LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. - 5 30 77 — ©fpip. Ca{tip0ljt l^o- Lelf_..7j£?"" I MTED STATES OF AMERICA. ffc> k * Mrs. MARY F. TOMS. H SHCRED GEMS ^ By Mrs. MARY F. TOMS, NIHNTIC, CONN. USfithin this hook, Dear friends, you will find, Food that -will satisfy The deepest mind; find 'when you read, il.sk God to bless find save you throi. His dyiniJ yrs.ce. HfiRTFDRTJ, CDNN,: Press nf ThB Case, Lackwncid & Brainard Cn,, ibbb , ft Copyright, 1888. By MRS. MARY F. TOMS. ©edl€(!ltlOm Bear Lord, please help to dedicate this bank, So that all who within it look, Many or few, that they may find Food well suited to the mind, life ouyht to very careful be What we pen for the world to see — We may send them to ruin or despair, Dr otherwise to a world that's fair. May God help all who within it look To ponder well what they read; End never have cause to condemn this book, But receive most precious seed ; Seed that will yrow in after years — Seeds to bear fruit for heaven ; Thoughts that will give no doubts or fears, But seeds giving fruit in their season. Oh, that I could from this feeble hand Cause some one to start for heaven; I should feel anew near the holy land, For dear Jesus hath me forgiven. (3) DEDICATION. Dh, yes, in sin he found me, Weary and sick and so sad; He forgave, threw his arms around me. Thank God! It made me glad. Rnd long years I have told the story Of our beautiful Christ and his cross; find I joy in the old, old story, And from me He takes all the dross, Come, go with me to yon Heaven, Where Christ and God doth reign There the whole lump will be leaven, End there not a single pain, Read it through and do not get weary. Praise Cod! I hope it will save Some poor wandering sinner, E'er the hand that penned it is cold in the grave. MARY F. TOMS. - . "-».«.«► r ♦_ (5oF>te:Rts. Page. 1. Dedication, .... .3 2. Uplifting of my Soul, 9 3. Life, 11 4. A Life in God, . 13 '5. My Prayek — Jan. 29, 1880, . 15 6. Gahfield, 17 7. Memorial Service — Gahfield, 19 8. Thoughts, 21 9. Death, .... 23 10. Friendship, .... 24 11. On the Name of Mart, 26 12. Prater to Labor for Soui.s. 28 13. 14. To \ Sister in Christ, I am Thinking To-day, 28 30 15. Temperance and Intemperam e, 31 16. Alcohol, 33 IT. What is Spiritualism? It is a Sorcery' and Witchcraft, Greai ' Revival oi t 35 18. To my Son on the Briny Deep, 44 19. Time Passes, 4.-. 20. To A Friend in SORROW, 46 21. On Bended Knee, 47 22. Stormy Day, . 49 23. Glory in my Soul. . 50 24. Jests Gently Whispers Peace, 51 25. The Gardens of God, Garden of Eden, Garden of Gethsemane, . Garden of Paradise, Garden of Earth, . 53 53 54 55 56 26. My Dearest Treasure, 58 27. We All do Fade as a Leaf, 59 (5) CONTENTS. 28. Peai e, . 20. Tears, ..... 30. From tiii: Cradle, 31. TO THE GbAI E, ... :\2. (Ill \l;\ SlGNARELLI, . 33. hi amy. When Wilt Thou Die, .34. T<> the Sinner, 35. Mnsn ra Mi Soul, 36. To Oub Esteemi d Pastob II 1lN» k \ni> Wi 37. Oub l>i rv to God and Man, 88. On thje Death of Albebt 8. Botchrtss, 39. Time, ..... -in. Ml Mother Dear, 41. M\ DAUGH1 BR M IlOOIE, 42. The New-made Gbave, 43. My Dabling Rose, 44. Resting Beneath the Shadow, 4.">. Wandering, .... 46. Safety in Christ, 47. Our Couni ri ind < >ub Eomes, 48. June, Beaui ifi l June, 40. Hope on Fobbveb, 50. Unsai ed < »nes, 51. Heaven, .... Povi in Over Drunkenness, . 53. Tkust, ..... 54. The Rain, .... Tm. I Ni.v in Will Go Back, 56. BEAl mi l. Sonostbess, 57. The Beautiful Sea, . 58. w hi. rou Meet Me in Heaven, 50. Si slight in the Boul, 60. Rum, ..... 61. <>\ the Death of William II. Starr, 62. I \i: 1 1: \ni> III w in. . 68. II. W. Beecheb— Thou Mights .M\n. 64. Til' 'i '.II i - k.T Si n-i i . 66. Win • Winter • ombs a., mn. CONTENTS. 7 Page. 66. On the Death of Richard Goodale, . .124 67. To My Brother John, 127 68. In Memokt of Jessie McNaughton, 128 69. Mysterious Are Thy Works, O God, 130 70. Beautiful Snow, 131 71. Eternity, 132 72. My Elder Brother. . 134 73. Come to Jesus, Sinner, 135 74. Our Mabel, 130 75. Rain, ..... 138 76. Spring; .... 130 77. Memorial Day, 13'.) 78. God's Word, . 141 79. To Miss Libbie Swan, 142 80. On the Death of Vanderbilt, 144 81. Wedding Day, 140 82. Heaven and God, 147 83. On Earth, 149 84. For Our Band of Hope, 150 85. Near Thy Side, 152 €6. Welcome, 152 87. Love for Mother, 153 88. Beautiful Land, 153 89. Saltation, 154 90. Reflection, 1 55 91. Flo\vers, 156 92. Beauty, .... 157 93. To A Brother in Temperance. 158 94. Never Forget, 160 95. The An<;uish of Soul, 101 m. Christmas, 163 97. Honesty, 164 98. "As Ye Go, Preach," 105 99. A Sigh for the Dead, 167 100. To Byran F. Maiian, . 168 101. To Mr. and Mrs. Tolman Denison, . 170 102. To Mr. and Mrs. Eli Smith, on the Fiftieth Anni- versary of their Wedding Da l - , Nov 24. \^ 83, . 171 ( 0NTENT8. 103. On thi: Death of Theodore Bases, 104. RSSCI B Tin: PebISHING, 105. Oh the Death op Estheb Wood, L06. The Hi man Heabt, . I »n i be Past, L0& To Deab Lai ra, 109. To II \riii:, 110. To Fbiend .Mahy, ill. On thi: Death i ohts, 114. Fob \ Tempebani e Worker, 115. To Mi:-. Marci - MORTON, 116. On the Death of M\kv Buntley, 117. 'I'm Resubbei thin Mukn, . 11 s ;. Mi Mission while on Earth, L19. 'In Mrs. Mi Clbllan, . 120. Woman's Sympathy, . 121. The Summer Hath Ended, . l:.".'. 'l'n Sister Glosson, . 123. Affection, 184. Written on THE Death of William and Ri< hard, 125. T" \ Fbiend, . 126. Jesus, .... 127. [NSTALLATION, MAY 19, 1882, . 128. Rosi bi ii. 129. Thanks, Dear Lord, . 130. Inmt;\\< E, 131. Blossoms, 132. <>\ Tin: DEATH OF Hi BBAND, . 188. < >n the Death of Nellie Raymond, 184 My Sa's toes, 185. Fob a Wedding, 186. The Wab Cby, . 187. The Gospel mini 188. To Sister John Li i b, 189. Be Ml B LND Kind, i in. Ous Loved Ones, 141. I am going Bomb, boon, Poems. Splitting of Sir S©ul. My soul is lifted up to Thee, precious Lamb of God ; I feel to-day my liberty. My precious, precious Lord. There is within my heart, my God, A blessedness more sweet Than all the gems of golden ore, Or crowns at monarch's feet. There is within this mortal coil A feeling of pure heart-felt joy — And it is from thine own dear self That Time can ne'er destroy. My blessed Master and my God, How wonderful thou art: Thou changest every thing, my Lord, Even to the vilest sinner's heart. 10 POEMS. Jesus Christ, I long for Thee As a dove longs for its nest ; Or as the prisoner joys when free, So Long 1 for Thy loving breast. Tongue is too short to e'er express The wonders of thy love ; Never till we are safe at home Shall we know half enough Of thy dear blessedness within Our hungry, thirsty souls. Thank God! It clcanseth from all sin; Yes, heals and makes us whole; Purifies our vile, wicked, natures, .Makes our dispositions sweet — Makes us honest creatures, Makes everything complete. Soon we'll land our weather-beaten harks In that sweet haven of rest— Away from all that doth molest, And sing the songs of those that's blessed. Ood, even now by faith I see Thee, Thou holy Lamb of Ood — How ] long to be more near Thee; Yes. near to Thee, my blessed Lord; LIFE. 11 Sitting basking in the sunlight Of thy smiling face ; Resting forever day and night, Near Thee, my Resting Place. Life. Life is a beautiful thing, Though freighted with trials and cares : It was given to us by our Lord and King, And we tender to Him our hearts' desires. "We thank Him for life and health, And for all blessings He on us bestows. Life is better than rubies, diamonds or gold — Life is beautiful. Yes ! lovely to behold. There is life in the shrubs, insects, and flowers — But stop ! Let us think — it is gone in an hour. But the life that's beyond, to be sure Is a life that's holy, a life that's pure. And the life that God gives is Eternal Life — When we arc done with care and strife, But a life of goodness, to us is a command, In order to live at God's right hand. 12 POEMS. God's only Son claims life ; But to Him by the Father 'twas given. But not till lie went to the " Father of Light," And was seated with Him in yon Heaven. No death is there — Thank God ! All loveliness and lite No covering beneath the sod Of child, husband, or wife. Oh ! we thank Thee for this life — By Thine own hand 'twas given. If a holy, happy, life on earth, We have the same in Heaven. All glory to God! we'll be happy then, In our home beyond the sky. All glory to God ! Amen ! All glory to God — we cry. We praise Thee, God, for Thy love — We will praise Thee forever and aye, As we worship in Thy courts above Throughout an endless day. A LIFE IN GOD. 13 M liife in G©d. I am fully prepared for the last long sleep From which God's saints ne'er " wake to weep. ,: They sleep secure, and sweetly rest — Pillowing their heads on Jesus' breast. Securely shall their bodies lie To await the summons from on high. Sweet is the sleep the righteous sleep, From which they never " wake to weep." I have thought it over, there is nothing here To bind us to this earthly sphere : There are saints of God — of course its nice — But better far in His Paradise. I often ponder over the fields of light, And think of the home that is always bright, Of the "City of God" and the "River of Life"— And it's all secure from care and strife. I think, too, of our God and His Son, And the fields of Paradise we with them will roam ; Of the great beautiful " White Throne." Where our blessed Jesus will claim His " own." I am thinking, too, of the " Judgment Day " — When we before him shall stand ; And of the records kept in that wonderful " Book,'' That he will hold in His powerful hand. 14 P0EM8. Jesus, beautiful Jesus! Thou " Holy One! " The " Lamb of God ;" His only Son. Beautiful - Babe of Bethlehem!" Glory to Thee — "Holy Lamb." 1 am all bound up in Thee, blessed Lord ; Great and glorious blessings Thou dost afford, Precious promises to us have been given — That wait our very souls to Heaven. ( ) Father, God, to thee I meekly bow, And 1 expect a blessing from Thee now ; The " Holy Ghost" His power o'er me shed, And numerous blessings fall upon my head. I hunger, thirst, for Thine own righteousness — Thou (Treat Jehovah! king of blessedness! Spirit of Holiness ! king divine ! Precious Saviour — Thou art mine. Mine to tell me what I wish to know Of things above, and things below ; Of things eternal, of things divine, And of blessings to suit my mind. In Eternity I expect to praise Thee, with no ending to the days, Enjoy the presence of Thee, Lord, My blessed Saviour and my God! MY PRAYER. ]_£ Mf Pr?aYei?. Jan. 29, 1880. Our " Union " was organized to-day, May God help us always to " watch and pray " ; Yes ! keep us united heart and hand To rescue the perishing in our land. Let our watchword always be " yea and amen," As we try in the Lord to do what we can, We will crush out the demon by our efforts and prayers, And be blessed in all our labors and cares. Lord of all kindred, look upon us to-day, To bless us — and give us great powers — we pray — To crush out the " Demon of Rum " from the land ; And keep us united — a temperance band. The love that we have for each other is great — As we go hand in hand, for the dear Master's sake, In trying to crush out the Demon Rum. Thank God ! We are farther than when we begun. Yes, farther advanced in the Temperance plan Of trying to rescue the fallen man, And trying to shut up those horrid "dens" That slay and ruin our noblest men. ]Q POEMS. God of our Fathers ! To Thee we would cry Daily and hourly, " pass us not by," But give us the victory — eheer upon cheer — Until siu and intemperance is gone from us here. Have mercy, God, on the men at the bar; Cast them not from Thee in anger alar, 1 Jut gently lead them in Thy fear. And make them know that thou art near. Thy mighty power in Niantic display, Help us to teach transgressors the "way"; Help them to bend 'neath Thy chastening rod — And willingly own that Thou art God. O Lord, when we meet on that glorified "shore,"' And all our pains and heart-sorrows are o'er, May we meet all the w> sellers" and drinkers then, Rescued, redeemed, and glorified men — "Clothed and in their righl mind" before d, Saved from the crooked paths they have trod, Saved and redeemed by our Saviour's blood — Joint-heirs with Jesus — heirs with God. <) God of oui 1 fathers! We beg thee still more To bless our Union with undying power; Grant to each member a power from above Oi ft peaceful now ? Now, Lonl, cheer the fatherless ones — Gather them in thy arms — Speak to them in their lonely homes — Say " fear not I death's alarms." < > Jesus, mighty king '. I teal the mother's heaii just now. I lelp the \\ idowed \\ ife to sing There is kw balm in < Ulead now." Jesus, hover near t hem ; please Take them all in 'Thy embrace. Bid all their e;irihl\ sorrows cease, For the\ Shall see Thee t';iee to hiee. < ) Lord, our God in I len\ en, To Thee we meekly how ; III inerrs let Thy pOVi er he ei\ en To guard our Presidenl A rthur now. MEMORIAL SERVICE — GARFIELD. 1Q We give Thee all the praise, keep us free from sin. " Guide us with Thine eye," And keep us all. A men. ffiemopial Sepvice -Garfield. A memorial service for Garfield I heard to-day. Yes ! Garfield is dead and laid away. Our heads with sorrow and mourning bowed, As we thought of him in earth's Lasl shroud. Brothers Ogden and Ewer were there, They assisted in hymns ; mil preaching, hut prayer. Benton told of his life, from its earliesl date I |i to i he time of its lying iii state — Of his poverty, and struggle <<> gain the end — Of education and goodness, on which to depend — of his courage so noble in battle and strife And at the old "White Bouse," where ended his life. The sermon hy Elder Benton was given ; Ami he spoke of his being prepared for heaven. A better sermon I uever heard ; It was interesting, every word. OQ POEMS. He spoke of the mother so lender and true, And of what she desired her son to do — Of the trust they both placed in the Lord. Surely Garfield will receive a sweet reward — When the greal trumpel of God shall sound To awaken the saints that sleep in the ground; And bid them to bright days ascend — To live with Jesus, their heavenly friend. In mourning the church was heavily draped — Flowers and evergreens mingled with crape ; And glittering stars were shining there, Just like our President soon will wear. A better President Ave never knew: A friend of our country, so noble and tine. But the hand of the assassin laid him low, Poor, friendless Giteau, his foe. Very solemn were the services to-day. Our hearts seemed to soar away, away, Down to the place where our President lay. There, yes! there, with that lifeless clay. O Lord, guide our country from danger and sin. Stay the hand of the cowardly assassin. Keep our country in perfect peace Until our life on earth shall cease — THOUGHTS. 21 Then with Thy great redeeming power Cleanse the earth. Thy promise is sure. Let us hear the words " Well done ; Come up higher with me and my Son." Precious thoughts come to me now : Thoughts of loved ones on the other shore Thoughts of the joy in a beautiful heaven - A home with Jesus for ever more. I am glad that our father above Teaches us gentleness, patience, love — Teaches us humility, joy, and peace, And gives us a home where trials cease. Oh ! Glory to God, our beautiful king ! Help us, dear Lord, Thy praise to sing ; Keep us holy, clean, and pure — Help us the trials of life to endure. The earth is filled with beauty, Lord, And everything but sin is sweet. Rich mercies Thou dost to us afford, And Salvation — all complete. 22 POEMS. Can we ever praise Thee half enough Fur all Thy care of us ? Or tell to others, as we go forth, Half of Thy love and tenderness. The stars Thou made to shine for us, The sun, to give us heat — The moon to guide in darkest night — Thou madest everything complete. God accept our heartfelt thanks ! Oh! how our hearts o'erflow. We will remember Thee, O Lord, And we will try our love to show. Sinners, come and seek His favor — Seek His favor while you may. For you He died upon the cross, That you should not be lost. Give your heart to Jesus now ; Before His throne just meekly bow; Let I li in take your heart of sin, And place a new, clean, heart within. Build you up in holy faith — Keep you in the narrow way, Lovingly upon Him wait — Then angels will meet you at the " Gate." DEATH. 23 Death ! What a solemn thing ! As it passeth through our land It robs the throne of every king ; Divides us, heart and hand. Death, how strong thou art ! Thou severest all our earthly ties — Thou makest tender every heart ; death, canst not thou die ? We feel thee in our land, Taking friend and foe. death, canst not thou stay thine hand ? Why lay poor mortals low ? Why take the babe from mother's arms, The husband from the wife ? Why dost thou cast such dreadful gloom Upon our earthly life ? Death, death, how long Through this earth wilt thou roam? Thou takest earth's best treasures, And bear them from their home. Death, death, where art thou ? We feel thee passing now. Thou hast taken President Garfield ! There is the death-damp on his brow. 24 POEMS. Death, death, be silent ! All people mourn to-day ; Thou hasi taken the head of our nation And quietly laid him away. Death! Thou wilt stay thy hand, When Jesus comes to reign. Jesus can stay thy mighty power, And take thy victims home again — Home to a home that never fades, Where Death itself shall die. No sorrow, pain, no death. Ah ! no. No tears in any eye — Tears all wiped away, By our Father's own dear hand. We shall sing redeeming love, In that heavenly, holy land. Friendship. Give me a friend in sorrow. That will love me for self alone. Nol :i friend of to-day or to-morrow, Ami after that they are gone — FRIENDSHIP. 25 But one that will cling for a lifetime, Through sorrow, pain, and distress — One that will bear with my failings, Nor love me any the less. One that will sit by my bedside And smooth my fevered brow — One that will stay at eventide : Such ones not plentiful now. Give me a friend that will cheer me When a dark hour doth come — One that will always be near me, Near me in sunshine and storm. These are the friends I adore — These the ones dear to my heart — These 1 shall love evermore — Nothing but death can us part. Tongue is too short to ever express The feelings down deep in my heart ; Friendship for me when I'm old — Yes! poverty stricken — alone. They are the ones I could clasp Forever in a loving embrace — They are the ones Heaven sent, Full of beauty and grace. 2 26 FOAMS. May God bless such friendship as this. It is recorded in Heaven on high. Friendship that's sealed with a kiss — Such friendship never can die. Gn the Pame of ffiapv. The name of " Mary," Oh how Bweel ! Was there ever one other so near complete? For her to whom it once was given Was half of earth and half of heaven. All to whom this name is given Should try with all their heart To keep it free from stains of earth, And never with it part. Never start when thou nearest the name. For a noble woman had the same — The mother of Jesus', God's only Son; Bound in unity, the same as one. Mary on the resurrection morn — Mary at the Saviour's tomb To see if her blessed Lord had gone, [f not, to help Him endure the gloom. ON THE NAME OF MARY. £7 Just think of the joy of the Lord that day, When he beheld her there. " Go" — said He — " and prepare the way." Yes ! Go and the way prepare. Three " Marys " stood at the Cross Where our dear Saviour died. Was it not a heartfelt loss For those Marys that stood by His side ? Listen to Mary as she spoke to the Lord. Ah ! with tremulous voice she cried : " Jesus, if thou hadst been here My brother would not have died." Cherish the name, cling to it — Mary ; Keep it pure and holy ahvay. Guard it, keep it forever ! Yes, cling to it forever and aye ! Up to the height of yon heaven, Mary, e'er long you will be borne, There to live with Jesus forgiven — There to hear the " well done." Canst thou not trust Him, Mary, While on this earth thou dost roam ? Oh ! cling to Him, live for Him, Mary — Soon He will welcome vou " home." •J$ POEMS. Braver? to Labor for Souls. Jesus, mighty Lord and king, How 1 love Thy praise to sing! How 1 love to work for Thee — Thy loving kindness, Oh ! how free ! Jesus give to me great power To labor in Thy vineyard here : Power to win dear souls for Thee — Power to work acceptably. Give me words that 1 may speak — Words of wisdom, power, and love — Words to win dear souls to Thee ; Lord, save them through Eternity. Lift them up from earth and sin : Help them, now to enter in To that better world above Where there is peace, light, and love. Wo a Sister? ir? Christ. Dearest sister, 1 thought 1 would write The thoughts of my mind to you. It fills my soul with great delight To know vou love Jesus, too. TO A SISTER IN CHRIST. 29 How often I think of thy kind words of cheer, Given as we met " by the way " — Of our great love to our Father above — The Saviour that taught us to pray. Be faithful, my sister, to Christ and God While you dwell in the body below : 'Tis a painful path that we all have to tread But, if faithful, to heaven we '11 go. Pray often for me and I'll pray for you ; Thereby we '11 gain strength you will see. Let your prayers ascend to Heaven, my friend, In all your heart's purity. Pray for our union, our " temperance band," That we go heart in heart, hand in hand ; Go through fire and water, if need be, to save The sinner, the drunkard from a dishonored grave. My soul goes out to the " Father of light " That Zion may prosper so well and bright; That sinners may look — yes, look and behold, That Christians take pattern of Jesus of old. His pathway was rough and thorny, like ours ; Not one came to strew His last pathway with flowers. But in His last hours they vanished like dew — Oh ! the anguish He suffered for me and for you. 30 POEMS. But adieu, my dear sister, adieu — Manj a time I'll think of you ; I wilL pray that I shall meet you above, And bask forever in the light of God's love. Thanks be to God for salvation, For it will save the whole creation. Save every one that will come to Him, Save them, yes. save them from all sin. T am Yhinlxincj Vo-dav. I am sitting to-day and thinking < >! sinners that are marching to hell ; I am thinking, too, of the " Bar of God/' Where His children who love IJim shall dwell. I am thinking, too, of the great li white throne," Where the King Himself shall stand : Thinking of the " book of remembrance," Wherein are the names of " His own." And 1 am thinking, too, of the solemn words That this beautiful King shall say — To some, " inherit eternal life " ; But to others, "depart from me away." TEMPERANCE AND INTEMPERANCE. 31 I am thinking too of my kindred, That I know in my heart will be there ; And we shall meet to part — no — never — In that home prepared so fair. I am thinking of they who stand by their God, And fight till the eye grows dim — They are the ones who live nearest our Lord, And the ones that will be taken to Him. They are the ones that will shine in His glory, With beautiful stars in their crown ; They that believed in the " old, old story," And were washed in the " blood of the Lamb." Praise God, thou dear eternal host, Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, Praise Him through all eternity, Praise the eternal Majesty. 5Ferr]pei?an(ie and Intiempepar]Ge. Temperance ! what a beautiful work it is ; It seeks out the fallen man, A part of religion temperance is — As workers we '11 do all we can. 32 POEMS. Its a work full of love, and pity For the lost and fallen race. As we look, 1 ask who can help it? But look with pity at the poor bloated face. Clothing all threadbare and rusty: Shoes worn out, Oh ! so thin — Hardly a cover for stockingless feet, Caused by whisky and gin. Go to their homes ; there is nothing — No chairs, no table, no beds, No food for the bare-footed children ; And on straw pallets they rest their dear heads. Fire gone out ; there is nothing to kindle; No woodpile packed up at the door, No joy in these dwellings; they can mingle With none but the poorest of the poor. The look on the face of the wife as you enter Tells all you could wish to know, Nol a thing on which her hopes to center — Nothing but misery and woe. The babe that she clasps with tenderness, Only causes her pain ; For where is the food and the clothing To give it again and again. ALCOHOL. 33 There is none, for husband 's a drunkard ; He spends all his money in vain ; Brings nothing for the wife and children But sorrow, again and again. We temperance sisters can help them To arise from their folly and sin ; To be men instead of drunkards, And by giving up whisky and gin. Let us light up the careworn faces Of the wives and children at home ; Carry them food, fire, and dresses, And make them a comfortable room. Then will the blessing of heaven descend To bless us while here below — Then will our prayers find acceptance with Him Who taught us the " cold water (rift to bestow." Rlcohol. King Alcohol ! There 's misery in thy name, For all that use thee come to shame. Ruin and distress before thee goes — Hunger, thirst, pain, and death — the worst of foes. 34 POEMS r; iii. brandy, and other drinks with thee combined To ruin man and woman's mind, Robbing them of virtue — a gem bo rare: Nothing so destructive can with thee compare. All happiness is blasted here on earth by thee — Man's cheap but bitteresl enemy. We call it cheap, bui can vre count the cost, Or number the souls that through it have been lost f We hear men tell only, - only ten cents a drink." Oh mortal man! 1 beg thee stop and think. Cheer up, there are better days in store for thee; Look up to God and claim thy liberty. King Alcohol! The brightest ones on earth Here fallen by thy power ; The loveliest ones that e'er this land gave birth Have withered like a flower. Withered and dead and lost. Shut out from Paradise ; Who shall count the cost? None but Christ the crucified. () God, as temperance workers here we bow; ><']\i\ a blessing down upon us now. We tarry here a little while, dear Lord — A refreshing from tb\ " «rord." WHAT IS SPIRITUALISM ? 35 And we as Christian temperance workers, Through Christ, will do what good we can. O Lord, please bless the means used by us To raise up fallen man. Then when done with time things here, With shouts of victory we'll rise To inhale the perfume of a brighter sphere In the courts of Paradise. What Is Spiritualism? IT IS "A GREAT REVIVAL OF SOllCEKY AND -WITCHCRAFT.' Spiritualism is a fraud. I've put it to the test. It denies the existence of a God, And all that Christians love best. They say there is no heaven. Where all good people dwell ; That no one needs their sins forgiven, For there isn't any hell. They say they are their own savior, Saved by the deeds they have done or do ; They thank no God for a favor. Their works will carry them through — 3(3 POEMS. Through the dark journey of death To the " plain" where they safely will dwell, No Saviour, no God will be there ; Not even the terrors of hell. No respect for our beautiful Bible. They say it is nothing but " trash," And the " commandments" are nothing but " rid- dles," And they will go down with a "crash." They say they arc disgusted with churches, And every thing in them (that is good) ; The preachers arc nothing but heathens, And couldn't be more if they would — Preachers dressed up in their k * white vest and ties," Going around with their cloaks of sin: Tell me what you think, dear reader. Of the Spiritualist's knowledge of sin ? Surely Christians have got a foundation; l> No other hath any man laid Than Jesus Christ the righteous*' ; Be the "debi hath paid." We bow, humbly bow, at the altar < »i genuine beauty and love ; At the feel of our blessed Master We give honor, glory, and love. WHAT IS SPIRITUALISM? 37 Perfectly willing in Him to abide ; Safely we feel near His wounded side ; Gladly we welcome from Him our heaven — Soon the whole " lump will be leaven." Redeemed by a crucified Saviour, Pardoned and free from all sin ; All glory to Him, He 's our Leader, Our Lord, our Redeemer, our King. Come, give yourself to God, my friends, To be sure your sins forgiven — Be sure you gain that happy end, A home forever in heaven — A home of holy, happy thoughts, Where holy, happy angels stand ; A holy, happy, mighty throng, At God's right hand. Safe, safe with Him, you'll never fail In anything you try to do. But to the " King of Kings " give praise — It is your duty to — Your duty to give God His own. For you dear Jesus died ; For you He suffered on the Cross ! Yes, for you was crucified. 38 POEMS. Think of the hope the Christian has — The hope beyond the tomb ; ■ A place of pure and blissful rest — No shadow there, no gloom. There with all our sins forgiven, Rejoicing in God's love, Safe within the walls of heaven, We'll sing redeeming love. Spiritualists ! Come, Oh come ! Get a check on the " hank of God's love " ; Secure for yourselves a home — A peaceful home above. Give up the works of divination ; They are a curse to the people of earth. Give better works to creation. Better works to the land of your birth. Give them something to help them To arise from their folly and sin: Give them something that 's lasting — Something for them to win. Something to carry them over. Or through, the dark valley of death : Something that we can rely upon, As we cease to breathe this weak hrcath. WnAT IS SPIRITUALISMt 39 Something to last them forever ; Be with them when on that bright shore : Something like Jesus our Saviour — Something better than golden ore. What, my readers, more precious Than the love of the crucified One ? What more beautiful than Father — Our beautiful Father above ? What more beautiful than heaven ? A place by our dear Father's side — With our many sins forgiven, Sitting down with " bridegroom and bride." Oh come ! Yes, come all And do what good you can To raise up fallen woman, And also fallen man. Give to the breeze false doctrine, To carry it from our sight ; And let us make a pledge, then, To do nothing but the right. Shall we meet again, dear reader, In a world that is free from all sin ? Or shall we part from each other, Never to meet aaain ? 40 POEMS. Some gone where there's " wailing and gnashing of teeth," Gone down to the " valley of death." Forever gone, ah ! forever ! Ah ! there is pain at every breath. When I stop now, and think, Tis these thoughts that give me pain — Can it be, my friend, my reader, That we shall never meet again ? Let me tell you, my friend, something true : Except that the " blood " be applied — The blood thai was shed for me and you From the Saviour's wounded side, Some will go down to the shadow of death ; Some up to the height of yon heaven ; Some all shattered with sins of youth, And few with their sins forgiven. For " as the death day 1 caves us So will the judgment find " — Find us at God's right hand, or not ? I bed it my friend and forget it not. This is a money-making business We all can plainly see. Selling Christ for the paltry dollar; Bui oh ! the misery, the misery WHAT IS SPIRITUALISM? 41 Will be yours, my friend, my reader, If the course you much longer pursue. Repent! take something that's dearer, And more lasting for all and for you. In the Book of God we find Precept upon precept, line upon line, Forbidding the works of divination Being allowed in our creation, But to see that it is driven out of our land As a Christian people and a Christian band. So shall evil be put away From among the people of to-day. The works that ye do, He doth plainly tell, If done in His name, is all very well. But by no other name under heaven Shall miracles be done or sins forgiven. " Well ! " says one, " Do you believe That woman of earth has power to receive The power that Christ is willing to give — So they can say unto the sick — Live ? " Yes ! I do believe these things — For it came from my Lord, King of Kings. " Then why do you not do it ?" say all. Because 1 have not the faith to call — 40 POEMS. And say to God, " Come, give me power To cure the sick this very hour " ; If so, I could do as they did then, Doing it all in Jesus name. "lis the voice of God speaks through me to you. Saying: " l>id your sins and follies adieu ; Try to be a blessing in our land, By working for Jesus — heart and hand. And another thing I wish to say — Don't talk of Jesus in such a vile way : For sooner or later you will surely find You'll wish you'd treated Him more kind. For the very breath you breathe He gives ; All life's blessings from Him you receive, For "Life Eternal " to Him you must look, And after all acknowledge His beautiful book. For it 's a guide to you He has given — To point your faltering steps to heaven; And help \ <»n to journey on the road In a way to meet your friend and God. I wish there was something that I could say To entice you from Ibis sinful way. And learn you to trust in a holy God, E'er you rest beneath the sod. WHAT IS SPIRITUALISM? 43 For it is pictured before me as plain as the sky : If in this way you die — You are lost to a future bright and fair — Gone down to the grave in dark despair. And Oh ! I pray you may return Unto your Friend, the Lord — For Him your very heart should yearn, E'er you rest beneath the sod. Farewell ! It's a sad, sad word — It's the sadness that gives me pain : But trust, Oh ! trust dear Jesus — Then we shall meet again. Meet again with ten thousand angels ; Meet again, with joy we will sing ; Meet again, all glory to Jesus — All glory to our great king. Meet again beyond the river, In the Paradise of God : Meet again to part — no never ! He says so in His " Word." Farewell ! Again 1 say farewell ! Do shun the road that leads to hell. Accept the road that leads to God — It is the same that Jesus trod. 44 POEMS. Farewell ! Tis a long, sad word — farewell ! And it gives me pain that 1 cannot tell : For in the faces before me, I can but see A battle for a time — but it 's a dark eternity. To My Son on fehe BrHnv Deep. He now rides on the mighty deep, Watches the ship while all arc wrapt in sleep: Yes, upon the mighty deep he roams ; From mother's care, afar from friends and home. Yes, but he knows that God is on the deep : And watches everything while he sleeps, Commands the ship — breaks the winds at sea, And whispers gently " come to me." Come unto me, seafaring man, come ; Trust me, I'll guide thee safely home Into the harbor of "eternal rest," If thou in faith will lean upon my breast. The ocean ship is risky : '1 will nol stand Nearly as much as Christ's on sea or land. Come shipwrecked snub come, stand the test, And see if Zion's ship don't sail the best. TIME PASSES. 45 Time passes on ! Waits not for us. A day, a month, a year has fled : Friends have died and left this world also — They are numbered with the dead. Time passes on ! Shall we take heed — Tear from our sinful hearts the obnoxious weed ? Or shall we let it thrive within and grow Until our lives and minds are torn with woe. Time passes on ! Shall all thing's pass away And leave no light in us for that evernal day ? Then God shall reckon up to see who will be lost Of all that 's on the ship of life, hard tossed. Shall you and I, dear reader, stand the test Before our Lord who "doeth all things for the best ? " Our Saviour stands full of pity, love, and power, To welcome all that trust Him to the heavenly bower. Just think one moment ; stop and think ! Time passes on. Shall you and I Be saved ? or sink in death, ah ! sink In hopeless misery ? 4tj POEMS. Time passes on ! Soon Christ will come And bring the blest reward. Be will take J I is ransomed children home To dwell with Him and God. Time passes, leaving traces behind Of a sinful lite and a shattered mind: Of a life ill-spent — full of clouds and care- Xot a spark of Christianity there. Time passes on, and we soon shall rest ; Some, I trust, on the Saviour's breast — Some will hear Hie word depart — Spoken with feeling from a Saviour's heart. To a Friend in Soppoiv. I cannot talk to you to-day, For tears unbidden start : I feel lor you. my dearest friend, With all my tender heart. 'I'll'- child I know is missed by thee, But stop ! in \ friend, and think Of drunkenness and immorality, Hi' might into such vices sink. ON BENDED KNEE. 47 Or, he might learn to curse and swear. Yes ! take the name of God in vain ; Oh ! woman stop — weep not — for fear Thy son shall live again. The lovely flower so soon did die, And left a mother's gentle care. Hush ! just wait, weeping one ! Jesus hath called him ; it is fair. He now rests safely in Jesus' arms ; He calls the children unto Him, Takes them, keeps them from all harm, In Heaven they are blossomhur. On Bended Knee. When on bended knee before Thy throne, God, I meekly, lovingly bow ; I feel within a hallowed peace, A sanctifying power comes down. It fills my heart, it runneth o'er, So full of love it is. T stop and meditate, my Lord, And drink my fill of bliss. 4tf POEMS. Such love as Thou dost bestow on us No other can ever give. Thou dust tell us if we abide in Thee — We shall forever live. Lord ! we believe the promises That Thou to us hath given. They feed our souls while here on earth, And will feed us still in Heaven. I long for thee, Thou knowest, Lord — 1 am weary and sick of sin, I long for Thee for Thou art God Kind, gentle, and ever loving. And 1 know when I am safe with Thee, 1 shall be forever blest ; From sorrow, pain, and sin be free — And there securely, safely rest. blessed God ! Beautiful One ! how we love Thee and Thy dear Son; And the home Thou art preparing for me. Thou wilt give when 1 pass o'er the " river" to Thee. Can I wait, dear Lord ; can 1 wait For the word from Thee to go in through the It seems thai I must take wings and fly To my beautiful home beyond the sky. STORMY DAY. 49 God, save souls I pray ; Convict, convert, and save from sin ; Save them every hour or day, And take them all to Thee to live. My Blessed Master, King Divine, I thank Thee for taking- this heart of mine, And keeping it safe within Thine own, Until Thou takest the body home. Then, there, 'twill be clothed with immortality, And the heart with new body united will be, And then to Thee our praises we'll sing — Yes ! all praise to our beloved King. Stopmv Dar. It storms to-day, but there is peace within, Because God reigns — my lovely King. I look to Him from day to day, And humbly live and humbly pray. Life is sweet, but heaven is sweeter, And Jesus — sweeter, sweeter still ; As Heaven grows nearer I feel Christ dearer- Yes ! greater love for Him I feel. 3 50 POEMS. Let Thy great heart touch my heart, God — Then 1 will be satisfied. Thou art the One to be adored — My joy, my love, my pride. GIopv in mv Soul. There is glory in my soul to-day Because I am saved from sin, Nor do I fear to sing alway — My Jesus took me in. precious thought ! My God, my King, My everlasting " Prince of Peace," Thy spirit is so comforting, And the riches of Thy grace I>oth keep me from death's mighty sting. Opens death's door and lets me in, Crowns me queen o'er land and sea ; When I roam it comforts me. Most precious Christ, most precious I jamb, Thou art mine and Thine 1 am : All day long 1 think of thee, Thou lovely Lamb of Calvary. JESUS SWEETLY WHISPERS. PEACE. 51 mighty God, Thou art But a God that 's kind and true. And Oh ! Thine own great heart Sheds love like morning dew. Such a wonderous power Thou hast, And much of it I feel ; Nor would I with it part, But before Thee humbly kneel, And let thy blessings sweet From Heaven on me descend, And prostrate at thy feet I'll lay till life shall end. Jesus Sweetly; !7higpei?S, Peace. When our Saviour was on earth He softly, sweetly, whispered peace. He taught to us from earliest birth ; Let strife and sorrow and malice cease. When beside poor Lazarus' form He stood, so sad and still, With quietness He did it all — Raised him up at will. 52 POEMS. Even at the dreadful cross — Silent, peaceful, sorrowful, they nailed Him there, With crown of thorns, and curses, Still peacefully He all did hear. Sweetly still He speaks to-day, " Brethren united be, The blood 1 shed upon the cross, Was quietly, willingly, spilled for thee." " Children, love one another ; Even as I loved you." So love each, my brother, Is a golden rule to you. Then when you lie in death's cold slumber, There will be no frown upon your brow — But peace, sweet peace upon your face, Heeause you did to Jesus bow. Such gems as these can not be hid. Even beneath the coffin lid ; The body, though held in death's icy hand Will be encircled by a heavenlit land. < ) that people would believe That from God they could receive Blessing, from bis bountiful hand To keep them pure iu this earthly land. THE FOUR GARDENS OF GOD. 53 To lift them up from earth and sin, To fit them for the land they are to enter in ; To be glad when they hear the welcome call — Eternal life is ready for all. Those who, when the Master called, Gave up sin, drunkenness, and all, And lay prostrate at Jesus' feet, For the loving Master's use made meet. Just now methinks I hear Him say. " Come hither, I am the truth, the way ; Come, dear weary ones, and rest. Pillow thy head on thy Saviour's breast." Wtye B®up Gardens of. God. GARDEN OF EDEN. There was once the Garden of Eden, So wonderful, beautiful, and fair : God made it for man and woman, And in clue time placed them there. Trees, shrubs, flowers of every kind Was there, for them to use and behold : Except the tree of forbidden fruit, If they ate of that it would ruin the soul. 54 P0EM8. Nothing to hide its beauty from view, If they only their Lord could obey: But oh ! they shrank from their duty. And were banished from Eden one day. Satan had passed and told them That they should nol surely die ; It was false — what their Maker told them, They should behold that fruit with the eye. So they listened, and then partook of the fruit. And in that moment they fell : And the Lord came at cool of evening, And His presence they knew too well. Said He, " Adam, where are thou?" For Adam had hidden away. But he came forth, received his sentence, And the curse is with us to-day. GAHDEN OF GETH8EMANE. Pass on to the Garden of Gethsemane, Where our Saviour knelt and prayed — " God, let this cup pass from me " — Can the hand of death be stayed ? Ah! no — the sins of Eden's garden, Jesus, our Saviour, must bear : Our heavenly Father's only Son .Must settle this sad affair. THE FOUR GARDENS OF GOD. 55 *' Not my will, blessed Father, But Thine of God be done ; " I yield, I yield, I'll go, Father, I will not the cross shun — " Forgive them, they know not what they do." With spikes they have pierced His body through ; With nails they have wounded hands and feet, And a crown of thorns made the torture complete. My bones, my Father — kept in whole ; They hurt My body, pained My soul, But they could not keep Me in my grave ; Neither had their power to save. The all-sufficient God above That gave the son He dearly loved To redeem this wicked race — mankind — In the end will leave no sin behind. Christ rose from Joseph's own new tomb Cast aside terror, banished gloom, Gave Salvation full and free — And in this Nineteenth Century savs " Come to me." THE GARDEN OF PARADISE. We behold Him now in a garden of peace In the Paradise of God where trials have ceased. Clothed with immortality — God's blessed son of glorious liberty. 56 POEMS. Preach the word ! is His command ; Over seas — throughout the Land. Tell them 1 have risen, who died to save ; Tell them to fill a Christian's grave. Tell them 1 have become notorious, Everything I have done is glorious : Tell them to come to me and live, 1 will all their sins forgive. Tell them I'll fill them with my love, And take them to my courts above : Though like scarlet they shall be like wool ; I'll forgive freely, and fill them full Of the Peace that passeth all understanding, And a crown of life they shall wear : And a life that has no ending. In this garden of Paradise fair. Sinners, wake up ! Seek Christ to-day; lie is the life, the truth alway : "The King's business requires haste," — You have no time, dear friends, to waste. ti:k <; \i:i)i.\ <»■' EARTH. This Garden of Earth is very fair (Where you can for the Garden of Paradise pre- pare). Dig out all the weeds and make it brighl And sweet, and lit for a garden of light. THE FOUR GARDENS OF GOD. 57 There are weeds of jealousy, you will find — And this is very rank of the kind. A weed of selfishness too is there ; And a weed of dishonesty — for it take care. A weed of idleness amongst the rest — The weed of despondency, too ; And the weed of discouragement abreast, And what are these going to do ? Why spoil the mind, body, and soul ? If you uproot one, you must the whole : Pull up everyone — useless weed, And you have a garden for God indeed. Take Jesus always to mark out the land ; When pulling the weeds, take hold of His " hand ; " When settling the principles, keep close to His side — Trust Him, ask Him to be your guide. Ask Him to keep the garden within you clean, So at any time it may be seen, Without waiting to pull and hide The weeds that may be growing on every side. Glory to God ! these gardens may be Kept clean for the eye of God to see, If we only let Him take care of the seed, That it falls not down to make new weeds. 58 POEMS. My Dearest Treasure. There are dear treasures now of earth, For each and all of us to love : Let us be careful while in this land of our birth, That by doing well we may find them above. Find them secure with the master of light, Shining like stars, beautifully bright; The dearest treasure I have indeed, Is my Saviour, God. He doth me feed With heavenly manna from His throne above ; Tells me to rest secure in Him : Forever to rest 'neath the wings of His love, And claim His forgiveness of sin. I'll gladly obey Him, for I dearly love Tb is God of earth and heaven above : This Prince of Peace, this Holy Son — For God and Christ are truly one. No one ever came to Him, And empty went away : Ah, no ! He surely cleanses them, Makes them pure as day. Teach me all the glorious truth ; Of Salvation, full and free. Teach them the wonders of thy love, And glorious, glorious liberty. WE ALL DO FADE AS A LEAF. 59 Teach them to shun the paths of misery, And cling close to Thy wounded side : Tell them they can work mightily, Filled with Thy joy and pride. VJq all i© Fade as a Leaf. We all do fade like the flowers, To-day, so fresh and green, To-morrow, dead and gone — Scattered beneath our feet. " We all do fade as a leaf." To-day, so fresh and green, To-morrow, sere and dead, And hardly fit to be seen. This teaches us to be ready, For our lives are just the same ; Hopes blasted, looking deadly : And, oftentimes a blasted name. We all are growing old, Our locks are turning gray, The step that once was bold Is feeble now — gives way. 60 POEMS. The form that once was straight Is old and thin and bent, And the eye that shone so bright Has lost its strength. But the God that gave us birth Is watching all the while From the throne above to earth, With a heavenlit smile. And the cheering, blessed, words of words: '•Though gray hairs shall your temples adorn I'll take you to me, blessed one — You like lambs in my bosom will be borne." Peace. And best of all there is a safe retreat Near our Jesus, all fitted complete. And the trees bearing each its manner of fruit, And everything lie has promised to suit. This land. lie says, shall be bright. Himself promising the better light. No pain, do sorrow, no tears, no care, And, Praise God ! no death shall be there. PEACE. 61 An everlasting home in peace, And a permit to sing God's praise ; Oh ! so beautiful beside our king — With all our hopes centered in Him. Oh! the joy that fills my soul As the years around me roll ; A constant thought for Him who died, And a seat soon near His wounded side. Oh! when I think, 1 can hardly wait — I so long to be ushered through the " Gate," So long I to hear the words — " Well done ; I claim thee, child ; come home." Father, I come — dear Father, yes Take me Father and me bless; I am so glad Thou ownest me Keep me safe, and near to Thee. Let me rest my weary, painful head Near thy great loving heart ; Silently Thy blessings cover me when dead, And I am of Thee an immortal part, To be raised when the last trumpet shall sound, To awaken all nations that sleep in the ground : And in bright glory always stand, A conqueror, at God's right hand. h ! what joy it will be To live and move, dear Lord, near Thee; To hear Thy voice from day to day And kneel beside Thee when 1 pray. Mighty God, my Saviour. Friend, Rich grace from Heaven to me lend; Hind me (dose to Thy great heart ; 1 've no desire with Thee to part. THE RAIN. 107 Whe Rain. How softly the beautiful rain falls ; Gently at first it dampens the earth, Then it pours with large drops awhile To give the seeds their birth. If it came in large drops at first Methinks it would ruin all : But God in His wisdom withholds, And gives us the mists' fust fall. What if the rain should lie withheld ? What could we mortals do '.' How wo oughi to thank our God For heat, and cold, and rain, and dew. God gives us the light and heat : Our food, our life, our comforts, and care; And the beautiful flowers at our feet — And in our sorrows He shares. Think of the earth that God hath made — Its gardens bright, and sweet, and fair ; Of earth's great storehouses of love, And we all have our share. 108 POEMS. I'll Dcuop go BqgI\. 1*11 never go back into sin. Ah no! 1 '11 always travel in The Christian's path that leads to God, And help others on the road. I '11 tell them what Jesus did for me, Tell them salvation is offered free ; Tell of a mansion fair — And they can go where the glorified are. Tell them what Jesus has done for me In giving my poor soul rest ; And His love, that's deeper than the sea, And the blessing, to rest on His breast. His love for us outshines the stars, Or glittering jewels of gold ; Nothing on earth can ever compare With our beautiful Jesus of old. Look up my soul, and feast On this beautiful, loving Christ ! Take in all the power he gives — Take pattern by Him in life. And Oh ! by and by what joy will be yours When you hear the welcome home, And behold the Saviour as He is, Never more from Him to roam. BEAUTIFUL SONGSTERS. 1QQ Safe, safe in Heaven at last — My Christ, my home, my sorrows past. Beautiful Songsters. Sweet, beautiful, little songsters, Chirping all the day long ; Twittering, jumping, and singing Your sweet and lovely songs. Out on the branches and in trees, Along life's toilsome way. Pouring forth your melodies, So contented, happy, and gay. Just such loving mothers As we have in the flesh to-day ; Caring for loved ones in bowers, — Chanting their heavenly lays. Beautiful, sweet house-songsters, Helping us pass the time away While at our domestic duties ; Singing cheerily, cheerily. Sweet birds, that God hath given To help us on the way to Heaven ; Let all praise the Lord, that hath breath Until its dav of death. 110 POEMS. WhQ Beautiful Sea. I am looking out on the water, That from my window bo plainly I see — The beautiful, restless waters That our Master gives us so free. I stop and gaze, and look, and wonder, About the sea and our God above — Until my eyes catch a glimmer yonder Of the glorious ocean of love. The beautiful sea : what weight it carries, What precious burden of life and love ; What anxious hearts it leaves behind it Watching the bark sail off like a dove. The heaving ocean, the restless tide, Hearing them o'er to the other side — Waiting and watching lor precious news To tell us they're landed at Uncle Lou's. O ocean ! What precious lives are hid Within thee, as 'neath the coffin lid ; Neither will they to us be born Until the resurrection morn. The voice of God will disturb the deep, And quickly raise those that sleep. Bring our precious jewels home No more, thank God! from us to roam. WILL YOU MEET ME IN HEAVEN f m Oh happy, happy, glorious day, When I learned to travel the heavenly way ; When I learned to look to God and live, And all His promises receive. Will You ffieeti ®e in Reaven ? Will you meet me in heaven When your life on earth is o'er ? Will you meet me and dear Jesus On the other lovely shore ? Will you meet me here on earth And help rescue the perishing ? Will you tell sinners of the heavenly birth And persuade them to give up sinning? Tell them that Jesus hath died for them — To save them from dark despair; Tell them He wants them to come to Him. And rest where the purified are. Oh beautiful Christ ! How glad I am That thou hast died to save — I will try to do what good I can E'er I'm laid in my grave. V 8 J 112 POEMS. Thou art so good, so kind, and true, I cannot help but praise Thee ; And this I do believe and know. That thy precious blood saves me. Sunlight in the Soul. What makes the sunlight in the soul ? It is love to God, to be suit. You cannot find sunlight anywhere Except in a thing that is pure. You cannot find sunlight in a wicked heart, Ah no ! Bitterness, darkness is there. There is nothing beautiful or bright, All is dark, as dark as night. But the mind that 's filled with love It illumines it all the while ; And it shines through the face from above, Lit up with its heavenly smile. Its no use to trifle with earthly things. Give up the deeds of to-day, Worship alone the things that arc God's-- Things that will never decay. BUM. 113 Rfom. Rum, thou demon, how vile thou art, Nothing can with thee compare ; What vast destruction thou hast wrought Throughout our land so fair. Hundreds of thousands of sacred souls Have perished by thy power ; On, on the tide of intemperance rolls, And blasts the brightest flower. O God ! That sittest on Thy throne, Gazing upon us from above, Save the children (they are Thine own) From this satanic power. O God ! How long shall mankind try To trespass on thy great commands ? And tears of grief flow from our eyes, While Thou holdest all things in Thy hands ? mighty Father, King of Kings, Blest Redeemer of mankind, Why is it men would rather be beasts — Why is it men will be so blind ? Why is it, Lord, Thy righteous will Must be so trampled in the dust ? O speak the words, say " Peace, be still," Thy saints will in the Lord yet trust. 114 POEMS. Yet, Lord, we cry to Thee in pain, Because we know Thou hast the power ; Thou hast told us when we travail much, The souls of nan shall be our hire. Speed the day. f) blessed Lord, When alcoholic drinks all are past — No distilleries, no bars, no heathen gods, And poor drunkards saved at last. glory to God ! I can see through the veil ; It seems to be breaking- in two, And the King of great glory Ave'll hail — His coming so close we can view. So close — with the naked eye we can see The prints of the nails in His hands ; Hear the groans as He pleads for you and me ; See the wreath on his head full of thorns. . Christ ! Show thyself as never before ; Speak ! Compel them to hear : Thy voice is far better than golden ore : Speak to them. Lord, as well as to me. Speak to them, Lord : to the young and hoary, Make them learn of the ( Jrucified < >ne ; Take them to Thee. < ) Christ, in glory, Near to Thy wounded side. ON THE DEATH OE WILLIAM II. STARR. \\§ Let them behold for a moment Thy splendor, That comes for Thee and Thy Son ; It is all bound up in our hearts so tender, And in God the Father and Holy One. 6m fehe Beath ©f William K Starr. He hath passed from earth To his home on high, Where he will gain a heavenly birth — Where death itself shall die. In this vale of tears our brother toiled, Useful in places too numerous to mention, Sending a helping hand to all, And a lover of God and salvation. His memory we '11 cherish and love forever ; It is hard to part but we '11 meet ne'er to sever : It is grand to know that his mind is in favor Of the last words he penned — " His Saviour." We shall miss his footsteps here below ; His counsel in kind words of cheer. He can not come back, to him we must go ; He will wait to welcome us there. IH'j POEMS. Then by the beautiful river of life All the loved ones with him shall sit down ; Afar from pain, care, and strife — By our Father's hand he'll be crowned. Farewell ! husband, father, brother ; "When we gaze upon thee we've a tender heart, But we '11 try to live one for another, Till death with us takes part. We will carry thee now to thy resting place ; Only look once more on thy dear dead face. From that we look in faith to God And meet thee soon in a blest abode. Farewell ! dear one, soon we shall meet And sit together at Jesus' feet ; And the beauty of all we shall be free, And a permanent home in eternity. Earth and Reaven. Earth, what art thou and what dost thou do? Thou art for us to live upon, and so While living here on earth prepare for Heaven — And there with Jesus, that God hath given. EARTH AND HEAVEN. \\J Earth yields us fruits, and all things nice, Affords a home and makes us wise, Gives us a chance to work, and meet our friends ; Much pleasure this earth to us lends. Earth is beautiful when dressed in green, Trees ladened with their fruits and flowers, Blossoms beautiful as any seen, And we can pluck them from earth's bowers. Earth gives us all a chance to learn and love Our God that reigns in Heaven above; The Church, a blessing to us here, Our shepherds and our friends to cheer. We march along through care and strife Trying to lead a holy life ; And with God's help we '11 reach the other shore Where sickness, pain, and death hath no power. Heaven is our final resting place, And full of God's dear love and grace ; There, flowers of paradise will bloom, And we shall rest in glory soon. Our Father hath this home prepared, And our unworthy lives he 's spared ; He '11 take us to Him by and by, And wipe all tears from every eye. US POEMS. We are told of " streets of pure gold," But we care not what they may be ; Our life with God is a thousandfold More precious to you and inc. Whatever they are, 'twill be beautiful And grand for the eyes to see; Let us be kind and dutiful While in each other's company. Let us so live that we '11 be missed When called from earth away ; That the flowers our feet have kissed, May be sweeter to lay on our grave. Oh! to meet on the other shore All those that have gone on before ; Sit down with friends and our elder brother, And sweetly know each other. §. 1X7. Bcccbcr, Whou Wicjhtv ffian, Beechcr, what work on earth was thine? What callings God did give? What shieldings from His mighty arm You did from II im receive ? //. W. BEECHEE, THOU MIGHTY MAN. \\§ A mighty instrument in God's hand In building up the fallen man ; Gathering the people throughout the land, Showing respect for God's commands. mighty conqueror, thou stoodst alone Sending the arrows of conviction home. Why didst thou tarry and miss thy place And lose God's power and peace? mighty man, that gathered in The outside world to hear the story Of God's pardoning grace from sin ; And a home for them in His glory. mighty man, what wouldst thou give To claim affection as of yore ? To be as near Christ's wounded side And as near the open door ? Not for diamonds brighter than the sun, Or diamonds thicker than the stars, Would I my work of grace undo — Not for Jupiter or Mars. Not for a crown or kingdom Would I forsake my God ; Not for tens of millions Would I forsake my Lord. 12Q POEMS. mighty man, art thou at rest? Are your hands folded peacefully on your breast ? God calls thee up above ; Mayest thou meet Him in peace and love. We will think of thee as thou wcrt'once ; To think aught else gives too much pain; Will think of thee as Beecher's won The crown, and then we'll meet again. Yes meet, if God so wills it, On a brighter and happier plain ; Meet where temptation ne'er assails us, Where we ne'er shall fall again. mighty man, to God I cry ; Mayest thou receive a crown, Where the eyes withhold temptation, And all things are well done. thoughts afc Sunsefc. I love to watch the beautiful sun, As it sinks into the "West ; Its brilliancy almost gone, Yet lovely as it sinks to rest. THOUGHTS AT SUNSET. 121 I love the beautiful evening — Just at the close of day, I seem to be like a dreamer — Thoughts flitting far away ; Or, like one enchanted, Gazing up into the sky ; Just as the glorious sun is setting, Thinking of the sweet by-and-by. Thinking of the beauty of heaven, Thinking of the glory of God, Thinking of sins forgiven, Thinking of our blissful abode. My mind soars away toward the throne Where my Great Redeemer stands ; I can call Him all my own, Even the prints of the nails in His hands. Jesus ! My dear elder brother, Keep me, so faithful to Thee ; Let me all my anger smother — I in Thee, and Thou in me. For Oh ! Thou holy child, Jesus, Just as lovely as ever to me ; Oh ! Thou blessed Redeemer, I am glad from pain Thou art free. 6 122 POEMS. I am glad Thou didst conquer, And are now on Thy throne With God, Thy blest Father — Happy Father and Son. When I think of Thy sorrows, Tears will unbidden start — The night-watch, and horror That broke Thy tender heart. Christ ! Thou livest forever, And occupy the throne ; Nothing can Thee from God sever — Precious Christ, my own. 1 love Thee, beautiful Christ, I am glad Thou knowest it, too ; I can now adore Thee and rest, And do what Thou wished me to do. 1 will stand for Thee, Master, forever. While in the body below ; Nothing shall Thee Erom me sever, Misery, want, nor woe. WINTER COMES AGAIN. 123 Winfeep Gomes RcjaiR. Winter comes for us again With its beautiful, pearly snow ; Yet it brings to some great pain, Through hard times, you know. It brings hard times, 1 say, Because of the weak and poor ; It will hinder them from earning bread, Or from asking from door to door. No home in summer is bad enough, When the sun shines warm and bright ; But half-starved ones and settled coughs, Their sweet young lives soon blight — Makes life a burden, deepens sorrow, Because of the sleet and cold — No extra wraps, they cannot borrow, Ah no! They are degraded and old. Old in years ? No. They are drunkard's wives ; They are old and bent with sorrow. Hunger, pain, and want, through life — The same to-day and to-morrow. Oh ! who will step to the front, and say : " Come to me, Til give you shelter ; Come over to me and live my way — Into my joys and comforts enter ; V24 POEMS. " I will lead you to a living God Where there is everlasting peace ; I will teach you to live 'neath his chastening rod, And find a happier home than these ; " I will show you the way to heaven, Where streets arc paved with gold — Where sins are forgotten, forgiven, And loved ones never grow old — " In a beautiful city of light, And a Father of beauty and love. In His arms He '11 shield you And keep you safe above ? " Sinners, drunkards, and thieves, can go And join this blood-washed band. No sorrow, not even the beautiful snow Can enter the holy land. Gn the Doath of Richard Goodale. Dear baby, thou hast gone And left us all alone — Laid away in thy little grave, It would melt a heart of stone. ON THE DEATH OF RICHARD GOODALE. 125 Nowhere in our dear home Can 1 see baby's face ; No more his little feet will roam In and out the place. Baby, mother's heart is bleeding, My arms are empty now for thee ; In my heart there seems no healing, Except it were healed by thee. Couldst thou reach out thy little hand From out thy little home, It would seem as if I had joined the band Of the angels round the throne. But I must wait, Ah ! many years, For a touch of thy little hand ; 'Mid groans, and sighs, and tears, Till I reach the better land. Baby gone and left us ? Yes, it is true ! No patter of his little feet is due ; All the playthings that he loved so well I'll put away, 1 can't bear the spell. Dearest darling, little nestling, I think I loved thee most too well, "Within my heart there's such a wrestling, Too deep for me to tell. 126 POEMS. But when I think thou wast only lent For me to train with gentle care, Was I to that one purpose bent, For my darling one so fair ? Did I think 1 e'er should lose thee, As I pressed thee often to my heart ? As I closed my arms around thee, That we so soon should part ? My little, tiny, loving flower, By God's own hand 'twas given. A little bud in earth's great bower, Gone home to bloom in heaven. Sire]) on, dear cherished one, A little while, sleep on, sleep on; Jesus hath called the darling one — To a better home thou ari gone. Farewell is a sad. Bad word, But a word that 1 must speak: Farewell ! dear child, farewell ! On thy little mound I'll weep. TO MY BROTHER JOHN. \-rj W% J% BPQfehep John. Thou art bidding us adieu, dear brother, To cross the raging main. Our hearts feel sad, dear brother — I hope we shall meet again. May God help us on our journey — Care for you from day to day ; Throw his protecting arm around you. While those that love you pray. Pray that God may save you " From the paths of besetting sin — Gently, sweetly lead you through — To the land of the conquering. May your last days be spent in peace — The best you spend on earth ; May you gain that heavenly rest Where all is joy and mirth. Where sorrows never cloud the brow, And all tears wiped away ; You safe with the angelic choir, In the realms of endless day. Think of us when in foreign lands — When in your pleasant home ; When you bow to God in prayer — Please remember us while there. 128 POEMS. I hope and pray that we shall meet To cast our crowns at Jesus' feet ; Rejoice forever in His love — In the mansion prepared above. Be faithful, kind, good, and true, In all you say and all you do ; Then the laurels you here have won Will be only a little of life begun. Good-bye, beloved brother, good-bye Parting cloth always give pain — But in the sweet hereafter, "We meet never to part again. In /-Icmopv of Jessie /-AcPaugbton. Jessie, to-day thou art resting In the arms of Jesus' love ; Just as spring is advancing That hast left us for courts above. We know thou wast lovely and dear, We know thou lovedst Jesus, too; And we know thou wast willing to leave us. And we kindly bid vou adieu. IN MEMORY OF JESSIE McNAUGHTON. 129 We know you will gladly receive us When we pass through the veil to you ; But, Jessie, dear one, it grieves us So early to part with you. Just a lovely beautiful bride Of a few short painful weeks ; Just a beautiful, lovely flower, In earth's great garden of weeds. Plucked from earth's garden for God, Willing and ready thou wert to die ; Yet you " knew not what awaited you ; " God kindly veiled your eyes. But you will hear the welcome, sister : " Well done, come now up higher ; You have finished the work in my vineyard, Come join the angelic choir." With your garments of spotless white, Hands folded upon your breast ; With a smile of heavenly light E'er the spirit took its flight to rest. Sleep, Jessie, thy pain and toil is o'er — Safe in the arms of Jesus on the other shore. Good-bye, dear one, a fond heart's sigh. And a promise to meet you in the sweet by-and- bye. G* 130 POEMS. JAvstcpious qpg Thv 17op1\S, G God. Mysterious are thy works, () God. This to us the heavens declare : We cannot cast our eyes abroad, But it 's mystery everywhere. There's mystery in the heavens, the earth, and sky, The beasts, the flowers, and all mankind; Mystery all through Eden's bowers, And mysterious is the mind. Mysteriously Thou ledst us on, Yet beautifully kind, and sweet; Keeping our hand in thy hand, And guiding well our feet. Giving us the bread of life, Spiritual bread as well ; A home at last from care and strife. And joy no tongue can tell. Mysteriously lead through the shadow of death, To the beautiful home thou hasl made. Mysteriously settled on the new made earth, Thou will constantly lend us Thy aid. Mysterious, when we're called to see The wonderful home for all. for me. Mysterious, when immortality we find, All sorrow, death, and misery left behind. BEAUTIFUL SNOW. 131 Let Thy mysterious ways roll on, Thou beautiful, mighty King ; Conduct Thy throne, glorious One And we '11 Thy praises gladly sing. Beautiful Snow. Beautiful snow, so pearly white, As you lie around this wintry night ; Pure and sweet as the angels of light, Filling little hearts with delight. If our hearts were as pure as the pearly snow, Our lives would be better while here below. Our lives tell better of what 's within, When we are wholly saved from sin. Pure as the snow our lives should be, For our blessed Saviour was purity — All meekness, gentleness, and love. Trying to please His Father above. How our hearts should with love abound, When we know we're on praying ground : When we know that Father hears and sees Us when on our bended knees ; 132 POEMS. Listens to our feeble cry of pain, Snot lies us all again and again ; Speaks to us sweetly : " Be of good cheer, 1 am with you always here. " Thy faith hath saved thee ; go in peace — I'll take thee along where trials cease ; I'll give thee everlasting rest, Thy aching head pillowed upon my breast." Cheer up ; endure the pain a little longer, 'T will make thy Christian life grow stronger ; Thy heavenly life be better far When thou art where the angels are. Eternit-v. Eternity, a long dark eternity — Where shall many of us here then be '. / Shall we measure our lives with the bright — Those that escape the endless night ? Or shall we make our beds in hell, Where the saint of the evil ones dwell ? It' so, it matters not how soon, For we're dragging others to an endless doom. ETERNITY. 133 Oh! how careful we ought to be What we do for others to see ; How we act, and what we say, For others are coming on our way. When they are watching, be careful, pray, That God doth lead you day by day. You're a guide-board to guide them on ; Which way will you lead ? To God's dear Son ? Be careful, there's a human soul Partly under your own control ; Steady, my brother, or sister, dear, Be careful what you do while here. Soon you'll be called to your reward ; Are you going easy or pressing hard ': Are you giving a cup of cold water to-day ? Or leaving things barren along the wav ? Are you smiling upon the downcast one ? Are you drying the fallen tear ? Are you telling them of God's dear Son ? What are you doing while here ? Be up and doing as you pass along, Too late to murmur ; work and grow strong 134 POEMS. [BY Elder Brother. Jesus, Thou art my constant thought, My constant song, my constant love; Thou hast to me salvation brought, And peace and pardon from above. Oh! can I e'er with tongue express, How dear Thou art to me '.' I weep, I pray, I shout, ] bless, And I cannot half pay Thee. Christ ! Thou lovely child of God ; My great Redeemer and my King, Make me so pure my Messed Lord. That I may do all things Like Thee. That I may heal the sick. Uphold the weak, and cure the blind ; Do everything just as Thou didst — A help to you and all mankind. righteous Father. Prince of Peace! Be with us all while here below : Let sinners how on bended knee, Their humbleness to show. Lei Zion's mighty car roll on To gather the losi ones in : Let sinners come by dozens, And embrace the old doctrine. COME TO JESUS, SINNERS. ^35 Chambers of death can never hold The blood-washed saints of God : Ah no ! The story has oft been told : He redeems them through His blood. . Theodore, darling, only son, Thou art resting free from pain ; Mother's dark-eyed, lovely one — When shall we meet again ? I miss thy footsteps, darling child, The smile upon thy face ; Thy childish voice so sweet and mild, Together with thy childish grace. Theodore, my heart seems crushed and broken What could I do ? I could not saw : Thou wast only Lent, a fair, sweet token — My heart goes with thee to the crave. RESCUE THE PERISHING. 1J3 There resting in cold death's sweet slumbers ; A little while we will meet again — Meet where friendship is unbroken ; Yes ! meet to walk that golden plain. There sit down, mother and son, With the cares and pains of life all done. Yes ! meet again, mother and son, To live forever, my darling one. Thou wast on earth our brightest treasure — The joy and pride of mother's heart ; I am going with thee in a measure, Yet bodily we here must part. Even now I see the angels Beckoning thee on to the other shore : farewell Theodore, beautiful Theodore, Thou art resting on the ever green shore. Rescue the PerHshinci. *Go on my brother — sister, Do all the good you can To raise up fallen women, And also fallen man. 174 POEMS. Go thou into the highways. No matter what people say. Rescue the fallen, the drunken one : Work for Jesus ; help save them, I pray. No matter for hard persecution ; Cling close to Jesus — He is good. Hold up to the world free salvation — Beautiful heavenly food. There is need of thee in New London — There are filthy rum dens by the score; Never mind when the people abuse you, Follow Christ ; He is the one to adore. Receive all discouragements with pleasure, 'Twill make the crown the brighter to shine; Keep to work — you are working for Jesus, I bid you " God speed " — it "s divine. Only think of the crown you are winning, It will be brighl when you gel it to wear; Press onward with shout ing and singing. And of poor lost sinners take care. You have one. thank God, -one to glory : You came just in time to give lite. Brother Beckwith thai hath lately gone over, He is free from tolly and si rite. ON THE DEATH OF ESTHER WOOD. J 7 5 Thank God ! dear brother and sister, Take courage and shout as you go — Eescue, Oh ! rescue the perishing, No matter how bitter the foe. Press onward, dear brother, press onward ; Don't faint or fall out by the way ; It 's a glorious work, press onward — No matter how stormy the day. And by and by we '11 cast anchor On the bright and heavenly shore ; And all sit down by the river, And sing praises to God evermore. 8r] the Death of Estr]ep Itfood. Esther, dear and beloved friend. We miss thee from among us below, But we would not call thee back again To misery and want and woe. Ah ! no, thank God, thou art free ; Thou hast gone before us to the other shore ; Thy testimony thou hast left behind thee — We shall meet there where sorrow is no more. 176 PO£MS. Thou passed among us gently, carefully, slow, Yet with a Christian's tread. To thy fate thou didst meekly bow; Thou now canst rest thy weary head. Yet we mourn because thou hast left us — Just a little while we will live apart, Thy testimony thou didst leave behind thee — We shall meet, clasp hand and heart. Soon, thank God, we will all be together Around the beautiful great white throne ; Christ, the Lamb of God, will give us shelter. No more we '11 worry, but be at home. We will shake the friendly hand, Esther: Roam the golden fields together — We 've bowed beneath His chastening rod, And we will take the crown forever. Farewell ! We have said the word so often There is a solemn thought as we speak : We will meet each other where joy will brighten, But to-day farewell, farewell. THE HUMAN HEART. 177 The human heart beats tenderly for all ; It opens like a bud or tiny flower ; It pities those that wander, those that fall, And struggles hard to teach them of God's power. The heart is loneliness within itself, When it beats for self alone ; No beauty in its restlessness Till God sits there enthroned. Then oh ! what beauty it will shed When with the holiness of God it's fed. The heart of Jesus shed its beauty on the cross That we poor sinners might not be lost. Thou precious Lamb of God, Heaven's noblest, sweetest sacrifice, We love Thee, blessed Lord : Hasten us on to Paradise. Christ ! Thou holy Lamb of God, For me, too, Thou wast slain : 1 long to live with Thee, Thou blessed Lord. In a home that's free from pain. Soon, soon with Thee, Thou blessed Christ ; Soon, soon with Thee, God ! Soon, soon with Thee I '11 rest In Thy blest, happy abode. 8* 178 POEMS. JFhe Past. As I sit this morning for a moment or two, To think of the things that are past, There are thoughts come to me both painful and true — Thoughts too painful to last. Thank God ! I rejoiced in His love alway, And the pains that are passed can never return : Misfortunes await us all along life's way : But, thank God, and rejoice evermore. Troubles gone carried with them the sting That they left in the hearts of the poor, But in the future they bear them before the King, And trust to His grace evermore. SFo Dear? Laura. Dear Laura, I have sat me down and thought < )f the dear, loving friends to me. Until my mind is filled with beautiful things, And the kindest of wishes for thee. In the first place, I am happy to think And to know that you are free from pain, For sometimes my heart within would sink For fear you would never be well again. TO DEAR LAURA. 179 But still, though so frail you look My heart within me doth rejoice, For I see you are with us again, And it is joy to hear thy voice. We mark the timid lustre of thy downcast happy eye, But' we hope it will grow better by and by ; We hope that strength will fill thee bodily, As the stars fill up the sky. May Heaven's choicest blessings Upon thee, my friend, descend, And the hand of God press tenderly Upon thee to the end. And when thou hearest the call " Come up higher," lay the burden down — To the Master be all in all, Then thou wilt wear the golden crown. Glory to God ! Soon we shall sing Praises to our heavenly King ; Sit down by the river of life Free from all earthly care and strife. The journey of life all o'er, yes, ended, Safe in the arms of the Crucified One, Our voices with each other's blended In songs of love to God's dear Son. 180 POEMS. SFo Rattie. Dear Hattic, I am sitting down to night, Sitting down and thinking of yon; And my soul is filled with delight Of the past that I take in review. As I think of the past, dear Hattie, My thoughts turn upward above : Shall we meet in the sweet hereafter, To dwell in a land of love ? You know that this life is fleeting, There is nothing to bind us to earth ; There will be joy in that heavenly greeting, Yes, joy in our heavenly birth. I feel it a duty, dear Hattie, To drop jnst a thought or two, To turn your mind up higher, To the home that is building for you. I hope that your life here on earth Will be filled with the brightest of flowers ; And brighter as older you grow, Yes, brighter and more golden the hours. Youth is with you to-day, dear Eattie, Soon yon will be old and gray ; You would like a home in that heavenly mansion- Seek it now, will you, I pray? TO FRIEND MARY. 181 W® Fpiend fflapy\ O Mary ! thank God for His love — . That He gives to you and I ; For the home He hath promised unto us, If we love and serve Him until we die. We shall walk in the streets of that city, Sweep through the gates of pure gold ; Keeping close to the side of the Deity, Realizing what " hath never been told." Just think of being with Jesus After death, for ever and ever ! With His eye He will ever behold us ; Nothing shall us from Him sever. When we shall have passed o'er the river To abide by the river of life, We shall whisper these words to each other : " I am glad death cannot divide." No more sighing or crying ; These things all passed away. Not even a thought of dying, Not a tear in any eye. O blessed be God ! 'Twill be glorious — Not a tear, not a sigh, not a pain ; O yes ! we shall be victorious ; Heaven our eternal gain. 182* POEMS. Now good-bye ! And may God bless you; In heaven e'er long we shall meet — Where parting is gone by and forgotten, And we forbidden to weep. Gn the Death of Flora Ford. Dear, beloved Flora, thou art resting now ; The damp of death is on thy pure white brow: A bride, a mother, and one year a wife — Now thou hast yielded up thy sweet young life. Thou wast too good for earth, Flora dear ; Thou wilt be missed by thy friends here; The (hnling babe that thou hast left Will often speak of thy sweel self. Gone! Yes, to a happier place than this — To a home beyond the sky ; A homo where pain and sorrows cease, And death itself shall die. .Motlie] 1 . husband, and friends will weep for thee, Bui thou from pain and sorrow now are free. Thank God ! In heaven we'll meet again — On a bright, celestial plain. ON THE DEATH OF WILLIAM WHALE Y. Ig3 Farewell ! dear one, farewell ! My heart still yearns for thee ; What loneliness I feel to-day Can ne'er be known by thee. 0n the Beafeh of William WhaleY. Death hath entered our dwelling. We have looked for thee many a clay ; We knew our dear father was failing, That his steps were fast giving way. We listen in vain for his footfall We have heard so often before ; 'T was welcome to us, made us cheerful — Father's footfall in and out through the door. But he's gone — a vacant chair at the table, And a rocker is vacant, you see — And to express my mind I'm not able, Father has left all and me. We all miss the smile on his face That he was so willing to give ; Everything seems out of place — Why could not father have lived ? 184 POEMS. It was death that called him away ; It' s so strong there was nothing to bind — When it speaks we are bound to obey, And it 's coming to all mankind. As we tell our sorrows to Jesus and God, Tears will unbidden start — Little pearly tell-tale drops. Welling up from a half-broken heart. Father, sleep on, I cannot but grieve, Yet I know thou art free from pain ; There are sighs from our heart give but little relief, But I hope we shall meet thee again. Meet thee again, yes, dear father, Where parting is known no more. Dying, my father, was needed, It 's but a stepstone to yonder green shore. Farewell, dear father, our loved one; Farewell, till death shall set thee free. Loneliness still hovers near me ; My heart still sighs for thee. Farewell till the resurrection morn, Then thou wilt surely rise. The Lamb of God will scatter gloom — Shall we nice) beyond the skies? FOR A TEMPERANCE WORKER. 185 Meet around the throne of God To sing everlasting praise ? Help us'Lord to gain that blest abode, With no ending to the days. Blessed ^boughts". Oh blessed thought ! I sometimes think I am almost over the river's brink ; The ship sails beautifully, I'll soon stem the tide, And be landed safe on the other side. F©p P SFempePciFice !7opI\ep. I wish we had more Montgomerys To battle for the right, We should not have so much liquor To ruin all our homes and blight Our lives with sin and sorrow, Distress that is worse than death ; But bright would be to-morrow And sweeter our husbands' breath. Our children with shoes and stockings And dresses too to wear, And less of cruel mockings From those that at us stare. 186 POEMS. We should not be drunkards' daughters, Neither drunkards' wives; But be treated as we ought to be All the days of our lives. Neither should we go hungry — There 's plenty in our land ; But, oh ! what a painful feeling With not a crumb in hand. Wc are drunkards' wives and daughters ; Nobody cares for us, ah no ! Don't you think we feel their slightings, Together with other woe ? Ah yes ! It gives us an extra pain — So dee}) we cannot tell. O rumsellcr ! Is there any gain In sending people down to hell ? Just look at the poor rumseller, Void of all principle : yes. Sending God's people down to death — Ah ! worse than that, ah yes! Do you ever ill ink of the judgment, When the reckoning day will come? How many, many drunkards Will meet you in your doom J FOR A TEMPERANCE WORKER. 187 How many have you sent to hell By selling them this rum ? Lord, I am filled with horror At the rumseller s doom ! 1 should think you would be afraid of your shadow At the way you your living do get. rumseller ! What a word — rumseller ! Goes with you in the rum net That you carry to catch the man's dollar, And ruin his body and soul. Oh ! are you not filled with great horror ? Are you not? Say yes, and be bold. Give up the name of rumseller — Dress up ! wear your clothes like a man; Do right, get honestly the dollar, And do all the good you can. Success to Brother Montgomery, A long and happy life ; Lord, please bless his labors All through his weary life. In Heaven there are stars very many That will shine in his crown so fair — For him for his labors for drunkards, And his Saviour will bid him it wear. 188 POEMS. Go on, clean out these horrid dens, Wherever you them find. And my prayers for you will to Heaven ascend And for all distress of mankind. Wo J-\ps. Marcus JAoPton, We have met, beloved friend, to part; 'Tis the parting gives the pain, For as I write I can but think We may never meet again. But, dearest friend, I will think of thee At morn, at noon, at night; But 1 hope to the home thou art going Everything will be bright. May the flowers of earth bloom for thee, And the birds most sweetly sing. Please drop a silent prayer for me, For me while I'm in being. Yes, drop a thought for Mary, As round tins earth yon roam ; Remember, if I had the wings of a dove I would ilv away to your home. ON THE DEATH OF MARY HUNTLEY. 189 Yes, fly away to your Western home To stay a few moments with thee ; To my own I would return again Happy, contented, and free. But trust the Lord with all your heart, As from place to place you roam ; We will meet, then never to part, In a beautiful, heavenly home. Some night in my dreams I will come, And we '11 be together as in days that are gone ; I will smile the same smile as 1 stand by your side, And whisper these words : Death cannot divide. ®fi tstye Beatir] ©£ ffiaev Runtlev. Since thou hast died and left me, Mary, The world seems dark and drear ; Did I think I so much loved thee ? Ah no ! the blow is severe. I knew I dearly loved thee, Ah yes ! I knew that well, But, Oh ! the deepness of that love Will ever with me dwell. 190 POEMS. I think of thee at morn, at night, at eve, And, oft in solitude I grieve ; "lis very lonely with me now, But to my fate I'll meekly bow. I will think of thee in silent night When all are wrapt in sleep; I've prayed your future might be bright — Where none ever wake to weep. Oh! weary, weary longing:! For that that will never come ; I will wait and watch for thy coming Till we meet in a better home. How do I know but that thou rested In the arms of infinite love. How do I know but that thou wast tested By the love of the Crucified One. But I must think of thee as such, dear Mary, Or my very heart would break ; But I will try to be reconciled daily, For my own dear .Master's sake. I shall often visit the churchyard And sit me down by thy side ; I will try to endure — but its ever so hard- - Yes, hard, for 1 know thou hast died. THE RESURRECTION MORN. . 191 I trust and hope we again shall meet In that beautiful by and by, Where friends each other greet, In fairer worlds on high. SFhe Regur?peGfei©n ffl©im. In the resurrection morn Firmly I will stand, My head with glory crowned, At God's right hand. Securely I shall rest Upon his sacred breast, His beauties to behold Far brighter than gold. The Holy Son of God Seated upon His throne ; Happy and secure Taking back His own. Jesus, Mighty, Holy King, Let poor me Thy praises sing. Yes, let me sing redeeming love, Forever in Thy courts above. 192 POEMS. l\x ffiission While ©n Earth. My mission while on earth Is to do all the good I can : Give a cup of cold water today, And to-morrow withhold not my hand. Inasmuch as ye have done it to me, To you a reward shall be given. I was hungry and ye gave me meat — For this thou shalt enter yon heaven. Naked, and ye clothed me, my friends ; Thirsty, and ye gave me drink ; In prison, and ye visited me there ; For you a home 1 will prepare — A home where streets are paved with gold, Passing through a jasper sea ; And trees of paradise will bloom Forever there for you and me. And round that lovely throne in Heaven Ten thousand angels daily stand ; Their songs of love they will always sing — Secure at ( bid's right hand. There we shall never need the sun Nor the brightness of the moon— - The glory of our blessed Lord, Shall drive away the gloom. TO MRS. McCLELLAN. 193 There everlasting spring abides, And never withering flowers. And not one sin can e'er divide Us from Eden's lovely bowers. All glory to the Lamb of God ; That Lamb for us was slain, But now He lives, our blessed Lord, The world of worlds He has gained. ¥0 Mp£. MsGlellaFi. Mrs. McClellan, though a stranger to you, Yet I feel for you deep in my heart. May God help you to pass safely through The loss of your son from which you do part. It is hard to bear when from the hand of a wretch His sweet life was taken away. Bear up, dear bereaved one ; I beseech you Stand firm to the task of to-day. And may God, who hath protected you, Shield you kindly and safely to-day, And mete justice to the heartless betrayer, For the sake of him who is at rest. 9 194 POEMS. Cheer up! There are hundreds to pity and love you, But it will not bring back the one from the grave ; But a merciful Jesus above you We trust poor Alfred has saved. And if so, his spirit watch o'er you, And Oh ! with what pity and love — The same constant watch for your welfare, The same constant labors of love. Cheer up ! For the one who hath done this Will pine and die like the shrubs of the field. < rod bless you ! Think of the one who is at rest — How gladly he would pillow his head on your breast. When on that beautiful shore you meet, You will forget the things of to-day : And your happiness, Oh ! how complete — In the arms of your loved one alway. Woman's Sympathy. When I read in the columns of Tlie D. .). Ogden — Truthful and soothing the words he did utter Of what our beloved pastor had Buffered. INSTALLATION. 205 As he toiled through many a day, As a dear old soldier of Christ ; yea, To carry a message of love and prayer To dying and loved ones here and there. Address to the people by Rev. W. B. Cary — His address not long so we not weary — His words were very kind and good, And interested us as they should. Concluding prayer by Rev. B. Hopkins — May his blessing rest upon us, May his labors by the Lord be blest Forever — through an eternal rest. Benediction by the pastor-elect, And many more we do expect ; And may the blessings of God attend Our beloved pastor, shepherd, and friend. The church was nicely arranged with flowers — Like those we expect in Eden's bowers, Only more blessed by our Father in Heaven, For by His own hand they will be given. We all partook of an elegant collation Prepared by the ladies for the occasion ; The day with us most nicely ended, All were satisfied and contented. 20G POEMS. As we all united heart and hand We will work for the perishing in our land ; And may God's blessing us attend Through all eternity, without end. Rosebud. Rosebud, what are you ? Just stop ! think ever We can find them wherever we stroll, In the hothouse — the garden near the river? And they seem to strike into the soul. Is that all ? Ah no ! There is a voice that speaks From the rosebud ; and what docs it say 2 Why it speaks of the Holy Child Jesus — In the manger He budded one day. Call Him a rosebud? Yes, the sweetest on earth; And He grew to a beautiful fragrant flower — The loveliest, the sweetest the land e'er gave birth, And a bud with the greatest power. It began to open when only twelve years. And its Fragrance filled a large, airy room; It astonished the doctors and lawyers To see it commence to open so soon. ROSEBUD. 207 Open again on the mountain with Satan you will find, For he tempted Him every way ; And in the Garden of Gethsemane, that dreadful night — Though not powerful enough the Rosebud to blight. Still on, through rain, sunshine, and heat, The Rosebud kept opening, its fragrance more sweet — Till on Calvary's cross the Rosebud entwined, Then opened and blossomed for all mankind. In its own full bloom it hath opened in Heaven — Thank God, it will never, never decay ; Come one, come all ! Be a rosebud, too, And bud and blossom along life's way. Shed your fragrance to sinners ; you will find It will make life sweet — you happy and kind, And a place to live in gardens of love — To fully bloom in God's courts above. Then Oh ! what happiness shall we know When before the throne we bow ; There to behold our Saviour King, And be allowed His praise to sing. 208 POEMS. Oh, Glory to God ! I can hardly wait, I so long to enter in through the gate ; For I know when there I immortal shall be, And safe, yes, safe through eternity. Thanhs, Dear hopd. Lord, I thank Thee for the way That thou hast led me day by day : For all the blessings that Thou dost me give, And because Thou saidst unto me, live. Dear Lord, I thank Thee for the gift of Thy Son ; 1 thank Thee again that His love is so strong. 1 thank Thee for home and love of friends, And I know I shall thank Thee unto the end. I thank Thee because Thou hast taught me to pray Our Father in Heaven, and what we shall say ; Give to us daily our raiment and food, That cometh from Thee since our childhood. Thanks to the Father of light and love. Lei us have that light that comes from above; Grant unto us our sins forgiven, A in I give us at last a home in Heaven. INSURANCE. 209 As we journey through life Many curious beings we find : Some with noble principle, Some most simple, foolish, blind ; But still in this interested business Of insuring a poor man's life, We come in pretty close contact With some of their ugly wives. They scold, and fret, and get angry, And think it a terrible sin To insure a son or a husband's life, But still they do give in. They tell us we are taking the business Out of their Father's hands ; For He giveth the life to the creatures He made, And furnishes them houses and lands. To all of this we do agree, But still we know we have an excellent plan To provide for the many families Of the poor, hard-working man. But I hope one thing they will learn ; That this business is solemn, not fun — To insure a man's life that he gets from his God, And the one that he keeps through His Son. 210 POEMS. And while you arc working thank God ; Ask Him to protect you alway — So when you arc called to rest neath the sod You will be perfect and righteous, I pray. And when the last trumpet shall sound To awake the saints that sleep in the ground, You with the ransomed then shall rise To rest forever in Paradise. No tears, no sorrow, all joy, And songs of praise our tongues employ. We will meet our friends never to part — Will it not make happy every heart ? Farewell ! We may yet sometimes meet ; If not on earth, in a place more sweet ; If it be God's will in faith and love We will meet at the throne of God above. Blossoms. Tender little blossoms, Bandiwork of God ; Blooming in our gardens, Shooting through the sod, ON THE DEATH OF HUSBAND. 211 Making glad our hearts With their fragrance sweet ; Sometime they will bloom up yonder, God's great heart to meet. Sn the Death ol husband. Dearest husband, thou has left me, And I miss thee every hour ; All thy kindness comes before me — Much I think of days of yore. Thou didst watch o'er me so tenderly, Always caring for me in love. Thou hast gone ! and I am so lonely ; I trust we soon shall meet above. Meet in that bright, celestial city ; Meet where sorrows are known no more ; Meet where tears and parting cease ; Meet on the evergreen shore. There is loneliness everywhere, dear ; Everywhere I may turn or go ; Oh ! how my heart still yearns for thee To cheer me while here below. 212 POEM*. But I would not wish thee back again, For thou didst suffer long ; For now thou art truly free from pain, And I will try to be brave and strong. The heart aches, and the hours grow long. As I sit in my home from day to day — And I ponder, and seem to watch for thy coming, Yet I know I must watch in vain. Good bye ! I must wait till I am called on high ; Then, my husband, we will meet To be with each other forever and ever, And traverse the srolden streets. On the Death of Dellie Raymond. Nellie, thou art missed from our circle : Lonely and dreary it seems to be. It is sad thou hast gone from us early : We Bigh, yet we know thou art free. We shall miss thee at home always : And ai church, where thou mingled so free. In deeds of charity thou was foremost — The prosperity of the church was a pleasure to thee. ON THE DEATH OF NELLIE RAYMOND. 21S The organ, to me, seems lost of its sweetness ; The keys seem silent thy fingers swept o'er ; But we know up in Heaven thou wilt join the chorus, With all the bright angels gone on before. We could not stay the hand of death — Ah no ! 'T will master be ; How gladly would we have done so ! Oh Nellie ! It hath borne thee far from me. Yet I will try my grief to bear, For I know that God doth for me care. When death shall call me thus away, I'll meet thee in the realms of perfect day. It seems sometimes that thou wert near me, Yet I know thou canst not come. I must be borne to thee, Nellie, Into thy heavenly home. At the beautiful gate you will be waiting To welcome me to thy side ; I will try to be gentle and patient, Till we meet our darling child. 214 POEMS. I-\\- Saviour. Jesus, dear Lamb of God, I come To Thee, most blessed Holy One, My blessed Holy Conqueror — My soul uplifts itself in prayer. Beautiful Master, King divine, 1 know Thou lovest this heart of mine ; I know Thou wilt save in a land of bliss — In holiness I'm perfect through Thy grace. Master, I bow in reverence to thee, For Thou hast died for such as me ; Through Thy pure life we claim a blessing That heals us wholly, makes us free. Help all to freely bear the pains of life Because Thou hast passed through such strife. Noi one dark frown Thy face did wear, But for poor sinners thou didst care. Look down upon the works of Father's hand ; See what disturbance sin is causing in the land. blessed Christ! The ones tor whom Thou died Are trifling with thy wounded side. But, my blessed Master, I know full well The love of Thee and God is beautiful. blessed God! When shall 1 have the power To warble forth thy glories satisfactorily ? FOR A WEDDING. 215 When I try to pen the riches of His grace I'm lost in wonder, love, and praise. I cannot write — I cannot speak — it seems ; My mind and soul seem lost in blissful dreams. Lord, it's no use ; I cannot express My feelings, and my love is known unto Thee best. I cannot ; I'm too weak to on Thee call ; I'll sit in silence, and leave it to Thee — all in alL Bm R iXJedding. Children, I have been thinking much to-day Of your future, which I hope will be bright It depends upon you both, dear ones, Whether it shall be dark or light. You have got each other to lean upon, In sickness, sorrow, and pain, And your blessed God to depend on For good and a greater gain. There will be added trials and sorrows That you did not encounter before ; And the wedded life will bring them — Heartaches and pains by the score. 216 POEMS. Vet in the chains of wedlock There is much to make life sweet : True hearts linked with each other Is one thing seems complete. Another thing : God blesses a union Where loving hearts are made one, For each sake leave father and mother, Is the commandment from the Holy One. When the sweet word passes between you That makes you husband and wife, May the grace of God always sustain you Through the uneven journey of life. May you meet extra trials with pleasure, And bear them together, dear ones. Be gentle, loving, forbearing — May the glory of each be as the glory of one. Dear Eva, my daughter, I welcome you To my weak and feeble heart ; May I ever be able to adore you Until our life shall part. William, my last, my youngest — must I say dearest — You seem so near to your mother's heart — 1 stop and think: Must we separate? Ah no! it's not death's smart. THE WAR CRY. 217 Ah no ! Just a little change through life ; I couldn't say thee nay In taking Eva for thy wife — Thou wilt be happy, I trust and pray. And may Heaven's choicest blessings, My son and daughter, you attend. And as through this life you are passing Never forget your mother and friend. As Christians may you live And be holy — given up to God ; True husband, true wife, Depending on the holy Lord. W>he War? Gpv. The war cry still rings in our ears. Why ? Because of the sleeping dead. What matters ; they cannot speak. Ah friends, 'tis the silence we dread. The silence that reigns in the church-yard. As we march around the ones that are at rest- We speak but they cannot hear — Nothing but earth o'er the ones we love best. 10 218 P0EM8. As wc bring our tokens of love to-day To lay on the graves of the sleeping dead, What can we look up to God and say, Except that He bless them in the narrow bed ? We feel this, yet we know that the spirit Is resting with Jesus in peace; But soon the body will it inherit — Free from pains they have ceased. We say the war cry still sounds. Ah yes, dear friends, it is true — There are victims of war still to lie in the ground, And what can the mourners do ? In Niantic, to-day, there arc those that the war Hath made weak and useless for life ; There are those the bullet and privation Hath made them despair of their lives. There are those that are living to-day That have heartaches and pains by the score ; Nothing but immortality can take them away, And a home on the evergreen shore. THE GOSPEL SIEVE FOR REV. HANNA. 219 e Bdgpel Sieve — &®w Rev. ian^a. The gospel sieve is sifting Through all the world to-day. I pray you all take warning — It stops here while on its way. "While listening to a sermon Take all the good right in ; While sifting what the reverend says Be sure and do not sin. The pews perform their offices, Though silent, in their way ; They hold their listeners readily While they read, sing, and pray. No pews give their account to God ; But those that sit therein .Must take heed how they hear And how it is kept within. Take heed how you preach — Take heed how you hear — This did the Master teach While He traveled here. Jveep clean, keep holy, child, Was our dear Master's rule ; Come unto Me and be ye whole While in the militant school. OOQ POEMS. TIk to are many to be saved : Work hard while it is da\ : Preach from your pews and gives us aid — Rescue the perishing always. By their fruits shall they be known — No good tree beareth bad. Spread your branches wide; Make your Redeemer glad. Sift out with the gospel sieve All that is impure and rank — Come unto God and live — Depend on His great bank — On His great hank from which to draw All the days of your life ; Soon you will gel a quitclaim <\i>r<\ by law, Free from sin, and care, and, si life. The gospel sieve is made of love. To suffering humanity 'T will sift the sin out of our hearts, And fill us full of purity. Glory to God! Tin- great sitting time is coming; Jesus Christ the sitter then will be. How have we improved our talents? Let us review and see. TO SISTER JOHN LUCE. 221 Holiness to God let us practice and preach, This same thing to the people teach ; This same blessing by and by Will take us to a fairer world on high. Praise God for ever and ever, Nothing shall us from Him sever ; Let us bow willingly beneath His rod And call Him blessed, blessed Lord. ¥o Sistep J©hr] Iiuce. Sister, cease thy weeping now. Why mourn when Frank is dead ; Mark the pallor on his brow ; Yet he rest his weary head. Mother, dry your tears, please ; Your precious boy is free from pain Have no doubts or fears. You will meet your child again. Mother, thank God for all — Your son shall live again ; It's only the Master's call To yonder peaceful plain. 222 poems. Mother, trust God and live ; Only his spirit took its flight — Immortality he will receive, And dwell where all is light. Mother, he would not have you weep. Mother, peace, be still. Silence : he is only asleep — Let thy will be God's will. Your beautiful boy is resting In the arms of Infinite Love. Cheer up ! God 's only testing — It's His wisdom from above. Say farewell with calmness; Frank would bid you to — Bid him farewell with gentleness, He would wish you so to do. Dear sister, brother, wait ; , Soon your time will come ; Frank will meet you at the gate, And all be gathered home. BE MERCIFUL AND KIND. 223 Be MePGiful and Kind. Be merciful and kind to all, As you journey here below. They that are, shall obtain mercy — As they travel to and fro. God is very merciful to us ; Else where should we be ? And He says : Shew mercy — Kindhearted is God to thee. Lift up the fallen ones, Work for Jesus all you can ; Rescue the drunken ones — Teach them to be men. Life is too short, my friend, To waste its precious hours away ; Live well, do well, to the end — Work and watch and pray. God loves the merciful. Look, He saith to me, and live, Always, everywhere be useful — Work while it is day. 224 poems. Gup LiQved Ones. We have got loved ones on the other shore — Been there many a day ; We arc hound to meet, them when life is o'er, And live with them alway. We know there will be a glorious meeting When Jesus says : Come home. Yes, yes, a happy glorious greeting When we hear the " well done." Then we'll be known as we are known — Father, mothers, and sisters dear ; Oh happy, blissful, lovely home — Prepared for all that God holds dear. I ofttimes look up to the heavens. And seem to see my Saviour dear ; And hear Him say : Thou art forgiven ; 1 am waiting for you here — Waiting for you daughter, your time is near; Soon you will come up higher, never tear. I have chosen you : work on a while, And My holy law fulfill. Yes, Lord, I '11 do Thy bidding well, And of Thy love to others tell ; ( inly let my band touch Thine And I will keep in the line. I'M GOING HOME SOON. 225 Steadily onward I '11 choose my way — The one that marks to endless day. Bless me always, Lord, I pray ; Let me not idle time away. In this moral vineyard may I useful be — Do things meet for eternity. Blessed Master, keep me tied To Thy loving, bleeding side. Let me have the blessed power To be very near Thee every hour. ] wish, dear Lord, always to be Where Thou canst easily find me. Forbid that I should get too high For fear that Thou wouldst pass me by. Let me very humble be, Then I can work acceptably. I'm Going Rome Soon. I 'm going home soon ; To the place where the glorified are. My life is nearly out of bloom — Silver threads are in my hair. 226 poems. I 'm going home soon ; My Father bids me come. I '11 roam the field that 's fair, And by His side sit down. P m going home soon ; Where the city is filled with light — There will be no need of the moon, God makes all things bright. I 'm going home soon ; To be with my Saviour, God. Through the golden streets I'll roam, And be pure and safe with my Lord. Beautiful Saviour and my King — Soon I '11 be allowed Thy praise to sing Forever rest in Thine embrace, And see my Master face to face. THE END.