, Rebuke strong nations from afar, And their oppression high as steeples. He'll cause to cease that nothing mar. His reign is peace upon the earth, A nation in a day have birth. With glory bright and holy mirth, Jesus shall shine — the Morning Star! And nations shall in peace be dwelling, Nor shall they learn war any more, God's righteousness o'er all compelling, His reign shall be from shore to shore. Swords into plowshares they shall make^ Spears into pruning hooks and rakes, And of His peace shall all partake. And Christ our Lord adore. And every one his own home owning. Under his vine and fig-tree sit; And perfect love his life enthroning, Casting out fear, no sin admit: None shall molest nor make afraid, No hostile foe shall there invade. For God, Himself, will render aid, The Lord of Hosts has spoken it! NEW YEAR'S WISHES 3 John, 2nd Verse. Old friends, young friends, great and small. My New Year's wishes to you all; I wish you to prosper. And be in good health. As John wish'd for Gains In spiritual wealth; So, here's my heart, and here's my hand, I am yours in Truth's command! Little friends, big friends, ever dear. May you be happy through the year; LOVE'S MESSENGER 231 May your lives flourish, May you be blest, All things to nourish, By Love's behest; So, here's my heart, and here's my hand, I am yours in Love's command! Mild friends, bold friends, loving true, Close friends, shy friends, I love you; I wish you great blessings. All your lives through. And may you be happy. And may you be true; So, here's my heart, and here's my hand, Bound by Love and Truth's demand! Dear friends, true friends, may we be. Bound together by God's decree; With shoulder to shoulder. To walk in God's light. Each helping his brother All evil to fight; So, here's my heart, and here's my hand, For God and truth with you to stand. Strong friends, broad friends, generous, kind, Noble, sacred, to my heart bind, In friendship's sweet union. All Christ's friends to be. To hold sweet communion. In love to agree; Thus heart and hand with you to stand, For God and Home and Native Land! 232 LOVE'S MESSENGER TRIFLES There are trifles that rifles our feelings today, And we cannot tell why it is so; While the inevitable things of life may allay, The force of the tides in their flow; We may bear with the cares and burdens of life. With a patience that God may commend, While a spot on our carpet will stir up a strife; That may weaken our stand to the end. We oft fumble and stumble o'er little things so. We oft feel we are foolish and weak; Then we murmur and wonder that trifles should show Our rebellion against being meek; A little black spot on the end of our nose. Would make us feel foolish, I think; And yet, if 'twas cancer, we would try to compose. Our feelings to the end of life's brink. We pick up a cushion, it drops from our hands, And then we find lint on our clothes; And then we feel vexed and ourselves reprimand. For the carelessness that we all lothe; In attempting to brush oft the lint, we find. That hair has been put on the brush; And every trifle our feelings will grind, In a fever of nervous rush. We take up the ashes from the grate that is full. And spill them over the floor; And our patience receive a sudden quick pull. The result we may often deplore; We pick up a lump of coal with the tongs. And it falls from the tongs on our corn; And we let out a yell which only prolongs. The trouble that fllls us with scorn. The imps seem at work in active array, In the smallest black lump of coal; In soiling our carpets and dirt to display. On our hands, our feelings and soul; LOVE'S MESSENGER 233 And we wonder if Satan laughs in his sleeve, When we slip at his sudden assaults; If in trifles of life he seeks to achieve. Where otherwise he can get no results. When time is us pressing, certain work we must do, And hindrances come in the way; And long before we have got half the way through, Interruptions have filled up the day; While some who are ignorant of the mad strife, Are surprised that the work is not done; And then hy the worry and flurry of life, A web of vexation is spun. The lance of a mosquito, the buzz of a fly. With the microbes they carry in store; Tho' they trifles appear by the glance of the eye. They seem to be after our gore; And we hunt for a club or any old thing. To swipe them with a death blow; Tho' trifles they seem to our lives they will cling. And life is no trifle you know. Poor human nature needs foundation like a rock, And the Everlasting Arm full strong, To uphold and guard us from life's fitful shocks. And to keep us from every thing wrong; The Lord, God, Almighty, tho' infinitely high And above all this world full of woe. Condescends to give help, and will heed every sigh, Through Jesus to put down our foes. IS THERE A DEVIL? Some people oft themselves express. As tho' there is no devil; Perhaps they have had no distress, To make them feel his level. If Satan does not now exist, Please tell me then the reason. The world in wickedness persists. So full of spite and treason? 234 LOVE'S MESSENGER If there's no devil and no hell, We all would like to know sir, Who does his business, can you tell? Speak up if you can show sir. Who is the cause of all the crimes, And hearts with sorrow breaking, If there's no Devil let us know. Whose all this trouble making? For all effects we find a cause. And sin is caused by Satan, And many follow his advice. If I am not mistaken. POSING (Upon looking at portrait of Master Houston Wood- ward, Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, painted by Jenet Wheeler.) Young Houston Woodward in a chair, Sat for his picture posing. Took a position very fair. His attitude disclosing. How he before the world would shine. To make a good impression. That every one might fall in line In giving him concessions. And so it is the whole world through, Tom, Dick and Harry crowding, To gain in admiration true, With not a feature clouding; And thus to gain the praise of men, Their virtues so disclosing. Sometimes by speech, sometimes by pen. Before the world are posing. In church work some are strong to make Themselves like bell-sheep leaders. And to themselves the credit take As the great and good proceeders. LOVE'S MESSENGER 235 For all improvement and advance. Themselves are ever glozing, When their position quick you lance. You find them only posing. Filled with conceit they're very proud, Much ignorance displaying. With great pretensions seek to crowd, — True merit oft waylaying; And stifle much of good in sight, Their bumptiousness exposing, With treacherous aims to hide the light, By their obtrusive posing. Poor human nature always craves, A constant recognition. For the ability to rave On every one's condition; Each fancies he is very great, Like the small boy "Jack Horner," As o'er his plum he seeks to prate, Where e'er he finds a corner. Self-seeking for self-sake alone. Is egotism sickly. To morbid impulses are prone. Breeds brutal senses quickly; Yet to seek self for others' good. Is altruism splendid, With self-reliance understood, Have the needy oft befriended. The pioneers of progress great, Are self-sufficient people, With deep convictions so sedate, They tower up like steeples; But that which ends in only self, With only self disclosing. Unhealthy egotism elf. But ends in simply posing. 236 LOVE'S MESSENGER SELFISHNESS True as a quahaug lives within its shell, But never gives forth help to one poor creature, Yet will inhale and take from elements around it, So selfishness lies deep within the heart of man, And seeks and ever seeks to take from others, But giveth back no breath of life to cheer or help: And, as a vampire falls upon his victim, And sucks its life's blood with a relish, Until its eyes stick out with fatness, And look regretful that it can partake no more; So is the human heart oft filled with selfishness, That quick consent is given to another's pain. Makes others suffer but gives no just compensation; Tho' sighs and broken hearts appeal for pity, Base selfishness seeks but her own aggrandizement. So break away from self and nobly live. The heart that glows with love will think of others. And often strives through bitter opposition. In giving true and patient efforts, To cheer and help the souls of others. PRINTER'S INK Writing up a public meeting, A reporter said was grand. How the people gave a greeting. To the speaker on the stand; Said, "The people arose enmasse. And rent the air with their shouts;" But the printer said, "They arose enmasse. And rent the air with their snouts," A reporter wrote an article, Of a "battle scarred hero brave," But the printer missed a particle. Said, a "battle scared hero save;" LOVE'S MESSENGER 237 In the next, with due apology, That an error was made so grave, By mixing his etymology. Said, "a bottle scarred hero brave." The reporter at a reception. Wrote, "Brown wore a beautiful red rose," But the printer made it deception, And "Brown wore a beautiful red nose;" When the "President's wife had entered, She was politely offered a chair;" But the printer said, when she entered, She was politely offered a hair. A poet once wrote so sweetly, — "Your eyes are bright and blue. Love;" But the printer put it neatly, "Your eyes are black and blue, Love;" He wrote, "Receive my fond attention, As I them to you pay;" The printer said, — I lothe to mention, "Ass I unto you bray." In an advertisement, the printer, Of a corporation's shares, Said, the company soon would issue, A block of ten-thousands snares. In the column for "Lost," this appeared; — "A white haired terrier is lost. By an old gentleman endeared. With a black spot on his nose, named Tost." Then an old lady, named Baker, Advertised for a cook this way; — "Wanted: — ^A cook by A. Baker, Who will serve at table on trays." Also, "Wanted, a horse, not nervous, With ways so gentle and mild, To do a minister's service, To be handled by a child." Then, a man to attend some horses. Of a religious turn of mind, Who could furnish good endorsers, That he was not unkind; 238 LOVE'S MESSENGER While a maid was badly wanted. To milk, wash, starch and iron three cows, And in a pinch be undaunted. To help the men with the plows. Yet we could not do without printers, All the books and the papers we see, Comes through the hands of the printers, And we would ignorant be, If it were not for the good printers. Whose mistakes we laugh fit to scorn; Yet through these very same printers. We have learned e'er since we were born. So, if any mistakes should happen. In printing the poems I may write. Just smile and pass on, but don't dampen. The good that you see, out of spite; Life's duties are often confusing. And tho' our mistakes we deplore. And tho' they are often amusing, It's a wonder we do not make more. A PRAYER This my constant prayer shall be, Keep me ever close to Thee; And from sin that in me grow. Wash and cleanse me white as snow; Let me not do any wrong, Keep me from all evil strong; Guide me ever to Thy praise. Smile upon me like sun-rays; Cause me ever to rejoice. In Thee, Saviour, as my choice; Heavenly wisdom from above. With Thy peace and with Thy love. Loving friends where e'er I live. By Thy loving kindness give; Love with Thee is Heaven on earth. Life unloving fearful dearth; Help me lead some souls to Thee, LOVE'S MESSENGER 239 That from sin they may be free; In my heart do Thou abide, May I ever in Thee hide, Rock of Ages, safe from harm, With Thine everlasting Arms Underneath me to uphold. In Thy cause to make me bold; Of Thy nature to partake. In Thy likeness to awake. There to dwell in endless light, See Thy face in glory bright! GOLDEN GLEANINGS Hasten gleaners in life's harvest, Gather up the golden grain. Do not wait for other workers. You will never toil in vain. Will the Master hold you guiltless. If in idleness you stand. Caring naught for all your talents. He has placed at your command? Tho' but one sheaf you may gather, For His garner a supply, He will bless you for your efforts. If on Him you but rely. Haste, then hasten willing gleaners. For the harvest field is great. Life on earth will soon be over. So you have no time to wait. Tho' you but a cup of water Give unto a little one. Of the children of Christ's kingdom. You a good work have begun; And you never will be losing, A reward all bright and fair. In the mansions of glad Heaven, Where there comes no sad despair. 240 LOVE'S MESSENGER Here we find sad hearts to cherish, And they need the Word of Life, Without which they all will perish, 'Mid temptations' fearful strife; And a kind word fitly spoken. Or a kind deed bravely done, Oft will cheer the heart that's broken, And a soul has often won. When the golden gleaning's over. And you've gather'd near and far, Then your soul as God's fair jewel, Will shine brighter than a star; In the everlasting kingdom, Gather'd safe from harm or care, You, amid the golden gleanings. Bright a crown of life will wear. 242 LOVE'S MESSENGER PARTING FAREWELLS When death's cold hands lay dear ones low, And time has come for parting, And our hearts' troubles overflow, And pains of grief are darting; And when we bend with aching hearts. And list to catch a whisper, We note each move and word imparts The dying one may lisper. Our hearts awake and deeds of love. Engages our attention, And gentle kindness as a dove. In every word we mention; Bestowing care and thoughtful acts. To show how much we love them, When face to face with solid facts, From us we cannot shove them. If we could see ahead and know. How soon life will be taken, We would not wait for death to show. The time when love should waken; For if our love is real and true. In every day we're living, We'll show by deeds of kindness due. To every loved one giving. For tho' we spread upon the bier. Most beautiful white flowers. And o'er the casket shed our tears, In one continuous shower, The dead perceive it not, nor know How much regret and sorrow. Fill our poor hearts with grief and woe. And can no comfort borrow. We should through life make known our aim, A proof of love bestowing, In life or death to be the same. By deeds of kindness showing; LOVE'S MESSENGER 243 As none can tell when death is due, Nor which one will be taken. Kind words and deeds and flowers strew, Such love cannot be shaken. And when the goodbyes have been said. To loved ones in the valley. We'll turn our hearts to Christ instead, In Him our faith to rally; For stronger far than death our love. Will shine beyond the gloaming, Beyond all pain, with God above, We'll reach our final homing, 'Tis hard to part, and yet we know. It cannot last forever; Whiter than snow to ever glow, In Heaven no more to sever; To meet in bliss no tongue can tell. Within the shining portal, Through Christ to greet our loved ones well. All glorious and immortal. BE STRONG A little brown thrush sang up in a tree, Cheerery, cheerery, chee, chee, chee! Its song was so sweet it filled me with glee, With its cheerery, cheerery, chee, chee, chee. I could not express my joy at its song. Its cheerery, cheerery, chee, chee, chee; It filled me with cheer to strive and be strong. With a song of praise as a plea. I had not a thought to cause it to fly. With its cheerery, cheerery, chee, chee, chee; 'Mid the cold windy blast it ceased not to ply. Its song of sweet melody. Tho' the trials of life may come on apace, Let us sing and be strong in our trust; And know the good Lord will grant us a place. And all of our troubles rightly adjust. 244 LOVE'S MESSENGER CAN'T YOU TALK? "I have a little pussy. My doggie bit her tail, She acted kind of fussy, And gave the biggest wail; They had a lot of trouble. With hisses, mews and yelps, I tell you now, 'twas awful, I think they need some help; My doggie ran off quickly. And pussy ran and hid, I think they acted sickly. Each other to get rid. "So when I lost my doggie, I knew not v/hat to do, The weather was so foggy, I had to hunt him too; My doggie's name is Rover, He is so big and fine, Sometimes he rolls in clover. Sometimes goes out to dine; The clover field is bloomin' The bees are on the buzz. If they bite my doggie's nosey, He'll wonder what it was. "I hunted for my doggie, As far as I could go, I thought he might be hiding. So I might never know; I found him tho' just sitting, Outside the old shed door, After he had been twitting, Poor pussy cat some more; I crept up close beside him, As he sat on the walk, Look'd in his eyes to chide him, And said, "Now can't you talk? LOVE'S MESSENGER 245 "Now Rover, what's the matter? Now don't you think it mean, To make such dreadful clatter, And show such awful spleen? What makes you act so jealous, When I with pussy play. An' try to be so zealous, To make her run away? I wish you'd tell the reason, You made this ugly balk. And acted out of season, Speak up now, can't you talk?" "But he kept his tail a waggin' And look'd me in the eyes, As tho' he might be braggin' How he would do or die; But I kept lookin' at him, 'Till he kissed me on the cheek, An' tho' I tried to pat him, Not one word would be speak; But I can hardly scold him. When he seems to love me so, Tho' I can never hold him. When he makes my kitty go. "Why cats and dogs get jealous, Because they can't have all. My mamma says, 'Tis foolish, To act so mean and small; Some folks, she says, are that way. In God's word St. James tell The wicked lie in spat way, 'With tongues on fire as well;' They'd better be like dumb brutes, Than make such nasty balks, In spite and envy to dispute. They'd better never talk." LOVE'S MESSENGER 247 THE YOUNG INVENTOR Young David was a stirring boy, In planning how to make things. Be it a bat, a ball or toy, In his young hands he'd take things. And soon construct a piece of work, Which really was surprising, His efforts he would never shirk. For he was enterprising. When duty called on him to rock His little baby brother. The cradle did not seem to block. His inventive mind to bother; A heavy string to his own chair. He tied as tho' bewitching. Then to the cradle with much care. He did some fancy hitching. And thus the young inventor made, A double rocking measure. No duty did he thus evade. But gave to both much pleasure; The baby laughed in hearty glee. But soon was soundly sleeping. And mother's heart was light and free. As at him she kept peeping. He ever took advantage thus. Of ways and means occurring. To make his work so emulous, To action others spurring; And as he older grew in years. His genius unfolding, It opened up a bright career. His fame and fortune molding. It pays to give attention, lads. And ever be observing, Success in life will make you glad. And show who is deserving; 248 LOVE'S MESSENGER Some folks stalk through this life unseen, And little they are seeing, Their senses are not very keen. To know they have a being. The little things in life will tell, The bent of disposition; The coming man to know full well, And fixes his condition; Then have a care to be alert. By giving strict attention. As artisan to be expert. In every good invention. LITTLE ORPHANT WILLIE When little orphant Willie went, To live with John Skinflint, Who was a cruel miser bent. In saving up a mint Of money just to hide away. And make the people think, On nothing he should taxes pay, — His neighbors gave a wink, And wondered why he took a boy. To place him in his own employ, 'Twas not to satisfy a joy. But just to gain in chink. He made the lad work in the heat All day long out in the field, And did not give him much to eat. That he might profit yield; And if he did not do as much As Skinflint said he must. He would not let him supper touch. But fed him with a crust; And if he stopped to rest a bit, The old man had an angry fit, And Will at last had to submit, To drudgery unjust. LOVE'S MESSENGER 249 One morn as Will went out to work, In the hot field all day, A tiresome feeling seemed to lurk. And in his body stay; But still he toiled with heavy hoe. His strength put to a test. That at the end of a long row. He thought to take a rest; He hid behind a row of corn, The tiredest since he had been bom. This little waif so all forlorn. Whose life should have been blest. So he exhausted fell asleep, Beneath a friendly shade. When suddenly his dreams so deep, Were rudely made to fade; For there Skinflint with stick in hand, Stood o'er him with a sneer, And with a whip raised in demand. He spoke in cruel jeers: — "Yer lazy good-for-nothin' thief. To come and eat my bread and beef, I'll larn ye with a spell of grief, Ye little mutineer!" And then he made the boy undress. And take off all his clothes; Such brutal act to all excess. No one seemed to oppose; And then when Willie naked stood. Before this wicked man, The meanest miser, with no good. With all his evil plan, He struck the boy upon the back, He struck his aching legs a whack. When something happened, — like a whack. That made Skinflint look wan. Old John Skinflint received a lick, He never could forget; For senseless to the ground so slick, He fell like one beset; 250 LOVE'S MESSENGER And there before the naked boy, Old hunter Jones stood near, A friend in need to give him. joy. And calm his many fears; "Come sonny, now put on yer duds, And leave Skinflint lie in the mud. And to my cabin we will scud, 'Till things brighter appear." The long and short of it to say, The little orphant lad. Was taken from old Skinflint's way, And from a life so sad; He went with kinder folks to live. And they all formed a plan. Of only good things him to give. To help the coming man, With love and joy his life to bless. Brought every thing for his redress, The manly little man impress. The future artisan. And old Skinflint had costs to pay. For all his meanness bold. His niggard heart sank with dismay. In losing so much gold; The taxes that he tried to shirk. He had to pay each cent. Although he tried by twist and quirk To shun a settlement; He finally was sent to jail. His evil life there to bewail, His love for money made him fail. And evil on him sent. LOVE'S MESSENGER 251 GUSHING On a white stone wall one summer day, Sat Master Will and his sweetheart May, They say. They chatted and laughed together long. And sang of love in a happy song, Not wrong. She wore a red cap and he a hat. They joked and talked of this and that, In chat; Her light brown hair in masses fell, Over her shoulders I love to tell. Quite well. Her bright blue eyes, her cheeks like peach, To Will was just beyond his reach. For each; The shining sun kissed her forehead fair. Her smiling lips sweet as pure air. The pair. His heart of love he could not subdue. So try he must tho' his efforts rue; Too true; There surely nothing could be amiss. If quickly he took a loving kiss, — What bliss! So stretching his arm in one fierce tug, He gave her a kiss and a long fond hug, So smug; And there they sat two hearts as one, With but one single thought or none. Undone! They to each other sweetly clung, As back and forth on the wall they swung, So young; So occupied in each other's gush. They never knew 'till there came a rush — O hush! 252 LOVE'S MESSENGER Mid dangling legs and ruffles and frills, There was a decided sudden spill, To thrill; And over the wall they backwards fell, Their lover's gush to quickly quell, Farewell! THE FAILURE OF SUCCESS Once on a time there lived a man. Whose name was Thomas Brown; He started business on a plan. He hoped to gain renown; But it was on so small a scale. The people looked askant, And prophesied that he would fail. Because his means were scant. So mediocre he appeared, He seemed to have no show. They shook their heads and greatly feared, Because they did not know, How he could ever gain success, They put him down as slow. They were convinced he'd make a mess. He had no chance to grow. But Thomas Brown looked to his own. And took care of the dimes. And then he never was a drone. To waste his precious time; He minded his own business well. Industrious was he, While other people's business fell, His rose to some degree. And when he moved out of his nook, Into a larger room. The people just began to look, And said, "Tom's had a boom." But when the "boom" began to swell. To larger quarters still. The people said, "Well, well, well, well!" Astonished at his skill. LOVE'S MESSENGER 253 And when he built a business block, With bonds and stock to sell. The people's minds got such a shock, They over themselves fell, To court his favor and his coin, And pat him on the back. Sought his security to join. With every kind of knack. Had Tom contented been he might. Have gained enduring fame, And been respected in the sight. Of others free from blame; But then the more he looked on gold. Its usefulness and might, The more his heart grew hard and cold, Of other people's rights. Then Tom grev/ to be proud and hard, In grasping after more. Tried other business to retard. To add unto his store; He cut and raised the price at will. Broke many persons up, He never seemed to have his fill, In drinking avarice's cup. He many poor sought to oppress. Through mortgage, notes and tax. He brought to many sore distress. No claim would he relax; He bought an automobile fine, And rode around the town. The people bowed to all the shine. Of prosperous Thomas Brov/n. And when he ran for office high, With money he could spend, So many v/anted to be nigh, A helping hand to lend; He to the legislature went. With honors for a crown, And many plauded the event. And Honorable Thomas Brown. 254 LOVE'S MESSENGER But when he worked for vicious laws. His pockets full to stuff, The honest people said: — "Oh pshaw!" And others gave a snuff. And said, "We've surely had enough Of Honorable Thomas Brown;" And put forth efforts rather rough, To bring him back to town. But not one whit care Thomas Brown, Was he not rich and free? The people were but his show-clowns. To have a jubilee; Like puppets he had mov«d them all. By pulling on his wires. They rose up to his beck and call. To give him his desires. "Now all the people you can fool. Part of the time," they say, "Part of the people dumb as stools. For all time look one way; But all the people cannot be. Fooled all the time," you know. And no exception in degree. Did they on Tom bestow. He lost his prestige and his fame. Arrested for his frauds. He was condemned to prison shame, W^ith no one to applaud; He lost his money and his might. He nearly lost his soul. His great success met with a blight. With no one to console. He made a failure of success, Because his lust for gain, Was such he must great wealth possess. All others to disdain. Cupidity a failure brought. His name will ever blot. And when death came it left him naught. But a memory to rot. LOVE'S MESSENGER 255 A SUCCESSFUL FAILURE Young Samuel Yale was bound to fail, He was so liberal hearted; Did any one bis woes detail, From money be soon parted; He gave away so very mucb, It kept him poor but clever, Yet every one who felt his touch, Forgot his kindness never. He toiled with many efforts brave, To save an honest dollar, Yet people saw he oft looked grave, And sometimes wore soiled collars; Now had he sought his earthly needs, He might have had more showing. To gain in wealth by selfish deeds. How rich there is no knowing. He might have gratified his taste. In music, art and science. Had he by giving not made waste. By yielding such compliance; To all the needs the poor called forth. Who begged his help and pity. Until he gave near all his worth. In country, town, and city. He did not give to gain in name As the best man a living, For people said, "It was a shame, — He was a fool for giving Away his money and his time. To people unesteeming," While others said, "It was a crime. To be thus always dreaming." He did not give, nor do good deeds. His goodness to be showing Before the world so full of greed. Where e'er he might be going; 256 LOVE'S MESSENGER Nor did he offer his good deeds, Of his life's work a story, To recommend himself for meed Unto the Lord of glory. But out of a full heart of love, For all mankind in leading, Both wealth and fame from self to shove, To heed the many pleadings Of those who were in deep distress. His love to God commending His love unto his fellow-men. His strength and money spending. The lame, the poor, the halt and blind, The deaf and dumb and sickly, The widow with house-rent behind. And children's needs spread thickly. And Samuel Yale was lost to know. How he could all assisting, Without there being overflow, His means compel resisting. So, when reception he could give. The rich were not invited; But those who found it hard to live, Were at his feast united; The latest fashions did not swell His festive board with beauty, But calico and jeans as well. Called there by love and duty. The reason then he gave his pelf. Was from a heart of pity; He loved his neighbor as himself, And proved that he was gritty To carry his convictions straight To every fellow-being; His practice showed his love had weight, — The Higher power seeing. And just because his heart was full. With love to God so vernal. His heart-strings had one constant pull To show love is supernal. LOVE'S MESSENGER 257 For who has heart or soul or mind, Where love to God but smoulders. Can to his neighbor be unkind. And turn him a cold shoulder? The greater love the greater deed, To greater depths the stooping, To raise the fallen and give heed, To those whose hearts are drooping; Because for us Christ bore the shame Upon the cross so gory. And with His Spirit us inflame. To lift us up to glory. So Samuel Yale worked hard and long. To help the poor and needy. He gained not wealth nor riches strong, Sometimes looked poor and seedy. Yet humble people loved him much. His cause they all were voicing. For they received his loving touch, Which filled them with rejoicing. Self sacrificing oft must be, The life where Christ is dwelling. And tho' the world but failure see. Success true love is telling, On every soul and life and way, God's sunshine to be shedding. To make the night shine as the day, God's love be ever spreading. Thus from the failures that appear. To worldly-wise observers, Success in Heaven is made clear. Before our Great Preserver; To crown such lives in bliss to dwell In joys forever vernal. Where glory upon glory swells In wealth of life eternal. 258 LOVE'S MESSENGER THE GREATER GOOD He hoarded gold and power got, Much worldly fame, but was forgot. His memory in death to rot; Success was measured by his gains In worldly goods and land and grain. But death made all his wealth in vain. He built a mansion large and grand. Where sumptuously he might expand, But death made all as sinking sand. A multi-millionaire was he, In life was greeted with much glee. But all was lost by death's decree. He took a little child to raise. And taught it truth, and God to praise. And in its life all good emblaze; And when it grew to man's estate. It ever sought to emulate, The good he had received so great In other lives, thus souls were won. While they in turn the good anon. Sent forth the glory as the sun. The influence did not grow less. Kept on increasing, lives to bless. The good in others to progress; Transcending fame, yet as a dove. Casting eternal light on love; A greater monument by far Than ever reared from granite spar. In blessings shone out as the stars. Kind words and deeds can never die, Stronger than death is love's supply. To live forever on earth and sky. The greater good by Heaven behold Tried in the fire to come out best, As purest gold which stood the test. LOVE'S MESSENGER 259 THE THREE FRIENDS Young John and sister Amabel, And their true friend the goat. Loved one another very well, Their service to devote In benefits on each bestow, In kindness food and drink. By reciprocity to show. The good that will not shrink. John fed the goat with oats and hay, While Amabel to treat, Oft sweetmeats gave in a sly way, With kindness hard to beat; The goat in turn seemed to take pride. In giving them good milk, Which brother John would quick divide, Then stroke him nice and slick. The boy and girl and goat as friends, Were very much attached; Their mutual kindness seemed to blend. And evenly were matched; Should John or Amabel be late Old Nannygoat to treat. She'd stand behind the garden gate. And bleat, and bleat and bleat. Thus each to each obeyed the law. Of kindness unto all; Which older folks might lessons draw. And heed a loving call; Not only to mankind do good, But to dumb brutes extend, The humane treatment understood, By these three loving friends. Good business to be run aright, Should mutual interest see; Most labor troubles will take flight. From reciprocity; 260 LOVE'S MESSENGER Let industry, science and art, Along this line attend, And capital and labor start, To act like mutual friends. IMMORTALITY A voice within us speaks the word. Thought answering thought, sensation fraught. With aspirations in accord. To mount Excelsior's height, high wrought; To gain the word's applause and learning, The heart's appeal is ever yearning. The finer feelings quick discerning; The Inner Monitor a guide Future existence now decides; This still small voice within a lever, Speaks forth these words — Thou livest forever! BROWN'S FAMOUS PICTURES NO. 1890 THE THREE FRIENDS 262 LOVE'S MESSENQER THE NARROW WAY There is a Way narrow and plain, And few there be that enter, It leads to life and joy and gain, Of which Christ is the center; And many seek to enter there, But only few are able. Because the world leads them elsewhere. To Christ they are not stable. The Way so narrow some may find. Broad minded people dread it. That only those of narrow minds. With narrow people tread it; And so they go the great Broad-Way, That leads unto destruction. Because they do not rightly weigh, Nor gain a true deduction. For when the HOLY SPIRIT strives. From ways of sin to win them. The Evil One oft seeks to drive. And in his service pins them. The World, the Flesh and Satan seeks. By every sort of reason, To make the mind so "broad" and weak, That truth oft seems as treason. To such there only seems one way. So broad that all may take it. And everything that ill forbodes. They easily forsake it; Now so called narrow minded folks, May be as deep as others. But will not yield to Satan's hoax, To fill their lives with pother. Be not deceived, God is not mocked. Whatever you are sowing. The consequence cannot be blocked, Except there be a flowing LOVE'S MESSENGER 263 Of cleansing power from on High, Your sins completely cover; Then while you may, accept God's love, While mercy o'er you hovers. For tho' the Narrow Way is strait. It's safe and very pleasant. There lasting peace and joy awaits. The king or humble peasant; There God will cause His face to shine, On those who this way travel. The sunshine of His love entwine. Their doubts and fears unravel. A LIST OF FRIENDSHIPS A reply to "Count Me In." When we stop to ponder over. All our friends upon life's way. Their true friendship ever proving, By their kindness day by day; When a list of such we're making, — Gone with us through thick and thin. Never once our good forsaking, We shall think to count you in. Never in our memory perish. Our true friend and father's friend. Friend we think of, friend we cherish, Loving such unto the end; In the list of precious friendships, Who have helped us good to win. Something nearer than just kinship. We shall think to count you in. All our friends so grandly royal. Though they faults in us may see, Yet remain the same as loyal. With their faith and charity; Charity that quickly covers Up a multitude of sins. Whose fidelity still hovers, — We'll not fail to count you in. 264 LOVE'S MESSENGER To our friends in every measure. As the years have come and gone. We shall hold each one a treasure, Bearing each before God's throne; When we cease to be as rovers, In this world of woe and sin. And the Homeward journey's over, We shall surely count you in. When the roll is called Up Yonder, — Jesus' friends called into view, All His blood-bought love and wonder. In that list may we be too; When the Book of Life is open. And His friends cleansed from all sin Are revealed as God's fair jewels. May our names be found therein. COME, CROWN HIM LORD OF ALL Air: — "Come Children Hail the Prince of Peace." Come children seek the Saviour's face. And full salvation know; To taste His grace. His love embrace, Be whiter than the snow. In the spring time then of youth, Come, oh come! To Jesus come today; He will guide you in His truth. Come, oh come! Your sins to wash away. Yes Jesus will your sins forgive. If now you seek His face; For you He died that you might live, By His unfailing grace; In your youth then while you may. Come, oh come! And give Him now your heart. He will wash your sins away. Come, oh come! And make this now your start. LOVE'S MESSENGER 265 Come, crown your Saviour Lord of all. Within your soul today; Do not delay to heed His call, Come, let Him have full sway; In the morning time of life, Come, oh come! Before the evening falls. He will save you in the strife. Come, oh come! And crown Him Lord of all. And all your life then ever live. To crown Him Lord of all; A crown of life to you He'll give. When death shall on you fall. In the budding time of youth, Come, oh come! Before the leaves shall fall, He will give you joy in truth. Come, oh come! And crown Him Lord of all. Then in the Home of pure delight, Forever you shall reign; Where comes no sorrow, sin nor blight, Nor weariness or pain; In the happy time of youth. Come, oh come! E'er the evil days shall fall. Come accept Him in the truth. Come, oh come! And crown Him Lord of all! 266 LOVE'S MESSENGER THINE THE GLORY Not unto us, but unto Thee, O Lord, the glory be, For Thy great mercy that we see. Thy loving-kindness free! Eternal praise to Thee we raise. Thy glory to proclaim. Through all the earth all of our days. To honor Thy great name! Before the mountains were brought forth. E'er Thou hadst formed the earth, From everlasting Thou art God, With Thee all good had birth; Source of all blessings. Thee we praise, Source of all peace and light. Our grateful hearts to Thee we raise. Rejoicing in Thy sight. How excellent in all the earth, O Lord, is Thy great name, Thy glory set o'er heaven's girth. Thy goodness to proclaim; When we consider Thy great works. The heavens Thou hast made, Where countless worlds their orbits find, To nothingness we fade! For what is sinful man that Thou Should ever mindful be. And with Thy grace should him endow. From sin to set him free? Below the angels him to crown. And give him victory. All evil in him to put down And give him liberty. How beautiful are all Thy works. In wisdom they were made, And ever shall Thy praise be sung, Tho' sun and moon shall fade. LOVE'S MESSENGER 267 Source of all goodness and of grace, Source of all holiness, Oh may the brightness of Thy face, Upon us shine to bless! Source of all wisdom and of might, Source of all light and love, Source of all glory and of light, Source of the joys above! Source of salvation and of truth, Source of redeeming grace. In Thee we find perpetual youth. In us to ever trace. Oh then that men would praise the Lord, For all His works so great. His loving-kindness in accord, His truth illuminates; Not unto us, but unto Thee, O Lord, the glory be. Thine be the glory evermore, Throughout eternity! IN THE MORNING (Memorial) "Watchman, What of the night? The morning Cometh." — Isaiah 21:11. Memorial to David Shilling, Sept. 16, 1814— Aug. 14, 1888. Life in all its many changes, Clouds and sunshine race together; And in all the various ranges. See we fair and cloudy weather; Feel we hope and joy and sorrow. All along our lives adorning, Hoping for a brighter morrow. In the day spring of the morning; Chasing far all trace of night. In the coming of God's light. 268 LOVE'S MESSENGER Watchman, on the walls surrounding, Zion City hails the morning, And the trumpet peals resounding, Night is passing, and adorning. Comes the day dawn of true gladness. Comes the joyous happy greeting. Comes the love that cures all sadness, Comes the blessed holy meeting. "Watchman, then, what of the night?" And he cries, "Behold the light!" Sun of Righteousness arising. Bringing to each heart a healing. On His wings all good comprising. Love and joy to us appealing; Every illness then must vanish, Every sorrov/ from us fleeting. Every pain God's love v/ill banish. Holiness in us completing. In His sanctifying might, In the morning of His light. Watchman, see, the light is streaming, Rays of glory all space filling, God's eternal love is beaming. By His might the tempest stilling; No disconsolate to languish. Perfect love each soul endearing. And no pain or thought of anguish, Every sorrow disappearing. And the beatific sight. Hail we with the morning light. In earth's morning, youth is smiling, Flowers blooming, birds are singing; Rippling brooks and trees awhiling, Moments that pure joy is bringing; To the heart of youth proclaiming. Love and beauty life adorning. Comes there still an higher aiming, Comes there still a brighter morning, Comes perpetual youth and might. Glorious Day of endless light. LOVE'S MESSENGER 269 "When at midday on life's travels, Many mysteries surrounding, 'Till a new day will unravel, All perplexities comfounding; When away the mist is clearing, Face to face we all beholding, With the light of truth appearing, All the mysteries unfolding; Face to face in glory bright. We shall know, and walk in light. Tho' the evening brings cessation Of all labor to the toiler, In the morning with salvation. Banishes the fell despoiler; Death will then have lost its power, In the dawning of the morning, Christ, the Day-Spring life will shower. Weariness forever scorning; Ending all discord and blight, Out of death brings life and light. Thus our father ceased his toiling. Ceased his worry and repining. Sin and death ceased their despoiling, From life's evening, Day is shining; And to him we are not saying, A good-night, but, a good-morning, In the Heavenly Home arraying, Immortality adorning; Immortality and light. In the Home where comes no night. Yes, the chrysalis is hollow, Cold in death the clay is lying, But the spirit Christ to follow, Winged its flight beyond the spying Of lone mortals in the gloaming, 'Till the dawning of the morning, Breaks away the mists and foaming. Hush revilings and the scorning. And there opens to our sight, An inheritance of light. 270 lo^t:'s messenger From defeat so often leading. Our poor feet when sometimes straying. By a faith so full of pleading. By a prayer temptation slaying; Leading to that precious Fountain, Losing all desire for sinning, Over difficulty mountains. Over all a victory winning; Victory through Jesus' might. By His grace redeeming light. In the grave the body sleeping. Waits the resurrection dawning. And the breezes sweetly sweeping. O'er the earth his ashes fawning; 'Till at last our Lord and Master, Lifeless clay to life awaking. More abundantly and vaster, From the grave its triumph taking; And the sting of death takes flight. From the King of life and light. Soul and body then united, Like Christ's glorious body rising. By His power life incited, FYom the dead immortalizing; Hail the resurrection glory, To be like our Lord and Saviour, Hail the Lamb whose cross so gory. Made us know His blessed favor; Hail the glory of His might. In the morning crowned with light. Never to our loved departed. Need we say good-night in passing; Tho' we may feel broken hearted, Joy will come, all grief surpassing; In a glorious weight eternal, Come to crown in the adorning. In some brighter clime supernal, We shall bid a glad good-morning; And forever dwell in light. Where can come no shade of night. PORTRAIT OF DAVID SHILLING :^;-i■.«^«.-at_ rav*^ L«i*'°t.::^e!«i«a\5i.-v«t / nbt^ r5>»isrtg" v^-j«