( Our Leader and the COMPLETE POETICAL WORKS of WILLIS VERNON COLE ft CONCORD EDITION °£ New York Cambridge Press 1920 e/ Copyright, 1907, 1908, 1913, 1917, 1920. BY WILLIS VERNON COLE All Rights Reserved 23 1920 ©CI.A604654 -\ \ - Contents -8? OUR LEADER MARY MAGDALENE SONNETS OF SOUL POEMS OF SPIRITUAL HEALING SONGS OF THE PILGRIMAGE SONGS OF ARMAGEDDON REVELATION OF ST. JOHN THE DIVINE This edition is limited to one thousand copies of which this is No. Note: — This work does not purpose the teaching of Christian Science. The writer respectfully declines all literary engagements. NOTES TO FORMER EDITIONS The purposes of this edition of poems may be adduced from the following revised prefaces to former editions. ^PREFACE TO «OUR LEADE% AND OTHE% POEMS" AS THE mist of materialism vanishes from the earth, melted by the sunshine of Truth, the glory and grandeur of eternal Mind comes to view and man "not of the earth earthy' ' is recognized as the image of his Maker, perfect even as his Father in heaven is perfect. At this momentous period of the world's history, progress is taking colossal strides in the direction of freedom, purity and goodness. The universal cry, "Let there be light I" is echoed and re-echoed with inspiring response from every sphere of human action. The hour is pregnant with promise. It holds before our gaze impressive signs of the majestic march of mental, moral and spiritual enlightenment. Science and civilization are borne onward by an irresistible impetus toward Truth. Humanity succeeds the reign of brutism. The love of strife wanes before the growing desire for universal peace. Dogma and des- potism melt before the glow of Science and revelation. A rainbow of promise predicting the reign of Spirit, the establishment of wisdom, purity and spiritual dominion, spans the heavens. Night wanes. Tis the dawn of the world ! Spiritual healing which Christ Jesus gave as a rich legacy to mortals (not then ready fully to realize and retain its blessing) breathes again through Christian Science upon this age. It receives the Holy Ghost, the understanding of the laws of infinite Mind. The sick are heal- ed by its divine Principle. It operates with scientific certainty through the absolute and ir- resistible laws of God. Those who would un- derstand its Science, partake of its blessings. Freedom and immortality advance to meet them. The moral leper is cleansed. Death is swallowed up in victory, sorrow in joy, and lo I the second coming of Christ who leadeth into all Truth is realized by those ready to receive the benediction. Out from the dark background to which tradition and erroneous belief would consign her, woman, through her own efforts, has step- ped into the fore of the world's activity, fear- less and free. In purity and power she is seen healing the sick and binding up the brokenhearted. Never wavering before the attacks of the world's malice and ignorance; undaunted by the unwillingness of the carnal mind to yield its strongholds of sin and inertia, she upholds with glorified faith and spiritual understand- ing the spotless banner of Truth, and leads VI mankind on to victory over sin, disease and death. To the foremost of these noble daughters of God, toiling in ceaseless love with untiring compassion toward all, whose irreproachable life and life work are turning mankind to righteousness, health and peace; who has re- stored to this age the rule and demonstration of Christian healing, which characterized prim- itive Christianity and made Christ Jesus the Savior of the world; to the blessed Leader of the Cause of Christian Science, the Reverend Mary Baker Eddy, these poems are most lov- ingly dedicated by one who has received from her teachings "beauty for ashes and the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness/' Why should the heart not sing from its invisible choir of gratitude ; Angel of God: Thou pure creation of true Love, Sculptured in stainless Mind By His unerring hand: Pedestaled through eternity I see thee stand, Immaculate expression! pure woman- hood I Whatsoever is true, lovely, pure or of good report in this volume, has come through the inspiration gained by the author after evidenc- ing his own physical healing and spiritual up- lifting from a study of that fountainhead of Truth, the Bible — opened as it is to this age by "Science and Health, with Key to the Scrip- VII tures," Mrs. Eddy's epoch-making comment- ary. That God may abundantly bless all man- kind with health and spiritual insight, unify- ing men and nations, establishing the brother- hood of man and revealing that Love's king- dom has come "on earth as it is in heaven" is the devout prayer with which this volume is sent abroad. W. V. c. FO^WORD TO '"POEMS OF SPIRITUAL HEALINQ" /||T RUTH, understood, heals the sick ^^ and the sinful now, as certainly as when Jesus proved the power of God centuries ago by Galilee's quiet sea, through the healing of all manner of diseases, the destruction of sin in its myriad forms, and by his final and great- est victory over death. The might of Mind is still operative and available to all who are in need of purity, health and peace. This volume is designed as a vehicle by means of which to convey to the suf- ferers of earth, this spiritual truth : that Love makes free. Those who have "eyes to see and ears to hear" will find in these pages health for the sick, strength for the sinner, substance for the poor, and salva- VIII tion for those who hunger for righteous- ness. Spiritual healing, fully demonstrat- ed in the life and works of Jesus of Nazareth in ages past, and so conspicu- ous in the life and teachings of Mrs. Mary Baker Eddy to-day, may be understood and proven by all who look sincerely to their heavenly Father in quest of freedom from ills of the flesh. To help the reader know that God is All, that God is Love, and heals all pain and fear ; to aid him touch the seam- less robe of Life, and gain the conscious- ness that man is pure and whole and per- fect as his perfect Mind; to crush out weakness, worldliness, and woe, and help enthrone the reign of God in man ; to prove that Life triumphant conquers death, Love wipes out fear, and Mind heals all disease; to help man love his brother and know God — these are the thoughts that give this volume birth. W. V. c. VROEM TO BI- CENTENARY EDITION 3N the year 1907, the Reverend Mary Baker Eddy gave gracious consent that a volume of poems by Mr. Cole be dedicated to her under the title of "Our Leader and Other Poems." Permission was granted that these Poems should be published. Her only qualifi- IX cation was that the motif for their appearance be purely altruistic. Accordingly an edition was prepared. The first volume was received by Mrs. Eddy, who, in return, sent her "love and thanks." Correspondence from the time that the manuscript was forwarded to Pleasant View is in possession of the author. One year and a half later another compilation of Poems, (many of them the direct echoes of some spiritual victory), was published under the name "Poems that Heal the Sick." Mrs. Eddy received the first volume of this second work, artistically bound, and hand illuminated. In reply, her Secretary wrote: "Your very beautifully bound book of poems has been re- ceived by Mrs. Eddy and she wishes me to thank you for it." This letter was from Chestnut Hill, whence Mrs. Eddy had removed, and is dated November 13, 1908. There continued, thereafter, to be a persistent demand for these Poems from many parts of the globe. Consent was given in 1913 for a re-print of them, under the title "Poems." The poems were revised and the volume enlarged. Al- though modest in intent, the revision brought favorable comment from notable literati of the country. But a deeper purpose had been achieved. Letters from the sick, who had been healed through a perusal of the work, came from various quarters. The effort had not en- tirely been in vain. In the meantime, "Our Leader and Other Poems," in its first edition, had been exhausted. The demand, however, continued for them. Mr. Cole finally consented that the present col- lection from the three foregoing volumes should be printed, under the caption "Our Leader with Poems of Spiritual Healing. ,, In addition a number of new poems roughly en- titled "The Unwritten Poems," which had never been transposed to script and occupied a place only "in tables of the heart," (II Cor. 3:3), have been appended and now appear for the first time. It is unnecessary to state that the purpose of this volume is neither to teach nor to elucidate Christian Science. This subject, so amply and authentically covered by the immortal writings of Mary Baker Eddy, and the able works of The Christian Science Publishing Society, would make any attempt at amplification a mere act of puerile impertinence. Nor does the writer assume the lofty calling of Poet by vo- cation or avocation. 'Tis but a smile of loving gratitude, crystallized in the concrete, to the greatest woman that ever graced the world. That she kept the first little volume by her and read its contents is the only apology for its present appearing. W. V. C. XT Preface To This Edition JrjOETRY that outsteps time and records JP the measures of eternity is the scientific enunciation of Truth in terms of the beautiful. Loveliness and reality are correlated in the Science of being. The greatest poem ever written is divine Love expressed in daily deeds. That ugliness and discord are indispensable auxiliaries of Art — a belief which is respon- sible for a growing tendency toward the gro- tesque — is an error which cannot stand light. God is the Principle of being — Science is its law; Art its expression. The mandate of Genesis brought light, beauty, form, outline, color, arrangement, or- der, — creation. And the law was poetry — the musical cadence of universal Mind. There is no truth without beauty and vice versa. Our three great sources of poetical expression are: Homer; Shakespeare; the Bible. The greatest of these is the Bible. The writers of the Bible, oriental in their view-point, conveyed ideas in poetical form. Poetry is the natural vehicle of religious ex- pression. From the Hebrews, an oriental peo- ple, come our spiritual possessions. To them XII we are indebted for the monotheistic religion of Abraham and its unparalleled expression from the heart and lips of David — the world's fore- most lyric poet. David made the forbidding law of Moses a national consciousness made it irresistable. He caused the people to sing and won theii hearts for God! Six books of the Bible are purely poetical. Nearly every chapter speaks in the dramatic, epic, didactic or lyric spirit if not the actual form. Jewish worship like that of the Primitive Christian Church gave proper value to liturgi- cal expression and musical accompaniment. Thus to poetry was assigned the mission of es- tablishing in the hearts of the people the truth about God, man, the universe and the laws gov- erning them. It was song that made their religion a thing of the heart and kept it from sinking into sac- redotalism, lost in the bogs of sterility. Songs, hymns, paeans of thanksgiving abound in the Old Testament. Miriam, Deborah, Moses and David crowned their spiritual vic- tories with poetical out-pourings of the heart. The annunciation of the birth of Jesus was a poem and called from Mary's lips the most beautiful lyric of the ages. Jesus — master of ideas was master of ex- pression. He is the most poetical figure of the Bible — rather of all history. The lilies of the field — the birds of the air — the hearts of little children were in league with XIII him to convey his matchless design of salvation to a prosaic and sordid world. He spake in parables, matchless in their beauty. His sermons were as simple as Grecian columns. He breathed Truth. Nicodemus comes to him at dark. Softly the night wind of the East touches the Master's cheek and hair. "How can a man be born when he is old?" queries the weary member of the Sanhedrin. Jesus does not theorize — Nicodemus is al- ready heavy laden with doctrine. He waits while the wind gently caresses them and then: "The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit." This is the acme of spiritual expression. It is poetry. Is it a marvel that when the Science of Christ should be revealed that its Discoverer — a woman — should to her other achievements add the meed of praise in her world-sung and uni- versally loved Christian Science hymns? Nay, for the sword of the Spirit has two edges, the one of which is Beauty — the other Truth. W. V. c. XIV OUR LEADER Our Leader "Thou shall also be a crown of glory in the hand of the Lord, and a royal diadem in the hand of thy God." — Isaiah. t\ J HE God-crowned Leader of a mighty ^■^ cause Which stems to-day the seething tide of sin, And rends the veil which hides from man his God, Stands womanlike in majesty alone, — Her sphere of action, — that of many men: The Pioneer — Salvation's path her way; The sturdy Patriot, — all lands her home; The strong Discoverer, — Spirit her goal ; The dauntless Soldier, — death and sin her foe; The sure Physician, — Mind her remedy; The God-inspired Pastor, — Truth her creed; The noble statesman, — right her only Cause; The transcendental Poet, — Love her theme ; The watchful Shepherd, — every man her child. Dedicated by special permission to Mary Baker Eddy, Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science and Author of its Text Book, Science and Health, with Key to the Scriptures. x God "Thus saith the Lord the King of Israel, and his redeemer the Lord of hosts; I am the first and I am the last; and beside me there is no God." — Isaiah. JpTERNAL Father, — Life and Truth and ^ Love, Thou tender Mother 'neath, about, above; [3] Immortal God whose trumpet voice of might Spake out: "Let there be light," and there was light. Omnipotence, Thou all-inclusive Mind, Thy perfect law the universe doth bind; Omniscience, Omnipresence, led by Thee The suns and planets circle silently. Celestial Builder, Architect all-wise, From whom all pure and perfect forms arise, Through Art and Science Thou art manifest, Thou Principle, through perfect law expressed. Unchanging Nature, all embracing Soul, Whose mandate points the needle to the pole; Thy will each season in rotation guides, Thy wisdom bounds the oceanic tides. Thou Origin and Ultimate of all, Whose finger touch doth trace the meteor's fall ; Thou Animus, that moves each living thing, And formed the rolling worlds thy praise to sing. Majestic Wisdom, august, nobly vast, Thou dost, when knowledge, intellect is past, Frustrating calculus or astrolabe, Instruct the nestling child and lisping babe. [4] Immortal Sovereign, clouds Thy praise be- speak; The mountain to Thy glory lifts its peak; Thou Love that holds the ether mounting bird, As intuition guides him heavenward. The sky to Thee its jeweled arch doth bend, To Thee each perfect star its praises send; The sun and moon shine on in silent prayer, To their Creator, who hath placed them there. Thine eye, All-knowing, is too pure to see Aught that would feign existence not in Thee; Matter is dream. The lust of sense and hate, In Thine unfailing balance, have no weight. Beloved Father, Mother, God and Mind, Thy blessings blow from every winged wind, Thou Life, who finished Thy immortal plan Creating Thy consummate wonder — Man. X Man "/ have created him for my glory, I have formed him, yea I have made him." — Isaiah. MJI AN is not, as the finite senses say, wVi Flesh, blood and bones; an effigy of earth ! [5] Conceived in sin and born to till the soil, A hopeless victim dying from his birth. Man is the pure ideal of perfect Mind, The whole expression of his holy Source; Immutable, immortal, upright, strong; Not alienate from God by sin's divorce. His life lies not within earth's cloistered cell, Bodily to be born, mature, decay; God is man's Life, the never dying Mind Whose fair similitude fades not away. Nor lies his love within a trembling heart, Fiercely to burn, then turn to hate or die; Love is man's God, the never changing One, Whose constant law holds all to constancy. His mind is not imprisoned in a skull; A stormy brain to atrophy and fade. Intelligence is God; yea, God is Mind, In whose immortal likeness man was made. Nor lies his strength within a brawny loin, Nobly to flourish, then to fail and fall. God is man's strength, the One Omnipotent, Omniscient, Omni-active, perfect — All. His joy resides not in the realm of sense, First to mislead, then bring swift penalty, The bliss of Soul is Love's undying joy, Which satisfies forever and for aye. [6] Man's dwelling is no prison-house of earth, Encompassed in disease and death and pain, In God's forever universe he lives, And with dominion over all doth reign. a: The Beatitudes "Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world" — St: John. "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because He hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; He hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised." — Isaiah. TjT HROUGH golden fields of sunny wheat, ^^ With girded loins and sandaled feet, His eyes upraised in prayerful mien Walketh the blessed Nazarene. His hair flows back with gentle grace From the chiseled outline of His face; In prayer, the joyous harvests nod Before the holy Son of God. Wistfully waiting His command, Follow the meek disciple-band, And thronging, pressing after them, The dwellers of Jerusalem. Strewn o'er the fields and far behind, The lame, the halt, the maimed, the blind: [7] The mother bringing to be blest The tender babe upon her breast. Oh, will this Godlike master be He who shall come to make men free? He rests beside the flowing fount, And then ascends the waiting mount. The song-bird's anthem thrills the air While Olivet gives her fragrance rare; To greet the Master on the hill The brooklet murmurs, "Peace, be still." Seating himself upon the ground, His twelve disciples gather round; About his head there shines a light. He lifts his voice in Wisdom's might. Strained is the multitude to hear : "The poor are blest," his voice rings clear. Then like the distant mountain horn He breathes, "O blest are they that mourn." What will the Master's message state To Sadducees who seek the great? Their tears flow fast, he starts to speak Quite gently, "Blessed are the meek." Oh, will he bring some fruitful seed To those held fast by man-made creed? "The hungry by their God are blest, Who truly thirst for righteousness." What condemnation will he bring To those earth-bound by flagrant sin? [8] Forgivingly his fair lips part; Oh, blessed are the pure in heart." Has he some sacred message for The mighty man of state, and war? He seems to feel their thought expressed; "The peacemakers by Love are blest." What will the vengeful verdict be To armies wasting Galilee? "Oh blessed are the merciful, Their cup of mercy shall be full." He firmly talks with gentle smile; "O blest are ye when men revile And speak with evil tongues of thee, E'en as they evil speak of me." "Rejoice, and be exceeding glad, Thus heaven's kingdom may be had." At last! Here stands no Pharisee, But one who has authority. Stirred are their hearts through his blest word, (The greatest sermon men have heard.) They know that earth may pass away, But Christ has brought undying day. The "Thou Shalt Not," which Moses spake, Inscribed on stone, his blessings break. The world hears heaven's sweet preludes, Breathe through our Lord's Beatitudes. [9] Birthright "Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God" — Hebrews. (JT ONSCIOUS of Thy loveliness, O God, ^^ Satisfied I nevermore can be, Till in Thy likeness I awake, And every finite fetter break, Show me, O Lord, the man Thou madest me ! Conscious of my birthright, full domain, No mortal mist shall hide my view of Thee. Behold I was not shapen in Iniquity, nor formed of sin, Thy hand alone, O God, has fashioned me. Conceived in Life and Truth and Love, Brought forth in purity, I am my Lord's anointed son, His altogether lovely one, God's rightful heir with Christ eternally! a: Fear Not ^W EAR thou not, my friend and brother, *^ Love divine thy God and guide, Doth uphold thee, heal and strengthen, Falter not whate'er betide. Peace be with thee. Stand and fear not. Error's transitory dreams, Flee as shadows when the blessed Light of Love across them streams. [10] Fear not. Neither faint nor tremble ; Be not terrified by sin; Love divine still goes before thee; His the battle; Truth will win. Though a multitude of errors War against thee, stand thou still; God's salvation is upon thee ; Set thyself and do Love's will. Things that men fear come upon them; Fear of sickness, loss, disease, Yea, the shadow of death's valley; Look to Love and fear not these. At destruction and at famine Thou shalt laugh. The thought of death Neither shall affright nor harm thee, Fear flees from Love's lightest breath. Love, thy light and thy salvation, Hovers gently o'er — why fear? Perfect in His strength he holds thee; Life divine is ever near. Apprehension with its shadows, Would thine heart intimidate, Mar the prospects of thy being, Mind is master ; watch and wait. Love of sin and fear of sickness, Are procurers of man's fall; Still the Love divine that made us, Gives dominion over all. [ n ] There's no fear in Love, the perfect; God, the Principle of life, Through His law sin's claim reverses, Casts out discord, fear and strife. Fear, the slaveholder of mortals Has no power save what we In our ignorance give to it; Rise, strong son of God ! Be free I Mind is master of the senses, Truth still conquers lust and hate ; Love triumphant opens widely Life's divine eternal gate. Sickness has no place nor power, Sin can never conquer thee. In true Love I live forever, What can flesh do unto me? Love the Lord, keep his commandments, For this is the whole of man ; Watch and pray and love each other; Thus annihilate earth's ban. Love divine doth hold thy right hand, Saying, "Fear not, steadfast be, I will show thee thy salvation, Mind begotten, follow Me." God hath given through His power, Healing love and a sound mind. Life and Truth and strength to conquer, Fear of earth and sense to bind, [12] Through Mind's affluence we master Sickness, sin and storm clouds drear; Knowing ever God, the perfect, Love, eternal, casts out fear. a: Adversity "Blessed are they that mourn; for they shall be comforted." "Ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy" — Jesus. AwL E not cast down by life's hard load, ^* My brother and my friend, These trials which now seem severe, Pure peace and joy will send. The sweetest hour of all the day Springs from the deep of night; The blackest breakers lash themselves To foam of purest white. The lilies from their river-beds Design bride-like array; From out the gloomy forest bursts The song-birds's cheerful lay. Mary the Virgin, slim and meek, Conceived the Man of might Who, in a stable born so low, Achieved so great a height. [13] Far fairer shines the diamond's light Against a darker ground; Not 'til tried by the finer's flame Is gold of Ophir found. The long, stern battles of the world Bring the world's heroes forth. What but the scaffold, scourge and shame Could prove the martyr's worth? Wrestling with sin and flesh and fear, Hard conflict and intense, Burnishes thought that it may shine, Bright in Omnipotence. Oft'times from sad experience Our happiness is born; And Calvary doth but forerun Our resurrection morn. The Sculptor's Prayer "Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in Thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer." — Psalms 19: 14. JjT ET every thought that guides this hand >^r today, Sing praises, O my God, unto Thy name, Be every chastened chisel-touch a lay Of selfless love that seeks a selfless fame. Thou Holy Source of inspiration, pure, Thou Fountain-head of genius, Thou alone [14] Canst cleanse this heart and make Thy son en- dure With joy his seeming burden to Thy throne, First published in the Christian Science Sentinel. The Shepherd Boy 66 Now he was ruddy, and withal of a beautiful counte- nance, and goodly to look to. And the Lord said, Arise, anoint him: for this is he," — Samuel. /| I O the streamlet that flows from the moun- VU' tain The shepherd boy guides his sheep, Singing, "Love is my shepherd that leadeth; Love guardeth me while I sleep." In his foot-steps the kindly sheep wander O'er sweet scented mountain trail, Yet he lists for a voice that is greater And following cannot fail. Though a bare-footed boy of the mountains, His Father, Eternal Life, Like a pillar of light moves before him To safe-guard his soul from strife. "In the Spirit, God governs my actions. Then praise Him, my strength and song! He shieldeth my ways as the falcon From snares of the fowler strong." [15] He beholdeth Love shine through the rose-bud, Love sing through the song-bird fair, Love enraptures his heart in the sunlight And glows through the evening air. He is girt with the strength of an hundred Because he is meek and pure. Overmastering tempest and flood-tide, In Spirit he dwells secure. The glad heavens are singing God's glory, The earth to the Lord gives praise, While the sun and the moon, and the night stars, Unfailing, their watch-lights raise. Still unconscious of error, or bondage, With thoughts in the realm of Mind, With his God he confides in his labours, He sings and his heart is kind. Though the hirelings flee, he is faithful When hungering wolves pursue. When he faces the beast, he o'ercomes it, (As ever the fearless do). Now the shades of night fall, and he gathers The lambs 'neath his watchful rod; He is shepherded e'en as he shepherds, His fold is the peace of God. "O, Thou blessed encompassing Presence, In peace I lie down to sleep ; [16] While Thy thoughts through the night are pro- tecting, I rest on the mountain steep. "In Thy keeping, unwearied Protector, True Shepherd of all mankind, I commit my unquestioning spirit, Thou perfect, Eternal Mind. "Father-Mother — dear God, calm and peaceful, I lie on Thy tranquil breast, Till with dawning of daylight You whisper . 'Love's action is sweetest rest.' " Then the sunlight bursts forth in his glory, A bridegroom in bright array, And the shepherd boy wakes with the morning, And praises the Lord of day : "O, my Father, the daylight is dawning, With mountains to bravely climb, I have power and limitless freedom, In mounting Thy heights sublime. "Noisome discord, unhappiness, sorrow, Come not to my mind this day, Nor may sickness nor sinful desire Allure me from God's highway. "But the ideals of limitless Spirit Inspire me as my flock Follow onward and upward, rejoicing, My Comforter and my Rock. ,, [17] Little wonder so childlike a shepherd, With strength of an hundred men, The lion o'ercomes without quailing, Who lurks in his mountain den. For true Spirit finds perfect expression, Though body be young and small, With more power to conquer Goliath, Than whimpering hosts of Saul. As he leads his white flock o'er the mountains A song fills the air with joy, For with peace and a boundless dominion God blesses the shepherd boy. a; Pride 7 can of mine own self do nothing but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works." — Jesus. (ij\H, why should I be proud? VL/ It is Thy work I do. And each true thought that I bring forth To Thee is nothing new. Then tear from out mine heart all pride With inspiration true; Not for myself I labor, Lord, Thy work alone I do. [18] The Healing of the Nations "The works that I do shall ye do also, and greater works than these shall ye do, for I go unto the Father." — Jesus. ■ IrjUT from a Bethlehem virgin's rapture ^-^ came A man conceived of God, by Love de- signed; Incarnate in the flesh that he might teach, His fellow men their fear and sin to bind, And cast out sickness by the might of Mind. This maiden-born deliverer from woe, Was neither God nor Christ, but under- stood, Better than any earth born ever could, Man's perfect sonship and God's Father- hood, And by his works he proved the power of good. In sweet simplicity he spake the Truth, Then healed the sick throughout all Gali- lee. He raised the dead and triumphed over fear; Made all their lame to walk and blind to see ; Ascended, leaving strict commands for thee. "Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast oat devils; freely ye have received, freely give." — Matthew, 10:8. [19] Eternal Love ne'er left earth comfortless. This son of woman rose, God's Son, yet here Still masters tempest, walks the foaming wave, Brings forth the dead and conquers sin and fear, Thus proving Mind, life's Principle is near. The Living Christ now ministers to men, Banishing sickness, circumventing pain; Makes manifest through Science, health and joy. Chaos gives place unto the Spirit's reign, As men their primal harmony regain. The Life that conquered is triumphant still : The spirit Jesus lived, through thee shall heal. The Truth which made men free now liberates, And Mind, God's loving-kindnesses re- veal; Come sit with Christ and share Love's paschal meal. Oh men and nations ! and all ye that thirst ! Lay off sin's yoke and break disease's ban; Drink freely of Mind's pure and healing stream. There is no sickness ! Prove it, all men can. Awake, O universe! Shine forth, true man I [20] Human and Divine Love 'Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world the love of the Father is not in him." — St. John. m UMAN love is like a streamlet; Pleasant sometimes seems its rise, Which grows turbulent in flowing, Then stagnant lies. Love divine is like some tranquil, Holy, unhorizoned sea, Never ebbing, never flowing, Eternally. Human love is like a blossom, Sweetly flourishing a day, By the heat or frost soon blighted, To fade away. Love divine is as some fragrant Garden by the stream of life, Ever budding, ever blooming And free from strife. Human love is human hatred. Passion's darkened finger post Misleads thought to sin's blind alley Where love is lost. Love like that of God's great workers, Makes the heart an holy fane, Where the Spirit dwells, where worship, Fulfills Love's reign. [21] Halt we then upon the cross-roads When this line is drawn so clear? Choose ye, with our God-crowned Leader, What Christ holds dear. a: The Dream of Sin "And there followed another angel, saying, Babylon is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication" — St. John. M SAW a red mist rise from off the earth, ^ It took in shape a dragon, great with sin. Then rolled a voice like thunder from within, "Mammon am I, to error I give birth, Lust, hatred, sickness, pestilence and death; My mesmerism all mankind shall win. By my right hand of sickness, earth is swayed; My lustful foot makes dust of youth and maid, Hypocrisy, ingratitude and greed, Are the discordant brood I love to breed. The Truth alone I fear, — through it men see I am a dream, an unreality. So long as men of earth believe me real, They will commit adultery, murder, steal. Come, drink the wine of drunkenness I give; Twill make thee as a god. Forever live! [22] If thou wilt bow and worship unto me, I'll give earth's treasures, mortal man, to thee/' Then rose the wind of Truth, earth's man to bless, And blew the mist to native nothingness. a: The Virgin Knight ' And I saw, and behold a white horse; and he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given unto him; and he went forth conquering, and to conquer." — St. John. 4U ULL helmed and strong I ride along ^ In suit of seamless mail, I am my Father's virgin knight; My quest can never fail. My armor bright reflects the light That shineth from above. I grasp the banner bearing "Life." My shield is blazoned "Love." My trusty charger, surely shod, My every thought doth heed; Nor spur, nor rein but Mind alone Must regulate his speed. I never fail nor fall before My subtle foeman's brand; [23] My purity sustaineth me, And strengthens my right hand. Of mine own self I could not swing My blade nor true lance wield; Vain were the speed of my good steed Without my God to shield. I hail not from a foreign land. About me, and above, And in mine heart, my kingdom lies ; My King, eternal Love. Full many a knight my Father views, In holy order lined. Our strength we see in unity, Moved by the might of mind. We bathe in Life's baptismal fount. We drink the wine of Love. We break the bread of Heaven's Truth, Communion from above. "Oh, answer, tell me, virgin knight; I would I were with thee; How may I join with that great King This Order fair to see?" Pilgrim on earth, thou shalt attain, Thy seat and with me ride ; All things to him who overcomes, Who faileth not when tried. [24] One sacrifice, however great, Can never chasten thee; But sever thou from sense of self, Then canst thou follow me. I was a pilgrim, as art thou, Beset the same by sin; But meekly, patiently, I sought, And God hath led me in. O stronger than the athlete's arm, Thou must be stronger, friend, To meet and conquer every sin, And to thy God ascend. To ride throughout the universe, In sweet and certain sense, Of perfect Love is to reflect, Our God's Omnipotence. a: Judge Not "Judge not, that ye be not judged," — Jesus. ^l( UDGE not, lest ye yourself be judged, *D Our blessed Master said, The Lord of Life alone is God To judge the quick and dead. [25] The very thought of Love does more, Than criticism can, To lay aside earth's sinful sense, And show the perfect man. Though hard it be when friends betray, And enemies oppose To still behold God's perfect child, Yet bless ye even those. None is so perfect as to cast The first heart-breaking stone, Nor is the sinner black enough Who cannot now atone. When first the bitter thought appears That from thy tongue would dart, Quench it with floods of living Love Before it leave thine heart. The whole need not so much thy love, And gentle sacrifice, As those poor mortals who are bowed By selfishness and vice. That man who smites thee on the cheek, May turn thy truest friend, When thou but win his heart with love, And good from evil rend. [26] Two errors never make a truth; He who retaliates, Doth not obey in Jesus' way, Where love reciprocates. Thus all remorseless motives melt, For grace and love abide; And God's Shekinah entered in, We rest at Christ's right side, Love's peace and joy and harmony Fill thy forgiving breast. "Well done, thou good and faithful." Thou Art blessed, for thou hast blessed. x Inspiration "/ was free born." — Paul. Ijjtt Y Soul would ne'er consent to dwell * Hides the sun's brave light, And man weeps o'er his deprivation; Then he lifts his eyes, Where in jeweled skies, Gleam the suns of a consrellation. Cease, cease, cease, O my heart, Cease from thy tearful flowing. Peace, peace, peace, O my soul, Peace like the river's flowing. When earth's heart-strings break, And our soul's partake Of the mortified dregs of sorrow ; Then thought lifts light wings To Love's higher things, And its joys from the Spirit borrow. Cease, cease, cease, O my heart, Cease from thy tearful flowing. Peace, peace, peace, O my soul, Peace toward the Perfect growing. [49] Repentance Canto 3 "A broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou will not despise." — David. "For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation." —Paul. ij3 AWN, and the eyes of morning filled with ^ tears, Look down repentant on the sinful earth. Thus murky nature shows her sympathy For contrite ones who quaff their cup of woe. My grief is great, and hard mine agony; The night long yearned my saddened heart for dawn, But now with day, I wish for night again, That friendly sleep might bring from sorrow rest. Through those dark hours my couch ran hot with tears, Grief filled me, and such deep remorse was mine That death itself seemed blessed and a friend. Yet this dark exit never leads from pain, And well I know true being cannot end, That only dies which found its birth in flesh : Man is immortal as the God in Heaven. Mayhap these pangs which seem so bitter now, Are sad obsequies of my passing self, Repentance thus but mourns my sins' decease, And, disentangling from error's claim, Prepares my mounting thought for Love's high Heaven. [50] (Far sweeter are the stripes that cleave our sins Than soft caresses which would nurture them.) How ring the Baptist's words throughout my mind, "Repent ye! for God's kingdom is at hand." True penitence is unto earnest hearts More, precious than the pearls of Araby. True tears which fill the eyes enlighten them, And clarified they cognize good alone. I do repent, O God, I do repent ! My sin is now before me night and day. O ! why are thou cast down to earth, my soul, And why art thou disquieted within? Look thou to Love, the lifter of thy head; To Love divine, thy refuge and thy help; The Love who binds with healing balm thy wounds, And rears thee whole, Life's child forevermore. Ah grief, Ah sorrow, penitence and pain, My one time flaunting being bold and free, Bows down to dust in meek humility. Yet wake, my thought! repeat the Master's word: "And I will give thee rest. Come thou to me." He who with love feeds those believing him, Will not ignore my famished heart's desire. A broken heart the Lord will not despise, It is not hopeless for a soul sincere To swallow up its past in victory. I will anoint his feet with precious oil, Yea, with my tears, and twine them with my hair. Ah ! make me worthy to be called Thy child, That from Eve's dream real Woman may arise. [51 Laus Deo JpNABLE me, O God, to feed ^ The hungering heart's unspoken need, As He who with sustaining food Fed Judah's famished multitude. O, may I serve each thirsting child Life's water pure and undefiled, And raise their fainting forms, as He Who quenched their thirst by Galilee. Give me the power, even me, To bring all men, O Lord, to Thee, And turn the water into wine, As Jesus did in Palestine. O grant that all may somewhat prove The constant presence of Thy love, So all may know and all may tell That Life is one long miracle. a: Reformation Canto 4 "Thou hast redeemed me, O Lord God of Truth." — David. djl LAZE on, thou noonday sun, and fill my ^ heart ; Pour thy fair rays throughout my mind and see, — [52] Search for thyself, Fm free, free, praised be God! I am reformed, my being is re-formed. Rejoice my soul, rejoice and be thou glad. I find myself as God's own perfect child. Fm perfect, always was and will be pure, The image of my Father-Mother God. There is no sin, no evil, all is good! That mist which late encompassed me was nought But sheer delusion, God is All-in-all. Fm free, I breathe the atmosphere of Soul, I know there is no past, nor penalty; Eternity is one forever Now. Awake! my soul, and lift thy voice to God; Praise thou the Truth that ever maketh free, Sing thou, to Love who banishes all strife, To Mind that dissipates the matter dream. I thank Thee, God, that thou hast heard my cry; I thank Thee, Truth, for liberty and life. I know that all is peace and joy and Love, — There is no hate ; no room for sin or fear. God fills the universe .... and He is All. Oh! that the wide world to my heart might Hold fast, and tell it of this gentle peace, This dawn of joy, this higher sense of Love, The Spirit's reign, the evermore of Life. Adown the vistas of the unborn years Methinks there comes a lady clad with light, Her voice is soft, albeit everywhere Its echoes whisper healing cadences. The stars are twelve which crown the pensive brow. Her tongue is Science and her law is Truth, Yea, all her thoughts are thoughts of pleasant- ness. [53] Her flaming feet Christ's hallowed footsteps find, And Womanhood, co-majesty with Man, Swells the grand choral Ecce Femina! Old systems for new systems melt away, While each successive stage of consciousness Unfolds a clearer view of God and man, Of man's relation to his perfect God, The holier birthright as its consequence, Till in the largeness of a boundless day The truth which was and is, at last is come. Dreams, dreams were they which late did seem so true, Illusion, dreams of pain and dreams of joy. What fools the senses make of mortal men I With phantom joy, sin leads the sinner on, Rewarding him with cruel barrenness ; As in the thirsty desert some mirage, Arrays against the sky enticing scenes And seeming isles of soft retirement, Alluring pilgrims to forsake their ways To find return in pain and mockeries. Sin's cup of bliss doth break and fade away, The joys of Love alone can satisfy. God's gladness has been put within my heart; Thou hast redeemed me, Lord, Thy liberty Has come, with peace and harmony and love. And now the yoke of bondage is removed, Give me, I pray thee, strength to break the law Which seems to in this wanton world hold sway. Grant me to pray with understanding prayer, To heal the sick and bring the mourner joy; [54] To cleanse the sinner, and the broken heart To bind with Love, yea, turn earth's night to day, To break with Substance, limitation's law; To preach deliv'rance to the slaves of sense; To make the blinded see, the deaf to hear; To make the dumb man sing, the leper clean, And raise those dead in trespasses and sins To live and move and have their life in Thee. Yea, as Thy blessed Son who yestere'en When I came meek and penitent to him, Bowed at his feet and bathing them with tears, Cared nought for what his haughty host would say, But looked with kindness on my contrite form. The light of Love so filled his gentle thought, The nothingness of sin, so clear to him, Dawned on my mind. He shone as with a light ! Then turning to the Pharisee with strength, He smote self-righteousness and priestly pride, Self-love, self-seeking and the pride of life, The thirst of vain applause and pedantry. He said that these receive their own reward But call not down the grace of God from heaven, And looking, still his face aglow with love, He loosed my bonds and gave me liberty. O, praise the Lord, my soul and all within, Praise thou the Lord, raise thou His name to Heaven, Who hath redeemed thee, raised thee, made thee free ! Of all the jewels in the crown Love gives, None glitters with more brightness than reform. [55] In Hoc Signo Vinces iTE AD Y ! Forward ! Christian men, Onward, through the Stygian dark, With the Logos-laden ark, To your prize, your goal, your mark. Steady ! Christian men. Chorus Thorns ; a Python's hissing ; crosses, Tumult, tears; a tempest tosses; Love reward you for your losses. Forward! Christian men! Steady ! Forward ! Active men, Though your Lord be crucified, Christ must live though Jesus died, Christ forever glorified, Steady, active men. Chorus Thorns ; a Python's hissing ; crosses, Tumult, tears; a tempest tosses; Love reward you for your losses. Forward! Christian men! Steady ! Forward ! Christian men, O'er yon cross a star is born, Yonder where those palms are torn, Star of Being! star of Morn! Steady ! Christian men. [56] Chorus Cease the Python's hissing; crosses, Fades the tumult, tempest tosses, Love is yours with no more losses, Steady ! Christian men. Steadfastness Canto 5 Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. 99 — Rev. Ql HERE'S something infinite about the sky, ^^ That jewel-inlaid bends from peak to peak, As upward from the valley here I gaze, Into the deep where shine the steadfast stars. When I consider, Lord, Thy work, the heavens And know that man o'er all hath full domain, That thou hast put all things beneath his feet, T firmly stand nor care what earth may do. There is no Life in that which death can claim. Love gives a peaceful thought and tranquil heart. Man in Thy likeness triumphs o'er the world. O, silent night! whose dark and clinging cloak, Translucent, deep and most mysterious, Covers the earth and veils her self-made scars, Well may'st thou hide the earth this woeful night. Ah, crucified! These pigmy, world-wise men Have nailed upon the cross their hope of Life. [57] Earth ever scorns the bringer of good news, Fetters and binds him who would make her free. It persecutes those who resemble good, To expedite its warfare with sweet Heaven, Yet vain the sum of error aggregate, Makes war on that which knows no sense of hate. Christ's God-like love knows nought of enmity, His essence is the Truth that never errs; The life which he reflects will never die; And Jesus through this Christ will conquer death. How tiny seems this world from yonder spheres, What atoms then the greatest worldlings are! Man is not matter governed by its claim, But with dominion rules in Spirit's might. Beneath his feet the planetary orbs, Circle within their system's harmonies About the central stillness of the Sun, Their God-head, Principle and Source of light. Man hears the music of the Pleiades, Unsheaths Orion's scintillating sword, And smiles with every twinkling of the stars. Amid the strong Truth-tempered elements, He leaps the vastness of the milky way, Bestrides the seven unhorizoned seas, And rests on islands of terrestrial bliss. Yet in the magnitude of vast ideas He learns great lessons from the humbler ones; The blade of grass, the dew-dripped lily's lip, The gleam of sunlight on the summer's sea Are links of thought which unify the whole: Completeness, full creation, whence pure Mind, [58] The Principle of being — Elohim, Almighty ! Infinite ! Eternal God, Beholds through law the changeless great I AM Delighting in His likeness, knows it good, The compound glory of the perfect US. 'Twas not the pain but earth's ingratitude Which brought his cry "Lama sabachthani." Where are the twelve who late professed their love? Are they convinced that Man is mortal dust? The very fact that they deserted him Is proof they never knew his nature. They Have fled from him to hide their mortal selves, When he had toiled to show them perfect Man. O Love, magnanimous, thine amplitude Unfolds itself despite man's penury. Does only woman know sin has no power, To tear God's perfect Man from Life to death? Yea, only she would linger at the cross Until they bore his form unto the tomb. Father in heaven, I know that Thou art all, Thine is the power, Thine omnipotence Upholds creation in Thy perfectness. Oh, lift the veil which holds the eyes of men That they may glorify thine holy name ! To think it was a kiss the traitor used When he betrayed, not Christ, but his poor self. Thus hatred in Love's clothing would disguise The hypocrite and shield ingratitude, Yet sin betrays itself and fades to naught, A suicide must end each traitor's thought. [59] The Master seemed to know, when with his band He ate the blessed Paschal meat last e'en That he must bear and suffer on the cross. He said, "If I be lifted from the earth, I will draw all men unto me." — He knew, That God is Life eternal, death is dream. He seemed to feel it was no fellow man, But evil, not in person, striking him, For when they raised him high above the throng, He looked upon those he had healed and blessed; The multitude he fed upon the plain, To whom he had brought hope of Life and God; The lepers he had cleansed, the halt and blind, Whom He had made to see and walk and run, Yea, some among them whom the very tomb Had claimed e'er he had rescued them from death. This frenzied throng who owed to him their all, Cried, "Crucify him." God, that it should be! Then raising up his gentle eyes to heaven, He said, his voice compassionate and low, "Forgive them, for they know not what they do He blessed the very soldiers at his feet As they cast lots to gain his seamless robe. (Forbearance such as this men have not known.) O foolish world, how could thy vanity Believe that thou could'st murder such a man! No sting of death could pierce so great a love. Hate, malice, fear, resentment and revenge, The lust of flesh and earth's false sense of life, His goodness overwhelmed, his pure thought, Undid the law which fetters mortal mind, Healed sickness, fear, annihilated death, Uncovered evil, and foretold its doom. [60] >> So with its crime and cross and crafty smiles Sin would destroy him to save itself. It raised him from the earth and now men know, Forevermore that death no longer kills, That sin no longer reigns, and that disease, Is overcome by those who know their God. This tumult of the earth dies distantly, There is no life nor might apart from God, Yon tomb with Caesar's seal can ne'er bind Man. Steadfast I stand ! In God I put my trust ! I fear not. What can flesh do unto me? From the scarred womb of this distorted night, Will spring a day more bright than earth has known. These death throes are but travail and new birth, Which brings sweet peace on earth, good will to men. Majestic Truth knows never aught but Truth, Eternal Love loves on for all to love : Jn Life lives Man immortal evermore And he ordained of God hath understood That Christ is deathless victor, Son of Good ! X Te Deum Laudamus % ET songs of praise to God arise, Te Deum laudamus. Who fills the earth and sea and skies, Te Deum laudamus. In honor and in majesty, [61] With strength and true serenity, Be Thou our King eternally, Te Deum laudamus. Let death and sin be heard no more, Te Deum laudamus. True order and pure peace restore, Te Deum laudamus, Let pain, disease and loneliness, Fade back to primal nothingness, Shine forth, Lord God our Righteousness! Te Deum laudamus! a: Resurrection Canto 6 " Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee." — Isaiah. /JM HE day awakes, Love's dawn is kindling. ^^ These herald rays, the vanguard of the sun, Thrill with their life the lily-scented air. The song bird waking lifts his voice to heaven, Hushed is the quiet earth this Sabbath morn. How tranquil now the whole world seems to wait For Him to come again who bringeth peace. How bright the dew reflects the morning sun, As man, the perfect likeness, mirrors God. And with the day the mists of earth arise, So vanish all our fears before the light. My soul hath wakened my true self to see, [62] Perfect as God, eternal as pure Mind! While earth was dark and dark the thoughts of men, The mother of him who proclaimed the Christ, With others who had ministered to him, Approached the sepulchre where he was laid, They would prepare his body for the tomb. Came I also, yet not to bury him, Nor find him dead, but risen with his God. And lo, we found the stone rolled from the door. Some cried, "Woe be unto us, our Lord is ta'en." I needs must smile, although with tearful eyes; Our God is Lord of life and not of death. O, heavy-laden earth when wilt thou rouse, To know there is no matter — all is Mind? Can'st compass Omnipresence in a tomb? Then come and steal Omnipotence by night. God's man, the Christ Omniscient knows no bounds, No bands but those of Love's infinity. Barjona and the one whom Jesus loved Ran breathless crying, "Empty is the tomb." Mine ears cannot be touched by error's voice, Which whispers : mayhap after all this man May be as other, greater, yet of earth. Christ is eternal. When I saw the stone Was rolled away, I, entering the tomb, Beheld two men with garments glistening. I bowed my face to earth. They spake and said, "Why seek the living here among the dead? He is not here but risen." And from then An holy calm makes tranquil mine whole heart. And I, if I would rise above the earth, Must purify myself, as he is pure, Perfect myself to his God-crowned estate, [63 1 And make his resurrection mine as well. Yea, from the sepulchre of mortal sense, Must step transformed reflecting one pure Mind. Father in Heaven, mine eyes behold the Truth, I hallow Thy name by making pure mine own, Thou givest me an understanding heart, And I perceive Thy deathless Son, the Christ, Yes, through his resurrection rise to Thee. Thrice blessed sunlight shine throughout mine heart, I am transformed by my renewed mind. He comes, my Lord, — sweet lamb of God. I sing, Rabboni, Master, everlasting King! [64] SONNETS OF SOUL I One Time Saw A Grecian Column Stand 3 ONE time saw a Grecian column stand, A snow white index pointing to the sky, Serenely tranquil in that symmetry, Which sung the genius of a master hand, And long forgot in that forgotten land. The golden sunlight bathed its classic form, Lovely amid the loveliness of Thrace. And when black tempests bellowed o'er earth's face, It brooked with quietude the passing storm, A very crown of unassuming grace. Ah matchless column, memory yet thrills My sacred hours with thine imagery! They love God much who serve as restfully, On duty's base amid the quiet hills. Note: — First published in The Christian Science Monitor, [67] Savonarola TITHE hierarchy frowned. Yet he was V^ just. And so they burned his fragile bones away, For man to face such high authority, Was cause to trample down his hope in dust. Yet from the fury of the holocaust, There sprang a law which, wresting tyranny, Revealed the purpose of his ecstasy, Foreshadowing that bigotry was lost. Savonarola. Mighty Florentine, Who bearded worldly kings without a qualm, To thy great memory accept this psalm. While fame re-echoes o'er the Aventine : Their lights blaze on whose flames are quenched of men, Like bloody suns which set to rise again. Ah, Lovely Thrace AH, lovely Thrace, white slave of many years, Sold in the shambles to barbaric hordes, How trite a theme thy splendid shame affords, To him whose pen would well the heart to tears. Through light and shade, betwixt thy hopes and fears, Anon, breaks o'er our day those potent words, Of waiting justice, which shall break the swords Of tyranny. Still one dark cloud appears, [68] And from the ling'ring dusk thy Hope would seize. Wake from an age long dust, Demosthenes! Thrace is Hellenic. Let no brutal hand, Forge on these snow white wrists the tyrant's band. Shall League of Justice justly be begun, Which metes not justice to this martyred one? Note: — First published in The Christian Science Monitor. x I Know a Garden With a Limpid Pool M KNOW a garden with a limpid pool, *** A youthful faun smiles from its brim at ease — A song in marble that Praxiteles, Dreamed of an evening when the woods were cool, And in the morning with his supple tool, Carved workmanlike. Still through the cypress trees, It blinks the days 'twixt us and Pericles, When art was law, and eloquence the rule. Cobalt and amethyst, dawn-gray, star bright, The pool is changeful but the faun is white, Whose chaste reflection in its mossy grot, Unlocks for me a secret all might find, How ideal man reflects the perfect Mind — Tis holy ground, this green sequestered spot. [69] Giotto's Tower M T STANDS a clear Carrara trumpet tone, *** And holds above the harrying crowd its bell, Resonant, mellow and most rhythmical, Like bars of music chrystalized to stone — Flesh of the flesh of Art ; bone of her bone. Ornate, yet simple, rich nor prodigal, It rears for Taste her fitting pedestal, A theme for Poesy; for Grace a throne. "Work and be strong! Work and be strong !" So rings, From Giotto's belfry the lily bell, While all its liquid assonances tell, Unrest and discord are but passing things. For heaven's most just decree has ever willed, That men live not, unless they love — and build! Santa Groce M MUSE in Santa Croce's marble aisle, *** And where the work of Michael Angelo La Pieta, was placed long years ago, I share the grief of Mary's patient smile, While by my side the whispering pilgrims file. The sum of human misery seems to flow, From half carved forms of universal woe, In Buonarroti's monumental pile. Have I not borne like him my cross alone, And shared the spear wound of his pierced side? Have I not been with Jesus crucified, And traced his steps to Love's celestial throne? Aye, from the battle and the agony, Shall I not bear his palm of victory? [70] Abelard and Heloise j\\ Y lord reposes there while I rest here, ^** Twelve slender Gothic pillars watch our shrine. Across the vaulted ceiling forms divine, Smile mystically through vibrant atmosphere, And breathe o'er us a benediction, dear; Scholarly youth, pale Heloise is thine, Whom convent walls shall nevermore confine, Rest each content. Is not the other near? My Abelard, when culture was Mooresque, With transcedental genuis won the crown, Which brought medieval France her old renown, Rescuing Europe from the Arabesque. And yet his greater conquest — wrought in tears, Proved woman's love triumphant through the years. x Michael Angelo "Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall - not pass away." — Jesus. fOU master mind that reared St. Peter's dome, And with your sonnets graced the realm of song, Rebuking with the Prophet's courage, wrong, [71] You carved your very soul in living stone! Inadequate are mortal lips to praise, So far above the thoughts of men you soared. Your sculptured landmarks lead us heavenward, And in your works we read God's prophecies. These marbles, like your mortal self must wane, And crumble back to dust and nothingness. The pure ideals of Him you would express, Will burn for aye in Soul's immortal flame; Embodied deep in them your thoughts of Good, Will stand, in Truth, forever understood. a: Life 'And he showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb." — St. John. ® J I HOU universal river, stream of Life, ^ That, unhorizoned, from Love's holy mount, Flows on in peace from Mind's eternal fount. Purer than crystal free from mortal strife, Thou severest as some two-edged knife, From error, and Thy grandeur doth disown, Death's phantom dreams that would as Truth be known. In thy clear depths no thoughts of earth are rife, Thy fullness waters those health-leafed trees, [72] Which bring the nations freedom from disease There is no death to those who looking for, Immortal Truth but turn their gaze to Thee, Thou guardest them throughout eternity; In thee, O Life, they live forevermore. X Life II " And he showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God, and of the Lamb." — St. John. ^>J AIL everlasting Principle of things! ^^ Primeval basis, elemental Cause, Through whose dynamic Law, we cognize laws, Wherein the universal order swings. Hebraic John the rapt apostle, sings, Of Thee, a river whence prolific trees, Grow fruitfully with healing from disease, To mitigate death's dream and drown its stings. From out Thy seven cycled pregnancy, Completeness is as evidence of Thee. Nor shade of death, nor hell Thy fullness brings, Creator ! Lord of lords and King of kings ! Minutia, grandeur, Man, in unison, Rejoice, adore and call thee God I Amen. [73] Love I "God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him." — St. John. Mj OVE — the angel's synonym for God, ^* Love — the cool peace of the twilight air, Love — the reign of Spirit everywhere, Love — the joy that follows Wisdom's rod, Love — the balm that brings surcease from pain, Love — the Life that conquers death and fear, Love — the Soul abiding ever near, Love - — the ocean cleansing sin's deep stain. Love — the law which grants the nations rest, Love — the beacon burning in each breast, Love — the gladness shining through the sun, Love — the blessed bond of brotherhood, Love — the tender tie of Motherhood, Love — the union making all men one. a; Love II 4J lOVE is our God's angelic synonym. ^ ^* The peace we sometimes sense in twi- light air, Unfolds the reign of Spirit everywhere, Attunes all thought to Soul's seraphic hymn, [74] And lights with noontide splendor, life once dim. Thou Love that compensateth Love, in prayer, We call Thee Abba, Father, feel thy care, Transcendent Presence, Mother — Elohim ! Our cup of life with health and blessings brim, And though Thy rod spares not the healing sting, Thy staff upholds, makes sweet the chastening, Till pristine Truth appears in paradigm. Sweet are the songs Love's joyous presence sends, Like golden milestones to our journeys' ends! X Immortal Mind "Thine, O Lord, is the greatness, and the power and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty; for all that is in the heaven, and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O Lord, and thou art exalted as head above all." — David. 3|mMORTAL Mind, by whom were all *-* things wrought; Eternal One, whose affluence creates, All true ideas, all perfect postulates, Whose might omniscient, might to all hath brought, The carnal mind of earth to Thee is nought. Thy knowledge, blessed Mind, annihilates, The flimsy fables of earth's loves and hates, [75] Exalting those who know the power of thought. Creative Mind that fills immensity, Thou central sun of every true idea, All thoughts and things of pure propensity, Do circle in Thy light, — Thy law revere. Then glory, honor, majesty, domain Be Thine forever, — King forever reign! X The Carnal Mind "For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace" — Paul. ZTI HRICE damned carnal mind, belief of ^ dust, Thy dream existence is a false pretense. O, mist of earth that hath no real substance ! Whence came this earthly chaos, mortal rust, This lie that ends in naught, begins in lust? Vague is thy kingdom. Thy weak influence, Fades dream-like from our God's omnipotence; From Mind's all-presence thou art ever thrust. Hate, falsehood, malice, sickness is thy plan; Adultery, murder, death, disease and fraud, To rupture brotherhood, debase true man, Thou carnal mind at enmity with God. Consumed in thine own self-destroying flame, Fade back to nothingness, from whence thou came. [76] Truth "Thy word is Truth." — Jesus. /||HOU God-illumined Light that men call V^ Truth, Thou only Mind that formed the universe, All living things thy radiances nurse, Created in Thy perfectness. In sooth, Thou art the one Intelligence, one Mind. All things, from suns to atoms, Thou made free In Thine unbroken continuity, And yet no matter dream in Thee we find; Nor shade of sin, nor error darkens Thee. No time, no space, no height nor depth frior dream, Of limitation mars Thy perfect theme ; All living things reflect Thy brilliancy. Thy one forever deathless man is proof, Of Life eternal, never-ending Truth. X Prayer "What things soever ye desire when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them." —Mark 11:24. OFT, and anon the aspirations speak, Soul claims its own, through Pentecostal fire. Unsandaled walk the feet of soft desire, In potent prayer, puissance of the meek. All heaven is theirs who heaven within them seek. [77] Oh, Love divine, could consciousness rise higher Than Thee, our All? No more may man require ! Desire is prayer — one touch makes strong the weak. The wordy repititions mortals use, In sacerdotal conclave, seen of men, Reveal not God but oft His presence lose. 'Tis in our closet Soul sweeps to the ken. Through little kindnesses and gentle grace, We seek, we find, we know Him face to face. a: Unity of Love "Behold how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity." — David. Til HOU beauty of holiness, Unity, ^^ That maketh all men one reflecting good, And weldeth all in one grand brotherhood, How good it is for men to dwell in Thee ! To know one Mind, one consciousness and King, And, knowing this, their own small wills resign, To Thee, O Love, and know no will but Thine, This realized, God's heaven to earth will bring. Thus wars will end and tumult disappear; Ambition, love of power, pride of place, Will kiss the feet of peace and through God's grace Earth gain her victory o'er death and fear. United in one Mind, all men will see, There are no other gods, O Love, but Thee. [78] Liberty Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." — Jesus. LAVERY is abolished ! Man is free ! The clanging armies of earth-drunken sense, Have fled and fallen, — Love's omnipotence, Proclaims the Truth which brings men liberty. Triumphant Mind lifts blinded eyes to see, Life is eternal through death's shadows, dense. The sick are healed, and Love, man's sure defense, Doth manumit from sin's hard slavery. O strong and noble ! perfect Son of God ! Unlimited reflection of pure Love ! The matchless Aeon shining from above, Flings wide the prison doors of matter's clod. Forever man wast, ever man shall be, Full heir with Christ to boundless liberty. x Purity 'With the pure thou wilst show thyself pure." — David. "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God." — Jesus. (jft PURITY, thou gentle lamb of God, ^-^ Thou lily chaste beside the stream of Life, Thou bride, the blessed Spirit's virgin wife! Thou art the peaceful path Christ Jesus trod, The corner-stone of all embracing Mind, [79] The tabernacle where true Love abides, The chariot of light wherein Truth rides, The tie of Life uniting all mankind, Thou art to all a crown and diadem. They who serve Mammon never know thy peace, O, gentle presence, till from sin they cease. Then, angel-like, thy joy abides with them. The man who ever fills his heart with thee, Walks with his God, throughout eternity. X Substance '7 cause those that love me to inherit substance; and I will fill their treasures." — Solomon. Unfathomable substance, endless *7 Mind, Illimitable source of all that's true; Abundantly thine affluence flows through, Thy perfect channel, Man, of Thee designed. Oh, when will men on earth awake to see, All limitation is to Thee a lie, Thou never-failing Source of all supply! For Thou art All-in-all eternally, Nor poverty nor want in Thee we find; Thy richest blessings wait for all mankind; Who, turning to the Lord a grateful heart, Receive the wealth of Mind which you impart. They who behold Life's universe within, Find endless Substance and Love's kingdom win. [80] Spirit /if) SPIRIT, God, Thou perfect Source of W f light, Benevolent and tender, holy One, Thou art, of all that is, the central Sun ! These bubble worlds seem substance, but their might Melts, vapor-like, beneath Thy soulful sight, For all that is by Spirit was begun. "Light !" spakest Thou — the universe was done; Creation leaped to glorify Thy right. There is no matter — Mind is All-in-all ; Man is not as these mortal minions seem ; Nor is God manifest earth's stupid dream : All is celestial — man free born is thrall, To boundless Substance, Spirit, Love divine, And, Spirit-like, forevermore must shine. a; Pray Ask Me Not To Stand Among the Great PRAY ask me not to stand among the great, An honored Fellow of your Order fair, "What should so poor a suppliant do there, Whose humble song would find so little weight? Your far-famed bards would sigh and hesitate, Reluctantly beside this awkward chair, [81] To hear these chauntings — stone rough hewn in prayer, Extolling God some pang to expiate. Such repetitions find sweet recognize, By singing o'er and o'er "Oh, Love divine, My heart, my soul, my fervor, all are Thine!" This is my crown, not Petrarch's laurel prize. Shall not the Master save the honored seat, For those who wait unhonored at his feet? a; The Holy Bible *I PON this rock the Courts of Justice stand *™ And every honest Pulpit has its base. Mens Medica is honored in this place And Labour, first of all is crowned and blest. Here Science, Law, and Gospel are expressed, True Government her stately goings trace, Here scholarship finds ornamental grace, And business enterprise acquires zest. In time of war it is a citadal, Here peace enunciates her harvest song, Joy, health, prosperity and virtues throng, Here true equality her hopes fulfill. He who decries it — whatso'er his school, Rears but his cenotaph inscribed "A fool." [82 POEMS OF SPIRITUAL HEALING God Is My Strength "The Lord is the strength of my life, of whom shall I be afraid?"— Ps. 27. "In God have I put my trust. I will not be afraid of what flesh can do unto me. In God have I put my trust. I will not be afraid. What can man do unto me?"—Ps. 4|a E strong, fair son of God, arise ! ^ Life's mighty hand hath struck the hour ! Away, thou fears that mesmerize, Give place to Spirit's might and power! Ye sick, arise ! Almighty God Upholds you perfect, saying, "Wake!" Disease is but a finite fraud, Which Mind omnipotent doth break. Be strong ! Free limbed and fearless be ! Love's word is instant, bringing peace. Thyself as Life's expression see. Let pain, disease and sorrow cease ! Ah sinner, weak one, from the night Where thou has toiled in self-wrought chains, A knowledge of th' eternal might, Thy freedom, as God's son, regains. Though thou hast fallen, rise once more! Experience adds to thy strength; Each conquered sin exalts thee more, To gain Mind's true idea — at length. [85] Thy burden, mourner, Mind shall melt, Who girds thee, fearless, fair and free; The crushing blow, which sorrow dealt, Falls harmless when Love covers thee. Unstable flesh, discordant earth, Which has no substance, truth, nor life! The Spirit never gave it birth, Malignant scene of phantom strife ! God is my strength ! I have all might ! There is no weakness; Mind is all! I shine the universal right, Man in God's likeness cannot fall ! On ! On ! From strength to strength press on ! Omnipotence upholds thy hand. God's panoply of power don ! Whose Wisdom nothing may withstand. O, irresistible and strong, The sword of Life with power swing ! Bear up and shout Love's triumph song ! Reflect omnipotence and sing! [86] As A Man Thinketh, He Is "For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he." — Prov. 23:7. VLS A MAN thinketh, he is, my friend. "* The Mind of the Christ will a blessing send. Think of thyself as God's perfect son, His normal, harmonious, healthful one; Think of thy being, — Life's mirror pure, Reflecting the Spirit from sense secure. O, let thy thought with thy Maker's blend: As a man thinketh, he is. Hast been long stretched on a couch of pain? Would'st freedom and vigor and health regain? Think of thyself as the child of Life, God's master of anguish and fear and strife; Health is the law which man must express. Deny that life holds for him, pain, distress. Thinking Love's health will thy health regain : As a man thinketh, he is. Art thou a sinner by Mammon bound? Would yearnings of flesh perfect manhood drown? Arise ! Shine forth with one great desire ; Denying thyself, to the Truth aspire. Think of real man as of nobler worth Than creatures that cling to the shameful earth. Through Mind mount high from earth's barren ground. As a man thinketh, he is. Art thou a weakling by impulse swayed? With thoughts on the Spirit, ah, never stayed? Let thy consciousness on true Wisdom wait, [87] Steadfast, ne'er waver nor vacillate. The lightning may flash and the senses roar, A sentinel stand at thy mental door, Then think of the way that our Saviour prayed. As a man thinketh, he is. Art thou a pauper with hollow eye? Do chances of gaining success go by? Think of thyself with the wealth of Mind, A channel of Substance for all mankind; Think of Soul's resources, — infinite, Then manifest Mind by affirming it. Oh, end this limited slavery ! As a man thinketh, he is. There is but one Mind and that Mind is God; Then why through earth's desolate by-ways plod? The harvest is white, and the laurel crown Is waiting; then trample the senses down. 'Gainst majestic Truth naught can militate; Love's freedom no power can vitiate. Be strong! Be pure! Be God's perfect man! As our Lord thinketh — man is. [88] A Healing Lullaby "/ will lay me down in peace, and sleep: For Thou Lord only makest me to dwell in safety." — Ps, 4:8. /fl HE moon is rising gently o'er the mere; ^^ It bathes the fevered brow of Earth with calm ; The night wind whispers softly "Peace is here;" All nature brings her cool and healing balm. O, God's in His heaven, love; Fair in His heaven, dove; God's in His heaven near. The dreams of evening quickly fade away; Soon light will step through pearly gates of dawn, Rest, little lamb, until the gladsome day Shall bid the shadows of the night be gone. O, rest in God's bosom, love; Soft in His bosom, dove; Slumber, sweet lamb, sleep on. The rosy sky foretells the waking Sun, He brightly mounts the ladder of the morn; The birds are singing softly, "Night is done; Awake, dear child, another day is born!" O, God's in His beauty, love; Full in His beauty, dove; God's in His beauty here. [89] The Prayer That Heals 'Father, the hour has come; glorify Thy Son, that Thy Son may also glorify Thee, Thou hast given Him power over all flesh,' 9 — John 17:1, 3. (Iff PON the rock the thinker stands, '** His eyes reflect the sky; In silent prayer his heart flows out To Mind, his God on high : In silent prayer his heart goes out, In virile, strong, repose. Affirming truth for God and man, As on through Love it flows: Within the silence of my heart, God hears me when I pray : The hour has come to glorify Thy son, O Lord, to-day. Love's vital prayer is to affirm The Truth, and own God's sway; The deep and longing look toward Love Which melts the earth away. His thought is ever one with Christ, His God is everywhere, He giveth life and strength and joy In answer to his prayer. Thou mak'st man loving, Lord, our Love Compassionate and kind, Embracing all humanity, The perfect child of Mind. [90] Thou mad'st me chaste, Thou God of light, As Thou art, pure in heart; Thou cleansed me, and to all who need, Thy healing I impart. For Love I labor fearlessly, From apprehension free, Christ-crowned in strength and confidence, To light the world for Thee. Depression hath no place in man; Thy light, O healing Sun, Doth make me buoyant, glad and free, Thou strong and joyous One. I have my being in pure Mind, All fear and woe above, Immortal, perfect, infinite, And patterned after Love. Mine eyes are perfect, and mine ears; I strongly voice God's word; With action free, and being strong; Pure thought my loins gird. I breathe the air of Life divine, Free from disease or fear; No germ of earth, through sin or birth, May ever enter here. I have all beauty, symmetry; Love's glory lights my face ; In form and outline I reflect The splendor of God's grace. [91] I have all power, life and might, A Mind omnipotent; Thus panoplied in strength, I meet And prove sin impotent. I have all substance, affluence, Abundance of Life's food; I break the law that limits man, And feed the multitude. Love gives an understanding heart, With knowledge of Thee, Lord; I lift my voice in Wisdom's might, To propagate Thy word. I heal all sickness, conquer sin, Annul the curse on man, Through Thee, Physician, great of strength, I break earth's cruel ban. Strongest Redeemer ! Mind of all ! Thou pure light-giving Stream! Thou dost baptize the universe In Life, Thou Love supreme ! O, what a wealth have I, O God, When I but realize Thou art my Father; I, Thy son, Am perfect in Thine eyes. [92] The Healing of the Blind "Go show John again those things which you do hear and see: The blind receive their sight and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them. And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in Me." — Matthew 11:4-6. IkLOOD physician, give me aid! ^-" "There's no help for you/' he said, And the blind one groped away with bitter tears. "Nature's therapeutic art Can no hope nor help impart To the one who knows the darkness of thy fears." Pray, good pastor, make me free ! "God afflicted you," said he. "Be thou reconciled, and say, 'Thy will be done/ In His mercy God doth dole Pain to cleanse thy sinful soul, And withholds from thee the gladness of the sun." Canst thou help me, gentle maid? "God is Love, dear friend," she said. "In His grace He made man perfect, strong and free. What the senses say are lies ; In Christ's name, lift up thine eyes! As thy faith in God, so be it unto thee !" [93] Lord, Thy light streams down from heaven ! The discernment Thou hast given Of the Truth, alights mine eyes to see Thy face. Pain and blindness disappear, As Thy love removes my fear, And the consciousness of Christ my woes dis- place. O, ye sufferers of earth, Marred by accident or birth, When the theories of thine elders give no aid, From earth's barren creeds, above, Look to God, eternal Love, As the blind man to the God-inspired maid. x, Guide Thou Me, Lord 'O send out thy light and thy truth; let them lead me; let them bring me unto thy holy hill, and to thy tabernacles." — Psalms 43 :3. (KuiDE Thou me, Lord; ^-^ The way is steep, My path runs through The darkness, deep. Make my bright lamp Thy shining Word, To light the way. Guide Thou me, Lord, [94] Guide Thou me, Lord; Teach me Thy will, Direct my steps ; Vain strivings still. With steadfast truth, These loins gird, To follow on. Guide Thou me, Lord. Guide Thou me, Lord; From vales of fear To heights of Love The pathway clear. Turn my desires All heavenward, — With songs of joy, Guide Thou me, Lord. Guide Thou me, Lord; From dread disease, Bring holy balm From healing trees. Thou Who hast blest, Redeemed, restored; In perfect health Guide Thou me, Lord. Guide Thou me, Lord; I yearn for light; Thy love alone Dispels the night. Send the clear voice Our Saviour heard; Thou held his hand, — Guide Thou me, Lord. [95] Guide Thou me, Lord; Behold! 'tis dawn, The dreamer wakes, O, guide me on. See! Light breaks forth; Hope long deferred Is crowned with joy. Guide Thou me, Lord. X Be Well "Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light." — Eph. 5:14. M& E well ! Man was not made to fade and ^ pine. He has a higher niche to fill, and more divine. Awake to righteousness ! Fear not, Nor to earth's ills resign. Be well! Though sense has swept the deeps of hell, Though friends say help is vain; hard what befell, 'Tis false. Christ reigns. Arise ! Love breaks the passing spell. [96] The Song of Life 7 am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." — St. John 10:10. A CROSS a weary world of woe There swells a joyous strain; The broken-hearted mourner wakes To harmony again. In seamless robe the risen Christ Shines forth to bless and heal ; The sepulchre reverberates, Life reigns — death is unreal ! The grave-clothes of dogmatic creed Give place to raiment white ; The letter, which so long hath killed, Through Spirit shrinks from sight; The quickened sense of new-born man Stands upright now to feel, As sickness, fear, and weakness wane, Truth lives — death is unreal ! Within the crucible of Love Melt murder, malice, hate; Dissolves each jealous tendency That would annihilate. A warm, sweet, tender brotherhood's Compassionate appeal Unites all heart-beats in one song, Love rules — death is unreal ! [97] The maimed, the halt, the lame and blind, Hear Truth's redeeming word, And see their limitations fall By Science' tempered sword. Arise and walk ! Thou art God's son I All men their freedom feel, As dark abnormal sense-dreams flee, Christ reigns, — death is unreal ! Art thou a widow, heavy-browed, Or mother, childess now? Doth absent brother, friend, or babe, Thine heart in anguish bow? In Life divine thy dear one dwells, Immortal, perfect, real. Dry thou thy tears, praise thou the Lord; Man lives, — death is unreal ! X Fidelity 'Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life." — Revelation, 3:10. 7t\ HE breakers lash themselves away, ^^ The thunder heads roll by; Stalwart and grand the mountains stand, Against the changing sky. The lightning flashes o'er the cloud, The tempest tears the lea; The sturdy rock withstands the shock In calm fidelity. [98] Outrageous failure strikes her blow, Pain sends its circumstance; Man brooks the fight in Spirit's might; The victor over chance. Loud clang the blows upon his helm, They shiver on his mail, But still he swings his sword, and sings : In Love I cannot fail. God is man's Soul, Who knows no death Nor dread oblivion; Above the strife, eternal Life Requits my orison. A hundred times he falls to earth, More strong each time to rise; The earth he spurns, and ever turns To Truth, that fortifies. Resentment, malice, press before, Fear, weakness, lust and hate, He looks above to perfect Love: His fears capitulate. He loves with ever-growing love, Makes Love his only prayer; He loves his foes, till even those Are brought to God's dear care. He fetters weakness and revenge, The passion's strength he chains; Through his calm trust Love conquers lust, Till harmony remains. [991 Temptation with enticing cup Says, "Come and follow me." "Get thee behind, thou carnal mind! My joy is chastity." Though prompted, he will know no sin Nor subtle sorcery; On God he calls, nor ever falls From his sweet purity. The Tital forms of error quail Before his fearless gaze ; With every blow he fells a foe, A sin to earth doth raze. His trusted kinsmen turn from him, His allies fall away; Clearer he sees when earth-help flees That God will not betray. These foes withdraw from off the field, When pestilence comes nigh; Yet dauntless still, with joyous thrill, He turns to God on high. There shall no sickness come by night, Nor weakness come by day; God is my health, disease through stealth Cannot in man hold sway! Suggestions of a bygone day Say, "See, we are not done." When error dies it cannot rise, Go hence thou evil One! [100] When through pure Science' Christian mode The dreams of pain collapse, There's no return to tears that burn, No fear to bring relapse. The haggard wolf of loss and lack Slinks nigh with aspect gaunt, My God on high is man's supply, Who meets my every want. He fills my treasures, with His love Brings wealth abundantly; The Mind of good, when understood, Gives all things unto me. Ambition leads him to the mount, And shows him all the earth ; Man is exempt, and naught can tempt The Mind who gave him birth. No pride of thought can throw him down, Nor worldly prince deface; Humility alone doth see Love, and dwell in Love's place. Self-seeking pride, and love of fame Say, "Be thyself a God." Away from me, idolatry! Thy garish toys defraud. "I will be loyal to my God, My Leader and my Cause; Forever true, O Christ to You, And constant to Love's laws." [101] The sunlight bursts across the vale, A rainbow spans the sky; He doth rejoice. A gentle voice Descends from God on high : "Thou hast been faithful unto death, Strongly thou braved the strife; And now, well done, beloved son, Receive thy crown of Life." a: The Walk to Emmaus "Blessed are they that mourn; for they shall be com- forted." — St. Matthew 5:4. JjlUR heads were bowed low ^-^ As we started to go, And the darkest of fears did delay us ; We were mourning the loss Of our Lord, by the cross, On the heart-breaking walk to Emmaus. In anguish we cried "Oh, why must he have died?" Sobbing, "How could that brother betray us?" And no succor we hoped, As in blindness we groped, On our comfortless walk to Emmaus. [102] We murmured of death With each quivering breath, When a stranger in white did assay us ; Then our path shone with light, Making day of the night, On our wondrous walk to Emmaus. "Search Scripture," said he "For it speaks there of me." And the joy of his spirit did sway us; So we felt not the loss, Of our Lord by the cross, On the exalting walk to Emmaus. Our hopes were raised high As an inn we passed by, And the voice of the stranger did stay us ; When he brake for us bread; "Christ, our Saviour!" we said, On the glorious walk to Emmaus. And now, O my friend, As our journey we wend, Through the byways of earth that dismay us, Let us fearlessly stride With the Christ at our side, On our triumphal walk to Emmaus. [ 103 Gratitude and the Lepers "Blessed are they that do hunger and thirst after righteousness; for they shall be filled." — St. Matthew 5:16. A\\ OE unto him," the Saviour said, / *^ "Through whom offenses, harsh and rude, Will come." 'Twere better he were dead; The worst is cold ingratitude. "Increase our faith, O Lord!" they cry — The twelve who hear the Truth he tells; He leadeth with a patient sigh, Admonishing with parables. They enter through the village streets ; A sorry group salutes their ken, The terror of whose sore depletes. "Have mercy!" cry the leper men. Compassionate and firm withal, God's light upon his face is seen, As rings the Master's healing call, "Go show yourselves, — that ye are clean." Sound is their flesh, their blood runs red, And pulsates through its new-born veins. Nine men rushed forth — where have they fled? But one Samaritan remains. [104] One, redolent with gratitude, Returns to do his Master's will; Still seeking Mammon's mocking food, The other nine are leper's still. Tis barren gain for those who feel The warmth of Christ, yet, heartless, cold, Remain but long enough to heal, And then a grateful heart withhold. The thrill of thanks our being feels, Removes the senses' primal curse; Reciprocating love reveals Forevermore God's universe. Be Not Afraid "Fear thou not, for I am with thee. Be not dismayed, for I am thy God. I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.' 9 — Isaiah 41:10. m! E not afraid, O creepers of the earth ! ^ The thing ye fear is but a senseless cloud. In God's name, rise! unloose the phantom shroud. Lo, o'er the earth Love's presence doth appear; The healing Christ triumphant draweth near. Awake O men! and be ye undismayed; Affirm, ye are God's sons. Be not afraid ! [105] Your enemies — confusion, woe and shame, That broke your hearts, and gave but gall to drink, Are utterly cast down when ye but think ! God is our Love, whose glory fills our hearts. Love holds man perfect ; Life and Truth imparts The sense that renders evil desolate, Shames goes to naught, and shows as nothing, hate. Be not afraid, ye weak and wounded men, Weary of crying, sinking 'neath sore pain! From sickness ye your freedom shall regain. The flood of Light that cleared all Galilee Dispels the shadows that have harassed thee. Arise ! and know by Spirit man was made As perfect as his God. Be not afraid ! Men make their woes, and damn their destinies, Conceding power to the dreams of sense. The antidote is: Know omnipotence! Proclaim the Truth — eternal Mind is all; There is no matter; then crass fears will fall. The senses' thralldom, lust's despotic sway, Before God, Mind triumphant, fade away. Ascribe all strength to Mind, O Israel ! Fear hath no cause, effect, nor dread disease, Though friends say help is vain, heed not ye these ! Though earth may melt, the heavens roll away, Inspired still be Spirit, stand and say; In Love man lives and moves, his God is here ; Rejoice in Soul, be glad! There is no fear! [106] Ye poor and needy, tarry now no more In habitations desolate with woe ; Make haste to dwell in Love, and firmly know There is no want; ye have the wealth of Mind. This is salvation's way for all mankind: Cast down all foes that against the Truth ar- rayed; Know God made all for man — Be not afraid ! O for your sake, I will not hold my peace. Ye sinner, sick one, pauper, ye who mourn, The Christ is come, and says, be now newborn. Be pure, be strong, be affluent and glad, Strangers and sons, what waking dreams ye had ! Rejoice, as fear's confusion fades away, Be not afraid ! Hail, everlasting day ! Good Is My God "Good is my God, and my God is Good; Love is my God, and my God is Love." — Mary Baker Eddy. ( Miscellaneous Writings. * ) (I400D is my God, my God is Good. ^& This brings me all blessings when under- stood. Mind is my God, my God is Mind. As His perfect image I am designed. Soul is my God, my God is Soul, Which leadeth to Spirit's celestial goal. Life is my God, my God is Life, Who frees me from weakness and death and strife. Truth is my God, my God is Truth. This brings me all beauty and strength and youth. [107] Love is my God, my God is Love, Who lifts me from discords of earth above, When thus to my Father my thought appeals, He hears me, and helps and blesses and heals. x Mind Healeth Sickness "Why art thou cast down, my soul (sense)? And why art thou disquieted within me? Hope thou in God; for I shall yet praise Him, who is the health of my countenance and my God." — Psalms. ^IIlND heals all sickness, Mind reforms,