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Lea diagrammas suivsnts Wustrent le m«thode. 1 2 3 4 S A MKROCOrV RESOLUTION TEST CHART (ANSI and ISO TEST CHART No. 2) 1^ ■ 2.8 l» MM L& M32 Hi. 1^ IB ■a Ih u t^ « 1^ 1.8 ^ APPLIED IN/HGE 1653 Eojt Main Street Rochester, New York 14609 USA (716) ♦82 -0300 -Phone (716) 288- 5989 -Fa» Inc QflfiitQlrtB itt T ^w Sljowg^ ttt 'Btvm 9b Amtif jr. (§BUr QIarantii ViUiam Qlyrrrll jt do. 1911 '^y^'^^ ':i. -;/ 5 Copyright, Canada, 191 i BY Wm. TYRRKI,!. & Co ^v • >>i « EifaitgiftB in "Bsrst i God is Love In face of all the protests of the sages, In spite of darkest thunderclouds above, I hear a voice that echoes down the ages And answers in my heait that "God is Love." Though mists of darkness rounvi His footstool meet. And on the clouds of Heaven the King of Glor}^ rides, Though countless angels worship at His feet And myriad worlds await His will besides, The heart of man still hears a ckar, persistent voice, And all our being answers to the call ; With no uncertain sound let us rejoice. For God is Love, above and over all ! We hear of hard things happening every day. Of breaking hearts, sad homes, and bitter tears, Of dreary lives that plod their lonely way, Wi'h no sweet love to share their anxious fears. THOUGHTS IN VERSE. Can God, a God of Love, know and see all The heartaches of the souls that He has made? The Father, who can note each sparrow's fall, Has He such anguish on His children laid? Does He not care that lightening bolts fall down ? That strong men die and weak ones live apace ? That wars continue and that ships go down, And that His little ones are left to face The loneliness and sadness of this earth, Where many turn their faces from the poor, Where sin and evil haunt them from their birth. And God and Love seem strangers to their door ? Does He not care? Oh, still that voice I hear, Altho' like distant music far away, The God of Love to every soul is near. And one day turns his darkness into day. His ways are deep, we cannot understand. Strange if we did, for He is God, and we His little children guided by His Hand In ways mysterious where we cannot see. In wisest plan Divine, perchance He sees That man through dark alone can reach the Light, That pain and suflfering are the only keys To unlock his vision of the Infinite ! THOUGHTS IN VERSE To know Him is to know His name is Love, Who taught the parent bird to build his nest Man in God's image made must rise above, As sure as infant finds its mother's breast. Nor can He fail to pierce the darkest cloud, With rays of brig-htest glory from our Sun, And lead each purg d soul from out its shroud, Whene'er the purifying work is done ! He will not fail to illumine the darkest mind. And gently, tenderly, draw it above. With heart all comforted, and eyes to find In Maker and in Guide, a God of Love ! THOUGHTS IN VERSE The Divine Spirit The voice of God's own spirit in me woke Kesponsive notes to Him, His spirit in my new-born spirit spoke, 1 nirstmg for more of Him ; And I said, ^ Flo"odT;c."'' '^'''"""' °^ ^'"''"^ P°"^ "P«n ™e. rioodmg my mmost soul f pMi'^'"? r^'J"" °^ "'y ^^' ^'thin me. Part of the Eternal whole! 1897 ■» I THOUGHTS IN VERSE The Divine WiU "Thy will, not mine, be done," The meek Christ said, "By will of God, not man I will be led." "Thy will, not mine, be done," A baby bed Of roughest straw, and mean, In cattle shed. "Thy will, not mine, be done," A peasant boy. The lowliest, meanest tasks His days employ. "Thy will, not mine, be done," A tired man. Marred more than most, heartsick and sore, Weary and wan. "Thy will, not mine, be done," Around Him close Mists of darkness, doubt and fear, A world's woes. THOUGHTS IN VERSE "Thy will, not mine, be done," A'h, see Him shrink! Body, torn and racked v;ith pain. On death's brink. "Thy will, not mine, be done," Louder He cries. Raises triumphant face Up to the skies. "Thy win is done on earth, Done by Me; Henceforth the Father's face The child may see. "Perfected by suffering, Sanctified by pain, With Me a moment's grief. Eternal gain." Child of earth, pain is Divine, Since thy God died. He who would Godward rise Must be crucified ! THOUGHTS IN VERSE At Sunrise iii Early Spring Father ! AH nature bows to Thee ! Worshipping, in transport of pure jov f 1 he baby buds smile out from every tree And birdies chant their love without alloy Only our stupid human lips are dumb, Vet longmg sordy for the words to come ! A myriad dewdrops sparkle at our feet More dazzling far than priceless rubies, they, And Heaven-born cloudlets at earth's arches meet, tJatbing in rainbow hues a new-born day ! -Not theirs their beauty, by no merit won— but reflex glory from the rising sun. Oh glorious Sun! so kingly with thy gifts! f ouring on every bladelet rays of light ! Some beam of thine to darkest crannies drifts, And to the blindest, augurs coming sight ' Our highest manhood fain would thee adore Did we not see behind thee, something more! Great source of Light and Love, Creator. God ! Alpha and Omega, Incarnate Word In greatest and in least. Thy Hand I see. Ihou art m nature all. much more in me' By worlds and atoms, man and beast, adored tloi— Holy-holy-holy Lord! THOU( TS IN VERSE No I aI No Pain! It was a time of darkness, doubt, despair. The one true light I saw not anywhere. Sin IS not sin," they teU me, "all who say so lie, Man is of God, and man can never die." "There is no sin, for God is All in All, And God is good, there is no ill at all; Only believe it, cast away thy pain, Tis but a fancy, conjured in thy brain !" And is this, too, a fancy of my brain. This never-ceasing wail of human pain? As well assure me that, as God is Light, 'Tis but my fancy conjures up the night' Two voices wrangled by me Ml the n.^bt, There is no sin, for all is love and light ;" And then, outride, that moaning, and within A voice that whispered, "Even here is sin !" The night is truly dark, no stars appear, And if God be but light, He is not here! Yet I am here— and He is ever^ here, There is no place at all but He is there ! // all unseen God's light in dark can be, Then deepest grief a beam of light can see. Then darkest shadows e'en of sin and pain, Tho' real, may be but harbingers of gain! THOUGHTS IN VERSE 9 The voices ceased-I. heavy-hearted, woke I foHn H^^'' half-dreaming, that Anothe; spoke I followed to the casement, looked on high ^ ' And saw a Figure stretched across the sky Then all at once I felt a holy peace The Man of Sorrows spoke to me alone All sin and sorrow gathers round My throne. "My throne, a cross of pain that leads to God But r r ' 'vu '°''' ^"^ ^°"^>y •« the Id TotlTfr'A l°" "'^">^^' ^" the way. ' To turn the darkest night to brightest day. "'^^"^hhrtr *'""^' ^""«'^*' '- ^h-' «^Ht |t^^^:^ir::s---K^ Yet carry ,n their hearts the gladdest^ong. E^e Vc^n f\^"^ '""'* ^"* '" ^^^J^"«ss lie. ^re It can taste its immortality ?o" h„H''^\r*'^' '' ^•" «ho'ot above. To bud and blossom in a sphere all love." We lose ourselves in darkness and in pain To find our God and find ourselves aga.n. 189X lo THOUGHTS IN VERSE After Reading: "Soliloquies of a Shade" Omar Khayyam ! Omar Khayyam ! Calling from the deep, Is this thy voice, oh mighty thinker. Restless in thy sleep? Marvelling that the cycling ages Still their silence keep ! Thou didst ask the deepest queries. Stirring inmost soul, E'en the master knot to unravel— Grappling with the whole- See we clearer? Are we nearer? Nearer to the goal? Omar Khayyam! Omar Khayyam! Tis the same old tale Of the infant on the seashore With its tiny wail- Drifting, drifting towards the ocean- Straining for a sail ! [ THOUGHTS IN VERSE Ever since the mighty potter Formed the man of clay 'Tif r S;^:^^^ -^ ^Hisels. 'o1hTli;J^^dayt--^--Hemyster, ^ rnM^'^J"°"^^ °^ *h«^ substance, '-o'd and grey as death, One day quickens to His touches! Wakens at His breath! Hears, above the blast and hammer Live! The Master saith!" Since the day. your giant spirit i eaped to meet the true ! In the darkest night To bear the pressure ^f His fingers Be It hard or hght ' To see beyond the fire, the chisel. VVith a second sight. II la THOUGHTS IN VERSE We can feel the Spirit pulsing, Moving here and there, Moulding men and moulding nations, Workmg everywhere, To the purest souls unveiling Holy mysteries bare I ^tu^"r -f^^ ^^^ ^"^««n Presence, The Life, of Whom we be; We can commune with the living Souls we cannot see! We have foretaste in the darkness Of a coming ecstasy ! God in man, and man in G-d By His Spirit's might. Clouds there may be in the daylight- There are stars by night, Clearer vision, truer insight Of celestial Light I Slowly, slowly roll the ages, Slowly, too, evolves the man, We can barely see the outlines Of the mighty plan, Yet fore-hear in coming cvcles His great Word, I can I ' THOUGHTS INVERSE »3 For at times wc feel the birth throes Of a hfe to be! ^wS/J^ ^^u"^ ^""^^ »"<^ «ghtless Will the father see! Even now .he dawn is breaking Into immor^aliiy ? Clou( Sut Perfe We Aeon a: As %* Tsion now v ould blind us, e the sparlt of life, ■^e w. 'lid nou stagnate us, better for thf strife, aeon teds Us. tor its agt are ript. THOUGHTS IN VERSE "By Their Fruits I Judge Them" John Chinaman How is it, Lord, that ?.eons after aeons pass And still the Christian world is far apart from Thee, That pagans jeer, and Jew and Gentile mock. Because we are not what we do profess to be' How IS it, Lord? What means it, that of us the heathen nations say, We walk their streets and view their cities fair. We count their churches, and we mark their sins. And fail to find the fruits of love and justice there ! ' What means it, Lord ? Why is it, Lord, the manliest, strongest, goodliest of our men Are rarely seen within Thy house of prayer. Each holy day the music of the old bells peals again And little children, gentle women, not strong men are there? . * Why is it, Lord? THOUGHTS IN VERSE 15 And oh, what means it when of us the heatlien say, "A Christian nation like their Christ should be, Holy, and pure, and self-forgetting, true, Doing to others as they would that they to them would do." What means it. Lord? Ah, three-fold woe upon us, if it can only mean We say and do not, like the Pharisees of old ; The Christ we preach to others we in ourselves have slain, And to our sloth and greed our heritage have sold! The germs of the Divine are planted in each soul," ^^ Thus prophet voices hush our souls to sleep ; "The Great Evolver will complete the whole." What need to watch and pray, to suffer, fight or weep? i Oh never was there greater need to watch and pray. That we may hold the old, yet gladly grasp the new; The Christ of God is still our one true light to-day And phantom lights, world over, are watching what we do. i6 THOUGHTS IN VERSE Let England hold close by Him, so can His spirit's fire, Brood His all-gendering life o'er waters still and dead, Until in every soul the life of God aspire, And deadening toils of sloth and lust, and money- love are dead. Strong Son of Man, source of the 'highest human might, Surely our highest manhood does worship at Thv feet ! ^ Perchance some spirits' longings can best attain their height. While seeking in the solitudes to find Thy seat ! Ah, God's dear little children! so few and weak and sad, So gloomy in foreboding, so hopeless in your pain, Look in, and on, and upward, your God can make you glad; Just hearken to the Master's sweet refrain. "Are there no souls of Mine now agonizing To show to others how My cross to bear? Are there no self-forgetting meek ones dying. Perchance to save a brother from despair?' Is there no whisper of My spirit's guiding, Where self is all forgot and only love is there? THOUGHTS IN VERSE 17 I "Have faith in God, and in your fellow man have faith, For many thousand knees have never knelt to Baal; My kingdom in men's hearts is still alive indeed, The kernel bursts the husk when it grows stale. Within the Church are giant souls, who see above, beyond. Within it, too, are pigmies, confined to sight and sound ; Without the Church are saints of God, who can't conform to rule, Without it, too, the silly soul, whom God denotes a fool; Thyself, a little mystery 'mid the mysteries of the night, A sfhadow 'mong the shadows following the Light." i8 THOUGHTS IN VERSE All Souls Are Thine All souls from Thee, great God, Each soul, a breath of Thine' Part of Thyself, Eternal. Word, Its essence <»11 divine ! All souls of Thee, great God, Yet — oh— how can it be? This one. so steeped in blackest crime, A myriad worlds from Thee I And that — she was a woman once. Now lost in sin and shame. Draggling soiled womanhood through life Alas — without a name. All those have come from Thee, oh God, To express some thouijbt of Thine, Began in purest babyh*. u, Fresh from Thy hand divine. All pure as virgin snow Before it touches earth, Herald of good to man below, Is man. himself, at birth. THOUGHTS IN VERSE 19 Most wonderful, most complex man. Within, both God and beast, With will to make or mar, He can Or riot, fast, or feast. He can be one with God, Higher and higher rise; His life attuned to Christ's, His feet can scale the skies. He can put down the beast And on it still ascend, Using His lowest to attain Unto His highest end! AH souls are Thine, great God, Begotten all of Thee, As rain returns to heaven They will return to Thee — Through pain and dark and sin They must return to Thee ! 30 THOUGHTS IN VERSE Lines Suggrested by the Words of St. Bernard "P^ Jove of self for self," a motto all must know. He who the highest soars, and he Who grovels low. We hve for self, for selfish gains we toil, fioth he who owns and he who tills the soil Not a bad starting point, if not the aim of life For a man needs all his manhood for the strife' His every power of body, mind and soul, Are called to action, would he reach the goal. The love of self for self it is. tho' he extend His warm heart's love to wife or child or friend Yet these unconsciously draw hiir above To look for something more than human 'love. "The love of God for self" he finds he'll need, tre mans best craving can be stilled indeed- God for himself, to be his very own But this can't be while self is on the throne. 'Jhchveof God for God," at last he cries, God Infinite, Eternal, in the skies. All love and fatherhood, all goodness ever blest, For the tired hearts of earth an everlasting rest' THOUGHTS IN VERSE 21 All satisfying, yes, all perfect, all delight. How dare we, from our darkness, approach such dazzling light ? Only because the God-man has travelled all the road, And draws up in His person, our manhood into God! I 'The love of self for God," triumphant now he feels. As o'er him loss of self a conscious feeling steals, Self that was once himself, now dwindles out of sight, Lost as the dimmest star, in the sun's glorious light. To lose oneself, one's will, no me, no mine, 'Twill be to find oneself in the Divine, The nets that tangled and the cords that bound all gone. And the poor wings that soared, how they have grown ! Mysterious human nature, sifted, purified, replete, All gathered up in the Divine, when it is all com- plete. Itself beloved, known by name, all perfect .n His sight, Yet lost to self, self lost to it, in God's Great In- finite ! a2 THOUGHTS IN VERSE Alone In all this wide, wide world, What is there after all So very real to me. As God — and my own soul? We think in other lives We have our little part, Yet every human soul Is lonely in his heart. Into our deepest thoughts No human eye can steal. For our most hungry needs No human soul can feel. The fiercest storm of pain No man can still, The eeriest bits of life, No man can fill. What mightier proof have I I am divine? This very self of me, Is not all mine. THOUGHTS IN VERSE »i I I come from somewhere else, Whither I go. The source from whence I come To it I flow. Father, I come from Thee, To do or bear Thy will ; God — and my own soul — L«it me be still. Beechcroft, '98. H THOUGHTS IN VERSE Never Alone We cannot live alone, Each has a part, A work of love to' do For some other heart. I cannot raise my load, My burden bear, But some one else besides Takes up his share. We each one touch the other On life's road, Alone we cannot reach Our brother's God. With his hand close in mine. Warmer I feel. Nearer to the Divine I can kneel. The more human loves I hold Close to my breast. Nearer to the Father's heart I can rest. In His great holding Hand Safely we lie, Every dear human soul Never to die. THOUGHTS IN VERSE 25 Life's Symphony An, sure of me the poet wrote That, "I myself am the jarring note!" In those dark moments I fail to see The oneness of Life's Symphony ! Or brooding selfishly alone, Imagine that mine is the deeper tone Because I have found one sweet minor key And forget all the richness of harmony! Tn Life, as in music, we need the combine Of tones deep and liquid, of chords full and fine, The cadence of age should never cloy 1 he buoyancy of Life's young joy ! VVe need as much our merry May With laughing orchards and songsters gav As ever we need the April showers ' o bring about our summer flowers. If at times we tire in the hot, summer day. And fam would rest us awhile bv the wav Let us not shut our ears to vmi'th's glad'son^ Its music will make the dav le- Ion- ^' 26 THOUGHTS IN VERSE And when we have learnt to face the gale. And almost to laugh at the furious hail. Let us forget not, nor turn aside, From the little one trembling at our side. The soft, light whiflf of youth is sweet. And tempers the glare of the noonday heat. And the true heart-music of every song Is part of Life's Symphony, short or long. THOUGHTS IN VERSE a? Mystery Conflicts and partings Here we bear. It may be diflFerent Otherwhere. Here we see blindly. Misunderstand, 'Twill all be clearer In otherland. We mean to help. But often mar. Sometimes we hinder, Ofttimes jar. Only keep true To other's needs; The soul that helps Is the soul God leads. Look to the God From Whom you come. And see you bring Another home! Beechcroft, 38 THOUGHTS IN VERSE A Dream I had a vision of the night, a dream perhaps you say, Some things we see by night, we never see by day ; This dream of long ago to a little child was given, Still when I think of it, I seem to think of Heaven. He came to me, the Christ, I know not how He came, 'Twas not in storm of thunder, nor yet in lightning f?ame, No trumpet flare proclaimed Him, no choirs an- nounced their Lord, The hum and drone of bees was all the sound I heard ! For I was in the fields, on a still summer day, 'Mongst long and wavy grasses and the sweet smell- ing hay, He came — I knew not how — but knew Him — won- drous sweet, I gazed and gazed and wondered or worshipped at His feet. I think He touched me — but that He spake I know. And bade me follow Him ; I followed, silent, slow, So full of wondrous joy that I could scarcely go — Or was it fear? and yet, His voice was soft and low. THOUGHTS IN VERSE 29 I know not how the pathway went, but soon I found That it had brought us to a little burial ground, He made me to kneel down, beside a hallowed spot. Where someone's loving hands had strewed Forget- me-not. I saw not these, nor aught, nor anything, save Him I heard Him pray "Our Father," and I prayed after Him, Each word of Hi own prayer He told me there my King, To see, to feel Him near ! it was a blessed thing ! And so the dream was given to me, or vision came, I saw my Lord, I know, but know not why He came ' Perhaps to little ones such dreams are sometime? given, Because "of such," He saith, "is My Kingdom of Heaven \" And if, in after years, our faith seems false and dim We may look back to childhood and dream sweet dreams of Him ! 30 THOUGHTS IX VERSE i'fowth Hu: :'.i pro'rreas, human purpose. Human energy and will, Human mind surmounting matter Pressing onward, never still. The mighty Ships that span the ocean, Conquering the unconquered sea, Are to man's lightest touch as facile As a little child could be ! Earth and air and fire and water All are ready to his hand ! He treads, he holds, controls or scatters Elements at his command! Great God, Thy human child is growing. Throwing swaddling clothes away, He walks alone, is independent. Thinks he cannot fall or stray ! Strong he is and free and joyous Soon the wings will sprouting be, Is it God awake within him Mastering the earth and sea? The strength within is surely Thine, Force, power, knowledge, all of Thee; Great God, forbid that gifts divine Should ever part Thy child and Thee! THOUGHTS IN VERSE 31 . ■„ The God-Man A Voice from God to God is heard, Well might it rend the skies, The Son of God and Man calls out. With human tears and cries. "Father I will that they, these men VV^hom Thou dost give to Me, May see Thee, God the Father, ' Revealed to them, in Me." Such was His cry in ages past. Such is His cry to-day. Yet wise men grope in blindness yet, "An unknown God," they say. Unknown and all unknowable — Yet, "Enoch walked with God," And meek souls know from then to now "The secret of the Lord." "Show us the Father," some one cries. "O show Him, Lord, to me !" "Child." says the Christ, "Who seeth Me, He doth the Father see." 32 THOUGHTS IN VERSE One day all men shall see Him All nations own Him Lord, All peoples bow before Him, The everlasting God. "All knowledge with all reverence, Yield Him eternal praise, The infant of a day shall see The Ancient of all Days." THOUGHTS IN VERSE 33 (( Perfect in One " "I in them and thf^y in me, That in us, they perfect be, God in man, and man in Thee! Eternally !" These words Divine, we hear Thee pray. In the garden far away, Echoing to oiir hearts to-day. Now, alway. Tree of Life ! the branches we Draw our life alone from Thee! The sap, the blood, the life, is Thee, And we in Thee ! Bread of God, on Thee to feed Satiates our inmost need. Feeds the Christ in us indeed, Food from Heaven. Source of Life! and breath of God! Man's Creator ! Incarnate Word ! Fire of Love ! and quickening sword ! To mortals given ! 34 THOUGHTS IN VERSE Father, 'tis Thyself alone In Christ can for our sins atone, And by Thy Spirit make Thin, own Divine ! Christ! by Thy Spirit's power we claim Sparks of Thyself fanned into flame! Oh Triune God ! all one ! the same ! And we are Thine ! THOUGHTS IN VERSE 35 Early Communion The stillness in the morning air Wafts one's soul on wings of prayer Upward to God! Purity and Beauty meet Adoring quietly His feet Resting earthward ! On the hills of Time and Space, Reflections, Father, of Thy face At &awn if day ! We seem to cL.ch a glimpse of Thee, Trails of Thy hinder parts we see. Going Thy way ! Tou^.^ng, here and there, blind eyes With the glorious surprise Of glad new Light ! Whispering Thy Hidden Name To souls new-wakened by the same First Daylight! The perfect silence lifts me higher. The sweet Communion brings me nigher Thy Life Divine ! 36 THOUGHTS IN VERSE Yet wilt Thou draw to Thine embrace Thy family of the human race For all are Thine ! One day in glad accord shall meet All lives, all loves, in Thee complete. In Thee at One ! Silence shall burst to song, the skies Rift rosy red to see Thee rise. Our Eternal Sun ! THOUGHTS IN VERSE 37 On Hearing of the Sudden Death of an Only Son and Brother Ah no, it is not dreadful, say not so, Although the very light of all their eyes seens gone, His nearest and his dearest! Let him go The Spirit to his Father's hreast hath flown ! Hinder him not u^on his upward flight. However tenderly beloved he be. However dark and lonesome be your night, Ah, if your earthly eyes could only see. ' His life, that seems "cut off," now linked with God His strength, you think has snapped, renewed in Him, Your dear one does not lie beneath the sod. You weep among the daisies all in vain. "He is not fhere but risen from the dead." As sure as Jesus rose so long ago. Not his poor body yet, but that dear soul In child and brother, whom you worshipped so. 38 THOUGHTS IN VERSE He lives more truly now than when with you, More full, and perfect, and complete his life, All that you loved in him, revived anew, All that was promising, become more rife. Leave him with God, Who guides both you and him, And ne'er, by any chance, mistakes the way. Though you be led by winding paths and dim. And he, by but one step, into the Light of Day. THOUGHTS IN VERSE 39 In Memory of Feb. Ist and 2nd, 1901 The eyes of all the world are turned to thee, Majestic figure on thy royal bier, Nor deem it strange to see a nation's grief an empire's tear, For human hearts have lost in thee a friend most dear, Oh Queen ! Tread softly, noble clansmen, as ye bear Your queen and Highland chief entrusted to your care — You never failed her yet. but ever served her true Carry her safely now, boys, 'tis the last she asks of you, While pibrochs wail and stout hearts quail for thee. Oh Queen ! Oh, Sun shine down upon us, and brace brave hearts to-day ! Oh winds of heaven blow softly to waft her on her way! Was e'er by mortal man such wondrous vision seen? len miles of battleships to make a highway for our queen ! 40 THOUGHTS IN VERSE While great guns boom from shore to shore — one long last moan, Oh Queen ! Now her "dear soldiers" take her, and guard her down the street Where weeping thousands silent wait, their long- loved liege to greet; Through joys and sorrows, theirs and hers, she always gave her best, Without farewell to these, she scarce could take her rest, Dear Queen ! Wearied at last, and tired of earthly crown, "It is enough," she said, and laid her sceptre down ; Arrayed in bridal veil she goes to meet her Lord, She has not died, but passed, through Christ, to Gou. Oh Queen ! The life so crowned in glory, now bathed in love and rest ! Grows into grand completeness, more full, more true, more blest ! But oh ! I can no more, I only try, to fail, For her, not Death but Life, more Life behind the veil ! Great Queen ! THOUGHTS IN VERSE God Save the King Great God of kings and empires, Oh, hear an empire's prayer! And take our uncrowned King Into Thy gracious care! Father! oh, grant him strength To bear and conquer pain ! Our Sovereign ^ ord King Edward, Oh, let him live and reign. With us he thanked Thee, Father, For bidding wars to cease, We deemed Thy judgments over On Thy sweet word of peace! Oh, stay Thy Hand. Great God ! Let it not fall again; Oh, spare our Sovereign Lord And let him live and reign ! As moments creep to hours, All through this livelong night. Oh, whisper to brave, royal hearts- "Let there be light," Till morning dawns, and myriad throats i^ake up the glad refrain : "God save our Lord King Edward, For he will live and reign !" June 25th, 1902. 41 i THOUGHTS IN VERSE On Viewing: Milan Cathedral When It Was Empty and on Visiting St. Peter's in Rome During a Service The Heaven of Heavens cannot Him contain; The round world is His footstool — and the stars He holdeth in His hand! He fills the universe, And do we dare build Him an House ? and yet This House ! Ah me ! So glorious, sublime. To see it is to worship, and to soar Far out of self to Throne of Most High God In adoration and in self-abasement! Ah! Could one see four thousand tired souls. The weary, heavy-laden whom He loved, Here lay their burdens down at Jesus' feet. Then go their way — rejoicing ! Could we but hear four thousand voices raise Their glorious hallelujahs in that dome, Till arched aisle and sculptured column Echo and re-echo to His praise who filleth all in all ; And hearts are stirred and inmost souls' are moved With something more than music! THOUGHTS IN VERSE But here is emptiness and fitful silence— Sr°u J I^^P ''^^"^« *^at enwraps a soul When God speaks tc it, and, all hushed, it waits. But dark dank stillness of a stagnant pool When stiflmg life is dying, yet resents The semblance of a ripple on its sleep! Oh, for the rushing wind of God's own breath To flood this place with living waters, clear As crystal, from the Mount of God; until The glory of His presence fill the House And thousand, thousand, hearts brim o'er From out His fulness, and o'erflow Into the thirsting, empty lives outside ! Such is my dream, but greater ones than I fa7led ^ '""'' ^'^^"^^ *''■' "°'^' ^"^ y^* *^*^« .Tv T ^'' Kingdom !_Still we hear that cry: Ye fools and blind! How long discern ye not Between your gift and that which sanctifieth it?" And yet ye say: "Perchance, all do feel after God" '^^^' i^TssS;^^* ""''' '''^'- -^ -- - Accept our puny gifts upon the sacrificial altar of 1 hy love And make our hearts Thy dwelling place !" 43 THOUGHTS IN VERSE His Hidden Name The Omnipotent, Eternal God, No human eye can see, Behind a cloud He hides His face Alike from you and me ; Nor dare we, if we would, uplift That veil of mystery f Yet do I thirst for Thee, my God! I long to know Thy name; Not as the great Unknowable, Eternally the same. That seems so very far from me — Tell me Thy Hidden Name ! What is it, great Jehovah? Known to Thy chosen few, Those who 'have walked witli Thee on earth. Thy secret name they knew : One spake as no man ever spake. His every word was true. One alone in all the ages, JVas He man, or is He Godf Holding Keys of Death and Hades, Through the bloody winepress trod; THOUGHTS IN VERSE Nurtured by a maiden mother, Dying— dead— beneath the sod, Though He claimed to be immortal; Was He man, or is He Godf See Him raised to highest heaven, "Robed in vesture dipped in blood!" On His heart a name is written. And it is "The Word of Godf" Eyes of fire to scan the nations. In His hand a flaming sword t Eyes the same that melted Peter, Heart from which the life-blood flowed. Hands that blessed the little children; Wets He man, or is He Godf I've found the name, "Immanuel ! God with us, evermore": I cannot see, or understand But I can still adore! King of my soul, take all my heart, My senses and my brain, My understanding and my life. And on me, in me, reign ; Misdoubt of Thee has found defeat, I lay it lowly at Thy feet ! 45 THOUGHTS IN VERSE Thy hidden name? Dear Lord, it hides In every Christian breast, Within our very selves, our God Has taken up His rest; And loudest human heart-beats swell At that dear name, Immanuel ! THOUGHTS IN VERSE 47 His Name "IVonderful." Wise men of old, and scions new Have felt, and sometimes seen One mighty Master-hand in all That is, or aye hath been ; Tiny or great, each life is of the Life Divine, Gendered by the Omnipotent, and neither mine nor thine. Jesus of Nazareth, the same as "I am that I am," Oh, Wonderful, most Wonderful, We gaze and bend the knee ; Hail ! Holy Babe of Bethlehem, We see our God in Thee ! "Counsellor." By Thee, O Word Divine, the foundations of this earth were made. Of the great deep, the fountains by Thee alone were laid! In ancient times thy counsels great were Faithful- ness and Truth; Thou Wisdom wert ere Time began, yet everlast- ing youth. As Chiid Thou wert submissive to Thy mother and to age. Astounding with Thy questionings the wisdom of the sage. THOUGHTS IN VERSE Oh, Wonderful, most Wonderful ! we gaze and bend the knee. Oh gentle Boy of Nazareth, we see our God in Thee! "The Mighty God." He Who the stormy winds and waves that mount to heaven made, The same who "shut the sea with doors," and bade "proud waves be staid," Stands on a little boat and bids the angry sea "be still." The ages past, the ages still to come, obey His will. In the beginning "morning stars together sang for joy," To glorify that Word of Truth who raised the widow's boy. Aye, Wonderful, most Wonderful! we gaze and bend the knee, In this Young Man of Galilee, our Mighty God we seel "The Everlasting Father" One with the Father, one with man, around, with- out, within. Thou compassest our path, and knowest every secret sin. If we ascend to heaven above, or find ourselves in hell, THOUGHTS IN VERSE 49 We camjot be where Thou art not. and with Thee all IS well. When weary, Jesus, Thou did'st ask a woman Thee to give ' A drink of water! Saviour, see our sin. yet bid us live; ^ Oh, Wonderful, most Wonderful, no thought is hid from Thee, Great Father of our Spirits, we see our God in inee ! "The Prince of Peace." Great King of Battles! Thou didst ride on chariot of fire; Men trembled at the roaring thunder of Jehovah's ire; These but forerunners were of Thine own still. small Voice of Love To check man's headlong, downward plunge, and make him look above. For peace on earth, good will to man. and every war to cease. ^ The Kingdom of our Christ shall come through conflict into peace, ^ Oh, Wonderful, most Wonderful ( we gaze and bend the knee, ^^%ll-fha°li b^'"'^' ^""''' °^ ^'*"' ^°^-*" '" so THOUGHTS IN VERSE In Memoriam E. M. w. We cannot see why trials come, Why eyes grow dim with silent tears, Why aged pilgrims linger long, And youths are cut oflF in their years. But we believe that from above Our lives are planned in tenderest love! We cannot see why strong ones die — ^ Jr leaders whom we ill can spare. On whose sound judgement we rely, Who help us in our work and prayer. But we believe our God is wise And shares our sorrows in the skies! We cannot bear disease and pain To mar the features that are dear, And earth to claim for earth again. The form we love and cling to here, But we believe she'll rise again, Christ is her Life, and Christ doth reign ! THOUGHTS IN VERSE 51 We feel she is not far away. But only hidden from our sight, Nearer than we to Perfect Day, And walking in a higher light. For we can say, as Jesus said. Those that believe are never dead ! This life is but a shifting scene, And death is but an open door. And souls are mounting up and on. And Life is Life forevermore f For we believe our Sister gone Where she can know as she is known ! sa THOUGHTS IN VERSE Safety Nothing can truly harm me, if alone In the Father's arms I lie; No angel standing by the sapphire throne Is nearer Him than I ! * On His great Heart, so human, yet Divine, Weary, I rest, My future joys and griefs are His, not mine. His will is best. On such a resting place I calmly give My cares away. Gloomy forebodings vanish, and I live Just for to-day. Day's fiercest storm, night's mistiest, darkest gloom. Distress no more. My pilot leads me safely, surely, home, From shore to shore. Through all Life's battle, Lord, for Christ's dear sake, Hold me in Thine embrace. Until the morning dawn, and I awake To see Thy Face! On Board the '^Oceanic," 1Q03. THOUGHTS IN VERSE 53 (( The Patience of Christ" Oh for Christ's patience in Life's daily round, .In confidence and quiet, to be still, Gladly and joyously, without a sound. To do— or bear— or wait— the Master's will! The soldier knows 'tis easiest far to do; For love of land or home one can be strong; The honour of the flag will keep us true, All thro' the battle rings a triumph song! We need a stronger, stouter heart to bear Sharp pain or bitter anguish all alone. And strength divine to see our dear ones wear The look of gloaming when Life's sun goes down. But ah to wait! To wait— if no one knows— And nerve and heart and hand are eager for the fray, And no one cares— come heat or winter snows, Oh, Captain— speak the word— we will obey !" Like restless horses, leashed against their will By mighty master hand on bit and rein We chafe and fume at being kept so still, And ask to die that we may end our pain. 54 THOUGHTS IN VERSE For oh, it is the hardest pain of all To feel we are not wanted ! Are not missed ! Day after day, to listen for a call. Night after night, to have crept up and kissed The feet of Jesus, just to hear His will. And to hear naught but this, "My child be still." "What if it be the hardest, shall we quail To face endurance by the hand of pain? No soldiers we, but cowards, if we fail To take this lesson, o'er and o'er again, Until at last we master our own soul. Then dare, perchance, aspire unto a higher goal !" THOUGHTS IN VERSE 55 On Mrs. G.'s Death "Where hast thou gone to, dear? I see no trace of tear On thy sweet face!" "Thy God gives rest to thee," A voice calls back to me From out of space. Not space— that were too chill, too lone An atmosphere to wrap you in. Who are so dear, Thou hast not passed to the Great Deep, Nor lost thyself in aimless sleep, For thou are near, Near, as of old, to them— the two Who ne'er could live apart from you, In days of yore. Death can not kill, but Life and Love Expand and grow in fields above. For evermore ! Tired wert thou, dear? Now thou canst rest. Like John upon thy Saviour's breast. Yet still be ours — Still scatter blessings round our life — And whisper peace from earthly strife. And waft us fragrance, pure and rife From Heaven's flowers! 56 THOUGHTS IN VERSE Consummation The Holy Writ of old, hath said That, in the latter day, Young men and maids shall visions see, And ancient men— oh, they Shall dream such dreams of glorious light Poured down in wondrous shower, On hearts new opened to receive And souls endued with power. Of living, pul-ing, wondrous life Awakened from within, Where God takes up His dwelling place And scatters every sin ! No dream — but foresight of the day When God shall rise and shine, And His Kessiah rule shall take O'er every land and clime ! Those who upheld Him to the death Throrj'h blood, and strife, and fire! Those who in loneliness have pined For Him, their heart's Desire : Shall one day feel Him permeate Their being to the core ! And hear Him hailed as Lord and King On every sea and hor ; ^ THOUGHTS IN VERSE 57 Through the vast universe, the note From star to star shall ring! One God ! One Life ! One Being ! One universal King! The Head of all our human race, Our God in Flesh, hath shown, That in His weakest brother The Man in God be known ! Oh ! Wondrous Incarnation The aeons to come shall sec, When man shall shed the brute and rise On eagle's wings, tr Thee. For age:5 yet, our foolish race Will plod its tedious road. With bleeding feet and aching heart, Thinking to hide from God ! — Ri; every tear, each sorrow, yea. And e'en each lowborn deed Will get rebound to pureness, To glory; and the need Of thirsty souls be satisfied, And hungry ones be fed, When the All Love hath triumphed. And Hate and Lust are dead ! On train for Ottawa. 1903. ¥ 58 THOUGHTS IN VERSE I Cannot Truly Sigh for Heaven I cannot truly sigh for Heaven, I do not long to die, For to my human heart is given Intense vitality. I love the smell of good, brown earth, I love sweet air and light; To see life teem in myriad birth Gives me untold delight! Each insect, flower, and tiny life, Demands my reverent bow. Their world of combat, love and strife, Speaks of a living Now! A li ing Now means God is near In every living thing. If God and Heaven indeed be dear I need no seraph's wing. To find both God and Heaven here In every living fhing! So though I do not sigh for Heaven Nor truly long to die. Yet here and now a taste is given Of Immortality, A foretaste of the Life that grows Into Eternity! THOUGHTS IN VERSE 59 Our Times Are In Thy Hands Our Times are in Thy Hands, dea ,ord ! Our days, our nights, our years. Our joys and sorrows, fears and hopes. Our laughter and our tears! Rivers of pleasure, wells of pain. Flow from one Fount above. Blessings of joy and grief— are drops In the ocean of Thy Love! Our Times are in Thy Hands, dear Lord ! Our joyous hours of youth; When health and gladness, knowledge, love Press forward after truth. Our Times are in Thy Hands, dear Lord ! Our long, sad nights of pain. When darkest shades of sorrow fall Again and yet again ! Our nights are in Thy Hands, dear Lord, And they grow calm and still, When passion spent, and sorrow hushed We learn to will Thy Will ! 6o THOUGHTS IN VERSE Our Times are in Thy Hands, dear Lord! We love to leave them there, For in the dark our Spirits meet And life becomes a prayer. Our Times are in Thy Hands, dear Lord? And nothing can appall Thoug^h by man's blunders, fires consume. Or, wholesale, cities fall! The life, whose Times are in Thy Hands Is never lost to Thee, But in the Father's care is safe For Immortality! Or short, or long, or sad, or bright, If we are one with Thee, Our nights merge into growing light And darkest shadows flee; Sorrow is lost in pure delight Because Thy Face we see! THOUGHTS IN VERSE St Tired Dear Lord. I am so tired I cannot thiiik or pray, And though I long to drink Of living waters, sweet and pure and clear 1 cannot reach them somehow, and I shrink ' From all the long and weary path of life before me still, Bnl' f^,V?'' ^ i""""^' *"^ 'y'"P**'^ °^ ^'^' ones. But full, too, of sorrows and of darkness, Of separation, and of death ; And I am tired— and weary And not fit to struggle more and fight. Lord, come to me, and give me strength anew, and fitness, Just to cope with all Thou hast for me to do-or bear, or suffer, or to wait— G.ve me at times those sweet, refreshing, resting trysts with Thee "^ That sometimes come across the soul— V. hen silently the birds and flowers Will whisper of our Maker and His ;.ove And tell an:ain that not one sparrow fall. 'without tmn s en re. wm 69 THOUGHTS IN VERSE And if we know our Lord, we know our Father too, For He Himself doth love us, and doth care That we obey, and overcome, and enter into joy. And not mere joy, But joy in great abundance. Fulness, Fulness of Joy! Of which, if we but taste. We long and thirst for more. And still more comes And bides with us for aye! THOUGHTS IN VERSE 63 Light Within I thank Thee, Lord, that Thou hast laid Thy hand upon my sight, That for a littic while Thou hast Effaced from me the h'ght Because in darkest shade I can More clearly hear Thy voice ; Master of all, oh speak to me And make my heart rejoice. My errors past, oh, make me see In Thy clear light of day, And in Thy mercy's sea of love Wash all my sins av^ay. Stand o'er me, Great Absolver, And absolution give. Oh lift Thy Hand above me And bid me rise and live. I long to touch Thee, Lord To feel Thy touch on me, One living touch of Thine And I shall inly see. THOUGHTS IN VERSE One thrilling, healing touch From the Great Light Divine Will vibrate thro' and thro' me And become wholly mine. Walking in the Light of God No dark can ever be, Even in the deepest shadows I shall see. His Hand makes light and shade His touch can heal us still Only light and love and joy Can be His Will. We can not dare to say we walk With God, from day to day, Alas, 'tis but a "little touch," And then we seem to stray! Oh, to rise higher, higher. Nearer our Star, our Sun! Well see thro' all the darkness When earthly days are done. THOUGHTS IN VERSE (« Forward Our life is but a motor ride. Surely, swiftly, on we glide, Wondrous views entrance our sight, Some in shadows, some in light ; Ever on from height to height, Ever on from night to night. Scattering seeds as wc go by. Gathering flowers that never die. On we wind through pathways green, From the Seen to the Un.ieen. Many a milestone on the way Mskes us think of close of day. At times a shower bedims the eye, 'Tis but a cloud that must pass by ; Soon the sun shines as of old. Bathing all the hills with .rjold. Love and life are severed never, Love and life are ours forever. On we go with hearts .serene, From the Seen to the Un^'ecn. December, 1909. 66 THOUGHTS IN VERSE Easter There is no death ! I know it, yet have seen J'lve hvmg dear ones prostrate laid by death In .few short months. Yet do I know there is OfMwl m'"' S^"'' '' "^y "^^' »"d life aJ\ ,r;^ ^l """°* ^'•^«°'' ^hey. He rose And trampled death itself to death's destruction. There is no death! There is no death — And yet I hear that dear voice whisper, oThe?"*^ '"y sweetheart, we who loved each But later with uplifted eyes and quiet steadfast voice, IseeHim-God! I think and hope I do " To see God—Is that death? Ah, no. There is no death — But life eternal in such vision. He conquered death for us that first dear Easter mom. No death— and yet I saw that little child Grow still and cold and silent; and I told her His mother, who him bore, that he must leav'e us She gave him up to God. her darling-her first bom! THOUGHTS IN VERSE •7 Ah I no, there is no death ! In Him they ever live. He conquered death and trampled hell To death that first great Easter morn I There is no death indeed, That dearest aged pilgrim, waiting long her sum- mons. Saw no grim phantom at her door, but Ohrist— The Light of Life, and Youth, and Strength, and Joy. He took her, tired and weary in His arms. And carried her exulting to the feet of God- There is no Death. 68 THOUGHTS IN VERi> On the Brink I stood at the edge of Nowhere, It seemed to me. Before me, Darkness, Vantness, Eternity. Drifting forever behind me The things so near, Fading from touch and sight, The faces dear. Whither oh wither passing Shall my spirit flee? Midst all Thy myriad worlds Great God to Thee? When earthly links are severed, And the most sacred tie Fails to hold me here, Whither shall I fly? Maker and Source of All, All life comes forth from Tliec. And shall be gathered up. To live eternally ! I cannot pass forever, If but a breath of God. Yet breath I am. His breath, H-s own. My Maker and mv God. THOUGHTS IN VERSE So wheresoe'er I go, beneath, Beyond, above, My Father's hand shall hold me In everlasting love, The human loves, too, go with me, In some mysterious way. All shadow yet, but kept by faith Until the perfect day. No aimless drift, no fruitless round. Shall be my senseless part. In aeons to come, as in the past He'll lead my foolish heart. Nor death, nor life, nor earth, nor hell, ^ Shall part me from His care. I'll go to sleep in perfect peace. To wake up Anywhere ! A. F. O. 13th January, 1910.