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THINGS 
 MORE EXCELLENT 
 
 By STEWARD. 
 
 Who are these that fly as a cloud, 
 And as the doves to their windows ? 
 Surely the isles shall wait for me, 
 And the ships of Tarshish first, 
 To bring thy sons from far, 
 Their silver and their gold with them. 
 Unto the name of the LORD thy God, 
 And the Holy One of Israel , 
 Because He hath glorified thee. 
 
 Isa., 60: 8-9. 
 
 I. E. BAIRD, - MURFREESBORO, TENN, 
 MDCCCCIIl. 
 

THE Lr^-;A^Y OF 
 
 
 COPYRIGHTED, 1903, 
 
 By I. E. BAIRD, - Murfreesboro, Tenn. 
 
THINGS MORE EXCEIvLENT. 
 
 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, 
 Whose mind is stayed on Thee. Isa. 26: 3, 
 
 I. 
 
 As upon life's pathway walking- 
 Gaining strength by varied way, 
 
 Much it is that sins appearing 
 Do me in my journey stay. 
 
 Some of them are high, appalling ! 
 
 Yea, they are so very strong 
 That they gain us for adherents 
 
 Who confess them to be wrong, 
 
 But of character are lacking 
 
 Their onsets to much resist. 
 And by force of fixed purpose 
 
 Others with us to enlist. 
 
This, another fact dismaying, 
 
 Others oft are hard to find, 
 For their wise, seductive leader 
 
 Maketh them to seem most kind. 
 
 Thus we Christians, oft elective. 
 Follow, serve them day by day. 
 
 As with words and acts enticing 
 In and out with tact do they 
 
 Come as loosened rocks of malice. 
 Turning, cutting server's feet, 
 
 'Sperced amongst the turves of friendship 
 Which doth make all things more sweet. 
 
 'Gain in home-booths they come trooping 
 Till there is small time to "spare," 
 
 Thus the ones of Christian training 
 Are becoming much more rare : 
 
 And amongst the frosts of mercy, 
 
 Sent by God upon us here 
 That we trust not in earth's riches. 
 
 But to Him would draw more near ; 
 
Or, hot rays of chast'ning sunbeams, 
 
 Silvered by our Father's love 
 Placing groups of growing palm trees, 
 
 Where peace dwelleth, love-winged dove 
 
 And by springs of courage sparkling- 
 Effervescing with hope's pow'r. 
 
 Coursing down life's hillside rugged 
 Cheering both to hut and tow'r; 
 
 Yea, strength -giving hope and courage, 
 Brothers, they, to faith and toil ; 
 
 "Wisdom" leading with love's banner 
 Traineth more and more from moil. 
 
 And when we the Guide-Posts study. 
 That we may know God's sure way. 
 
 Much their bright wings flash about us- 
 Causing us to go astray. 
 
 When we see our grain fields ripening- 
 Billowing like waves of sea. 
 
 Or our stocks by interest growing, 
 Or our cattle on the lea, 
 
Oft 'tis evils with beguilings 
 Pass amongst our figures then, 
 
 Less we quickly send a message 
 To our God again, again. 
 
 They, too, come athwart the breezes 
 From our Father's sea and hill ; 
 
 Which, when we with toil are wearied 
 Should His love and strength distill. 
 
 And when we in sleep are resting, 
 That we may thus well prepare 
 
 God to serve more on the morrow, 
 Sin's suggestions come e'en there. 
 
 Solemn is the true reflection 
 All results we'll see some day, 
 
 For sin never is a shadow 
 
 Flitting lightly o'er our w^ay.- 
 
 As I passed upon life's journey. 
 Learning men as they are found , 
 
 Saw I once a young man standing. 
 Caring naught for things around. 
 
Much his brow showed he was brooding, 
 And his eye, by trouble's hue, 
 
 Proved as at life's forked -path halting, 
 He knew not which to pursue. 
 
 Came on there an older trav'ler 
 Who oft looked for other's weal. 
 
 As he saw the young man halting 
 Felt compassion o'er him steal 
 
 And kindly said , 
 ' ' Luther, why now so disturbed, 
 
 What is it that troubleth thee? 
 Wilt not thou thy mind disburden 
 
 In sweet confidence to me? 
 
 "Though we oft are much perplexed, 
 How and when for God to work, 
 
 'Tis not good for us to loiter, 
 Letting vain repinings lurk. 
 
 ** For the world, a quicksand treach'rous, 
 More and more will us submerge 
 
 Till we have no pow'r for Jesus 
 And of crime are past the verge. 
 
**Wliilst to God we should go oft'ner 
 Than we do to earthly friends, 
 
 Yet, anon, these counsels help us 
 
 Which way 'tis our pathway trends. '* 
 
 Like a flash his face then brightened 
 That some one for him concerned, 
 
 Coming quickly to his Pastor 
 
 Showed that he for guidance yearned. 
 
 Often, 'tis, there is this longing 
 For the things of greatest worth, 
 
 And we Christians by indiff'rence 
 Cause in them a greater dearth. 
 
 When we might by loving kindness 
 Teach the things that satisfy. 
 
 Gratefully, then, 'twas that Luther, 
 To his Pastor made reply. 
 
 ''O, my friend, for long I've struggled 
 So to walk the heavenly road. 
 
 Following so close to Jesus 
 
 That I'd miss His sharpened goad. 
 
 10 
 
*'But the things of earth distressed me, 
 Facts which were so very stern, 
 
 I by them so much was puzzled 
 Oft I knew not where to turn. 
 
 *'I was much like one in darkness 
 Having neither moon nor match, 
 
 Or the man with hunger dying, 
 
 Who doth bones from rubbish snatch. 
 
 " Now, though I believe I am saved 
 Through the Lord's redeeming blood ; 
 
 And that Satan hath not power 
 To engulf me in sin's flood ; 
 
 ''Yet I am not well contented. 
 
 Just escaping from the foe ; 
 I would by the Spirit's fulness 
 
 In the Christian graces grow. 
 
 ' ' But with all my prayers and fastings- 
 Searching for God's sure set plan. 
 
 Stopped am I by many checkings 
 Like the bird by net of man. 
 
 11 
 
* *They to me are such a hind 'ranee 
 I have wished I'd ne'er begun 
 
 Walking God's more hedged-in pathway 
 With the Spirit and the Son. 
 
 ** *Gain, when seeing others living 
 Calmly 'mid the jars of life, 
 
 Sweetly singing as they journey 
 With a heart that's free from strife, 
 
 ' * Much their happiness I envy 
 And them as examples rate ; 
 
 But, alas, we make such failures 
 When we do but imitate. 
 
 ** Cans' t thou not give me directions 
 That are sure, once and for all , 
 
 That I may be truly happy 
 And no more in error fall?" 
 
 Thus it is, the Spirit working 
 
 Even in a changed heart ; 
 Searcheth deep, then deeper searcheth 
 
 Till our conscience oft doth smart. 
 
 13 
 
As time passeth, stireth deeper, 
 Showing differences between 
 
 Our vile hearts and that of Jesus 
 Till we cannot rest serene. 
 
 Sometimes 'tis a loved sinning, 
 Which we do not count as such, 
 
 Maketh dim the Spirit's guidance, 
 Causing us to stumble much. 
 
 Missing thus, our Father's blessings. 
 Many strivings end in naught , 
 
 And we loose some elevations 
 
 For which we have bravely fought. 
 
 So now Luther stood there halting 
 At the point where we decide. 
 
 If we'll breast life's river flowing 
 Or on Egypt's horses ride. 
 
 Tenderly the Pastor answered. 
 For his sympathy was true, 
 
 And he longed to give such guidance 
 That they neither would it rue. 
 
 13 
 
** I would see thy faith well rooted, 
 Like the oak with clinging vine, 
 
 Which, when tested will not waver 
 
 Though love's tendrils round thee twine. 
 
 ** 'Tis by faith peace is attained 
 
 As when we at first believed, 
 When our all upon God casting 
 
 His forgiveness we received. 
 
 *' So give Jesus all thy servings. 
 
 All thy sorrows and thy joy. 
 For the last when 'tis withholden 
 
 Oft is used us to decoy. 
 
 * ' Verily, as each returneth 
 
 Give it unto Christ with will. 
 He will take all nor be wearied 
 
 And will more His rest instill. 
 
 * 'And the joy of always keeping 
 
 Nearer to thy dearest friend ; 
 Not just sometimes at a trysting 
 
 Then to go a difE'rent trend. 
 
 14 
 
*' But 'tis hand in hand with Father, 
 And when'er the way is long 
 
 He will place His arms beneath thee, 
 Filling thee with tender song. 
 
 ** And when 'tis from love we follow, 
 Duty's pain doth disappear ; 
 
 Yea, we grow more like our Master 
 As we serve with holy fear. 
 
 ** From pure principle then serve Him 
 In thy pleasure or thy work, 
 
 Well as in thy purest worship, 
 Nor let vain repinings lurk. 
 
 * * As we're soldiers, well as bondmen- 
 Not mere pilgrims through a land, 
 
 We must be equipped for service. 
 Heeding quickly each command. 
 
 **So don all God's well-made armor 
 That 'gainst evil thou mayst stand. 
 
 For 'tis not with flesh we wrestle, 
 With equipments made with hand; 
 
 15 
 
** But 'tis with the prince of evil, 
 
 Principalites most strong, 
 Rulers in the world of darkness 
 
 Coming often in a throng. 
 
 * ' So thy loins with truth gird firmly- 
 
 Aye, live purely for thy God ; 
 More, appearances of evil 
 
 Keep thou well beneath the rod. 
 
 "Heart's breast-plate of right well wearing, 
 
 Maketh thee to be more brave 
 As thou dost thy Master follow, 
 
 And, with Him, canst others save. 
 
 *'Shoe thy feet with preparation 
 
 Of the lyord's abiding peace ; 
 Following more close to Jesus 
 
 Maketh battles more to cease. 
 
 *' Keep thy burnished shield adjusted. 
 
 That thou quickly mayst it turn 
 Thee protecting at all angles. 
 
 Quenching all the darts that burn. 
 
 16 
 
** With the helmet of salvation 
 
 Keep thy brain- wheels free from clogs, 
 That when man's creeds are proposed, 
 Thou mayst not sink in their bogs. 
 
 *' Wield thou well the sword two-edged- 
 God's true message to His own, 
 
 Well as to the unrepentant, 
 That no man may die alone. 
 
 '* Watch and pray with perseverance 
 That temptations thou mayst shun, 
 
 And that saints of all the nations 
 In the Lrord may be made one." 
 
 Then 'twas Luther walked off from him ; 
 With his heart in humble prayer. 
 
 Bowed him down in true repentance- 
 God accepted any where ; 
 
 Whether an awakened sinner, 
 
 Or a prodigal's return, 
 O'er them both the Lord is watching- 
 
 For each one his heart doth yearn. 
 
 X7 
 
lyUther made there true confession, 
 I^aid aside his every weight ; 
 
 Afterward tried each known duty- 
 Happy then was his estate. 
 
 As the days and months were passing 
 Went he on at quickened pace. 
 
 And his true and loving Pastor 
 Tried to guide him by God's grace. 
 
 For he knew that much 'tis needed 
 In the life we live whilst here 
 
 Man should learn the rest which Jesus 
 Giveth those still drawing near. 
 
 Luther now was so contented- 
 Aye, he had such pure delight 
 
 He saw not the hill of hardship, 
 Though it plainly was in sight. 
 
 Just beyond was difficulty, 
 
 Flowing there both swift and wide, 
 Which re-crosseth all our pathways ; 
 
 But we Christians have a Guide, 
 
 18 
 
Who doth work all things contending, 
 Turning lights from God's own face, 
 
 Till they work for our advancement, 
 Helping us to grow in grace. 
 
 Better *twas that these he saw not 
 Till his faith more firm had grown, 
 
 Lest he then had been discouraged, 
 Thinking he was left alone. 
 
 Often doth the Holy Spirit 
 
 Blind us to the trials here ; 
 Then when w^e've reached higher grading 
 
 Showeth us there's naught to fear. 
 
 19 
 
II. 
 
 Though young Christian in God's fulness 
 Surely grew as time went by, 
 
 Yet against his each advancement 
 Satan hard his arts would ply. 
 
 Luther's wont to thwart these temptings, 
 And to better learn God's will, 
 
 Frequently would pray the Spirit 
 With the Word his mind instill. 
 
 Oft would render adoration 
 
 For the flashes of His light, 
 Thus revealing to his servants 
 
 Something of infinite might. 
 
 Giving thanks with heartfelt singing 
 For our Savior's boundless love ; 
 
 And that He, as Mediator, 
 Is upon the throne above. 
 
 20 
 
In this ecstasy of worship 
 Luther went to see his friend, 
 
 And whilst there, in truest friendship 
 Heard this prayer to God ascend. 
 
 ** Father, Lord, temptations gather, 
 And my heart is much afraid 
 
 Lest the foe, by wiles assuming. 
 On me now should make a raid. 
 
 ** Yea, my fiercest sin besetting- 
 
 This of character the test. 
 Which a while hath had abating 
 
 Now doth come on with the rest, 
 
 *' Keep my heart, O, Lord Almighty, 
 Only Thou its strength dost know, 
 
 Only Thou canst give me succor 
 As I wrestle with the foe. 
 
 ** Louder ! yet, more loud they thunder ! 
 
 Yea, repeated are the shocks 
 As if they would force an entrance. 
 
 Though my heart hath double locks- 
 
 21 
 
** One, my will which I am keeping 
 More resigned in Thy hand ; 
 
 Other, I*d my heart keep alway 
 By Thy promises well manned- 
 
 *'Yet, I've naught to keep me walking 
 In the narrow pathway strait, 
 
 Lest Thou in Thy tender mercy 
 Dost both with and for me wait. 
 
 ** Why, my Father, am I restless. 
 Why this quiv'ring in my breast? 
 
 Show to me what are Thy wishes, 
 Help me heed Thy least behest. 
 
 '*Help me wait till I am certain, 
 And no more make useless haste ; 
 
 When in least from Thee I waver. 
 Time and talents much I waste. 
 
 " I'd Thee praise for firmly dealing 
 As Thou dost me well prepare 
 
 For which Thou hast for me planned 
 By a loving Father's care. 
 
*» All my sins, O God, forgive me, 
 Cleanse me from them day by day. 
 
 Keep me from surrounding evil, 
 I^ead me in the lasting way. 
 
 ** And I'd plead, O Holy Spirit, 
 
 For Thy church that's straying now ; 
 
 Draw her back, O Lord Almighty, 
 Till she will more humbly bow. 
 
 ** Though she still hath many virtues, 
 Yet she drifteth more from Thee ; 
 
 Whilst so many e'en her leaders 
 Think from sin she groweth f ree- 
 
 »'0, the Bride must be made purer 
 For her Husband's sure return ! 
 
 Aye, if He should come this midnight 
 Much her cheeks with shame would burn I 
 
 '* Let Thy blessings rest upon her 
 Showing sins from week to week, 
 
 May she turn more to the Scripture, 
 Only there for guidance seek. 
 
* * Grant me souls, O God, for wages, 
 'Tis the hire for which I crave ; 
 
 Grant to me the hidden power 
 That the many I may save.- 
 
 ** Savior, though Thou art Creator, 
 Ruling worlds on worlds at will. 
 
 Yet it showeth me more power 
 
 That my heart Thou thus canst still." 
 
 As he onward went, and upward, 
 With restored soul-filled peace, 
 
 Luther said in truest friendship- 
 Not that taken on a lease : 
 
 ** I wist not the prince of evil 
 Could thee in the least decoy , 
 
 But I deemed that all thy being 
 FiUed wast with abiding joy. 
 
 *^ Which, as wells of water springing 
 
 Up within the city's wall, 
 'Nabled thee at each onsetting 
 
 All thy foes to well enthrall." 
 
 24 
 
Thus the Pastor then rejoined : 
 ** My dear Lord is all around me ; 
 
 With His providential fire 
 Much my works in past consumed, 
 
 Seemed almost Hwas done in ire. 
 
 *^ But withal He's ne'er impatient, 
 
 Nor in anger doth He chide; 
 But another task He giveth, 
 
 Nor His promptings hath denied. 
 
 "Though I well the each fulfillment 
 
 Of His promises can claim. 
 And His healthful balm e'er flowing 
 
 Healeth souls though e'er so maim. 
 
 " Yet I sometimes have heart-sickness, 
 
 Taking riches to the poor, 
 For men by their sinful gettings 
 
 Souls in jeopardy allure. 
 
 *' Oft I wonder if I'm heeding 
 Where the lyord to me doth call , 
 
 Or if I on lines am working 
 
 Which doth much the church enthrall. ' * 
 
 25 
 
Replying Luther said : 
 ** Thou art weary from much working, 
 
 And dost greatly need to rest, 
 So thou needst not be discouraged, 
 
 It is but temptation's pest. 
 
 ** Perad venture to Mount Horeb 
 Hath the Lord now called thee, 
 
 As He did once for Elijah 
 
 That he might more faithful be. 
 
 ** Wind and fire and earth then quaking. 
 Scarcely freed him from his fear; 
 
 Love's sweet voice in gentle chidings 
 Made his duty seem most clear. 
 
 * *Afterward to him *twas granted 
 
 God to serve in th' highest sphere 
 That to mortal can be given 
 Till in glory we appear. 
 
 * * Seest thou thine own true teaching 
 
 Which to me thou did' st impart? 
 Well our Father kept it by me, 
 Now to strengthen some thy heart. 
 
* * As our God shall give me wisdom 
 
 More and more His will to see, 
 When thou shalt be called to heaven 
 Still our works shall follow thee.'* 
 
 * * Good , my Son, is this reminder ; 
 
 Truer, too, than thou dost know, 
 For some times I have a shrinking 
 From where God would have me go. 
 
 **And, anon, I have no knowledge 
 
 Of the step that doth await- 
 Through the wall, my way traversing, 
 E'en I see no traced gate. 
 
 *' Sometimes I before it tarry. 
 Whilst for courage I make plea. 
 
 Or I find 'twas but mirages 
 
 Which I thought were stopping me. 
 
 ** So to wait now, I am learning 
 When God's slightest check I feel. 
 
 There to see if I must wrestle. 
 Turn around or humbler kneel.- 
 
 27 
 
* » ^Gain, the Lord hath given glimpses 
 Of some tasks that* re set for me, 
 
 And rewards which would on follow 
 If from evil I would flee. 
 
 **Then to ballast me more truly, 
 Bade me seige lay to my heart ; 
 
 For this citadel of power 
 Must surrender every part. 
 
 * • Strong, high walls and gates well barred, 
 
 Oft I had to batter down, 
 E'er prepared I was to enter 
 
 Weaker walls of lesser town. 
 
 ** As my sins, by grace, then seeing 
 I would think, when I have these 
 
 Held in check and much down trodden, 
 I will then have rest and ease. 
 
 *' Still I'd pray the Holy Spirit 
 Look and see if there were ought 
 
 Which would in our work then hinder- 
 Sins which I had not well fought, 
 
* * Hoping all was well submitted ; 
 
 But HeM show a sin to be 
 Whilst in love He'd say through Scripture 
 Give thou this one up for Me. 
 
 ** Each time when I gain a victory, 
 Afterward He'd throw more light 
 
 Deeper in my heart's recesses, 
 Showing spots as black as night. 
 
 **Oft it seemed to me a cavern 
 With dim gal'ries everywhere, 
 
 Doors each side so firmly closed, 
 I, anon , thought none was there. 
 
 * * Now, I often pray for progress 
 
 And He ope's for me a door, 
 Bidding me to fight and conquor 
 Even by mine own heart's gore. 
 
 **For there's more than I can reckon, 
 More than now my frame can bear ; 
 
 By degrees I'll grip them firmly 
 If I will abide in prayer. 
 
 29 
 
** Only thus we grow like Jesus, 
 He our Father's first born child 
 
 Who had character of metal, 
 
 Well as traits both meek and mild. 
 
 ** All His life He fought hard battles, 
 
 Yea, until His very death. 
 And He only gained the vict'ry 
 
 With His last drawn, feeble breath. 
 
 ** More, though we at death are winners, 
 Christ must needs come from the grave, 
 
 And when He, His throne resumed 
 He triumphantly could save.'* 
 
 30 
 
III. 
 
 Worker's hearts so much holpen 
 
 By a sympathetic word, 
 And by interchange of studies 
 
 Oft to deeper valor stirred. 
 
 Often, yes, we plead for^comrades, 
 Yea, for them most auxious are; 
 
 And, anon, are much surprised 
 At the answer looked not for. 
 
 Oft we ask but faith then falters- 
 
 Unbelief doth make us hide, 
 This essential act forgetting 
 
 We with Christ must well abide ; 
 
 Till all things work tongue and grooving. 
 Which doth try the hearts of men, 
 
 Thus for answers we must tarry 
 Till we will abide again. 
 
 3X 
 
Doubtless thus these friends were mated, 
 
 And perhaps were not aware- 
 Friendship bands are best cemented 
 By the interchange of prayer. 
 
 Though so many years between them, 
 Yet they bridged them o'er with love. 
 
 Rather, built the gulf up solid 
 With a hedged-in road above. 
 
 And as they kept toiling upward, 
 
 Happy in their sure estate, 
 Much they'd help each other forward. 
 
 Nor did either have to wait. 
 
 But as paths are often crossing, 
 Some times going side by side, 
 
 'Gain mere stepping stones of promise- 
 In this life none ever ride. 
 
 They would hold the sacred converse. 
 Humbly speak of battles fought ; 
 
 And when 'twas that they were straying 
 How their Savior had them sought. 
 
 32 
 
How, in love, He'd drawn them nearer, 
 More as Brother than as King, 
 
 And continued drawing closer 
 Till they could His praises sing. 
 
 As they once were pressing forward, 
 Speaking on a kindred theme, 
 
 Luther said with deepest feeling. 
 Moved thefreto by love supreme. 
 
 " Father I've a deep'ning hunger 
 For the souls by sin depraved. 
 
 Would I had God-given power 
 To arouse them to be saved. 
 
 *' And, oft times, I much am troubled- 
 Grieving for the Gentile church, 
 
 Fearing we, by worldlings getting. 
 Much have placed her in a lurch." 
 
 ''Son, fret not thy soul to sinning. 
 
 Whatsoever may betide, 
 All things whatsoe'er combined, 
 
 Ne'er God's power can o'er ride. 
 
 33 
 
** Church He needeth not, nor nation, 
 That His word He may fulfill. 
 
 If they either have full power 
 She must well perform His will. 
 
 Yes, I surely fear like Shiloh, 
 Growing is our church to-day ; 
 
 'Less she'll tread God's way more firmly 
 He will take her light away. 
 
 " Step thou in the breach now widening, 
 Plead with her, help her return! 
 
 E'er she'll cross His righteous limit. 
 E'er, for aye, His anger burn! 
 
 "Yea, seek thou a def'nite calling 
 And no more at random serve, 
 
 Wheresoe'er thy Master sendeth 
 From hard duties do not swerve. 
 
 " Ways of serving there are many 
 
 Here our Lord to glorify, 
 And if thou wilt follow fully 
 
 He thy needs will well supply. 
 
 34 
 
" In the city slums so crowded 
 
 Where they strive for daily bread- 
 Toiling there just for a pittance, 
 There is naught for thee to dread. 
 
 " They are longing-but not hoping, 
 They are waiting-but for what! 
 
 Aye, their mis' ry ever beck'neth. 
 Come and mitigate our lot. 
 
 ** And thou, too, canst share thy service 
 
 With the ones of better class, 
 Who, by fortune's sad reverses, 
 
 *Twixt life's mill-stones oft must pass. 
 
 **Thou canst meet these with the wealthy, 
 That each other's burdens they 
 
 In their arms of faith may carry. 
 As they for each other stay.- 
 
 **In the mountains old and stately 
 Where the sparkling rivers rise. 
 
 Where the air is pure and bracing. 
 Seeming coming from the skies; 
 
 36 
 
" Where the luscious fruits are gathered 
 And the bird is on the wing, 
 
 Aye, where all the growths of nature 
 God's true praises sweetly sing; 
 
 ** But where man with many hardships 
 
 Doth a scanty living eke. 
 Thus are scarce enough forehanded 
 
 For another home to seek, 
 
 " Who have sterling worths for training, 
 And but only need a chance 
 
 Till they will for church and nation 
 Much prosperity enhance; 
 
 * * Many are the souls immortal 
 
 Serving God in Christian strength. 
 
 And to Him for workers praying 
 That the Lord may rule at length.- 
 
 ** On the ranches wide and rolling, 
 Where the 'cow-boy' hies away 
 
 In their yearly business * round-ups,' 
 Or at camp more closely stay, 
 
 36 
 
*' They have few to oft remind them 
 That God's eye is every where, 
 
 Aud if they would be 'successful' 
 
 They must spend much time in prayer. 
 
 *' To the mining camps so rugged 
 Is the Lord now beck'ning thee? 
 
 They are rich in souls most precious 
 That from sin Christ can set free. 
 
 " This we learn from earthy miners, 
 Christians well must dig, mid all, 
 
 But our Father in His wisdom 
 Only letteth good ores fall 
 
 " In the furnace where He's smelting 
 Bullion for His mint one day; 
 
 Glorious is the sure time coming 
 When all dross shall pass away, 
 
 *' And we each shall bear His image 
 Stamped within His heavenly mint! 
 
 Being then of purest coinage 
 We will serve without a stint. - 
 
 37 
 
" There is work amongst the sailors 
 
 On the land as well as sea, 
 For their hearts are sorely tempted 
 
 When from duty they are free. 
 
 ** Yea, the gate-ways to the nations, 
 
 By unrighteous atmosphere- 
 More than leaf by briney breezes 
 Maketh moral life to sear. 
 
 " But the ones who do prove faithful, 
 
 As they pass on to and fro. 
 Help to prove the Spirit's power 
 
 O'er our persevering foe. 
 
 **0, that more before time passes. 
 Would to them a welcome give 
 
 In a Christian 'Home' or 'Bethel ' 
 Helping them for God to live.- 
 
 "And there is Christ's last commission; 
 
 Dear it must be to His heart, 
 For if we bring not the heathen 
 
 He will only have a part 
 
 38 
 
* *0f His price for sacrifices 
 
 Which eternally He made, 
 When His faith saw our condition 
 And our ransom fully weighed. 
 
 "Shall we not, this way accepting, 
 
 Give the gospel to all lands. 
 Wooing them by Christian graces 
 
 Till they wear Christ's love-knit bands? 
 
 "But the one most special serving- 
 Dearer than all else to me 
 
 As I try to preach the gospel. 
 Is to see the Hebrews free. 
 
 ** *Tis an old, an honored people 
 And e'ex long will come the days 
 
 When the hills and dales of Canaan 
 Will reverberate with praise 
 
 * *Unto Christ as Priest and Prophet, 
 
 And their daily sacrifice, 
 Whilst from off* their true heart's altar 
 Fragrant incense will arise." 
 
*'But I have a shrinking, Father, 
 From the working on this line; 
 
 If this church should come to Jesus 
 What would happen then to mine? 
 
 **It doth seem to me the prophets 
 Tell of times, by them foreseen, 
 
 When again will church extensions 
 More than unto Hebrews lean. 
 
 "Whilst I may, Vd keep all workings 
 Well within the Gentile kirk, 
 
 But I'd gladly have the Hebrews 
 Join us in our Christian work." 
 
 **Souls, my Son, are in the balance 
 Weighing for their weal or woe ; 
 
 Wilt thou for the love of Gentiles 
 Put them in eternal throe? 
 
 **Wilt thou not for love of Jesus 
 Hasten on this longed for day, 
 
 By God's grace, as thou art able, 
 Cast the hindering blocks away? 
 
*'With thy God thou canst not wrestle 
 Nor His Word canst set aside. 
 
 Sue thou humbly for His pardon 
 For thy sinful churchly pride." 
 
 **Father, there's another serving 
 
 That is nearer to my heart, 
 Why should I from it have parting 
 
 And with Hebrews bear a part?*' 
 
 *'Thou need'st not quit aught of working 
 That thy Master showeth thee, 
 
 But 'twill help in other servings 
 If thou'dst friend to Hebrews be." 
 
 Patriarch with face then beaming, 
 
 Aye, whole attitude intense 
 As if two horizons having- 
 
 This the saint's sextuple sense. 
 
 Saw beyond his earthly vision- 
 Viewed things in a diff'rent sphere. 
 
 And by them was so transported 
 That his home seemed very near ; 
 
 41 
 
Yes, so near that he might touch it 
 If heM but put forth his hand; 
 
 So, by faith, he said thus musing 
 Gazing on that happy land, 
 
 **When my tasks have all been finished. 
 When my battles all are fought. 
 
 Then will I go home to heaven- 
 
 That blest land for which I've sought. 
 
 **Yea, in arms of mighty angels, 
 
 Far from things of earth, though dear, 
 
 Will my soul go to her Maker ; 
 Where she'll never have a fear. 
 
 ''There she'll give her pent up service 
 
 To the one who is her Lord, 
 For he is her Savior, Brother, 
 
 Who doth keep in safest ward. 
 
 ** Though to earth return my body 
 And this scattered far by lust. 
 
 Yet the Lord in love will watch it 
 And will bring it from the dust. 
 
 42 
 
**S6ul and body *gain united 
 Then forever more shall dwell , 
 
 In that bright celestial country 
 From which sinful angels fell. 
 
 '*But now stations there are fixed, 
 
 Even angels are secure ; 
 Ne'er again will foe have pow*r 
 
 Saint or angel to allure. 
 
 ** Sweet have been anticipations, 
 
 Sweeter far to enter in 
 Where the golden streets are burnished- 
 
 Tarnished not with any sin. 
 
 ''Where there never cometh darkness, 
 
 Moon or sun to set or rise 
 But the Lamb of God with glory 
 
 Antitypes the earthly skies. 
 
 *' Nor is there the fluctuating 
 
 Of the restless sea of life, 
 Where the masses for existence 
 
 Wage an ever death-grip strife. 
 
 43 
 
* But to Him who overcometh, 
 There shall live without a care, 
 
 In that land of love and plenty ; 
 Yea, none e'er grow aged there. 
 
 *^And there'll be there no injustice. 
 But each giveth each his due 
 
 Well pressed down in fullest measure, 
 Nor will any for it sue. 
 
 "O, 'tis one eternal Sabbath, 
 And our meeting there is sweet 
 
 In that heavenly sanctuary 
 Bowing at our Savior's feet. 
 
 '*And 'tis pure in every aspect. 
 
 Typical of which we here 
 Have the sacred meeting houses 
 
 Where before Him we appear. 
 
 **But we there need not a temple, 
 For the Lord Himself s a shrine ; 
 
 Coextensive 'tis with heaven. 
 Part that worship will be mine. 
 
 44 
 
"As we tell how he redeemed us 
 From our sin and even stain ; 
 
 Finished thus our sure salvation 
 Which no more shall seem to wain. 
 
 '* Glorious is the thought transcendent 
 I the Godhead e'en shall see, 
 
 And will understand some, doubtless, 
 What hath here so puzzled me, 
 
 "Sitting, and enthroned the highest 
 There triumphant o'er each foe, 
 
 Where He holdeth crowns unfading 
 And in love doth them bestow. 
 
 **Yea, hath held them safely always 
 Till His time He did complete, 
 
 Till we came and made our circuit 
 And would lay them at His feet. 
 
 *'Unto Him be all the glory 
 
 Saints and angels e'er can raise, 
 
 For He is the One Eternal 
 
 Prince and King of all the days." 
 
 45 
 
IV 
 
 Oft our influence unexpected, 
 
 Sometimes even when we thought 
 
 To ourselves were all our actija^.. 
 And beyond us all was naught- 
 
 E*en when of it we're not thinking, 
 Crops out in our neighbors nigh, 
 
 Startling us like thunder crashing 
 From an almost cloudless sky. 
 
 Or it causeth bright production, 
 As the spring time sun and rain 
 
 Doth endow the earth with promise- 
 Cheering hearts like sweet refrain. 
 
 So the influence of this Pastor 
 O'er the one beneath his care ; 
 
 Giving him the true instruction 
 Kept him safe from many a snare : 
 
 46 
 
Helped him live so near to Jesus 
 
 That he had no love for sin, 
 But longed more to bear God's message 
 
 Unto foe and nearest kin. 
 
 O this influence of a pastor 1 
 
 Who of it can calculate ! 
 Bringing lost ones into safety, 
 
 Bering ones can reinstate. 
 
 This the grandest of all callings, 
 This the highest and the best ; 
 
 Though it hath the many labors 
 Yet, can have the purest rest. 
 
 And how dear are older pastors ! 
 
 Yea, what tender love have they ! 
 With the church they show such patience, 
 
 O, so much for her they pray ! 
 
 What true guides — how wise in council 
 For young men and to old age. 
 
 Humbly showing where the Master 
 Would have them their powers engage. 
 
 47 
 
Blessed is tHe church which hath one- 
 Hath an aged pastor true ; 
 
 Who, their joys and sorrows sharing 
 Traineth all God's will to do. 
 
 Dear old stalwart men gray -headed, 
 
 Or bowed down with weights they bore ! 
 
 May they have love's true attention ! 
 Grant, O Lord, there may be morel 
 
 In a bright and loved country. 
 Though a far and heathen shore, 
 
 There to God and to his Pastor 
 Luther's sowing fruitage bore. 
 
 (Mind and heart he once determined, 
 Thinking not of person' 1 ease, 
 
 Thinking not of past endeavors 
 Only so his God to please, 
 
 Then it was he loved the heathen 
 Who with us are on a par 
 
 In our Father's love and mercy- 
 Ancestry nor time doth mar.) 
 
 48 
 
He found souls whom Clirist is loving, 
 
 Bodies whicli he died to save 
 There in deepest sin were living, 
 
 Deeper, darker than the grave.- 
 
 Do we Christians live more purely 
 As compared with heathen lands, 
 
 Who, the Lord profess to follow 
 Yet keep not his known commands ?- 
 
 Then he wrought for God and heathen. 
 Wrought in health of body prime, 
 
 Wrought till strength was 'most exhausted- 
 Wasted not his Father's time. 
 
 O, the hardships which these suffer, 
 
 Gladly bear for Jesus' sake ! 
 We at home, we slothful Christians, 
 
 Should these for example take. 
 
 If we cannot go on Missions 
 
 We can give until we feel, 
 God will bless us in the effort. 
 
 Then before Him we can kneel 
 
There to pray His richest blessings 
 
 On the ones now far away, 
 And when these, by mail, shall know it 
 
 God will praise for earthly stay. 
 
 Yea, e'en here we can save heathen. 
 For the Spirit's every where. 
 
 And the instant we are praying 
 Our request can answer there.- 
 
 Gracious is our God, and lovino-. 
 Bearing long with sinners here. 
 
 But there is a sure time coming 
 When as Judge will He appear. 
 
 And if Christ doth not stand with them, 
 Showing for them His death wound. 
 
 Where, O where, will be their sending 
 When God's judgments shall resound ! 
 
 Then will they cry rocks and mountains 
 Fall on us and hide our woe ! 
 
 Piercing their unlocked for anguish 
 As they into darkness go. 
 
 50 
 
Wilt thou not give them the gospel 
 That thou thinkest set thee free? 
 
 If thou dost not — at the judgment 
 What will Jesus say to thee? 
 
 Luther, soon among the heathen 
 Found a great narcotic curse, 
 
 Sold there by his country's warrant ! 
 Filling, so called, Christian's purse. 
 
 O, his soul did bow in anguish 
 
 When he felt this curse was there ; 
 
 Knew that it was not sufficient 
 Fighting only with His prayer. 
 
 But, by faith, be knew his Father 
 Heedeth when His children cry. 
 
 If they act as they petition 
 
 Whilst to Him they draw more nigh. 
 
 So he pleaded for his people 
 
 That they might rise high above 
 
 These deep sins which white men taught them- 
 Rise and understand God's love. 
 
 51 
 
Understand the love which Jesus 
 
 Beareth unto sinners here, 
 E^er so much they are polluted 
 
 Yet to Him they are most dear. 
 
 Pleaded God would stop the making, 
 Making of th' accursed stuff; 
 
 Which doth prey on soul and body. 
 Never saying His enough. 
 
 It is here as well as yonder, 
 
 Though, perchance, some see it not. 
 And they who are 'neath its swaying 
 
 Have an awful, awful lot- 
 Father, stir thy sluggish children ! 
 
 We who are afraid to fight 
 Lest the foe should gain the battle, 
 
 Leaving us in sadder plight. 
 
 O, that Chritians would not limit 
 God incarnate's spirit work ! 
 
 O, that we would rid our land of 
 This, from which so many shirk ! 
 
For 'tis hard to meet temptations, 
 
 Meet and trample under feet 
 Sins we form or do inherit, 
 
 Coming oft from friends we meet. 
 
 I^uther, though he oft was grieving 
 For both home and foreign lands, 
 
 Yet he was not oft discouraged. 
 
 But sought more the Lord's commands. 
 
 There he grew in Christian graces, 
 
 Clearer did his sins he see ; 
 Clearer saw in God's Word holy 
 
 Promises both rich and free. 
 
 Each strife which he waged with Satan- 
 Conquering through the Saviour's blood, 
 
 Then the Spirit true would lift him 
 More above life's troublous flood. 
 
 There he told the love of Jesus 
 
 As he used his healing art, 
 And his Master showed His presence 
 
 As He changed a patient's heart. - 
 
 53 
 
O, the joy for us in heaven, 
 There before our Saviour's face, 
 
 Seeing souls which we awakened 
 Waiting us in that bright place ! 
 
 Hear our Savior's Come thou blessed 
 To this home prepared for thee, 
 
 For in bringing these to glory 
 Thou hast ministered to Me.- 
 
 God is good to all His children. 
 Giving more than we will ask ; 
 
 lyUther took one special service, 
 ^ut God added to his task. 
 
 Wide He used the reputation 
 IvUther gave Him long ago ; 
 
 Used it freely for His glory 
 As He sent him to and fro. 
 
 From his home there came the message 
 Needed there was his advice 
 
 Much to check the fiend intemp' ranee, 
 Practiced still at such a price. 
 
 54 
 
Yes, he had just double blessing 
 That he had when home he left- 
 
 When we give to God our choosing, 
 Ne'er of works are we bereft. 
 
 LofC. 
 
 55 
 
Many ranges in life's mountains, 
 Many spurs and peaks are there ; 
 
 And life's clouds so much are passing 
 That our days are not all fair. 
 
 Some days bright and others hazy 
 
 Gives variety to all ; 
 And the dark but makes a setting 
 
 For the ones we fairer call.- 
 
 When we first begin this climbing, 
 Eyes and muscles then untrained, 
 
 Much we falter-much we stumble 
 And by falling oft are pained. 
 
 Some times longing for the low-lands 
 Though we know malaria's there. 
 
 Thus, 'tis only by God's holding 
 That to glory we are heir. 
 
Frequently our powers using 
 
 Strengthened! them from day to day, 
 
 And by climbing on yet higher 
 Beauteous scenes ope' on our way, 
 
 Cheering us to still go onward, 
 
 Lay aside the things of clay, 
 Watching for the coils of Satan 
 
 Hid e'en there to lead astray. 
 
 Sluggish ones down at the bottom, 
 Or but half way up the slant, 
 
 Scarcely have more than a pittance 
 Of the Lord's abundant grant. 
 
 But the ones who're persevering 
 Well can others gather round, 
 
 And can lead them to rich blessings 
 In our Father's vantage ground. 
 
 As he still life's mountain climbing, 
 Which so much his strength had tried, 
 
 Luther grew there much more stalwart 
 High upon its rugged side. 
 
 67 
 
Now, lie wielded well his armor, 
 Serious thougli bright his face, 
 
 Then, heseemed to be musing 
 
 Whilst he e'er kept taut his pace. 
 
 Chanced he once to meet a Rabbi 
 Zealous for the Lord most high ; 
 
 Longing much for his redemption 
 Luther said, then drawing nigh, 
 
 ' 'O, thou man of earth the wonder ! 
 
 Thou full-blood of Jacob's seed ! 
 Grow not now with me impatient. 
 
 Hear me as in love I plead ! 
 
 "Stirred am I, my true heart aching, 
 
 As I see the Hebrew kneel. 
 For the land to Abram promised 
 
 To the Lord of Host appeal. 
 
 ' 'Why doth He thus keep you captive? 
 
 He of old didst wonders do. 
 Why hath God, the Lord-Jehovah, 
 
 Changed His dealings thus with you? 
 
*'He doth naught without a reason 
 With the nation or the man; 
 
 In the past he kept not silent 
 
 But showed chosen ones His plan. 
 
 ' ' Now, for many, many centuries, 
 Not since days of Malachi, 
 
 Hath He by a prophet spoken 
 If the latest we deny. 
 
 ^'Is Messiah never coming? 
 
 Will ye ne'er more have your home? 
 Will ye never have a welcome 
 
 As throughout the world ye roam ? 
 
 *' 'Tis with deep and loving longing 
 That I probe this long time sore; 
 
 O, thou Israelitish Rabbi 
 
 Canst thou tell me nothing more ! 
 
 "Must ye always be held captive. 
 You whom God set far apart ? 
 
 Will he ne'er for you show favor 
 With a Father's loving heart ? " 
 
 59 
 
•*0 thou much deluded Gentile ! 
 
 When will ye your folly see 
 That the one whom ye call Master 
 
 Our Messiah can never be?" 
 
 "We for centuries have worshiped 
 Chrisjt, the LORD, the great I AM 
 
 Through the faith He laid in Adam - 
 Broader laid in Abraham. 
 
 **And yet clearer unto Moses, 
 When his life commission gave. 
 
 When He sent him unto Israel 
 
 That from bondage He might save. * ' 
 
 **Now, that cannot be, O Gentile ! 
 
 For the time is near at hand 
 When again the sons of Jacob 
 
 Shall possess their native land. 
 
 **And ere long will come Messiah 
 Taking up His earthly reign ; 
 
 As He'll come a King eternal 
 
 Ne'er our kingdom 'gain shall wane. 
 
"Then, moreover will ye Gentiles 
 Unto Him your trophies bring, 
 
 Of your wealth and erudtion, 
 Whilst ye will His praises sing. 
 
 **And we'll give to you a portion 
 
 In the which soever tribe 
 It shall please you them to settle ; 
 
 Nor your actions circumscribe . 
 
 ** O, 'twill be a glorious coming! 
 
 And for Him we'll well prepare 
 Following the Lord's direction 
 
 With an ever zealous care. 
 
 * * O, that we the faith possessed 
 
 Even now to enter in 
 To the land of our possessions, 
 
 And ere long this work begin ! " 
 
 ** Yes, your land ye shall inherit 
 For God's promises come true ; 
 
 And when He shall give commandment 
 Nothing then can hinder you. 
 
 61 
 
*' That we have you much abused 
 I have oft confessed with shame, 
 
 Whilst to God I prayed most humbly 
 He would cleanse us from the blame. 
 
 **Not alone 'gainst you we're sinning, 
 By our vile, un-Christ like way, 
 
 But against our Lord's appearing 
 If on Gentiles He doth stay. 
 
 "These events the same are, Rabbi, 
 And perchance we'll both be there 
 
 Where for Christ and for Messiah, 
 We together will prepare. 
 
 ''Aye, when I am some discouraged 
 Then I cry Why is this fear, 
 
 When at any passing moment 
 David's Son may here appear, 
 
 ''And translate me into Canaan 
 That grim death I may not see ! 
 
 But with saints the quick and risen 
 I eternally shall be ! 
 
 62 
 
**This doth lift faith to quintessence ! 
 
 'Tis to courage deepest stay ! 
 And to love an undercurrent, 
 
 Type of our abiding day 
 
 *' Where I'll bask in His dear presence 
 And shall see Him as He is ! 
 
 O, that He in love infinite 
 
 Should acknowledge me as His ! 
 
 "Yea, I'll live with saints of ages, 
 Who my Saviour here did own, 
 
 Such as Job and Zechariah 
 
 Who have faith so bravely shown. 
 
 *In the presence of such worthies 
 Seemeth me that I will stand 
 
 Whilst they sit in places higher 
 Nearer to the I^ORD'S right hand. 
 
 ''These e'en now await in glory 
 Till our serving here is through, 
 
 When all souls their way not having 
 Will to God's will bow in lieu." 
 
 63 
 
**Can this be ! O, art thou certain ! 
 
 Are these Two the One and Same ! 
 Aye, will all the true and faithful 
 
 Worship in Jehovah's name ! 
 
 **Doth Christ tally to the Prophets, 
 Filling well what they demand? 
 
 Will He have an earthly kingdom 
 In our own Messiah's land?" 
 
 ** Scripture just compare with Scripture, 
 That that's former with the last- 
 
 They dove-tail into each other. 
 And remember all's not past, 
 
 **But there is a Second Coming ; 
 
 We are watching all the time. 
 And ye, 'gain, are much convinced 
 
 That all things are nearing prime. ' ' 
 
 "O some One is surely coming ! 
 
 Yea, the time doth draw apace 1 
 Even now to those who're watching 
 
 His fore runners we can trace 
 
 64 
 
' * Holy God, help me to grasp it 
 That these Two the same will be ! 
 
 And that in the blessed God-head 
 There are Sacred Persons Three ! » ' 
 
 THE END. 
 
 62 
 
^OV 5 t&03 
 
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