lil aiUllliUUJiUymupUilUiMilMilUIMiMiyiMli^^ IPS ! II W m I M I LuiifijiyiiiiHUHiiiitiiiiiiiiiiiiiuiiifmi li^lM Mi^ Class _IB:^3_£il3 Book A ^r^f/ ' Gopyiightl^^_ Jfdf- COPyRIGHT DEPOSm LIZZIE L. BAKER onderland and Other Verses By Mrs. Lizzie L. BaRer « ^^ B 0«T0 N James H. E^arle (Sl> Co., Publishers 178 Washington Street TWO OnPtea i'we'vwl AUG 80 1904 CLASS ^ XXo, Np- ' COPY B Copyright, 1984 By Lizzie L. Baker. All rights resBrved. CONTENTS. PAGE. I Yonderland 11 II One Year 12 III For Christ 13 IV A Tribute 14 V Easter 16 VI Our Mother 18 VII Thanksgiving 19 VIII Abba Father 21 IX Our Mission 22 X The Name of Jesus 23 XI A Picture 24 XII With Christ 26 XIII Life is Life 27 XIV Our Angel Boy 28 XV Our Father 30 XVI I Know 32 XVII The Mother 33 XVIII Trusting 34 XIX Not Dead 35 XX Praise 37 XXI Anniversary Hymn 37 XXII Service 38 XXIII A Prayer 40 XXIV Angel of Death 41 XX Y Shadraich, Meshach, and Abednego . 42 XXVI A. New Year's Wish 43 XXVII A Lesson 44 XXVIII My iSihepiherd 46 CONTENTS — Continued. PAGE. XXIX Blessed are they that Mourn ... 47 XXX Our Care-Taker 48 XXXI I Shall See Him 48 XXXII Alone with God 49 XXXIII Now I Lay Me 50 XXXIV The Clay Artist ........ 51 XXXV My Treasure 53 XXXVI 3now 55 XXXVII A Golden Wedding 56 XXXVIII My Home 58 XXXIX Fourteen Years 59 XL Lullaby 60 XLI One Day Each Year . .... 61 XLII The Eighty-ninth Birthday ... 63 XLIII Birthday Thoughts 66 XLIV Memories 67 VERSES FOR CHILDREN. XLV Christmas 71 XLVI The Old North Church 75 XLVII The Reason Why 78 XLVIII A Monkey Story 80 XEIX Mary's Lamb 83 L Anecdote of Webster 85 LI Worship 87 LII The Robin's Story 88 LIII Sheltered 90 LIV A Winsome Laddie '.y2 LV A Valentine 94 LVI Little Joe 95 *^ C7* f^ ^?* (^* «/'* 5^* C(5* «^* !<5* «^* ^^ t^ ii?* «^ ?5* '.^ «5* «5* «^* «!?* ^i5* <(?* tt?* DEDICATION. O loved ones now in Yonderland! O loved ones on the hither strand ! Through all my life's eventful years Your gracious deeds have dried my tears. Your loyalty, my heart divines Gave inspiration for these lines. jj, j^ jj, j^ j^ j^ j^ j^ j^ j^ jP j^ j^ g^ j^ j^ j^ j^ j^ j^ j^ ^ j^ j^ INTRODUCTION. So many expressions of grateful thanks have been received from friends and strangers, for comfort found in a few of these verses previously published in the papers, the author wisel}'- yields to the urgency for their publication and sends forth this little volume with the assurance from her friends, that other pilgrims will through them find windows open toward the sun-rising. Sarah B. Tupper. YONDERLAND. ii YONDERLAND. FOUR blissful years in Yonderland, Thou blessed friend of mine; Can'st whisper to my waiting heart, What heavenly joys are thine? Do dearest ones in Yonderland, Leave their blest homes above. And bring to weary ones of earth, Sweet messages of love? Will our first hour in Yonderland, Make us forget the tears. The bitter grief, the dwarfing pain, The anguish of past years? Soft breathes a voice from Yonderland; "Dear heart dismiss thy fear. No memories of sorrow's night Can ever enter here." O Yonderland! fair Yonderland! No sobbing in thy songs. No blinding tears, to mock thy smiles. No traitor 'mid thy throngs. t..ofC. 12 ONE YEAR. O Yonderland ! dear Yonderland ! How longs my soul for thee, To walk with mine thy golden streets, My King in glory see. OWE YEAR. ONE year ago today, beloved, God gave thy spirit wings, That thou might'st fly to realms above, Where highest seraph sings. What hast thou seen these months, beloved. In that fair land so bright? Did loved ones meet thee at the gate, With raptures of delight? Where hast thou been these months, beloved? In what fair field hast wrought? Full well I know, with loving deeds Each moment has been fraught. Hast thou been oft with me, beloved. On comfort mission sent? Hast o'er my tear-wet couch at night In tender pity bent? YONDERLAND. 13 Would I could lay my cheek, beloved, Close up to thine once more, And tell thee all within my heart Just as I did of yore; And thou could'st speak to me, beloved, Of all the visions rare. That dawn upon thy raptured sight In yonder mansions fair. But God's sweet will be done, beloved. In patience will I wait 'Til his own hand shall lift the latch, That ope's the pearly gate. And thou with radiant smile, beloved, Will haste to meet me there; What seems my cross, will prove my crown, When heaven with thee I share. FOR CHRIST. WHEN in God's Holy Writ I read. That Jesus Christ, in accents sweet, To a proud Pharisee, once said, "She hath not ceased to kiss my feet." 14 A TRIBUTE. I think, if he were here today. With deep contrition, I would bow At his dear feet, so I might feel His healing touch, upon my brow. Or if anointing, I might give With eager feet I'd gladly tread. My alabaster vase to break, And pour on his beloved head. Is there some way, that I may prove This, I would do, if he were here? Praise God! if with another's woe I drop the sympathizing tear. If I my yielded life would give, Sin's chains to break, and set souls free. Sometime, it shall be mine to hear Christ say, "Ye did it unto me." A TRIBUTE. THOU wert in all thy noble manhood's prime. When first I came to know thee, my beloved; And as I now recall the virtues, that most Become a man, I know not one, that thou Did'st lack. YONDERLAND. 15 So great was thy high sense of justice, That naught from thy ideal could make thee Swerve, and yet thou wert so kind and gentle, Little children loved thee, and thou did'st love All things 'twere meet to love. Base and ignoble Thoughts ne'er found a resting place within thy Heart; great also was thy patience, though oft By sorest trials prest, none ever heard thee Murmur, or doubt the kindness of thy God. And when one sinned against thee thou didst Carry free forgiveness in thy heart, for each. Such was thy deep humility, to give Thee«eeded praise, was but to give thee pain: From thy opeij door, no needy one ere went With empty hand. With running brooks and woods And fields and song of birds, thy heart was tuned; f ■ ' j,. Communing much with God, who clothed them all. Thou earnest to be more like and like to Him. So true, so patient and so gentle thou, I count it, as a signal favor given, That I can call thee mine; I who am left A broken reed, since I no longer have The shelter of thy strong protecting arm. i6 EASTER. 'Tis sweet to know, "that thou lovfist me still, For naught can ever break the cords, that bind Such love as mine and thine; And when the bands That hold my soul to earth are riven, I think the bliss of seeing thee will make These lonely hours of mine, seem but A troubled dream ; so now I only ask That ere I go, some souls may be redeemed For whom both thou and I have wrought and prayed. EASTER. O EASTER morn! Glad Easter morn, What glorious hopes to day are born For those who sit in deepest gloom, Beneath the shadow of a tomb? O Easter morn! when Christ arose Triumphant o'er the last of foes, An angel sat upon the stone. To tell his friends where He had gone. YONDERLAND. 17 O Easter morn! is there e'en now An angel form with radiant brow, Sitting beside our buried hopes, Pointing away to sunnier slopes, Where sorrows change to sweetest joys, Where earthy touch no longer cloys, Where briar turns to fragrant rose. And crystal stream through desert flows I This is the message which I bring To all thy eager questioning, Christ thy Lord has risen indeed. And He thy cause will strongly plead. His angels clad in glory bright, Will change today, thy darkest night. What seemed to thee a spectre grim Will angel prove, through light from Him. Though in affliction's furnace tried Thou shalt at last be purified. On resurrection-wings arise. To dwell with Him in Paradise. i8 OUR MOTHER. OUR MOTHER. Her children arise and call her blessed Proverbs, 31:28. Sweet mother! we thy children set our seal These words are true, thy friends and ours have said. And yet, the tithe has not been told of all Thy 4)recious worth, thy gentle, loving ways, Thy thoughtful care, and sweet forgetfulness Of self, thy open-handed charity, Thy gentle patience, sweet submission To thy Father's will, however hard his hand Hath pressed thy tender soul. Mother beloved! We could not know how lone this earth would be Without thy saintly presence, and thy smile Of love and sympathy, without thy counsels Ever safe and wise. We could not bear our grief If thou in yon lone graveyard lay. We know Thou art not dead, but in the Paradise Of God doth dwell with sainted loved ones, who Have waited long to place on thy dear head The starlight crown the Savior grants to all YONDERLAND. 19 Who brig^htly shine, and thus light other souls to Him. We see thy beckoning hands, and we will strive To walk the upward way, until our feet Shall touch the "shining shore," our voices join With thine in alleluias evermore. THANKSGIVING. WE thank Thee, Lord! for all thy gifts, So rich, so full, and free, For love and life, for blooming flower. For bird and leafy tree. We thank Thee, Lord! that Thou hast given To earth, thy sun and rain. That all our granaries are filled, With ripened golden grain. We thank Thee, Lord! for gift of friends. For friends, who with Thee dwell, For what they are, and were to us, Our hearts with praises well. 20 THANKSGIVING. We thank Thee Lord! that when sore grief, And trials have oppressed. Our hearts have listened to thy voice: "Come unto me and rest," We praise Thee Lord! that when our feet In wayward paths would stray, Thy pitying love hath wooed us back, Into the holier way. We praise Thee, Lord ! that 'neath thy wings, We may securely bide. Though enemies may lurk around, No evil shall betide. We praise Thee, Lord! that we may know Of thy unmeasured love, That Thou didn't come on earth to dwell, That we might live above. We praise Thee, Lord! but cannot speak The gratitude we feel, We only ask, that we by grace, Thy likeness may reveal. YONDERLAND. 21 ABBA FATHER. AB'BA, Father! loving Father! Bid our breaking hearts be still! In this hour of deepest anguish, May we love thy righteous will. Thou did'st bid us, Abba, Father, Place our treasure in thy care. Now with trembling hands we bring it Weeping, Lord, we leave it there. Thou hast said O Abba, Father! That where'er our treasures be There our hearts will find their h|av en. Ours henceforth shall be with Thee. And we praise Thee, Abba, Father, That amid the undefiled. In thy Httle children's garden Plays our own, our angel child. OUR MISSION. SINCE we cannot cross the ocean To a far ofT pagan shore, There to take the glorious gospel To the strange Zenana's door. 22 OUR MISSION. What then can we do for Jesus? We can bring our love to Him, Love so true, so pure, so lasting That all time shall never dim. We can bring to Him our treasures Some indeed 'twere hard to give, Did not grateful hearts remember, What he gave that they might live. We can bring our prayers to Jesus, Prayers for those who know Him not, Prayers for those in heathen darkness By his blood so dearly bought. X Then when earthly prayers are ended. And we reach yon heaven, so sweet To us waiting, will be given Crowns with jewels all replete. And if we should trembling whisper, "Lord this crown is not for me, It must surely be for that one. Who has done great things for Thee." Then our loving Lord will answer: "Child, these w'ondrous jewels bright Are the souls of those benighted, Wrapped in saddest, darkest night. YONDERLAND. 23 "But thy prayers came up before me And I saw thy many tears, Now as stars, for thy rejoicing, They shall shine through endless years." THE NAME OF JESUS. IS your soul aweary of sin? Would you the blest Christ-life begin? Would you perfect peace have within? Then just whisper, Jesus, Jesus. Alone do you travel life's road? Are there none to lighten your load? Do trials o'erwhelm like a flood? Then just whisper, Jesus, Jesus. With blinding pain do'iw* lie low. Seeking relief none can bestow? He holds a balm for every woe, Then just whisper, Jesus, Jesus. Are you waiting, watching in vain For loved ones, who come not again? List to your angels' sweet refrain. As they sing of Jesus, Jesus. 24 A PICTURE. When your cup of joy runneth o'er, Then out of your bountiful store Remember the sad at your door, O tell them of Jesus, Jesus. Then to your heart will come no fear As "earth recedes" and heaven draws near, Then, oh then, with joy you shall hear The whisper of Jesus, Jesus. A PICTURE. IN yonder cottage by the river, Where the silvery aspens quiver, Dwelt a sweet and radiant maiden. Rich with gifts by heaven laden, Flitting through the fleeting hours, With singing birds, and lovely flowers, Banishing all thoughts of sadness. With her merry songs of gladness. YONDERLAND. 25 Her fond parents watched her growing, In those things well worth the knowing, Saying: "She of noon-tide is our sunlight, She will be our joy at twilight, Nothing ill shall e'er betide us, While our darling walks beside us." Never dreaming that her graces Made her meet for heavenly places. Never dreaming one was coming, In the early evening gloaming. Who would bear her soul immortal, Through death's dim and shadowy portal. Far beyond their earthly vision. To the blessed fields Elysian. Now they sit alone and ponder. Saying: "This is home no longer, Home is not the things are in it. But the feet that tread within it. Now she roams in pastures vernal, Where are scenes of light supernal. Where heaven's arches high are ringing, With songs angelic choirs are singing. Lilting that celestial chorus, Happy now, she waiteth for us. 26 WITH CHRIST. "Soon we'll cross the river dreary, Pass that portal, where the weary Cease from toil, and sin so-staining, To the rest for them remaining, To the clasping and the meeting, To the welcome and the greeting. To that realm, where none are parted, And where dwell no broken-hearted; Where they bow in adoration. The redeemed of every nation. Praise to Him in sweet tones blending. Who hath given them bliss unending." WITH CHRIST. PAIN'S fiery furnace all aglow Before me stands. But He will walk beside me there With nail-scarred hands, O tearful grief! O sobbing grief! Angel art thou. To show my breaking heart the Christ With thorn-crowned brow. YONDERLAND. 27 f Should friends I love unfaithful prove, And foes deride. Still I can smile, since I may touch His spear-pierced side. Let pain and tears and cruel foe Be multiplied, All change to joys, if I with Christ Am crucified. LIFE IS LIFE. ONE whom I love, wished I might live Hundreds of years anew. Another knowing all my grief, Prayed that my years be few; My friend made answer, "Life is life What matter where 'tis given, Some flowers will bloom by every track That surely leads to Heaven." OUR ANGEL BOY. HUSH! tread softly in this sacred place. For we have come to pay our homage now 28 OUR ANGEL BOY. Before our sainted shrine, yet nearer bear The taper, to the cradle-bed, where lies Our heart's idol. Gently lift the snowy Fabric fit emblem of the purity And innocence of the fair slumberer Concealed beneath its dainty folds. And now behold the same sweet imagery That oft before has met our gaze, as we Have worshipped at this our frail heart's altar. But where is that, sweet smile, which hitherto Has greeted us? And those blue eyes so like His sainted mothers? Are they evermore To be concealed, beneath those curt'ning lids? Those eyes that plead with so much eloquence, For what he had not power to ask in words. And has the baby prattle, which so oft Has made us quite forget the petty griefs, And trials of the day, and charmed us e'en To tears, O has it ceased forever? Say, has the angel bearing death sealed these Colorless lips, with his cold icy touch? And shall the tiny dimpled hand ne'er toss Again those fairy kisses to each loved One, as in days of yore 'twas wont to do? YONDERLAND. 29 No answer to these eager questionings, That come from bursting, bleeding hearts is heard, All, all is silent, for before* us lies Naught but the beauteous casket, the jewel bright Has gone from us to add new lustre To the diadem that decks the Savior's brow. We did not see the angel form, that came To bear our darling hence, but to our hearts There comes a secret whisper, telHng us It was the same pure gentle spirit Which in bygone hours, when clad in robe Of earthliness, has joyous trod with us These very rooms and halls, and by her words Of love and sympathy, has smoothed the path Of many weary, fainting wanderers, And if a few brief years, has answered well Life's end, winning a many-jewelled crown. Yet now our mother-earth impatient waits, To clasp within her long embrace, this clay So beautifully formed, this silken hair, This manly brow, that oft we gazed upon So proudly, and in our minds had pictured So noble vv'hen he should become a man. 30 OUR FATHER. Oh, Father grant in this sad hour thine aid, And henceforth, so direct our thoughts that we May lay our offerings on no earthly shrine, But may our hearts %£ pure, deep devotion rise As grateful incense, to thy throne on high; And when in coming years, we shall recall The scenes, that cluster round the few short months^ Of his unsullied life, we'll look upon Each little toy, the tiny half-worn shoe. Then raise cur tear-dimmed eyes toward heaven And thank Thee Father, that "Thou mad'st us Know how fair thine earth could be, and taught us Love, and in life's tapestry of care A golden figure wove." OUR FATHER. A CHILD of our Father! O why should I fear. Be watching for trials. That may not appear? Since no ill can befall Those whom He holds dear. YONDERLAND. 31 A child of our Father! Who loves to the end, In the hour of need His mercy doth lend, In the hour of grief The Comforter send. A child of our Father ! Who seeketh to win My swift wandering- feet, From byways of sin, And for all my unrest Give sweet peace within. A child of our Father! O why should I eat Of the soul-starving husk. Since He grants me a seat At his bountiful table? O tidings most sweet! The child of my Father! My heart lists thy call, In deepest contrition Before Thee I fall, O be Thou forever My all, yea my all. 32 / KNOW. I KNOW. I READ in thine own word, dear Lord, That, thoug^h oppressed by cruel foe, Thy sheltering arms would be my shield; And I believed, but did not know. That though the path, thy will had planned, Should lead me, where dark waters flow. Thy peerless Son would walk with me; This I believed, but did not know. Time flew apace, and loved ones came, Making my home a heaven below; A very gleam of Paradise; Still I believed, but did not know. At last there dawned a day When through a fiery furnace, I must go, O there, my Christ, I saw thy face, And now I praise Thee, that I know. YONDERLAND. 33 THE MOTHER. SAY not: — "She is dead!" the mother beloved, But rather say this, "She has gone up above To that beautiful city, whose streets Are of gold, and its walls are of jasper, Where no night ever comes, neither sickness, Nor sorrow, nor partings, which here on earth Break our hearts, with the weight of their burden. Where they hunger no more, for the fair tree Of life, ever bendeth with fruitage delicious, Neither thirst, for the water of life clear asC>. Crystal, from the throne of God ever floweth." Say, "She lives in the mansions glorious Prepared long ago by Jesus most precious." On the arm of her Beloved, the shadowy Valley, with willing feet she trod safely. Think of the greeting at the gates pearly, From all the dear ones, who have passed on Before her, and more, yea more than all others The Saviour's glad welcome, "Well done, my sister." 34 TRUSTING. Let not tears of sorrow, fall for your loved one Since unendin^s^ joy, is henceforth her portion. But, if unbidden the tear-drops are flowino^ Let them fall, for the memory blessed Of the life so pure, so precious, so stainless. And thank our All-Father, that it is yours, To call her "my mother," and that some day. She shall clasp you again to her bosom, And vou shall be with her forever and ever. TRUSTING. IN the "Book of books" our Father Are the blessed words, Jesus said to his disciples Of thy care of birds. That the little wounded sparrow Which we oft despise, Ne'er escapes the tender notice Of thy watchful eyes. Since thy gracious, sweet compassion Notes the birdling's fall. Sure on Thee, thy loving children Cannot vainlv call. YONDERLAND. 35 Though, through thick, and thorny brambles Oft our path may be, Still it is the nearest, safest Wav to heav'n and Thee. For Thou dost give thine "angels charge" Over all our ways. And in their hands, they bear us up, Through our earthly days. So we praise Thee, Abba, Father, For thy precious words, Giving us the blest assurance Of thv care for birds. NOT DEAD. THEY are not dead! our loved ones gone, Only away in Yonderland; Their barques have reached that blessed shore, Their feet have pressed its shining sand. 36 NOT DEAD. Safely they rest in our Father's house, In their heavenly mansions fair, Learning now, what they longed to know, The glory it is, "to be there." Chanting are they the glad "new song," Song the redeemed only may sing, Of "blessing and honor" and praise, To Christ their Saviour and King. On errands of love they often come To hearts bearing sorrow untold, And out of their darkness and gloom, The pathway of light they unfold. By the crystal stream, they often roam And talk of their joys, not of fears. Of the blissful time, when with them We shall dwell through the endless years. No. no, not dead! our loved ones gone; Only away in Yonderland, Sweet, Oh sweet will the meeting be. When our barques shall touch its golden strand. YONDERLAND. 37 PRAISE. WE thank Thee, g-racious Lord, for pain. Since we should never know The rest of "everlasting^ arms" Did we not suffer so. We thank Thee, blessed Lord, for grief Since he becomes joint-heir With Thee, the "Man of Sorrows" Who in thy grief hath share. ANNIVERSARY HYMN. TO Thee our Lord and King, This day our hearts would bring Tribute of praise. For many an answered prayer. For strength to burdens bear, For Thy protecting care Through all our days. For heavenly mansions fair, Holding our treasures rare. Our home above; For loved ones glorified. For thine own word to guide, For Christ, the Crucified, We bring our love. 38 SERVICE. That each Thy work may share, With Christ become ioint-heir, Praise we thy name. With Him to suffer pain. To count by loss our gain, Lift sorrow's sad refrain. Thus heirship claim. For those who count not dear Their lives, that men may hear Of Thy dear name. We bring Thee praise, and pray That soon will dawn the day When all shall own thy sway, Thy love proclaim. SERVICE. I MAY not know How great the tasks Thou hast for me to do, I only ask, That I mav win some souls to life anew. YONDERLAND. 39 I may not know How smooth, or rough, the steeps I have to cHmb ; I only ask, That, I may aid someone to heights subUme. I may not know What depths of grief, it may be mine to bear, I only ask. For power divine, a brother's woe to share. I may not know How strong and fierce the foes, that round me rove. I only ask. That grace be mine, to conquer them with love. I may not know When I shall sail on Death's resistless tide; I only ask. That Thou wilt be my Helper and my Guide. Then I may know, That I shall reach yon heavenly place, I only ask, That I may greet my loved ones face to face. 40 A PRAYER. A PRAYER. "FORBID O Lord! that we should ever pray "Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth" And bear, but little share in ushering in That glorious day, when every knee shall bow, And every tongue confess, that Thou, and Thou Alone, are Christ, Our Father help us, that We lay our time and talents, and our iiJ*«e/»»^*S Upon thine altar, the gifts of grateful. Loving hearts, and with them, may our earnest Prayers ascend, that Thou wilt multiply Our offerings, with thine own touch divine, As once, Thou dids't of old, the barley loaves And fishes small, until the multitude Were fed, we are so weak and blind, O Lord, Like children playing in dark valleys, When they might breathe the purer mountain air Come by thy Spirit's might we pray, and break These earth-forged chains that bind faith's wings, that we May henceforth upward fly. Open our blind eyes That we may see how we may help some lost one To thy heaven, and Thee, a garnered sheaf from Earthly harvest field, a glory to thy name. Through all the ceaseless ages of eternity, And thine shall all the praises be. YONDERLAND. 41 ANGEL OF DEATH. "THE King of Terrors," I have heard Thee called, O Angel Death! not thus I speak thy name, since my dear Lord Has burst the tomb, and conquered thee, Angel of Light art thou, to do His will, and at his high behest Dost break the bonds, that bind our souls To earth, that on unfettered wing. They may fare forth to that fair land For which they long have striven. SHADRACH, MESHACH, AND ABEDNEGO. I SEE the Hebrew captives three. Kneeling with faces turned toward The Holy city. Now I hear them Pleading, with earnest words, like these: — "O, Thou, who art our father's God, Who hast so kindly dealt with us Through all these years, that we have dwelt As strangers, in a lonely land, Remember us in our great grief, Deliver us! O, Lord we pray. Let us not die by heathen hands." 42 SHADRACH, MESHACH, ETC. Again, I see them firmly stand Before the king; I hear them thus Make answer to his stern decree: — "We will not bow before thy gods. Nor worship the great image, thou Hast caused to be set up. Our God Is able to deliver us From out thy hand, if so it be His will divine, if not, 'tis well." Anon. I see them once again, Thrust by the fury of the king, Into a seven times heated flame; But, Oh! what wondrous sight, it fills My soul with awe, and thrilling joy; For lo! beside them walks the Christ. O, happy, yea thrice happy three! For his dear hand's unloose their bonds. And they have walked beside their Lord, And from the fiery furnace, have come forth Purged from their dross, and made more meet For Christlike service. YONDERLAND. 43 Captive ones! Through all the ages past there comes To me your story, bringing joy And comfort to my waiting heart, Since He who trod the furnace heat With you, now watches o'er my wa}-; Cheered with this thought, anew I gird My armor for life's hourly strife, Assured that, though the furnace be Seven times more heated than its wont. Unhurt, I shall come forth, since Christ, My Christ, will lead me safely through, Aye more, tried as with fire, and proven Fit for his sweet service, I may Go forth to work for Him, and if By patient toil, and thoughtful care, In lowly cot, or garret drear, I find His image, e'en though dim. With grateful heart, I'll humbly say, I, too, have seen my Lord today. A NEW YEAR'S WISH. WHAT shall I wish for thee, my friend, At dawning of the year? 1 would that I might please thee well. Thou art, to me, so dear. 44 A LESSON. If I should wish 'twere ever thine To pluck the thornless rose, Then thou would'st miss the joy divine, To soothe another's woes. If I should wish, that God might grant No tears thine eyes should dim. Thou would'st not see the rainbow tints. Through light, which comes from Him. So this my daily prayer shall be. That unto thee be given, ^ Such paths to tread, be rough or smoth, As keep thee nearest heaven. A LESSON. THE valley glistened in the sun. Her grassy spears were jewelled-spun, Her fragrant violets bore the trace Of twilight kisses on each face. Her tiny streamlet onward sped, Singing along its pebbly bed; "O," sang the valley, "It is bliss To live in joyous world Hke this!" YONDERLAND. 45 But ere his daily course was run, Dark clouds had veiled from sig'ht the sun, And all the distant fields of heaven Were lightning-flashed and thunder-riven; Soon torrents o'er the valley pour, Morn found no trace of all her store, The verdant leaf and flowers bright. Had passed in darkness of the night. The valley saw with grief forlorn. Her treasures from her bosom torn. With breaking heart, she sobbing said: — "My joy forevermore has fled." Time flew apace! Heaven birdlings sent To scatter seeds, on bosom rent, Gave shining sun and gentle rain. And blossoms sweet, for all her pain. O Lord of life! O Lord of love! My treasures are with Thee above. For all I meet, while here below. In my torn heart let flowers grow. 46 MY SHEPHERD. MY SHEPHERD. THE night is dark why did I stray So far from yonder fold away? Kind Shepherd lead me back I pray; Good Shepherd come for me. Fierce blows the wind across the wold, The night is dark and chill and cold, Kind Shepherd lead me to thy fold; Good Shepherd come for me. The night is dark! I hear the cry Of howling- wolves, it cometh nigh, O leave me not alone to die, Dear Shepherd come for me. The night is dark! O list I hear My Shepherd's voice in accents clear "My wand'ring lamb no longer fear, Thy Shepherd comes for thee," Safe in the fold, no more to rove! My Shepherd left his home above To rescue me, O wondrous love! My Shepherd came for me. YONDERLAND. 47 BLESSED ARE THEY THAT MOURN. "BLESSEl^ are they that mourn" — For they shall comfort find; These words to me were borne While I, with gjrief, was blind. How could I blessed be. When I alone was left Of our once happy three? So g"reat was I bereft! Yet every day I prayed; — "Lord bless each mourning soul. On Thee may they be stayed, Make broken spirits whole." One day, I sang a note That from my heart was pressed, Note from sad singer's throat. Which soothed a troubled breast. Then came the promise true. Which T had often read, Revealed by light anew, "They shall be comforted." 48 OUR CARE-TAKER. OUR CARE-TAKER. SHALL He who feed's his flocks Upon a thousand hills. And brings them drink, to quench their thirst, From myriad sin.s^ing^ rills; Aye, gives to every springing flower, Its need of sun and rain; Nor fails to note the sparrow's fall. Nor raven cries in vain, Let his own children's faintest sigh. Escape his waiting ear? O doubting heart! forevermore Dismiss thy faithless fear. I SHALL SEE HIM. Num. 24:17. "I SHALL see Him, but not now—" He who wept on Olive's brow, Still has fields for me to plough. I shall see Him! not today. Yet a litle while I stav Here to work, and watch, and pray. YONDERLAND, 49 I shall see Him ! but not yet, Till my sun of life is set, Till I've learned heaven's alphabet. When night's mantle is withdrawn From th' immortal day's bright morn, And its light shall on me dawn I shall see Him, face to face, And in yon celestial place, Ever sing redeeming grace. ALONE WITH GOD. ALONE with God! how sweet to feel As in his presence here I kneel, I have no wounds. He cannot heal. Alone with God! He only knows How sore my grief, how deep my woes, Yet with his love my cup o'erflows. Alone with God ! He does not chide, When I my faults to Him confide, But draws me closer to his side. 50 NOW I LAY ME. Alone with God! supremely blest, Leaning my head upon his breast, Who bids me come to Him and rest Alone with God! O blest retreat! O holy tryst! O bliss complete! As here I hold communion sweet. Alone with God! ne'er let me stray From thy dear presence Lord away, Keep Thou my feet through endless day. NOW I LAY ME. "NOW I lay me down to sleep" — Without the least alarm. Lest Thou should'st fail to keep My soul from touch of harm. Throug'h all my passing days. Thy kind and gentle hand Hath led, in all my ways. Whether by sea, or land. YONDERLAND. 51 Whether by waters still, Or in green pastures fair, Oftimes o'er rugged hill. But always, Thou wert there. What boots it then, which road I take at morning light, Or where, I drop my load At coming of the night? Whether on mountain side, Or on some desert drear? Contented I abide. Since Thou, My Lord, art near. And when at last, I close My weary eyes in sleep. In death's embrace repose, Thou Lord My soul wilt keep. THE CLAY ARTIST. WITH willing hand the artist wrought Through many a livelong day. Seeking, the image in his soul To stamp upon the clay. 52 THE CLAY ARTIST. Year after year he patient toiled. Nor yet his task was done, Nor yielded he, to thought of rest Until his goal was won. His heart kept saying o'er and o'er, "The Man of Gallilee!" His burning wish, that he might give The world. His face to see. Thus often to himself he spoke, As to his task he trod; — "O, would I might reveal a son Of man, yet son of God!" The years still hastened on apace, His courage faltered not The holy vision in his soul His every fibre fraught. At last there dawned a wondrous day, When glory filled the place In which he wrought, his final touch Disclosed a Christly face. When sun had set 'twas bitter cold. His hearth with fire burned low, Yet kenned he naught of wintry blast, His soul was all aglow. YONDERLAND. 53 But in the watches of the niefht Bethoug:ht him of his love, Seizing a blanket from his cot Around the figure wove. Yet fiercer blew the howling wind, And rising from his bed, His other blanket took, and wrapped About the figures' head. Nor dreamed he of his sacrifice, That his worn frame was chilled, This only thought, to save for men The Christ, his bosom filled. When morning dawned a neighbor came, And found two forms of clay. And both were radiant with the light Of heaven's eternal day. MY TREASURE. THERE'S a cap in my drawer, Made with plainest of lace. Of very slight value. If you ne'er saw the face, That once shone beneath it With saintliest grace. 54 MY TREASURE. If her blue eyes so tender, Ne'er looked in your own, And soug^ht there to find Some deep hidden moan; Some secret of pain. To others unknown. If her dear voice so g^entle, Ne'er fell on your ears With assurance most sweet, Dispelling your fears, And her own precious lips. Ne'er kissed away tears. But if your own mother, Had worn it one day. And then from your sight Had gone far away, O, then you would treasure it For aye, and for aye. A crown jewel-studded You would not so prize. You reverently touch it, Tears blind your eyes You long for your angel In yon Paradise. YONDERLAND. 55 SNOW. BEAUTIFUL crystals! snowy white! Diamonds sparkling in the light, Wonderful Maker! to form them so, Like stars above, and gems below, Downward flitting^hrough the air, Cov'ring the earth, with mantle fair, Veiling from sight, unlovely things, Making them white as angels' wings; Beautiful gift! to each waiting heart Visions of truth, thou dost impart. Wonderful truth ! which makes us know How sin-stained souls, may be white as snow. A GOLDEN WEDDING. WE'VE gathered in your home, loved friends, To bring you happy greeting. Your clan has heard the bugle call That fast the time is fleeting. We look upon your silvered hair. And as we gaze, we wonder. What pictured scene, when parson said, "Let not man put asunder," 56 A GOLDEN WEDDING. We query, if the bride wore white, And the groom a cut-a-way, If strains of wedding-march were heard, Just fifty years tod ay. If you went on a wedding-trip, Across the country sleighing, If youngsters threw old shoes and rice, Tricks they today are playing. The fifty years, since then, dear friends, Are filled with generous giving; No needy one e'er came for aid, Who has not shared your living. And many a one, who looked on life As rugged, rough and dreary, Beneath your roof has taken heart, You were so brave and cheery. Surely no soul has lived for naught, Who thus has lightened labor. And girded up for daily toil, His wearv-hearted neighbor. And though we often fail to note Because of human blindness, Yet, He who marks the sparrow's fall, Keeps record of each kindness. YONDERLAND. 57 And in His book of loving deeds, A cup of water given, Will write the giver, with the host, Who in His name have striven. Thrice blessed! they, who thus have wrought So many years together. Heart knit to heart, though days were fraught With dark and stormy weather. Aye, let it come with blow on blow, Nothing this bond can sever, All else may perish here below, But love lives on forever. Oh, how they look! those fifty years Beheld through future vision. Now full of hope, now full of fears. Not always fields elysian. Ah, fifty years! how short they seem, When we are backward viewing, O, vanished forms! O faded dreams Our eyes with tears bedewing. These fifty years of yours O friends. Have brought more joy than sorrow, And He who kindly mercy lends. Will shield from harm your morrow. 58 MY HOME. May God whose ever watchful eye Kens glint and shadow of life's story, Grant you in his blest home above, A golden crown of glory. MY HOME. FRIENDS bid me dwell beneath their roof. No longer restless roam. I thank the Lord for friendship's proof; But this is not my home. Love never tires, but patient strives My lonely heart to cheer. Bids me forget my growing loss; But home can ne'er be here. Familiar things, and faces dear That once adorned my room, On every hand, are round me here Yet this is not my home. My home is where those blest ones walk, Who once to me were given! Their feet now tread th' immortal shores. Henceforth my home is heaven. YONDERLAND. 59 FOURTEEN YEARS. JUST fourteen years today, my love, Since thou and I were wed! Years brimming o'er with blessedness Like passing dreams have fled. That fair October morn, my heart With questionings was rife, Since none can e'er recross the bridge Twixt maidenhood and wife. I did not dream, the wealth of love Dwelt in the gift divine, Which from my Father's hand there came, When first I called thee mine. But now, I ofifer grateful praise. For what thou art to me. For all thy patient, loving ways, Thy gentle courtesy. Rich blessings without wings, my love, Have fallen on our track; Of faithful friends, of needful things We ne'er have found a lack. 6o LULLABY. We've had our trials too, my love, Yet not too great to bear, Since it has been our growing^ joy To lift the other's share. Please God, we'll travel on, dear love. Nor let our faith grow dim, Then when our feet have weary grown. Together go to Him. LULLABY. STARS shine east, and stars shine west, For the one I love the best! Glowing lanterns lifted high Light the darkness of the sky. Strange that they through cloud-land peep Just as baby goes to sleep; When the birdies in their nest Fold their little wings to rest. And the downy chickie clings Close beneath his mama's wings, And the pretty buttercup Shuts its golden petals up! Now my precious close thine eyes List to mama's lullabies. YONDERLAND. 6i Sleep my darling sleep ! May the blessed an.e^els keep Watch above thy slumber deep! Lullaby! lullaby! Keep thee ever pure and sweet, Make smooth paths for tender feet! As the coming years shall fleet; Lullaby! lullaby! Sometime kiss thy weary eyes, Bear thee gently through the skies, To yon fields of Paradise. Lullaby! lullaby! ONE DAY EACH YEAR. ONE day each year in childhood's time I thought was well worth living, When uncles, aunts, and cousins went To "grandpa's" for Thanksgiving. It seemed to me the longest time, Before the words were said, "Now let the children come," for then. The elders first were fed. 62 ONE DAY EACH YEAR. O what a feast there was of nuts, So dear to children's hearts, Of chicken-pie and turkey. Of puddings, pies and tarts. But best of all was grandpapa, With hair so silvery white. Who in our merry, merry games. Took genuine delight. The dear old man! I see him yet, With sweet and gentle mien, And heart as pure, as ever yet To mortal given I ween. So ripe indeed, was he for heaven, One day he slipped away, And though our hearts with grief were riven, We could not bid him stay. And one by one we've followed him, Until there now are more Dwelling with him in yonderland. Than on the hither shore. We praise the Lord that they are safe, And we, who here are living, May sometime go to them, and keep Perpetual Thanksgiving. YONDERLAND. 63 THE EIGHTY-NINTH BIRTHDAY. WHAT message shall I send to thee? What welcome wreath entwine, For one who's touched the mountain notch Of fourscore years and nine? How many years have rolled away, Since by Divine behest, Thou camest to my childhood's home A truly welcomed guest. In those past days, we children thought It an eventful day. When 'neath the shelter of our roof. Our preacher came to stay. Now this request, I have to make, That thou wilt not be vexed, When I confess, of sermons thine, I only know one text. -,,i*'!a? That verse, in Nehemiah found. Reads thus "Arise and build." And then in all the peoples' hearts New courage was instilled. 64 THE EIGHTY-NINTH BIRTHDAY. So they quickly went to work, The "pulpit" was torn out. That dear old desk! I see it yet, It wasn't half worn out. It seemed the proper thing to do, (If I could have my way. Back to the same old place 'twould go. Before another day.) About the rest, I'm not so sure, But fancy all was right, I know they dedicated it, And there was great delight. Through passing years thou'st watched that plant. And joyed to see it grow. But of the flock that thou didst feed Just fifty years ago The larger part have crossed the stream, To yonder mansions fair. With faith's clear eye, we catch a gleam Of loved one's gathered there. YONDERLAND. 65 Thou'st stood beside their dying beds, And brought them words of cheer, Then, with the loved ones, so bereft. Hast dropped the heartfelt tear. Among that band 'twas thine, to find The partner of thy life, And, often thou hast praised the Lord, That thou could'st call her wife. Rich gifts are thine, from Heavenly hand, For stalwart sons arise. To call thee blessed, day by day, While near, the western skies. As when the sun by darkened earth. Is hidden from our sight, Though, where he dwells in yonder skies, There is no gloomy night. So when thy sun of life, has set On earthly-given way, It shall be thine, to dwell in light Of Heaven's Celestial day. 66 BIRTHDAY THOUGHTS. BIRTHDAY THOUGHTS. ANOTHER cycle finds its end, What has it brought to thee, O, friend? What is the record of thy year Of pleasures sweet, or sorrow's tear? Hast made thyself a willing gift That other souls thou might'st uplift? With others' joys hast thou had share? Has it been thine, sore grief to bear? For pleasure thou hast offered praise, Could'st thou for grief thanksgiving raise? Or have thy tears so blinded thee, Thy Father's face thou could'st not see? Some blessed day thou'lt understand He led thee with a gracious hand. How sweet it then will be to know That thy "dear Lord hath led thee so." Then trust to Him thy coming years, Mar not thy peace with faithless fears; He walked "before" to GaHlee But now He ever walks with thee. YONDERLAND. 67 MEMORIES. IN memory's crypt, a picture lies Of my Goldilocks, Sitting on the nursery floor, Playimg with her blocks, Or creeping up to close my book, When I tried to read. Lest all her winsome little ways, I should fail to heed. Then "mama" was the only word Her baby lips could say. And ere another she had learned, I was called away. Every live-long day, seemed passing With a^Taggard pace, While the mother-heart was pining For my darling's face. Dreaming of it in the night-time. Longing so to learn. If my little one would know me When I should return. 68 MEMORIES. Weary hours at length were ended, Welcomed thrice the day. When my eager footsteps wended The long- homeward way. When I crossed the well-known threshold, On my waiting ear Fell music, her divinest note, "Mama, mama here." Then she heard her Papa's footsteps, Ran to bring him near. While her baby-lips kept saying, "Papa, mama here." Now they both have crossed the river, Without thought of fear. To that land where are no partings. And where falls no tear. Some blest day, I hope to meet them. Will my listening ear. Hear her sweet voice, once more saying, "Papa, mama here." VERSES FOR CHILDREN. YONDERLAND. 71 CHRISTMAS. A True Incident. ON a street in Chinatown, Children at their play- Talked about good Santa Claus And of Christmas day. "I shall hang my stocking up, Where I'll Santa see While he packs the goodies in," Said sweet Susie Lee, "I think he'll bring a dolly And a cradle, too. And so many other things, Dear, what shall I do?" "I shall hang my stocking up," Said brave Willie Boies, "And get it full of candy, And just lots of toys." 72 , CHRISTMAS. Of course these little schemers, Soon in dreamland slept, While their guardian-angels, Loving watch-care kept.