PS 3535 .E36 R4 1901a Copy 1 THE Real Thing BY BUDD REEVE, HIMSE,LF. SEC^NB EDITION. GLAD TO MEET YOU HERE 1 MAY OUR ACQUAINTANCE BE LONG AND HAPPY! As profit and gain are the great objects in life, let us profit by this meeting. The author will profit if you buy this book, and you will certainly profit by reading it. Here is an opportunity, where an exchange of thought and money will bring a sure return. If your object is advancement, here is a sure way leading to it. This is the only book ever published, sold with a guaranty. After carefully and prayerfully reading, if the one who buys it is cheated, the purchase money is returned with interest. PRICE. With paper cover, 50 cents. Handsomely bound in cloth, $1.00. My address is now, and while on earth, may it ever be, BUDD REEVE, Buxton, North Dakota. The Real Thing BY / BUDD REEVE,, HIMSELF. ■.Lt''- THE LEGITIMATE DADDY. As it is impossible for anything to come into existence without parentage, Northwestern air can be put down as the legitimate daddy of this publication. The climate out here acts upon the spirits in the same way that nature does generally when a man breaks his leg. When a man breaks his leg, nature steps in and knits a band around the broken part to make it whole again. This is the way Northwestern air acts upon depressed or broken spirits. When a farmer loses his crops, or a business man meets with a reverse of any kind, instead of getting dis- couraged, or going off and committing suicide, he takes a few deep breaths of atmospheric invig- orator and his spirits revive; his courage returns and"-l>iS*|ieg\'t jT^ $i&fe |troi\g;iin(J*the first thing he khcm^,'*he*is Vrftiirg poAry, Or inventing, or doin^^ ^^otaetJiin^.tg,jdQV,elop.. ji^w and useful thou;g'hJ^'atii*b<^^^4Sjlie,ns,awai'4 p£*it, his troubles fly away and are forgotten. In fact, he is sur- prised to think that he ever thought that he had any troubles; and as he continues to fill himself with hope-laden air, the world takes on a rosy hue and keeps growing brighter and brighter until he finds himself filled with ambition and un- bounded confidence in future success. Northwestern air suggests that success de pends upon more than one thing. Success depends upon a combination of right conditions. No matter how good the soil may be, or how pure the seed, without conditions overhead are favorable, harvest time comes without the re- turn sought. Kich soil does not prevent droughts, floods, frosts, blights, cyclones or tornadoes, and Provi- dence is author of all. As all are dependent upon Providence, all should take notice of the many features and ways of Providence. When Providence fails to send the harvest sought, it never fails to send one of some other kind. The year A. D. 1900, will be remembered throughout the Northwest as one of extreme drought. One of my possessions at this trying time, was a herd of real, live swine: not fat enough for me to eat, and very little grew for them to eat; we were both hard up from the same cause. Talking to a hungry hog on such an occasion may seem silly, but if that which is needed does not grow, it is just as sensible and does just as much good to talk to a grunting animal on the situation as the wisest man. If that which is needed is cut off or withheld by Providence, man cannot give it. So what better is he to talk to on the subject than a common, everyday, four- legged pig. The Keal Thing is an effort at talking to a pig and all the balance of creation on the ways of Providence and various other subjects. jfwF LIBRARY OF CG^'GRE:SS. Two Ooy:i:s Receivfo NOV. tF 190! CorVRIOHT eoJTRV CLASS Cs. xXc. No. coft a Copyright 1901, By BUDD REEVE. 7 A "(. THOSE PIGS OF MINE. Sleep bound the household on every floor When a noise was heard at the front door; My youngest son he gave a yell, And said, "Something is pulling at the bell." "What is it, father?" "It's a pig, my child. For want of food it is going wild; They can't make shadows they are so thin. That's why they cannot be kept in. "I have tied big knots in all their tails, And put barbed wire between the rails, But the one that has the sharpest snout Punches holes and lets the others out." You cannot say that a hog has art. But I think that hunger makes mine smart, For when I see those pigs of mine, They appear to me like uncommon swine. I do not claim that they are profound. Because they root and hunt around; But it's the way they do it, and when, That makes them like so many men. OTHER PEOPLE'S PIGS. The hog is not a handsome brute, But when it comes to eating fruit, It takes the prize at the county fair, No matter what or who is there. For capacity the thing is great, Regardless of its age or state. The reason why that swine are swine Is because their nature is not fine; They have a name that is tough and hard, But they furnish all the pork and lard. They are not as gentle as the lamb, But they furnish all the ham. In their ways they are far from neat, But, when pickled, we eat their feet. Not only these, but every part, Including their tongues and tender hearts. The hog for value is a great thing. And while it cannot talk or sing — Only in a grunting way. Yet, it fills my thoughts from day to day. SHE CAME FOR AN INTERVIEW. That which you now are asked to hear Is about a sow with a crooked ear. I was going to my home one night, The road was clear — not a thing in sight, My collar was up, my cap was down, The snow was blowing, the trees were brown; When suddenly, I was made to feel That something was coming at my heel. I turned, and as sure as you are here, A long, lean, lank sow did appear; Her ears were flopping in deep despair. Her tail waved dismally in the air. And as she approached she seemed to say, ^^Old man, I'm feeling far from ga}^ For I'm living in a different way From anything I ever knew; And now I've come for an interview." "What's the matter? Have you got through Caring for me as you once did do? Before it froze with my nose I dug, But since winter came, there is not a bug That I can find on which to exist; And not a thing like a miller's grist Have I seen, or in any way had, Until here you see me poor and sad." 1 TOOK HER IN AND GAVE HER A TALK. I threw open wide the barnyard gate, And said, "Old gall, this desperate state — Your very lean and lank condition, Is not a fault or an omission On my part to give you milk or grain — If s because a dry spell means no rain." Then I said to this long, lean, lank sow, "You and myself, and that poor old cow, Are all suffering for the same reason — This has been a very dry season. The effect of an unbroken drouth, Is to take the food from every mouth. And though you're dumb, and may be a fool, When you come to attend God's school. You are in a class with all the rest, And are called upon to stand a test. If every gravel stone was gold, And all you see was wealth untold, You'd be just as poor as you are now, You long, lean, lank, tall, grim, gaunt sow, Without God blessed the earth with timely rain, That seed might grow to give us grain." I talked to this sow to make it clear That nineteen hundred was an "off year," And that thousands more were left to complain About a shortage for want of rain. That rain finally came, but way too late, To fatten hogs in our prairie state. And when it did come, it came to stay, And poured and poured day after day; Until everything- was soaked clear through. Making hogs as well as creditors "blue." Then I tried hard to philosophize, When I knew that she could not be wise — Without more light in her blinky eyes. A pig's eyes are like two small cuts, Set with a pair of green hazel nuts. Then speaking as kindly as I could. And at the same time, be understood, I said, "If a hog had first-class brains. It would know that every pound it gains Only serves to shorten its life, By bringing it nearer the butcher knife.'*' But there she stood, winking and blinking. Looking around and blankly thinking — Just as though by grunting and squealing, That to my heart she w^as appealing. Well, she was; but she did not know it. For I turned around not to show it. Then I said, "I am sorry we are here, With so little comfort and cheer." YOUR FRIENDS. ''P»nt before you turn to go away, There's one word more I wish to say: You have good, warm friends who often call To give you the best of their of-fal. But why do they do it — can you tell? It's to make you fat by living well. They think much of you, do they not? But it's when you're in their cooking pot. They love you when you're serving them, Not when you're grunting in a pen. When you can serve, you're mighty fine. When you can not, you're out of line. Your friends are numbered by the wholesale When your picture is on a lard paiL For then they can tell your great worth, And of your purity from pig birth. You are the pride of many a man When his customers call for ham. You are free from bad odor and sin When the boss puts on a diamond pin, Bought from souse and the sale of your feet — When parading himself out on the street. Oh, yes ! You have friends, and they are good, When properly known and understood; But it's sometimes hard to understand Just where our friends are trying to land. But you can figure on one sure thing, _ They are ^^it" for what it may bring. If not, then you are a useless load, Which they will dump somewhere on the road." Then I said, "Good-bye, lean sow. It's cold, I must leave you now." % % % WHAT HAPPENED. Then I turned and went away, And left her chewing on some hay. It would be hard to describe to you My feelings after that interview; Thoughts filled my brain, like seeds in a fig, After talking to that hungry jjig. I thought of Noah and the ark. When all was on a single bark; I thought of Jacob, out of corn. Surrounded by neighbors most forlorn; I thought of the mean and wicked men Who put Daniel in the lions' den. I thought of Joseph, cast in a pit — Of his virtue and pure grit. I thought of Abraham and his knife. When going to take his dear son's life. And I thought how all had come out well, Just as the Bible does truly tell. Then I thought to myself, "Can't I now Find some way to feed that lean, lank sow?" Thus I thought as I entered the door, ii When I heard a noise and a great uproar ; My wife she gave a terrible scream — That hungry sow had upset her cream. While trying to make the fire burn, The thing sneaked in and upset her churn; And there she was in cream to her eyes, Which filled my wife with grief and surprise. I said, "Bj gum! my own sweet frou — She's a corker — that lean, lank sow. Not more than ten short minutes ago I gave her a talk out on the snow; And here she comes and robs your plate, And puts your house in this awful state." Then I said, ^'It's hard to suppress A man or a beast when in distress. That long-nosed brute is very lank, And I don't think that a six-inch plank Would keep her from making her way Into your pantry night or day. Hunger is said to have a sharp sting, Otherwise, she would not have come in And pushed the churn from that highest chair, And made the muss we now see there." 12 MY WIFE. Mj wife is one of the best on earth — A lady, by education and birth; All true women have trials to bear — The test of life Is burden and care. I tried to console her as I stood near, And said, "Pet Lamby, now do not fear, The future to me is extremely bright, I read it from everything in sight." Then I said, "Good woman, now listen While I make your two eyes glisten.'^ ^ ^ )^ POETRY FOR PIG FEED. All things you know must have feed; This is a point on which we're agreed. You also know that the hardest times Often produce the smoothest rhymes. Now hear what I propose to do. To make you happy and pull all through; My thoughts I'll mix together for grub, To put sweet lard in your yellow tub. Poetry is something I never wrote, But I'll try it on my spotted shote, And if that does well, I'll feed the rest On what I can grind from my brain and breast. Now do not say I can't succeed, For of stranger things we hear and read. 13 WHAT ABOUT SAMPSON? Do we not read that Sampson did slay A lion when passing on his way To arrange about his wedding day? And when he returned to get his bride, Did he not, when going, turn aside And honey take from the beast he'd slain, Then travel on his way again? ^ ^ ^ WHAT ABOUT THOSE FOXES? Did he not catch three hundred foxes? And there's not a word about traps or boxes ; Then tie together their bushey tails, And turn them into flaming sails That burnt to ashes all in sight. And brought the Philistines out to fight? ^ ^ "^ THAT JAW BONE. What about the jaw bone of the ass. With which he sent a thousand to grass? ^ ^ "^ THE SPRING OF WATER. Then after slaying a thousand alone. Did he not drink from a spring in this same bone? 14 IS IT TRUE? Do not ask if I tbink it all true— Every word — I most solemnly do. ^ ^ S^ WHAT I REALLY THINK. If half as strong as tbey make him out, He could have taken a whole ass and swung it about; In his hand it would have been a flail, With four hard legs and a bony tail ; And every time he swung it around He would have laid a wind row on the ground. W^ell, I should say I did believe that story, Of how Sampson sent them all to glory; If this story was at all unsound. It would not be in the Bible found; The fact that it is there makes it true, No matter how strange it may seem to you. ^ )l^ J^ IS HE NOT OURS JUST THE SAME? Is not God a God of all time? And does He not make the sun to shine On us, and on all we behold. The same as He did on those of old? Then why should we not fatten swine On thoughts expressed in simple rhyme? Can this be more strange than the tale Told about Jonah and the whale? Now, when I propose to fatten pigs On green or dry poetic sprigs, Do not say, "It's just a bluff To work off a lot of Dakota stuff." S^ ^ ^ THE CRITIC. A critic who read my lines in advance, Smiled and said at the very first glance: "See your odd poetic feet — How uneven on every sheet." This was a good, well-meaning man. But he did not comprehend the plan Of being able to produce meat Instead of fooling with poetic feet. A genius I do not claim to be. For the dullest man can plainly see That the most important part in life Is to keep on top in daily strife. If keeping on top was a sure condition To go along with each position. Not a single one would ever flop, And go to the bottom from the top. When all things are understood. Then man will know that all things are good; To know that all is for the best, "~ 16 Is evidence that man is blessed With faith in a Power Supreme, Which turns misfortune to a sweet dream. ^ ^ "^ THINK OF THIS. When trials are seen as a blessing, Then things which are now called distressing Will all be borne with purest pleasure As the way to the highest treasure. Then why mourn for the loss of crops, Wfien misfortune in the brain drops Thoughts that stimulate and move the soul To act in a higher and grander role? This is neither poetry nor prose, It is taking the world as it goes. And accepting as for the best The trials by which we are oppressed. ^ ^ ^ WHY WE MEET HERE. When elements come that play the deuce. And leave the farmer without produce. He is driven to find some new way To bring up his pigs and get his hay. And this is the way I have taken To feed my hogs and get my bacon. Manufacturing you might call this; _ And it would not be a bad miss If you should say, "It's but commerce Brought about by a reverse. To get along and do right well, A farmer must have something to sell; And also something with which to buy — Without he's ready to lie down and die." Now you have the truthful reason Why, as the result of a lost season, I have entered this new field: It's because my dirt one did not yield. % ^ ^ THE THOROUGHBRED. Here is the whole story in a nut shell : Suppose, when hit, that a man should tell Neighbors, strangers, and everyone, "It's over with me — my race is run," Would not all say, "He's a quitter — No grit — no nerve and a poor critter?" What is it that makes a thoroughbred? Repeating heats and ending ahead. How are these bred, and on what brought up To gather speed to win the cup? Breeding, feeding, training, and climate. All tell when you come to time it. 18 THE GREAT NORTHWEST. In the Great Northwest the air is such That you get inspired by breathing much. It's the purest and the best air That was ever inhaled anywhere; ^Vhere it comes from the Lord only knows; We take it in, and away it goes. After breathing, the effect received Is, you not only think, but are relieved Of all doubt as to future success, And with hope to lead, onward you press. This is our air, pure and rare, Which makes our climate known everywhere. The beauty of this climate is, It does not sizzle like a gin fizz. It is like the best and purest wine; The more you drink, the higher you climb. And it keeps you going higher and higher. Until you reach your heart's desire. This is our glorious atmosphere, Just as we have it year after year. % ')i % THE PEOPLE HERE. People here are the finest on earth, Full of intelligence and greatest worth; Never discouraged, never untrue, Alw^ays willing to help a friend through. 19 Tbe place for a home is in the North afar, In the land that shines by the polar star. Why should not people here be the best, When by Providence they are so blessed, That by putting forth a willing hand. It's filled with wealth from the fertile land? )^ ^ )^ AN UNBROKEN DREAM. Living here is like an unbroken dream, With fairies in a bower serene; Beautiful, grand, charming and great Is every broad, Northwestern state. It may seem strange to hear expressed 8uch rosy views in so great excess. But Ihose who live on Northwestern air 8ee brightness and beauty everywhere. ^ ^ V^ PLEASE STOP HERE AND DO A LITTLE THINKING. NoW; see if this picture is not true, When fully presented to your view: Do not deep frosts and the sunshine, The earth and the air form a combine From which is gathered a golden store To bless the world on every shore? Does not the manufacturer make, And the great transporter also take, Wealth from every element here. And carry it abroad year after year? _ THE ONE WHO TILLS THE GROUND AND WHAT HE IS TAUGHT. Is not the one who subdues the ground Engaged in a work deep and profound? When man tills the ground that seed may grow, He does it because God made him so, And told him this was the way to go. When man tills the ground that seed may grow. He is being taught, that he may know That from the seed which he puts in There will come a harvest to fill his bin. When man tills the ground that seed may grow. He is taught from that which he doth sow, That life from the earth will surely come When warmed by the rays of a genial sun. From that which he puts in the earth There comes a new and glorious birth; Some tenfold, some a hundred or greater, Is returned by the Great Creator. When man tills the ground that seed may grow. He is bringing up a double row. He is hoeing one for support to-day, And another, which is far away. When man tills the ground that seed may grow, He sees life and death from the earth flow. Here is a great and impressive truth Taught to the old, and the tender youth, That all alike from the earth must spring, Before with angles they can sing. __ _ When man tills the ground that seed may grow, He is developing with a hoe Immortality with his sweet corn That will bless him on some future morn. ^ ^ ^ A GREAT LIGHT. In the Great Northwest a light we see, For this by Nature was made to be. After plains of ice and wintry snow Golden harvests are made to grow. And after sleeping in Death's cold jaws, Through the order of natural laws, Life, and fragrance, and flowers appear, Making it bright and beautiful here. Here Nature teaches the resurrection. Which is man's hope to reach perfection. Nature here says, in the clearest way, *'Look forward, there's another day. Which I show by my change of seasons; This is the best of all the reasons Why man should hope and firmly believe That in time to come new life he'll receive. When the dead earth can be made to speak, Why should not man the future seek? If the dead earth can be made to smile, Why not the spirit of a pure child?" Truly, a miracle is this land, So much is gathered from Nature's hand. Between cold and heat we alternate As we proceed to accumulate. THE YEAR JUST PASSED. The Great Northwest is filled with pleasure, Because it gives the fullest measure; But you ask about the year just passed, Which gave us farmers such a blast. Oh! that was nothing — not at all bad, That was to make us doubly glad. That was to make us appreciate The blessings of a higher state, A first-class taste of a right bad spell Makes a good judge of when doing well. People are sometimes with blessings blessed. And still complain that they are distressed. Of the year just passed, its greatest worth Was to show the value of the earth. Many were aware of this before, But now they know it ten times more. A good, hard squeeze in business or love Guides us to look for something above. Because it's hard, man don't like work; That's why so many try to shirk. If hard work was time pleasantly spent, Not a living soul would stop to invent. The fact that it's hard drives man to see If from labor he cannot get free. The fact that it's hard drives man to act With deeper knowledge and greater tact. LABOR. Labor is the cause of man's advance, In making engines and wearing pants. Being born naked and almost hollow, He has to work to keep out of the wallow. The very wise plan on which he is made Shows man was not born to sit in the shade. He was made to be pounded around, That wisdom and power might be found. Every time he gets a good hard knock It makes him into a flinty rock; One to wear against endless time, When put in the Temple of Life to shine. )^ )^ J^ KNOCKS. Knocks are the most useful of all hard things, For it is from these that metal rings. And when it rings, we have a test Of whether its poor or of the best. By knocks we tell what's in a man — Whether on a broad or narrow plan. ^ ^ )ii NOT HANKERING. I'm not hankering for more big knocks, Such as killed my grass and spoiled my shocks; The most I am trying here to show 24 Is, that while roundly hit, on we go. "Going on,'' is raised out here. And the object is to make it clear. It is not the sweetness of a song, It is ability to get along That commands respect and makes one strong. This is our land's most valuable feature, — It developes man and every creature. ^ S^ ^ WHAT PEOPLE HERE UNDERSTAND. People here well understand The advantage and value of the land. They also know that without great hope. They are at the end of every rope. All hope rests upon this one ground, That in time to come, good will be found. Do I tell you wrong, or am I right. By calling Hope man's greatest light? Upon this alone we daily build, And from it the heart with strength is filled. ^ ^ ^ AN INVITATION. Two million people are invited here To enjoy life in the best of cheer. And they should know before they come That poetry falls from a Northern sun; And with the world from which to choose, Thej should take a land that's free from blues. This land is bound to make its mark, Because it is a natural park. It does not raise calamity wail. But it is growing a genuine historic tale Of how people here can live And see the future as through a sieve. Prosperity here is widely spread, And happiness rests on every head. This is our land in the North afar — The land that shines by the polar star. ^ ^ Vi ONLY FOR THIS. Only for this, what would I be? Not any more than a withered tree. What can they say that I am now? A farmer who interviewed his sow. Well, what good did that do the sow? She is living better now. )^ ^ \^ THE RESULT. Afteri talking to this hungry brute, ]My thoughts commenced to jump and shoot, And just as sure as you're a being, I began to see and kept on seeing. 26 Until 1 discovered a brilliant light Shining like Venus in a dark night. I clearly saw that God is wise, AVhether its floods or burning skies; That He knows the time to make it rain, As well as the time to give man pain. Then I said to myself, ''This is the last — Not another infernal doubting blast Shall ever cross or fill my mind; I see the light — Fm no longer blind. From this time on I'll shout and scream, That I see ahead a golden stream. There is no such thing as dire misfortune; When people get a little scorching. It is to make them think and wake them up. That they may drink from a better cup. I am satisfied now to get a rap. For it has opened wide the trap To let me rise and sail away To sing of our land in a proper way.'' )^ i^ i^ AN EFFORT TO BE REMEMBERED. Every one would rejoice to say, "I'll be remembered when I pass away. To have your name retained in love Is next to being in bliss above; For the majority no name is kept After the relatives have briefly wept. ■ -^ You are noticed when something sticks out That people can see and talk about; But to be remembered, you must know That something great and grand must show I do not expect that my short name Will be engraved on the roll of fame, But I'd like to haye just a few Remember me for a year or two. And as a reporter may not be found The day they put me under the ground, Here's a sketch of who I be, That those who read may remember me. ^ % S^ BUDD REEVE. Born eighteen hundred and forty-two. Hit by a frost, but did not turn blue. Afterwards, hit by a mortgage loan. He smiled and said, "I'll pay it alone." A drought came and ruined his field. He smiled again, and never "squealed." Then debtors came and made a demand To get his stock and take his land. He smiled again, and showed some "sand," And said, "I'll stay and keep this hand." Then he said, "Give me one more card;" And after he drew, he said to his "pard," ''I'm betting on you — that's why I stand "pat,' Here's my lead, let them play to that." _ • — Then he lead from the Greatest King, Which proved to be just the right thing; Not a single one could beat this play, Although they tried it every way. Through this King he "scooped the ring," And ever after you'd hear him sing, "There's no such thing as devouring grief, When you come to know the world's Great Chief. That which you call the hardest thing Is developed under the Almighty King. The more they pound, the bigger you get, So take it cool and never fret." And when he said, "I'll do so and so, Whether I plow or whether I sow," His neighbor's said, "W^e think the old duffer Is getting to be quite a bold bluffer." But there came a time when nothing grew, And he had no feed to carry him through; Then he said to his wife, "Now's the time For a farmer to come out and shine In the manufacturing line. Thoughts I'll mix together for grub To feed my pigs and my honey love." And he sat down and commenced to write About any and everything in sight; Hit or miss he slashed it down Like a jumping, tumbling, circus clown. Just as it came from his scribbling pen He stuck it under the nose of men. 29 He'd go and feed the pigs in the sty On original thoughts to get meat to fry; He'd stand by the pen and his poetry spout, To fatten a sow with a long, sharp snout. Then he'd declare that it was so fine That the meat would keep without any brine. And he gave as a reason for this work, Which he got otf with a nervous jerk, That he saw ahead a glorious light For every one who'd get up and fight. He said that fire from the burning sun Would be the making of every one, If they only saw it in the right light, And would then get up and fight and fight. He held out hope for those behind, Because he said the human mind Had cured itself of being blind Through investigations of every kind. He said the day had gone clear by For the gloomy man to stand and sigh That God had cursed the world for sin. Then go and fill himself with gin. This was his idea of religion; He thought that a carrier pigeon Takes a message from more than one When its weary flight is done. That some one guides it on its way To keep it from being led astray. _ _ Who is that Some One? you may ask; It's the One who furnishes man the task Of looking for something higher Than damnation and hell-fire. He said, "The world's for education, Not for human degradation." And he said, of the Hereafter, "It looks to me like a great long rafter On a very steep incline Resting on the edges of time." )^ )^ J^ WHAT WAS HE.? Was he a dishonest schemer, Or was he a trifling dreamer? This depends upon whom you'd ask; Some might say, "Not of either class." Every one has some good friend Who'll give their name a recommend. Then you can always find those Who'll say, "You're worthless to the toes." When people ask what I left behind. Tell them everything of every kind, Which by looking they can find In this my will and autobiography combined. 31 MY NAME IS NOT CARNEGIE, BUT I FREELY GIVE TO THE PUBLIC. To every college I freely give A million wishes that it may live And spread abroad a glorious light That will carry all to the greatest height. Large round dollars I cannot bequeath, These are not the wealth of poor Budd Reeve, But large suggestions I gladly spare, That will keep and be useful everywhere. There's much that money cannot do — It cannot buy a soul for you. Money is good when used for good, When not, it is poorly understood. To every college I give a call To spend less time on poor foot ball. And I further make this bequest: That the dude's mind shall be dressed, As well as that part beneath his vest. And I further bequeath and give This one thought to all who live: That man by nature has two lives, Which only develope as he strives. One may live with little strife, But this is not developing life. Developement means that you grow. It also means that vou must know 32 On what and why you progress In order to be a great success. A man may live and still not know One single reason why it's so. Such are like a spider on a shelf, Which it did not make or paint itself. Effort is the foundation of knowledge, This thought I bequeath to every college. This Will can be opened before I am dead, And by the public freely read. There is nothing in it for a contest, For to every one I have left my besit — That is, the best that I possessed. Amen. 33 PART SECOND, THE BETTER LAND." "I hear thee speak of a better land," One free from stumps and stones and sand. Father, where is that precious soil? Shall we not seek it to reward our toil? Shall we not sell our poor old home. And put the cash in rich black loam? Shall we not make a move and go Where old and joung have got a show? 'father, where is that better land? Is it far away from the billowy strand, Where tempests rage and waters leap. Burying thousands in a heap?" Is it in old Maine, where tooth-picks grow. And knotty pines form beds for snow? Where a hen is puzzled to find the ground When she goes out to scratch around?" "Not there, not there, my child." ^ % % WHERE IT IS. The only place to find the best Is in the great and grand Northwest; For years this land has blessed mankind, 34 And millions yet can come and find The richest treasures that earth can yield In forest, stream, mine or field. Westward the star of empire goes, For in the West is where man grows. As growing numbers enlarge the race, In proportion there's call for space; As man needs space in which to grow. He follows the tides that Westward flow; For here it is that room is found To grow and thrive upon the ground. ^ ^ ^ HOW MOSES READ. By the light of natural law Moses read and clearly saw; By this light he read the plan Of the earth's support of man; From human wants and needs he read That seed was made to give man bread. He read Creation from Creation's light. When he saw sunshine follow night; He read it again in another way. When he saw darkness follow day. He truly told what '^God said" About the '^firmament" overhead, For endless stars were all aglow. Telling him this was surely so. He told the truth about the earth, Because it does support all birth. He told the truth for other reasons, — The "lights" above are for "signs and seasons." He told it again, as plainly appears, The seasons are numbered by "days and years." 5^ )^ i^ HOW ALL CAN READ. As Moses read, so all can read, By giving Nature proper heed. Nature is that to which all belong, From God above to the bird of song. It's a book to read that man may know What has been made and why it is so. ^ % "^ WHAT HE FINDS. By reading this book, by an Author Divine, Man finds his relations are deep and sublime; He finds by nature that he's kin to all. The good and the bad, the great and the small. Man through nature fills many positions. And is called to meet all kinds of conditions. In thought he roams over land and seas Like a sunbeam, a shadow, or some gentle breeze. Then he's a part of a glorious whole, A survivor of time through spirit or soul. 36 Spirit is that which at all times is free To unite with the good and the most perfect be ; It's a happy state to live in dreams Of a life to come mid heavenly scenes. ^ )^ ^ MAN'S RELATION TO EARTHLY CREATION. As numbers grow they are forced to spread, And from the earth they must be fed; And as they toil to get their food, In proportion the earth's subdued. From this condition we clearly read That man is related to soil and seed; From this condition we clearly draw That man is governed by natural law. Through Nature's order, needs and desires Drive man to dig and kindle fires; For this same reason, want moves hands To till the ground to meet demands. These are conditions established by God To level forests and turn the sod; These are conditions which at the world's birth Were made to connect man with the earth. Through a plan of Supreme design, All are connected by Life's long line. From infinite ways the future is read. And coming light upon man is shed. Every condition has cause and effect, The influence of which on life is direct; 37 "~ All conditions spring from cause And take their shape from natural laws. Whatever Nature's design may be, This fixes a star or grows a tree. ^ ^ ^ NATURE. Who can Nature fully describe, Though seen and felt on every side? It's the natural and only home Of those who do or do not roam. It's the home of the tree and the flower. And the bee that hums in the bower; It's the home of the bug and the fly, Of all below and all on high. It's a home where all put up, From the big giraife to the buttercup. It's a home with stars on the ceiling That give light and inspired feeling. It's a home with a thick dirt floor, Covered with roses and many things more. Nature's family finds support, Because each one supplies a part. Dews and sunshine herbage give. That beasts and birds may grow and live; And on sunshine, birds and beasts Man doth live and enjoy feasts. Through Nature and her kindly ways, Nights bring pleasure as well as days. Nature is tlie feature of every creature, It's our teacher and our preacher; It's the source from whence all came, And that which supports the same. It's a fountain with a Deified Head, From whence flows life, health, wealth and bread It's a fountain where, by its reflection, It brilliantly shows the world's perfection. Dazzling lights above it gleam. And through it rays of splendor stream. All who from this fountain drink, Wisely act and profoundly think; For when Nature through man is shown, It places him on Wisdom's throne. Drawing from Nature a perfect part. Is called in man the highest art; And when some new thing is the intention. This in man is called invention. And when all things in beauty meet, This shows in man a soul most sweet. Man is the seed from which angels grow. The hope of which is his strength below; The present hope of a better life Helps him bear with daily strife; Only for this he would faint and fall, And would not be a man at all. 39 HIS RELATION, Man's relation to Nature is such That he feels its every force and touch; Sun, wind, drouth and hail affect his wealth. And a million things bear on his health. When Nature trials to man brings, It gives in return some other thing. It makes him look to find a way. That he may live from day to day; It; makes him look that he may know From whence all blessings ever flow. It makes him think, and turn, and plan, That he may be a useful man. Wisdom and honor are only won Where something hard is overcome. Without conditions to make a test, We could not know the worst or best. Trials develop the brain and heart. And add importance to man's part. Burdens were made for all to bear. That each might grow from having care; The man entitled to live in song Is the one who helps the world along; It's the one who has a smile to give That helps himself and others live. Smiles are jewels in Life's great crown, To brighten the face of those who frown; 40 Man should not shrink when clouds appear, Rut courageously meet each duty clear. He should bravely stand to the very last, Believing the future will illume the past. Life is a condition to be met By intelligence and honest sweat; To meet its demands there is much to do, Much to get, and much to go through. Learning, going, working, sowing Makes man think and become knowing. A condition means something to be done, Something to be had, something to be won. Man's part is to find his relation To the balance of Creation. When he does this, he'll be truly wise, And able to answer all the whys. From Nature we read the future state To which all are advancing at a rapid rate. From all conditions and every thing We read the changes that time must bring; We read from man and from the Earth, We read from Death that follows Birth, — From every relation in w^hich we stand, We read the book in Nature's hand. To read this book and read it true. You must always keep one thing in view: — You must keep in mind there are Three in One In everything beneath the sun. This truth is 'ead, and read aright, From the use of Nature's light. Life means something on which to live, It also means a Power to give. The One who gives is the first cause, And He who makes defines the laws. This is found by reading the rule Taught by the Head of Nature's school. i^' ^ i^ KERENS THE PLAN THAT INTERESTS MAN. This is by the Teacher of Teachers, xlnd dwelt upon by all the preachers. You will find this written if you look At the title page of Nature's book. First, there's the Giver, then that which is given; This took place w^hen darkness was driven Away from the Earth on the first day. And a law was established for all to obey. A Giver Great many things did give, Which are seen and felt by all who live; From what was made and the way it was done, We get the thought of "Three in One." A Giver means one to receive, It also means an act to relieve; It means something passed for one to take, _ That good may come fiom the others state. Regardless of your aim or bent "Three Links," the world does represent; By the link that's in the middle You are joined to good or evil. It is from this union that we tell Whether man is doing ill or well. A union means to something tied, Which, if followed, must be the guide. All things are from unions read, Pertaining to the heart or head. If Nature's book you'd learn to read, Upon her lines you must proceed; Her lines are plain but very fine, And never change from use or time. There is but one Author to find out — To study up or think about; And He furnishes each and all A science or a business call. Here's the guide-board, with Nature's finger; Weary seeker, stop here and linger Long enough to find the way For which all are seeking day by day. Here is the most I have to tell ; Think it over and scan it well: If one line from Nature you learn to read, Many times you will be paid. Here is the first line, look and see If anything could plainer be: _ THREE IN ONE. Three in One is the unchanged rule Taught by the head of Nature's school. You cannot think of a single thing Without that thought two others bring. Whether it's from the mind or earth, Conception always precedes birth. Conception means the joining of two Produces a third in Nature true To that, which is together put — Whether it's seed or from the root. As Nature's book you look o'er and o'er, You find that each thing means two more. Does not father mean more than one? Does it not mean mother, daughter, or son- He, she, and a little one? Now that the start has been begun, See what is read from ^'Three in One." EA^erything forms or comes from something, And from somewhere it surely springs; Here we have two perfect truths, Eegardless of our ways or views. If everything comes from something. It must be Cause this something brings. If Cause be that from which all things come, Then it's the Head of ^'Three in One." If Cause be that from which all things spread, Then it's the universal Fatherhead. If Father means more than one thing, Where is the mother and the offspring? What shall we say unites with Cause, To be mother of all, including the laws? i^ «^ )^ MRS. CONDITION. It is Mrs. Condition, a watchful dame, Who is ever present in some form or name. Cause cannot change or move mountains. It cannot stop tides or dry fountains, It cannot make one wave on the sea Without mountains, tides and seas there be. When two conditions are brought together. By uniting they change each other; The effect of union from any cause, Is offspring unto natural laws. Everything and every creature Is born from unions unto Nature; From within herself Nature grows, As all development clearly shows. 45 UNIONS. If Nature's growth from unions spring, Why should there not be everything? If every union from any cause Bears offspring unto natural laws, Why should there not be men, birds, and dogs. Butterflies, snakes, and great big frogs? Why should light things not swim and float, When the ocean bears the biggest boat? Why should not evil more evil bring, Like poison vines that spread and cling? S^ ^ ^ WHY NOT? Why should not man be weak and frail. When born and reared on a devious trail? He's borji in sin and by want propelled. But for evil, deeds he is strictly held. This is just as it should be. For as an agent, man is free. Whom he will serve he's left to say. And none can take this right away. 46 BEHOLD. If Natures growth from unions spring, And from this cause comes everything, Behold the Heavens that shine above, And hearts that beat in purest love. Behold the fruitful field of thought, Which to the world so much has brought. «=' )^ J^ THOUGHT. Thought is an intellectual line. Connecting the human and Divine; Thought is a grand and beautiful sea. Around which and on which we love to be; On the Sea of Thought all travel and cruise, To ply the arts which they may choose. Thought is the grandest part of the world; It's a realm under a flag unfurled, By Him who made the best of things. And now presides as King of Kings. «^ t^ )^ IT IS REAL. Thought is no myth or idle dream, It's as real as anything that's seen. Are not our thoughts a part of our being. As much as feeling, hearing or seeing? 47 In judgment they rule and above us stand, And lead us daily by the hand. What would man be without thought? What would he have, what could be wrought? Thought is a grand and charming sphere, Embracing worlds and everything here. Now, to show that this statement is right, With the wings of thought let us take flight. Say where we shall go- and what we shall do. And there I will gladly journey with you. Select what you please, an act or a spot, Good, bad, beautiful, truthful, or not. And in our thoughts together we'll go. And gather from that which all do sow. If you love travel and going around, Where beautiful things are seen and found, Take your friends and come with me, And when you return, tell what you see. Our thoughts are travelers of highest rank, Without a cent in any bank They take no notice of time or space. To go or come from any place. They clothe themselves in richest hue. Then air or substance pass right through. 48 A distaDt world or the nearest neighbor, Is reached with equal ease or labor. )^ ^ 5^ WHERE SHALL IT BE? Now, where shall we go to see the best, To feast our souls and have a rest? As distance does not interfere, With going or returning here, Let us go to a land with beauty bright Where all is pleasing to sense and sight. Let us go and behold the Only Throne, Where everything to the King is known; Where the paving stones are gems most rare. And fragrance loads the balmy air. Let us go where life has reached a stage, That it withers not from care or age; Where centuries serve to make it bloom. And take it far from sorrow's gloom. Let us go where the pure whirte dove, Represents the Saints of Love; And where the lamb with a golden fleece, Represents unending peace. Let us go to the land of which all dream. Where the waters form a crystal stream, _ _ That wanders o'er the sands of time, Making the beautiful more sublime. Let us go to the land where those who dwell, Are so pure, that only the just can tell Of their perfection and their grace, So exalted and holy is their place. Let us go where cities are made of gold, And jewels shine when gates unfold, Where those who live have blessed ways, And the sweetest music is eternal praise. Let us go, to a land where Life's grand theme, Is pure delight when the Truth is seen. )^ ^' i^ IN OUR THOUGHTS WE ARE VERY GREAT. Well, we have gone, and here we are, Traveling around from star to star, Visiting worlds supremely grand And infinitely great on every hand. In our thoughts we go and come, Like rays that flash from a dazzling sun. In the light od in the dark. We visit a grave or a distant park. We dart, we go, and then return. Filled with love or some heart-burn. 50 In our thoughts we ate very great, For by these, we enter every state. By these we travel as well as measure, Everything for profit or pleasure. Thought is the intelligent part of man. The part that searches for Life's great plan. 'iii ^ ^ THE BRAIN. From the brain's power to conceive, Man has a way, his wants to relieve. Through conception in the brain, All find pleasure or suffer pain. The brain is where man's works are born, From astronomy to a powder horn. The brain is the seat of thought ; Thought is that by which we're taught. J^ i^ j^ WHY GREATEST. When we're taught we have knowledge; This is the object of the college. To have knowledge, means that we know The value of seed and how to sow. It means, that you can tell the condition, That leads to good or to perdition. __ _ This is genuine first-class knowledge — In a barn or in a college. Thought is greatest, because it rules; It is greatest, because it schools; When a fellow has good schooling, He escapes a lot of fooling. )^ ^ )ii THOUGHTFUL THOUGHTS, Thought is that part of our being Which comes from feeling, hearing and seeing- It's fruit from man's organization, Enlarged by each generation. It has a great and endless spread Because it grows in every head — Thought is the part that ever survives After the physical withers and dies. Through the works he does when living, By building up and kindly giving, Man' writes his name on the roll of Time Through his acts which survive and shine. Man^s works are thought in material form, Productions which from the brain are born. HOW IT'S REACHED. The Bible says to reach Salvation, And escape the worst damnation, That works the best must be left behind. To honor God and bless mankind. Here we read from The Book direct. That our future rests on cause and effect. Here we read, that the works of man. Live or perish as he may plan — This is science pure and simple. Connecting- man with the Holy Temple. Science gives us perfect facts. Showing the effect of human acts. Every act of every actor. Is a good or a bad factor Which affects the actor's life. Like wood that's shaped by the carver's knife. )^ M^ )^ CONDUCT. Life's reward is made to depend Upon what you do and to what end. Your conduct tells the road you take— Whether to the cool- or brimstone lake. 53 HOW IT IS READ. We read man^s future from his daily walks, From the way he acts and the way he talks; And other ends we read as clear, From his life and environment here. We read from the law of ^^Three in One," That which in time must surely come. Man and the Earth a union form. And unto them are daily born Conditions which affect them both Through man's labor and constant growth. We read from God's own institutions. And from His divine conclusions. That man was made to multiply, And by sweat, his wants supply. )^ J^ J^ WHY HE TILLS. Forced by want he is driven ahead, To till the ground to get his bread. Through Nature's order man and the earth, Are related by common birth; Man works the earth that he may live, And the earth is worked that it may give. Here is an old and near relation Found by man in every nation ; What the end and effect shall be Time is holding for all to see. _ HOW WE GATHER. We gather views of future man, From the wise Creator's plan; Man is a being who needs support And for this he is looking in every port. He spreads because he multiplies Much faster than his offspring dies; And as he spreads from increased numbers, He awakens the earth that slumbers. For as numbers grow, they make demand, And are forced to call upon the land. From this relation we read most clear, That change must come with every year. Growing numbers take up space, And in time, will fill every place; So the richest and the poorest land. In time must yield to Labor's hand. For as human souls in numbers grow. Greater support from the earth must flow. Here is a union and a cause. Where the effect of natural laws. Presents to us in the clearest way. What there will be at some future day. HOW WE SEE IT. The only way we can study man, Is from the Maker's constructive plan. Knowing the earth is but a ball, From which support must come for all ; It's very easy to read and see What the effect of numbers will be. ^ "^ ^ WHAT ALL MEANS. All, means those now here and yet to come- Whether they plow or carry a gun; And as man's support means/ cultivation, Numbers in time will subdue Creation; For every soul that adds increase. Makes a call for another piece Of Mother Earth to furnish food. Which means that Mother must be subdued. The present day and generation Can count two billion population; Taking the rate at which man has grown, As by figures it can be shown, And seventy millions every year In large full numbers now appear. Seventy million mouths and hands Call for a vast amount of lands. 5e Taking this growth to be our guide, The truth of which we cannot hide, If each took but an acre per year. Seventy millions would disappear. So you see in a few decades, People will be like tall grass blades; And as they grow and more thickly stand. Society will change as well as the land. As numbers enter the same field. This cause alone will force it to yield A larger amount from every spot To furnish food for each boiling pot. From this it is easy to read and see What the future on Earth will be. ^^Three in One'' is the guiding Star By which we see and read afar. When numbers get too thick to live On what the earth to them can give Growth will force a greater rise. To broader fields beyond the skies. \ii ^ ^ WHY. Why do we think and believe in this. As well as hope for a state of bliss? It's because by God we're made this way. 57 And our being unto us doth say, Be hopeful, diligent and look; Continued thirst means a Living Brook. But where shall this Brook be found and when? This is the prayer of all good men. ')i ^ ^ WHEN. The time is read from "Three in One,'^ To be when the task is fully done. Man must grow to know certain things, As only age development brings. Many ages must come and go. Before certain things man can know; As Time is father of everything. We must wait to see what he may bring. Hope is our food while called to wait For Time to reveal the future state. Did I say it was read from "Three inOne,^' And that "when'' means, when the task is done? Let us see just how to figure this, To tell when man will be in bliss. Three means, two things more than one — Here's the worker and task to be done. The worker and that on which he works makes two — 58 The third, is the result of what he may do. Could anything clearer than this be, To represent the number three? What task was man given to do? Was he not told the earth to "subdue"? Is the task which was given him done? If not, his reward is not yet won. Just as soon as man's work is through. Then he will find God's promise true. Man is not promised a single thing, Only as finished work he may bring. Let him work as God does command; Let him "replenish and' subdue'' the land, And when he has fully accomplished this. He will find himself in a state of bliss. And that state will be here below, And everywhere that he may go. i^ )^ i^ WHY WE SEE. From Creation's light that is cast before. We are led to look for another shore. This light is Hope within the breast, A living desire to be possessed Of a higher and grander life, Than that we have through earthly strife. We read the future by bowing to facts. And following the trail of Creation's tracks. — EFFECT. Effect is offering born of Cause — It is issue unto natural laws. To produce effect two things must blend To bring about a certain end. Growth, means something on which to grow — It means life and substance together go. Here is a condition, where the effect Is read in advance from cause direct. Here's a condition, where life and the earth, Affect each other through production and birth. Here's a condition, where matter and life, Are to each other as husband and wife. Here's a union where both are strong, And have served each other for ages long. But like all other unions, we know That time on this, must surely show. According to the law of survival, One must be the other's rival. Which in this case shall it be? Will life rise and from matter go free, Or will it be forever bound And find its end beneath the ground? From what we read and feel and see. Life, from matter in time will be free. Life and matter now work together. Through every kind of wind and weather. But which of these will come out ahead? Let us search with others for this thread. J^ 5^ J^ WHAT IS LIFE? What is life? I wish I could tell — It's something that comes and stays a spell; Then it takes wings and away it flies — And we think it goes into the skies. That which it leaves goes into the earth, And we are told this vrill have new birth. One that is pure and delightfully grand, Without the burdens of this earthly land. W^hat life really is, not one can say, But we always hope that its last day Is many, many years away. Life is great and wonderfully strong; It stays away, then it comes along. And a bird is heard singing a song. And when we ask, why the bird sings, The answer is, ^'Life, joy to it brings.^' Crickets that creak and bull-frogs that croak, And the ox that wears the galling yoke. All cherish life with instinctive love. And bow their heads to a power above. 61 LIFE GROWS. Life like thought enlarges and grows, As everything around us shows; It has length and varied nature, As seen in plants and every creature. It surrounds us in every form, From climbing roses to maids forlorn; Prom a Ruler Supreme to grazing herds, Including man and beautiful birds. Life and matter are separate things. Yet life to itself, matter brings. How it does it we cannot tell; We see it in the buds that swell, We see it in the calf that drinks, W^e see it in the toad that winks, We see it in everything that stirs, From elephants to cockle-burrs. Life is seen through effect alone; If s cause to us is yet unknown. Whenever man shall find Life's cause. He'll know The Father of all the laws. The future is read from matter and life — The ever present husband and wife. For here is found Creation's trend, To bring about a certain end. Life is above all other things, 62 Because it light and knowledge brings; Life is a miiTor wherein we see Ourselves and all other things that be. It's the highest part of order, Because it reaches an infinite border. )^ M^ )^ A PRINCIPLE AND A PLAN. Some foolish people might take an oath That you cannot read from Life's great growth ; But follow a principle and a plan, Instead of listening to ignorant man, And see from this where you come out — This will prove what I'm talking about. Growth means something on which to grow; It also means, that growth will show, Thait which we were intended to know. ^ t^ ^ GROWING. Look at the grower, and that which grows it. See the effect, and the way it shows it ; And from this you'll read the future of man From Creation's growing plan. Growth means something to consume; It means material to feed Life's loom. Growth means life, and Life's demand; And that supply is from the land. Here is a union between Matter and Life, Which shows a never ending strife On the part of Life to rise supreme, Above all conditions known or seen. Life, through growth, becomes strong and wise; This is wherein its supremacy lies. Growth is a force that gives man power, By which he advances every hour Nearer and nearer to the state, When he shall be supremely great. ^ W W LIFE'S MILL. Life is a mill, made to grind matter, And it keeps it up with a hum and clatter. And as life grows vaster and vaster. It consumes matter faster and faster. So from this natural cause we read — From the size of the grist and the mill's great speed, That in course of time, the grist will be ground, And a new condition will then be found. Just exactly when this will be, No attempt is made to read or see ; We simply tell that the day is coming From the way Life's mill is constantly humming. 64 Could any light be clearer? Or any truth brought nearer? Than with Life's continuous spread, It must become the final head? Life's great mill was made to grind Everything of every kind. Whether it's earth, or stone, or brush, Or flinty corn to give us mush — Whether it's silver or yellow gold, Anything the earth may hold, Life is after it to grind, For the body or the mind. Life is ceaseless, never still, On the mountain or in the ril! It has a pick or fishing-hook. Or digs or angles in some brook. It does not stop but keeps on going, And every day there is a showing Of a little more done or found. Either above or in the ground. So you see through Nature's laws, And the force of hidden cause. That Life in time will all things find. And in its mill will finely grind. Every time Life's mill goes round, A little more of the grist is ground — 65 Which makes Life a little fatter, From grinding and consuming matter. ^ ^ "^ THE NATURAL TREND. In this we see Creation's trend, To bring about a certain end. Life must matter overcome, Before its work can be called done. This, all can read who feel inclined, From Creation and its kind. Man is filled with certain thought, Which to him through life is brought From natural association With the balance of creation. The most man has or ever knows Is what he gets from the way he goes. We read his thoughts and true reflection, From his course and chosen direction; Just as results are read from effect, By the way things do or do not connect. Matter is her body and Life's her soul. These together make Nature's whole. We see the effect of life upon matter, From towering oaks to blossoms that scatter. We see it, by the way life consumes ; 66 And by the way man moves and booms — By the way he plows, plants and reaps, And gathers matter into various heaps. Think of the babies that kick and squall, And all the cattle that low and bawl; Think of the mouths demanding food And the pressing needs of every brood — Think how tribes, nations and races Are coming together in different places; And how w^e are hearing mankind call, From Johannesburg to the Chinese wall. Does not this show that life is growing. Like water in a torrent flowing? And as Life's tide onward rolls, Like water, it will fill the holes And cover the Mountain peaks, And glisten beneath the streaks Of the sun's golden rays In the coming light of days. Life like water rises from force, And finds its level through natural source. Lik^ flames and smoke from a raging fire. As life increases, it rises higher. Accumulation means elevation, And elevation means salvation — When vou build on the right foundation. Life is molded into perfect foroi By age after age rolling it along. Like sands cast up by the ocean's wave, Mortals are carried away to the grave; But while the funeral bell is tolling, The waves of Life keep on rolling; And stronger and higher they lash the shore Eegardless of Death or Destruction's roar. Death is not the end of life. It simply ends individual strife. % »A' ^ LIFE NEVER DIES. Life is something that never dies; When it departs, you close your eyes And sweetly sleep with Mother Earth, Until life returns through a new birth. ^ ^ ^ THE POWER THAT RAISES THE DEAD. The dead cannot raise the dead, It's only the Ever Living Head; The one who can speak and command Dead matter to rise, live and stand. It's The One who has the power to give, Who sends us Death or makes us live. 68 LIFE COMES FROM LIFE. Life can only come from life, — That not in it, can have no strife. Life is a power so wonderfully strong, That it shapes and carries all things along. We know it comes and we know it goes, And we know its love upon us grows — And from the fact, we have it to-day, We build from this, when it goes away, That in time to come it will return; For from Nature we clearly learn That life is present everywhere, In the earth and in the air. And as we see it in endless ways. Coming and going with our days. We find that Hope has a strong foundation In the order of Creation. )ii ^ ^ HOPE. Hope is born of Natural cause. From our nature and Nature's laws. Hope is fruit from Life's great tree, To feed the heart and keep it free From doubt, when man shall come to see What his trials and burdens may be. 69 Hope is belief in something good; It's faith, that things not* understood Will bring to us a happy end, When Him we know, who all things sends. Hope is the shadow of things unseen; It's a messenger that goes between Man and the highest forms of life, To tell that Peace will follow strife. Hope is the light in Life's great temple, That lights the heart of the wise and simple. Hope is a sword put in man's hand. To enable him bj faith to stand. Hope is perfume from a world above, Wafted here by zephyrs of love. Hope is music from an angel band To cheer the oppressed of every land. Hope is the echo of heavenly strains. To inspire poor souls and soothe their pains. Hope is the most precious of all bread Given to man by the Father-Head ; Hope is drink from a living spring, That loving spirits kindly bring. WHY WE HOPE. We hope because of something ahead; Whether it's good or whether it's bad, Whether it can or cannot be had, There is always present this living truth Before withered age and blooming youth; There is something waiting for you ahead, W^hether wreathed with smiles or on Death's bed. It's natural for man to want the best, Therefore he hopes for blessings and rest. Man never asks for sorrow and pain W'hen happiness is the end and aim; He never asks for a burdensome load Instead of freedom on a smooth road. WHien trying hard to avoid evil, Man is hoping to escape the devil. The reason for hope is, by good we are blessed. While by evil we are distressed. i« ^ ^ THE EVENING AND THE MORNING. ''God said let there be light," and darkness passed away, ''And the evening and the morning were the first day." It's natural to think of any cause, Especially Creation and its laws. A day with God and a day with man Are widely different in length and plan. A day with God is from darkness to light, While one with man is from morning till night. Here's a difference sufficiently vas-t By which to see and read the past. To read and interpret any book At its wording we must look. How long was darkness on the earth Before God's word gave light birth? If this can be told in any way, You can find the length of the first day. A^ow, take the book and from it read, Then to its wording give full heed. "In the beginning," the book does say That darkness was here ahead of day. A day with man is from light to light, Or you can say it is from night to night. But take the time in advance of light, And what was the length, of that long night? The God of creation can only say How long it was before the first day. If you can add the first night and first day to its close. You will have the first day that Infinity knows. A day in creation is measured by the work Of an Infinite Being, not a poor lazy shirk. How long was God in preparing for light That would drive away an unbroken night? 72 The beings of earth can never tell, Though they be wise and try to guess well. ^'Let there be a firmament," Almighty God did say, *^And the evening and the morning were the second day.'' As this work was two days ahead of the sun. Who knows in how many hours it was done? If all creation came at His call, How does man into the idea fall That God spoke once in twenty-four hours To complete His work and show His powers? '^God called the dry land earth" when the waters went away, ''And the evening and the morning were the third day." The earth was made ahead of the sun. And divided waters were made to run Together as it did God please, And the gathered waters "called He seas." "And God said, let the earth bring forth grass"; For this He did not pray or ask Some other power to help him do; He spoke and grass started and grew. But how fast did the first grass grow; Can anyone tell, or don't they know? "The earth brought forth grass and herb-yielding seed," But did tliej come with a bound and lightning speed, Or did they come as grass and herbs now grow, From germination, and very slow? On the first day did trees yield fruit. Or did they wait for buds to shoot? If they did, it took more time Than a single night and a day's sunshine. "Grod made two great lights," and put stars in the milky way, "And the evening and the morning were the fourth day." What light was used ahead of the sun, By which the first half of creation was done? It must have been God's presence alone That lit the earth from zone to zone. "God created great whales" and birds with feath- ers gay, "And the evening and the morning were the fifth day." And to do all this, here is what God did say: "Let the waters bring forth the moving creature." Please notice this particular feature About water and "the moving creature." It takes water more than one short day To bring forth whales in a natural way. Did God at anv time from anv cause -*74 Ever change Nature and His laws? If not, then how can man reason That twice twelve hours brought the first fish season ? Why should there be a greater hurry To make the first fish, than those we now worry? This is not written to express doubt Of that which the Bible tells about, But it is written because we believe That Nature was never made to deceive. "God made the beast, and cattle," and to man he gave full sway, "And the evening and the morning were the sixth day." And to do this, here is what God did say: "Let the earth bring forth the living creature." Here the earth and "the living creature" Present the same natural feature As the waters and "the moving creature." "God said, let the waters bring forth," "And God said, let the earth bring forth;" These words divine we doubly scan. Because of their importance to man. For through the Bible's interpretation, A difference is made with all creation; Through the nature and ways of the earth We gather truths of creation's birth; Certain laws we read and see From the way all natural parts agree. Through Nature and her unchanging ways We read that the length of creation's days Were longer than those which now we know, That every few hours come and go. Nature gives an interpretation Of a day in God's creation. God spoke and told the earth to yield, And herbage came and covered the field; But when He spoke He fixed a law By which every leaf and every straw Should ever after be made to grow. That His ways and works man might know. By studying the earth and gilded skies Truth is found that makes man wise; From the earth and water we read The time it takes to develope seed. Nature gives facts sufficiently clear To warrant all conclusions here. From the root all growth doth start. This every school child knows by heart. Here is the language of the book. And to its wording we must look: "God said, let the earth bring forth grass," And we have it in an endless mass. We plainly read that the earth was told To do certain things which we behold. From the nature and ways of the earth We learn the time she gives grass birth ; ~76 We gather evidence from her way Ahead of all that man can say. On the sixth day God made man After his own design and plan; It was the day he made the beast, And told both to multiply and increase. Why was all made in six short days And man left to struggle in a maze? ^lan is far from finished yet, That's why he has to dig and sweat. Like the balance of creation. Time is needed for his formation. When "darkness was upon the face of the deep,' And matter without form lay fast asleep. It took time to gather the waters in seas. To make great rocks and grow great trees; It took time to form greait beds of coal And fill mountains with quartz inlaid with gold. It took time to make the precious gems And hide them away in the rivers and fens; For it is told in Jehovah's name That gold was here before man came. The river that went from Eden out To water the country around about "Parted and became into four heads" And "Pison" wandered o'er golden beds. The earth was made for man to appear, But preparing the way took many a year; "^ L.efC. The earth was made for man to advance, And this was put beyond doubt or chance; For nature in man and that without Forces his growth and spreads him out. Nature in man seeking that without Forms the field for knowledge to sprout. Nature and man are so connected That, through them, God is reflected. Man is so made that endless desires Drive him ahead like an engine's fires; Man is so made that his many needs Form society's growing seeds. All institutions rest upon need From feeding swine to a railroad's speed. All institutions are but a plan Of turning creation to the use of man, As all known knowledge is but a ray Reflecting ahead another day. Are not millions now looking ahead To a brighter day after this has fled? And have not millions gone before Beholding light on another shore? What is the day of which men sing; When will it come and what will it bring? God fixed the time and named the way For man to reach the crowning day. The day ahead of which men sing Is that which completed work is to bring. The day ahead for which men look Is the one foretold in the Holy Book. Without this day, God's work would not be done, For life would be without a crown. This day on earth will be complete When creation's laws man shall meet. Could anything be plainer to you Than that which man is told to do? ''Replenish the earth and subdue" Is not a request but a command Given to all about the land. A single man in a single day Could not subdue in a proper way; So time was given for man to grow To perform the work he was told to do. Read from the Book His holy word. Then think of the effect when this is heard; A beautiful world the eye will see When the earth is subdued as it must be; Life will rise from gentle deeds When flowers bloom in place of weeds; And peace serene will fill the heart, When man has fully done his part. When life's great work is understood. There will be a perfect brotherhood. An order then will form on earth, To carry out creation's birth. When men unite for a common cause To develop social or natural laws, From union comes a certain strength That adds to size and increases length. When a single truth shall dawn on man ; When he sees the light of creation's plan, The world to him will instantly change And his life will strike a higher range. Truth is a light that never goes out. The sight of which removes all doubt; It lights ahead as well as behind, And is ever present to illumine the mind. What is the truth, if we may inquire? To me, it is a radiant fire That warms the heart and feeds desire. Seeing the truth is beholding light. That pierces darkness and removes the night. The light ahead we now behold Is that of "Dominion" by God foretold. Dominion's light will grow brighter and stronger As growing man remains here longer. As verse is not liked by all as it goes. This is finished with a border of prose. When will man have full dominion? This depends very largely upon himself. He has now attained sufficient age, strength and knowledge to be able to help influence, if not establish, his future on earth. It is well known that conduct and effort decide character and standing; and that which man aims to accomplish determines his caste and lot. Certain ones may appreciate the earth and their relation to it, but the great majority do not. To» appreciate the earth and feel exalted by being on and connected with it, man must grasp its sacred nature. When looked into and understood, the earth is found to have a sacred and divine nature. Those who hold the plow and clean out barns are not the only ones interested in the earth; every child and every teacher from the kindergarten to the college are interested in this subject from birth and universal relationship. And it should be the business of every teacher, high and low, to keep in the foreground the divine nature and relation of the earth to man. The value and importance of this relationship is growing, and will continue to grow from this on hourly, because mankind is growing to need the earth's support; therefore deeper and wider knowledge of it is necessary. 81 From this on, people will occupy the land fast- er than ever before, because of rapidly growing numbers. This subject is not presented for agricultural consideration alone, or to boom lands, or see how much can be raised on a single acre to feed stock, or for a railroad to carry. Neither is it presented to express poetical sentiments alone; although it must be admitted that there is poetry in it. But it is presented in the nature of scientific prophecy, or reading, through the growth of man. It is pre- sented on the theory that the world has reached an age and a stage where it can see and read itself through itself. It is presented, because it is be- lieved that the world is ready to take a step for- w^ard and is only waiting for the announcement to be made. This is not a fancy, it is something seen through the light of time and development. It is something seen through the nature of man and the earth that supports him. When the time comes for anything to come, it always comes. The time has come, not for new light, but for a clearer recognition of the first and original one. Man has but one work; he was given but one; he was made but for one; and he can tell from the advancement that he has made in this just how near he is to the full light of the morning of the Seventh Day of Creation. 82 So far, there are but six complete days men- tioned in the order of creation, which cover cer- tain periods of infinite work. In describing these days, you will notice, the inspired writer uses very peculiar and uniform wording. In every instance he says, "The evening and the morning were the first day", or the "Second day" and so on till all are mentioned. Darkness was and is the natural condition of the world. To remove darkness something had to be done — ^and still has to be. A day in creation is from darkness to light. For in speaking of days with God, the book in- variably concludes by saying, "the evening and the morning" made the day. This clearly shows that a creative day is measured from a period of darkness to a period of light. This would seem to indicate, that a day in creation was from the time of conception in the infinite mind to a certain period of birth or devolopement. Now, the Bible speaks of ''the seventh day". But it does not say a w^ord about "the evening and the morning" of that day. Therefore we must conclude that the morning of that day has not yet come, and wall not come, until man has reached his growth and done his work. "On the seventh day, God ended his work which He had made; and He rested on the seventh day from all his work which He had made.'' '^And God blessed the seventh day and sanctifi- ed it, because that in it He rested from all His work which he had made." Here is direct mention of the seventh day in creation — one on which God ended his work and entered into a state of rest. Why does God rest? And how long will He rest from the six days' work which He finished over six thousand years ago? He will rest until the morning of the seventh day, — and he knows just when this will come. He made the world by putting certain prin- cipals into operation and then waiting for their development under the force and operation of natural law. Man was his last work, and he started him as a conscious atom to grow and develop into perfect knowledge of life, by putting him in con- tact with the balance of creation through his senses and needs. Through this arrangement, man has grown and developed into his present size; and will keep on exploring, inventing, ex- perimenting, fighting, loving and praying until his search for truth is rewarded by the light of the Seventh Morning. Up to the present, man has been slow in covering the earth, because of needed time in which to grow. He has been burdened with ignorance, wars, pestilence and many oppressions, but he is still plodding on, S4 growing and developing in spite of all. From this on, he will go faster and accomplish more because of greater growth and knowledge. All he needs now, it to press the right button and the door will open wide to promised "dominion." Let the divine idea possess man of subduing the earth in obedience to God's command; as a work necessary on his part to complete the work of creation for himself by himself, and then see the change. To enter into happiness and per- fection on earth, man must subdue the earth. How many generations will pass away before this is done is left for himself to say. Every work must have a begining; it must also have a first worker and a first act to start it. I may not be the chosen one, but the light is before me and is here proclaimed to others. We have clear mention of a Seventh day in creation, but the morning of that creative day has not yet come; but the time has come to look forward and anticipate it and know what will bring it. It's coming is the foundation of hope. That we know the time, is of great importance. As near as can be calculated, it is now approaching about three o'clock A. M. to the morning of the Seventh Day. ^ rather stand on the watch tower of life and 85 call the hour of creation then have any fortune ever possessed. The hour is told by calculating how long it has taken man to grow to his present size; by putting together his works and discoveries; that which he has done and is now able to do by di- recting his thoughts and efforts to the work of subduing. The morning of the Seventh Day will come when all men unite and ask for it through well directed labor. Man may rise and fall until generations rest upon each other like leaves of the forest, or strat- as that form the earth. But in time, life will build itself up until it beholds the dawn of the Seventh morning. The morning of this day will come when man perfects himself to see the light; when he makes for himself a condition to see. This is not anticipation, it is reading the future from natural law. Just as soon as every man who goes to the field, or touches the earth, feels that he is taking part in helping finish the work of creation with his own hands; that he is helping bring the light of the Seventh day through his own intelligence and labor, then will happiness be his reward, because of his knowl- edge and' ability to finish an uncompleted part of the world, which was left for him to do to "have dominion.''. When he works with this thought _ for a foundation, the field of industry will be a field of pleasure, because he will then be engaged in world finishing to gain immorality instead of plain farming to get daily bread. Through his own acts and intelligence, he will enter into a new condition and a new life in this old jet new world. When he sees himself and the balance of mankind working as by the Crea- tor told, he will travel on beautiful roads made by himself on the earth; and in place of wars and dishonest speculation he will be surrounded by intelligent neighbors and good society, grown and supported by following the first command to subdue the earth and "have dominion." The time has come for the good work to start; for mankind to give full attention to subduing as the v/ay to bring the light of the Seventh morninor. 87 MOY 29 l&QX 1 COPY DEI. TO CAT. OiV. NOV. 29 190i y£C. 4 1901 LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 018 349 775 3 READ HOW TO GET THIS BOOK— THEN GET IT. It can only be had from the author personally, or through the mail as directed below. The reason for this is, that unless a man has a monopoly of some kind nowadays, he is considered a "back number." To be up to date, he must be at the head of a combine, or control a special privilege. By uniting authorship with the work of a peddler a combine is formed, whereby a Democrat can be a Plutocrat, and one of the unw^ashed can be an Im- perialist, and still remain one of the common people in high standing — but he can't peddle another fel- low's book and do it. Do not wait to see me personally before invest- ing, for it is impossible to tell just now when we may meet. It is going to take some time to visit every place on earth, and we might miss each other on the road, or you may not be at home when I call. You can get it any time just as cheap by mail. In order to have the price uniform with all, I pay mail charges. PRICE, With paper cover, 50 cts. Handsomely bound in cloth, 11.00. Address BUDD REEVE, Buxton, North Dakota.