PS 35^1 K87Q4 UEST F^ il jIlllllliHililliii % ill !! i| 1 i! 11 1 1 1 1 nil " WILLIAM H.PHi Book , H ;• 7 I -1 CoipghtN' n 1 =^ CDElfRIGHT DEPOSIT. A QUEST FROM THE WILDERNESS A QUEST FROM THE WILDERNESS By WILLIAM H:' PHIPPS PHILADELPHIA THE JOHN C. WINSTON COMPANY 1919 ^■4^'' ■^^.^■6^ s-^ ,>N^ coptright, 1919, by William H. Phepps ©CI.A533637 AUG -2i9jy A QUEST FROM THE WILDERNESS PEACE on earth good will toward men Such was the love of God for sin- ful man. He sent His Son, the Nazarene, to dwell On earth a while, So did the mission tell In far off Africa, deep in the hidden wilds, To heathen tribes benighted, where the child's Life is sacrificea to appease imagined gods: Where in swamps and fens huge crocodiles Grow fat on human flesh; Where on sleepy isles. The langorous lotus blooms in tropic sun; Where time is naught, and slow the waters run. Where great trees, o'er grown with tangled vine, Shut out the sun; his burning rays scarce shine At noontide; 7] A QUEST FROM THE WILDERNESS "WTiere, when the night has come. Great beasts go out to seek their prey; Beasts that cower in the light of day : Where on the plain, the timid hartbeests fly , In hasty flight when comes the jungle cry Of swift and sudden death. Since Christ has come, in all the world is peace, So spake the preacher, and now in Greece, Rome, all Europe; in far off lands Crowned with snow, and on the burning sands Of India; There is a rising tide that swells In old Cathy. So on he tells. How, since this gentle soul was crucified Dumb gods of clay, no longer deified. Have been cast down and thrown in fire. Lo, earth is blossoming. Men's souls are higher. Where once were temples to pagan gods and lust, [81 A QUEST FROM THE WILDERNESS Now are builded altars unto the God we trust. He is the God of love, of tender mercy, and just To all men. The javelin and the spear do rust, Where nations worship at the feet of him. Who died upon the cross, and in good Joseph's tomb Was buried. He, from this sepulcher, as from the womb, Was born anew, The mother heart which searched for him Cried out to know where he was lain, For still the light was dim. How Peter, John, and Paul this story told, And came to Rome, the wondrous city old To preach the gospel. Now, stands St. Peter's where once were burned Christians. From paganism the world has turned To Christianity. [9] A QUEST FROM THE WILDERNESS Bells from many spires Ring joyously; and many- voiced choirs Sing songs of holy peace and love of God, For now we follow Him, the Son, How in far America, the flag of stars In heaven's blue, seeks not for wars. But, were more nearly to the blessed throne; Where man walks free, with freedom great- est known. Thus did he preach with earnest zeal and fire To his assembled auditors, to mother, son and sire. n THEN said the chief, "I do believe on him who thus can bring Peace to mankind; Ye of this tribe, we chall cling Unto the faith this good man brings. A QUEST FROM THE WILDERNESS Serve ye my son, he shall your ruler be. While I shall journey far across the sea. I would give glory unto him, who, from the dead. Shook off the swaddling clothes. No longer do I dread The time when these hands will be cold in death When stops the breath and beats the heart no more. For then to heaven shall the spirit soar. Let us from wars be free, go tell the chiefs, No longer in this land shall there be grief. For God is love, true God of kindly love. Who sent his Son to man from heaven above. Now shall we live forever. Go till your fields. Bring forth the citron and all that nature yields. I go, when I return, ye shall assemble all. For must ye know what I have seen. I call [11] A QUEST FROM THE WILDERNESS On him to give me grace and strength and time To do his bidding and I shall hear the chime Of bells, and hear the songs that tell his glory; When I return to ye, shall faithful tell the story." Ill THE assembled chiefs and multitude with wonder And amaze saw him depart, nor did the thunder. Nor the rain distract them in their awe. For he, their chief, was going hence, he whose law Did rule. Would he ne'er return again, And give command unto their fighting men? * * * * The caravan departs loaded with ivory and spice [12 A QUEST FROM THE WILDERNESS To pay the way. Untaught in barter — ^Vice was not Known to them. Straight, clean limbed, clear of eye. With rhythmic motion the burden bearers vie The others to outdo; and all the while they chant A wild song of the forest. When the rays were slant. At even-tide, they onward press'd graceful and strong As when at morning, they break into song. Thus passed day on day, no faltering, no tiring. And when at dawn of day or day expiring. Command was given to take up the task Or lay it down, after, or for, a rest. Each was of his master proud, who blest Their service by kindly thought and deed. They crossed the forest to the desert sands Where marauding bands Did oft infest the way. 13 A QUEST FROM THE WILDERNESS "Fight ye not, men. Protect ye only our possessions and then Give food and drink These know not the Christ, And we shall teach of him by kindly deed. And tell the story. And we shall plead With them as did the mission, for he did say *Go to the farthest end and show the way.' Even as he did us. So as the wind doth scatter seed We will the gospel spread, and like the steed. From far Arabia, the trackless main shall cross." IV 1^ ND when a moon had come and gone, y-Jk and then anew, ^ "^ A disk appeared, a silver thread that grew From day to day, until, at last the eastern sky Was silvered, as the sun went down, behind the dry lu A QUEST FROM THE WILDERNESS And trackless desert, Lo, there appeared The waving fronds of palms, that reared Their heads across the silver light; And once again was heard the call of birds at night; While far below a glinting glistening beam Quivered and danced in waves upon a stream. It was the Nile, and far beyond was traced In shimmering light. On either side was laced By palms like columns guarding a silvered hall; Nature's battlements like towered wall Did guard the farther shore. There on the north a field Ran low and level; and grew a richer yield Of harvest below the pyramids. Such was the sight That greeted Chief and warrior at the fall of night. 115] A QUEST FROM THE WILDERNESS V AND this is Egypt," said the chief, "Egypt of fame ^ That came to us in stories. Egypt whose name Was known ages long gone even in our forest home. Our chieftain sires have told us oft, from Rome Came many jBghting men to this fair land And overthrew her kings. How on the desert sand, At Sakhara blood flowed like redden'd wine. Across the desert came warriors like a vine Never ending, on and on, for days and days Burning, robbing, pillaging, and captive took away In slavery, even as my people were enslaved. And made to row great ships, few were saved In days of never ending tasks. 116] A QUEST FROM THE WILDERNESS The dead into the sea were cast And were devoured by huge monsters of the deep ; Foul scorpions o'er the sick did creep; A molten sun struck down the living at their task. While sat in state the masters, guarding casks Which from the slaves were savagely denied, Who from their thirst at labor died, — Nor could they flee, For wind and wave on every side forbade And so they toiled and burned, sickened and died; The poor flesh bereft of life was spurned * aside. — And scarcely were they worse than Egypt's king, Cheops, who drove his slaves across yonder wing Of the Great Nile's plain. Huge stones were brought [17] A QUEST FROM THE WILDERNESS Across yon plain pulled by thongs so wrought. That on the brow of slaves they pressed Until their staring eyes burst from beneath The crushing skull. So was yonder pyramid piled unto the sky, That he might live while night birds fly. And in the midst of that huge pile of stone Was his sarcophagus, from solid marble hewn; 'Tis now despoiled, and from the heart Of that vast pile was torn The urn that closed to hold him while the sun Each day should sail along the way it ever runs." VI NOW do I see Old Egypt born anew. And yon fair city whose jewels like the dew In morning sun sparkle and dance and flash. The rippling waters of the Nile do surge and splash. [18 A QUEST FROM THE WILDERNESS With passing ships. There are many calls, I know not what, shrill and loud, come o'er the city walls Its tumult is maddening to my soul. But, hold, the world wars not, peace is the goal. Somehow I feel a stifling; all seems to pant For gain. Now do I bethink me, and do grant A pagan city much, for much they have to learn Of him the Nazarene. Lo, still they burn Incense to strange gods even as we In far ofip forest, until to me Came the mission. Here, will we for the night abide In the free air, and on the morrow ride Into the city which yonder sets in light That sends a halo in the starlit night." 119 A QUEST FROM THE WILDERNESS VII SCARCE did the eastern sky betray The promise of a glowing newborn day; Scarce called the morning bird from hidden nest When rose the caravan from broken rest; So strange the night — behind, a white sand plain Where earth is dry and parched, never rain Doth fall — before, the gurgling waters flow Tell of the rising Nile below. Fed by far oflf streams whose fountain head. Lies in the forest far beyond the dead Sahara, whose trackless sands do blow Onward and onward like the driven snow W^hich drifts before the wind; And in the moonlight's pale refulgence bind Into plains of arctic whiteness, with rippling waves; Covering vast cities, and the graves Of multitudes, dead centuries long gone. [20] A QUEST FROM THE WILDERNESS Now all was hurry, the caravan as one Was eager to be going on its way To the strange city, when the new day Broke forth, and her golden rays Shone yellow on the higher pyramid. The Sphinx facing the east was hid In the dusk of early morning, as they passed Into the valley of the Nile, by great palms Which shade the avenue leading on to Cairo. The early morning car came forth. As if to meet them, from the north. Then glided by and left them far behind. Its dazing swiftness and its noisy grind Seemed like the lightning and the thunder's roar. That rend the forests when the torrents pour. A whirring sound approached them from behind And with a sough shot by in dusty wind. Their hearts beat fast while swift they strode along [21 A QUEST FROM THE WILDERNESS Words were not spoken, hushed their forest song! Higher and higher the temple turrets grew, And every turn more turrets brought in view. Hoarse the cry of drivers plying hard the lash On hapless steed. Sounds harshly brake and crash From moiling throng that filled the narrow ways, Bordered by clifflike buildings, shutting out the day, Which seemed infested caves. "Nay, let us on along the rippling waves Nor stay us here — ^This city did enslave Our people, that ever would be free, And knows not the patient man of Galilee." So spake the chief to break away the charm Seductive to his people, he from harm Would save them. 22] A QUEST FROM THE WILDERNESS "Our quest is not in Egypt, but, is far away, Where sets the throne of this, a new born day; Where once to beasts were martyrs fed, in Rome, There shall we worship, in the mission's home, Him, who died to save and set us free. Nor shall we falter in this pagan inn. To go astray, accursed in its sin? Lo, here upon this building, carved of stone, Stands high the cross; thaU we may call our own. Emblem it is, eternal peace to all Who follow him nor from the service fall. Behold we walk the streets of Cairo old Untrammeled, nor do fetters hold Our limbs. This pagan city hath touched His hand Here, in .His childhood, from a distant land They brought Him, safe from the Pharisee [23J A QUEST FROM THE WILDERNESS Who saw in Him new teachings for humanity. So now it comes we pass adown the river Nile "^Miere once the Mamelukes ruled, a while. In savage lust; Then blood of slave hard stricken flowed Upon the desert sands, We now unbound pass in safety by Their ruined city, And, overhead we hear the cry Of ravens that hover o'er the dead. Who worshiped pagan gods, and in their dread Of horrors, pestilence, famine, want of bread. Did sacrifice fair maidens to the river god, WTiose yearly overflow replenished Eg;^^pt's sod. Come, we shall follow down unto the sea This winding stream. There is the city Alexandria WTiere once the ruler of great pagan Rome For love of Cleopatra forsook his home." [24] A QUEST FROM THE WILDERNESS VIII i4D0WN the sparkling waters of the JX Nile -^ "^ In patient silence they wend their way. On the morning of a new born day, The sea spreads out before them far and wide, Where rush the waters in a flooding tide. Far in the north, where sky and sea seem one, Far in the east whence comes the morning sun At break of day to light them on their way. Is naught but waters of a boundless sea Bearing great ships, that proudly plow their way. Beyond horizon; beyond the bounds of day. The lapping waves aglinting dance around The laden'd ship which waits to bear beyond Alexandria's historic mart. The forest caravan to Rome's majestic port. 25] A QUEST FROM THE WILDERNESS WEIGH now the anchor," the cap- tain gives command, "Hoist well the sails." The ship with slow, majestic tread, Moves forward, her whiten'd sails out- spread. Calmly she turns her prow northward in the sea. Then onward moves surely and stead- fastly. No slaves are beaten with a stinging lash, But, willingly their burdens bear away Singing a song of love. Sweet voiced madonnas sing of the Nazarene; And maidens sing of lovers left behind. Or, lovers soon to see. The ship o'er surging billows rides Safe to her harbor on the rolling tides. 126] A QUEST FROM THE WILDERNESS IX WHAT happened on the way, nor what betide The pilgrim chieftain and his warriors tried We reckon not. Unto that city by the Tiber's side, Broad river bearing on the mountain's flood, Oft reddened by the flow of human blood. Our chief was bent. All else was naught His quest was with a holy mission fraught, His ecstacy was fevered, his eye burned bright When first he saw St. Peter's golden light. Towers and pinnacles in majesty untold; A saintly glory did his vision hold. The mother church of Christ, in pure white stone Sat in her majesty on the hills of Rome, In days long gone, where men were fed to beasts Midst ribald jesting at a Nero's feast, — [271 A QUEST FROM THE WILDERNESS Fair maids were bartered for a sack of gold To sensuous gluttons, for their pleasure sold. There reeking pits with dying men were strewn Whose steaming entrails were to monsters thrown, That surged against the bars their cage to break, And drink the blood that ran in rivers on the floor. STILL stands the ruins of Rome's etruscan day A noble monument of an ignoble sway. There, too, the forum, itself a work of art, Where gathered tradesmen in a world famed mart. There when disputes arose in selling of their wares Swift justice came; where bribers set their snares. 28 A QUEST FROM THE WILDERNESS Where Anthony, beside great Caesar's bier, Showed Caesar's wounds and touched the falling tear With frenzy — then love was turned to hate Of Brutus and blood lust sought to sate. Above and over all St. Peter's lofty dome In quiet majesty stood, the church's home, Magnificent and grand, strong and beneficent. Her cross emblazoned in the sun's ascent, Shines chaste as gold above surrounding dross All else beside is seeming filth and gross; The whole a gem of purity and thought. Now, as the chief did enter at the door A peace and quietude, all troubles o'er. Stole over him. It was God's sanctuary, the silence made him feel The Nazarene was near. Peace on earth good will from man to man. He taught to all; took children by the hand. [29 1 A QUEST FROM THE WILDERNESS Of the kingdom these, God's chosen band. While thus he stood, ascended from the choir Ave Maria. The chief fell prostrate before the holy throne Believing God was there and Christ his own. When the strains had ceased, in amber Hght, There came a kindly priest, robed in pure white, Who raised him to his feet and bade him follow on. The scintillating rays of morning sun Shone through the windows of the vaulted dome, Down through the shadows, a straight lanced chrome, A benediction on the chancel there, As on the altar of Elijah came the fire From heaven. "It is enough," the chief exclaims in awe, 30 A QUEST FROM THE WILDERNESS "I know God lives, in Him there is no flaw. Jesus of Nazareth rose from the grave To show mankind God's power to save. Not all the sands of deserts, nor the seas, Which lie between this temple and our leas. Nor yet the boundless forest whence we came. Do matter now, for I shall bear to them. My people, a tale of what my eyes have seen. My ears have heard and whence my feet have been." Through sacred chancel was the chieftain led A benediction said above his humbled head Then from St. Peter's went his joyful way Into the sunlight of a glorious day. isij A QUEST FROM THE WILDERNESS IN holy ecstacy he walked the cobbled street So lightly trod, scarce touching with his feet. Now and again he paused to turn And gaze upon St. Peter's; and to spurn The proffered trophies of the ruined halls Of ancient Rome, whose shattered walls May still be seen. It seemed a sacrilege, there at the throne Of Christianity, pagan bauds were shown And barter made of tawdry wares; It savored much of old Judea's fares Charg'd by grasping tradesmen who were thrown Out of the temple. Almost beneath St. Peter's holy cross,. Was sordidness, and filth, irreverence and dross. He turned his steps to wider streets and fields Where all was quiet and where nature yields [32] A QUEST FROM THE WILDERNESS Rich harvest for the needs of man; There to ponder, dream and meditate Upon the sacred theme; The mother's holy dream; And on that morn in Bethlehem When all the stars did sing, And heralds of the new born king Did shout for joy ; for there was peace Holy and lasting, kindly, loving peace. Lo! Now there came a sound of clanking swords, Hoarse command in harsh tyrannic words, Greeted his startled ear. And then came by with shouldered guns, And bayonets firmly belted on. Long lines of soldiers whose rhythmic tread Echoed along the road o'er cities of the dead; And mounted men with sabers by their side Were stern of mien, and haughty in their pride. [33] A QUEST FROM THE WILDERNESS Legion on legion passed in grand review, A never ending line, and many pennants flew O'er flaunting plumes. Now rumbled by the heavy carriage guns, That, like a scythe, mow down men In the harvest of death. Mile after mile of warriors passed him by; On either side were mothers with streaming eyes. Close clasping babes unto their heaving breasts; And children watching closely for the crest Of fathers for one last smile They may not see again; And maidens, gripped in agony of loss In separation from the lover, cling to the cross And say a prayer in silence. While he to far off lands goes by. His face is stern, and, if he hears the cry He dares not let her know and passes on, [34] A QUEST FROM THE WILDERNESS One of the millions that have gone Into this world-wide war, to lay Their bleaching bones on hillside, far away. XI OLD men were left behind, but loudly cheer'd As regimental banners floated by. And wished that they might call back youth And march away to fields of glory. Wisely they nod, and over tell the story Of other wars. Ever and anon. Some aged man did cry "God bless my son, And bring him back to me." Then, perhaps, a maid Did take his arm, a caressing hand she laid Upon his silver'd hair, her own sobs hush*d, To cheer the stricken father, with heart so crushed. At being thus bereft in his declining years. While to her eyes oft rushed the blinding tears. 135] A QUEST FROM THE WILDERNESS XII THE chieftain's burning soul was torn. What can this mean? When I did turn From savage strife to Christian peace, I thought there were no wars, the world to grace Had turned. Yet this is war, in this a Christian land. But only now, a little while, I did stand Beneath the sacred dome; and many- spires I see emblazoned with the fire Of God's descending sun. These men were armed with steel and sword, March as we marched, before the mission's word Was brought to us. And women wept; Old men a benediction called; children crept Closely to the mother as if afraid. [36] A QUEST FROM THE WILDERNESS What means the sorrow of father, wife and maid? Are Christ's teachings naught? Have men I gone mad Serving their gods of lust and greed? "Ye aged man, father of many sons, What mean the legions and the many guns? May I this ask of you?" Aged Man: — "Aye, that you may, those sons of mine Have gone to war. Were they not fine?' Chief: — "Then, were these men so proudly gone to fight A people in some foreign land, for right And bring them to our God?" Aged Man: — "True, it is the army of our king Gone to fight in foreign lands. But not with those who know not God, 137 1 A QUEST FROM THE WILDERNESS Christians they are who would invade our sod. Despoil us of our freedom. For there be kings who for ambition's sake Would rule the world, and sorrow make By slaughter of our sons." Chief: — "How can this be, if they be true To Christ's teachings.'^ In this, the new And holy peace where all men are brothers .f^" Aged Man: — "Aye, so they are, but, brothers do forget And fight. When the king commands Then must they go for country's cause Protect our firesides and our laws." Chief: — "Are then these enemies upon the soil Of your home lands to despoil.^" Aged man: — "Nay, not yet, but, nearer and nearer comes A siege to lay upon our borders. [381 A QUEST PROM THE WILDERNESS Other lands have fallen, and the drums Are sounding nearer all the while; We would repel invasion of our soil. Yea, too, perhaps, extend our borders So, that again those lands, Despoiled of us in former wars. May once again be ours." Chief: — "Are such men Christians?" Aged man: — "Most truly do they claim to be And daily oflfer prayers For success in arms. Even, as we Do offer supplication." Chief: — " Christ was meek and lowly Nor did resistance make. When impious hands upon this holy Man were laid in violence. He taught forgiveness And that to gain the world Was to loose all. [39] A QUEST FROM THE WILDERNESS Now, is the pall, Strife, bitterness and hate To conquer all, and passions sate, And be the end? How can Christians enemies be?" Aged maw — "It is the greed of power brings us wars, For now is come a time of change, the scars So made will lasting be, small nations cease To rule. The strong to them bring peace. Some day will come a Europe all one land, With one flag and under one hand. Mayhap, an emporor or king. Nay, may it be a council, that shall bring Peace to all. A great coimcil of delegates, some from Rome Berlin, Paris, London, all greater grown Because of the end of strife. This council shall make laws for all. Preside over all. [40J A QUEST FROM THE WILDERNESS And in that council shall justice sway The minds of men. No longer force Our freedom take and men coerce In wanton strife. Then shall the w^fe Be glad; the mother at the fireside sing; And children's laughter fill the home. Then shall the lover place the wedding ring Upon the maiden's hand. One great court shall try the cause of nations; One just court for man in all his stations Nor shall there be appeal to arms. And husbandmen shall till their farms Free from all wars. The sword shall rust, The gun be broken. All shall trust The justice of his cause to gain Decision, without resort to war's Inhuman stain. It is not yet, for many wars have come. Since Christ came to this earth, To brighten hearth and home. 141] A QUEST FROM THE WILDERNESS But after each was come a better peace We are a little nearer to the truth. Our laws a little better, more in ruth. More nearly to the teaching of the Nazarene. Man is frail, so frail, that e'en We do forget his frailties, and ao conderon As unforgivable, and as unforgiven. E'en on the cross He said, "Father, forgive them." Shall we not remember this in hope of heaven. That He brought to man. Sin is ambition running wild, And next to that is envy which doth drive To deeds of malice. It is the child Of hatred; and the tongue that stings In slander oft brings Destruction. It tears at fellow men And doth deride and scorn, then Strike to the dust for naught but envy The best that comes to earth. Was not Christ crucified because of envy? [421 A QUEST FROM THE WILDERNESS Because the priests and Pharisees saw the birth Of a new day? And their sway Over the people did wane. For Christ did teach new things, A scripture they would not have For His was love and theirs was hate for hate, — Aye, and he forgave them that slew him Unto the father did ascend a prayer, Tather, forgive, they know not what they do.' Nor do we now know the thing we do, And crucify again with hate. When He did give us love To be our rule and guide. E'en in the church where we do go On bended knee and pray for safe return Of loved ones in the far off land Dissensions do arise. And many sects go forth proclaiming They, and only they, know the way 143] A QUEST FROM THE WILDERNESS The surer road to paradise. When after all what matters it When, how or why the Man of Galilee Gave all for us, mankind redeeming. This is enough to know, all else is naught. All else with no importance fraught; Not forms nor creeds will ever save a soul. The love of God, and man for man, the whole Of Christianity." XIII NOW I thank thee, thou hast cleared the way For I was troubled in what I saw today. And Christ taught true. But men are weak, and in their weakness do Vain things; and set at naught his word Ambition rules and grasps a valiant sword Their brother man to slay After this war will come a brighter day. [44] A QUEST FROM THE WILDERNESS Por after strife comes peace, Just as day breaks forth After a night of storm, All the while there stands the church Built on a rock, the rock of truth. In peaceful times men to the field Go forth and labor and as they wield The sickle singing of God's love And rev'rently petition Him above To bless their work; and follow his command. But the ambition, hate and envy of kings Call forth to battle with fellow Christians. What crimes are theirs, these Christian kings Who know the way, but outride Philistians To sate their lust for power and pride, Yea, call on God for conquest, as they hide Behind a chanted prayer. 'Tis true that I did take my men to war And do the things which now I most abhor. I knew not Christ, but these kings do. And claim to follow Him most true; [45 A QUEST FROM THE WILDERNESS Were I to do so now, then would I sin And they with knowledge More guilty are than I have been. Now shall I to my people tell the tale When I return. The clouded veil Is torn away. And I do know that Christ is love and peace, But man is weak and shall his weakness cease When he shall put aside ambition, pride and hate. And he shall know that only love the gate Wherein to enter paradise. 'Twas so with Rome; Caesar would rule the world Across the seas his many legions hurled; So, too, with Alexander the Great; Napoleon in his time brought on his fate; God wills not that man shall with the sword Encompass earth, but that His word 146] A QUEST FROM THE WILDERNESS Shall over all prevail; nor till that day Shall any man in all the world have sway. Christ taught us love and with His love is given A new born hope, a hope for us in heaven. Men are as tides, now ebb, now at the flood Today at peace, tomorrow, shedding blood. God's sun shines on and changeless in His rule The heavens His glory; the earth His stool. From out of darkness came I into day So man must come; for this, let mankind pray." THE END. 47] OBBABV Of CONGRESS