Class T^cS/J^ i/" Book ^1— Copyright )^"__ COPYRIGHT deposit; ^oemsi By ALEXANDER STREETER ARNOLD M WOONSOCKET, R. I. Author of " Uncle Timothy Taber," " Benson Family," " Henry Lovell," " Fortunes and Misfortunes,' " Hesper Dakaven, Heroine," " His Fortunate Foe," " Hymns of Joy," and various minor works In Preparation: "Cinderella Carleton, or Rising from the Depths" ALL THE AUTHOR'S LITERARY PRODUCTIONS ARE WRITTEN IN PLAIN, SIMPLE, UNPRETENTIOUS AMERICAN ENGLISH, THAT THE AVERAGE READER MAY EASILY COMPREHEND THE AUTHOR'S SENTIMENTS SECOND EDITION Revised and Enlarged Copyright, 1912 and 1915, by J. G. Williams WILLIAMS' BOOK STORES, INC. Publishers 349 Washington Street Boston, Mass. 1915 THE DAY OF MIRACLES HAS NOT PASSED. The erroneous opinion is widespread that the day of miracles has passed, but the man who opens his heart and soul to the mfluence of the Holy Spirit, which is the sunshine, throughout the universe,^ of our Universal Father, even as sunshine is of the sun, will learn that in great emergencies or crises of his life, he will receive instructions and direc- tions so definite and plain that he who runs may read and the wayfarer, though not worldly wise, need not err therein. r • , j- , After starting a mission at Valley Falls (R. I.) with my faithful coadjutor. WiUiam L. Bartlett, against the wishes, advice and evil pre- dictions of numerous friends, at the end of three years the Sunday School had dwindled and the preaching services had shrunk largely, and my friend and coadjutor, Bro. William L. Bartlett, and I decided that we must build a chapel as a standard to rally around or abandon the whole enterprise. Bro. B. was confident that the erection of a chapel would insure the success of the mission. But the question _ which I longed to have answered was: Does our Heavenly Father wish us to build or abandon the mission. And to have this question answered, I partook myself to prayer for weeks, sending up fervent petitions — often a full hundred per day — that I might be plainly and definitely instructed from God through His Providence. I was wrought up to an acute state, and one day, I went home, at 5 o'clock, saying to my wife that I was determined if possible to decide the question before I slept.- But 10 o'clock came and yet no directions. It was our time for retiring and I reached up to the mantlepiece saying,' "Perhaps I may receive instruction from Scripture," and took down the Bible saying to my wife, "I am going to let the Bible rest on my knees and allow it to fall open as it may and read the first verse that meets my eyes." And the verse that met my sight was verse 10 of the 28th chapter of First Chronicles — "Take heed now; for the Lord hath chosen thee to build an house for the sanctuary ; be strong and do it." We stared at each other in amazement. Well the question was decided, and after Bro. Bartlett and I had conferred together and decided upon our course, one Sunday I announced that we would hold a meeting of all the officers, teachers and members of the Bible class. And on Wednesday evening every one was present, 14 in all, and Bro. B. and I proposed that we erect a chapel, and we would furnish the funds without interest until the debt was paid. All those present were surprised but voted to build. Then I oflfered to pay the debt of $50 we owed for rent of the hall and start clear of debt. The next morning on opening the mail, I found a check for $30 which credit I had forgoilen temporarily and a $20 debt I never expected would be paid was handed me. Then when I tendered Mr. Arnold B. Chace $50 for rent '©f -the hall he refu>ed to take it, but bade us remain, rent free, until our 'chapel was ready for occupancy. The chapel was dedicated during a pouring rain to a crowded house, Wednesday evening, Sept. 30, 1870, just 100 years to a day, from the date of John Murray's first sermon in America, at the Port of Good Luck, New Jersey, Sept. 30, 1770. And our Heavenly Father has blessed our parish to this day. 4 OCT 23 1915 ■ - 5lt.r.\L. ;, ■ -HT OFFICE PREFACE TO ARNOLD'S POEMS. Being strongly urged, by warm friends, the first edi- tion of these poems was issued in 1912, and in such haste that many glaring errors were not corrected. This, however, owing to the persistent haste of the friend who feared the author would not live to publish the edition. That especial friend, however, joined "the great majority" before the first edition was printed. But although many minor typographical errors have been allowed from limited funds, to remain, to save ex- pense, it is hoped and trusted that a goodly amount of improvement has been made in this edition, enlarged to over 200 pages. Mr. Arnold has always endeavored to clothe both his six story books and poems in very simple, plain Amer- ican English, specially in imitation of the simple phraseseology of Holy Writ with which he is some- what familiar from Gensis to revelations having read it through eleven times, besides years of study, during which he has committed to memory many chapters, psalms and favorite passages. From boyhood Mr. Arnold has been a special ad- mirer of Shakespeare, but delighted with John Gilpin, Mary had a little lamb and Mother Goose, while ornate prose and peotry have never appealed to him. The directness and simple beauty of Holy Writ, which rises to its loftiest altitude in the book of Job, has never been attained by any profane writter, and only approached by Shakespeare, but a writer can still aim high as Holy Writ .although he can never hit the mark. Poems like Samson, Lincoln, Cortes' Conquest of Mexico, Moses and Harrold Hollandsberg were com- posed in from three to four weeks each ; but their re- vision occupied as many months. The longest time spent upon any poem was Joab at the Battle of Medeba, which consumed eight years in research and composi- tion. The short poems were each generally composed in one day or evening. Woonsocket, April, 1915o SKETCH OF MR. ARNOLD'S LIFE. Born in North Smithfield, R. I., September 30, 1829. His first recollection was taking- calomel or mercury for the chicken pox, by which malpractice by a regular physician he saw not a really healthy day until 50 years of age. He took care of a small pox patient who died ; but never having been vaccinated with poisonous virus, he failed, to take the disease. Mr. Arnold, however, was afflicted with scrofula for 16 years, having painful swellings each side of his neck the size of his fist. But, without a particle of medicine, both swellings disappeared by simply following the dietary rules of Moses. The physical prime of his life was from 62 to 70. But from overwork and exposure on the Dr. Seth Ar- nold Estate, in his zeal to make the estate a paying investment, his health was impaired when 80 years of age. Without being consulted he was apprenticed at 16 to learn the wood turner's trade at which he worked for five years, his average earnings being about 80 cents per day, and the hours of labor nearly 13. But, from long hours and breathing fine dust, broken in health he attended the Suffield (Conn.) Seminary where he studied some of the higher branches for eight months, uniting with three other students, hir- ing an outside room, boarding themselves, and the eight months' expenses were $160, $20 per month, i. e. $5 per month each. Mr. A. then taught a district school in New Jersey ior 18 months. For ten years he was bookkeeper of the Peoples' Bank, Pawtucket, but his health again impaired, he purchased and run a stable for nine months, regained his health and began keeping the books of the Paw- tucket Hair Cloth Co. At the end of five years he rose to Superintendent of the mill in Central Falls, when at the end of his six years superintendency he abandoned all labor expecting to die.. But partially recovering, he published a weekly newspaper and much to his sur- prise again recovered his health. As a commercial traveler and advertiser of the Dr. Seth Arnold Medical Corporation, while exposed to the most inclement weather, he not only recovered his health, but entered upon the most robust years of his 6 whole life. The exposure to fain, sleet, snow, slush of winter imparted robust health. He was President and Treasurer of the Dr. Seth Arnold Medical Corporation for three years and seven months, when it was sold to the Eastern Drug Co. Then Mr. A. was offered and accepted the Agency of the Dr. Seth Arnold Estate, consisting of a prominent grocery store building and a number of tenements in Woonsocket, which position he still holds. Mr. Arnold was married August 12, 1858, to Miss Eleanor J. Pierce of Woonsocket, R. I. The couple observed the fifty-sixth anniversary of their marriage day, the husband being 85 and the wife 84 years of age. Having no children the couple adopted Miss Lucy A. Cook, daughter of Albertus and Ann W. (Haven) Cook, whose death proved a sad affliction. Mr. Arnold was Superintendent of the Pawtucket Universalist Sunday School for three years and ten months when he resigned and removed to Valley Falls, where he started a mission April 1, 1866, in Public Hall, where for three years and six months the school was held, with preaching and temperance meetings on alternate Sundays, when the mission began services in the new chapel and continued until the church was built in 1885. Mr. Aronld has been Superintendent of the Paw- tucket and Valley Falls Universalist Sunday School for over 51 years; but is now Superitendent Emeritus. The Mission has proved an emphatic success in spite of the multitudes of prophecies of utter failure. The Parish owns a $10,000 church edifice v^ith over $4,000 in invested funds and is (1915) in the zenith of its proseprity. The pastor or rather pulpit supply is by Rev. George W. Coleson. The members of the church 50, school 80. Mr. Arnold has been a diligent student of the Bible, which he has read consecutively 11 times, quite a por- tion being committed to memory by many readings of psalms, favorite chapters and passages and, having a very retentive memory, he is somewhat familiar with the Sacred Scriptures from Genesis to Revelations. Mr. Arnold is the author of six story books with a seventh in process and he is about to issue the Second Edition of his Poems enlarged to over 200 pages, which will be sold at cost price to insure a larger cir- culation. ALL THE AUTHOR'S MISFORTUNES WERE BLESSINGS IN DISGUISE. His feeble health from childhood to the age of 50 prolonged his life and contributed to vigor in old age through feeling forced to avoid many debilitating ten- dencies. His economical, simple living, which he was obliged to practice, while attending the Suffield Seminary, un- doubtedly improved his health and lengthened his days. His leaving the Peoples' Bank on account of feeble health, and regaining health by nine months in a stable proved the stepping stone to entering the employ of the Pawtucket Hair Cloth Co., and rising to the super- intendency of the mill. His feeling forced to leave the mill from extreme ill health, paved the way for making the Valley Falls Mission a success. His financial reverses compelled him to enter the ar- duous service of the Dr. Seth Arnold Medical Corpora- tion and endure trials and exposure in winter, advertis- ing and selling, that seemed to endanger his very life, on the contrary, however, exposure laid the foundation of years of robust health in old age. Urged to take the Presidency and Treasurership of the Dr. Seth Arnold Medical Corporation by a pro- fessing friend who again and again pledged his sup- port, but turned against Mr. A. when he was trying to save the Corporation from failure through mismanage- ment and extravagance, and even refused to listen when Mr. A. tried to inform him that his support would save the corporation from failure. Mr. A. then turned to the stockholders, and through the the splen- did assistance of a noble friend, Mr. A. was grandly vindicated at the annual meeting without a dissenting vote from the small minority, although the small min- ority made it necessary, to avoid difificult complica- tions, to sell the Corporation to the Eastern Drug Co., although, but for the small minority, the firm could have made the business a commendable financial suc- cess. At one time seeing the Corporation sales were be- comeing quite small, Mr. A. made a private agreement with several jobbing house travelers to push, in pref- erence, the Cough Killer, the travellers to receive so much per gross on what they sold, and sales increased. Feeling obliged to keep this advantageous agreement a secret, it was even kept from the directors by charg- ing the expense to railroad tickets. But the railroad ticket expense being adversely criticised by a director who also demanded tickets, Mr. A. felt obliged to can- cel the advantageous agreement with travelers, and sales fell off. But the secret bargain however, tided the Corporation over a serious depression at a critical period, and in spite of the trouble it proved a much needed benefit. When thrown out of employment by the disposal of the Corporation, Mr. Arnold was offered and accepted the Agency of the Dr. Seth Arnold Estate, being just the position he was fitted to fill by 20 years' previous experience, and largely owing to his sacrifices of time and money in founding the Valley Falls Mission, Mi. A. and wife were made heirs to sufficient property to support them for life. Surely our Heavenly Father has guided, guarded and kept Mr. A and wife in his great arms of fatherly ten- derness, for which their heartfelt gratitude is daily felt. CONTENTS PAGE Battle Hymn, Anti- Vivisection i8i Battle of Life 90 Beyond the Rugged Way 168 Battle of Manila Bay 156 Brazen Bell 131 Birth of Freedom 183 BrowTi Curls 102 Birds' Concert 88 Cortes' Conquest of Mexico 63 Clara's Dream 141 Charlie, the Fellow for Me 164 Christian Faith 140 Could I Live Life Over 170 Creation 166 Creed of the Bells 106 Creed of Ninety and Nine 186 Crimes Against Dogs 205 Crimes Against Aged Horses 203 Day of Miracles Not Passed. . 4 Death of a Friend 159 Doing Good to Others 172 Dom Pedro (Dommie) 213 Dying Soldier of Joshua 11 Entering Heaven 136 Father of Light 201 Farmer Boy's Courtship 99 Gates of Heaven Never Closed 157 Gaily the Toper 204 God's Hatred of Sin 96 God's Bell 212 Glory, Hallelujah Service 179 Gone Are the Days 184 Hart-old HoUandsberg 36 Hark, the Bells of Heaven 182 Henry Lynn 218 Home of My Boyhood 87 Hundredth Birthday 160 How Blest Is He 168 In the Long Run 175 Invasion of Valley Falls 91 Lake's Mishap 89 Johnnie, Dear Johnnie 221 Joab at Battle of Medeba 14 Kingdom of God Is Here 199 PAGE King with His Hoe 210 Lincoln 53 Mariners' Song .' . 214 Man with the Hoe 210 May Brown 100 May Ramble 217 Moses 115 Night I Went Courting 220 Our Office Boy's Death 213 O' Johnnie, Dear Johnnie 221 Odd Fellows' Anniversary 144 O, Where, Tell Me Where 183 Outlaw 215 Plant Only Good Seed 103 Prodigal Son 178 Promised Resurrection 135 Pleasures of Farming loi Rich Man and Lazarus 187 Samson's Life Story 21 Sabbath BeUs 185 Sailor Bold 152 Sea in a Storm 149 Spiritual Realm 104 Song of Outlaw 215 Spider and the Fly 97 Shells of the Ocean 196 Storm and Wreck 153 Sometimes I Seem to Hear 162 Star of Bethlehem 163 Star of Bethlehem 211 'Tis the Life That Tells 133 Take This for Your Motto 161 Three Cheers for Good Rotgut 95 Town of Punkwood 93 Truthful Love Letter 87 Weary in Other Lands 169 What Is the Sinner's Crime? 174 When Storms Arise 167 Where Is Thy Home? 165 When We Reach House Eternal 197 What a Beautiful World 216 With One Pocket Empty 216 Labor Best Earthly Boon 222 Jehovah God 1 77 10 THE DYING SOLDIER OF JOSHUA. Written to Portray the Sentiments of the Conquerors of Palestine. Copyright, 1908, by Hebrew Standard. A veteran of Joshua was breathing out his last, The crimson tide was flowing out and life was ebbing fast, And yet upon his dying face a look exultant shone As he heard shouts of victory upon the zephyrs blown ; For tho he lay all helpless there beneath the tenting sky His soul was filled with thankful joy suppressing every sigh. An hour before in fierce assault his strokes had counted well. His weapon wielding to the last ; yea, fighting as he fell ; And now, as he lay dying there upon the bloody field, His right hand clutched his weapon and the left his leathern shield. But who approaches? Who bends o'er the dying soldier's head? Is it a vile idolater to mock and strip the dead ? 11 No, no ; but his dear soldier friend ! Ah, this indeed is joy ! For they had come from Egypt's land, when each was but a boy, And through the sea together went and on the other side Beheld their foul pursuers sink beneath the whelming tide ; For God's winds swayed the Red Sea waves on that eventful morn, And Isr'el trod the causeway safe and Liberty was born! While Egypt's horse and rider sank, God's Israel passed o'er And sang their great deliverance upon the farther shore ; And then the boys, through dreary lands, to Sinai trod the way Till reaching manhood's prime they fought led on by Joshua. The boys had heard the wondrous tales of patriarchs of old, liow Joseph down to Egypt's land was carried and there sold. And how he rose from slavery to stand before the king, Who robed him ruler of his realm and gave his signet ring; How Joseph for his father sent and all his father's band. And gave them pastures rich and fair in Goshen's favored land ; How Jacob's household, seventy, with riches vast then came, Ten thousand numbered Jacob's flocks, a thousand men his train ; And how the Israelites became a nation strong and great Till Rameses, the mighty king, enslaved them to his state; For Israel's friends, the shepherd kings, had been in war o'erthrown By other line of kings to whom great Joseph was unknown; And then how A-Ioses strangely saved by daughter of the king; How when he into power came ^11 to him honors bring ; How he was taught of Israel at his dear mother's knee, To visit his own people and from bondage set them free ; But, forced to flee to Midian, he dwelt there forty years And then returned to Egypt's land with many doubts and fears ; Yet he delivered Israel from sore oppression's rod And safely led them through the sea and to the mount of God ; He guided them full forty years till every rebel died. Until their sons, as warriors true, became the nation's pride And now the dying soldier lay exultant in his death ; For would he not a victor die with his expiring breath? "Tell me, my comrade," murmured he, "before my life be spent; Yea, tell me how the contest raged and how the battle went." His comrade kissed him 'mid his tears and then began his tale : "We chased them like a flock of goats, right over hill and dale ; For tho the heathen faced our men to make a valiant stand, "Si^et at the voice of Joshua, as he gave us command, 12 They fled like fearful, trembling sheep at sound of lion's roar, While we pursued and smote them hard until the fight was o'er; And when you fell with weapon broke to wield the sword no more, 1 smote the pagan to the dust and left him in his gore. Then how we scaled the city walls, and 'mid confusion dire, We smote the heathen on all sides and slew both son and sire ! ■'Tis true these seemed like sinful deeds, to fill the heart with shame. To cut down boys like you and me when we from Egypt came ; But 'twas like smiting pois'nous asp and then in vengeful mood But little mercy showed we as we crushed the serpent's brood ! For what could we with Sodomites or worshippers of Baal But rid the land of such vile hordes with few to tell the tale? And what could we with Moloch's fiends, who worship at his shrine, And roast to death their girls and boys and call such rites divine ? Yea, what with Ashtaroth's vile harlots steeped in lep'rous crime? Why, as we struck the wantons down, the stroke seemed half divine! The Lord of hosts was with us and the God of Jacob's aid Gave us the glor'ous victory and sharpened spear and blade ! The land is ours ! and nought can stay our march o'er city walls ! Nor bow, nor spear, nor pagan hordes prevent their utter fall ! Yea, even those proud Jebusites shall fall beneath our rod, And strong Jerusalem become the city of our God ! The splendor of our nation's sheen what prophet's tongue can tell ? The glory of our people and the God of Israel ? The stars above shall sparkle on, the pale moon shed her light. The sun shall rise in majesty, dispelling darkest night ; Yea, earth and sky and all therein proclaim our Maker's grace. And glory, honor, power and praise shall come to Israel's race !" A veteran of Joshua was breathing out his last. The crimson tide was flowing out and life was ebbiing fast. And yet upon his dying face a look exultant shone ; As shouts of victory arose upon the zephyrs borne ; And as his comrade kissed him there and closed his warrior tale A glow of life's departing flame lit up the face so pale : 'Twas like the candle's fitful glow, the last expiring gleam ; The soldier raised his broken blade ere crossiing death's cold stream ; "Fight on !" he said, "my comrade true, the God of battles trust ! The Lord of hosts be with you all, when I return to dust. The gates are lifted high." He ceased, his arm sank to his side, And with a ling' ring look of joy the Hebrew soldier died. 13 JOAB AT THE BATTLE OE MEDEBA, Altho vastly outnumbered at Medeba by Syrians and Ammonites, the Israelites under Joab achieved one of the most signal victories recorded in history. — 2 Sam. XI : g-14. Joab's title was "Prince of the Army" and in his day he was the greatest military chieftan of the world. He should rank with Joshua, Alexander, Hannibal, Julius Caesar, Crom- well, Napoleon and Grant. His faith in God never wavered (2 Sam. XXIV: 2-4) and he lost not one of his hundred battles. On Medeba's fair plain and waving meads Three mighty armies moved like some deep flood, Expecting signal triumph through brave deeds, While drenching fields and vales with human blood; And flashing spears and crests reflect the light But none might tell how many fall ere night. On Israel's right in ranks on ranks, appear The boasted Syrian host in purple gay, With chariot and horseman, bow and spear, Nor doubting issue of the coming fray ; Their champing steeds, bedecked with trappings brighti, Necks clothed with thunder, ready for the fight. And marshalled on the left a countless host That seemed to rob all Ammon of her men Whose sounding war cries rose in vaunting boast To strew the field with Israelites, and when. Amid the awful carnage, triumphs shout And chase the fleeincf Israelites wild rout» 14 Yet Joab's men were marshalled on the plain With waving banners in the morning sun, And nodding plumes were scattered through the train O'er veterans well scarred through vic'tries won ; But right and left confronting hordes so vast That even Joab's soldiers well might stand aghast. But chief among his warriors Joab stood All Israel's hope and pride, whose iron will Unyielding e'en as when in lustihood He led against the Jebusites' strong hill His forlorn hope in all his manhood's power, And stormed and took Jerusalem's high towers. He lifted up his head with kingly glance, And confident his gaze that all might see ; While warriors firmer grasped the sword and lance^ With faith that o'er them hovered victory ; Their chief, the hero of a hundred fights; Aye, but for Joab, where were Isr'el's might ? Then Joab waved his blade and raised his voice ; "Stand like massive rock 'gainst Syria's host ! And warriors with Abshai rejoice! Let not vain Ammon make one future boast !'* And as the chieftain spake his voice rang out With ringing vigor and exultant shout : — "Trust in the Lord of hosts! Quit ye like men! Yea, battle for the cities of our God ; For he shall give us victory again And chariots and horsemen feel his rod ; Lift up your towering heads, ye lofty gates ! The Lord of hosts, the King of glory waits. "Fear not vile worshippers of wood and stone; Fear not their numbers tho they seem a deluge ; But teach these heathen, God is God alone ; The mighty God of Jacob is our refuge I Dread sheol widely yawns for their doomed host ; For none this day save Israel shall boast ! 15 'Thilistia's lords were once in mail attired ; Yet now are they as tho they had not been ; O'erthrown the idols which once inspired The Jebusites and all their hordes of sin ; Altho defended by their lofty rock, To rise no more they fell 'neath Israel's shock! "God counts not numbers ! Yea, in Samson's day. With eyes plucked out by those vile heathen beasts, He wrecked their temple and did thousands slay. And gave to Israel fifty years of peace; Her warriors, kings and nobles 'mong her dead, Philistia was left without a head ! "Behold, the fairy forms of Israel's daughters ; With dance and rolling timbrels soon shall meet us, And wives and children join like rippling waters, And throngs and clashing cymbal then shall greet us ; For on our banners victory shall rest. And joy and gladness fill each loyal breast Then in two bands he marched his men between The two vast hordes of twice outnumb'ring foe, And faced his bands to foes, with faith serene That God would all their enemies o'erthrow, Opposing forces would the contest yield, And Israel in glory sweep the field. Then fierce and fast the rush and clash of steel, The neighing war-horse, the swift chariot's rattle. The javelins, spears, arrows, thousands reel. And fall as fall the brave in raging battle ; The captains and the shoutings ! Hark ! One shout, Exultant, fearless, Joab's voice rings out : — "Smite for the Lord of hosts! Stand for our King! Smite for our children, for our wives and homes! Yea, battle for our God ! Let triumphs ring ! Fight on till horse and rider are o'erthrown ! Smite, Isr'el, smite like hurricane's fierce breath Until each foe shall flee or sink in death ! 16 "Play ye the warrior ! God is on our side ! He fights for us in battle's fiercest hour ; And gives the victory ! Behold the tide Of war and triumph flows from his dread power. Wave banners, wave 'gainst gods of wood and stone, The battle is the Lord's and His alone !" Like ocean billows rolling up the shore, Assaulting in mad fury wave on wave, So Syria and Ammon, 'mid the roar Of battling thousands, fronting dangers brave; Yet e'en as mountain waves, by massive rock. The Israelites repel their fiercest shock. "The sword of God and Joab!" Isr'el cries; "Down with the heathen to the very dust !" O'er Medeba's wide plain the war-cry flies, And heathens flee as leaves 'fore autumn's gust; Like frightened sheep and goats from lion's roar The foes of Isr'el flee or sink in gore. And then the shouts of victory arise ; Israel' loud rejoicings fill the air; The voice of joy and gladness rend the skies And drown the sighs and groans of fell despair. While Joab, as tho crowned by some bright star, Moves in his glory like the god of war. And yet, shall widows, maidens, children mourn. Weep for their husbands, lovers, fathers, slain ; How many awful burdens must be borne ! And tears and tears shall fall and fall in vain ; Ten thousand friends and foes sleep sound together. To wake again to deeds of valor never. O Israel, Israel, ne'er again May some, great chieftain thy brave warriors lead, To strow with foes some famous battle plain ; But soon may joy and gladness come indeed ! Foul persecution tomb with other dead. And the Lord God of Jacob lift they head ! 17 ^SAMSON, CHAMPION AND JUDGE. CONTENTS. Fame of His Great Prowess, Termed Hercules in Greece, Loves a Philistine Damsel, Kills a Bear and Lion, Weds the Philistian Maiden, Wife Betrays Samson, And He Puts Her Away, The Three Hundred Jackals, Twice Causes Death of a Thousand, Carries Off Gates of Gaza, Delilah Betrays Him, Captured, Eyes Burned Out, Set Grinding At Mill, Brought to Temple of Dagon, Made the Sport of Philistines, Parts the Pillars of the Temple, And the Temple of Dagon Falls, Many Thousand Crushed to Death, Kings, Queens, Nobles and Chiefs Perish, Samson's Triumphant Death, Gives Hebrews Fifty Years of Peace. 18 19 SAMSON, CHAMPION-JUDGE OF ISRAEL. Written to Correct Misapprehensions of this , Wondefful Giant. The strength of Samson has become a proverb, Strong Samson, of the tribe of Dan, whose arm Seemed wrought from finest of selected steel. Whose love of country burned forever bright, Whose bravery was never in dispute ; Yet whose sad weakness, when by women tempted. Admirers of the man must e'er regret ; And yet his weakness, tho' so marked at times. Proved a blessing in his tragic death ; For from that wondrous, suicidal deed Came to all Israel fifty years of peace, Which sent to generations yet unborn, The friendly thought, that Samson's self oblation Showed plainly his unselfish bent within Had merely slept to wake in native grandeur, Heroic manhood had but dormant lain ; And so the life of this strange man is told. So weak at times, in peril ever bold ; And through all time 'mong worthies stands his name; His life was weak, his death a deathless fame. See Hebrews xi :32. 21 Yet noble and how godlike are the men, In whom the love of country, strength of will, With hearts and souls staid on their Maker, God! Are able to withstand temptations sore. Defy the subtle wiles of tempting foes And come off more than conquerors through life By strength imparted from Almighty God! Such are like Zion, never to be moved, Like everlasting hills which towering stand Aye, lifting high their peaks so proud and grand. Yet let us not judge harshly any man Who, in his love of country, counts not dear His very life, but sacrifices all For her defense, in death does gladly fall. And Samson of the Tribe of Dan, and son Of blessed Manoah, who dwelt in Zorah, Whose birth was heralded by angel fair. Foretelling he a Nazarite should be ; No razor e'er should come upon his head ; From birth should touch not wine, nor even grapes. Lest in them lurk a few fermented drops Of some intoxicating liquid there concealed. Which would make void his consecrated life. And render him the slave of appetite, And by and by, inflamed by mocking wine. Would wallow in the mire like filthy swine. Such was the famous Samson whose great strength Was heralded to other climes till myth And legend into heathen god transformed, Was worshipped by Egyptians and in Greece, Because of his great deeds of wondrous strength, Till Hercules' great name has since become A synonym of strength like Samson's self. Aye, just as gold is oft the term of wealth. For feats of strength do people e'er admire, With courage linked revered by son and sire. 22 When Samson had to manhood's state attained He one day took a journey into Tamnath, And feasted there his eyes on damsels fair. Of proud Philistia whose noted maids Were wondrous lovely and with winning ways ; Among them of surpassing beauty, one To whom at sight his heart and soul were drawn. He told his parents that he wished the maid To be his wife and bring her to his home; For tho' a damsel of a heathen race, Within his heart she had a welcome place. At this his parents made remonstrance strong, For slighting his own godly tribal maids, Among whom virtue was a heritage. His parents strongly plead, but all in vain, Their pleadings could not Samson's bent restrain. "My son," the mother said, "her steps take hold On sheol's pit; yea, in all other climes Our stricter virtues are but sins and crimes ! Our righteous laws forbid in strongest terms To worship at the idols of their priest; For all their forms are cruelty and lust, And e'er repellent to the pure and good. Are all their worship and their precepts too; Yea, soon cajoled by heathen wife, wilt thou Become the slave of lust as pagans are. There is no constant virtue by them taught. Their wanton worship colors all their life, A criminal is a virtuous wife. She may betray thee on thy bridal night ! Beloved son cling thou to God and right! Oh let them lead thee not in wanton way From Moses' God and virtue never stray!'* But Samson, e'er impatient of restraint, Turned in his anger from his mother's plaint. Brought home the damsel who had won his love. And she, on their betrothal, festal day, Betrayed her lord and brought on him such shame He sought revenge and duly took the same. 23 He realized the truth ; tho' fair to view, Nor high nor low of Tamnath's maids were true. The fair wife's falsity was on this wise ; 'Twas during the betrothal feast that he Propounded this his riddle to be guessed: "Out of the eater came forth meat ; And out of the strong came forth sweet." Yet none could solve the riddle which he put, Tho thirty raiment changes offered he. But when the guests the riddle failed to solve. They asked his bride her husband to betray; And, without honor, loyalty and truth, She coaxed and pleaded until he revealed The full solution of his riddle hard. Straightway she told the secret to the guests And then of course the riddle was soon guessed And all his parents' wisdom stood confessed. To Ashkelon went Samson in his rage, And slaying thirty men, their raiment took To pay the debt ; and ever after knew Dependence on Philistia's fair maids Was foolishness itself. Bereft of truth And virtue by their priesthood false and lewd Well Samson knew; yet strangely caution slept And heeded not the truth that he beware Of lovely heathen damsels false and fair. But let us make the famous riddle bare : One day as he was roaming far afield A bear assaulted him with savage bent. And with an ease that seemed but manly sport. He slew the savage beast tho all unarmed. Again a lion sprang upon himself; But with his mighty power he caught the beast And grasping both his jaws, a hand on each. He rent the lion's mouth asunder, tore His head apart and left the dead to rot, And by and by the ravens and the jackals Devoured his hide, and filesh and left his bones. 24 But passing by the place did Samson pause To watch the bees who, buzzing in and out, He saw had chosen hive for honey store Within the lion's skeleton itself. Then home went Samson to his wife and guests, Propounded this his riddle to be guessed: "Out of the eater came forth meat, And out of the strong came forth sweet." The untrue wife and husband lived apart ; But when she wed the groom, then Samson's wrath Did savage burn, nor did his vengeance cease Till life he gave and gave his country peace. One time three hundred jackals he secured And joined them two and two and to their tails Tied firebrands and let loose among the wheat, Belonging to Philistia. The harvest Was ruined, and Philistines sought revenge And murdered Samson's former wife and father. Because of real justice they had not The first conception ; but with all their skill In warfare and in building city walls. Their hearts and souls were brutish still ; Aye, all their learning led to greater crimes; Refinement made their cruelty more keen- Despising fear and number of the foe, Strong Samson ran the risk of death and torture, And sought revenge unto his dying breath. Appeased his vengeance not until his death. His countrymen reproached him for his folly In stirring up Philistia's fierce wrath. So gave him to his foes bound hand and foot; But when his captors raised triumphant shouts He broke the cords which bound him seeming fast And rushed upon them with a counter shout When panic seized the motley crowd of men. Who i\ed and trampled hundreds in the dust While Samson slaughtered score by score Until a thousand, heaps on heaps, lay dead, Then homeward went, his vengeance duly fed. 25 Again, surrounded by a host of foes While he defenseless seemed an easy prey, He saw at hand the skeleton of ass, And, wrenching jawbone from the carcass' head, He slew and scattered all the vengeful host. As in their fear they fled the victor's wrath ; Yet 'fore the slaughter ended he had wrought A wondrous victory ; for heaps on heaps He slew again a thousand men that day. And thus in rage kept up the lifelong fray. He loved at sight a lovely maid of Gaza, And she, like other heathen maids, knew naught Of honor, and at bidding of the lords Pretending ever that she loved him well. She formed a plan to trap and bind him fast. The damsel false, by winsome, charming ways And saying he was dear to her as life. Secured his faith in her; tho' oft deceived. He fell asleep lulled by her cooing tones ; And she detained him till the gates were shut That he might thus be trapped and firmly bound. But just at midnight Samson woke and rose. And with a pow'r, which seemed impossible. He wrenched the massive gate and posts all free And carried them away as though in sport. And safely reached him home ere break of day And cheated heathen schemers of their prey. A score of years had fled since his false wife Had gone to Tamnath and had joined her kin. And Samson had become the Judge of Dan And Benjamin and Judah, rend'ring less Intolerant the hateful rule of their harsh foes. For when Philistines made a robber raid Upon his tribes, instead of mere defense. He made a counter rush within their land And havoc and destruction by his band Were swift and fearful as a whirlwind's track; Grim desolation left they at their back. 26 Behind their flying feet left all forlorn: The reckless raiders held their foes in scorn. And ere pursuit began the band was gone. More than before was Samson's capture sought Twas last of his amours that Samson met Dehlah dazzlmg m her form and face Embodiment of charms and witching grace And yet a harlot, merely a decoy To lure weak Samson in a new found ioy And soon she lured him by her winning charms To sleep confidingly within her arms. wtf " ?^ ^^^^"^ ^^"^ o^ ^is secret strength Why he was stronger than all other men -rf J"l .^'"^ ^"^ '°^^^^ him o'er and i'er Ihat her he could not love while he withheld His secret from her when she loved him so » Three times he lied and kept his secret hid Then we must part," she said, "or you must tell IndTk^tL'" '7v^ \ '''''' '' ^°- ^^^' And 1 ke the weakling that he was in love, ?u .u'^ f" ^^^ ^°"^^^ of his great st^en-th Then with false kisses and endearing words " Tlnn'T^^""^ ^""'^ ^^"^ his dear head to rest Upon her lap and whispered but of love in love the hero is a lovesick boy. And Samson slumbered when the fair decoy' Lulled each suspicion by bewitching smile h en as mother Eve did first beguile. And Samson slept while his long raven locks ^4u ""IIJ ?"^ ^'°"' his poor, foolish head. 1 he Philistines be upon thee!" she cries And Samson rises, shakes himself withal'- Yet finds that languor and strange weakness reigns Ihrough all his muscles ; yea, his strength has fled. Me vainly tries to overcome this state But naught could rid him of his lethargy 27 His Hands he carries to his head and learns That fair Delilah has proved false to him, That all her words and kisses were to trap him, That all her sweet caresses to deceive, That she were but a spy, a mere decoy To lure him to a capture worse than death ; For mocked by his vile captors, made their sport. Subjected to indignities through spite And gloated o'er as the' a beast of prey; *'Too late! to late!'' he murmured to himself, *'Too late ! too late to guard against the truth That heathen damsels, heathen nobles all Are destitute of honor and of worth ! Had I but kept the laws by Moses given. And put my trust in Jacob's God alone, I ne'er had been subjected to this fate; But by the Lord of hosts been kept forever: Too late! too late to heed my parent's warning! Too late! too late! How bitter is the thought That I have brought these woes upon myself! Had I but chosen Israel's lowest maid The thought of base betrayal ne'er had found The slightest welcome in her loyal breast; But aided my escape and peril braved; To save her lover she had risked her life; But no ! too late, too late ; for ever late To save me from this base degrading fate!" Then captors bound him fast in leathern thongs All his resistance being childish strength ; Within his face they spat and cuffed by turns In brutish exultation and in glee, While fair Delilah smiled as she beheld The royal captive through her wanton arts, And this the hardest trial of his life, And deepest dregs of woe he drank and prayed For strength once more to break his bands again, Tho' without weapon, bravely battling die. But dancing, all around with impish glee, His captors shouted, "Dagon ! Dagon hail ! Now Royal Samson, where's thy mighty God? To rescue thee why comes he not in might? 28 Behold how Dagon puts thee in our power! Behold how Dagon guards Philistia; Thou hast long defied in pride; but at length Our Dagon hath deprived thee of thy strength!" And then they brought him bound, to Gaza's king Applying lashings to his naked back To break his spirit proud and rend his soul. Respect for fallen greatness they had none ; But at a signal from the cruel king, Was Samson thrown upon his back and held ; Tormentors burned out both his eyes, and then Thick darkness fell upon the world forever ! So horrible the pain his grOans were deep; Yet with his tortured soul could not compare ; For nevermore could Samson do and dare. And then they set him grinding at the mill With cruel blows and lashings on his back Kept naked, raw and bleeding day by day To humble his proud spirit in the dust ; For was he not a tribal judge and prince To whom a stripe was worse than death itself? But was it inborn lust that ruled his life? Or mostly for revenge his acts were swayed? Or largely leading by his pagan wife? Or surplus vital life which gave him strength And through abundant vital force caused him So easily to stray? What made him slave Of lust and passion? Who of us can say? His fatal weakness led him to his fate; When he repented it was all too late. But by and by his clipped locks grew again ; Tho' slightly; yet he realized the truth, And felt returning strength through all his limbs. A still small voice within him seemed to say, "Thou art not left alone; for I am with thee; Of all thy captors be not thou afraid ; Turn thou to me and I will give thee aid !" 29 Then Samson's strength returned with doubled might Yet still dissembled he to captors near, And seemed to push and strain with weakened pow'r, Submitting to the lashings and the blows, Deceiving his vain captors to the last. While waiting patiently perchance to strike And show Philistia his strength and might From Israel's mighty God of truth and right. And one great festal day at Dagon's Temple, When kings and nobles, warriors, queens were there And full three thousand gathered on the roof, The cry burst forth, "Bring on ! bring Samson on ! That we may have the greatest sport and joy! Bring on the strong man ! bring him forth. That we may see how weak and low this giant Has become beneath our sway. Let him come on! And tho' he cannot see our god, we'll shout The cry of Dagon, Dagon, Dagon ! in his ears; For he hath him delivered unto us! Bring Samson on! bring on this feeble boy! That we may have the greater sport and joy!" Then Samson was led forth and stood in wait While laugh and hoot and yell were aimed at him, Who stood as lion ready crouched to spring; Yet as insulting jests and epithets were hurled Upon the lion caged, he softly said : *T pray thee, good lad, lead me to the pillars That I may lean against them and find rest." His bidding did the lad and Samson leaned 'Gainst one of the two pillars holding roof. While thousands laughed to see him weak and faint. He breathed an agonizing prayer to God : — "O God of Abraham, hear me, hear me! O God of Isaac, hear thou my prayer! 30 O mighty God of Jacob, hear thou me ! O God of Moses, who didst wondrous things, Hear thou my fervent prayer and help me now ! Return my former strength, and overthrow This idol Dagon and its devotees, And silence their deriding, vaunting boasts! Lord, I have sinned and basely turned from thee ; Yet have I suffered till my soul is sick That these vile heathen and their idol Dagon Now triumph o'er a judge- of Israel. Lord of hosts, but give me strength once more. To bring this temple down and victor die. And my most grievous wrong wipe out in death, And bring to Israel peace from her proud foes, And end by this oblation all these woes! "Praise, O my soul, the Lord of hosts who hears ! 1 feel the rushing tide of strength return Through all my muscles strong as brazen bands ! Now, as I bow, be thou my strength O Lord Lord God of Sabaoth, thy pow'r afiford !" Then, placing one hand each against a pillar. Strong Samson bowed himself with old-time strength. *Twas but a moment and the column blocks Did part asunder and the spreading roof And massive temple walls with deaf'ning noise Came tumbling, rushing, crashing to the earth Like roaring thunder when the storm cloud bursts; And Sheol's flag of darkness was unfurled; Death and destruction seemed to sway the world ! And yells, and howls, and shrieks of fell despair And dying wails and moans now filled the air, Then one long chorus of deep, dying groans Despairing rose from 'neath the massive stones; Kings, queens and nobles, warriors, leaders all Were buried in one grave by temple's fall. 31 And where lay Samson in this mighty tomb? His eyes were sightless ; yet he knew no gloom ; He realized the havoc he had wrought; He knew that through his death was triumph bought. When the great ruin came amid the shock He lay crushed, bleeding "neath a pillar block; Yet raised his voice in one triumphant cry ; "Lo, Jacob's God doth Dagon weak defy ! Hallelujah! What joy, -what bliss to die!" And thus, in Samson's last triumphant day, With eyes burned out by those vile heathen beasts, He wrecked their temple and did thousands slay. And gave to Israel fifty years of peace ; With warriors, kings and nobles 'mong the dead, Philistia was left without a head. My tale is told, the hero passed from earth ; Regretting weakness, let us own his worth ; A slave to evil thoughts can ne'er be wise ; But one great deed like Samson's never dies ! And while time's billows endlessly shall roll May peace and joy, O Samson, fill thy soul ! And through all time 'mong worthies stand thy name ; Thy life was weak, thy death a deathless fame! 32 33 feli'^'ll-H 35 CONTENTS OF HAROLD HOLLANDSBERG ALIAS VANDERDECKEN ; A LEGEND TALE OF AMSTERDAM. CONTENTS. Harold and His surroundings, His Fairy Sea Waif, Harold at sea, his moral fall. Captain at twenty-five, His victorious sea fight, Storm ofif Cape of Good Hope, Blasphemy and awful Doom, Angel Gretchen's visit, Wilhelmina, The Transformation, homeward bound, Amsterdam wild with joy, Harold's confession, Wilhelmina's joy. Conclusion. Good Harold Hollandsberg, son of fair Gretchen, And nephew of wealthy Von Vanderdecken, And grandson on the proud maternal side Of bold Commander Baron Veeringhofif Who won 'the battle fierce in brave defence Of Amsterdam 'gainst the Austrian duke. Fair Gretchen, Harold's mother, was the maid Crowned May day, in her girlhood, village queen, And yet among the dames the fairest still: A widow now she had her much loved boy, Her noble, manly son, her pride and joy; Her husband had his love of country sealed: He fell in her defence on battlefield. 36 And then there was a fairy, guileless waif, Five years the junior of her hero son, A little miss who gazed in perfect faith And admiration into Harold's face As tho of other clay than common men; iFor she, as sole survivor of a ship Dashed upon the shore by the storm a wreck, And little Willhelmina, yet alive, By Harold was discovered on the beach. Who cast aside his shells and claimed the prize, And prized her ever more than life itself. His constant aim seemed e'er to make her happy His highest joy to do her merest wish; And mother Gretchen took his sea waif in And cared for her as kindly as her own; Yet Harold always thought her his alone. But at fourteen and Willhelmina nine A change came o'er the household's quiet life ; For Harold then was called to Amsterdam, Through the potential word of Vanderdecken, To enter a great shipping house as clerk The patron uncle of our hero boy, ► Saw much in Harold of the coming man, And his prized nephew called to Amsterdam. And at the parting Willhelmina wept; And e'en when Harold bade her to be brave, Restrained herself but for the moment, when Would burst the bonds of all her pent up grief And sad, unbidden tears would flow afresh As tho she saw some dire event to come. At this first time that she and son must part, Tho mother Gretchen felt the deeper smart. Resolved on calmness tho it break her heart, And all that night the mother never slept; But trusted in her God and wept and wept. P'ive years had passed, and Harold now nineteen, And risen to an influential post Where, trusted by all members of the house, Kind Vanderdecken marked with pride the youth. And yet again, through his kind word, was sent To higher altitudes of business trust; 37 And by and by, to master young the art Of ocean commerce, he was duly sent To trade for India's boasted untold wealth, And deal in gold and slaves and souls of men, Considered then, by lovers of the church. As duly sanctioned by the word of God ; And step by step he trod the downward way, Absorbed in self till selfishness bore sway. The uncle wholly unaware of change Of moral status in his nephew-son. Was proud and boasting of his protege Till Harold was termed, Harold Vanderdecken, Increasing Harold's pride and glance hauteur Save to his patron good Von Vanderdecken, Beloved most by those who knew him best. To whom he bended low with humble speech, In false humility concealing pride And vain ambition's aim to reach the head When others should obey his slightest word And those who e'er beheld him own him lord. At only twenty-five was Harold placed In full command of a staunch merchant ship, Well armed 'gainst pirates foul and other foes For Holland then with Britain was at war. And Harold strode the deck with lordly mien: Instead of comely speech of worthy youth, The frequent oath came easy from the tongue. And sometimes curses that the crew might know That he was master of the goodly ship From keel to topmast and from stem to stern. Some judged him by an evil spirit driven That should debar him from the gates of heaven, While others thought by lunacy possessed Which drove all former goodness from his breast, Till not one man of those 'neath his command But wished himself again in fatherland. Howe'er, I think on man do honors large Oft turn the head and heart from true estate. And strongly tempted does the tempted fall By yielding first to one and then to all 38 His sore temptations; and thus overcome His passions rule him like the fiend of rum. Yet Gretchen, Willhelmina last of all Would e'er imagine their loved Harold's fall ; So prayed in faith that blessings from on high Descend on him with guardian angels nigh. And thus around famed Good Hope's Cape they sailed, When right ahead there came a sloop of war, The flag of Briton's Isle at masthead waving And heavy laden with rich prizes taken. Before a stiff breeze came she dashing on E'en like a lion bounding for his prey; For British and the Dutch were still at war, And plundering the merchant craft of each. At hailing distance came the loud command, "Back your maintopsail, strike flag and heave to!" And sent a shot across the Dutchman's bow; When shouted Harold, like a thunder peal All unexpected from a clear blue sky, "Stand to your guns ! and on yon English ship Let each carronade belch forth fire and smoke And messengers of death until she holds Each foe unarmed!" And then the battle raged. The British ship was manned with twice the force Of men and more than twice the strength of guns; Yet on and on, inspired by Harold's speech And dauntless courage, the unequal fight Surged high and fierce 'mid cannons' blast and roar; And spite of odds the warring balance hung In doubt without decline to either side Until the British captain gave command To lash the vessels side by side and board. And as the British charged and clambered o'er The Dutchman's gunwale, thence to reach their deck, They loudly cheered to find such easy prey Still battling bravely 'gainst such fearful odds. The English captain waved his sword and cried, "Cut down these barking dogs and sink them all Within their little kennel ; yet spare those Surrendering and trusting Briton's mercy! On! on! brave British tars, and cut them down!" 39 Retorted Harold, "Dogs are we, ye curs? Take that and that! Tars of Holland, on with me! Spare not one boarder as he leaps on deck; Aye, give them not a chance to deal their strokes ; But cut them down, before they stride our deck! Well done, ye sons of Holland! aye, well done! Once more, ye Holland's Mars! The vict'ry's won!" Repulsed the British paused, and Harold's voice rang out; "Think of the prize we'll take to Fatherland With her rich treasures for our Holland homes ; How Holland and old Amsterdam shall joy, And each of us, with riches heavy laden, Shall live, like burgomaster's honored life, A hero and the pride of fatherland ! Here comes another band to be o'erthrown. Ye tars of Holland, on! The fight's our own! Your captain leads the way ! Then follow me And win a grand, glor'ous victory!" Again the struggle raged; and sabre thrust, And cut and gash as fiends incarnate war With Harold at the head in every charge, The seeming incarnation of grim war. Defying fear while none could stay his might; And still the contest in the balance hung Till overcome by numbers Harold's men gave way, And all seemed lost as bravely British tars. Through whom Britannia long ruled the wave. Rang out their cheers and followed the retreat, When Harold yelled, "Once more for Holland's glory! Now follow me, brave men! We'll win the fight! Aye, victory is ours ! Now they give way ! Now on with me once more and gain the day !'' Then with rush and stroke, slaying as he goes, He leads the last fierce charge upon their foes; Each captain leading for the other's life, And thus in single combat ends the strife; The British captain swung his fiercest stroke; But met by Harold's hilt in twain it broke ; With one fell blow, bold Harold's sword came down. E'en to the very neck right through the crown. 40 No braver warrior fell on battlefield, Or on the ocean e'er was forced to yield. "What pity!" Harold murmured, "that such fate Should one, so brave, in life's full prime o'ertake! And now, my men, care well for all our foes ; They fought too well to suffer needless woes.' All kindly cared for, foes were set adrift With boat and food to reach a friendly port; Then the two vessels, sailing side by side, Essayed to round the cape with wind abaft; The sky was clear presaging weather fair; But few the future ever can declare ; A head wind rose and lashed the sea to rage ; An angry storm came on and lightning flashed : Loud thunder rolled, winds heightened to a roar, And blasts to tatters soon the mainsail tore And drove the helpless vessels to the shore ; One ship a helpless wreck, the other staunch, And stowing all on one again they launch. Their single ship with riches for them all, Again they set their sails for fatherland, The sky again was clear, the sun shone bright And filled the sailors' hearts with fond delight ; Now soon to meet their frous and sweet frauleens- When nevermore should dark seas roll between. Yet when they hoisted sail repaired and strong. When by fair breezes swept so kind along Another storm arose more fierce and wild And great waves rocked them like a cradled child ; Loud thunders rattled linked with lightning's frown. And the rain in sheets like a flood came down; Where but in God could man a refuge find? Again the howling blasts the mainsail rent Yet wilder, fiercer still the dread storm howled And yet again, 'mid elemental roar, The ship was being driven to the shore On mountain billows higher than before. 'Twas then occurred the thing — we call it thing — ■ The awful thing that makes the blood run cold : Destruction staring in their very face, When all the crew seemed paralyzed with dread. 41 Then Harold shouted high above the blast : — "Men, to your posts and save the ship or die ! What, shrink we at these mimic cannon blasts? Are we the men who fought for Holland's glory? And won that fiercest fight in Holland's name? And shall we cow tho death itself beset? Let thunders roar and lightnings flash aflame! Defy the might of ocean, earth or heaven !" Then like some impish fiend shook high his fist, And while the crew heard not the words he spake, Because the elements were all at war, They knew he was defying powers divine : All stood transfixed with horror and affright With vessel bathed in strange, infernal light. Then came a brighter flash and peal of thunder. While circling flames played round where Harold stood; An instant more his right arm drop't, and swaying, He staggered to and fro and prostrate fell. And all unconscious to the vessel's deck : And then, 'tis said, there came a silent pause, No thunder rolled ; the very sails hung loose ; The breezes ceased, and Sol did veil his face ; Silence reigned profound : so the legend reads. While stagnant stood the blood within the veins; All nature moved not! Supreme silence reigned! But soon two godly men recalled his youth, His godly mother and pure Willhelmina, And raised the fallen man and carried him Within the captain's cabin just alive, And there they left him as they thought to die. Where, in dark visions, he beheld vile imps Who came and laughed in glee and shrieked in wrath, And others watched as if to tear and rend. While lightnings flashed again and thunders rolled, And moaning angels wept and wept and moaned. While one, with streaming eyes and outstretched hands, So strangely like his mother, well he knew That she had passed to paradise, but came To seek and save ; for mother's love fails not, While hate divided 'gainst itself is weak. 42 He tried to stretch his hands, but could not move them; He tried to lift his voice, but made no sound; And slowly faded she away with moans And sad, sad tears as loving angels shed When mortals stray instead of seeking good. The man so brave, who ne'er before knew fears, Now prayed to find relief in flowing tears; Yet not one tear bedimmed his burning eyes, And Harold once so strong now helpless lies ! "Lost, lost', lost!" he mused in fell despair; "For even my dear mother, ever pure. Has left for heaven, and left me without hope. Yes, love has failed while fiends do o'er me reign ; For angels' tears and love are all in vain !" For full nine days he lingered on the brink Of death's cold river and outgoing tide ; And then he woke from semi-conscious trance, Sat up and questioned of the last few days ; When he was told that many times the crew Had hoisted sail to start for Holland's shores; Yet all their efforts proved but vain attempts Against the howling storms which rose ahead ; And now the ocean lay so strangely calm Which more than tempest filled them with alarm. Then Harold in his weakness fell asleep. The voice of sweet toned Willhelmina, The maid for whom he'd gladly give his life, Like sweetest music, whispered in his ear: "All hate and wrath and sinful things are weak; Divided 'mong themselves they cannot stand; Aye, while untruths tho wedded often fight A thousand truths can never disagree ; But e'er united truth shall triumph win, Divided e'er there'll be an end of sin. By no despair be from our God beguiled. Nor doubt you are our Heavenly Father's child. My Harold dear, your mother's faith renew While night and day I pray in faith for you." For one brief moment Harold found relief, And yet the next was plunged in deeper grief: 43 A horrid demon stood beside his berth, And said in tones severe, distinct and grave, "Blasphemer, thou shalt ne'er see home again, Nor hear again thy mother's angel voice, Nor one sweet cadent tone of Willhelmina; For thy foul sin can never be atoned ! So shalt thou beat around this stormy cape Forever and forevermore in vain. Nor peace, nor joy shall visit thee again ; Thy restless soul shall toss like raging main !" He roused again, and prayed and plead in vain, Rose from his berth and slowly paced the deck, Shunned by the crew as if a demon lost While heaven and earth seemed frowning 'gainst his soul And days wore on and still the ship lay calmed, Or sore beset with storms of fiercest bent; Thus many weary days were sadly spent. And then one night he sunk in slumber deep And dreamed his angel mother Gretchen came And told him she had passed through death's cold flood, Yet still was he her much loved pride and joy. That Willhelmina prayed for his return That she might look upon himself again : How good, how kind he'd been to her alway! And now she prayed to bring great bliss to him 'Mid changing scenes her love for him remains E'er like her own in blissful realms above. Then added Angel Gretchen to her son, "She'd hardly know you now so greatly changed; Yet soon shall you be suffered to return And meet in joy and tell your awful tale; And then if she to marry you consents You shall her wed, with every fault forgotten, Yet greater joy shall come to both at last! Receive my blessing. We shall meet again Where sin can never come, nor grief nor pain!" Dear reader, bear in mind these warning words ; Take not for granted that these visions strange Are written here as truths like Holy Writ ; They are but records of those legend tales That come from olden times in Amsterdam ; 44 And yet to Harold seemed these visions strange As true and real as events of life, And to our hero were true lessons given As tho they came direct from highest heaven. But to return to Harold HoHandsberg: When his sweet mother's spirit took its flight With joy unspeakable Harold rose And gained the deck, clothed and in mind aright. And as he spake the whole crew greatly marvelled At the kind, loving tone and manner gentle ; 'For beaming through his face his soul shone forth E'en as good mother Gretchen's, and they knew A heavenly transformation had been wrought. And all the crew were strangely to him drawn, And kindly asked, for him could they do aught? At which he bade them kneel, and would each pray That they might all return in safety soon, All hearts the realms of righteousness and peace, To tread once more the paths of fatherland And greet their loving frows and frauleens, too? And so they prayed and hope filled every heart. And sails were duly set by fair winds fed While their loved flag of Holland waved o'erhead ; 'Twas like a resurrection from the dead. Then the crew shouted long and loud with glee ; And sung the good old songs of fatherland; The sun shone out afresh and ocean danced And frollicked as they glided round the cape On swift and joyous cruise of homeward bound: And on the vessel sailed o'er dark, blue sea. And left the troubled waves, far, far alee. A happy voyage full of joy to each E'en to the North Sea waves and Holland's beach. To greet with joy and gladness fatherland. Old Amsterdam's staid town was crazed with joy; Fond hearts o'erflowed and thankful tears were shed ; For people long had mourned the crew as dead; And as they sailed in view of Amsterdam Her citizens went wild and bells all rang And crowds came singing, cheering might and main, Rejoicing that the dead now lived again! 45 Rejoiced they just as angels ever joy- When God, our Fatherj finds one long lost boy! Ah, how the good news spread from town to town; The ship and crew were safe, the lost were found ! And wives and sweethearts came with joy to meet them, And all their friends and neighbors rushed to greet them ; Such happy tears of joy ne'er known before And Harold's Willhelmina, filled with joy To wind her arms around her sailor boy. And Harold's bliss was then without alloy, Was frauleen e'er before so truly blest To weep for joy upon her lover's breast? The richest prize that e'er to Holland came, And every tongue proclaimed our hero's fame; The business house made rich beyond compute, Each sailor wealthy, too, beyond dispute, And hero Harold made a millionaire, And little Willhelmina, fairest of the fair. Was soon to be his bride in queenly gown From queen to rose of Amsterdam's famed town. All loved this rose of innocence and grace Whose sweet, angelic soul shone through her face And captured all who saw, in fatherland, The little waif once found upon the strand, Cast up from vessel's wreck to Holland given, Direct from fairy land or right from heaven ; And Harold then forgot his dire alarms With Willhelmina clasped within his arms. The neighbors took for granted from the first That Harold and Willhelmina were engaged; Yet naught of husband, wife or wedding bells Had passed between the couple in their lives; Contented both to seek each others weal. But as they sat together one fair eve Our hero all his strays from good confessed, Nor aught withheld of all his wickedness. Then Harold added with a saddened face, ''My love for you has never known one change; Unselfish, ever seeking but your weal ; From boyhood's days you've been my guiding star; Nor life nor death my love for you can mar. 46 And yet, blasphemer of my Lord, I'm cursed; ] cannot marry you and drag you down. Think you these men, who heard and know my guilt, Will fail to tell their frows and frauleens all? My sin, now secret through this present joy. Shall soon be bruited on a thousand tongues, And scornful glances be directed meward. And love for me shall bring you greater woe. No, VVillhelmina, I've forfeited heaven And bide the forfeit; but I'll not harm you So innocent, so like an angel true !" Then Willhelmina, upon his arm her hand, "Our angel mother came to you in dreams And said that if I, after full confession. Would wed you, not by mere consent, but gladly Then would you be absolved from every sin. And once more be a son of God our Father. Dear Harold, hear me say, 'Twas but a dream; Yet one our Heavenly Parent sent to you. But what can make you aught but Gretchen's son? And what can make you other than God's child? Can man's denial change a single truth? Let God be true tho every man should lie ! If you are lost from God that simple truth Is proof he owns and claims you as his own. And now, dear Harold, king of men to me, The hero, saviour of your loving waif, I never dreamed of bliss so great before ; But ever thought some other you would choose. Perhaps the worthy daughter of a king While I should love you none the less afar. bliss! can this be other than a dream? One added blessing and I die of joy! 1 am so gorged with bliss I cannot chide ; I can but joy that even you have sinned If that has made me yours and made you mine. Receive this kiss to clasp the golden chain ; In life, in death we ne'er shall part again. Still Willhelmina. smiling and serene, "No, Harold, dear, you shall not sin so great, Plunge me from heights of joy to deepest woe Because of your mistaken, morbid whim; 47 For even as I cannot, will not doubt you, I will not, nay I cannot, live without you; Since you love none save me, where'er you roam On land or ocean there shall be my home ; To love you, bless you, leave your side, no never, Were paradise itself to me forever! Not one dissenting word ; hear me to the end : Why, think you for one sin God will not lend; Aye, give you his blessing more free believe 'Than you, my Harold, willing to receive? Our God of love is not a helpless child ; Then would your sin make you far more defiled j For which the greater sin, depraved and low, To deal a giant, or a child a blow? Would mother Gretchen, she so pure in heart, For even greatest sin, bid us depart? Nay, Harold, nay! she'd search the universe To save you and me from a single curse ! And is our Heavenly Father far less kind? Or will he seek and search until he find? Eternity has God to seek the lost And ne'er will cease to save the tempest tossed : Shake ofif your morbid thoughts and whims and fears, And let us grasp the bliss of future years. "Our Judge shall weigh you at the judgment seat And more than earthly justice to you meet. And turn the balance ever to your side As tho the weigher were your loving bride ; For no such kindly judge to man is given Than our good Father God in highest heaven. There is no heaven if God is e'er unkind ; But God is love and naught but love shall find A dwelling-place within his gracious soul ; He seeks the lost while endless ages roll. And you would forfeit heaven for love of me? Can bliss than mine e'er higher, sweeter be? Yea, such unselfish love no tongue can tell, Nor e'er the glories of your heart excel ! May peace unceasing give you joy sublime With virtues countless and a single crime!" Then Harold in reply, "I must respond ; For greater sin would be deserting you. To learn thy wish has been but to obey; My aim shall ever be to make you blest, So good, so pure, so like an angel fair And side by side we'll tread life's paths together, Ne'er to part forever and forever." Then Willhelmina, 'What can I say. But heaven descends on this our happy day? One joyous heaven of bliss without alloy, — Myself a heaven ! my life a thing of joy ! And my chief joy shall be in making you The very soul of bliss all this world through, That peace may fill your heart through all earth's time, With virtues boundless and a single crime. Of many versions this is merely one Of legends told of Harold Hollandsberg, Called sometimes Vanderdecken, any name To suit the fancy of the author's mind. With sequel oft so sad that readers weep At bitter ending of this thrice told tale. To think a captain, with such noble traits, For only one sad sin, however great, Should be forbidden e'er his soul to mend, Yet suffer tortures keenly without end. Therefore a milder sentence I invoke ; For Holy Writ doth teach, that but one sin Is wholly inexcusable with God, And that sin this alone : 'tis charging God With spirit vile like foul Beelzebub The heathen god of flies or unclean god ; For Mark, of all the gospel writers doth Alone explain the meaning of this sin : — "Because they said he hath an unclean spirit!'* And, therefore, reader think not ill of God, Of His pure Spirit as He deals with men; For "God is love," and all his attributes Are manifestations of supreme love. In foulest of his dark, blasphemous guile He never charged our God with Spirit vile; 49 And, therefore Harold, who ne'er so accused His A/[aker of uncleanness could not be Condemned in strict justice and equity! And Thus this legend here we now conclude With untold joy in all its plentitude. Our hero, Harold Hollandsberg was wed To lovely Willhelmina, and the pair Were feted by the folk for leagues around. And good Von Vanderdecken's joy was deep To see his protege a king of men With wife the best belov'd of Holland's maids, And at her side there stood a lovely belle, The daughter of a famous baron, who So influential gave the bride away. And added glory came to Amsterdam, Illuming all the realm of fatherland. And ne'er were happy wife and husband made Embarrassed even by the darksome tale ; No man of Holland dared to wag the tongue In slander tales of Harold doing wrong; Been mobbed such traitor by an angry throng. But oft when riding through staid Amsterdam, While frous and frauleens waved their handkerchiefs. The men and youth all shouted high with glee, "Here comes the hero of the toughest fight That ever raged upon the ocean wave. And took the richest prize of all the war! Now cheer for Harold Hollandsberg and bride !~^ Aye, make the welkin ring for Holland's glory!" And with such joyous cheer we end our story. The end. 50 51 ABRAHAM LINCOLN, THE GREAT. Great Abraliam Lincoln, so truly great ! So great in goodness, noble in pure love ! His tender soul was ever reaching out To every human heart in suffering. To bird and beast; yea, everything with life That needed sympathy and friendship sweet: Nor hate, nor selfishness, he met in men, Be they his deadliest, malignant foes, Could ever tempt him to commit a wrong 'Gainst any man who happened in his way. Than life of this great man what nobler theme For prophet's vision or a poet's dream ? 53 Born in the year of eighteen hundred, nine, Among the mountaineers of Old Kentuck, So noted for their love of liberty, Devotion to the Union of the States, And love and worship of the Stars and Stripes! His birth a prophecy of coming good ; For to this end he lived and died for man ! Great hearted, sweet-souled lover of mankind, Determined he the Union to maintain. That this great beacon light of all the world — • "A government of the people, and for The people, and by the people, should not Perish from off the earth," but lead all nations To paths of peace and love to God and man ! His lovely mother, pure-souled Nancy Hanks, So worthy of such an unselfish son : Tho he, unpolished as a diamond rough Just taken from the womb of mother earth ; Yet in his radiant soul a heavenly light, Fed by oil of love, burned ever bright. He down the Mississippi River went, At New Orleans beheld an auction sale Of male and female slaves which struck his soul With such deep horror, loathing and disgust, That should the opportunity occur, He'd strike the serpent hard and crush its head ; And tho with obstacles on every side His vow was never changed by life's strong tide, 'Twas not mere prejudice 'gainst business firms ; But deep strange enmity 'gainst those in want And opposition strong to Lincoln's views That history has sometimes falsified His keen, deep sympathy for needy men, Omitting that he favored work for them (The greatest temp'ral boon for those in need) Though tariff strong protecting business here As Jefferson did favor tariff strong. Thus when he ran for office needy men He ne'er forgot, but boldly gave his views : 54 "My politics, dear Friends, are short and sweet: A nation's bank to banish wild-cat bills, Internal improvements for all the land, A tariff high for every needy man. That he employment may obtain with wage Through ample business to supply our wants Instead of our home markets crammed with goods By foreign firms to rob our men of work !" Such, in substance, were Lincoln's politics, And thus whenever he for office ran He ne'er lost sight of work for needy man. Elected President, he ne'er forgot Vile slav'ry's evil and the slave's hard lot; Yet smote not hard until the time was ripe For Emancipation Proclamation ; When freedom for our land was born anew, And freedom's trumpet sounded clearer notes Which now are heard at earth's remotest bounds; The music of the song shall never cease, But shall be sung yet sweeter in high heaven When liberty to all our race is given. Well I remember that deep, stirring call. And how they rushed f'-cm cot and palace hall, And to their country's rescue how they flew Like Highland clans at blast of Rod'ric Dhu! Not for mere holiday they marched so grand; But die, if need be, for their native land ! And on they came, on to the front they rushed Like fierce tornado or the storm cloud burst! Naught should divide this dear beloved land; Old Glory wave, the Union victor stand ! Ring out, the victor blast o'er slav'ry's sea; The Union Triumphant, her people free! And sung the Union hosts from shore to shore, "We're coming, Father Abraham, three hundred thousand more I" Their mem'ry cherish, make the welkin ring. Our love of country be without alloy Till morning stars again together sing And all the sons of God shall shout for joy! 55 Now when the war broke forth in all its wrath, Our President saw "clearly our true path: Said Lincoln in his judgment keen and true, "Now let our arms true wisdom's path pursue : In battle bring all forces in full play; No other course than this can win the day; The opposite but gives ourselves away !" Yet oft came news, "Our army's in retreat; We've suffered still another sore defeat !" Then Lincoln, shamed and saddened, gravely asked, "Were all our soldiers at the front enmassed?" And the reply, "Full thirty thousand men Ne'er charged nor fired a rifle there and then!" "O God," cried Lincoln, "are we in the wrong? If so, let not this awful war prolong; But if, O Lord of Hosts, we're in the right, Send us a brave commander who will fight !" And while our northern foes did rave and rant, God sent him Sherman, Sheridan, and Grant. For when the brave confederates did yieli, When Union soldiers won the battle field. The beaten army merely then withdrew Without our victor forces to pursue; Allowed were they to leave without molest As though the foe were but our honored guest. By this foul course was Lincoln's bosom torn. And Union of her fruits of triumph shorn ; But when came Grant and other leading chiefs Discarded Lincoln his despairing griefs. Had Lincoln but himself assumed control. Had led the Union men in triumph bold, Yea, led the Union force in victor's strength, The cruel war been cut its fearful length, The Lord of hosts had shown His milder wrath, The cost of war reduced at least one-half, And half the killed and wounded home returned And light of joy in other households burned. Yea, 'fore this turn, at Gettysburg's great fight, The news came pouring in the fight was hot, 56 And every regiment was at the front, He lay all night upon his breast in prayer To our great Lord of righteousness and might, And as he rose from prayer at morning dawn He heard the news, "The victory is ours !" The nation's fate hung on that crucial day And every troop was in that bloody fray. Thus plainly showing Lincoln's views were right — ? United all the only way to Sght. Said Lincoln, "God did answer me my prayer; Myself I gave unto him then and there ! For I had vowed, if God would then impart This triumph, I would give the Lord my heart !" But in the war, that tested souls of men, Were people rampant in the northern states, The very men who caused the needless war By cheering on disunionists to fight, Abusing Lincoln and our loyal men. Encouraging the South to persevere And slavery defend and e'en enlarge. "We have no right," they cried, "to save the Union If slav'ry's abolition it requires; If war means freedom, better come defeat!" Such heedless talk caused many a sad retreat. Hot-headed Southern men were not in fault One-half as much as Northern hypocrites Denouncing Abe and cheering on his foes. Had we but bought the freedom of the slaves It had not cost one-half expense of war Saved a half-million lives of sterling men. But certain northern people, day and night. Encouraged the deluded south to fight. Another cry saluted soon our ears When duly we enlisted colored troops ; For frantic at this added Union aid These people at the North were so half-crazed They seemed more anxious far that there be slain One hundred whites than one of Africa's sons Should for the Union fall by rebel guns. These enemies of Lincoln had, 'twas plain, That old disease termed color on the brain. 57 And mildest mannered men that ever lashed The naked back of slave of either sex And while the crimson flowed applied the brine, Or prostituted women black or tan, Or parted husband, wife and children, too, To sell for gold, or sold an octoroon For harem of some gentleman of means — Aye, these mild mannered men of rank and pride Proclaimed through British Isle that baboon Abe And all his coadjutors were immoral, And like gorillas thirsted they for blood. While octoroons, quadroons, mulattos, blacks They daily ravished, and the bleaching works Ran day and night until one could not tell The one he saw were counted black or white. And to this day the hybrid works are run. Especially where Tillmans rule the land, And crocodile's big tears are duly shed, As over Lincoln and his Union hosts, Lest miscegenation, amalgamation Should 'mong the blacks and whites disgrace the nation. But by and by there came a wondrous change When Gettysburg was won and Vicksburg fell, The Merrimack whipped, Alabama sunk And Richmond was deserted, and then Lee Capitulated at Appomatox, And right through Georgia marched our Union troops And the great civil war was at an end. Then came the awful crime through crazy Booth Right in the very midst of Lincoln's joy. Beloved Abe was shot by insane foe The instrument of others, doubly foul. Upon whose brows the mark of Cain was stamped, And thus fell Lincoln standing in the front Of earth's great champions for freedom's cause. Just as McKinley was assassinated By yellow journals and our safifron posts, But using crazy Gzolgosz for the deed. 58 Great Lincoln and McKinley both were killed By vilest politicians of the land Because these godlike men stood firm and true For needy men and women this land through! McKinley, loving soul and pure in heart; Yet born a leader of the sons of men, (So mild he seemed to follow; yet he led) The great political economist Of this great land for which he gave his life, Was murdered for his love of men in need, As Lincoln died for love of fellow men. Our Lincoln the Great, thy immortal name Shall stand forever on the roll of fame ! We praise thee, God of love, from whom was given This star of truth and love as pure as heaven ! And earth's remotest bounds his worth proclaim. And unborn millions shall revere his name ! NOTES ON WASHINGTON AND LINCOLN. Washington was 6 feet, 2 inches in height and doubtless the strongest man in America. He weighed 210 pounds, swordsman. His fortune of nearly a million was as colossal for his day and towered above that of any other American as Rockfeller's wealth towers above that of others. Washington was aristocratic and had his clothes made in England. He wore No. 13 boots and his hands were so large that he was obliged to have gloves made especially for him. My grand- mother, who saw him when he visited Providence, told me that he was the handsomest and most magnificent looking man she ever beheld. Lincoln was 6 feet, 4 inches high, an athlete and one of the strongest, if not the strongest, man in the United States. He was the soul of love, kindness and sociability, but awkward and what is termed homely. He was a far-seeing Statesman, and saw more clearly than any other man, how the war should be conducted, and the manner in which battles should be fought, and had he assumed command of the army in person he would have saved half the lives and at least half the ex- pense and come off victorious in half the time. Washington was slandered and abused the worst of all our Presidents and Lincoln next; yet to-day their fame and glory outrank, and outshine: any of our other Chief Executives. 59 Washington owned several hundred slaves, but was one of the kindest of masters. Unlike Jefferson, who was a strong, out-spoken anti-slavery advocate, he did not hesitate to try to have a runaway slave returned to him. Yet Jefferson was Secretary of State under Washington, and objected to the Constitution because it contained no bill of rights which, however was soon remedied by an amend- ment. Washington was a thorough business man, shrewd speculator in land, but generous and forgiving almost to a fault. Lincoln, like Jefferson, was a strong anti-salvery advocate and also, like Jeft'erson, a bold outspoken protective tariff man, in fact, in his famous debate with Stephen A. Douglas, his anti-salvery opinions were the pivot upon which the political discussion swung from first to last. That great controversy cost Douglass $90,000, and although he won the Illinois State Senatorship to the U. S. Senate, the debt hung to him like a millstone for life. It cost Lincoln not over $2,000, nevertheless it was a heavy drawback for years. Lincoln had the cosolation of knowing that, while he lost the senatorial prize, he won the popular vote by nearly 5,000 majority over his opponent; moreover, it won him the nomination for President by the Republican National Convention and prevented Douglass from securing the Democratic nomination for President. Lincoln's political speeches and addresses, including his inaugurals and Gettysburg address, were simple and plain as the language of prophets and apostles, showing his familiarity and admiration of Holy Writ, and many of them will remain with future generations as classics. Lincoln's tenderness once nearly spoiled a new suit by his rescuing a hog from a lingering death in a mudhole where he had become hopelessly mired, he climbed a tall tree to replace a bird's nest con- taining four little featherless chicks newly hatched, he waded a river, swarming with floating ice to bring across a dog who missed the boat, and was crying piteously to be helped over the stream, for he would have been carried under the floating ice; he rescued turtles from coals of fire placed upon their backs by other boys; in fact, his step-mother's enconium was, "He was the best boy I ever knew." Perhaps, by contrast, I had better close with William McKinley as the most consummate politician that ever sat in the Chair of State. He was so easy, and friendly with everybody, including his political opponents, that he seemed to be led. When Czar Reed would rule a Democratic Representative out of order, McKinley, as Republican Leader of the House, would rise and remark, "I know, Mr. Speaker, he is out of order, but by unanimous consent, he could speak without violating the rules." And of course there was unanimous consent. And what a host of friends he won by his courtesy! And when Harrison was defeated by Whitelaw Reid's policy towards New York bread winners, Reid eclaimed, "This is the last of McKinleyism." Nevertheless, McKinley was elected at the next Presidential election; moreover, although the Senate was a tie, under the influence of Presi- dent McKinley, five Democratic Senators voted for a protective tariff. When the Presidential campaign was at hand and the Republican leaders were all adrift, then McKinley rose to meet the issues with one of his comprehensive enunciations of the problems and how they should be solved, and the party leaders fairly tumbled over each other to follow McKinley, and the battle was won before the campaign opened. "And then he was shot by Zolgosz, the anarchist, instrument of a yellow journal and saffron post. 60 -'-.<'/5?3??7r7^^- 61 CONTENTS. Aztec rulers of Anahuac, Tribes ruled strictly by force, Island capital impregnable, Cannibalism, Huitzel, God of War Legend of White Toltec prophet, Marvelous Republic of Llascala, Independent, fearless Llascalans, Landing of Cortes in three ships, Fierce battles with Llascalans, Cortes finally victorious, Montezuma's invitation to Cortes, Spanish force sent against Cortes, Beaten and join Cortes, Alvarado's mistaken zeal, Spanish and Alies forced to retreat, "Melancholy Thursday night," Terrific struggles, heroic Llascalans, Unconquerable Spanish Chivalry, Great Spanish Victory next morning. Greater victory at Otumba, Llascalans spurn Aztec overtures, 50,000 join Spanish army, Lopez Brigantines A wonderful feat. Right of conquest problem, Overzealous division trapped, Aztec prophecy a boomerang, Mexico captured, great celebration, Cortes rebuilds Mexico magnificently, Cortes wild welcome home, Returns to Mexico, welcomed everywhere, Good father Almedo, princess Marina, Conclusion. 63 (i) God was weary of beastly Aztec crimes! Mild Toltec loving, friendly sway had ceased. And Aztec cannibals now ruled the land. For full two hundred years and fifty more Had our good, loving father waited them For due repentance of their brutish rites; Yet fiercer, bolder grew their cruel crimes, And yet more victims with the passing times; For longed Huitzel, god of wrath and ire, As Moloch craved for children passed through fire. (ii) Huitzel thirsted e'er for human gore, Denied would send through Anauac in wrath, Sore pestilence and famine, woes and death; And therefore sum of wretched victims grew Until this god of war's famed altar stone Reeked more with human blood to gorge his wrath, And Rivulets of gore the trenches filled, Adorned by fifty thousand severed heads, Perfumed as by ten slaughter houses joined. Sweet savor to Huitzel god of war. Full fifty thousand yearly put to death, Their breasts were opened wide while yet alive, Their hearts removed, their heads were severed ; then The carcasses were cooked for Aztec feasts ; The grinning skulls were piled in massive mounds To show their bloody god of war how true The fearful worship of his devotees ! And for his sake how many victims slain That o'er the land he might triumphant reign. But God was weary of such wolfish rites, And in his providence decreed the end Of this colossal human slaughter house. Then mighty Cortes and heroic band At Vera Cruz arrived and burned their ships, Resolved to subjugate the land or die, Convert the heathen to their Christian forms, Bestow the conquered realm to crown of Spain, And gather for themselves much precious gold The rightful plunder for the Christian fold. 64 flier B.q 1:1 ^r0r §i Jlliiim^ 65 M (0) IM T !K/ 1© TUT M A.m Qsmf e r^T ox Jul extcs^ ENG-RAVTD B-r TW:^ G RE AT B A C- H z^/yv^^ny cxyA 67 (4o) The lovely land of Anauac contained Full fourteen million vassals ruled thru fear By o'er a million of the Aztec race Who dwelt secure upon the inland isle Of Mexico within Tezcuco Lake, Safe from foes without ; with only causeways three, Each long but not a score of feet in width Affording access to the inland isle. And thus impregnable they deemed their fort; And worshipped fierce Huitzel god of war And ruled by fear the tribes, both near and far, Through Montzuma, King of chiefs and lords Who conquered Anauac through cruel frauds. (53) And from this island fastness, safe from foes, They issued armed, surprised and captured hosts Of hapless people for dread sacrifice. And roasted bodies graced their beastly feasts, The arms and legs esteemed the choicest parts, They gathered also tribute, slaves and maids For harems of the lords and Montezuma, And if objection vassals dared to make. An army of the Aztecs issued forth Against the vassal states when unprepared. And wreaked their vengeance on the wretched throng, With spoils and captives on their safe return. And thus the Aztec rule they dared not spurn. (66) But legend strange and prophecy was rife, Familiar to the tribes throughout the land. Of kindly being like the Nazarine That years before a white man had borne sway O'er many tribes who ruled through love alone. E'en as the Toltecs, during cent'ries past. With loving-kindness strewed their daily path. Without one victim to appease God's wrath. (73) And this great influential Priest of Love Had eastward gone and vanished at the Gulf; Yet, saying, he would come again to rule All people throughout Anhuac's wide bounds, He charged the tribes to watch for his return. 69 And thus when Cortes landed from his ships With great, white, spreading wings upon his craft, Like angels flying from their realms above, The tale was carried swift throughout the land, And to great Montezuma's palace royal. That the prophetic times were fully ripe; For white men had arrived from out the east To claim their rightful lordship o'er the realm And every foe and obstacle o'erwhelm, All must submit, forsake their cruel sin, Or vengeance for rebellion would begin ! (87) The startling, although long expected news Awakened wrath and fear in Aztec breasts ; For this would end their cruel rule by force. The fourteen million vassals, ruled by fear, Must not rebel or feel the Aztec rod ; But bold Tlascalas, in their mountain home, For ages had defied the brutish sway Of Aztec monsters, and their freedom kept; And the Republic of Tlascala stood In all the glory of free Switzerland. Tlascala's patriotic mountaineers Returned defiance to proud Aztec boasts, Beat back the tyrants and their vassal hosts. (100) • When Montezuma heard the startling news, The epoch of the white man's rule had come. It robbed him of his zest and arrogance ; And half resigned to his impendng fate He like a shuttlecock swayed back and forth From peace to secret war, from war to peace : He saw the doom o'er his dominion lower. Intrigued against and for the white man's power. (108) When Cortes and his army inland marched, They marked the fields of beauty flowers and grain. How rich the soil and every acre used. Where but for rule of brutish cannibals Appeared a very paradise on earth. Where Christian rule should have another birth. 70 On reaching the Republic of Tlaxcala They marched within her unprotected walls. Unguarded strangely at that very hour, When fifty to an hundred thousand troops. Bold mountaineers, bravest of the brave, Met Cortes' little band with martial front. And then the battle raged both fierce and long. When Cortes voice rang out in martial tones : Close-up the ranks and show a solid front! Together, mailclad horse and tread them down! Bathe thrusting spear and lance and blade in gore, While musketeers and cannon vomit wrath Till every foe shall flee or sink in death ! Shout the battle cry ! God and St. Jago ! While saints and angels give us victory!" 'Twas ten to one ! and yet the mailclad horse, And musketeers and cannon belched forth fire, (Tho seeming engines of infernal wrath) Yet even then the mountaineers fled not, But stood astounded at the havoc wrought Until the order given for retreat, When without panic which seized other tribes. They rearward moved to form their force again. Then forward rushed to make a fresh attack. Sometimes repeated charges, swift and fierce, Would force the Spanish and their allies bold To halt and fight for every foot of ground ! But when exhausted by incessant fight. The fire of musketeers and cannons' blast, And mailclad steeds, and cavaliers and spears Would then compel the enemy's retreat. And just in time to save from fatal rout The Spanish forces and the allied troops. No superstitious dread of mailclad horse- Three killed they of those fearful beasts of war, While muskets' rattle, cannons' awful wreck, Nor anything pertaining to the war Could frighten into panic those brave men Of stanch Tlascala, freedom's mountain home; And Hernan Cortes murmured to himself, *'With such troops added, conquest were assured!" 71 So battle followed battle day and night, Till all exhausted, wounded, hundreds slain, The Spanish and their allies, in despair. Besought their chief to save them by retreat; For Cortes forces were in far worse state Than on that "Melancholy Night" to come. But, strange to state, with the next morning's dawn. From the Republic came an embassage. With offer of alliance 'gainst their foes, The Aztec rulers of the other states. And then upon the twenty-third of June, In fifteen hundred, nineteen, christian year, A monster celebration there was held. And soldiers, lately hostile, friendly joined, And all the region rang again with joy ! And as that festal day comes round each year Tlaxcala celebrates her jubilee, A joyous holiday throughout the state. When Montezuma heard the startling news, That in a few short days had Cortes won, Complete his triumph over mountaineers. Where Aztecs failed for full two hundred years. His courage fled, and asked he then the whites To visit him within his capitol. Then setting out for Mexico in force, With full six thousand soldiers of the tribe. Auxiliaries of Cortes' Spanish troops, They marched for conquest, gold and to convert The heathen peoples unto Christian rites; For what has made fierce wars and wrath increase Than the dear name of Jesus, Prince of Peace? And so they marched with musket, spear and sword To spread the Saviour's Kingdom all abroad. Or perish battling bravely for the Lord, To fight like demons for Christ's loving word. (126) Yet later still the highborn cavaliers Of England willingly would wade in gore. In brave defence of rubrics of the church; But keeping them was not in all their thoughts. 72 Then Cortes' army entered Mexico, And such the awe inspired by their great name That Montezuma housed the Spanish troops Within a goodly palace built of stone, Tlascalans quartered in the outer court ; Five hundred Spanish, bravest of the brave; P'or chivalry was still a pow'r in Spain And death was preferable to cowardice: Six thousand bold Tlascalans best in fight Of all the Indians throughout the world : And o'er the whole the Spanish flag unfurled. (141) We pass a score of prominent events Except to say, with only twelve score men Bold Cortes marched and slew or captured all The thousand troops, from Cuba's Spanish Isle, And sent to overthrow, and Cortes take Back to Cuba a prisoner of war. But Cortes won the day and then the troops All joined his band as allies and stanch friends, Returned with him to Mexico's stone fort, IVepared to meet the Aztec hosts anew And all the Aztec cannibals subdue. (150) But during Cortes' absence from the fort Rash Alvarado, blond "child of the sun," Left in command of the allied troops. In Mexico's proud city of the Isle, Had slain the Aztec nobJes, lords and chiefs Within the temple of the Aztec god Where they had met at Alverado's word. Which falsehood woke the wrath of Aztecs all Who made their fierce attacks in hosts so vast, That barely were the heathen beaten back; And Cortes realized the solemn truth That from the city, by the shortest path. They soon should flee the cannibals' wild wrath. (163) True, Aztec words were ever false; for they Eer thought to gain by falsehood and deceit; Yet this false act was by them un forgiven, And from the capital must now be driven. ' 73 '(■167) So just at midnight, on July the first, In fifteen hundred, twenty, christian year, Brave Cortes with his eighty mail-clad horsemen, A score of cannon and a thousand whites. Six thousand half-nude bold Tlascalan troops Began, by narrow causeway, their retreat Upon that awful "Melancholy Night." Yet all its sufferings and all its woes Made doubly sure their triumph o'er their foes! Just as we all learn wisdom from defeat. So Cortes learned rich lessons from retreat And through it made his conquest all complete! Although a dread affliction in their eyes. It proved a wondrous blessing in disguise! Just as all ships and troops from Cuba sent, On Cortes' utter swift destruction bent. Augmented well his force in each event. (184) Then as the army issued to the street And to Tlacopan Causeway took its course. It found the city wrapped in slumbers deep; But reaching soon the causeway's first canal They heard the sound of their fierce must'ring foes. And then the dreadful beat of temple drum. To rouse the Aztec warriors to the fray, And take full vengeance on their fleeing foes. The lake was swarming with light, fragile boats. And on all sides and rear in fierce assault Hung quarter million Aztecs crazed with rage And seeming bent to sell their lives in fight Or ere the morn destroy the fleeing host ; And vying all to do and dare the most. (198) Across the first canal a good stanch bridge Was thrown and all the army soon passed o'er; But there the bridge stuck fast and second breach Was wide and deep and proved impassable Until the wagons, cannons, baggage went To fill the gulf and make a passageway; And in that breach were cases of pure gold. And every musket helped to fill the gap. All discipline seemed gone, and each man Appeard intent to leave the place alive 74 And still such bond of union 'mong them all That thousands risked their lives for comrade's sake And the retreating hosts courageous fought, And at each thrust of spear and flashing blade An Aztec warrior staggered down to death. And while the perilled troops for safety fled The path they left was sowed with Aztec dead; And thus the fight raged on without a pause, Amid the drizzling misty falling sleet, Until the grey of morning tinged the east, And grim Death gorged then ended his foul feast. (215) Yet in that awful "Melancholy Night" Such deeds of valor and unselfish acts Were there performed that covered them with glory, And Spanish chivalry her name enhanced. When Cortes learned the rear was doomed to death Unless some speedy aid was given them. He headed a small band of cavaliers Who fought their way through swarms of Aztecs fierce And rescued those in peril from sure death; Then like true heroes fought back foot by foot Until brave Cortes was himself unhorsed And held within the clutch of Aztec troops. Thus in their power they might have slain him then ; But very vileness brought on them defeat. Infernal crimes insured their foes retreat. (230) Exulting now, with Cortes in their grasp. They would not slay, but kept him for their god, With fiendish mirth to torture their arch foe, A living sacrifce, and then to feast Upon his roasted body — sweet revenge! But brief the captor's triumph ! Cortes men Struck down the victors and released their chief, On whom depended victory at last. And this brave instance was but one of scores Where Aztecs aided Spanish and their allies; Their heartless worship caused their own defeat And all unconscious aided the retreat. For 'stead of cutting down their foes at once They tried to capture for dread sacrifice. 75 (242) Again the Aztecs found at second breach Rich stores of gold and costly fabrics left; An incident which saved a thousand lives : So strong the avarice of savage tribes, They, in their greed for plunder, left their foes To pass less harrassed gap the third and last. And thus the "Melancholy Night" was past. (248) Then Cortes gazed upon his shattered force: No cannon left, the baggage wagons gone. And but a score of horses now remained. With not a single musket in the ranks. And hundreds reeling from fatigue and wounds. Then as he gazed he murmured to himself, "Has God forsaken us in sorest need? Must these vile cannibals yet drive us home? Must we give up this garden land of earth? Lord, give me death; but save us from defeat! And may this prove, O Lord, our last retreat !" (259) And then the anguish of his soul found vent ; The scalding tears rolled down his haggard face And groans he could not check stirred deep his breast, And all the world seemed moved with deep unrest. For Cortes pondered well how far estranged Tlascalans and the Aztecs? What return They'd make to overtures from Aztec lords. Such as they often made, then brushed aside The very day the Aztecs gained thereby? For every Aztec promise was a lie. (269) But brief was Cortes sad despairing mood; His mind ran o'er the late courageous fight: No coward in the ranks from Mother Spain, And no one quailed among Tlascalan hosts ; Such feats of valor, never yet excelled, Performed by every legion there and then! Such loyalty was worth ten thousand men! He found the remnant of his splendid troop Sufficient to contend with Aztec foes : His brave mailed cavaliers had hewn their way Through fiercest throngs of Aztecs who opposed, And cut them down by thousands in their path. And left the way for footmen to escape. 76 Strong Alvarado all unhorsed, alone Within the second breach placed firm his lance, And vaulting o'er he made his famous leap, And even to this day the noted spot Is called, bold "Alvarado's Leap." Escaped He fought his way to safety by his might. Yet high o'er all the feats performed that night. Stands that Tlascalans boldly cut their way Right through the thickest of the Aztec host ; Brought through in safety men and women prized; Marina, lovely princess by them saved. And son and daughter of the monarch dead. And treasure large they guarded to the end : Tlascalan troops had miracles performed ! No bolder, braver men e'er marched to war ! How one was left alive was wonderous strange ! One novelist ends here the battle fought. As tho great Cortes forces were distraught. Proved all untrue by later deeds they wrought. (295) All drenched and weary, stiflf and sore with wounds. The forces paused half dazed in sore distress, When Cortes saw on lofty holy mound A heathen temple filled with Aztec troops ; And could the armed defenders be dislodged. Salvation of his men would there be found ; And heading a few troops he stormed the mound. (302) Expecting strong resistance from their foes. Yet up the steep the Spanish swiftly charged. And in the face of arrows, spears and rocks. They drove the foe before them from the hill. And gained possession of the place of need They dried their garments, dressed their wounds and ate Abundant food which seemed direct from heaven, And kneeling praised the Lord for succor given ! A miracle that, after such a night. They fought the battle and they won the fight ! And strange when Cortes forces made their halt The Aztec army dared not make assault! No other reason has thus far been found — Than such vast hordes of Aztecs slain and drowned! 77 'Twas one vast slaughter of foul Aztec foes Whose bodies strewed the way in heaps and rows, (316) Cast down, but not destroyed, the army formed. Retreating from their foes, but not distraught. The wounded tenderly on litters laid ; No Spaniard nor an ally left to die. They marched their weary way for needed rest For blest Tlascala, yet in lessened force. In haste they took their toilsome, dreary course. (323) And now in brief we sketch the large events Ere Mexico's destruction came to pass : Two hundred thousand in Otumba's vale Disputed Cortes' passage to Tlascala, Of whom were many thousands slaughtered there. Their royal banner captured there and then, The Aztec chief was slain by Cortes' hand ; The troops, though weary, chance for slaughter found, And twice ten thousand Aztecs strewed the ground. And these the troops that some narrators say Were rendered helpless and who courage lacked: If wishes of these writers were but facts The battle of Otumba had not been ; Instead the bellies of the cannibals Had proved the graves and tombs of Cortes' hosts. Then undisputed Cortes reached the land Of his Tlascalan troops and rested there. Yet though the Aztecs for two hundred years Had fought Tlascala in most vengeful hate They brazen came in the disguise of friends Proposed alliance 'gainst the white man's arms; But such proposals woke Tlascalan scorn. Then fifty thousand bold Tlascalans joined, Brave Cortes with his eighty mail-clad horse, A score of cannon and twelve hundred whites, Two hundred musketeers and countless spears. We merely state in brief some great events : And how supplies from Cuba strangely came, Tho mostly sent against him, proved his aid ; How many tribes and soldiers joined the ranks. Till to one hundred thousand swelled the force ; 78 How many states with Aztec tyrants broke And gladly millions spurned the galling yoke, And haughty Aztec rulers learned that law Obeyed through fear alone was but a straw, And vassals, by the million far and near, Then gladly spurned the galling rule of fear, Now that protection from their foes was near. (342) And Cortes army swelled to numbers vast: Eight hundred Spanish, hundred mail-clad horse, Two hundred musketeers and fifty cannon, Immense supplies, an hundred thousand foot. And lords and nobles of the friendly states, With banners waving, thousands decked with flowers, And sounds of cheer and shouts of exultation, 'Mid war cries, revelry and mirth, they marched, Tlascalans shouting "Castile and Tlascala !" To capture Mexico, the capital. And temple of Huitzel, god of war. Within whose hand the censer, always held, Was filled with human hearts their god to please Of those men sacrificed by priest that day. Of whose cooked bodies Aztecs graced ther feast, Except when scarce, and then they cooked their slaves; The Aztec bellies were the prisoners' graves. (359) • Then Cortes' army camped before the place And widened every causeway for assault. And soon arrived the thirteen brigantines (By Martin Lopez builded well and rigged) From over mountains, plains, full twenty leagues, Upon the backs of hardy native troops, A feat of war in history unmatched. And showing plain that Cortes' conqu'ring name Should rank with Hannibal and Caesar's fame. (367) But was this war of conquest justified, Accounting e'en the good of it that came? To which the answer: Think of Palistine, Our Indians driven from their native lands ; Yea, how great Jefferson once bought of France Our Louisana, ruled for many years. Without a word from either tan or white What were their wish regarding rule and law. 79 We bought Alaska and, without a word Or question, governed all as we thought best. Yet to this day on conquered, stolen lands, We prate and harp and write, in brazen pride. About the unjust conquest by the Jews And Spanish! Then we lift up holy hands And raise our pious eyes in righteous gaze. And, making broad our own phylacteries. We thank the Lord we're not as other men, But unlike publicans of other climes, Who kill and conquer heathen for their lands. Well, human nature is the same to-day As when first man was made of earthly dust: We may be higher, but not angels yet ; But earthy of the earth we still are born. The knotty question here I bid adieu, And leave the problem to be solved by you. (391) Twelve brigantines were launched upon the lake, On whom depended victory the most, East vessel with one cannon for attack And as the waters swarmed with light canoes, The Aztec boats were riddled, warriors drowned, And then the vessels cleared the causeways, too, While horse and foot beat Aztecs to the square Of their great city whence they burned the house Of human slaughter to the god of war Whose frightful image, with its awful dish Of human hearts, was tumbled from its throne. And thousands of the Aztecs met their death. So easy seemed the havoc of the fight, O'er confident the forces marched next day; Precaution lacking, thought of no retreat, One of the three assaulting columns risked Too great and fiercely, sorely were they pressed And driven back ; retreat became a rout With many slain and many prisoners left All sacrificed unto Huitzel god; Then cannibal prized feasts of Spanish troops In tender roasts and broils and boils and soups. 80 Inagining the allies were well cowed, To hasten and ensure their swift defeat And loose besiegers' ties, the Aztec priests Proclaimed that in eight days their hated foes Would be o'erthrown and Anahuac be free; And great Huitzel gorge himself with gore. And such the awe this prophecy inspired One hundred thousand allies started home. But Cortes waited till the days expired When allies all ashamed returned to camp, And then began anew the awful siege And sore destruction of the Aztec race. With acqueduct destroyed and food cut off. Foul water and foul food, and famine spread And daily hundreds starved, and pestilence Spread day and night, and allied charges were Mere slaughter of their foes weak, starving troops. The heathen temples were all swept away Their bamboo houses for the cage of birds And all their public buildings were destroyed; Yea, their rich city, best in western world. Was but rude heaps of mortar, stone and waste. And rags and pestilence and famine reigned When captured Gautemozin emperor. And then the fighting ceased and men had rest, And to the God of heaven their thanks expressed. (437) Three months had slowly passed since siege began; Three months in which stupendous works were wrought But now the Spanish triumph was complete Except secured they very little gold ; But allies captured plunder which they prized; In quantities immense to carry home ; Tlascalans doubtless joyed the most of all; Their ancient foes were trodden in the dust, A foe whose army numbered more than all The people of Tascala old and young; Like Montenegro 'gainst the cruel Turk, Had they stood firm for full two hundred years, And yielded not the freedom of their land ; Their loved Republic stood through all those years; Their banners ne'er were struck to Aztec hordes! And now they triumphed over vaunting lords ! And chanted high their victories abroad. 81 (452) But on the very night that triumph came. As if to teach the victors not to boast, And show the vanquished vain their feeble strength. An exhibition strange old Nature gave: A tropic storm terrific broke o'erhead, The sky was black except when lightnings flashed. And blazed and flamed atwart the frowning clouds And thunder, louder than their cannons' roar, Went rolling crashing through the midnight sky, And earth itself seemed jostled out of place And all the elements in raging war, And flashed and crashed in combat near and far. (463) And then the allied celebration came And cannon roared and sent forth flames of joy, Tlascalan banners waved and Spanish flags. And chants and songs ascended from the hosts, And battle cries and revelry's loud shouts : "Castile and Tlascala!" "San Jago, hail!" And to the victors then belonged the joy ; And gladness for the time knew no alloy. (471) Republic of Tlascala's mountaineers, Embraced the Christian faith, and for her aid Had privileges granted by the crown. Remains a small republic to this day. (475.) Great Cortes builded Mexico anew. Which stands a monument of wondrous skill, Attests the greatness of the conqueror. When he returned to Spain his cavalcade In which were Mexican proud lords all clad In native costume rich and costly decked ; And cheering crowds lined all the way he took. And eager to catch sight of the great chief Who added to the crown such wondrous realm! And joyous plaudits told how great revered Was he in all the Spanish people's eyes. And then the king did welcome him and grant Great honors and emoluments of land And titles of esteem for his great feat Of adding glory, riches and domain To happy Spain which then in glory reigned. 82 (491) And when returned to Mexico's fair realm, From his arrival at old Vera Cruz, Until he reached the capital he built, The natives thronged the route he took, and lords And chiefs and people, old and young, all vied To show their admiration and their love, And hailed him the Deliverer of the land. And while he lived, beloved by natives all, Were Indians in need of any friend, They ever looked to Cortes till his death : lie proved their faithful friend to his last breath! (502) God was weary of awful Aztec crimes, And in his providence decreed the end Of human slaughter houses of the realm, Of cannibal foul feasts throughout the land, And while the remedy was war and blood And cruel sufferings of those engaged For progress gains with pains are ever joined, Foundations then were laid of better things And A^Iexico is rising year by year Now ruled in justice,, not by abject fear. Good Father Almedo, best of monks and priests. So pure, so gentle, every inch a man. We must not slight, nor here neglect to state The blessed christian counsel which he gave. And curbed and softened overzealous bent Of Cortes and his troops throughout the war, And bade them not rejoice o'er fallen foes ; But thank the Lord for all his kindly care; Marina, Princess, we must not forget Her pleadings for her race were not in vain. How oft she softened many harsh decrees For "all her failings leaned to mercy's side." And yet she mingled in the thickest fight Encouraged and inspired despairing troops, Endured their hardships and their perils too Through the whole conquest went and all unscathed. (512) Long may the memory of Cortes live, And Mexicans due praise and honor give. He was severe when forced to be severe ; With mercy, love and kindness always near; 83 His friendship was e'er steadfast to the end; To high and low he proved himself the friend; Away the lowest man he never turned ; Yea, even Aztec foes were never spurned. He seemed of fortune heaven's favored son He thought an action and the deed was done; All men who knew him found themselves were won ! There was about himself a wondrous way, Impressing all who met him day by day That he was not like men of common clay! A true nobility of sterling worth Within his inmost soul there dwelt from birth, That stamped him one to sway the men of earth! His name 'mong greatest warriors e'er should stand ; Born to lead armies, and born to command ; May countless generations, yet unborn, With richest honors his great name adorn. May Mexico in glory ever shine ; Tiascala e'er be crowned with bliss divine; And coming ages hear their loud acclaim, "Great Herman Cortes we revere thy -name!" And all the land, he freed from Aztec sway, Be lighted by the Lord's eternal day ; Send her wise rulers guided from above, (532). Make her the land of righteousness and love The End. 84 NOTES ON CORTES' CONQUEST OF MEXICO. Without wading through volumes, a good idea is here given, in a few pages, of the marvelous, not to say miraculous, Conquest of Mexico by Hernan Cortes. The author has taken especial pains to portray the won- derful narrative in plain, simple, unpretentious English easily understood by common people. Tuscuco Lake, which converted the City of Mexico into an island, has dried up and disappeared. Cannibalism was introduced by the iierce Aztecs who came from the north about the year 1250 and forced the worship of Huitzel upon all their vassals, and such was the influence of the Aztecs that even their bitterest foes, the Tlascalans, became cannibals. And during the siege of Mexico the allies of Cortes all ate human flesh, a practice which the great conqueror dared not prohibit entirely until the conquest was complete. Cortes' troops picked up, from the trenches around the sacred altar of Huitzel, over 100,000 heads and skulls of vic- tims sacrificed to this horrible looking idol. The stench of the Holy Temple was like that of our common slaughter houses except stronger and more putrid, thousands of rotting heads having lain there for months while the trenches were filled with fresh, putrid and clotted blood. The carcasses had been removed and eaten by the Aztecs. Nothing of the victims, therefore, remained except the heads and the fresh human hearts in the censer held in the hand of the idol. Some small tribes were kept in store as reservoirs from which to obtain victims for sacrifices, feasts, slaves and sup- plies for harems when other sources furnished less than usual. Notwithstanding their fierceness and cruelty the Aztecs were kind fathers and friendly to relatives, loyal to their nation and their emperor and possessed consideiable skill in architec- ture, featherwork and working silver and gold ornaments, probably learned from the Toltecs whose ability as builders is proverbial. The mild, loving Toltecs settled in Mexico during the seventh century and probably builded the great mounds. Their religious offerings were grain, flowers, etc. ; not even beasts were ever sacrificed, much less human beings. The legend of the White Ruler like the Nazarine was doubtless an enlarged story of some great and good Toltec Priest and Prince whose goodness and abnormal wisdom and ability as a leader won the admiration, love and devotion of several tribes and whose~ re- ligion of love was such a strong protest against that of the fierce Aztecs that the very thought of such a faith supplanting the worship of Huitzel awoke the deepest enmity of the Aztec priesthood, nobles and warriors of the whole tribe. 85 There must have been something wonderfully attractive in the manner and character of the creat Cortez, great personal magnetism to have won the love and admiration of his soldiers and allies, a confidence he retained to the day of his death which was sincerely mourned by the Indians throughout Mex- ico who always looked to him as their best and greatest friend. Just before the seige of Mexico began Cortes and a divi- sion of his army, Spanish and allies, marched around the city during v.hich a score of hard fought battles occurred with Cortes always in the thick of the fight and always victorious. During this circuit of the capital there were frequent chal- lenges and duels between Aztecs and Tlascalan warriors. These single combats were conducted strictly in accordance with the code of honor. The Aztecs were arrogant and courageous while the Tlascalans were fearless, always courting danger and never satisfied unless Cortes assigned them to positions of the greatest peril. Tlascalans were the better warriors. Unfortunately for antiquarians and many investigators of monumental temples and buildings which proved that the Mexi- cans possessed 'a civilization far higher than the Indians of our States and Canada, such was the superstition and execration in which all heathen religions were held by the Spanish conquer- ers that almost any edifice devoted to the old Mexican religion and the emblems, however admirable the workmanship, were doomed to destruction, leaving little save the miserable huts and other buildings of no importance which leave an exceed- ingly poor and unfair impression of the excellencies of Mex- ican civilization. But some idea of the advanced civilization and skill of the Toltecs, however, may be gained by reading of the ruins of magnificent temples and edifices builded by the Toltecs in Central America and Yucatan tp which regions that architec- tural race emigrated from Mexico. A TRUTHFUL LOVE LETTER. love me, Kitty, love me, Or I shall surely die; And I will come and see you. My dearest, by and by. Soon, Kitty, we'll be married. And then no more you'll roam; But you'll be busy cooking And washing clothes at home. I'll oft go on excursions, And leave you, love, at home; For when I go for pleasure, I always go alone. 1 must always have my way, I love my way so well ; And if you do not cross me, In peace we'll ever dwell, O will not this be fine, Kitty, When we both are one; The world will seem so pleasant, And bang-up full of fun. HOME OF MY BOYHOOD. Written in August, 1854, during a severe fit of homesickness. REFRAIN:— My own happy home, my own happy home, I'll think of thee oft wherever I roam ; My own happy home, my own happy home, I'll think of thee oft wherever I roam. Though my lot may be cast in far distant climes, Though no longer I hear those village bell chimes ; Wherever I roam, whe'er I may be, The home of my boyhood I'll oft think of thee. Refrain : My own happy home, etc. Though others may tell of It'ly's fair land. Of the Nile and of Egypt, her pyramids grand; Yet let me return to my own native plain, And never will I wish to wander again. Refrain : My own happy home, etc. Tho others may tell of fairylike scenes. Of snowy capped mountains and valleys so green ; Though others may dwell where the wild billows roar, But Oh, give me own native shore. Refrain: My own happy home, etc. 87 THE BIRD'S CONCERT. The birds gave a concert, entirely free, Right in a great, tall, green sycamore tree; Thrushs and robins and blue birds together, Dressed in their gayest and gaudiest feather. The blackbirds and orioles came with the crowd. The larks and the robins looking so proud ; The sparrows and bluejays flocked with the rest, And all were determined to do just their best. The Lord sent the singers without a cent's fee ; The poorest were welcome; the concert was free; So folks came to hear from country and cities, To hear the Lord's choir warble their ditties. How lucky, how fortunate ! no one was there With rifle or shot-gun the poor birds to scare. Or kill them or wing them, that some couldn't fly, But hide in the thickets to linger and die. And no vivisectionist was there to lynch And take them and cut them alive inch by inch And call such slow torture of birds scientific, Enjoying with black-hearted foulness terrific. Such men are cowards ; for there is not one Who dares to let kind-hearted people look on ! But secretly work out their satanic fun ; For at the word Public these poltroons all run ! But none save the kind-hearted people were there. And so the birds flocked so lovely and fair; And all the folks listened while all the birds sung. And this is the way the concert begun : — • The robins led ofif and pitched the tunes high; The larks went soaring up to the sky ; And voices of blackbirds and blue birds all blended, And everyone said the concert was splendid! 88 JAKE'S MISHAP IN HIS BUCKSKIN PANTS. Written on one of the hottest days of July on the train from Boston to Pawtucket. The day was awful hot! The swelt'ring heat Just roasted all who dared to walk the street. And old Sol laughed to see the folks perspire While heavy cakes of ice almost took fire; The very bricks and stones would burn your hands, And children's feet were blistered on the sands ; The fattest man in town — it was so hot — Just melted down in one great greasy spot: You never knew it hatter'n all your days ; Yet hot and hotter glared the sun's bright rays ! The shingles on the house-tops cracked and curled, The wilted forest leaves to earth were hurled. The constalks rolled and withered in the sun, And still the god of day went roasted on, And burned and scorched and baked and toasted all In field or highwway, cot or palace hall ; But strangest of events, beyond dispute, Was Jake's mishap clothed in his buckskin suit ! The day wore on and Jake the warmer grew Till he felt he was roasting through and through ; He could not stand the heat ; he must get cool, So jumped all over in a spacious pool, Then swam ashore, the careless, thoughtless man, Not realizing what a risk he ran ; One minute more his pants had dried, he found. And shrank so tight they raised him from the ground. 89 He wildly shrieked for help ; the people came And tried to stop his flight, but all in vain ; For up and up he soard till hid from view By dense, dark clouds that soaked him through and through; His buckskins then relaxed, and down he went Swift as a bullet from a rifle sent; And folks expected he'd dash out his brains; But old Sol dried his pants, and up again He rose balloonlike until hid from view ; But what became of him nobody knew. His children cried and sobbed, his wife wept sore; But husband and father returned no more : Still children and the wife this solace found — The lost and well belov'd went up, not down: Yet to this day no man, in all those haunts, Dares wear in summer his buckskin pants ! THE BATTLE OF LIFE. (Sunday School Recitation.) By our Saviour's example each Christian is taught -That the battle of life every day should be fought; Though great waves of evil should threat to o'erwhelm. Remember our Father is guiding the helm ; With God e'er to aid us then enter the strife, And fight like a hero the battle of life : Fight like a hero the battle of life ! Fight like a hero the battle of life ! With God e'er to aid us then enter the strife And fight like a hero the battle of life! The battle of life we must fight every day Though legions of wickedness blockade our way; In the sunshine of joy or sorrow's dark night 'Neath Jehovah's banner contend for the right: And, with every evil wage eternal strife, And fight like a hero the battle of life : Fight like a hero the battle of life ! Fight like a hero the battle of life ! Yes, with every evil wage eternal strife, And fight like a hero the battle of life ! 90 INVASION OF VALLEY FALLS BY TURKEY AND CAPITULATION OF FORT ARNOLD. Explanation. — Just before Christmas, 1877, Senator Joshua Wilbour and wife of Bristol left a large turkey at the residence of Mr. Arnold, who was absent at the time. The war of 1877, between Russia and Turkey, had just ended in the humiliating defeat of the Moslems, and this poem was composed and mailed to Senator Wilbour and wife a fevs days later. Twas night and all without was dark and gloom Except the twinkling stars ; there was no moon To gleam on mansion, cot or palace halls And light the sombre eve in Valley Falls : No earthquake shock, no lurid lightning flame Athwart the azure blue in warning came Foretelling fearful dangers lurking near To ushtr in the reign of dread and fear: Life's river flowed in calm and peaceful stream All through the fated place and who could dream, Or who, on fancy's utmost mountain height. Could e'er foretell the horrors of that night? One million and a half of Russians brave Rolled from the northern clime, like tidal wave; They left their native plains and southward flew A mighty deluge o'er the Danube blue ; Still onward through Belgrade like ocean's flow They hurl their cohorts on the Moslem foe. Ho ! Kars has fallen ! Plevna, too, gives way ! On through the Balkans with resistless sway Victorious Russian eagles float on high, And Turkish legions must submit or die. The Mufti calls the faithful all to prayer, And all the faithful to the mosque repair; For fell disaster on each breeze is borne. And Moslems feel that "man was made to mourn." 91 Ah, who would think while such defeat befalls The Turk, that, marching on to Valley Falls, Defeated Turkey woud invade the village, Exposing every dwelling there to pillage? Yet bleeding, sufif'ring still from fell defeat ; Aye, Turkey, flying in her sore retreat, Marched in mad haste to the castle walls Of Fortress Arnold, right in Valley Falls. Dark was the night and darker yet the hour When Arnod's fortress fell before the power Of Turkish foe; for vain were all defence: Such are the mystic ways of Providence ! When Arnold turned him to his castle walls He stepped within capitulated halls, And heard with anxious heart from his good dame Who told him how the fell disaster came. Tho' vanquished, he yet turned with haughty pace, Undaunted met the foeman face to face And shouted in defiance, "Wife, why zounds! This Turkey'll turn the scales at sixteen pounds!" But truth, tho' crushed to earth, shall rise again And e'en the vanquished often turn the bane * To glorious revenge, throw off the yoke And deal with heart and hand the victor stroke! So Christmas day, well roasted, cooked complete. Proud Turkey bowed ignoble to defeat. 92 THE OLD TOWN OF PUNKWOOD. By William Edward Penny. Revised and Enlarged by Alex. S. Arnold. The old, old burg of Punkwood Town, Where everything is tumbling down, On the banks of the river Slow, Where blooms the wait-awhile flowers so fair. Where sometime-or-others purfume the air, And the by-and-by popies luxuriate there. And the mushy-go-easies grow. In the stagnant pools of Vain Excuse And the dismal swamps of What's-the-Use? Near the slime pits of Let-Her-Slide. That dreamy tired feeling is native there, And never-mind measles pervade the air, In mud-huts, built by I-Don't-Care, The Give-Ups all abide. 'Twas built with dry-rot lumber and mud. Several ages before the flood, Mildewed by listless years ; 'Tis hazy with fogs of idle dreams. And nothing ever is what it seems. And its streets are furrowed with foolish schemes, And muddy with maudlin tears. Idle braggarts and learned fools. And shallow schemers and selfish souls Are loafing round about; The rest of the sillies are on review, But never anything useful or new, And one class is never among the crew ; For the fool-killer there is barred out. 93 The Town of Punkwood is all hemmed in, Surrounded closely by the Mountains of Sin And the barren Tiills of Despair ; No sentinels stand on her gloomy walls ; No trumpet to battle and triumph calls; But people mope and cringe and crawl ; For none but cowards are there. But there's a town where good is alive, Where they toil and thrive like bees in a hive, Where brave men tread the sod; ; Where they vie with each other in friendly strife, Where call to duty the bugle and fife, Where they fight like heroes the battle of life, Do good and honor God ! If from the dead-alive Punkwood Town, Where everything is tumbling down, - You would ever keep away ; Just do your duty through good and ill, Nor leave God's highway tho steep the hill, Take this for your motto : "Through God I will. Aye, lead a good life each day !" 94 THREE CHEERS FOR GOOD ROT GUT. Three cheers for good rotgut, And plenty of beer, ■And pure Jersey lightning That comes mighty dear ! 'Tis made of pure dyestuffs. Blue ruin and soap; That all may have plenty Let us fondly hope ! Pure rotgut is made boys. In every rum-hole, And costs near a penny Each glass that is sold ; The soap makes the bead, And the dyestuffs are fine; Ye lovers of rotgut. Come fall into line ! Hurrah for the widows The rumsellers make ; ^nd for drunkard makers Our money to take! !5^nd cold, hungry children With scarcely a rag. Hurrah for the thousands With rotgut gone mad! Yes ; cheer for good rotgut And harvest in jails. And State Farms and paupers; The crop never fails ; Big taxes and drunkards. And hunger and rags. And landlords v^nth greenbacks And two-forty nags ! 95 And when the last penny. For benzine and rum, Is gone, and so thirsty — 'Tis then comes the fun, Old broken-down drunkards. So thirsty and poor, How kindly the landlord Kicks out of the door ! Three times three for those Who sell rotgut to thrive. To set husbands crazy And then beat their wives ! And those who let buildings That rum may be sold, To turn out the drunkards In numbers untold ! GOD'S HATRED OF SIN. AND LOVE FOR THE SINNER. (Sunday School Recitation.) God's love so great His Son he gave To save the lost — a mighty host — Bless everyone through his dear Son, And all the lost from sin he'll save. God saves the wicked from all sin; Loves us ever, leaves us never; Our God above the sinner loves, But hates the wickedness within. God's love is not like fickle men ; God hates our sin, our foe within ; Kind to the bad, and makes them glad By saving bad men from their sin. God punishes sinners every day ; In his kindness hates our blindness, Chatises man in love's great plan, Punishes in his loving way. God loves us all with love so true. Never fading, never shading, Never ending, e'er defending, God's boundless lov<^ forever new. 96 THE SPIDER --AND THE FLY. "Will you walk into my parlor?" Said the spider to the fly ; " 'Tis the prettiest little parlor That ever you did spy. You have only got to pop your head Just inside of the door And you'll see so many curious things You never saw before! Refrain : Will you will you, will you will you Walk in, Mr. Fly? Will you, will you, will you. will you Walk in, Mr. Fly?" "Will you walk into my parlor — Ah, so beautiful to see ! — And take a glass of lager As fine as fine can be? It will take away your troubles, It will take away your pains ; And after you have quaffed a glass You'll long to drink again. Refrain : Will you, will you, etc. Will you walk into my parlor And there join our merry crew Where ale, and wine and lager beer Your spirits will renew? The mirrors and the furnishings Are at your service free, And all the men who visit us Are jolly as can be! Refrain: Will you, will you, etc. , 97 Soon the spider never asks him, "Will you walk in, Mr. Fly?" For appetite has bound him fast; He cannot say, ''Good-bye !" Tho oft he tries to fly away, He finds his wings caught fast ; The spider laughs, "Ha ! ha ! my boy, I've caught you, sir, at last ! Refrain : Will you, will you, etc. Now, all you young, take warning, And you older ones likewise ; Don't linger round the liquor dens. Nor sins in pleasures guise; For in those haunts of sin and shame Lurk spiders night and day; To catch the silly human flies, They call them in this way : — Refrain : Will you, will you, will you, will you Walk in, Mr. Fly? Will you, will you, will you, will you Walk in, Mr. Fly? 98 THE FARMER BOY'S COURTSHIP. An Unfinished Poem By Alex. S. Arnold and Dr. Hawkes. The Farmer Boy his seed did sow, And milked the cow and fed the sow; When love's dart came from Cupid's bow, And to the girl's charms he did bow. i One day the grass the boy did mow, The next day pitched it on the mow, Next day o'er pond his girl did row And with a rival had a row. Still on the farm the grass he mowed, And in the barn the same he mowed, And then upon the pond he rowed, The same girl over whom he rowed. But going home she took the lead At which his spirits sank like lead; For when her face he tried to read He thought his sad fate there he read. But she was sly as any mouse, And had decided him to mouse, And asked him in her father's house Where all did him most kindly house. And later when his heart sunk lower. Because financial clouds did lower. She took him with her to the shower And smiles and gifts on him did shower. He then saw fretting was no use Since she did him so kindly use ; In thought he gave her no abuse Since she did never him abuse. 99 MAY BROWN.— PLAY ON WORDS. In the fall of the year, near Bellows Falls, It fell out that I fell in with a maid Who made my heart near burst its walls, And so my fortunes at her feet were laid^ As autumns charming airs make leaf a stray-thing, May's charming airs soon made my heart a play-thing. And thus, while leaves were leaving fast the trees, And I had leave of absence for awhile, And life and health were in the autumn breeze. Did breezy May and I our hours beguile: 'Twas plain to me I ought to love this beauty, And just as plain I justly did my duty. May Brown did me so brown with each brown eye, To miss this Miss were very sad mistake, Not to win this winsome lass, alas, were I But refuse; should she refuse me and take Another' love her precious love to share; How hard my fare rejected by this fair! Enchanting were the ways of May always. And swiftly how the hours of ours did pass! We both were in sweet daze those blissful days And I beside myself beside this lass: Yes we two too well loved to part asunder, And vowed we'd become one, for I had won her. And so tho cash was close, but not close to, I to this maid made love and won this one, And last May May acknowledged it would de To hire a house that joy might higher run, All through our voyage o'er life's troubled sea ; O may May's life and mine one May-day be ! 100 THE PLEASURES OF FARMING. let me rise with the early bird, And inhale the morning gas, And watch while the farmer drives his herd Of grasshoppers out to grass. I'd gather fresh mush from the mushroon vine, And milk from the milkweed fair, And pick pineapples from the tall pitchpine, Churn butter from butterflies there. Let me go where the gooseberry grows on its goose, The strawberry grows on its straw, And the cat on its catnip is swinging loose. And rats eat rattan raw. The old crow crows as he soars and sows, And dogs eat dogwood with purest greed. While the woodchuck chucks his wood in the stove, ' And cows and cowlets on cowslips feed. The pinck perch perches on the tallest tree. But bulls and bullfrogs on bull-briars grow. While fresh fried fritters are frisking free, And the lovesick love-apple sings for her beau. 1 love red herrings hanging o'erhead In red ripe clusters rich and fair, And pigs on pigweeds, pink and red, Hang ready to pick with pickaxes there. The old hen lays and cackles her lays, The children play crib on the top of the barn Then send them away from the city ways And learn the lessons that shield from harm. How shall our children, large or small. Forever good and happy be? By stealing apples in the fall And giving the best ones all to me. 101 , BROWN CURLS. The author learned that the curls were false. Bring forth all the riches and honors of earth, All beauty, and wisdom, all joy, and all mirth; And there's nothing so charming, in life's busy whirl, As one little maid with her pretty brown curls. Of course you can't see her with my partial eyes; Each word, each action so highly I prize! Or you would aver, not all other girls Can charm like the maid with her pretty brown curls. Her voice so beguiles, and her smile so entrancing, Each step and each motion her charms so enhanc- ing. No jewel, nor diamond, nor rarest of pearls. Can equal the maid with her pretty brown curls. Visit each city, and walk every street. And carefully note all the ladies you meet; And you cannot compare the best of these girls. With one little maid with her pretty brown curls. Behold but the beauty and goodness I see. And feel but the kindness bestowed upon me; With your head and your heart in such a strange whirl, You could see naught so charming as pretty brown curls. There are rich golden ringlets, and curls softly bright, And light silken tresses, and dark as the night ; But go through the earth and collect all those girls, One maid outshines all with her pretty brown curls. 102 PLANT ONLY GOOD SEED. Plant only good seed, and God shall bless it ! Plant only good seed wherever you go; !And garden and field and vale shall caress it, 'And where'er you plant shall good harvests grow. Then sing and sow, and whistle and mow, Plant only good seed wherever you go, lAnd praise God from whom all blessings flow! Without one fear, for God is near, With heavenly yield your hearts to cheer; For He holds all His workers dear, And He shall reward you early ! Sometimes your crops shall be thirty fold, Sometimes sixty or a hundred gain; Then plant good seed better than gold, And reap rich harvests to plant again. Then sing and sow, etc. Plant among strangers and foes and friends. In church, in home, in the broad highway; For aid and blessing God e'er lends To faithful workers who God obey. Then sing and sow, etc. Then plant in faith, nor plant in vain. Plant the seeds of truth and love, And God shall give you golden grain Both here below and heaven above. Then sing and sow, etc. Yea, plant and sow, tho it be in tears, Tho rocky and sterile the soil appears ; For God is with you ; dismiss your fears And with rich harvests your hearts shall cheer. Then sing and sow, etc. Through days and weeks and years sow on! In sunshine and shade, smiles and weeping; And you shall see the victory won, You shall have joy in bountiful reaping. Then sing and sow, and whistle and mow, Plant only good seed wherever you go, And praise God from whom all blessings flow ! Without one fear, for God is near, With heavenly yield your hearts shall cheer', For He holds all His workers dear, And He shall reward you early! 103 THE SPIRITUAL REALM. "There is a Spirit in man and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth it understanding." — ^Job 32 : 8. The Comforter, which is the Holy Spirit, shall teach you all things." — John 14:26. "The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long- sufifering, gentleness, goodness, faith." — Gal. 5 : 22. Look not afar for the Spirit-land, That home of the soul so wondrously grand; For that realm is always near; By the Spirit's power the soul sails o'er The waves of sin to the Faith-land shore Where loving hearts sick souls restore And the sad and fainting cheer. Immortal joys this realm surround, With glorious souls its fields abound. And glow in the smile of God ; Minist'ring Spirits people the air, And love and kindness are native there. While sorely tested ne'er despair, But joy beneath the rod! All those who dwell in this fair realm. Have faith that ill cannot overwhelm While warring with sin and hell ; Tireless sentries, both day and night, Man the walls of this castle of light, And cry the hour from rampart's height, Proclaiming: "All is well!" Or ring the alarum bell's clear sound, And warriors all at their posts are found As the hosts of sin draw near: Clear trumpets sound the battle call, "On to the contest one and all !" And God's true soldiers man the wall, Warriors who know no fear! 104 There are Sunday Schools in this fair clime, Where teachers come in faith sublime, In the Spirit's power they come; Not 1-don't-want-tos, I'd-rather-nots; But souls staid on our solid Rock, Who with God's forces cast their lot, 'And cheer their brigades on ! 'b' There are churches in this Spirit world, Whose banners never shall be furled; Each soul truth's falchion draws; Scarred veterans and raw recruits, And men who once were human brutes, In the Spirit's strength, bold, resolute. Now fight for God's own cause ! Yet millions more admire the walls While heeding not the Spirit's calls, Half willing, still outside Among the mass where self is rife, And heeding only worldly strife. And missing truest bliss of life Amid the worldly tide! Ye soldiers of the Heavenly King, Let shouts of triumph loudly ring, While angels view the fight. Let every duty be well done, Until the victory is won, And saints and angels cheer us on For God and truth and right! Jehovah calls ; on Him they wait ! Lift up your heads, ye heavenly gates! The Lord of hosts leads on ! God's heavenly host shall ne'er retreat! The King of kings know^s no defeat! His victory shall be complete! His battle shall be won! 105 CREEDS OF THE BELLS. Five First Verses by Geo. W. Bungay, Seven Last Verses by Alex. S. Arnold. The chiming of the Sabbath Bells! Each one its Creed in music tells In tones that float along the air, As sweet as song, as pure as prayer; And I will put in simple rhymes The language of the golden chimes; My joyous heart responsive swells To the sweet language of the bells. EPISCOPALIAN. "In deeds of love excel ! excel !" Chimed out from ivied towers a bell ; "This is the church not built on sands, Emblem of one not built with hands ; Its forms and sacred rights revere ; Come worship here! come worship here! In rituals and faith excel I" Chimed out the Episcopalian bell. 106 BAPTIST. "Ye purifyiing waters, swell!" In mellow tones rang out a bell ; "Though faith alone in Christ can save, Man must be plunged beneath the wave, To show the world unfaltering faith In what the sacred Scripture saith ; O swell ! ye rising waters swell !" Pealed out the clear-toned Baptist bell. METHODIST. "To all the truth we tell ! we tell !" Shouted in ecstacies a bell ; "Come, all ye weary ones, and see ! Our Lord has made salvation free ! Repent, believe, have faith, and then Be saved and praise the Lord! Amen! Salvation's free; we tell! we tell!" Shouted the Methodist bell. ROMAN CATHOLIC "All hail, ye saints in heaven, who dwell Close by the cross!" exclaimed a bell; "Lean o'er the battlements of bliss, And deign to bless a world like this! Let mortals kneel before the shrine, Adore the water and the wine! All hail ye saints! the chorus swell!" Chimed in the Roman Catholic bell. UNIVERSALIST. "Our God is love! All will be well! Through Jesus !" rang a cheerful bell : "Glorious triumph! Christ shall win All souls! and cleanse each heart from sin I Be pure; for this is heaven within! But sin is hell and hell is sin! Glad tidings tell, all will be well!" Rang out the Universalist bell. 107 SEMI-HEATHEl^. "The Lord in wrath has built a hell To torment souls!" fierce tolled a bell; "For dying wrong there's endless pain! Live wrong, die right and heaven gain! God is wrath ! Live as you will ; But die correct, it's just as well ! Live as you will I die well or hell !" Fierce tolled the Semi-Heathen bell. IDOLATRY. Ye tribes of earth, 'tis ever well To ponder charms!" rang out a bell; "With comets, plagues or earthquakes near. When wars and dangers strike with fear. The fearful gods are ever found At their dread idols ; gather round With gifts and victims; worship there; Their aid invoke, their curse beware ! For all their foes shall sink to hell !" Rang out the ancient Fetich bell. BRAHMAN. "Great Brah, the source of all, shall dwell In endless sleep!" exclaimed a bell; "Our creed is built with solid rocks And all our rites are orthodox; Dare not provoke our Triad's wrath, Let rules of caste direct thy path ; Not deeds, but rites must save the soul And bring thee to thy final goal Where, merged in Brah, thy soul shall dwell!' Tolled out the Brahmanistic bell. HEBREW. "Ye chosen race, whe'er ye dwell. Great Moses honor," chimed a bell ; "And love the Lord with all the soul; Yea, let no other power control ; And as thyself thy neighbor love Is God's own wisdom from above ; "With Jacob's God forever dwell !" Rang out the ancient Hebrew bell. 108 BUDDHISM. "Life is a curse ! but all was well When life was not!" said a mild bell; "No birth nor death, no sin nor pain Disturbed peace's universal reign: Ye caste and outcaste, now unite, Be filled with love and do the right; Hold not false Brahmish gods in fear. But Buddha's gospel nov/ revere; Escape from life, earth, heaven and hell!" Rang out the Protestant Buddhist bell. CONFUCIAN. "Mark ancient laws and customs well ! Our rulers fear!" pealed out a bell; "Thy parents honor while they live, And when they die thy worship give; Why ponder things that gender strife? — • An unknown God, an unknown life? Ours is the heavenly kingdom here, Confucius our mighty seer; Perform thy worldly duties well !'' Pealed out the old Confucian bell. MOHAMMEDAN. "Our God is God ! go sound the knell Of heretics!" loud rolled a bell; "Mohammed is the prophet given To lead the Moslem hosts to heaven; Unfurl his banner, draw the sword Our Koran true must be adored; Ye faithful tribes, let this sufBce — Bliss in our prophet's paradise ! Fire endless for the Infidel !" Rolled forth the loud Mohammedan bell. 109 MOSES. THE MAN OF GOD. CONTENTS. Invocation for inspiration, Moses' birth under Ramases, Adoption by Princess Bent Anta, Slays a Cruel Task Master, Flees to Midian for 40 years, Returns to Egypt, The Exodus, crossing Red Sea, Song of Freedom, Mixed multitude, Mount Sinai, Golden calf, Moses' laws, Sacrifices, God's anger, God's Demands, His Justice, Smiting 'the Rock, the spies, Moses on Mt. Nebo, Moses' Prayer of Thanksgiving, Conclusion. 110 T^peof- B^T^Mx^sVi Mo-dieY^ 111 113 MOSES THE MAN OF GOD. Life Story of Moses From Cradle To Grave. By A. S. A., in His Eighty-First Year. Come, heavenly powers, with all inspiring grace, And fill my soul with this great theme, O Lord Of Love and light, who guided his great soul, The greatest hero of the olden time ; So great the Galilean lauded him As noblest, truest, greatest man of earth! "Think not," said Jesus, "I am to destroy The law and prophets; for no jot or tittle Shall pass from Moses' law till all fulfilled (Mat. V:17-19) And leads men's hearts in righteous and peace ; Thus heaven bring to earth and rule all souls : But they, who break and teach 'gainst Moses' laws, Shall be called least in heaven's kingdom pure. While all, who teach them, great in heaven are called : And as we would that others do to us. So should we do to all our fellow men ; For this the law and prophets always teach. And this is the strait gate and narrow way. (Mat. 7:12-13.) Love thou the Lord thy God with all thy heart. (Deut. 6:5.) And love they neightbor even as thyself." (Lov. 19:18.) Thus Moses taught and Jesus ratified. (Mat. 22 :36-40.) Amid the clashing, horrid scenes of war Which rent the tribes and kingdoms of the earth. When might was legal right beyond dispute. And kings and prices ruled by pow'r alone, Surrounded by corruption on all sides. Immoral lives and selfishness bore sway, And all the earth seemed mired in degradation; Yet Moses lived a sacrificial life, And taught the purest precepts ever known, Or ever reached by Priest Melchizedeck, Or Abraham or Isaac, Israel, And ten commandments tow'ring o'er the world; Great Moses self ignored for others' good ; He drew his princely blade defending slaves. And fled to Midian for forty years, And watched and waited for the time to strike, And when it came he took the task in hand. And ne'er give o'er until there came success, Until he wrought the greatest work on earth, And he became earth's greatest conqueror. 115 THE BIRTH OF MOSES. In Egypt, ruled by Rameses the Great, Was born Great Moses, who was three months hid To shield him from the law which sought his life; For stern decree had from the king gone forth That every Hebrew boy be put to death Because the children of the Hebrew race Increased in numbers at such rapid rate They seemed a threat to overrun the land, And should the opportunity occur. Through warring shepherd king or foreign foe, The Israelites might join in numbers vast And thus o'erthrow the present ruling house ; For what could stem such combination strong? And therefore king's decree went forth that all The Hebrew children males be put to death. Now, common people were, throughout the realm, All merely serfs belonging to the crown. And should a war of vital import rise, To test the people's love of realm or king, What int'rest had the people in the strife When only change of masters was involved? And thus the risk of war would be enhanced And Israel must be crushed by harsh decree. THE ADOPTION OF MOSES. When Moses had from harm been three months hid His parents, Amram and wife Jockebed, Perceived no longer could they shield their child. They from some rushes made a little ark And in it set their baby boy adrift Upon the waters of a trenchlike cove Supplied by water of the sacred Nile Where went to bathe the daughter of the king, Bent Anta Princess, with attendant maids Who, at her bidding, took the floating waif And fetched it to their mistress to inspect, The lovely baby wept and touched her heart And she adopted him as prince and son. But he must have a nurse, and Miriam, His elder sister, watching near the place. 116 A little miss of but a dozen years, Made offer then to find a Hebrew nurse And brought the babe's own mother for the charge And thus advantaged by the princess' wealth Did Moses Egypt's wisdom vast attain With all the prestige of a royal prince. HIS mother's instruction. A..^"^^^* ^'^^ P^°"^ Lev^te mother's knee Was Moses duly taught to honor God, A 5 5°, °^ J^'^'^^' ^'^^c, Abraham, And duly promised, with a solemn vow lo visit his race brothers sore oppressed And stand for them e'en though he stood alone Foregoing hopes of mounting Egypt's throne/ Yet when a royal prince in manhood's prime He vved the pontiff's daughter, Priest of On ^fi^gypts priestly class the supreme head. But when the time was ripe to keep his vow He went to Goshen's verdant pasture land And there beheld taskmasters of the kino- With cruel lashing drive the slaves at work And these poor slaves the children of his race His princely blood boiled over and he slew A wretch whose blows seemed harsher than the rest And buried he the body in the sand. MOSES FLEES TO MIDIAN. • Hp^fll'^f'^.V-i^'^'^, "^^'^ '^'°"^^ ^la^e been his friends He fled to Midian beyond the sea, And weTz' ^^^^S^\th J^thro, prince and priest. And wed Zippora, Jethro's daughter fair And spying out the land for forty years ' And profiting by Jethro's counsels wise While feeding herds and flocks near Horeb's Mount Twas there he met the angel of the Lord Who, in God s stead within the burning bush bpoke as ambassador of great Jehovah, The God of Abraham, of Isaac, Jacob, Commanding Moses that he turn his steps Back into Egypt and his mission there Now Rameses was dead and his weak son, Metempha, reigned o'er Egypt's favored realm,- ii: For Rameses' loved queen had died and left Two lovely daughters, princesses of the realm. Bent Anta chose babe Moses for her son, The other Rameses had made his wife In memory of his beloved queen. And weak Metempha was the son and heir, But shadow merely of his father king. MCSES^ RETURN TO EGYPT. And thus commanded at the burning bush, Obeying he returned to Egypt's land And stood with Aaron, facing there the king With his credentials from the King of Heaven. Thus armed with heav'nly power and conscious might Demanded the release of Hebrew serfs To go and worship three days' journey east. But Pharaoh refused and bade the slaves Bend to their work with harder tasks by far. With same amount of bricks, yet finding straw. Again with Aaron Moses faced the king, Again demanding that the Hebrew serfs Be free to go away and worship God; But hardened was the heart of Pharaoh, And so again refused the firm demand Until came plagues and pestilence and lice Murrain and frogs and flies, then came blood And death through Egypt of the oldest son. Departure from Egypt. Then high and low in dire alarm cried out, "Command the Hebrews leave ! Yea, drive them forth, Or we be all no better than dead men ! Then drive them out to worship their own God That He withdraw His wrath from ofif the land And sufifer us to live in peace again !" And then the Hebrew serfs with one accord All borrowed of the Egyptians gold and silver: Yea, gold and jewels the Egyptians gave To shield them from the curse of Israel's God. Yet just were Hebrew serfs in this great spoil: For had they not in bondage suffered long? For years their backs were bended without pay! 118 The spoil was but a tithe of their just dues For years of unrequitted service hard And cruel brandings by their overseers And all the hardships of degraded serfs. And then the great mixed multitude went up All harnessed, out of Egypt with their herds And journeyed to the eastern guarding wall Against the Bedweens and Philistines bold, A wall against invasion from the east. Thus making inroads perilous and hard. Crossing the Red Sea. But soon Metempha, filled with keen regret That he had suffered Hebrew serfs to leave, In hottest haste then gathered horse and foot And chased in swift pursuit the fleeing throng Adown the eastern border guarding wall, And blocked the passage round the northern shore Between the Bitter Lakes' safe passageway, Near where the sea had eaten up the land. Great Moses would not lead his motley throng Through the old gateway near the great north sea ; For then they had become the easy prey Of disciplined Philistines, fierce and bold; And so the Hebrews fled along the wall To reach the egress where Metempha camped Already to attack the fleeing serfs And drive them back to serve the king again. But here Jehovah bared His mighty arm ; For Moses heard the still, small voice within : "Stand and see the salvation of thy God ! Stretch forth thy rod across the seething waves And I will bid the eastern wind blow strong, And when thou dost behold the causeway bare On which the caravans do cross secure, Go forward thou with all thy multitude, And I, the Lord of Hosts, will be with thee !" And when the east wind laid the causeway bare, And waters deep proved like a wall each side, To guard the Israelites from flank attack. The vast mixed multitude v^^ent o'er on foot By flaming pillar led full half the night. 119 And still were marching on at morning dawn Until they reached secure the other side. Then Pharaoh's proud army followed on Too late to take advantage of the wind Which, shifting westward, whistled fierce and fast, And horse and rider, as in ambush caught, Sank to rise no more 'mid whelming waves Returning in great billows rushing on Within the view of Moses and his host. And then, 'mid timbrel's roll and cymbal's clash, And led by Miriam and maidens fair, They chanted high their jubilee of joy: "Our own God's mighty arm His people saves While Egypt shall mourn the loss of her slaves ; The horse and the rider are 'neath the dark waves, Within the Red Sea have found their deep graves ! Sound the loud timbrel, the cymbal and voice; God's chosen people forever rejoice! Then let us to-day our high strain prolong, /nd with heart and voice sing Freedom's sweet song ! — Song of Freedom. Tune: "Blue Bells of Scotland." O, where, tell me where. Was the child of Freedom born? O, where, tell me where. Was the child of Freedom born? When God rolled back the tide and made ■ A pathway through the sea. And when great Moses led And God's Israel was free! O, where, tell me where, ;. Was sweet Freedom's cradle rocked? i O, where, tell me where, Was sweet Freedom's cradle rocked? » Amid Mount Sinai's sacred crags ji Whose summit pierced the sky, | And Jehovah proclaimed That sweet Freedom should not die. 120 O, where, tell me where, Did this child to manhood come? O, where, tell me where. Did this child to manhood come? While wandering full forty years And led by cloud and flame, And the proud hosts of sin Shall e'er tremble at his name ! Thus Liberty was born when through the sea Great Moses led the people of his charge. And Freedom's cradle rocked at Sinai's Mount, And Freedom his majority attained While wand'ring forty years the wilderness Before the children reached the Promised Land, The Mixed Multitude. But some, so ill-formed about the race Of Hebrews and their friends 'neath Egypt's sway, They doubt the number of the multitude That left their bondage under Moses' lead. And started on their journey, long and strange. They vainly take for granted this great host Were all descended from great Jacob's sons, Unthinking that the patriarch's vast wealth Required at least a thousand vassals more For keepers of his herds and flocks and mules And camels, and defenders of his wealth. Thus when the great, mixed multitude went up All harnessed out of Egypt's bondage sore They surely numbered full two million souls Of kindred races and of those who joined When prospering in Goshen's fertile fields. Then under their firm friends the shepherd kings Who were expelled by stronger foreign arms Whose leader knew not Joseph and his race. As Joseph made crown-serfs of native poor And starving millions when the famine raged While Nile floods flowed not for full seven years. So Rameses the Hebrew tribes enslaved. Mount Sinai and the Golden Calf. To Sinai's rugged mountain bleak and bare 121 Great Moses led the people to be taught God's holy statutes that they stray not far, But with due godly fear obey the Lord And walk in paths of pleasantness and peace Instead of ways which lead to life's morass Where hapless men are mired in sin and woe. 'Twas there, 'mid lightnings fierce and thunders loud, Upon the lonely mount Great Moses strayed Full forty days amid the solitude In awe and trembling at the thrilling scenes With Joshua his trusted friend and aid. He left the people at the mountain's base, They caring for their wealth in flocks and herds All feeding in green pastures spreading wide. 'Tis charged against the Jews they had no art, That statuary they despised and scorned Which so refined and elevated Greeks. 'Tis false as ever Satan uttered lies ; For of all famous statues ever formed Was fashioned by Priest Aaron, at the Mount, A golden calf he wrought and set in view That all the people might exalt and praise And worship even as in Egypt's land. Then High Priest AaroQ cried m lusty tones, "These be thy gods, O Israel, which brought Thee up and out of Egypt's cruel land !" At which the people hailed it long and loud.\ Then all the multitude sat down to eat And after feasting rose they up to play. Then later came those statues, highly prized. The golden calves which Jeroboam formed ; Then there was old, unclean Beelzebub And brazen Moloch, in whose ancient shrine ' Were roasted heathen babes in sacrifice, And in which sacred rites apostate Jews Engaged, and worshiped Ashtaroth and Baal, In temples each a house of ill repute ; Engaged in lewd debauch both day and night. 'Tis true such heathen rites and works of art , Were all forbidden by great Moses' laws ; lYet flourished they like unto green bay trees 122 Wherever people turned from Moses' God, Where heathen art and statuary swayed. Moses' Laws. Read ye the mighty leader's rules of life, His pure commandments for our daily guide, And all his moral code to govern men And curb the sins which he could not prevent. Consider ye that all enacted laws Of ah enlightened nations of the world Are founded on the statutes Moses gave, And thou shalt love the Lord thy God for aye His ten commandments and his higher code: — "Hear, O Israel, the Lord God is one; And thou shalt love the Lord thy God for aye With all thy heart, with all thy mind and strength ; And thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself." And on these words hang all the law and prophets. Moses' Sacrificial Code — God's Anger. Moreover, Moses' law of sacrifice Were lessons of great import for us all — To learn to sacrifice the best of all For God, religion and unselfish aims 'Mong men and women that they covet not, But tread the paths of purity and love. 'Tis true that many failed to comprehend The true intent of these blest altar gifts, Some thinking God did ask them in His need Instead of all designed for man's own good Just as the Sabbath and the decalogue ; Yea, all God's laws are benefits for man. That he may grow in likeness of his God And, like his God, for evil render good ; By overcoming evil with the good. Our God is angry with His wicked sons Because He loves His children, one and all. Just as good earthly parents angry are That offspring, whom they love so deeply true. Act wickedly in spite of all commands. And yet the fact that some from God are lost Is proof that God owns all who go astray : 123 Yea, just as when man loses child or purse, And proves the lost or stolen was from him, A court of justice gives him back his own. Thus all the lost from God belong to him; For Satan has no children of his own, But only kidnapped, stolen from the Lord. Almighty God will not give up his own But duly claim and bring them back again ; For Christ shall seek the lost till all are found And brought with joy into the Father's fold. God's Just Demands and Needs. Our God doth own the universe itself And only lacks in one essential thing — The love of all the children he hath made; For just as parents crave their children's love And to that end bring offspring into life. So great Jehovah creates hosts of men That they may satisfy his mighty need By loving him with all the heart and strength, As we need God's great love forvermore, So great Jehovah needs the love of men, And in his greatness needs He billions more ! But briefly, therefore, lets his children stray And then to learn afflictions lesson well : Forever God's pure justice shall pursue The fleeing sinner with relentless love. Demands of Our Father's Justice. No punishment can satisfy the Lord ! One thing and only one is, requisite, That we love God with all our heart and strength And love our neighbor even as ourself: No less can satisfy His just demands; Yea, justice is not met till man complies! However far the sinner strays from God No refuge can he find from God's pursuit ; To his last covert, through the ENDLESS NOW, The call shall break upon the sinner's ear, "My son, give Me thy heart! 'Tis justly Mine!" And when the sinner truly just becomes God's justice is then met, and not till then ! When all throughout the world of every race 124 Shall love supremely God and others as themselves Shall man be just with God and justice fully met! The mildest man whom history records The people for pure water thirsted sore, Of trial with the stolid people's whims Whene'er events went counter to their likes. Restrained himself for eight and thirty years Smiting the Rock. And then, as was their wont, with loud complaint They asked in waggish, mocking, scathing tones If there were dearth of graves in Egypt's land That they were led within the desert wide To find in broader fields sufficient tombs? 'Twas then that Moses' meekness, so long tried, Gave place to anger and with lifted rod He shouted fiercely, "Rebels obdurate ! For you must I bring water from this rock?" And then in anger smote the massive stone When, from beneath, the long imprisoned flood Burst forth in blessings like the love of God. When Moses Smote the Rock. When Moses smote the desert rock, To quench the people's thirst. The pent-up waters by the shock, Were loosed and forth they burst. And tho' the burning desert sand Our aching feet may tread, Or on the rugged rocks we stand, And brazen skies o'erhead; Yet 'neath the rocky, jagged ground, Tho' parched the way we go, Imprisoned streamlets there abound Already to o'erflow. So 'neath the rocks of gloomy fears Abundant waters rest Which yet shall wash away our tears And mourning hearts be blest; The rocks be parted one by one. And sparkling waters seen Flow bright beneath the smiling sun Through deserts clothed in green. 125 O Lord, smite thou each desert rock! To quench aU souls athirst And pent-up waters by the shock Be loosed and ever burst! Various Notable Events. But time and space to narrate all would fail. And so we touch but lightly many scenes Momentous in the life of this great man: The strange fire offered by priest Aaron's sons When they in drunken revelry did use The sacred vessels and the holy altar And brought upon themselves their awful fate; When Miriam and Aaron both rebelled ; When in fierce battles Joshua, the chief, Led on to triumph o'er heathen hosts ; When twelve men sent spied out the promised land, When Joshua, the son of Non, was true, And Caleb, staunch Jephunneh's son stood firm. And brave were both, the only souls of all Who, leaving Egypt, reached the promised land And, ever faithful, triumphed throughout life. While for his sin in taking credit full Unto himself, instead of unto God, Yea, when he smote the rock and waters gushed, E'en Moses was debarred from Canaan. Then mounted he Mount Pisgah's highest peak And there amid the solitude alone, He viewed the promised land, and there he died. MosES ON Mount Nebo. And now, his work accomplished, Moses stood In all his manhood's force, with undimmed eyes ; He gazed from Nebo's lofty height away Far o'er the landscape of the Promised Land, Beholding Urusalem tow'ring high On Mount Moriah's fortress proud and grim Where Jebusites defied the arm of man From their Gibraltar of the olden time And vaunted her impregnable to all Until she fell before great Joab's host. 126 Great Moses traced the Jordan's winding stream, And Galilee through which its waters flowed, The cedars of Mount Lebanon and Moab, And westward saw the great and mighty sea Whose restless ripples flowed beyond his sight, And on her borders proud Philistia With five walled cities frowning on the coast, And Tyre and Sidon on the shore beyond, And at his left proud Egypt's guarding wall Which he had circled with his fleeing tribes. Before him lay the lovely Promised Land, And tho' denied an entrance to the realm His soul exulted in his fulfilled task: For as he then recalled the troubled past His heart was lifted o'er his blasted hope That at the very threshold of the land His step must cease and he forego the prize, The temple he had won through Jacob's God; And lifting up his head he gazed in joy And stretching forth his hands exulting mused: — "O, God of Father Abraham, my Lord, Thou God of Jacob, refuge and defence, Before the mountains were brought forth by Thee Or ever this broad earth and sea were formed From everlasting e'en to everlasting Thou art our Father and unfailing Friend ! And forty years agone Thy angel came And bade me do a work I could not do ; But Thou hast been with me through all the way And brought me to this sad, yet heavenly end ; And as the mother counts her pains as naught To think a man is born into the world, Behold the birth of Israel to-day As out of the womb of southern desert sands The nation in her glory passes o'er The Jordan to her own inheritance And leaves behind her weakness and her fears! Behold the Ark first crosses o'er the stream All dammed at Meron forty miles above. Behold the people also pass dry shod. For water flows not through the river bed. Mark Joshua's proud legions marching on. And who shall dare dispute their conqu'ring might 127 Led on by matchless chieftain of the world? Let heathen tremble in their city walls And all the hosts of sin and idols base Before our leader flee, nor turn again ; For out of Egypt hast Thou called Thy son, And Thine own people victors now shall be! ^ And thus the hardships of our toilsome march Are turned to joy and gladness this great day. Yea, all the discords of our desert life Are turned to song and harmony divine ; And tho' I pause upon this lonely hill With naught to mark the lowly grave I fill My name shall live The Great Deliverer, Who from base serfdom made a nation great ; Nor shall be dimmed this tale when ages pass And beat upon the shores of boundless time ! So shall the pathos of this closing scene B' swallowed up in hallelujahs high; As this tale echos down each coming age Shall endless notes of praise unceasing rise." Conclusion. And here we end the story of this man Who tow'rs in grandeur o'er the -wrecks of earth; Yea, all the clouds which clustered 'round his head, With dark forebodings 'mid his giant toils, Have set behind the western hills of life. And naught save sunshine gilds the eastern sky And glows in glory 'round his sacred head. - Down from the steps which lead to Egypt's throne Great ]\Ioses turned and trod life's paths alone; His mother taught that slaves were his race brothers. That serving God was doing good to others. He poured contempt on titles and ambition, And turned from fame to bring the abolition • Of slaves despised ; relinquished rank and name Yet high o'er men of old shines forth his fame. He did not seek for heaven far away. But dwelt in God's own presence day by day! 128 He walked and talked with God, his joy forever. And having God naught lacked on earth whatever. Thou man of God, greatest of olden time. Thou meekest, most unselfish of all climes. Forsaking all, ambition, self and fame. Achieve didst thou the greatest of all names! Thy pure, unselfish fame shall darken never. But evermore inspire man's high endeavor, And like the sun and stars shine on forever ! Notes on Moses_, the Man of God. The correction of Manetho's historical data brushes aside the haze which for centuries darkened Egyptian chronology regarding the children of Israel, showing that Biblical dates and statements are practically cor- rect. The spades of the antiquary and ancient monu- ments are confirming, in remarkable ways, the truth of the Bible narratives. On monuments have been found pictures of the slaves of Pharaoh, their backs branded with hot irons, toiling under the lash of merciless taskmasters, beside whom Markham's "Man with the Hoe" was an envi- able condition. The name of Rameses the Great was Moses, to which was prefixed Ra, the name of Egypt's great god, to show Pharaoh's boasted divine credentials, changing his name to Rameses the Pharaoh of the oppression and the greatest monarch that ever ruled the land of the Nile. His son Metempha was the Pharaoh of the exodus. Melchizedek was viceroy of Salem or Urusalem in the days of Abraham. Although a scrub, that is without father or mother of royal blood, he had at- tained his position by his own ability with the title of king under the powerful monarchs of Egypt. Two of his letters to Pharaoh have been unearthed. With the mummy of Rameses was found that of Metempha and his brother Hamus or Rahammus, the great magician and rival of Moses. 129 Geology Confirms Moses' Story of Creation. First and Second Day or Period: The Heavenly Bodies, then the Earth; but, enveloped in gaseous clouds, darkness was upon the deep. Moreover, the Earth being too hot for water to rest on the ground, the sky or firmament seemed to divide or separate the waters above from the waters below. Nevertheless, there was light from the Sun sufficient to distinguish day from night, or in the language of Moses, "There was evening and morning on the first day." Third Day or Period : The earth had cooled sufficiently to allow water to rest on its surface and form seas, and the dry land then appeared and vegetation flourished, as never since, from pole to pole, ihe earth being too warm to permit ice to form. Furthermore, it was during this Day or Period that the foundation was laid for the immense coal beds from pole to pole, and although the sun, moon and stars were still invisible from the earth's surface, "there was evening and morning on the Third Day or Period." earth; that is, they became visible, and of course at this period "there was evening and morning on the Fourth Day or Period." Fifth Day or Period: The fish, birds and whales came into exist- ence, and we find their fossils, in the form of chalk, limestone and marble which bear irrefragable evidence that countless water animals v\rere created, lived and died ages on ages before the existence of man. Moreover, to further confirm Moses' account of creation, we find no fossil remains of mankind, but the fossil remains of fish, birds and other animals prove that physical death had taken place many ages before man's creation in the latter portion of the Sixth Day or Period. Sixth Day or Period : Land animals were created in the first por- tion, and their fossil remains prove beyond all doubt that they also lived and died ages before man came into being, further confirming Moses' story of creation, that physical death occurred many ages before the existence of man, especially as no fossil remains of mankind have ever been discovered in any part of the earth. In fact, the only real difficulty regarding the universal acceptance of Moses' Story of Creation seems to be that theologians are so strangely infatuated with the rhapsody of Milton's magnificent poetry, that people choose the rhapsody and scout the simple story of the plain facts ^ of Moses' narrative of the Order of Creation as recorded in the First Chapter of Genesis, all of which simple, sublime statements are amply corroborated by the spade and geological research and untiring investi- gation. It is high time that all sensible, well informed people take Milton's eflfusions as poetry and Moses' statement of facts as verities. Written by Alex, S. Arnold in his S5th year. 130 THE BRAZEN BEEL. Out from the belfry, swell on swell, Comes the grand music of the brazen bell, Chiming and climbing, Climbing and chiming Over and over the hurrying crowds. Up and away to the very clouds, As though it would pierce the vaulted skies To gain an immortal prize. Out from the belfry, swell on swell. Comes the grand music of the brazen bell. Again like song-birds, warbling, singing, With its merry ringing; Or as happy childhood Waking the wildhood. Light, glad, frolicsome. And rolicsome ; Then suddenly up roarious, So grand and glorious And melodious, Like a grand chorus Floating o'er us, Out from the belfry, swell on swell. Comes the grand music of the brazen bell.^) Hear it ! like an archangel Or mighty evangel Calling! calling! Swift ascending With heaven's anthems blending; Then falling! falling! Trolling and rolling ! Rolling and trolling. And tolling ! tolling ! Again resounding, Its clang abounding. Its noise astounding 131 Near and far, The Law expounding, Its tongue rebounding As though all sin confounding, Like heaving billows of mighty war "Delay not, mortals ! begin The conflict with foes within !" Out from the belfry, swell on swell. Comes the grand music of the brazen bell Out from the spire. Yet higher and higher. With confusion dire. The sounds are flung As the bell is swung, And its noisy tongue Is all unstrung ; And tunes seem unchanted and unsung Then the music will swell Like some sweet spell. The discord quell ! expel ! From its high citadel Hear its rich cadence dwell ! Its heavenly message tell ! "All is well ! is well ! well !" Out from the belfry, swell on swell. Comes the grand music of the brazen bell. How pleading the call Entreating all : "Oh, come ! do come ! Wake, Christendom ! With goodness we must enter in The rest we all must win, _ Christ bearing away our sin." Hear its loud vibrations ! "Wake from your degradations. Ye slumbering nations ! Oh, join in mighty adorations!" Out from the belfry, swell on swell, Comes the grand music of the brazen bell. 132 'TIS THE LIFE THAT TELLS ! Tis the life that tells, not the words you say! Your words are shaded by your daily deeds Which publish your faith abroad day by day, Yea, herald faith in spite of written creeds: Tho hypocrites may righteous phrases quote. Their neighbors will their daily actions note ; For 'tis the life that tells ! 'Tis the life that tells! Sweet as chiming bells, All through this motley world of light and shade, Are loving people who their parts act well And live their kindly lives 'mong friends they've made, And let their lights so shine that others see Their good works and give glory, Lord, to thee ! For 'tis the life that tells ! 'Tis the life that tells ! Well do I recall. When our dear church was formed some years ago, One of another parish then left all And came to us with Christian faith aglow And said, "For many years I've loved your creed, Not from mere words, but from a friend's good deeds! For 'tis the life that tells ! "Yes, 'tis the life that tells!" she kindly said, "Not from mere preaching, nor from specious talk; But years ago I had a friend, now dead, Whose kind words wedded to her kindly walk So pure, sweet and good! 'Twas her life that told; Because of her rich life I join your fold; For 'tis the life that tells!" 'Tis the Hfe that tells! Mark the lives so bright Of godly members ways whose Christian glory Is like the sun gone down which leaves soft light To guide our wand'ring feet. We tell the storyj How through their heavenly lives the parish grew And like the noonday sun that all may view ; For 'tis the life that tells ! 133 'Tis the life that tells ! How can we forget Our godly members' lives who wrought so well? God's seal upon their lovely lives was set For they for others lived till death befell: O, emulate in deeds those godly few Until for heaven we bid this world adieu. For 'tis the Hfe that tells! 'Tis the life that tells ! I could name a score Of other blest examples of sister folds And in my own dear parish many more Whose loving ways and loving deeds have told ! Their righteous lives have many converts made While words alone proved merely dress parade; For 'tis the life that tells! 'Tis the life that tells ! coupled with strong faith ; Not mere belief, but faith which casts out fear; Believing demons tremble, scripture saith, While faith moves mountains in each man's career : May faith in God our Father fill each breast, Strong faith be in our righteous lives confessed; For 'tis the life that tells ! 'Tis the life that tells ! Christ in Palestine Spake his pure precepts for the people's weal ; And on his words of wisdom, line on line, Was stamped, through his good deeds, the heavenly seal His heavenly doctrines cannot come to naught; Because he lived the precepts which he taught; For 'tis the life that tells! 'Tis the life that tells ! Sweet as chiming bells Are God's commandments and his laws obeyed : Our Heavenly Father doeth all things well, Jehovah's loving-kindness never fades ! Not for his greatness does he claim our love; But for his precious blessings from above ; For while Almighty power we may discuss, We love the Lord because he first loved us! For 'tis the life that tells ! 134 THE PROA/LISED RESURRECTION. "The grass withereth, the flower fadeth; but the word of our God shall stand forever." — Isa. 40:8. "1 am the Resurrection and the life !" saith the Lord. He stood beside the bier, and softly said, "Thy friend has gone before; he is not dead; For Nature teaches us this lesson sweet : — Within another world we soon shall meet !" The stricken mourner said, "Thy words are vain ! My friend is dead and ne'er shall live again !" "Dead? Look, mourner, gaze on the lifeless grass, O'er which the freezing blasts of winter pass ; Yet summer soon shall living beauty give ; The fields shall bloom, the grass revive and live !" The weeping mourner said, "Thy words are vain ! The grass that died shall never live again !" "Behold, sad mourner, how the brown leaves fall. And clothe the lifeless ground with fun'ral pall; But spring shall come, the earth with life shall glow And verdant leaves shall wave where'er we go !'' The sorrow laden said, "Thy words are vain ! The leaves now dead shall never live again !'* "But look, sad mourner, look once more away And see that giant oak clasped by decay. Behold its sprouts, how each exultant stands. And soon their joyous leaves shall clap their hands!" The weeping mourner said, "Thy words are vain ! The oak, which died, shall never live again !" "Then list, sad mourner," — 'twas a heavenly voice Which made the heart bereft, with hope rejoice — "Thy friend is sleeping free from care and sorrow ; But, through his risen Lord, shall wake tomorrow : For God's own Book divine speaks not in vain ! Because Christ rose thy friend shall rise again : "The grass shall wither and its bloom decay ; The oak shall fall, the earth may pass away ; Yet stands God's word, and Christ immortal lives. And to thy friend a sweeter life shall give!" The weeping mourner smiled, dispelled his fears, . And soon in faith and love were dried his tears I 135 ENTERING HEAVEN. Rhymes for a Sunday School Concert. Was it a vision ? or was it a dream Of effulgent beauty, soft and serene? As I gazed entranced at each floating gleam And fair as angels' eyes had ever seen. A shining, golden portal rose to view, Where one by one, the saints,^^yes, all passed through ; And these words shone o'er the archway bright ; "This is the gate to the city of light." I will not state our great Redeemer's plan. How from his sins Christ saves poor sinful man ; Nor here attempt to give the lapse of time To bring the changes wrought in this brief rhyme; The strange result shall be my only theme Of what I saw in vision or in dream. First came a feeble one bowed with disease; But he passed 'neath the shining arch with ease, And found what he needed far more than wealth. For his pale face changed to the glow of health. Then came a ruler of high renown ; He passed on foot to the heavenly ground ; No courtiers, nor subjects his highness greet; But he humbly knelt at our Saviour's feet. Next one of the lowly sons of earth, Inured to poverty from his birth ; He passed within his realm above, And was there made rich in our Saviour's love. 136 ThcD^one self-righteous, with darkning frown For poor, lost souls, as he looked around, Thinking to gaze from out of heaven On heretics to tortures given; And as he saw their sad condition, More joyful would be his position. But as he entered the lovely city, His proud heart melted to one of pity. And, taking a place with the lowest host, Cried "Lord, have mercy ; for I need it most !" Next came one of the dainty upper crust, Forgetting all are made of earthly dust. With soul so very small I scarce could view it; But looking at the icy heart and through it, I plainly saw, with loathing and disgust 'Twas cankered and corrupt with moth and rust ; But, as he entered, fell the earthly cheat, And humbly there he took the lowest seat. Next came a man, counting still his beads, Earnest as though it were all one needs ; His rosary vanished; but the loss He heeded not as he clung to the cross. Another traveler soon came after, Unimmersed in earthly water; He entered, and then without 'delay, In eager haste first made his way To life's clear river, deep and wide. And bathed, with joy, in its blissful tide. In went another of close-communion ; Yes, arm in arm in blissful union With an undipped saint of another creed. And seemed thrice happy in the Christian deed ; And, as he passed, to him was given A blessed sprinkling of the dew of heaven. Then one in broad-brim, suit of grey. Staidly passed through the narrow way; But as he entered, grave and slow. His grey suit turned as white as snow; 137 Yea, all his earthly garb was gone, Or else assumed a robe-like form ; But, as I gazed, what pleased me best, He sung God's praise as sweet as the rest. Next came a slave of ebon hue; Behold the change as he passed through! From every sign of bondage free, No angel fairer there than he. Next came one with his much prized gift — All the ceremonies he could lift ; He bent somewhat beneath his load. Yet bravely trudged along the road; But as he passed the portal fair. He changed enough to make one stare ; His great load vanished, and loud with zest, He shouted "Glory !" like a Methodist. One shouting in ecstacy I view But what a change as he passed through ! — In silent joy he sees our Lord. His rapt'rous heart too full for words. A sad one, tearful came, believing ever. Of loving, tender heart, yet peaceful never; Unknowing that God's wrath divine above Is far more tender than a mother's love ; He thought God's wrath was simply vengeful hate. And so with fear and trembling passed the gate ; One glance sufficed, — he saw our Saviour's face And leaped rejoicing in a flood of grace. Sweet words of hope I heard, and looked again — A cheerful, trusting one, rejoicing came. "Our God is love," he said, " and His dear Son Destroys all sin ; the vict'ry shall be won ! All hail, great Saviour ! speed that glorious niorn When every soul of man shall be new-born !'' And, as he passed within the city fair, He saw that all, made pure through Christ, were there 138 And yet again a grander vision given, — A countless host o'er plains and hills of heaven. With harps of gold, and praises on each tongue In loud thanksgiving, for the victory won. Twas not a mere vain dream as there they stood, Redeemed from sin, a mighty multitude. It seemed as though the heaven would burst asunder. As rolled the anthems from that countless number, For God's great vict'ry over death and sin. Which none but God's immortal Son could win. And thus they proudly stood with harps in hand, And sung the song of Moses and the Lamb : — "God's final triumph loud we now proclaim, When not one soul shall dwell in sin and shame. Loud hallelujahs to our Saviour's name! Then come to Jesus, weary souls yet lost. Come, burdened hearts, and swell our mighty host Redeemed from sin shall gather all the world ; For there be one shepherd and one fold !" 139 CHRISTIAN FAITH. He who believeth on our Father God, Baptised in spirit by the Holy Ghost, Shall be saved here and through Jehovah's w^ord, Of life's rich blessings he shall glean the most. For he shall walk on earth in God's own light, Faith in God shall joyfully possess, And loathing every evil, love the right, And dwell here filled with rest and righteousness. But if the loving gospel of God's Son Is spurned because hate fills his sordid soul. In every evil thought or deed that's done. There shall the foul, unrestful billows roll. The faith of Christ is not that he lived here; For Christian faith is fraught with greater wealth, Faith in God and Christ casts out all fear And makes us love our neighbor as ourself. Then are we Chrisians, and tho chastened sore. We trust our Father God through good and ill. And gaze through darkest clouds and more and more We bless and do our Father's loving will. When friends depart and pass through death's cold gate, In faith we view them in those realms more fair; For God shall cleanse them from their sinful state, And in a world of bliss we'll meet them there. Then grant us thy salvation, blessed Lord, The loving faith in God may Christ impart, The Holy Spirit's aid to us afiford. And cleanse and keep us ever pure in heart. Let us forsake these grov'ling sins of ours, Eschew all hate and ever live in love. Immortal glories then shall strew with flowers. Our paths of peace like heavenly paths above ! 140 CLARA'S DREAM OF HEAVEN AND HELL. Clara had been taught from early childhood, To trust in God and love his hallowed name ; Though years rolled on, by worldly ones surrounded, Her childlike trust was always just the same. No doubt of God, no fear of death or dying, E'er crossed her trusting heart by night or day; But in the footsteps of a loving Saviour She walked in peace the blessed, narrow way. Her faith was taught her by a Christian father; Maternal love but briefly had she known ; A faint remembrance of her loving mother Was all on earth she ever called her own. And yet, whenever asked, "Have you a mother?" "Yes ! but not below," was the answer given "She's with my sister and my only brother; But all are still my own, though up in heaven. "I never saw them much, but love them dearly. And mention all their names oft when I pray; I'm not unhappy when I think about them, For blessed Jesus took them all away. "And saved from sin they all are pure and happy — Saved by Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, Who takes away our sins. And saved from sinning We, too, shall walk the streets by angels trod. "For when our earthly tab'nacle of clay Shall be dissolved, and to the dust be given, We have a house, a building of our God, Not made with hands, eternal in the heavens." 141 One night, as Clara laid in peaceful slumber, She dreamed she died and flew to heaven's gate, V\^here stood a mighty angel at the portal. To guard sweet Paradise's most peaceful state. "Do you love God and Jesus?" asked the angel. Said Clara, "Yes, with all my heart and soul !" Then swung the gate and gazing through the portal, She saw the palaces and streets of gold. "Good angel, please, I wish to find my mother. And tell her of my own and father's love ; I long to meet my sister and my brother. And live with them and Jesus and with God." The angel's brow was clouded as he answered, "Your friends are in the valley at the left, Which lies far down below among the shadows. Where many dwell of pleasures e'er bereft. "So shout hosannas ! Chant loud hallelujahs ! And join with those within forever blest; Forget your friends, your mother, 'mid the shadows, Forget them all and share our heavenly rest." "Forget my mother!" Clara cried. "No, tempter ! Not for all thy selfish joys untold ; Forget my only sister and my brother? No ! Not for Paradise, though paved with gold !" The angel's brow grew darker, fiercely frowning, And stern to Clara spake, "Have 3^ou no fear?" You cannot share our joy and honor mother ! So cease to love her and be happy here." "I'd rather not be happy!" answered Clara, "Than cease to love my mother in her woe ! If I'm forbid to love my friends in heaven, I'd rather dwell among the shades below. "And though we speak, sir, with the tongues of angels. Without the gift of charity or love, We are but sounding brass or tinkling cymbal ! But Jesus' heart with kindness ever moves. 142 "Of faith and hope and love, love is the greatest; For love fulfills the law, since God is love ; Did not I love my mother, whom I have seen, I could not love our unseen God above. "Why, sir, selfish joy can ne'er be blissful ; But filled with love our bliss is always great; Repent, dear sir, be filled with holy pity, And find that rest in love unknown in hate." "What, this to me?" the angel fierce retorted; "Why, I'm the porter of bright paradise ! Away, child ! Get you to darksome valley. Since you still love your mother! How unwise!'' "Farewell," said Clara. "You, I truly pity And all unloving souls who dwell within ; For angels, if unloving, can't be blissful Until our Saviour saves them from their sin, "But, thanks to God, that I can go to mother, Since Paradise with selfishness abounds ; And yet I thought it filled with loving spirits. Where selfish pleasures never could be found." Then down among the shadows of the valley Went Clara in her eager, loving haste, Where dim lights scarce illumed the palling darkness That shrouded all the darkling, dreary waste. But, braving all, she hasted to her mother, Who folded Clara closely to her breast; And there, in darkness, mother, sister, brother, Found in unselfish love, sweet, peaceful rest. But morning dawned and Clara woke from slumber. In glad surprise, she cried, "How true it seemed! I thank thee, God of love, and bless thee. Saviour, My heart was true and loving in my dreams !" 143 ON THE FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF GOOD SAMARITAN LODGE, I. O. OF F. No. 8. April 4, 1895. Descend, bright muse, and touch my soul with fire. And let this mighty theme my thoughts inspire, Or how shall I, this day, dare touch the lyre Of poetry on such a glorious theme? And state the doctrines pure on which we stand, Those sacred teachings which enrich our land, Those principles, as heavenly and grand As prophet's vision or a poet's dream? Our noble order states that every man Should do his duty here as best he can, And God shall place him in the very van Among his chosen men of every nation: For he, who loves our precepts from above. Three golden links of Friendship, Truth and Love, The beauties of Odd Fellowship shall prove. And solid rock shall be his sure foundation. Then learn these lessons of our friendly order, Where honor holds her blessed, gentle sway; For all, within her proud and sacred border. Shall yet her pure and high commands obey: Aye, join our grand Odd Fellowship of brothers, And swell the glorious song of peace and love, And leave all hate and strife and war to others; For we in peace and harmony should move. 144 High honor to her sacred courts invites us; Oh, enter ye, and worthy subjects prove; Unbroken be the chain which here unites us ; 'Tis hnked with heav'nly friendship, truth and love; Within our hearts, forever shrined and cherished, Oh, may these blessed feelings ever bloom. Ne'er failing when our earthly life has perished. But live immortal e'en beyond the tomb. Such are the doctrines of our friendly order ; Of these rich gems no foe shall e'er defraud her; For God's right arm shall be her mighty warder; Odd Fellowship exalts in every station: And every son, who from his heart obeys her, Bv words and kindly deeds shall ever praise her, By his true life in heaven's sight shall raise her, While saints and angels join in admiration. Mark well the battlements which e'er defend her; No gates of hell shall e'er prevail and rend her ; For guardian spirits shall fore'er befriend her ; No failure Good Samaritan Lodge shall mock: This day full fifty years have o'er her passed, Undaunted has withstood Time's testing blast. And fifty more times fifty years shall last, Yet stand immovable as solid rock. We don't deny that in Odd Fellow's Lodges Are a few counterfeits who really rank With hypocrites and other artful dodgers; For counterfeits are on the best of banks. But, let all counterfeits their harvests mow, Be kind, be social, benevolent and mellow; Aye, ne'er forget where'er you are or go To act in love the genuine Odd Fellow. But as I glance into the friendly faces Of those within our Order's kind embraces, I'm sure you'll grant your willing, pard'ning graces. As I in lighter vein nov/ pitch my rhyme: Because we never hint, in word or manner. That when we gather 'neath our royal banner, There's aught the matter with beloved Hannah, Especially on such a festal time. 145 So of a nervous man I'll tell the story, Who for the time was, not quite hunky-dory, But, through his dreamy fears, so changed the glory Of our pure rites (so heav'nly and up-Hfting) He thought, to swift destruction, he was drifting. This nervous man, with dark forebodings freighted, Came tremblingly to be initiated ; Our team, that night, was very much belated ; The man fell fast asleep, and queerly dreamed : For fearful visions heavy sleep did cumber. And as he snored away in troubled slumber, The horrid things he saw and scenes of wonder, I'll now relate precisely as they seemed. Within the lodge-room led, such queer surprises He, sees, and unique shapes, and strange disguises. That, from his head, each hair in terror rises. While dancing, circling round, as at a ball, A host of rams and goats prance at right of him. While ugly vampire imps obscure the sight of him, And each thing seems to long for a big bite of him, He tries to shout for help, yet cannot call. Great coffins round on nimble legs are rushing, While skeletons and cross-bones 'gainst him are brush- ing, And monstrous goats his aching bones are crushing ; They stand him on his head and swiftly whirl him : They lamb him, they ram him, slam, bang and cram him ; They burn him, in a boiling cauldron churn him ; They cook him one side, and then deftly turn him. And all around the room they roughly hurl him. They mock him and rock him, They nick him and lick him. They sock him and knock him, They prick him and kick him ; He tries to escape ; they quickly o'ertake him, And cruelly shake him ; They flounce him and bounce him; On gridirons bake him. Great Scott! how they trounce him! Till all hope and strength completely foresake him. 146 For, gathered around him, They closely surround him, Still pound him and wound him, And fill him with fear ; His trousers are chawed up, His coat and vest gnawed up, His whole body clawed up, His end must be near. As roughly they down him, and o'er and o'er They nag him and drag him and mop up the floor, From head to foot he is wounded and sore. And he knows he'll soon land on the beautiful shore. But at this crisis he hears some one calling; Then fearful the drop! down, down he is falling. Descending through space, and, oh, how appalling! And hears, as he falls, loud laughter, and roar : When op'ning his eyes quite suddenly woke up — He gazes around him, thoroughly broke up. Finds from his chair he has rolled to the floor. "Wake up, my dear fellow !" Says a voice kind and mellow ; "Hope you're not hurt, though you've had a rough slip ; For we wait to initiate, And now will officiate. And teach you the doctrines of Odd Fellowship." But it seemed so amazing, As the man was still gazing. His eyes fairly blazing He cried in a voice, indignant and rough, "To Halifax tramp you! Or ril flog you, you scamps, you ! And down you and stamp you ! I tell you I've been through more than that, enough!" "' But soom he condenses His wide-scattered senses, Finds he's been gazing through mere slumber's lenses ; Then with smiling consent, And perfect content, 147 Receives and says, of our lessons so grand, "Whate'er way you take it, None ever can make it Less than the noblest and best in the land." And now in conclusion, With little diffusion. Or circumlacution. All hail, all hail to our grand institution! To every true member, Each year to December, She teaches this lesson which all should remember. How the lone trav'ler 'mong robbers did fall. Who wounded and bruised him, and stripped him of all. How Priest and Levite, though of his own race, Passed the poor man without pitying grace. But a despised Samaritan journeyed that way, With heav'nly compassion came where he lay. All helpless and wounded, in deepest despair. And bound up his wounds in tenderest care. The poor and unfortunate. With needs so importunate. He tenderly took on his beast to an inn; Gave money and labor. And like a true neighbor. His deeds were kindly from kindness within. Who was the neighbor to him in sore need? He who showed mercy by merciful deed. Likewise to another, Deal thou with thy brother ! This grandest of all our life's lessons heed ! Founded on principle. Strong and invincible, Good Samaritan Lodge no foe can destroy ! Heav'ns bliss shall attend her ! Jehovah defend her! May favors to her be without alloy! Fifty years have passed over us, Yet our Lodge stands more glorious; We k)ve her! we bless her! we hail her with joy! 148 THE SEA IN A STORM. Low in the west appeared the threatening cloud, Hemmed by the sun with silv'ry hue and gold. Unfolding and inclosing Hke a shroud, As high across the heavens it darkly rolled. Then wild winds whistle in their onward path; The floods descend upon the troubled sea ; The storm breaks forth in all its fearful wrath, — » For ever when it wills, it must be free. No power can give its fury bounds save one, In whose right hand the mighty seas are weighed. Who said, "Thus far, no farther shalt thou come, And here, O deep, shall thy proud waves be stayed T* And hour by hour, the rolling waves appaling. Rising, falling. Fiercely toiling, Madly boiling. All their mighty power employing. Hugely and rudely enjoying The prospect of destroying, — As once when Galilee was fiercely stirred. And Christ's disciples shrank with horror filled. And woke our Saviour, whose rebuking word Went forth, and all the angry waves were stilled: But now no power divine the sea controls, And as it will the mighty water rolls. See, amid the lightning's flashing. That helpless vessel dashing, Its planks and timbers crashing, The strong wave splashing, And fiercely gnashing. The ship-sides lashing. Furious in awful glee, Sweeping the deck In wild jubilee, Till Mie sad wreck 149 No earthly power can save, And down beneath the wave She plunges ; and the water And blast, with mocking laughter, Whistle and roar; Billows racing, Interlacing, And embracing O'er and o'er The poor ill-fated barque we see no more. Her bolted walls of oak were in vain, And now she sleeps beneath the rolling main. Ten thousand waves together flocking, At the seaweed tugging, Floating rubbish hugging, Loose spars lugging, Reeling, rocking, Interloccking, Each other knocking, Seething, heaving. And weaving Into spray and foam, Or towering like a dome. Upward darting. The water parting, Down it tumbles, Rumbles grumbles ; Ripples crushing, Sparkling, flushing. Darkling, rushing, As when Lake Erie sends its waters o'or The great Niagara with ceaseless tide, Hurls down in masses huge with trembling roar, And spreads in foam and spray its volume wide. See unnumbered fountains. Hills on hills forever onward going, Flowing, flowing, Range on range of swaying mountains, Blasts in anger blowing, White spray throwing, 150 From wave to wave sweeping, Skipping, leaping; Now uniting, Struggling, fighting, Circling, dancing. Fiercely striving. And writhing; But e'er advancing, Diving driving, Till full on the distant rocky shore, Terrific vaulting. Charging with mighty shock and roar In mad assaulting; The earth shaking, And quaking At the unwieldly lunging Of the ocean breaking With savage plunging; As when the untamed cattle of the plain, All headlong surging, crowding, crazed with fear. Plunge frantic on pell mell with might and main, Each other wound and kill in blind career. Again the billows break upon the land, In their raving, Grandly waving. Ceaseless laving. Tumbling, rumbling, washing up the sand; Battling, waging In combat vast. Raging, engaging 'Mid clarion blast; And when the storm is past. Still, hour by hour, the surging billows roar More grandly, hugely than e'er before. — As when great boulders, rolled from mountain height, No longer need to feel the moving hand. But swifter rushing with increasing might. More fearful plough and plunge o'er trembling land. 151 But every tempest, every storm must cease, However fierce and wild that tempest be. And all the raging billows rocked to sleep, For God's own calm shall rule the wide, wide, sea. And thus, O Lord, do thou all hearts control, And still sin's awful tempest in the soul! A SAILOR BOLD. Chorus: Chorus: Chorus: Chorus: A sailor bold, as I've been told. Would sail the wild seas o'er. And he'd pace his craft and sing and laugh While the hurricane did roar. While the hurricane did roar. Heave ho, heave ho, heave ho! A sailing we'll all go; Heave ho, heave ho, heave ho! Where the surging billows flow, And the whistling wild winds blow! And the whistling wild winds blow! A sailor bold, as I've been told. Was on the shore on day. When he met a lass, who caught him fast. And he wed without delay, And he wed without delay, Heave ho, etc. This sailor bold, as I've been told. Would smile 'mid storms at sea. But he dared not laugh, near his better-half, With her scolding tongue so free, With her scolding tongue so free. Heave ho, etc. The sailor bold, as I've been told. Was sick of wedded life. And away did skip, and boarded ship. And he left his scolding wife, And he left his scolding wife, Heave ho, heave ho, heave ho! A sailing we'll all go; Heave ho, heave ho, heave ho! Where the surging billows flow, And the whistling wild winds blow! And the whistling wild winds blow! 152 THE STORM AND WRECK AT SEA. While a Student at the Suffield Seminary, Connecticut., in 1848. One of the Author's great disappointments was that he was not a sailor. On rippling seas our good ship rides, O'er many a wave she gently glides ; The stars and stripes unto our view Wave proudly in the upper blue. Flag of my country, wave forever ! Through wind and storm and battle never Will we desert thee, nor while yet Mem'ry lasts thy form forget. Beneath thy folds our fathers bled; Before thy form the Briton fled, And in the port of many a land, Thy rights maintained by freedom's band, There shalt thou wave and on the sea Proclaim to all thy land is free. No cloud obscures the clear blue sky And brightly shines the summer's sun, The western breeze blows gently by, Ripples the sea and wafts us on. Ah, how our noble ship moves on ! She bears me to my distant home. And there in my New England cot The dangers past but ne'er forgot And scenes of joy, these I'll relate To list'ning friends, O happy fate ! 153 Yet with friends in a land so free My steadfast heart will long for thee Thou noble ship manned by the brave On sparkling seas and bounding wave. Let others through the forest roam The changing sea shall be my home ; Let others dwell in cities gay, I'll live where Neptune holds his sway. The scene changes to one of fear. To rising dangers far and near; Dark clouds obscure the western sky Whose mut't'rings tell of tempests nigh. While sailors care each sail and rope To ward the dreadful tempest's stroke. With quick'ning speed the clouds move on And soon shut out the gladd'ning sun ; Lightnings play, thunder rolls and soon The rain hke a deluge comes down. The clear, blue sky is no longer seen, But o'er its pleasant face is drawn A curtain, formed of many a cloud. That folds around us like a shroud. The late ripples, which gently played, Are grown to foaming, mountain waves: The howling blast has rent her sail ; Yet the good old ship still braves the gale, And nobly mounts the giddy wave, Then plunges down as to her grave ; Tho' now walled in by angry main The wave she bravely mounts again : Poised for an instant in 'mid air. Her sails are rent, her keel half bare. The naked mammoth, with a groan. Leaves the summit and dashes on. Forked lightnings dart and from cloud to cloud, Peal on peal thunder echoes loud ; The sailor blind with streams of fire. His ears stunned while thunders roll, He gazes on confusion dire While fear and trembling sieze his soul. 154 The ship has struck on a hidden rock, She springs a leak at the awful shock : "She sinks! she sinks!" upon the air Now swell the cries of fell despair. They start back at the vivid flash, See objects all in lightning bathe, The tall mast sways with quiv'ring crash, Reels and rocks to the ocean wave. Yet in despair man fights for life, With failing strength he struggles on,^ Nor slacks his strain and stroke and strife Until the battle's lost or won. Tho' many meet a wat'ry grave. The few, by skill or strength or chance, Still breast the seething, whelming wave And to the shore yet make advance : The crew the surging sea have braved; But fortune seems to smile on few; Tho' but a remnant small are saved Let us in God our faith renew — And trust, 'mid hfe and death's alarms, We rest in everlasting arms ! 155 BATTLE OF MANILA BAY. Brave Yankee Push and Spanish Slow Our Dewey bold and Montojo, In warships on the ocean, At morning's dawn, the first of May, Met in fair Manila Bay, And at each other shot away In horrible commotion. But soon blew up a Spanish ship. She quickly took her last sea trip. Another went below; And shot and shell went whistling there And shouts and war-cries rent the air, While shrieks and groans of fell despair Burst from the Spanish foe. "Remember the Maine!" shout our tars, And battle on like sons of Mars All through the figlit that day. Until the combat fierce was done, Till silent every Spanish gun. Until the vict'ry Yankees won In fair Manila Bay. Let history those deeds record, Americans the triumph laud, And poets sing their worth. How on that day our Dewey's name Was written on the scroll of fame. And how another shot aflame Was heard around the earth. Our nation came from glor'ous stock, From Jamestown and old Plymouth Rock And though assailed by tempest shock Unmoved shall stand for aye ! And generations yet unborn Shall chant unceasing freedom's song And sing of that bright May-day morn In fair Manila Bay. 156 THE GATES OF HEAVEN NEVER CLOSED. "Behold, Now is the Accepted Time," — 2 Cor. 6:2. "And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day; for there is no night there." — Rev. 21:25. Nor God, nor Christ, nor angels ever close The gates of pearl, but ever open wide, Inviting all to peace and sweet repose, And loving angels greet the coming tide; No temple towers within the heavenly light Reflected in the golden streets so bright! Each sad, repentant prodigal shall come, And his good Father will that soul forgive ; All the heart broken shall at last reach home. Look in the Saviour's face, be healed and live; There'll be rejoicing among angels bright As each poor wanderer enters into light ! Within the jasper walls there is no night, And there they need no candle, sun or star; For God and Christ are the unfailing light To guide the groping wand'rer from afar; And each lost soul, however sad his lot. Shall yet be found by One who fainteth not! Tho' earth may pass there'll be no anxious morrow; For one Immortal NOW shall e'er remain ; No cloud shall dim that day with hopeless sorrow ; For wand'rer s then shall hear the glad refrain: "It is always NOW in this better clime ! Behold Now, NOW is the Accepted Time!" 157 For Jesus said, "Ye must be born again !" "Thou shalt love God and every neighbor love !" These prophecies, fulfilled in all, shall reign When great Jehovah bears his arm above; No place made he to foster vice in men ; For God, through Christ, shall make an end of sin ! To those, who disbelieve God's great salvation Beyond the gates of death, what rapture theirs When they shall learn that God, in every station. Still hates all sin throughout unending years ! And will not suffer us to rest in sin. But in all souls the cleansing work begin ! For God hates every sin with boundless wrath, And so shall banish vice from every soul, And all shall walk within his hallowed path, And pure and spotless reach the final goal, The last poor wand'rer gladly tread the way That leads from sinful dark to heavenly day! 158 ON THE DEATH OF A FRIEND. 'Twas night, and high winds blew o'er Galilee, The frail barque tossed upon the heaving sea, When, o'er the dashing waves, amid the storm, The weary rowers there beheld a form Walk the mad waters with majestic tread. Which filled their fearful hearts with anxious dread. When lo ! the Saviour's voice their fears allayed, "Be of good cheer," he said, " 'tis I, be not afraid." Remember Jesus' words when dangers rise. And when our faith our Heavenly Father tries. We are not friendless, Jesus ever lives. And, to the poor and needy, succor gives. And when from these great burdens called away, Repine not at the call, or long to stay; Remember Jesus' words, (be not dismayed,) "Be of good cheer," he said, " 'tis I, be not afraid." Mourn not that death has borne our< friend away. He waits for us in realms of endless day. A brother, son and friend has journeyed home; A brother, son and friend is still our own. Methinks I still can hear the Saviour's voice, That, through the dark valley, made his heart rejoice, (For Jesus' hand upon our friend was laid,) "Be of good cheer," he said, " 'tis I, be not afraid." A. 159 TO A LADY ON HER HUNDREDTH BIRTH- DAY. The centenary lady died at 102, A hundred years have fled since that blest morn, A hundred years since on the mother's sight A lovely little baby girl was born And filled the mother's heart with fond delight; The darkness, pain and sorrow passed away, All, all forgotten on that blissful day! The father smiled upon the baby girl. Who nestled on her loving mother's breast; They led her feet through this devious world To make a foretaste of the land of rest; A hundred years since that girl baby's birth, And still she lingers with dear friends on earth! What great events have come to all our race While she has journeyed on this earthly road ; Yet but a visit a mere stopping-place On the way to a permanent abode; She has been faithful 'mid earth's smiles and tears; Yea, loved and loving for a hundred years. The beauty of her girlhood long has f^ed. And yet her aged face retains its charm. An added glory came to her instead, Like rippling ocean rocked and lulled to calm ; When loosed life's cord and breaks the golden bowl. Then fill, O Lord, with peace her loving soul ! 160 TAKE THIS FOR YOUR MOTTO. As we pass through the world, what troubles we borrow ! For we laden each day with the cares of the morrow. While millions on millions of people, I fear, Add most of the burdens of next week and next year. When had they but faith in God and his Son, They would live in the sunshine till duties are done. Take this for your motto, The Lord knoweth best! In his perfect goodness and wisdom we'll rest! Some folk think the Lord was sadly mistaken In creating souls so very misshapen : Could they but have taken the matter in hand. All men had been made quite perfect and grand ; No need of a Saviour foul sin to meet; For now he must suffer and suffer defeat ! Take this for your motto, The Lord knoweth best ! In his perfect goodness and wisdom we'll rest ! When God made the world and all things therein, He made ample means to conquer all sin : Though in sin and trespasses all men were dead. King Jesus shall yet crush the foul serpent's head ; He will save all from sinning, the vict'ry shall win, And then Lord of all we'll crown Jesus King! Take this for your motto, The Lord knoweth best ! In his perfect goodness and wisdom we'll rest ! Away with all doubting ! For God and His Son Shall faint not nor weary till triumph is won! For Christ shall yet vanquish all sin and all pain, And victor bells ring out again and again ! Then arm and take courage ! and enter the fight ! And fight like a hero the battles of life ! Take this for your motto. The Lord knoweth best ! In his perfect goodness and wisdom we'll rest! 161 SOMETIMES I SEEM TO HEAR. Sometimes I seem to hear a heavenly strain That whispers to the soul with sound so sweet ! And if I heed the voice it comes again, And we like old-time friends each other greet. 'Tis then all doubt departs and faith is bright ; 'Tis then in perfect faith I see the end, When all the universe is filled with light, And all souls worship God as Father Friend. If men but knew that God was the Supreme, And knew our Father's boundless, endless love. Foul sins their fears and sore distress would seem, And they would look with faith to God above. Have faith in God, the Father and the Son, That every discord shall be purged away, Through Christ the Lord the vict'ry shall be won, And harmony in love all souls shall sway. And victor palms shall all the angels bring, No sinful discord shall that peace alloy, The sons of God shall shout, the stars shall sing. And all the bells of heaven ring out with joy ! 162 THE STAR THAT ROSE IN BETHLEHEM. God's glory e'er the heavens declare, And all the planets shining there, And every twinkling starry gem ; One Star, more clear than all above, Proclaims the story of God's love — The Star that rose in Bethlehem ! The nations lay in hopeless gloom, And sad and dark their seeming doom, When flashed God's Royal Diadem ; That Star above all others bright. To flood all souls with heavenly light — The Star that rose in Bethlehem! And, throrgh the earth that Star shone on, Through love immortal vict'ries won ; It shines the tide of sin to stem: For what shall sin and mis'ry stay? And what bring Universal Day? The Star that rose in Bethlehem! Shine on, thou Star of stars sublime. Till light and love reach every clime, Till every soul shall hail that gem! The purest light to mortals given. The one pure light sent down from heaven — » The Star that rose in Bethlehem! 163 Chorus: Chorus: dhorus: CHARLIE IS THE FELLOW FOR ME. Tune: "You'e Got The Bell of the Ball." One eve Charlie asked me to wed him; Refused I his offer at once: I knew I had lured and enticed him, But looked on my beau as a dunce. Why, he was so good and so honest, Good-natured; but now he looked grave; Yet the fair should wed only the bravest And a fellow like him can't be brave. Oh, you're not the fellow for me, Charlie, You're not the fellow for me. Oh, you're not the fellow for me, Charlie, You're- not the fellow for me. One day, as I strolled by the river My dear little brother fell in; To think of it now makes me shiver; For dear little Ben couldn't swim: I shrieked for somebody to save him; Yet not a soul dared risk the tide. And but for dear Charlie, brave Charlie, Our poor little Bennie had died. O, you are the fellow for me, Charlie, You are the fellow me; O, you are the fellow for me, Charlie, You are the fellow me; He oflf with his coat like a hero. Plunged in and nearly went down; Yet almost exhausted he saved him, Or dear little Bennie had drowned; We worked o'er their bodies in anguish. And brought life again to the pair, And that's how I came to take Charlie; For the brave deserve ever the fair! O, you are the fellow for me, Charlie, You are fellow for me; O, you are the fellow for me, Charlie, You are the fellow for me. 164 WHERE IS THY HOME? Tune: Missionary Chant. Where is thy home, thy heavenly home? From which thou ne'er wilt long to roam, Except when love and duty call To save the lost from Sin's foul thrall? My home, my heavenly home shall be Where friends I love shall dwell with me; For if they dwell not in the light, All homeless I 'mid splendors bright! Bereft of friends what were my crown Which could not heal, but deeper wound? What all the splendors I may see? 'A gilded prison-house to me! Where boundless love of God they sing, Where He at last all men shall bring, Where friends and kindred I shall see, In love and joy my home shall be! 165 CREATION. God made the heavens, He made the earth. And light and darkness gave He birth. Millions of years 'fore man was born. The first great day — Creation's dawnl The second day, at God's command, The air we breathe was made for man; The third day made He seas and land, The flowers and trees and mountains grand. The fourth appeared the sun and moon, And stars to cheer the midnight gloom ; The fifth day birds that fly so free, And fish and whales that swim the sea; The sixth day cattle gave He birth, And beasts and creeping things of earth, And then, to end his wonderous plan, In His own image made He man. In six long periods all was done, — Not days that last from sun to sun But long, vast days : and on each day A thousand ages passed away ! 166 WHEN STORMS ARISE! When storms arise and dark the skies. When joys are turned to dust, M^ith faith ablaze through clouds I gaze; Jehovah is my trust I Though pain and gloom my daily doom. Though sore His chastening rod, Beyond his frown I see my crown ; My refuge is in Godt Though friends and foes alike oppose. And dangers round me roll, 'Mid each alarm with heavenly calm Abounds my steadfast soul! When o'er the brink of death T sink^ I still will look above; Beyond the grave my Lord shall save — ■■ Jehovah, God of lovel 167 PEACEMAKERS. How blest is he whose earthly life, Devoid of hate and sinful strife, Is but a constant walk each day, Where our Great Master led the way ! While pressing- for the heavenly crown, Unmoved by all the world's dread frown, He meets life's contests ever bold, And loves his duty more than gold ! With heart and soul staid on his God, And thankful for his smile and rod He, from his large or scanty store. With loving hand deals with the poor. How truly blest, how happy he! No slave of sin and self, but free To serve mankind and serve the Lord, And finds therein a rich reward! IGS Weary in Other Lands I Stray. Words and Music by Alex. S. Arnold, 1879_i8a4. ^^When sung as solo, ad lib i.-:t-^-N- i^^^^^^Ei^:^^ ^ ' \ y 1. Wea-ry in other laiuh I stray, Sad pass the dreary hours a - way, 2. Far, fur beyond the billows' foam, 'Mid liappy childhood's scenes I ror,m ; 3. Home! home! adieu,thou foreign land ; Soon! soon within my cot I'll stan^ ; ^±4 -0-.-O- -0- -9- i=t=t=t: r-J- rr_^ 1 u — I 1 »L_ ^ -1^-1^-b ^^ 1=^.- ^-^: -&.- '^l^X^SB. i- -^cifs £EEfSlSI Till the stars Where the tall Where fond are gleaming, And in slumber I'm dreaming — grass wav-ing. And the kine are grazing — eyes beaming, And no longer I'm dreaming — Z^~^ t ~v—w- -0- =^S^ Contralto Obligato. m ad lib. -9--S^- 9' '0' 'g-'^ 'd" "S3 I'm dreaming of liome.friends and Iionie,Dreaniing! dreaming! dreaming of liomt-, friends and home' SoPRANO.pp "g^ l^-g^- i , r -(5>- B3 -Qh. Alto, ^^^p ^ p dreaming of home.friends and home.Dreaming! dreaming! dreaming o!: licins^riendsandlionie' TENOR.pp Bass, pp 169 COULD I BUT LIVE MY EARTH-LIFE O'ER AGAIN! Could I but live my earth-life o'er again, Then would I banish more of earthly pain, And lessen heart-aches with a kindly smile, And loving ways which should the heart beguile The sad soul which had dormant lain, Could I but live my earth-life o'er again ! Could I but live my earth-life o'er again. Then would I visit haunts of sin and shame. And win the straying back to things of worth. That they might taste again the bliss of earth : I would not pass my days and years in vain, Could I but live my earth-life o'er again ! Could I but live my earth-life o'er again, Then would I seek true bliss and shun the bane ; Of all life's harvests I would reap the best. And only loving thoughts should fill my breast. And high and low should through my life be blest My zeal for truth and right should never wane Could I but live my earth-life o'er again ! Could I but live my earth-life o'er again, I would — would — No, I should not live the same For then I might not live one-half as good. And fall a thousand times where I have stood; I should avoid a thousand risks I've run, And risk a score for each avoided one ; There might be fearful loss for every gain, Could I but live my earth-life o'er again! 170 Could I but live my earth-life o'er again, And know, as now I know, what cares and pain And patient sacrifice, to bring success, Would be required I might do less : And so I bless our Father I knew not, And bless Him that He, not I, cast my lot ; And knowing my past earthly bliss and bane, I would not live my earth-life o'er again! But should you younger wish to try once more, To see how well you'd live your earth-life o'er. At twenty, thirty, forty, 'mid bliss and bane. Perhaps you'll live it once or twice again; Yea, e'en at fifty you can take your chance. And test how much you can life's good enhance ; For all of us could much improve the past, And wear a heavenly crown while life shall last ; Yea, we could choose more good or choose the bane, Could we but live our earth-life o'er again ! Not going to heaven, be our earnest strife. But live in heaven during our earthly life; Yea, let us tread earth's paths in faith and love Until our Father summons us above Where we shall plainly see, with all the rest. That God knew just how many lives were best. And gave but one. Then freed from sin and pain Not one would live his earth-life o'er again ! 171 DOING GOOD TO OTHERS. NOW AND FOREVERMORE. (Written in his Eighty-First Year.) "Let us not love in word; but in deed and in truth." — • John 2:18. "Have faith in God."— Marlt 11:22. "I will show thee my faith % '^-r- :t=£: And when great Mos - es led, and God's Is -ra - el was free! And Je - ho - vah pro-claimed, that sweet free-dom should not die 1 And the proud hosts of sin shall e'er trem -ble at his name ? J- iL8f3^ f=F I I ^~- 183 GONE ARE THE DAYS. 'We love Him because He first loved us." Johx 4 : 19. ' The Son of Man is come to seek and to save that which was lost." Luke 19: 10. " Go after that which was lost till He find it." Luke 15: 4. Alex. S. Arnold. Stephen C. Foster. =^-:3;i^=Hv=:K E^«=i^£iaEtE :^4 hr=1- -A--^ :<— I' 1 . Goue are tbe days wben we knew not God was near, 2. Our Vic-tor King tbe lost sheep came to find, 3. We love the Lord be - cause He first lo^ed us, . -0»- -^ -ff- -fi- ^ -#- M: -■^—v- ^=[==g:^r Gone are the days when we Our Vic-tor King not Gave us his Son to -I T— t- i po — ^ — ^' •1+ — \- — \^ — (^ — :i i^-i^f :^ — t- :S=l±3zr_i; t knew not He vyas dear, Gone are the days when our faith was tem-pest tost, one shall leave be-hiud,Our Vic-tor King seeks ev-er those a-stray, lift us from the dust, We are the chil - dren of our End-less Friend, ft. _^. Pi«=e=e^^ Fr £F: -ft- -^ -^- -r=F: -^ -p. -^ -^ -^_^j 1 1 Chorus But now we know our Sav-iour seeks and saves the lost! We're com-ing, we're com-ing,our Not one de-feat shall cloud the light of end-less day! And He shall keep His need-ychil-dren to the end! m-^^- . ? * m -»~e—0—\- — h -y-i — (— • .(»- ^ -fi- -^ -^ -ft. grato-ful hearts we bring; Let ev - 'ry heart re-joice and praise our Vic-tor King! m -^. .^. -,B. .fi. .fL -*. :?:_ =^ :r::f::t=:r:-p. . -^- ^ -^-b*— b'— •— »— ^— }y-h^- =&=^ ifip^i 184 Sabbath Bells. For Ordiuary Men's voices. Words by Alex. S. Arnold, 1890. Arranged by A. S. A. Andante. The days and years may pass a - way, And home and friends are gone, For those dear scenes that meet our eyes,When we with loved ones dwell, When we for - get the les-sons dear, In Sab-bath homes we learn, With tho'ts of our Great Father's love. How high the bo-som swells i^--h4:T- » F» • *- ^S-*' g-|-4j-9— Fp — »—» - — ^- g- In far-off lands our feet may stray, Shall f ol- low and 'neath other skies, A word or look will bring them near As memory lifts our tho'ts a - bove, — I — 1-"- V/e shall not walk a -lone. We hear the Sab-bath bells. And ho - ly thoughts return : ( We hear the Sab-bath bells! | Refrain. Repeat pianissimo. :l2ai=z=.-:r- _ t- i- — *- — j-ai-LSs A 1- I-i -5 H^—- ^-H^-f-H^^n -go- '^ We hear those bells, I We hear the Sab - bath bells a §^1 — S — I 1 — .p_^_^_ t=E:: rr-r We hear those bells.We hear those bells, -0 — ©- -» — »- -V — t— -m — fi-m- ±zrf: i =^"^=Fq==l=i PP! gam. We hear those bells, gifife «—¥:- ■9— 3— a rr — We hear. :^S=^-^ -z-e-9- We hear their tuneful strains. ■F ^— i- 185 No. 220. The Creed of the Ninety and Nine. lis. The Universalist Confession of Faith, containing just 9!) words, is sometimes called The Creed of the Ninety and Nine. Words Copyrighted, 1908, by Tune, "Afton." Alex. S. Arnold, Woonsocket, R. I. --^\ -ffl — — H- F^ ti^ With hearts all at - tuned to the Spirit Di-7iiie,Come, chant ye the creed of the Ninety and Nine: — Tho' nine-ty and nine are all safe in the fold. And on-ly one lost in the darkness and cold, Each poor,weary soul,heavy la-den with sin,liepentant and purified, Christ shall bring in; God's own holy Sciiptnres our faith shall def end;They teach us of God, and man's duty and end: No hireling the Sheplieid to leave for the prey Of Sin's rav'iiing wolves the poor soul gone astray; Then ho-ly and hap-py the ransomed shall sing The praises immortal of our Victor King: We trust in Je-hovah whose nature is love, Revealed in one Lord Jesus Christ from above, "My heart, "says the She|dicrd"is tender and true, With love never-ending, e'er boundless and new; Then seek ye for holiness which shall endure, E'er joined with true happiness, fadeless and pure; 'Fz p=tfz[:zp-±^pz^z By one Holy Spirit of truth and of grace — To holiness Christ shall restore onr whole race. The needy and helpless and lost are all mine; I Inngforthem more than the ninety and nine." 0, practise good works and how great your reward ITdcre's profit and good in thus serriiig the Lord. .^ . . . . a- 5 cents each ; 10 cents dozen, 25 cents for 50 ; 35 cents 100. 186 THE BEAUTIFUL PARABLE OF THE RICH MAN AND LAZARUS. INTRODUCTION. OUR SOURCE OF INSPIRATION, in writing the fol- lowing poem, is the false assertions of preachers who, strange as it may seem, actually assert, before intelligent audiences, that the Beautiful Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus, is a horrible narrative of facts, because, they assert, in no other place in all the Bible is there a parable recorded without the prefactory statement that it is a parable. And yet in the fifteenth and sixteenth chapters of Luke are recorded five parables of Jesus, seemingly in one continuous discourse, but of the first one only is it stated that it is a parable, and that one the parable of the Lost Sheep. The four follow- ing — The lost Piece of Silver, The Prodigal Son, The Unjust Steward and the Rich Man and Lazarus being recorded without any accompanying declarations that they are parables. But such economy of truth, let us hope, is thru ignorance of the Bible and not intentional falsehood by preachers who base their faith on Paradise Lost by John Milton, blind and bigoted. Then there is the Lovely Parable of Jonah, and the Match- less Drama-Parable of Righteous Job and his three Sophistical Accusers ; yet not a hint that either composition is other than a narrative of actual events. SINNERS IN GOD'S FATHERLY HANDS. Behold, ye children all of Adam's race; Behold, all sinners in the hands of God; And all have sinned and all salvation need From sin of doubt, transgression of the law, The golden rule and Moses' great commands To love supremely God and all our race. (Lev. 19:15 and DeuL 6:5.) 187 Let thanks arise that all are in God's hands And not within the pow'r of sinful man; For then would billions be condemned thru spite Without the wish to m-ake them better men, Without the wish to save one soul from sin, But thousand souls to endless sin consigned To one repentant sinner pure in heart. But glory to God's name f orevermore ; We all are in His mighty hands for aye ! Through God's own endless Now and Endless Day In spite of sordid souls who do not know That God's own goodness leadeth to repentance. (Rom. 2:4.) For they, who judge not others as themselves, Would willingly consign full half our race To endless punishment ; yea, there is not, In all their creed, one speck of chastisement For wicked lives; but endless woe for dying wrong; Yea, no reward for living loving lives ; The endless weal or woe of every man Depends on dying right or dying \/rong. So many preachers teach and hosts believe Because this unjust creed of hate and wrath Tho' not in Holy Writ, is taught by Milton. For men are wedded so to Milton's Poem, As stronger proof than Moses' words or Christ's, They strong defend a doctrine which is wrong Thru fear to teach that God is truly good. A TRUE STORY OF A MURDERER AND HIS VICTIM. But souls there are, so sunk in seLishness, Whom nothing seems to move save threat or stripe ; For, without kindness, they are ruled by self, Or threat of scourging rod and flaming fire. Then ponder well this sample of such souls ! A hardened wretch from New York City slums Into the rural districts went his way And there beheld a lady passing fair, Beloved by all who knew her kindly heart. Infatuated with her this vile wretch First ravished her and to conceal his crime. And that no other e'er should make her his, He killed the woman, but was caught and jailed. And tried for murder, then condemned to die. But while in wait the chaplain questioned him, 188 "What shall it profit man if he shall gain The world and lose his soul?" And tnen he read The parable of Lazarus and Dives, As tho it did describe some future state, How Lazarus the wretched beggar died, And angels carried him to Abraham's Own bosom : not for goodness ; but because He'd had his evil ; therefore now the good ; Not that he was bad or Lazarus good. The rich man died and lifted up his eyes In torments ; for the good he had on earth, And therefore evil things must now endure, And not for any evil he had done. He lifted up his eyes, saw Lazarus In bosom of a soul termed Abraham: But whether they were good or evil men We do not know, nor does the tale inform ; We simply read in spite of Dives' prayers That Abraham refused a single drop Of cooling water, by the beggar sent, To quench the rich man's raging thirst in flame. For Abraham of pity was bereft. But neither flames nor torments quench true love ! It did not Jesus on the cruel cross. And Dives' loving soul still begged and plead For his five brethren who yet lived on earth. As Jesus on the cross in torments prayed For foulest foes who knew not what they did. But prayed to Moses' God, not Abraham, Whose counterfeit would have spurned Jesus' plea, Just as he spurned the rich man's loving prayer. Yet do we trust that Jesus' prayers were heard Because he prayed to God who gives all good. And not to any saint or patriarch. This parable should teach us all how vain Are prayers to any saints of olden time ; For Abraham refused the rich man's plea; Although he prayed for Sodom's beastly folk, He spurned the rich man's agonizing prayer. But as the chaplain read the gruesome tale As tho it were an actuality. The murderer was frightened for himself And cried for mercy on his guilty soul, Cried for that mercy which he had denied The pleading victim of bis beastly lust. And then the chaplain told him he was safe 189 Although his wretched victim was in flames; For heaven is gained alone by dying right, And endless woe by simply dying wrong; Yea, lowest wicked lives do not damn men; For merely dying right blots out all crime, And wafts the guilty soul to endless bliss. And on the scaffold said the guilty wretch: "All my life long I've lived a life of crime! My victim had no time to turn to God And therefore to infernal regions went. While I, with opportunity to turn, Have sought salvation ere it was too late! I'm going straight to glory and I ask All those who hear to meet me in high heaven !" The aged man, who told the tale to me,^ Had duly learned the minute details well. And therefore went to see the speaker hung. 'Twas more than three score years and ten ago ; But from that day until his dying breath Denounced he strongly every tenet which Endorsed the creed that victims sink to hell While murderers to glory sail with joy. And there behold, across an unspanned gulf, Their victims writhing in tormenting flame And vainly pleading there for one cool drop Of water to assuage their burning thirst, While those in glory all unmoved by prayer. Or keenest anguish of a fellow soul, So selfish are, no pity for the poor Unfortunates in woe, dwells in their hearts. We grant the right of men to the belief — Departed spirits have such hardened souls ; They may have learned it from blind Milton's poem. And yet beware, ye, of accusing God Or Christ of having cruel, unclean hearts ; For Mark hath penned these solemn, warning words, (When Christ, they said was like Beelzebub.) (Mark 3:22.) Against blaspheming God's pure Holy Ghost— "Because they said he hath an unclean spirit." (Mark 3 :30.) 190 But mark ye that in all this Parable, Nor God, nor Christ endorses cruelty ; 'Twas only Lazarus and Abraham Were worse than Judas in their lack of love; For Judas soon repented, wen| and hanged. Remember in this Parable of Christ The Rich Man lisps no word against our God, Or Christ, or Holy Spirit defamed he not; But e'er in faith revered great Abraham, And trusted in the God of Abraham. A HEAVENLY VISION-DREAM. One Sunday evening within a church I sat And heard the preacher dilate on this text: He smiled with joy and gladness as he spake Of Dives' awful torments in the flames; He spoke of Abraham refusing one Cool drop of water to assuage his thirst — ■ Our Father Abraham whose heart o'erflowed. And pleaded he so strong for heathen folk; Yet steeled his soul against the rich man's prayer, As tho no pity felt, for others' woe. Dazed at the speaker's evident delight In his belief such awful woes were true, Dazed that he so longed that others writhe in woe, Seemed so delighted that souls writhed in pain, I dropped my head in prayer and slept and dreamed, So dazed was I at preacher's heartfelt joy. I saw dark Hades and the scorching flame And Dives shrieking, pleading, praying there. And Abraham afar with Lazarus Within his bosom ; both were filled with joy, Unmoved with pity, sympathy or grace; Their gleeful faces seemed to say with joy, "Are we our brother's keepers? Nay, not so! As long as we are prosperous and blest, Why should we e'er another's anguish feel? What are the woes of other souls to us? O, let the poor wretch howl both loud and long While we sing louder in our pleasures large ; Let's drown their shrieks of pain with songs of glee ! We will not sing, "Blest be the tie that binds," Nor of that love which doth fulfill the law; Nor how the man who loves not, knows not God; Yea, we will now the golden rule eschew ; For what have we to do with other's woes? Yea, what care we for others in our joy?" 191 But as I gazed I saw a spirit form, Sent by Jacob's God, of strength and refuge, Arise in grandeur o'er the distant hills ; His massive head was crowned with raven locks Which fell in clusters on his shoulders broad; No razor e'er had come upon his face. Proclaiming him a Nazarite from birth. His legs were like two pillars made of brass. His arms were hrawny as tho bands of steel; His eyes were tender as a mother's orbs ; Yet form gigantic and of wondrous strength; In his right hand he grasped a huge jawbone As tho long wrenched from carcass of an ass. Calm and self-satisfied his look had been As in remembrance of some wondrous feat; But when upon his ear the fearful shrieks Of Dives fell as in immortal pain. And also heard the two souls looking on As though the woes of others moved them not. The stranger's visage changed to sternest gaze And shouted he as sounding battle cry : — "Ye foul despisers of great Moses' laws, That ye should love your neighbors as yourselves ! What doth our God require of us, ye wolves, But to do justly, also mercy love (Mic. 6:8-io) And walk unselfishly, humbly with our God? Ye two unfeeling wretches, who are ye But foul Philistines who no honor know ? Our Abraham, who lovingly did plead For Sodom and Gomorrah long ago, Was kind and loving, and he knew ye not. Pretendest thou art he, ye wolf in wool ! Thou artful counterfeit in sheep-skin clad? And now I hurl ye both in yonder flame Till ye shall learn to blaspheme nevermore ; For ye are vile as heathens are on earth !" And then he hurled them o'er the gulf so wide, And as they fell amid the raging flames They shrieked and plead as Dives prayed to them, (Experience a dear schoolmaster is.) Of his huge jawbone Samson made a bridge Across which Dives 'scaped in joyous haste And shouting glory, thanked his giant friend. 192 Then just as Christ prayed for his cruel foes, Prayed Dives that false Abraham be saved As he for his five brethren plead in vain; At v^hich across the jawbone bridge there came False Abraham and Lazarus in haste And fell in deep contrition at the feet Of rescued Dives w^ho forgave each wretch/ And then all leaped and sung in thankful joy While he who rescued swung his great jawbone And seemed as happy as a romping boy. With joyous heart I hallelujah cried Then woke to find it all a heavenly dream, And to the tune of Bera sung these words : — Where shall our faith securely rest, From every shade of doubting free? Where but in our Great Friend and best, Where, Fleavenly Father, save in thee? Here shall we rest secure from harm That ever flows from vice and sin, Defended by thine own right arm And from a thousand foes within. Come, weary wanderer turn thy feet; Haste to thy Father's arms to-day; List to His voice so low and sweet And from his keeping never stray. CONCLUSION. Now to conclude this strange, eventful tale, Turn to Blasphemy 'gainst the Holy Ghost, Which Mark doth truly say is charging God, Who is all love and purity itself, (Mark 3:30)] With being unclean like Beelzebub : Yet mortal man does even God accuse Of roasting to eternity in flame A loving Dives because rich on earth And had his good things while he lived 'mong men, While Lazarus, his evil had endured. And therefore rolls in bliss in realms of joy. Now turn to Mark three, verse thirty, read Where Mark tells us in what the sin consists: — "Because they said he hath an unclean spirit." 193 Have faith in God ; for we are saved by faith And lost in doubt and woe till Jesus seeks And saves the lost and brings them home to God ; And when the last poor prodigal is found (Luke 19:10) And brought within the Father's loving fold, There'll be such joy among the angels pure That heaven high shall ring with joyful praise, The greatest, sweetest story of pure love That sinful mortals ever read or heard. 'Tis God's love story and unselfish tale, Told by great Moses and the prophets all, And then retold by Christ the Nazarene And echoed by Saint Paul in words and deeds And then repeated by beloved John Who said, (Dur God is love and Him we love Because he first loved us with changeless love. This lovely Parable should teach mankind The future state of Gentile and the Jews, And just as history records events Among the nations of this mundane sphere, And yet the day shall come as Paul declares : "All Israel shall be saved and gathered in." (Rom. H : ) All glory to our Father evermore. One great united family shall come And God, Creator and Father of all (Mai. 2:10) Wills that all men shall be truly saved And come to a full knowledge of the truth. (I Tim. 2:3-4) Sing, O ye heavens! rejoice, O ye earth! And heaven and earth shall have a new birth, And God shall dwell within the hearts of all, And all rejoice again and yet again And heav'n re-echo with the loud Amen ! 194 Notes on the Rich Man and Lazarus. The man, who investigated the murder, and witnessed the hanging, and heard the murderers dying confession, was studying for .tne ministry. He intended to preach the doctrine of endless punisnmenx; but after investigating this case and attending the hanging he awoke to the starthng fact that endless punishment, as preached, is not inflicted because of wicked lives, but for dying in the wrong condition of mind or soul. The student was investigating the incidents connected with the murder, thinking it would furnish strong argument with which tp refute Universalism; but, to his astonishment, he found, in every inci- dent, strong evidence of the reasonableness and truth of the declaration of Paul that "God our Saviour will have all men to be saved and come to a knowledge of the truth." — I Tim. 2 :3-4. He perceived clearly the rank injustice of consigning men and women to endless punishment for merely dying wrong and wafting the most wicked men, especially mur- derers, to heaven because fortunately murderers, with ample time to die correctly, while their victims were consigned to endless torments because unfortunately murdered, and therefore with no time to die right. The investigator began preaching the salvation of all men from sin and was so earnest that he paid his own expenses, never even asking an audience to take a collection for him. He spoke without manuscript or memoranda, eloquent, persuasive, all his sentences seemed faultless, and his goodness and sincerity were always in evidence in all he said or did. He died in the harness when over 90 years of age. He was an inspiration to me when I became temporarily feeble and somewhat despondent. How strange that, in the twentieth century, men, ignorant of Holy Writ, will tell us that the Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus is a tale of horrible, actual events ; in fact, so ignorant of the Bible that they do not know that an overwhelming majority of the Parables of Holy Writ are told without any explanation that they are Parables, because our Divine Master and all the prophets and writers of our Scriptures take it for granted that readers are endowed with sufficient good judgment and common sense to distinguish between Parables and records of actual events. Even in 1911 I listened to a sermon, before a large, intelligent audience, in which the preacher actually told the great audience that the Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus must be a true narrative, for in no other portion of the Bible was there a parable unless it was so stated. Oh what ignorance of Holy Writ; yet posing as an instructor in Biblical lore! One great obstacle in the way of learning the truths of Holy Writ is that preachers and students and theological instructors are so im- pregnated with the false doctrines of Milton's Paradise Lost, so diametrically opposed to the Old and New Testaments, that they find it almost impossible to grasp the truths as stated by Moses and the prophets. 195 SHELLS OF THE OCEAN. First two verses borrowed, last two, original. One summer's eve, in pensive thought, I wandered on the sea-beat shore. Where oft, in heedless, infant sport, I gathered shells in days before. I gathered shells in days before. The splashing waves like music fell. Responsive to my fancy wild. A dream came o'er me like a spell, I thought I was again a child. A dream came o'er me like a spell, I thought I was again a child. A dream came o'er me like a spell, I thought I was again a child. I stood upon the pebbly strand. To cull the toys that round me lay, And as I took them in my hand, I thew them one by one away, I thew them one by one away, "O thus," I said, "in every stage. With toys our fancy is beguiled, We gather shells from youth to age. And then we leave them like a child." But let us now, with one accord, Turn heart and soul unto the Lord, And follow on the blessed way That leads to life and endless day, That leads to life and endless day. For Christ shall save the lost from sin; God's heavenly kingdom usher in, And every soul to glory bring, And every voice His praises sing. Then sing, O earth and heavens above, Sound highest praise the God of love. Who loved us all ere we loved him, And loved us straying in our sin. And loved us straying in our sin: Then sound his praise with harp and voice; Let men and angels loud rejoice, And land and sea his love proclaim. And sound the glories of his name. 196 When we Reach the House Eternal. "We know that if our earthly house of this taliernacle were dissolved, we have a building 01 GoU, an house not made with liands, eternal in the heavens." 2 Cor. v, i. WorH« by Alex S. Arnold, 1876. Tune, Chapin, by Alex. S. Arnold, 1879. -J^-iN ?^p:!5=-^i:^=: -K \- ^^ <- ^ hr s\ — I -V — ' N — \- 1. When we reach the house e-ter-nal. And from sin and e - vil free, When we 2. When we see the walls of Jas-per, And u-nite with heari -nd voice, Prais-ing Silt^ roam the fields su - per - nal. And be - hold the crys - tal sea. We shall high the bless - ed Mas - ter. In his love di - vine re-joice, And the Si t -gi- ^M^_:^ :^ :^ __^_H^_ :^' ::^ t r— N- N K — ^ 1 ^ a join the an - an - gels high i%r" — = -r p — " —^j-\ r:; I • - — I — — ^ We shall sing the an - gel N ^ I We shall join the ransom'd thron? We shall sing, song, laiiziSitS::; :=!:; -V— V ^ -,©- -a- :z — ^ 1^. — fl - When we roam the fields su - per - nal. And be • the an-gel song. When we roam the fields su -per And behold the crys-tal sea, 1^ ^ When we roam the fields su- g per 'A'- nal, And be - hold, the crys -tal sea. ..s_,^ > — i?.i. t:: m\ per nal, And be-hold the crys -tal sea, the crys- tal sea. 198 The Kingdom of our God is here. " And I John saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven. The gflory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof. An-d there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth." Rey. xxi; 2, 23, 27. Words fey Alex. S. Arnold, 1878. Arranged by Alex. S. Aknold, 1878. l.The king-dom of our God is herejWith- in our hearts to reign, 2. Je - ru -6a- lem, the ci - ty hrinht. Is with us here to - day; 3. Its pearl - y gates are op - ened wide ; Oh, en - ter now the fold ; *■ J ■•• ■•: ♦ ■»-. - . J E3 ^ n r •-^ t 1:F3 J — J— =t:Tg To free from er - ror, doubt and fear, And eve - ry sou! un - chain, Oh, dwell with - in its gold- en light, And own its heavenly sway. Yourheav - y burdens cast a -side, And walk the streets of gold. «■#-'■•-■*-••■ ■•-* . . •#- ■»-' ■»■ g I -^ ^^ _#• jj: CHORiJS. r-fi — ^-\ K K-i r— 1 • p N > ^ ■>- r Ot »c T fc# » i"- H :fT»- -^ ^ * \ =H" >r K r^- ■ 0' ^* ' J 1 — ^. ^-0 i— i' 1—- ^-e — a ,-J \—^ 0— —0 0-^-ei »-%-& * 3 « — The Saviour 1 \> to joy give ■0- ■»- ■»- ■0- i~\' \ ■ ' '\ \ T f '^ ' ^ ^ 1 1 )• *» f V L i i r m t •" 1 1 ■ ' 1 i ^ 1 A ^ I' f F r J A. > 'a 'a e> 1 A '^ '■/ ^ '^ The Saviour reigns. to joy give birth ; Oh, crowd his faces ^ y --^ '^ o'er ali the earth; The Kingdom of our God is here. Concluded. -^-0 I -1= -1^- ±^— »- Strain, mount, hill and glen, *"4r The ^ — izr^ — ft — ^ — Jc 1^ / / 1/ He- peat the strain, ? P P 1 1"^ mount, hill and glen. The Fine. -t^-i — s— -»- j_^ 0—i- -ft±. ft—' '^- -# — e- "^-~v n kinff - dom of God is with men. For the kin;? - dom of God is with -^^—^ N ,?5 -0-- king - dom of God is with men. For the kingdom of 3^^^=3^ men, For the kingdom of God is with men; Sound his ^^^r=^ ->-^: God is with men, -e If B !.»'— T ~5 ~ W ' 1 — -I 1 h^£^-4-« S* -ff-i- -@ C ff -t— I ^; 1 r— Fof the king- dom of God is with men; D.S. pp alfine. praise ' hal-le - lu - jah ! A -men! Ho- san - na ! praise ! A. -men! ^^^ — *^^ ^ f^ f* V-. 1 Sound his praise ! hal-le - lu-jah ! Amen ! Ho - san -na ! praise ! A - men ! 200 O Father of Light. 'God is light, and iu liim is no darkness at all." — 1 John i, 5. "Words and music by Alex. S. Abnold, 1880. Soprano Solo. 1.0 Fa - thcr of light, in 2. lift on the world the 3. Thy Fa - ther - ly care sur- [—0 1- & — 0— ^ e .1 jei^ 1 , i w -9- — C>- -^-. -g- re - gions of day, "Where an- gels and arch - an-gels dwell, light " of thy flice, beam on its fol - ly And sin ; round-ing each soul, And lead-ingeach wan-der-er home Send The To & forth from thy realm thy bright cheering ray. That shadows and gloom may dis- dcpths of each heart il - lumc with thy grace, Thine own heavenly kingdom with- pai - don and peace, the heart's fl - nal goal, From righteousness ncv - er to 201 O Father of Light. Concluded. -^- -d- In des - ert and shad-ow I wandered a - far, And O show to thy children thine in - li - nite love, Thine own lov- ing kindness to mor-tals how great! Thy -^ X T R ± t^ now I come to shed thy peace on won - drous love my §:i5 thee, Lord ; O make but thy will my each dark vale, And teach ev' - ry soul thy heart e'er sings ; For each wea - ry soul that •»' ^iE ^^1] -/«- soul's guid- ing star, kind - ness a - bove, waits at the gate, The ray of Thy mer - cy Shall rest 'neath thy that thy light ne'er heav'n af shall - ly ford! fail. wings. 202 CRIMES AGAINST AGED HORSES. Written in 1914. Cruelty against animals, especially dogs and horses, begeti. cruelty to men, women and children, and all protests against cruelty upon animals, whom God committed to our care (Gen. 2:19-20) is one of the best means of insuring faith in a God of boundless and unending love, and making men kind, and con- siderate toward all mankind. "The righteous man regardeth the life of his beast, but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel." — Prov. 12:10. "For every oat, given to a horse, a sin is pardoned." — Mo- hammed. The hearts of righteous folk are often sad, Their Souls are pained with each day's woeful sight Of crimes revolting 'gainst the aged horse, The tried and faithful servant of mankind, Once the fond object of the household's love; Yet now, because of lack of former vim, Must suffer, without remedy, the fate The former heartless owner has condemned To such foul usage in declining years. Unfortunate their woeful state far more Because recalling oft their younger years When comforts and kind usage daily came. Again, from some the fly-switch is removed Because their former owners so admire The shoe-brush bobs instead of graceful tails, Which God hath given them for due protection 'Gainst buzzing insects which torment them sore, Nor care their former wealthy owners now. How much they suffer ; for they have the price, And so the poor old horses suffer on. And then so weary after daily toil. Recalling sadly former happy days, The kindly pats, and oats and tempting hay, And bedding soft, and blankets warm and clean ; But now with filthy beds and musty food, With aching limbs they vainly try to ease, Then half-fed, half-rested, these poor old nags Are harnessed up next morn to toil till night 'Neath urging lash because so weak and old. 203 O God of love, pray touch unfeeling- hearts With pity and compassion for poor nags .^ow sold to strangers for a little cash ; Yea, cause the righteous to protest against The cruel usage of these aged horses Which now do suffer because old and weak, The very time they need the kindest care. So homesick for the old beloved stalls, So hopeless and so weary drag their lives Which only ends when death shall bring relief. God, pity poor old horses, and, dear Lord, For present woes give bliss beyond the grave* As compensation for their earthly woes ; Yea; give them now a law for their protection. Think also when we see them after death Can you, dear reader, meet them face to face And say, "I've treated them deservedly?" Or will you hang your guilty head in shame? And hide yourself from their reproachful gaze? *John Wesley believed in a future life for dogs and horses. GAILY THE TOPER. Gaily the toper smoked his cigar, As he was hast'ning from home to the bar. Singing "In search of ye, hither I come, Alcohol, alcohol, gin, brandy and rum !" He thought of his children crying for bread. Often sent cold and hungry to bed ; Still singing, "After ye hither I come, Alcohol, alcohol, gin, brandy and rum!" He thought of his wife like an angel above. Whom he had promised to cherish and love. Still singing, "After ye hither I come. Alcohol, alcohol, gin, brandy and rum!" He drank of the glass again and again. That deadened his woe and maddened his brain ; Then rang the pistol shot; earth's work was done — Alcohol, alcohol, gin, brandy and rum. But, blessed be God, there's a bright world to come. Where God calls the prodigal tenderly home, Where with base appetite no heart is wrung — Alcohol, alcohol, gin, brandy nor rum. 204 CRIMES AGAINST MAN'S STEADFAST FRIEND, OUR SUBHUMAN DOG. "The righteous man regardeth the life of his beast, but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel." — Prov. xii:10. CANTO FIRST. How truly natural for human brutes To cruelize, abuse and torture dogs, Man's kind, devoted, steadfast friends on earth. Dogs are akin to man in heavenly traits, In godlike attributes of mind and heart, That link them closely with the human race, And therefore doth it seem to brutal men The next step to tormenting human beings ; And as tormenting men the law forbids, They cruelize instead man's nearest kin : In ghoulish glee they fiendish orgies keep, Beholding sufferings for hours and days. Excruciating pain, beyond the pow'r Of words to picture half the naked truth. As victims while gagged and bound secure, Preventing growl or bark in protestation Against the fiendish sport of wolfish men Whose foul entertainments like rav'ning wolves Devouring toothsome lambs in ghoulish glee ; And yet when eyes and brains of dogs are pierced, With augers bored and piercing rods, their screams Cannot be told from human shrieks of anguish ; Yet human brutes enjoy the more they witness ; For such repeated sights make torture joyous; Yea, renders pain their greatest joy and mirth. Dogs, stolen from the homes of humble poor, (For from the wealthy dogs they dare not steal,) Cause sorrow deep because the household pet Has vanished from his loving, grieving friends. Stole agonizing torture to endure For the delisfht of hardened wolfish souls. 205 AWFUL FACTS REALIZED. CANTO SECOND. We realize these awful crimes are facts, That half has never yet been told of crimes, Because within those mirth-provoking dens No tenderhearted man is e'er allowed To witness scenes that harrow up the soul And cause the twinging nerves to throb in anguish And rob the kindly man of gentle sleep. But those were wolves, above the statute law, Defy all kindly hearts in molestation, And hold their awful joys in secret dens; Yea, like inquisitors of olden times, In secret hold their revelries of pain, Where laughter holds both sides at keenest pain With none to dare prevent or make afraid. They rest secure from righteous indignation Of all who would shield man's unfailing friends. MAN'S UNDYING FRIEND. . CANTO THIRD. The dog's strict loyalty to man or boy Or girl or parents of the family. And watchful ever of the slumb'ring house, He wakes at every dangerous sign or sound ; Yea, seems but on the surface e'er to sleep. And scents and hears the burglar's stealthy step, Or raging fire and sufifocating smoke. How faithful countless times he saves the inmates While he meets death oft times 'mid flame and smoke, Or at the river brink his watch is keen. And if in peril, master or his friends Cry out for help, without a selfish thought The faithful dog just plunges in resolved To do or die to save the struggling soul. 206 AMID FALSE FRIENDS THE DOG IS TRUE. CANTO FOURTH. The one we trust till death doth intervene Is friendship of the dog which never fails. Our human friends may turn in direst need ; Yea, may become one's foes in deep distress, And even one's own brother turn away And side with bitter foes when needed most; But one unselfish friend of man fails not Within this wide, uncertain world of change. When all seems lost, no friend in all the earth, The faithful dog clings ever true to man ; He never fails in weal or deepest woe, In sickness or in health still clings the dog, As needle to the pole his heart points truer Than many of the household clings the dog. The cold, wild wintry blasts he breasts and suffers, Amid the fiercely driving snow he sticks. His master's service is his rich reward : He'll kiss the hand that holds no food for him And lick the wounds which rough misfortunes bring ; He watches o'er his pauper master's sleep. And guards him as though prince or king of men : When all have fled the dog will stand alone. If every dollar flees and he becomes An outcast, friendless, homeless among foes, The faithful dog then asks no higher boon Than to be near and share his worst misfortunes And bravely stand against his every foe ; Yea, though grim death lays low the dog is true And guards his body from the dastard touch Of any who would show him disrespect ; For dogs are faithful even unto death. And yet would they, who spurn such pure devotion, Banish sterling dogs from city homes To other scenes, in lonesome haunts to pine And longing for the sight of his dear master, And sound so gladsome of his master's voice. God bless the faithful dog! May heavenly joys Accorded be to him by pow'rs divine ! 207 NOTES ON DOGS' INTELLIGENCE AND ABUSE. One dog, as recorded by the N. Y. Herald, searched two years, traveling long distances to find his master, and found him in anotlier Many dogs have travelled from 50 to 75 miles to find their masters and families, and arrived half-dead through hunger, foot-sore, bruised, state. and bleeding. Horses and dogs suffer terrible anguish from home- sickness when separat ^d from homes and friends they love. Cruelty to animals begets crulty to mankind, while kindness to animals engenders kindness to one's neighbors and mankind. In the great war of 1915 dogs carry water to the wounded whom the Red Cross fail to discover, and dogs carry messages through dan- gerous routes with all the skill of trained human scouts. The following are simply instances of many cases where dogs were tormented for days for the pleasure of hardened wretches who delight in torturing animals; for example, a gang in New York caught a number of cats, pulled out their eyes and set them at liberty to hear them howl in the night, and one young man stole a boy's pet dog, cut him open and otherwise mutilated him and threw him from the win- dow into an alley where the boy found his dying pet, and held him in his arms until relieved by death. The cruelizer was fined $50, but no imprisonment. HORRIBLE ORGIES OF KEEN SUFFERING. CANTO FIFTH. In fiendish glee men torment stolen dogs, As in the City of Brotherly Love, A gang of men, outside the realm of pity, With twenty stolen dogs which they took up Upon a building tow'ring high in air, And dropped the stolen dogs five stories down, And broke their backs, and while they writhed in anguish. The revellers enjoyed the awful sport. O God of love, how can men be such fiends? A gladiatorial show or fierce bull-fight Is not so low as when men torment dogs, But let the bull be bound and gagged secure, Then slowly tortured inch by inch to death For many agonizing hours, and days — Ah ! that is joy supreme to certain brutes Who torture inch by inch man's steadfast friend. O God of love , have pity on such dogs, And give them compensation for their woes ! And mercy have on hardened souls of men, And save such lost souls from their fallen state ; Yea, make them see the sinfulness of sin, And ptirify their souls in purest love. 208 ADDITIONAL NOTES ON ANIMALS. HONORED BY PROMINENT PEOPLE. Prayers have been offerred for the suffering horses and dogs in France and Belgium, tho' the Bishop of Oxford objected. The Japanese, who believe in a future life for horses and dogs, paid special honors to their horses who fell in the war with Russia. Nothing is more natural than the hope of those, whose lives have been saved by dogs and horses, to meet them in a future world. The world has heard of Napoleon's affection for his gray charger, Marengo, and Wellington's love for his war horse Copenhagen that the Iron Duke rode for 18 hours at the battle of Waterloo without dismounting, and when the horse died the Duke erected a tomb on his estate, in his honor, costing $20,000. Moreover, Copenhagen was buried with full military honors. Recently Wellington's tomb in St. Paul's has been completed by the addition of the figure of the charger. One of the most beautiful churches in Prussian Poland was erect- ed by Frederick the Great to the memory of his favorite charger, which several times saved his life and was finally shot under him. The tradition is that the horse lies entombed in the chapel. Prayers for favorite animal pets may be forbidden; but the peti- tions will ascend nevertheless. Numerous instances could be cited where the reasoning faculties of horses and especially of dogs rival those of men and whose devo- tion to man has never been surpassed. But time and space forbid further mention save my father's pet dog who mourned his beloved master's death until his own end came, and when the death of my beloved pet dog occurred in my old age, my grief was mitigated by the thought that had I passed away first, he would never have ceased mourning for me until his own death. ,,::r)ovA'{o • ft«^< ^^\e^i 209 THE KING WITH HIS HOE. Behold the King, and in his royal hand He holds the sceptre of benevolence, The mighty hoe that feeds the hungry world ; He tills the land and makes the meadows wave Their golden harvests which sustain the world, And orchards clap their hands with trembling joy And yield rich fruitage through the farmer's care ; Yea, all mankind upon his sceptre hangs ; Yet scorned is he as "brother of the ox," That patient beast who helps to feed mankind. All hail the sterling King with sceptred hoe; All honor to the King who feeds the world, A joy and blessing to the sons of God: Made subject to vanity's galling chain; (Rom. 8:20.) Yet has he risen to be King of men ; For on his sceptre hangs the human race. He life sustains and cheers the hungry soul ; Through him cities rise and commerce rules the sea, While children laugh and widows sing with joy And nations revel in prosperity, Then give us. Lord, each day our daily bread. And bless thy Servant with his potent hoe. And, through his magic wand, long rule the world. Thy modest banner be it e'er unfurled And mother earth yield thee her richest store; Thy magic wand, the hoe, rule evermore ; May all mankind their sincere homage bring: We hail thee, Benefactor and our King, And may thy slanderers be put to shame ! NOTES ON THE KING AND HIS SCEPTRE, THE HOE. The foul slander that the man with the hoe is "brother of the ox" is the result of ignorance of Holy Writ and deep prejudice against both the religion of Moses and Jesus as utter failures. The Bible, however, informs us (Rom. viii 20.) that "the creature was made sub- ject to vanity; not willingly, but by reason of Him who hath sub- jected the same in hope." And behold how men and women have risen from barbarism and serfdom to their present altitudes of free- dom and enlightment through the heavenly influence of the religion of Moses and Jesus. Long live the glorious King to wield his royal sceptre, the benevolent hoe! And hail to Moses and Jesus, whose glorious faith has lifted the civilized and enlightened world to its present status of morality, brotherhood and prosperity. 210 THE STAR THAT ROSE IN BETHLEHEM. God's g"lory e'er the heavens declare, And all the planets shining there, And every twinkling, starry gem ; One Star, more clear than all above, Proclaims the story of God's love — The Star that rose in Bethlehem When faint beneath the noonday sun, Or weary when the day is done, I then would lean upon, that gem ; That shines through gloom or darkest night, And makes my way and burdens light — The Star that rose in Bethlehem And when temptation's flatt'ring tongue, Or proud ambition lures me on, I still will trust that heavenly gem; He who when tempted sin defied, And poured contempt on worldly pride — The Star that rose in Bethlehem And when I stand on death's dark brink, My soul exultant shall not shrink, But gaze with rapture on that gem ; In faith I'll view the promised land, ^Vith joy behold, at God's right hand. The Star that rose in Bethlehem. 211 GOD'S BELL. "A Still Small Voice." — i Kings, xviii, 12. God's own Immortal Bell, forever ringing Is filling e'er the universe around With music like the heavenly angels singing; How soft, how clear, how dulcet is the sound! Within the palace, cot, or dungeon cell. Floats the enchanting music of this bell. And yet what hosts scarce hear its sweet vibrations, For all untuned the answering cord within. And blinded millions, dwelling 'mong all nations, Shut out the music by the crust of sin; Yet still God's Bell sounds on o'er hill and vale, Though few the Hst'ners to its thrice told tale. But in its stead they hear a wild bell tolling. As- though, impelled by fiends, it swayed in anger, And like the rattling, scaring thunder rolling. It falls upon the ear with jarring clangor: With fear and dread they listen to its ringing, While God's sweet Bell appears all silent swinging. How many human hearts, their last hope failing, (Trusting in earthly strength and not in God) Hear the discordant bells in hopeless wailing, All helpless sink beneath God's chastening rod, Unknowing while God's punishments shall wound them, His greater loving-kindness still surrounds them. 212 ON THE DEATH OF MY OFFICE BOY. OUR BOY. I. And he is gone, our boy, our boy is gone ; (Ah, cruel death, from earth our loved one taking!) And we have borne him to the silent tomb; He sleeps the sleep that knows no earthly waking. II. Death would not leave him even for awhile ; But swiift to earth his cruel dart came flying; And now the loving parent sadiy smiles. And thinks of him within the cold grave lying. III. But he has gone to realms of bliss above; For our dear Saviour trod death's vale before him, And sent his angels down for one he loved And soon their wings, unseen, were hov'ring o'er him. IV. They bore him to our Saviour's loving arms, And, bathing in the waves of blissful heaven. There washed his soul from faintest guilty stain, For Christ, to all, this promise sweet has given. V. Our God is often charged with cruel hate, With foolish anger in his bosom staying, With sitting in great pride in regal state, And dire revenge his manward purpose swaying. VI. But, all unmoved by doubts or m.an-made creeds, Without one shade of fear, our faith triumphant, We know God loved him in his sorest need, And all the angels sang with joy exultant. VII. The shouts of joy came over Jordan's waves. Sweet strains of music o'er death's waters swelling, And clear, amid the rest, this one more saved •Resounds his song of praise through heaven's bright dwelling. VIII. "All glory be to Thee, our Father, God ! Awake ten thousand thousand voiices singing! All glory to the Son who Judea trod ! Sound loud your harps, immortal praises ringing!" IX. And we will sing our hymns of faith in God, And tell how Jesus came so meek and lowly, We'll spread abroad our Saviour's endless love, Who took our boy in all his youthful glory. A. S. A. 1872. 213 THE MARINER'S SONG: 1853. The car of Satan seems to ride, Upon the boiling wave, The arms of Death to clasp us round, And naught seems near to save. CHORUS: Yet, though the storms of ocean hovi^h And hurricanes do blow, Cheer up, my hearties, we'll be merry. We'll yet kiss cheeks that look so cherry. Our native land we yet shall see, And all its pleasures know. Our noble ship bears bravely on Upon the mountain waves, Each beam and plank, with horrid groan. Tells us of early graves. CHORUS: Yet, though the storms, etc. Earth, sea and sky all seem combined To sink us in the deep. To bear our barque to ocean's depth, There to forever sleep. CHORUS: Yet, though the storms, etc. Then howl, ye storms, and blow, ye winds, Let loud the tempest roar. To tell us that our distant homes, Shall never greet us more. CHORUS: Yet, though the storms, .etc. But morning breaks, the clouds disperse, The sun lights up the sea. And sailors' cheers the morning greets And ringing songs of glee. CHORUS. And when the storms of ocean howl, And hurricanes do blow. Cheer up, my hearties, we'll be merry, We'll yet kiss cheeks that look so cherry. Our native land we yet shall see, And all its pleasures know. 214 SONG OF THE OUTLAW. Oh, I'm the blade, the outlaw bold, And fear not mortal foe; I tread the street in broad daylight Or on the highway go; And when the sombre hours of night Envelope you and me, I quit my lair, my forest den, And roam the country free. CHORUS: Yes, I'm the outlaw bold, and fear A stranger is to me. With danger ever lurking near I'm fearless and I'm free. Yes, I'm the blade, the outlaw bold, * And take my life in hand; I'm gentle as a mother's love In all this favored land, Unless some foolish man or men Shall dare to cross my path, Or dog my steps, like prowling wolves, And wake the tiger's wrath. Chorus: Yes, I'm the outlaw bold, etc. But where must end this constant strife? 'Twill end in but one way — To all must come the close of life, To-morrow or to-day; Since it must come to rich and poor, To all it's lurking near, Why, when death knocks at my own door, I'll meet it without fear. Chorus: Yes, I'm the outlaw bold. etc. 215 RUDOLPH'S SONG AFTER BEING POVERTY STRICKEN. Hesper Dalraven, Heroine, page 71. With one pocket empty and naught in the other, I'll love both my neighbor and friend, With vain worldly cares I never v^^ill bother Since life I know^ never shall end. No, never shall end, but again over there I'll wake to the glories above, Through faith, I'll live faithful and act on the square, Grown rich in the blessings of love. Not bankrupt in heart, with such capital mine, I've wealth in that country so bright; Great Friend, o'er all others, the glory be thine! All gloom shall give place in thy light. RUDOLPH'S SONG OF PRAISE. Hesper Delraven, Page 72. O, what a beautiful world is this! Came from our Father, the source of bliss, Oh, do not the joys of life now miss. By sinking in sin's most dire abyss.- But praise Him, Jehovah! Praise Him, ye children of men! Yes, praise our Father both day and night; For a thankful heart is God's delight, And a grateful soul brings heaven in sight; For it makes the world and all things bright. Then praise, Him, "fehovah! Praise Him, ye children of men! 216 THESE BOYISH EFFUSIONS ARE MERELY REMINDERS. MAY RAMBLE. Chorus: — Chorus : — Chorus; — Chorus; — Chorus: — Tune: St. Patrick was a gentleman. As I walked out one afternoon. One afternoon In May O, 'Twas there I spied a lovely maid Upon a stack of hay O: Her eyes they were a coal, coal black. So coal black was her hair O, Had I my pick of all the maids, I'd choose this lovely fair O. May's the time that Cupid roves. May's the time to ramble. How sweetly true lovers meet By the barb'ry bush and bramble! Her fairy form and snow white neck. They looked so enchanting, Her cherry cheeks and ruby lips. They set my heart a dancing: All nature seemed to be combined. To add unto her beauty, And as I gazed, what could I say. But to love you is a duty. O May's the time etc. How old are you, my pretty fair maid? How old are you, my darling? Come down to me, my sweetest one; There's nothing here alarming. She stepped down upon the ground. And moved so light and airy. Had you but see this lovely maid, You'd thought her some sweet fairy. O May's the time etc. My lovely charmer then replied So sweetly, and so modest, Her answer like the lute did sound. Or voice of some sweet goddess; "Kind sir," said she, "I'm near sixteen, I live by yonder's water, A widow is my mother dear, And I'm her only daughter." O May's the time etc. "My dearest maid, a single life. No more you should be treading. But think awhile on married life. And orf a happy wedding: My love for you can ne'er be told, I ne'er could love one more O," "Kind sir," said she, "I've oft had beaux "Who've said the same before O." O May's the time etc. 217 Chorus: — Chorus: — At this upon her lovely face My eyes were sadly resting; "Dear maid," said I, "you'll break my heart. I would you were but jesting; But since that you in earnest are, I think it time we parted, And I'll go seek some other fair, Who's not so cruel hearted. O May's the time etc. At this she smiled and blushed and smiled, I gave her hand a pressure. And found she was but testing me; For I had won my treasur; I bought that day the marriage ring. And wed her on the morrow. And now the bliss of wedded life Forbids regret and sorrow. O May's the time etc. 1846. HENRY LYNN. Tune by the Author. Chorus: — When I was young and artless, Scarce was I sixteen, I chcanced to meet with Henry Lynn Upon the village green: He looked so neat and handsome, His name I wished to know. And resolved, if he would wait on me, I'd take him for my beau. Then sing, skitty ke dink kedido, Litty kedink ke day; Hitty kedink, litty kedink, Hitty kedink keday. Chorus: — Chorus : — The Sunday next, at meeting. Just as I took my seat, I looked around for Henry Lynn, Our eyes they chanc'd to meet: Henry's face turned crimson. And mine was crimson too. And then I felt so bashful, I didn't know, what to do. Then sing, skitty kedink, etc. While the minister was reading, I gazed upon my book; But often I would raise my eyes. And at my Henry look; And, every time I raised my eyes. My Henry Lynn to see. He held his hymn book in his hand, But looking straight at me. Then sing, skitty kedink, etc. 218 Chorus: — Chorus : — Chorus: — "While the minister was preaching, I'm sure I looked so meek, That no one saw me raise my eyes And at my Henry peep: I saw him often raise his eyes, And at me slyly glance. And, every time he looked at me, My heart began to dance. Then sing, skitty kedink, etc. When the meeting was quite over, I slowly walked before. And waited for my Henry to O'ertake me at the door; And as he stood beside me, How queerly I did feel! My heart began to pit-a-pat. And dance a perfect reel. Then sing, skitty kedink, etc. Perhaps that one less gallant. Would left me there alone; But not so with my Henry Lynn; He wished to see me home: I can't tell certain how it was; But sure I thought no harm, That, as we stepped from out the church, We were walking arm in arm. Then sing, skitty kedink, etc. My little head was all confused. As onward we did go, I felt so much delighted, To catch so fine a beau: And, when arrived at father's house, It seemed so short a while, I wished our dwelling from the church. Had been another mile. 219 THE NIGHT I WENT A COURTING. Ghorus: — Chorus : — Chorus : — Chorus : Chorus: — Tune: When I went out a Sleighing. The twinkling stars did sparkle bright. The moon shed forth its silver light. And bright and lovely was the night When I went out a courting. I not a word to one did say; But through the fields I took my way. With my spirits light and gay, The night I went a courting. Skitty ke dink, and litty ke dink; Hitty ke dink, ke oh ke dink; He dink, ke link, skitty ke dink, The night I went a courting. But when I reached sweet Carrie's door. The dog did at me madly roar. At which I was frightened sore. The night I went a courtin.f?. The watch-dog grabbed my coat behind. While no help near me could I find. So I sung out, "Caroline!" The night I went a courting. Skitty ke dink, etc. I thought that I should surely die; But Carrie dear soon heard my cry. And to the door did quickly hie The night I went a courting. "Get out, you dog," she loud did say; He left, my coat-tail took away; I've never seen it to this day, Or since I went a courting. Skitty ke dink, etc. Then to the parlor we did go; I thought myself sweet Carrie's beau: But soon my heart was filled with woe. The night I went a courting: For every time she looked at me. She blushed, but why I could not see: — Thinks I. "What can the matter be" The night I went a courting. Skitty ke dink, etc. Before my mind the truth did glare, And looking round behind my chair, I saw Bill Watson grinning there. The night I went a oourting. Sweet Carie gave a stifled screa'n. And toward the door I straight did lean; I went off like a two-horse team, The night I went a courting. Skitty ke dink, and litty ke dini:; Hitty ke dink, ke oh ke dink; He dink, ke link skitty ke dink. The night I went a courting. 1857. 220 OH JOHNNY, DEAR JOHNNY. Tune by the Author. Oh Johnny, dear Johnny, oh Johnny, my dear! He's sailing the wild waters o'er; O'er the ocean he's sailing to some foreign land; And I'll never see Johnny no more. Oh Johnny was handsome, and Johnny was gay. Dear Johnny was pretty and spry; Oh he loved me sincerely, I loved him right well: Oh Johnny come home or I'll die! Oh Johnny, dear Johnny, oh Johnny, my dear! Come home to your own turtle dove; On your bosom I'll nestle, as slick as a whistle. Oh Johnny, dear Johnny, my love! I wish I had gold for to buy a fine ship. With banners all streaming in air, I'd sail o'er the ocean, I'd sail o'er the sea, And I'd find my dear Johnny somewhere. Oh Johnny, dear Johnny, oh Johnny, my dear! Oh Johnny, I surely shall die; -For the tears they are falling right into my lap. Oh Johnny, dear Johnny, good by! But just at this moment who entered the room. And changed tears to purest joy" And turned to bright sunshine the dark clouds of gloom? Save Johnny my own sailor boy? 1867. 221 LABOR MAN'S BEST EARTHLY BOON. "In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread till thou return to the ground ; for out of it wast thou taken; for dust thou art and unto dust shalt thou return." — Gen. 3:19. Be not a loafer nor a thriftless tramp, For God our Father made us all to toil And thus prove benefactors of the world. Self presevation is not the first law Of Nature, but the rule of savage tribes. The cutthroat policy of wicked men. Man was not made to rest in slothful ease, Nor was man made to seek for selfish joy. But he who does his God supremely love, And doth his neighbor love e'en as himself. Shall reap a harvest of the purist bliss And dwell within the New Jerusalem Of God sent down from heaven as a bride Adorned for husband in her wedding robes ; For man was made to love and bless mankind. And lift the vicious into realms of truth And raise the world to purity and bliss. Not happiness but service be the aim Of all God's children in this earthly life : For he who seeks for self alone shall lose ; . But he who loseth selfish joys shall find ; Yea, find it e'er in doing others good. Man was not made for happiness alone ; The man who seeks it only is a fool. Man was made to sacrifice for others Find highest bliss in serving other souls If beyond death lost souls shall call for aid And any saved should then ignore the cry, They'd find themselves in selfishness engulfed. And needing to be saved from wickedness : Then the Son of man would seek such lost souls Ee'en as he sought lost souls while here on earth. 222 No. 115. Beautiful Hills of Zion. " I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help coir 'I from the Lord, which made heaven and earth." Ps. 121 : 1 — 2. Words by Alex. S. Arnold, 1876. Tune, St. Laavkence, by Alex. S. Arnol?> ■'8?8. 1 . By faith I now paze on the bean-ti-ful hills, And watching as brightly they jrleaiv i Those beauti -ful hills the bright angels have trod, And loved ones who passed on befor. 3' lu visions I've roamed o'er those beautiful hills.More lovely than mortals can know . ■ -f- -»- -t 4- -t -J^ ^ ' ~- \J \^ \J \J \^ \J A — P — P — 1-^ — H — I N— f- ts=:g=( i^=^ jt. -N-i^, _> _,S =1: -a^- -e — — < J^t ^ — i2:J gT Tt 3 The prospect of glo- ry my wait- ing heart fills,Peace flgws like a bounti- ful stream. Roam ev-er with Toy in the sunshine of God, And rest on the bright golden shore. Its beauties ce - les -tial my trembling heart thrills.And raptures unceasingly flow. N N N .!_ JL. 4- -t- 4- -f- ~- -t - r » J J J ,%; M I 1 I I , ^ a ■ , m -J I .. , i~ ^ m — -~-0 — r~w w — — — ■ QiJ^^tur b^ — ^izfzigzi+iziir — ! — H-' — P-— «-— 1 — I — FF'-: — ^-ir\ H 'M^ -»-—* » » * >-^« — ^— »-— ^ — --»- -tj— ^7— h— ^BzLbzdr fi~^ \ Beau - - ti - ful hills, Bright - - ly thej Beau - ti - ful hills, Beau - ti - ful hills, Brightly they gleam, _.^_j^^_J_ gleam! Joy - - ous-ly hail Each ra - di- ant beam! Brightly they gleam ! Joyously hail, joyous -ly hail ^^^l s- -^ 4t- rT^ -^ ^3=b: V-v- i/-V— i^- — i^- 33 ^^ g f w - ^--9 > J From "yritEATH of PRAISE," 1879. 223 LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 015 785 334 A