^~ *. <» Gop>7ight}]^ COH«^IGHT DEPOSm LiKiT. I^KKsc hi;l ("kanstox Tkitt Bait. B 3U6ih F. A., 77th Uiv. HILL AND VALE By Rev. Claude Shryock Tritt Printed for the Author by THE ABINGDON PRESS CINCINNATI, OHIO Copyright, 1920, by Claude Shn'ock Tritt Sparta, 111. ^ V iJ^U ©Ci.A566S7^ *\.\ ft To the memory of Lieut. Herschel Cranston Tritt, my son, who was killed in action , at Cherry Chartreuve, France, while serving in Battery B 306th Field Artillery, 77th Division, August 19, 1918, this little volume is affectionately dedicated. PROLOGUE To exercise my mind awhile, Call forth a tear-drop or a smile, To contemplate things small or great. To increase love and decrease hate, To lift the weak or stir the strong, And thus to help someone along The rugged path of life's high-way; To lift the mist or clear away The clouds that darken someone's sky Or point a soul to heaven on high. Memorialize our loved and lost, Or of true service count the cost. But if this goal we cannot reach, (The wise we may not hope to teach) We may, perchance, leave here a thought. Which to some humble heart a draught Of living water prove to be. So with a prayer that some may see Within these leaves some real worth We send this little volume forth. The Author CONTENTS Page Lieut. Herschel Cranston Tritt Frontispiece Prologue 5 Flag of Freedom 9 In the Vale A Father's Tribute 10 The Service Flag 12 The Star that Turned to Gold 13 A Soldier's Dirge 14 Is There a Home ? 16 To-Morrow I7 Fate or Providence ? Ig Love Cannot Die 19 Memory 20 Comfort in Trouble 22 The Voyage of Life 24 Somewhere 26 Hymns and Short Poems The Cleansing Fountain 27 Love 28 Worship 29 Universal Peace 30 A Brotherhood Hymn 32 An Evening Hymn 34 God's Love 35 The Providence of God 37 Christian Unity 33 Page The Great Council 39 Thou hast Died for Me 40 Springtime in the Soul 42 The Voyage 44 A Missionary Hymn 46 Lord of Life and Death 47 Liberty, Sweet Liberty 48 Miscellaneous Grace for the Commonplace 51 The Ballot 52 The Cloud of Darkness 54 Holy Communion 55 My Mother 56 The Church Beautiful 58 Matchless Love 59 On the Death of a Christian 60 On the Death of a Little Child 62 On the Death of Rev. R. W. Laughlin and Wife 63 On the Death of an Aged Christian 64 1 Want to be a Soldier-Man 66 The Unconquered Land 68 To a Frog 70 The Owl 72 POSTLUDE 73 Flag of Freedom Flag of freedom, glorious, true, New-born emblem kissed with dew — Dew from eyes In contemplation, Emblem of our heart's devotion. Your border stained all crimson red Is the blood that heroes shed In the cause of Liberty, And to end autocracy. With your field all gleaming white Tells of purity and right. High resolve and purpose true, Peace on earth, and freedom too. And your clustering stars of blue Tells of those, the brave and true. May the God of grace untold Suffer not one turn to gold. 9] IN THE VALE A Father's Tribute Where, O where is the little lad I trotted on my knee? Such bright and laughing eyes he had, And heart so full of glee. He answers not my anxious call. Nor meets my careful glance. They tell me that they saw him fall On the battlefields of France. His heart beat true to freedom's need, The soul of honor he; The first to hear, the first to heed. And first across the sea. With valor death could not appall ; To his men he said "Advance! " They tell me that they saw him fall On the battlefields of France. At duty's post he could be found, He cowered not with fear, Though death lay thick upon the ground, And bursting shells were near. [101 IN THE VALE For God and country he gave all To help our cause advance; They tell me that they saw him fall On the battlefields of France. Within that home where he has gone, Beyond the battle's strife, The land of joy and peace and song, In realms of endless life, Assured am I that all is well. His Captain said "Advance!" So up he went from where he fell On the battlefields of France. As valor's heroes we proclaim When ends this earthly strife. Reserve a space on the page of fame For those who gave their life. There are few that know, and none can tell By effort or by chance. The valor of those lads that fell On the battlefields of France. [11] IN THE VALE The Service Flag Flag of the brave, the noble, and free, The flag for you and the flag for me ; Emblem of valor and service too; Emblem of freedom, born anew. Glowing with love and true devotion For those brave lads across the ocean. Every star in your field so white Tells of a heart death cannot af right; Tells of a father's silent dread ; Tells of the tears a mother shed; Tells of the hopes of a nation bright; Tells of battles they must fight; Tells of the sacrifice we must make; Tells of a heart that's nigh to break. O flag in the window, thou flag of the free, Is the flag for you and the flag for me. 12 IN THE VALE The Star that Turned to Gold Kissed by the morning growing, Kissed by the noontide bold, Kissed by the evening glowing, Thou star that has turned to gold ! Shine on in thy valorous splendor, Shine on in thy wealth untold. Shine in our hearts made tender, Thou star that has turned to gold! By the light of thy wondrous beauty, By the beam of thy glorious ray. We see the pathway of duty Leading on to a glorious day. We will walk in the light of thy shining Though the blood of our hearts run cold; The pathway of duty finding, By the light of the star turned gold. 13 IN THE VALE A Soldier's Dirge Sleep, soldier, sleep; Sleep on and take thy rest. The evening shadows creep O'er earth's now peaceful breast. Chorus: Sleep, soldier, sleep; None shall disturb thy rest; May holy angels keep Thee safe among the blest! Hard was thy toil, And fierce the battle's sway; Thou didst the foeman foil And wrest from him the prey. Thou didst not see The haughty foeman bend; The strains of victory A thankful people lend. F141 IN THE VALE The grass is green Above thy lonely mound; No marble shaft Is seen To mark the sacred ground. But nobler far The monument we raise, As sun outshines a star, Our songs of grateful praise. [151 IN THE VALE Is There a Home? Is there a land of peace and rest From toil and sorrow free? A home where all the pure and blest Their Saviour's face may see? Is there a home where I may meet With those I've loved and lost? O is there not some fair retreat For souls when tempest tossed? O Sailor, tell me, as your bark Rides o'er the dashing foam, Is there one ray to pierce the dark, And guide us to that home? Then to that country I would go. Dear Saviour, bring me home. But daylight wanes, the sun is low, And lonely still I roam. Yes, in my Father's house above Where many mansions be, The Lord of Life, in boundless love, Prepares for them and me. [161 IN THE VALE To- Morrow Is there no balm for wounded hearts? No healing portion given? When they've been pierced by sorrow's darts, Or storm and tempest driven? The highest joy our hearts can know, The same is true of sorrow, Whate'er may be our weal or woe, There could be no to-morrow. There is no weight in joy or pain, In glory or in sorrow. If in our hearts we hear the strains Of a changed or changing morrow. O! throbbing heart, be calm, be calm, Whate'er thy weight of sorrow. By faith I see a healing balm In God's eternal morrow. 17 IN THE VALE Fate or Providence? Did God make man with purpose high Place him in such condition That when he for his goal would try Fate mocked at his ambition? So seems to us when sorrows come And all our plans are broken, While standing with amazement dumb, Yet know that God has spoken. There is no fate — deaf, dumb, and blind- 'Tis only God's kind Providence; 'Tis but false notion in our mind ; Should not disturb our confidence. Fate's mocking is but God's intention To lead a human soul. And furnish him with inspiration To make a higher goal. 18] IN THE VALE Love Cannot Die My soul asks not for gain or wealth, For social joys or fame, But just to meet my loved in health, And hear them call my name. 0! Jesus can such wealth of love Be lost in death's embrace? No, I shall meet them all above And see them face to face. 119) IN THE VALE Memory Across the vista of the years My lingering memory carries me; I hear the sighs and feel the tears, And sense the joys — no more to be. As 'round our home at evening time The wintry shadows thickly grew; The smoke from out our chimneys climb, Around the fire our chairs we drew. The toil of day is now forgot As the family circle gathers 'round; For peace and love there blessed our lot, No saddening shadows there were found. They've come and gone, those fleeting years With their music re-vibrative Each vibrant chord within our spheres Yields some joyous note or plaintive. [20] IN THE VALE The smoke yet from our chimneys climb, And thickly come the evening shades, And 'round the hearth at evening time The loved ones come, as daylight fades. Ah! Here's the joy and here's the pain Those mystic years to us have brought, For flowers bloom where some are lain Who drank with us life's joyous draught. The youngest maid and eldest son Sleep peacefully beneath the sod: In innocence her crown she won; From honor's field went he to God. Around our hearth two vacant chairs Their mute appeal our hearts remind That we must climb the golden stair Our home and loved ones there to find. Where'er I look, through memory's eye From lovelit circle to the sod. This earthly life doth touch the sky And point my pathway up to God. [211 IN THE VALE Comfort in Trouble My heart bowed down in sadness, While waves of trouble roll; Billows of surging madness Appall my fainting soul, And fill my heart with fears, My eyes with bitter tears, But the words of Christ, my Saviour, My comfort now shall be. The grace of love forgotten In greedy passion's sway; The weak and poor downtrodden In beastly savagery. And hunger's piteous cry Is wafted to the sky; But the words of Christ, my Saviour, My comfort now shall be. He's faithful that has spoken, He'll surely come again To gather all His chosen From sorrow, death, and pain, [22] IN THE VALE And take them all above Where all is peace and love, And the words of Christ, my Saviour, My comfort now shall be. O Heart, then cease thy sighing, And wipe away thy tears, On His mighty word relying, Thou hence shall feel no fears; For the time Is drawing near When Jesus shall appear; And the words of Christ, my Saviour, My comfort now shall be. 1231 IN THE VALE The Voyage of Life My life is but a vessel fragile To sail upon life's troubled sea, Hope is her anchor, truth her sail. And heaven her glorious port to be. For chart I have God's holy Word, And conscience is my compass true. My Pilot, too, is Christ the Lord; His faithful hand will guide me through. Three perils doth my way beset. There's drifting, rocks, tempestuous gale, O Lord, may I then not forget As o'er life's perilous sea I sail. If I my chart will ponder well, My compass watch with jealous care. When I am drifting, these will tell, Will tell me when, and how, and where. 24 IN THE VALE Temptation's rocks the foam may hide, My eye their peril may not see, By chart and compass I may guide My fragile bark safely in their lea. Though winds may blow and storms may sweep I bravely face the angry gale, For hope is anchored sure and deep With that which is within the vale. Sail on, my bark, o'er trackless deep. And lurk, ye rocks, beneath the foam, And blow, ye storms, and o'er me sweep ; My Pilot's hand will guide me home. O'er charted seas I onward sail. No troubling fears disturb my way; I'll anchor soon within the vale. When night has turned to perfect day. More loudly now the breakers roar; I'm drawing near that heavenly land; My eager eyes now sight the shore. Behold yon heavenly waiting band! [251 IN THE VALE Somewhere Somewhere the cares of Hfe will cease, Somewhere the soul shall find sweet peace, Sometime, somewhere, how sweet 'twill be! My blessed Saviour's face I'll see. Chorus: O! Then my Saviour's face I'll see And with my loved ones I shall be. Sometime, somewhere, a joy divine Shall dwell within this heart of mine. Somewhere the night will turn to day, Somewhere the shadows pass away, Somewhere I'll lean on Jesus' breast. Somewhere this aching heart find rest. Somewhere our tears will all be dried, Somewhere in joy and peace abide. Somewhere upon a fairer shore. Our loved ones meet to part no more. [26] HYMNS AND SHORT POEMS The Cleansing Fountain O! Where can rest be found, From all this grief and pain? My heart is sad, my soul bowed down With awful sin and shame. My search has proved in vain, Despair has seized my heart; The awful anguish of my pain Seems more than one man's part. O! Lead me to that Fount Where I may freely cleanse The foul pollution that I count My poor, sad heart now rends. O! Soul plunge in that flood, That stream from Calvary; It is the Saviour's precious blood That bears thy sin away. And now, to Christ be praise, My guilty heart is free ; My foul pollution washed away: Christ Jesus died for me. [271 HYMNS AND SHORT POEMS Love 'Tis love that finds that love divine, As life the light doth meet, And human love, though not sublime. Infinite love doth meet. God plants within these hearts of clay The seed of love divine. His grace doth water day by day The tender, helpless vine. This vine at last from earth shall climb, Entwined with that above, To never-ending heights sublime: A unity of love. O ! Christ, do Thou this heart of mine Prepare with showers of grace, That love from out this stony climb May meet Thee face to face. [28] HYMNS AND SHORT POEMS Worship To God, our Father, now we raise Our holy hymns of loftiest praise; But O! What soul can reach the strain? What mortal verse reveal Thy fame? Tune Thou our hearts to loftiest songs, For highest praise to Thee belongs ; Touch Thou our lips with coals of fire And make them chord with heavenly lyre. To Thee, all-glorious above, We offer now our deepest love; Accept this humble sacrifice. And count it now our righteousness. Our sacrifice Thou now dost own, Assurance send us from Thy throne; Thou dost respond to our desire And send the flaming tongues of fire. 29 HYMNS AND SHORT POEMS Universal Peace Great God, attend, we now entreat, And grant the boon our hearts implore; The prayer that we so oft repeat. That war shall cease and be no more. The earth no more be stained with blood, Which from the days of sinful Cain Hath flowed a great, increasing flood, And cursed the world with untold pain. Doth not the blood from Calvary's brow Suffice for all the sins of man? Then stay the hand that sheds it now; Send peace and thus fulfill Thy plan. Speak Thou the word of calm command That stilled the angry, raging deep; Bid armies, then, for aye disband That earth the promised peace may keep. [30] HYMNS AND SHORT POEMS Bid heaven and earth proclaim that song By shepherds heard o'er Bethlehem, And bid men join the angel throng In "Peace on earth, goodwill to men." 31 HYMNS AND SHORT POEMS A Brotherhood Hymn Arouse, ye heavenly patriots, And to His colors bring The strength of Christian manhood, For Christ, our royal king. Then sound aloud the bugle Above the roar and din Of earthly strife and carnage, For right the day must win. To Armageddon marching See now the crafty foe; But Christ Himself will lead us As we to battle go. Then to the mighty conflict, Under His banner true, And deeds of royal courage Each soldier now must do. Then strengthen your defenses, Fierce will the battle sway, For this the final conflict, And this the glorious day, [321 HYMNS AND SHORT POEMS When Christ His final vic'try Shall o'er the foeman win, And those who triumph with Him Shall conquer every sin. Who to the end endureth A crown of life shall wear; A victor's crown becometh Him, who the cross did bear. At last the worthy vet'rans, Who in the conflict stood Shall all unite in heaven A happy Brotherhood. [SS] HYMNS AND SHORT POEMS An Evening Hymn Softly fades the twilight ray Of the holy Sabbath Day; May we in this hour of praise Witness wonders of Thy grace. May the gospel here resound And with holy truth abound Till the wills of men shall yield And the cleansing Spirit feel. May this Sabbath evening hold Memories dearer far than gold; May the glories of this hour Ever hence reveal Thy power, By Thy vie' try over sin And Thy cleansing grace within, Do Thou, all our hearts relieve; We the double cure receive. 341 HYMNS AND SHORT POEMS Here by faith we fain would taste The sweet rapture of Thy grace; May Thy presence meet us here In that love that casts out fear, May we now commune with Thee, Blessed holy Trinity, Fairest of the heavenly host Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. 135] HYMNS AND SHORT POEMS God's Love Thy wisdom, O my God, doth shine, In earth and sky so free, But O! Thy love, Thy love divine, That love that reaches me. Thy power the starry hosts reveal. Reflected in the sea; Thy love alone our wounds can heal- It now enfoldeth me. Thy wisdom, power, and glory, too. In nature I may see; This only can my heart subdue — Thy love that reaches me. Of all Thy attributes divine That man may freely see, This one alone doth man decline, Thy love that reaches me. [36] HYMNS AND SHORT POEMS The Providence of God O God, our everlasting head, In grief or pain, or guilty dread — To Thee, in humble penitence We now may come in confidence. Thou hast reserved within Thy power Our joys and sorrows, hour by hour; Thou knowest now each throbbing heart; In joy or grief. Thou hast a part. Thy word doth true assurance give, In whatsoever lot we live; All things for good, in sweet accord, Will work for those who love the Lord. Our faith to Law we do not seal, Which cannot see or cannot feel; But Thou, O Living God above. Art wisdom, power, truth, and love. [37] HYMNS AND SHORT POEMS Christian Unity Blest be that union sweet, When in Thy house we meet, In sweet accord; To dwell in unity, Pray in sincerity, Behold Thy majesty. Within Thy word. To Thee, O God above, We offer here our love. In prayer and praise. May we Thy word believe, Thy spirit here receive. Do Thou our fears relieve, Through endless days. Break Thou, dear Lord, we pray The Bread of Life to-day; And faithfully May all Thy truth be told; Thy wondrous power unfold, And we Thy face behold Eternally. [381 HYMNS AND SHORT POEMS The Great Council Could we, like Peter, James, and John, The mountain top ascend. Behold the Council of renown Which mighty things portend. There Moses and Elijah came. With Christ, a Trinity; A council unsurpassed in fame, A glorious company. One topic did their speech command, As they together spake; The sacrifice, that long was planned, To save for His name's sake. And as they spake His countenance With blinding glory shone. And God, from heaven, did announce "This My Beloved Son." We fain upon the mountain's brow Would still abide with Thee; But lo! Within the valley now A helpless sufferer's plea! [39] HYMNS AND SHORT POEMS Thou hast Died for Me Dark in the garden Where the massive olives stand, Goes now our Sovereign With His Httle band. Lonely, now, and weary With the labors of the day, With burden so dreary He kneels there to pray. Chorus : Jesus, dear Jesus, Thou hast made Thy off'ring free Jesus, dear Jesus, Thou hast died for me. Through dark boughs shining Fell the pale moon's silvery light, As for Him pining, On that solemn night. [40] HYMNS AND SHORT POEMS His disciples sleeping Did not feel His load of woe Nor the vigil keeping By the crafty foe. Bearing the mocking Of the cruel, jeering throng; Answering nothing, Suffering fearful wrong. Patiently receiving All the curses of the law, And the judge confessing There in Him no flaw. Then to the mountain. Weary, fainting He did go; There ope'd the fountain With its cleansing flow. While the mountains. shaking, And in darkness God did hide, And the rocks were breaking, As the Saviour died. [41] HYMNS AND SHORT POEMS Springtime in the Soul As showers upon the thirsty ground When nature's pleading call is heard, So may, O Lord ! Thy grace abound And living power in hearts be stirred. As flowers deck the shady dale. When spring old winter's frosts replace. So deeds of love and kindness hale Thy soul refreshing showers of grace. Let passion's wintry blasts subside. And tender flowers of grace appear. In every good with need divide. And sympathy for every tear. How desolate would be the fields Without the springtime's cheerful bloom! How dreary life, if it should yield Alone the somber fruits of gloom! [42] HYMNS AND SHORT POEMS Then blow, ye breezes, soft and low Across these icy hearts of ours. Yea, melt the ice, and melt the snow. And bring the lovely springtime flowers. O! May these flowers, within our hearts, Their sweetest perfume now send forth, And by the sweetness they impart With heavenly nectar fill the earth ! [43] HYMNS AND SHORT POEMS The Voyage Let sorrow's deepest billows roll, And stormy tempests blow, My Pilot still the helm will hold, And safe my bark will go. Though angry waves around me break, While lowering clouds appear. And hidden rocks within my wake, My soul doth know no fear. Though darkest shadows of the night Their fancied horrors bring. My Pilot always doeth right, Then faith can calmly sing. Serenely on through storm and tide. While fearful billows roll. My little bark will safely glide. And I shall reach my goal. [44] HYMNS AND SHORT POEMS While still the trackless path I hold For my cherished port afar, I through the rifted cloud behold A bright and beaming star. Its light reveals the heavenly land; The fearful rocks are past; My bark has pressed the golden strand, I've anchored safe at last! [451 HYMNS AND SHORT POEMS A Missionary Hymn Go forth, ye gospel heralds, Ye heaven-anointed band, And spread your joyful carols Within each sin-cursed land. Your Master bids you hasten The joyful news to bring To native land and heathen, The message of your King. Though Satan may oppose you. And fiery trials assail, Your Master walks beside you; Ye must not, cannot fail. Heed not the blasts of winter Or summer's scorching sun. Nor hesitate nor falter Until your task is done. A King His regal mission Has trusted to your hand; Then haste to every Nation And compass sea and land. [461 HYMNS AND SHORT POEMS Lord of Life and Death Within a dark and somber tomb The Lord of Life was laid, Bright angels from the heavenly home Their holy vigil made. Within that lowly rock-hewn cave They wrestled till the day And Death to Life the victory gave — The stone was rolled away. The Mighty Conqueror burst His bands And conquered death for me, His pierced side and nail-marked hands Proclaim His victory. Then wing the news to every land : He is not here, but risen 1 Let gloom be driven from every strand Since Christ has ope'd the prison. O! Shout for joy, ye sons of men. And cease your earthly strife, For Christ is now, as He was then, Lord both of Death and Life. [47] HYMNS AND SHORT POEMS Liberty, Sweet Liberty For war the despot's hordes are trained, Liberty, sweet Liberty. Imperiled is thy gentle reign, Liberty, sweet liberty. Then grasp thy trusty blade of steel, May not thy heart one tremor feel. Thy loyal sons shall guard thy weal, Liberty, sweet liberty. Behold the tyrant's ruthless sway, Liberty, sweet liberty. Thy gleaming sword his hand must stay, Liberty, sweet liberty. Remember Belgium's cruel wrong, Remember France's slaughtered throng, And Britain's call in prose and song, Liberty, sweet liberty. Then wake, ye sons of Freedom's soil. Liberty, sweet liberty. And not for power, or not for spoil, Liberty, sweet liberty. [481 HYMNS AND SHORT POEMS Thou'll't strike the monster with thy might And put the boastful Huns to flight And show the world that ''Right is Might", Liberty, sweet liberty. From north to south, from east to west, Liberty, sweet liberty. Thy loyal sons shall never rest, Liberty, sweet liberty. Until Democracy shall reign. And all thy enemies are slain. And victory shall swell thy strain, Liberty, sweet liberty. The God of Right thy leader be, Liberty, sweet liberty. So shalt thou reign from sea to sea. Liberty, sweet liberty. Ye sons of Freedom, raise a prayer; 'Twill help in victory "Over there". And glorious garlands thou shalt wear. Liberty, sweet liberty. [491 MISCELLANEOUS Grace for the Commonplace Elijah on the mount found grace A host of Baal's priests to face, But when the throng had ceased to rave He hid within a shrinker's cave. Lord, give me grace for plodding days. The toilsome task, the weary ways, Uncheered by friends, or glad applause. Inspired alone by noble cause. The pulseless soul may strong appear While shouts of tumult reach his ear. But O! The lonely, lowly task! 'Tis grace for this, my Lord, I ask. My heart can with the eagle fly 'Mid stirring battle, do or die, But O! For grace, my feet to stay Within life's lonely, dusty way. While others ask for glorious sign. Or for applause of hosts may pine, Give me the courage, power and grace To bear the test of Commonplace. [511 MISCELLANEOUS The Ballot Columbia's sons will gather From valley, plain, and hill. From forest, prairie, and hether To register their will. With kingly mien and splendor, Ye stalwart sons arise, And to your country render > The wealth of your franchise; Come, mount your thrones, ye freemen, And each your scepter bring. For unto you is given To reign — an uncrowned king. The power of thy scepter Is felt across the sea, 'Mid thrones of royal splendor, Thy throne shall loftier be. You inherited your kingdom. As sons of noble birth. Through the valor of thy kindred, The knightliest race of earth. [52] MISCELLANEOUS Then in mercy, truth, and wisdom Thy scepter thou shalt wield Till earth shall feel thy freedom And wrong to right shall yield. To every sin-cursed nation Thy freedom thou must bring Till man in every station Shall reign an uncrowned king. I53j MISCELLANEOUS The Cloud of Darkness The bitter pains that Christ did bear, His lonely agony, The burden of man's guilt and care Were borne upon the tree. Oh! Not in anger, not in wrath. Did God the heavens veil As Jesus trod death's lonely path While angry mobs assail. While Jesus hanged upon the tree The darkness veiled the skies That God, the Father, might not see His anguish as He dies. For who could look upon that scene. With tender heart of love? The cloud of darkness came to screen The Father's eye above. The darkness that came o'er the sky Was for the Father's sake. For if the Father saw Him die The heart of God would break! [541 MISCELLANEOUS Holy Communion This holy bread I humbly break In deep humility, In sweet remembrance thus I take Thy body broke for me. And of this cup I now partake, Thy blood so rich, and free, A full atonement thus to make For guilty souls like me. Lord, help me in this sacrament Sincerely to discern The precious boon, by heaven sent, Thy death till Thou return. That by this Holy Feast, O Lord ! My soul may nourished be Until all come, in sweet accord, To dwell in peace with Thee. 55 MISCELLANEOUS My Mother Fond memory brings to me a face Of one, to me most dear, Whose loving heart, and gentle grace, Once charmed away my fear. Resplendent with love's beauteous ray, 'Twas beauteous as no other. The idol of my childhood days, The face of my dear mother. Within the chambers of my soul A sweet voice echoes still, With cadence sweet its billows roll And joy my heart doth fill. No sweeter voice e'er stirred my heart, Of friend, or sister, brother. No kinder words could they impart. Than those of my dear mother. No earthly friend have I e'er known With greater wealth of love. Nor with more constant fervor shown. Than she that's now above. [56] MISCELLANEOUS Oh ! Loving heart, that yearned o'er me When I could love no other, My constant love I still give thee, My own, dear sainted mother. Those weary hands that wrought for me, Within my youthful days, Greater reward shall bring to thee, And greater mead of praise, By service that these hands of mine Shall give unto another, In memory of the service thine Hath wrought for me, dear mother. That face, that voice, that heart, that hand My memory still enthrall Until in yon bright heavenly land I hear my Saviour's call. I'll gladly go to meet Him there And with Him is another. Whose face to me is wondrous fair, My precious, angel mother. [57] MISCELLANEOUS The Church Beautiful 'Tis not the stately wall or dome Nor richly chiming bell, Not these, alone, can make a home Where God would dain to dwell. The weary traveler, weak and lone. Slept peacefully on the ground. By thought divine made desert stone A house where God was found. 'Tis not in boasted song or prayer Nor builder's art applied, But where devotion fills the air That God is glorified. 58 MISCELLANEOUS O Matchless Love O matchless love, how sweet thou art ! That stooped to share a sinner's woe. Happy the thought I share a part, Thy boundless pardon now to know. No measure can my guilt compute, No mortal can its bounds declare; Angelic hosts, with wonder mute, That God with man such love should share. My guilt, though great, does not surpass The measure of redeeming grace. Thy boundless love will yet embrace The last of Adam's sinful race. O matchless love, O grace divine, How can my tongue thy grace declare. Look thou within this heart of mine, O Jesus, Thou canst read it there. 59] MISCELLANEOUS On the Death of a Christian The shades of evening darken The golden sunset's gleam, The mist of the river tells me I've reached the silent stream. The boatman pale, With shadowy sail. Has come to bear me home. The loved ones who still linger Within the vale of tears, I hope to meet them yonder In the rolling sea of years. By faith pursue The journey through To reach the shining shore. The grief and pain and sorrow Of weary days gone by, I leave them now forever For a glorious home on high. [60] MISCELLANEOUS For joy is ever And pain is never Found on that shining shore. With tend 'rest words of parting To those I love most dear, As my trembling feet are planted In that bark, which seemed so drear. Then out with the tide And onward I glide To reach that golden shore. [61] MISCELLANEOUS On the Death of a Little Child A gleam from out the darkness, A light from the boundless deep, It paused a moment in kindness, Then left us here to weep. God will these sunbeams gather And store them all above In that home of wondrous splendor — That Paradise of Love. lie ^ ^ H: 4: ^ The pond'rous cycles of our God Move swifter than the hours of man; And moments, by His measuring rod, Fulfilling centuries in His plan. 62] MISCELLANEOUS On the Death of Rev. R. W. Laughlin and Wife Ye weary pilgrims, rest awhile Within your lowly bed, From which your Saviour hath beguiled The fear that death had fed. As gently sinks the sun to rest When a summer day is done, Doth thou recline in Jesus' breast, Thy glorious race is run. Thy feet have trod life's rugged path. Thy conflicts now are past. You've fought the fight, you've kept the faith And lo! You're crowned at last. 63 MISCELLANEOUS On the Death of an Aged Christian I linger on the shores of time And see my friends depart, Across the dark and mystic line I see each loved bark start. So one by one my friends depart Across the mystic sea, And leave transfixed my wond'ring heart In solemn reverie. Until, alas! I stand alone On the shifting sands of Time, For all the friends that I have known Have crossed the mystic line. O come, thou silent messenger. Come with thy phantom sail, I, too, would be thy passenger; I'll brave the stormy gale. 64 MISCELLANEOUS The shores of time doth now recede; I'm gHding o'er the water; My Pilot's face assureth me The dawn will bring the harbor. Lo! now the mist has cleared away; My bark the shore is nearing; With joyous heart I calmly pray My landing may be cheering. 65 MISCELLANEOUS I Want to be a Soldier- Man I want to be a soldier-man And help to fight for Uncle Sam. Mamma says I'm not old enough, Though papa says I'm awful tough; I want to march when the companies form And have a gun and uniform, And follow the flag up and down When it goes through the streets of town. I want to be a soldier-man And help to fight for Uncle Sam And wear a cap and suit of blue And show the folks what I can do. But papa says 'tis just as brave To help this nation now to save, To take a hoe and do what I can To raise some food for the soldier-man. [66] MISCELLANEOUS For uniform give me blue overall, In them I can stand up straight and tall, For weapons give me hoe and seeds And all the things a farmer needs, A piece of ground for practice and drill, Then a soldier's place I'll surely fill. Now tell me, reader, if you can, Am I not a real soldier- man? [67] MISCELLANEOUS The Unconquered Land (A graduating poem) Our bark has touched an unknown land, A vernal shore inclining; A land where stately mountains stand, With flowing rivers winding. Rich valleys of uncounted worth With massive forests hoary, And treasure stored deep in the earth, Some sparkling gems of glory. Who dares to enter in this land To reap its golden treasure Must have a sturdy heart and hand. And patience without measure. For every valley has a hill, And every hill a valley, For every good there is an ill, So mirth is purchased sadly. This land is for the brave and true. Not cowards or not sluggards, Who conquers it must dare and do, Not dream or idly slumber; [68] MISCELLANEOUS The sweat alone of honest toil Rich harvests are repaying, So will we reap with courage royal, On God and self relying. We banish every base desire, And every selfish pleasure; Press forward, then, through flood and fire To seize its golden treasure. Maintaining our integrity, All foolish fears deriding, Our counsel keep with dignity, Tn God and self confiding. We'll conquer then this goodly land And seize its golden treasure; By patient toil with heart and hand Its goodness we will measure. And whatsoever mete for praise Angelic tongues are voicing. We then shall have, through endless days, In God and self rejoicing. [69] MISCELLANEOUS To a Frog Mornin', little hop-toad, where have you stayed, All winter long, in sunshine and shade? O! That is your secret, do you say? Spose you've quarters for which you do not pay. All right then, just keep your secret well, But you needn't fear me, for I wouldn't tell. We have missed you now for quite a while As wintry winds the snow high piled. We really wondered if you were dead. We found you not in field or shed. In grassy plot or beside the pond Where oft in summer you were found. But here you come, hopping by my door. As you used to in days of yore. You look so wise as you blink your eye; Your coat is stained with nature's dye. [70] MISCELLANEOUS Full down to your knees your green pants go, With black mits covering each finger and toe. You're a wise old froggy, Fm sure that you are. Your home must be in land afar Where old winter's winds are never heard, The land of flowers and singing bird. How came you so soon, from that land afar? Did you float on the breeze or ride on a star? You mock me, you croaker, please do tell, You look so hearty and so well; I know you have not hopped so far, 'Cause such a hop your health would mar. There you go without saying a word, As if my questions were absurd. [711 MISCELLANEOUS The Owl A wise old owl sat on a tree Stately and solemn all day long, One mournful call, his only song, Who-who, who-he. He had prowled about all night you see, Gathering his food from field and fen, A rabbit, a mouse, or a nice fat hen, Who-who, who-he. Quite proudly now he sits in the tree, If you disturb his slumbers or cross his will, He will rustle his feathers and pop his bill, Who-who, who-he. You're a thief, sir, 'tis plain to me; You seek your food under cover of night. One answer he gives, then shuts his eyes tight, Who-who, who-he. He's surely as naughty as ever can be. Though of all sins, he's guilty of half He will look in your eye, and boldly laugh, Who-who, who-he. [721 Postlude Dear reader, if this book has been Unworthy of your reading, Remember, that one fact within Its pages is redeeming. Perhaps upon that fact alone Will rest its greatest merit. (We may not reap where we've not sown. So we with patience bear it.) The fact to which we here allude With greatest certainty, You surely will with us conclude, Is just its brevity. With this apology we close This book of varied rhyme. It is the way that we have chose To use our leisure time.