HARVEST GLEANINGS AND • GATHERED FRAGMENTS • ARIANNE UNGHAM THE LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES '■ HARVEST GLEANINGS. i &**i. \ u^/fry^^ ^^^i K 9. 1 i.v HARVEST GLEANINGS AN© (GATHERED FMASMEMTS : =^£^ By Marianne Farningham author-of : 'leaves-from-elim''&9 "LET- FALLSOMEOFTttEMANDFULS-OF PURPOSE FOR-HER^nDLEAVETMEM." BOAZ. LOMDOM JAMES CLARKE&CO. I3&- 14, FLEET- STREET. 1903 pi H3+45-L TO MY FRIENDS OF MANY YEARS IN MANY PLACES WHO HAVE WELCOMED MY WORDS IN VERSE LN "The Christian World" AND " The Sunday School Times " i dedicate this rook. 5 CONTENTS. Songs of the Fatheb's Love. PAGE Our Father ........ 15 The Father's Voice 16 "My Father's House" . 17 The Love that Knows . 18 Is All Well ? 19 The Prodigal Son at Home . 20 Thy Kingdom Come 21 God's Comfortings 22 God Loves the World . 23 The Comfort of Faith . 24 A Fulfilled Promise 25 Answered .... 26 Be Reconciled , 27 "He Bringeth Them" . 28 Songs of the Saviour's Grace. Until He Find 33 For Love of You . 34 "Lo, I am with You Alway " 35 "Continue Ye in My Love" . . 36 "As He is in the Light" 37 He Careth .... 38 Within Shut Doors 39 Night on Olivet 40 The Grave in the Garden 41 Christ's Easter Greeting 42 Songs of Love and Home. God Bless our Home ...... 45 An Old Legend ....... 46 God in the Garden ...... 48 Together .... . . . 48 S Cnvn.vi PAOI Through Tribulation 5( » Serviceable . . Lot tli" Love Last . 51 A Modern Bride . 52 "Mine Own People " 53 My Neighbour's Boy 54 A Good-bye at the Door . A Mother to Her Son . . A Minister . .'.: Michael Angelo's Friend 58 Under tho Walnut Tree CO A Fresco in Florence Gl A Suggestion oL> A Prayer for All . 63 Homeward 64 A Benediction 65 One Family . 66 At the Very Lasl 67 Bon Voyage . 08 Songs of Life. The City Sea ... 71 An Oft Repeated Prayer 72 Our Father Cares . 73 The Afterwards , 74 Hope . ■ 75 "Ask What I Shall Gi\ e Thee" 76 In the Morning . 77 Why ? . . • 78 The Greatest of These . 78 Companions . • so The Patience of Hope . SI Morning Perils . 82 Teach Me Thv Way . 83 Songs of Out-of-Doors. The Sabbath of the Year 87 First Flowers .... 88 A Robin's Song .... . March Violel .... 89 Renewal ..... U\ May ...... 92 Contents. The Forming of the Fruit A Little Stream The River . My Garden . A Song of the Waters The Corn Playtime The Wind Blows in from the A Summer Shower A Parable At Church in the Open The Cool of the Day "No More Sea" . The Lingering Summer Cut Corn A Lesson from the Beck September Blackberries . In Winter Sea PA(1E 92 94 95 96 97 98 99 100 101 101 103 104 105 106 107 107 108 109 110 Songs of Experience. What Is It ? 113 Testimony 114 Not for Me . . 115 What Time I am Afraid 116 "Be Not Anxious" . 116 A Grey Day by the Sea . 117 An Overheard Sermon . 118 A Sad Time ? 119 What to Believe . 120 Each One 121 When Evening Comes . 122 What Cheer? . . 123 A Serene Mind 124 A Returned Lesson 125 The School of Love 126 The Song of the Doorkeeper 127 "So He Bringeth Them" 12S Too Late? . 129 After Dark . 131 A Promise . 132 10 Contents. Sonus ok Mis am> I'i.mms. i LSI Whittier ...... . 1:57 Elusion .... 138 John Bunyan L39 The Queen's Coronations I 10 Kampden's Motto 14i Evening Prayer in Westminster Ai.bey . 142 "Geve Thanks to God Alwaies" . 143 The Thames .... 144 An Easter Custom at Capri . 145 < 'anterbury . . 140 Ben-Ledi . 147 A Grave in Florence 148 Kynance Cove 149 An Old City 130 The Answering Song 151 L ■ t Names . I.'.-' Lake Neuchatel 153 In the Fields of Bethlehem 154 Jungfrau . 1 ."..-, A .Memory of Lake Como 156 Triimmelbach Waterfall . . 157 Lake Brienz and Giessbach . 158 Songs of E\i>i:avour. Christ's Knight Who Fallows Christ ? Path Finders To Meet the Day . Steps Upward Endure and Hope Amplius, Amplius ! Think on These Things Keep Heart . They Reign . "Him that Overcometh Goodness and Mercy Christ's Man I'p'L'o -- Gud's Answer The Learner 101 162 163 104 10. 1 166 166 108 10!) 17U 171 17-* 17.! 174 174 175 Contents. Songs of Times and Seasons. 11 Songs of One-Another. PAGE Fear No Evil .... .179 On the March .... 180 In a Crowd ..... 181 " For Whom Christ Died " . 183 Faith and Fidelity 185 "Thy Burden" .... 186 Love the Revealer .... 187 Christ's Friend and the People's . 18S If You are Old . , . . 191 Lent .... , . . 193 The March of the Years . . . 194 The Certainties of a New Year . 195 A Psalm of Ages . , . . 196 The Noontide Prayer • • . 198 The News of Peace • • i . 199 The Years , , . 200 Evensongs The "City of Pause" . . 203 When I Go Home . 204 The Place Prepared . 204 Where the Mothers Go . 206 Where the Children Are . 207 A Dream . 208 Too Soon ? . . 210 Swift Travellers . 211 "Whence Came They ?" . 212 At Evening . . 213 The Singer's Closing Song . 214 SONGS OF THE FATHER'S LOVE. 13 Songs of the Father's Love. OUR FATHER. Our mothers taught us Thy dear name, God of our life and death ; Our happy childhood whispered it, Sometimes with bated breath. Dear Father, whom we might not see, We could not be afraid of Thee. We knew in every thunderstorm That Ave were in Thy care, The darkness could not frighten us. Since Thou Avert everywhere. Whatever came of smooth or rough, We had a Father. 'Twas enough. And do we know Thee less or more Now years haA-e made us Avise ? We lift to Thee our burdened hearts. Our AA*istful, longing eyes ; We need Thee, Father, still the same, And all our prayer is in Thy name ! Christ taught us Avhat it means to haA T e A Father. Every day Some want compels us to Thy feet, Though AA^th no words to say ; We only speak Thy name, and then Courage and hope come back again. Our Father knows, our Father cares — How great Thy gentleness ! We dare to live, and dare to die, Who are not fatherless. Dear Father, whom we cannot see, All life is glad because of Thee. 15 1G 11 \i;\ BST ( rLBANING8. THE FATHERS VOICE. '• He nrakeneth morning by morning; He wakeneth mine ear t<> bear." [saj \h i.. 4. No dreams are sweet enough to keep .My senses in repose of sleep, When once the Father speaks to me — So softly speaks, I only hear. And no one else can guess how dear The Voice that wakens me can be. No mother's kiss mure gently wakes Her child, when merry morning breaks With spreading light, and song of bird — The child, that cannot help but greet With happy answering smile, the sweet And tender love in mother's word ! Most calm and holy is the night : No losing battles are to fight, No heavy loads to lift and bear ! Such tranquil hours in sleep are spent, So safe the sleeper, so content — There is not even need for prayer. The morning is not always glad. Even some Mays in mists are clad. And sorrow wakes as soon as I. Yet at the Father's lightest word My thoughts and impulses are stirred, And trusting love prevents the Bigh. I know not what the day shall bring, And yet I dread not anything That through the morning reaches me. I have not sight that can discern. But I can meekly try to learn What the great Father teaches me. I am His scholar, and His child : And He is kind ; His rule is mild ; His patience is most wonderful. Harvest Gleanings. 17 His simple ones are ably taught, And guidance comes to hand and thought If but the heart be dutiful. Oh, brothers of His family, How glad all waking hours must be, That pass in listening to His voice ; For when He gives the strenuous task, He gives the wisdom that we ask, And makes the morn and eve rejoice. Let us but keep the attentive ear, The perfect love that casts out fear, The steady eye that seeks His light, And He the ready tongue will move To speak to others of His love, From happy morn to happier night ! " MY FATHER'S HOUSE." The Father's House has many rooms, And each is fair ; And some are reached through gathered glooms By silent stair ; But He keeps house, and makes it home Whichever way the children come. Plenty and peace are everywhere His House within ; The rooms are eloquent with prayer, The songs begin. And dear hearts, rilled with love, are glad, Forgetting that they once were sad. The Father's House is surely thine, Therefore, why wait ? His lights of love through darkness shine, The hour grows late. Push back the curtain of thy doubt, And enter — none will cast thee out ! 18 H \i:\ I. -I I rLEANINGS. THE LOVE THAT KNOWS. " It Bhall (•••in.- to pit-- thai before '!"•> '-nil I will answer." Did yen ask Him for tin- sunshine ': I >i < 1 you beg Him for tin- rain .' Last night did you implore Him to give you one more day ': Oh, I know that you bee h Him to take away your pain : But what of all the blessings for which you never pray ': Hi- gentle touch at nightfall. His morning kiss at waking, The whisper of His tenderness among the summer trees, The bounding pulse of gladness, true love the heart-thir-i slaking. The common things of every day you have not asked for these. To have only that you ask for would be poverty indeed, But the love of God looks onward — Love does not wait for prayer. And He had the blessings ready before you felt the need. For the Father-heart is wonderful, and swift His tender care. Does mother wait to feed her child until she hears it crying ? Does not a father know, and meet, the needs of his young boy ? And God's great love though strong enough to train us by denying. Answers the wish unspoken, and in giving finds its joy. You need His great redemption ; the Father gave His Son Before the world asked for Him. The heaven of our desire Was long ago made ready. The victory was won Before we faced the battle, or knew how fierce the fire. 'Twas God, and not His children, who thought of our salvation ; When sin began in Eden His love was there before, And Christ became our Saviour. His death the great oblation. To show the world that mercy keeps an ever open door. Dear heart, pray on for comfort ; a holy thing is prayer ; It lifts the spirit upward to the very feet of God. It tills the darkest lowlands with a breath of mountain air, It brings a glad spring prophecy across the wintry sod. Harvest Gleanings. 19 But the child who knows the Father should breathe in glad thanksgiving, And sing as do the angels for the very joy of praise, Should keep a Sabbath always, a festival of living, Because of all the unasked good with which God fills the days. IS ALL WELL? Goes the watchman through the night : Hark the bell ! Are the people safely dwelling ? Are the angels good news telling ? Are the hymns of gladness swelling Is there any foe in sight ? Is all well ? ? Ah ! the moon and stars above, What see they ? Do the workers who are weary Lose in sleep their troubles dreary, And awake to hopes more cheery ? Do they know the power of love For each day ? Watchman, what of this late night ? Hear the knell ! Do you know men tired of trying ? Can you hear prayer end in sighing ? Do you see the people dying ? Is the haven yet in sight ? Is all well ? And the watchman smiled, and said Will you tell ? All the sad hearts in the city Are quite safe in God's great pity ; And the sorrow and the sadness Shall with morning change to gladness ; God, and Love, are overhead : All is well. 20 Harvest Gleanings. THE PRODIGAL SON AT HOME. I am forgiven ; and am within My Father's boose again, With love and gladness in the place Of loneliness and pain ; • Joy fills the sweet, long day with praise. My heart sings out its bliss. For a new life is given me with Mv Father's welcome kiss. So sheltered, and so safe from storm, And pardoned utterly. ' clad should I be could 1 undo My works of vanity : My Father's love is wonderful, It crowns my life — and yet A shadow dims my lighted way, For I cannot forget. Even His love, though strong, must fail My lost things to restore, I wasted all my substance once, I have it never more : My health and wealth and youth are gone, Nor prayers, nor bitter tears, Can bring me back a single day Of all my wasted years. This must remain to burden me With sorrow and witli shame. I grieved my Father's heart, and brought Dishonour on His Name. Freely forgiven, and amply blest, — Yet how much happier they Who never left the Father's House, Nor strayed from Him away. Harvest Gleanings. 21 THY KINGDOM COME. " The Kingdom of God is within you." — Jesus. No need of banners waving high, Nor martial pomp of sword and gun, Nor glittering armies marching nigh, Nor honours boldly won ; God's Kingdom comes in quietness. In peace and joy and righteousness. You hear it in the wind and rain ? Nay, these may beat and roar outside ; In perfect calm those hearts remain That in God's heaven abide ; And heaven is here and everywhere If only love and God be there. Dear faces, hidden from the storm, And kissed by tender lips at night, In storied hall, in cottage warm, Live in the Kingdom's light. And hearts in which God's peace is king Rule over worlds at sunrising. When shall God's Kingdom come ? When men Let love reign over them, not hate ; When this poor world shall ne'er again Through sin be desolate ; And God shall find on earth His home — Father, let Thy Kingdom come ! Harvest Gleanings. QOD'5 COMFORTINGS. " Sliou us the Father, uml it suilicetli us." Long is our journey to the dear Home-land, But God will guide us till at home we stand. How, if the times are hard, shall we be fed .' God gives us day by day our daily bread. The lightning flashes and the winds are rough: God is our shelter, we are safe enough. The fog is thick, we cannot see our way, But He will walk beside us lest we stray. We have much sorrow, and our dear ones die : God the great Comforter is always nigh. Our youth ends quickly, and our joys depart : God is the strength and solace of the heart. Life is too full of labour and of care : God bears the burdens given to Him in prayer. We grow so eager in our earthly quest ; But God is love, and love is perfect rest. Some of His children grieve Him by their sin: The Father's heart is kind and takes them in. We are not good, we all have evil done : To save the world God gave His only Son. How may we know the Father and His grace ? By looking into Jesus' life and face. Harvest Gleanings. 23 GOD LOVES THE WORLD. It seems the very air is full Of this sweet thought to make us glad; It makes the earth all beautiful. Whether with flowers or snowflakes clad. In sunshine or in darkening shade, God loves the world that He has made. All voices echo forth this truth ; The children put it in their songs ; And white-haired men and blooming youth, The serious and the merry throngs, Unite the happy tale to tell : Our Father loves His children well. We hear it in the shadowy aisles Of the cathedral old and dim ; It lights the singer's face with smiles, It makes the grandest festal hymn, It fills with joy and holy mirth All sweetest choruses of earth. And women at their household ways, To soothe the fever of their care. Have put it in the cradle lays, And there is music in their prayer ; And their hearts grow more strong and free As each one says, " He loveth me." And men amid the rush and strife, The wear- and- tear and eagerness That mark and make our modern life, Have found in this their quietness ; And, while the crowded streets they trod, Have rested in the love of God. Oh, who could bear his burden now Were he not sure God loves the world ? For fear and labour make us bow, And days are dark, and storms are hurled. But, like a star that ne'er grows dim, God's love shines on, we trust in Him. •_m Harvest Gleanings. THE COMFORT OF FAITH. Love daree to question, Bui qoI rebel ; All that Thou doest, (J Lord, is well. Though how it be so We cannot tell. Love knows Thee, Father ; Thy power above All that is mortal Thy children prove, And rest in the stronghold Of Thy great love. Speak through the silence Of this dark hour. Take from our sorrow Its hurtful power. And Thy calm comfort ( rive us for dower. What is the meaning ': For that we wait ; Of all the mystery Death is the gate : We shall know, and hless Thee, And not too late. Bearer of sorrows, To Thee we cry ; Thou didst die for us ; And when we die This is our comfort. That Thou art nigh. Now we thank Thee Fin- sweet release ; The touch of thine angel Makes pain to cease. And the life eternal Is perfect peace. Harvest Gleanings. 25 A FULFILLED PROMISE. " As thy day thy strength shall be." These words, hung where I could see. Ere my childhood passed from me. Deeper meaning have to-day. While I tread a troubled way. Like some unforgotten song Staying with me all day long. So this promise comforts me : " As thy day thy strength shall be." Merrily the time went on, Till the easy years were gone ; Then the conflict fiercer grew, And I more of sorrow knew ; Yet amid the stress and strain Of the work, or loss, or pain, Came no time but I have seen As my day my strength has been. Burdens far too great to bear Came, with no strong friend to share Work too high for me to do But for Him who helps me tl 1 rough ; Cares I could not keep alone — These I know as I have known — But the Father speaks to me : " As thy day thy strength shall be." Ever to my heart I take That He gives for love's dear sake ; And, whatever be my lot. His good promise fails me not. He is near in darkest night. And He leads me into fight. Happy am I, safe and free : " As my day my strength shall be." Do not fear to trust to Him, Ye who walk through pathways dim. God's care reaches from above Unto you. And God is love. lit') II \K\ 1>T ( il.KAMNGS. Whether life or death shall come, Whether wandering <>r al home, Fear not ; you shall surely see : " .\> your day y<>ur Btrength BhaU be. ANSWERED. "Then they cry unto the J><>ixl in their trouble, and He bringeth them out of their distresses." l.v the desert's desolation Was no place of habitation. Eungry, thirsty, faint and lonely. Who could help them but God only '.' So they cried : and He who blessi - Brought them out of their distresses. Satisfied them with His pity. Gave them homes within His city. Death and darkness were around them, Bonds of strong affliction bound them. He was mighty to deliver. In His strength they dwell for ever. They wen' tilled with fear and wonder When they heard the wild waves thunder Then again they died to Heaven. And the help they asked was given. Hushed was all the storm and riot : They were glad, for they were quiet. Oh, let all whose hearts aspire To their haven of desire Cry to God in their distresses : Still He hears, and still He blesses. And the prayer of faith shall ever Find Him ready to deliver. Harvest Gleanings. 27 BE RECONCILED. " We beseech you, on behalf of Christ, be ye reconciled to God." The gorse and heather are in bloom — Why is your face so dark with gloom ? Why, on these sweet and quiet days, Rise from your lips no songs of praise ? Ah ! if the heart be not at rest, True joy is aye an absent guest ; But still the Father loves His child — Be reconciled. What comes between your soul and Him ? The love of God no change can dim ; If you have sinned and gone astray, The road home is an easy way. Relent, repent, and trust His grace, Return and seek the Father's face ; Though you are weak, forlorn, defiled, Be reconciled. Come home to God, nor be afraid ; Your sins were on your Saviour laid. He lived, and died, and rose to win All men from trespasses and sin. On God's behalf with you He pleads ; He heeds your sorrows, knows your needs. Oh, wanderer in the desert wild, Be reconciled. You are so weary and so sad, Only His love can make you glad. Why close your heart to Him ? Why wait Stricken, alone and desolate ? Come home ; be sheltered from alarms, So safe within the Father's arms. He waits for you, you are His child, Be reconciled. lis II \i:\ B8T 6LB wi\'.-. He keeps for you an open door, Ami love itself can do no more Than He baa done. <*h. why delay] Child, let the Father have- Hifl way. Ami show you, while He makes your heaven. How good it is to be forgiven. For Christ's sake. be ye reconciled — Be reconciled. "HE BRINGETH THEM." r- u.m cvn. :u>. God guides across the trackless sea The children of His love : The wild winds gather round the ships, The clouds are dark above ; But He keeps watch through all the night, And they are safe as in the light. Huge waves beat on them in the storm, Yet they may calmly sleep Who knows His stars are overhead, His wonders in the deep ; Through rising winds and lifted waves He stretches forth the hand that saves. God's ocean is so large and wide Their spirits are dismayed When the wave mountains shut them in, Or rushing hosts invade, But they cry out amid their fear, And God's " Fear Not " rings loud and clear. And then they know their Father nigh, The stilled waves chant a psalm, His " Hush ! " falls on their timid hearts, He makes the storm a calm, And they who were by dread opprest, Are gently soothed to sleep and rest. Harvest Gleanings. 29 But aye, through stillness and through storm, Some leagues are daily won, Alike in sunshine and in gloom The homeward bound sail on, And near, with every sunset's fire, The haven of their heart's desire. And they all find a tranquil sea Awaiting them at last ; God makes them glad with quietness, When all the storms are past. sailors over life's rough main, Remember ! and take heart again. SONGS OF THE SAVIOUR'S GRACE. 31 Songs of the Saviours Grace. UNTIL HE FIND. The wandering soul goes forth alone, Farther from home with each dark night, And hides Mm from the friendly light, And only echoes back our moan. But One who loves goes after him O'er trackless moor and mountain slope, Nor ceases toil, nor loses hope, Though miles are long and days are dim. He searches for him everywhere, He listens for the sigh of fear, The faintest cry will reach His ear. The boon will be before the prayer. He will not weary day nor night. For any time, at any cost, The Christ will seek and save the lost, And bring him home into the light, Strong, patient, and enduring One ! We also seek, but soon we tire : He, burning with intense desire, Will cease not till the work be done. " Until He find ! " Until He find ! So full of strong resolve is He, No matter where the lost one be, The Christ will seek until He find. O Seeker pitiful ! we have Our lost ones, and we know not where They languish, nor if any prayer Beseeches Thee to help and save. 33 34 H VIIVKST < ll.KlMM.v But in 'l'li\ heart, ao1 theirs, we fcrual : They are not lost, for Thou will find We bear Thy word divinely kind — " I scrk and Bave, because I must." FOR LOVE OF YOU. One loves you. He has loved you long. His love and its sweet prayer and praise Wen- in your mother's cradle song. And made the music of your days. When flowers were fair, and skies were blue. For love of you. He told the secret of His love, When merry laughter answered Him. By dancing seas, in leafy grove. Before your childhood's eyes were dim. When life lay like a sunny view. For love of you. Now. has the shadow touched your face ? Are the days dark ? the prospects grey ? O heart, be brave ! The time of grace Can never pass from you away. Your Friend is tender, wise and true. For love of you. He walked for you earth's changeful ways. He bore for you the lonely hour. He lived for you through toilsome days, He met for you the tempter's power. And joy through sorrow this Friend knew, For love of you. O child of love, be not still sad. But change the sigh to happy song, For you can make the Saviour glad By loving Him who loved you long. So till with praise the heavens above, For God is love. Harvest Gleanings. 35 LO, I AM WITH YOU ALWAY. Art Thou with me, nay Saviour ? The night is dark, I feel the billows tossing Around my barque ; Nor moon nor star is shining Above the sea, But I will rest and fear not ; Thou art with me. My kind, lifelong Companion, I know Thy voice, And, hearing through the tempest, I can rejoice : But even if Thou speak not My heart is glad ; With Thee the deepest silence Is never sad. I will not heed the darkness. Is the hour late ? And will it soon be sunrise ? Yet I can wait : Dear Lord, I am not troubled By fear, or quest, Above the restless waters I have sweet rest. I sail, and see not whither, But, if Thou steer, I know the lighted haven, Not far, but near. No need to wake the sailors : On land or sea, I am content for ever. Alone with Thee. 36 II \i:\ EST < rLEANTNOS CONTINUE YE IN A\Y LOVE." Dbab Master, when the 'lays are dim, And Btars shine not iii skies above. Thy word Lb like Borne Bacred hymn — '" < 'ontinui in My low ■" Love, that cheered my childish flays, And blesses rae at evening-tide, And lights for me the misty ways, What have I lefl beside ! Faded the flowers of early years, And hare the trees thai sheltered me; Whom can I see through all my tears ? Thee. Master -only Thee. 1 am so used to all Thy grace, Thine is the dear familiar voice, I seem to see and read Thy face, And in Thy love rejoice. I trust thee, for I know Thee well ; It is myself I dare not trust. Dear Master, bid me with Thee dwell, And love because I must. Thy love lasts on through stress and strain. My treasure when all else is gone, I'n. hanged by loss, unhurt hy pain — Ah ! how Thy love lasts on ! I dare not vow to faithful be; But Thou, Friend, all friends above, I rest my very life on Thee — Continue Thou in love. Harvest Gleanings. 37 "AS HE 15 IN THE LIGHT." His path leads into shining light. The sun is in my Master's face, No gloom hides Him from morn to night ; He is so full of love and grace That where He walks the way is fair, And joy is with Him everywhere. I do not like a darkened room, Nor stumbling steps o'er weary ways ; I am afraid of night and gloom, No song of hope my heart can raise ; The light would set my spirit free : Dear Master, let me walk with Thee. Let in the light upon my soul ! Alas ! it will reveal my sin, And make me long to be made whole, And be forgiven, and cleansed within ; But though I faint with shame and fright, Yet flood my soul, Lord, with light. My Saviour, work, even in me, The miracle of each new day ; Let the sun rise and darkness flee, And the dear light about me stay : So shall I live, and pray, and move In the glad radiance of Thy love. 38 Hakyi.vi- Ci. i. wings. HE CARI.TH. WHAT can it mean ! Is it aught to Him That the nights are Long and the days are dim ? (an He be touched by the griefs I bear, Which sadden the heart and whiten the hair ? About His throne are eternal calms. And strong, glad music of happy psalms, And bliss unruffled by any strife — How can He care for my little life ? And yet I want Him to care for me While I live in this world where the sorrows !><• ' When the lights die down from the path I take, When strength is feeble, and friends forsake. When love and music that once did bless Have left me to silence and loneliness, And my life-song changes to sobbing prayers — My heart cries out for a God who cares. The busy world has too much to do To stay its courses and help me through ; And I long for a Saviour. Can it be That the God of the universe cares for me ': Oh, wonderful story of deathless love ! Bach child is dear to the heart abo\>- ; The sorrow that bowed me down He bears, And loves and pardons because He cares. Lei all who are sad take heart again We are not alone in our hours of pain ; God lifts the burden, for He is strong. He stills the sigh and awakes the song. Can it be trouble which He doth share ? Oh, rest in peace, for the Lord does care. Harvest Gleanings. 39 WITHIN SHUT DOORS. " Jesus cometh, the doors being shut." No other can come in But Thou and I ; Dear Master, in the silence Thou art nigh ; I shut the door on sin And care and doubt, All that displeases Thee I would keep out. Speak to me now, Bid unbelief to cease, Give me Thy touch of blessing And Thy peace. Oh ! for a little while I would forget Even my very self. Nor fear, nor fret For any earthly thing. But see Thy face, And lose myself For joy of all Thy grace. I have no good to crave, Desire shall cease, I find my heaven at last With Thee, and peace. Is the rest ended ? Does the day begin ? Must the doors open And the world come in ? Yet will I keep for Thee, Sacred, apart, A place for glad communion In my heart. Stay with me, my Saviour, And release My spirit from all bondage In Thy peace. 1" II \l:\ B8T < rLE kNINGS. NIGHT ON OLIVET. " Evi ry man weai untn his <>«n Ikhhp. .lesti- went unto the Moonl of t) Where was the greal King's palace-home ? Be bad qoI w here to lay Hia head ! No friendly voice in\ ited llim. None cared to offer board and bed: Small share had Be of warmth or mirth. Whose love lights all the homes of earth. The lonely Christ ! Be went away From clustering homes, and. through the shade < it menacing I lethsemane, With patienl feel His w&y Be made, God only measuring Bis hopes, As silently He climbed the slopes. But space and welcome met Him there ! The meek Bowers covered up His feet, And all the silver olive-leaves Soothed Him with whispers low and sweet, The soft winds murmured a glad psalm, Tin- blue heavens gave Him rest and calm. It was the joyous summertime. And (Jod's fair world, in love with Him, Received llim into sheltering arms. And all night long no star grew dim. No harsh rains fell, no cold winds blew. But Nature- heart was warm and true. And all that passed on Olivet Between the Father and the v Is kept a secret even yet I Only we know God's will was done. And Christ, refreshed and strong again, Sought His beloved world of men. Harvest Gleanings. 41 Sorne of His grace seems lingering yet Upon the green and tree-crowned height. Oh, happy hill that so might serve The Christ upon that strenuous night ! Precious and reverenced even yet, For His sake, art thou, Olivet. THE GRAVE IN THE GARDEN. Where the sweet spring flowers were growing. There they made His tomb ! Gladly shone the sun above Him After winter's gloom. All the birds awoke to matins, All sung vespers there ; Happiest place to sleep and wake in Was that garden fair. Wild flowers clung in tufts and bunches To the rugged rocks, Cedars spread their stately branches, Lilies grew in flocks. Oh, the scene was calm and peaceful All the three days long, Till at last from out the silence Broke an angel's song. We have graves within our garden, We are touched by death, But there needs no lamentation For the passing breath. Night shall bring us nearer Jesus ; Death takes not, but gives Sleep, as He slept in the garden, Life with Him who lives. 42 II \i;\ i> r GLEANINGS. CHRIST'S EASTER GREETING "All hail : " and " Fear not," These were the words Be said, The Christ beloved, Rising from tin- dead. And thus the women Joyfully were sped. " All hail ! •" and " Pear not," Words ur need to-day : Chri>t Jesus, speak them, And our fears allay, As we pass ever To the unseen way ! "All hai! ! " and " Fear not"— Hear the world's sad cry, Pity us, Saviour, Lest we faint and die ; Hope comes, and courage, When we know Thee nigh. • All hail ! " and "Fear not" — Saviour, at the last. Amid the shadows That shall gather fast, Speak Thou to us. Until our tears are past. lie this Thy greeting When the new lights shine ! Oh. for that Faster, And these words of Thine ! •All hail!" and "Fear not"— Jesus, make them mine ! SONGS OF LOVE AND HOME. 4.T Songs of Love and Home. GOD BLES5 OUR HOME. We come from the fog- laden streets of the city, From wide, windy spaces where the cold has no pity. From close, darkened room, or from bleak hill and moor, To thankfully enter the welcoming door — And God bless our home ! We come from the fights and the races of life, From the fierce din of voices, the conflict and strife, From the tempests of words that are thundering loud, From the riot, unquiet and stress of the crowd — And God bless our home ! snug little nest in a shelter so cheery, O place of sweet rest for the troubled and weary, Each day has its Sabbath of prayer and of psalm, Where the Church in the house is kept sacred and calm- So God bless our home ! No spot is so dear to the heart, nor is any Ignored by so few, or beloved by so many, Where dear eyes smile on us, and kind voices speak. There find we the pledge of the heaven we seek — And God bless our home ! Yes, God give the home His abundant good blessing, God shelter its roof from all evil distressing, And grant to its inmates the spirit of love Which rules in the Home of our Father above— And so bless our home ! God make us unselfish, devoted and dutiful, Meek, merry, kindly, wise, tender and beautiful, And not only here where we offer our prayer, But Himself love our home and abide with us there — And so God bless our home ! 45 5 46 II LR\ EST I •'! B \mncs. AN OLD LEGEND FOR NEW TIMES. Pad is the chapel, stately and Btrong, Though the sculptor's hand has perished l<»ng ; Bui tlic old-time carvings and wha\ they say Arc grandly significant even In-day. The book is open, and all may read <>t knightly battle and courtly deed, For ended sorrows and grief-quenched smiles Seem to revive ill the silent aisles : \nd many a stately monument "Midst the solemn arches and hlazonment Tells a touching story luit this one most. Which ends itself in half-shame, half-boast: " Lovt modi im Poet, And this I writt, My Im 1 1' did dot itt Anil imt my witt." The words of a woman ! One who began To tell the deeds of a brave, good man ; She was a widow, and great the loss That lay on her heart a heavy cross ; But nerving her soul to tell of bis life, How tender in mi rcy, noble in Btrif< . Kind to the poor, stein to the wrong. Her words took shape and became a song, And grew a poem to her .surprise, Who counted herself not great nor wise. What was it thus could have made her write J She saw it all in a flash of light — " Lovi iiimli nu Poet, And this I writt, My hartt did dot itt A inl imt my witt." Harvest Gleanings. 47 Old is the legend, as hills are old ; New is the legend and bright as gold. Who counts the poets that love has made, And nursed and cherished in shine and shade ? They make the music of all the spheres, They paint the beauty on all the years, They lift life out of the commonplace, These grand love-poets of happy grace ! Because they love they are truly great, Though the world should deem them of low estate ; Because they love does the quickened brain Tell of its joy in the old refrain — " Love made me Poet, And this I writt, My harte did doe itt And not my witt." Love, the transformer evermore, Teaches the happy thought to soar, Like a bird that rises on buoyant wing And is so glad that it needs must sing. Love, the awakener, gives for dower The vivid life, and the loftier power, Whispers secrets, and lights the eyes, Till the soul shines through and the words are wise, 'Tis never winter, but always May, A time of laughter, a holiday When love gives largesse, and life is bliss, And what can the loving say but this ? — " Love made me Pod, And this I writt, My harte did doe it' And not my witt." is ll \i;\ est Gleanings. GOD IN THE GARDEN. The world was a garden, and fields and woods Were soft in the fading light, A trash came over the Bloping hills, All tliin'_ r ~ waited for night. A child stood listening under the leaves: "Is it God's step I can hear ? He walked in the Garden of Eden once." The prattle] Bhowed no fear. " But Adam and Eve were afraid of God ! " " \Ys. they bad done wrong," she said. "And so have yon, often." "Yes, so I have," And the darling ho wed her head; "But I am not frightened, because I know That He loves me all the same." " And what would you do if you heard Him now Calling to you by name ? " " I would run as fast as I could to Him," The little one said, and smiled. And I took the lesson of love to my heart That L learnt that niizht from the child. TOGETHER. Twas a summei of one of the yesterdays. Do you remember ': From June to September Life led us along its pleasant ways. We talked and were silent, we sang and dreamed, And had all the world t rselves, it seemed ; Harvest Gleanings. 49 There was sorrowles3 joy in the fresh, sweet air, The fields and the hedges were strangely fair, And all things growing told us their hopes, As we walked in the valleys or climbed the slopes ; The breeze kissed everything — kissed us, too — And we learnt the birds' love-songs, I and you, And oh, how we lived in that sunny weather, Together ! All tilings were glad in those radiant days, From June to September ; Do you remember ? It was a summer too sweet to praise ! We stood together among the hay When I dreamed there was something you wished to say ; We were afloat on the tranquil sea When first I knew that you cared for me; The sweet, wild roses were in the lane When my heart awoke to a bliss, half pain ; And there never was such a day before As that which we spent on the breezy moor, When, sure of each other, we gathered the heather Together. Long, long ago were those matchless days ! Do you remember That June and September ? We have walked since then such different ways. I think of it all to-day, but you. Away up there beyond the blue — I cannot be sure that you do not forget, You have so much other to think of. Yet, The best that we had on the earth was love, And the source of it, home of it, is above ; So perhaps that summer was not the end, And there may be a fairer one yet to spend In a happier land, and in sunnier weather Together. 50 Harvest Gleanings. THROUGH TRIBULATION. I M WK asked fi.r thee ( >[« 1 1 1 • • . u -n< - - and p< i Not the fierce strife of warfare, nor its oosl ; I have dreamed of thee with the full incree Of Bummer's glory, not a treasure lost, Thy life all .sunshine, music, joy. and rest Have I been vise ? Are these things truly beet I Dear, look with me through distances that hide The earth from heaven, the little from the gnat. The radiant hosts upon the other side. By fountains of cool waters, safe, elate. Are they who out of tribulation came — God's love for thee can bear to choose the same. I trust thee to His love, and not my own ; My best, perhaps, would but impoverish thee. If, clothed in white, thou Btandesl by the throne, And I may. humbly glad, thy rapture Bee, Confessing my poor love not strong enough, I will praise Him who made thy pathway rough. SERVICEABLE. I think the love that most your trust deser Is that which does not hesitate or doubt ; Which asks no burden, but lasts on and sen And which no years nor trials can wear out ; Which fails not. tires not on the roughest way. And has a new birth every new-born day. Dear, use me as you use all common things Of which you know there is enough to spare. Plenty for mornings and for evenings, For summer psalms and winters wear-and-tear. Love such as mine takes up its song again Alike in smiles of peace and sobs of pain. Harvest Gleanings. 51 LET THE LOVE LAST. Anger is swift if the love be slow, And peace will die if the love should go ; Let the love last and the joy will grow. How can the face that is old look fair When years have stamped it with pain and care ? Only if seen through the love that is there. Life may be tiresome, but never yet Did the loving heart weary, or forget The weal of the one on whom it is set. Love is not selfish or hard or blind ; Love in the loved does its great joy find; Love is tender, and true, and kind. Sweet as the music of wedding bells Is the love that its faithful story tells, Though the wild winds blow and the tempest swells. Love teaches patience, and strength, and grace, Love sees beauty in every face, Love makes holy the old home-place. Love need never be dead and cold. Love need never grow changed or old, Love shall be better than untold gold. So let the love last, for it is God-given ; It will heal the heart that by grief is riven. It will make the home like a part of heaven. 52 II m:\ BST < rLB LNDTGS. A MODERN BRIDE. (From a Picture in Paris.) I CHOSE liim for myself; he is my choice, Not yours, and not my father's — mine the voice That uttered the decision, mine alono ; Mv will has taken this man for my own. Yet, mother, bless me ! J chose to live my own life, mother wa new beauty in old truths I had qoI anderatood ; She Leads me forth from darkened ways [nto serener light ; She does not argue subjects out, Hut loves me into right. Son ask who is my minister '.' The one who loves me best. Whose tender care and charity Makes work almost like rest, Who, pure in heart, has seen her God, Whose eyes with His lights shine — I hope you have a minister With power and love like mine. MICHAEL ANGELO'S FRIEND. " I do not know how to servo you better than to pray to this sweet Clirist for you." — Victoria Colonna to .Michael Angelo. What shall I say to him ? Be is in night — A night that has few stars. Grief, the gaoler, has closed him in, And his fears are prison-bars. Oh, giant-souled is this friend of mine, But his heart is hurt by pain ; What can I say to make him glad, And to teach him hope again '! Too much he cares for the insults flung By the envy anil hate of foes ; Why have the little such power to rob The great of his calm repose '.' This friend of mine is in burning tires, Self-lighted to torture him ; Oh ! might I comfort this man, whose fame The years will never dim ! Harvest Gleanings. 59 He cannot see that his works are great, So lowly and meek is he ; And he does not dream of the love that is his, Nor the bliss that his might be. The marks in his brow are deeply cut By sorrow as well as thought, Yet I think that the angels themselves must gaze On the marvels his hand has wrought ! He has painted a picture to be my own, Of the Christ whom we both love. Sweet, not terrible, is this face With the crown of light above. God gave him to see through the eyes of faith This holy and loving One. God bless my friend for the noblest work That even his hands have done ! He has painted two angels — this on the right Is fairer than any dream ; God has inspired him, the light from heaven Must surely upon him gleam ; Ah ! Michael Angelo ! work in hope, As the servant of Jesus may — The Archangel Michael will give you place On the right of the Lord one day. What can I do for him ? Only this Can a woman do : her love May bear on its wings her honoured one To the throne of Christ above, And He will do what she carmot do As an answer to her prayer ; She may be far from her friend in need, But the Christ is everywhere. Ah ! Michael Angelo ! I will pray To this Judge, yet the Friend of us all, To keep you safe in His heart of love, And to set you free from thrall ; To give you the dawn of your longed-for day, Instead of the shades of night ; And thus do I serve you best, for I pray That the Christ may give you light. 60 Harvest Gleanings. UNDER THE WALNUT TREE. I i u the leaves as we used to do, The Bcente I Leaves of the walnut tree, Ami ilic Fragrance carries me back to you And the radianl things thai we used to - As we Bal together, you and I, And watched through the walnut boughs the sky. Eow young we were in those halcyon days! ( Kir hearts were as glad as a bird's sued -. Our path of life was through meadow ways, \nd the brilliant summer days were long. Eow tender the twilights used to be, And the nightingale's song in the walnut tree We were mosl wise in those days of youth. We eould have ordered the world aright ! Brave and valiant were we for truth. We hated darkness and loved the light ; And, ah, the dreamings for you and me In tin soft, sweet shade of the walnut tree : You know it was under the walnut tree We vowed together to live our best. Praying the face of our Lord to see, And work in His service, and know His rest. And lest I should ever the vow forget. Sou gave me a token — I have it yet. Dear, it was only a few short years God let us serve Him together here ; And then, unhindered by prayer and tear-. lie took you away to a higher sphere ; But you had redeemed the promise mad. By your brave, true heart in thai summer's shad. . Ah ! happy you who have seen the Christ. And do His Bervice about the throne. And I ? I am trying to keep my tryst, And I sing at my work as I wait alone While for all that has been, and all to be, I thank (Jod under the walnut tree. Harvest Gleanings. 61 A FRESCO IN FLORENCE. In one of the cloisters of Santa Maria Novella is a picture by Giotto of the meeting of Joachin and Anna. " Oh, love, is it thou ? Is it true ? " she says, With a sob, half joy, half pain. " Is the darkness gone, and the new light come ? Do I look in thine eyes again '! Oh, the weary years, and the waiting years, While we both grew old and sad ! Dear love, it is late, it is late," she says, ' For God to make us glad." " The lonely way through the desert lay," He says. " Love, do not weep ; We lost each other a weary while, But I have thee now to keep. Is it too late to be glad ? " he says. " Dear heart, be calm and strong, For love is young, though we are old, And the evening has its song." Then the angel comes from the far blue heaven, And his hand of blessing lays On the two made gentle and meek and good By the sorrows of other days. And he whispers a message that he has brought Straight from their God above — " It is never too late to be glad," he says, " Never too late to love." 62 Harvest Gleanings, A SUGGESTION. 1 i ustnot tell why there Bhould come to me A thought of someone miles and years away. In swift insistence read His signal as a call to pray. Perhaps, just then, my friend has fiercer fight, A more appalling weakness, a decay ( tt courage, darkness, some lost sense of right- And so, in case he needs my prayer, I pray. Dear, do the same for me ! If I intrude Unasked upon you, on some crowded day, Give me a moments prayer, as interlude ; lie very sure I need it, therefore pray. Harvest Gleanings. 63 A PRAYER FOR ALL. A little child, Kneeling at evening prayer,. And bending low Her head of golden hair, Knowing how love Forgave her with a kiss, Asking for many things, Asked always this. Smiling serenely, Sure of love's reply : " Kiss me, dear Jesus Christ. Before I die." The kiss means pardon. Will not you and I Need to implore it When our night is nigh ''. Much sinning, much forgiven, Sony at last For grieving One who loved us Through the past, We may rind comfort In the child's soft cry: " Lord Jesus, kiss me, too, Before I die ! " 64 Harvest Gleanings. HOMF-.WARD. Through winters and through summon Bweet, By lonely road and crowded street, With never-resting, rapid feet, We travel borne. The hours of every passing day Bring us g<»> 1 1 > \"ii watch wit li us when the New War cairn-. Ebu, the dear anforgotten, safe at home 1 We watched with you, and thoughl of yon by name, Ami wondered were yon too far "IT to come Ami (In yon mark tin- years as they go hence ? Ami is a century of consequence '.' We were not very tar from you that night, When the stars sang together with the hells, Heaven smiled on us. and our old world grew white, The thronged black towns as well as woods and dells. Men said it was the moonlight, bu1 it seemed The two wmlds were much closer than we dreamed. What wen- you doing while w watched and prayed, Dear well-remembered ones ? Were you within The Father's House ? Or wandering unafraid Over the mountains, far from grief and sin? How rich you are up there beyond the blue, i tin greatest and our best are all with you. But there is room for us who tarry yet, And know not when our eyes may see the King; lie does not either one of us forget. And some time o'er the snow His voice will ring, And we shall know it and he very L'lad ; Yet do not think that, waiting, we are sad. We walk and talk with Him. So gracious He, That sometimes even hy our cottage fires We lift our eyes the Master's face to see. And we can tell Him what the hearl desires, .And speak of you. and learn in sweet accord Your joy to be for ever with the Lord. We are one family, complete in Him Who gave Himself for us ; and love is strong. So large our Fatherland the view is dim. Bui we can cateh the echoes of your song, \nd every day the miles become more few, This century will bring us home to you. Harvest Gleanings. 67 AT THE VERY LAST. " Abe you afraid ? " I asked my friend, And she answered, " Pray for me ; I am not wholly afraid, but the end Is like going out to sea. The waves are dark, and I cannot tell What the morrow's dawn may be." So I knelt by the bed of my dying friend, And I prayed, " Christ, who died, This friend of mine, who is friend of Thine, Goes out with the ebbing tide : She is only a woman, human and weak ; And we see not the other side. " Comfort her, Christ, with a gracious word When she sails away to the West ; The soul Thou hast summoned goes forth alone, Be Thou the Guide and the Quest. If Thou art the Captain the sea is calm, And the boat is an ark of rest." It came to pass that my friend went out When the night and the morning met, And she welcomed the Christ with a strange glad joy That my heart remembers yet ; And the smile of peace on her face remained After the sun had set. And ever since, when at eventide, I hear the roll of the sea, And the wonder wakes in my questioning soul, " That call— has it come to me ? " I pray, dear Christ, be it soon or late, Oh, take me away with Thee. I'.S H \K\l.-T Cl.KAMNi.- BON VOYAGE. FaEBWELL, fan-well! You sail away To where the lighted homelands are; Your face is turned to radiant day From glimmers of the sea and star ; • Lose the tired eyes until you gain God's haven, where is no more pain. The little boat will safely bear. The sea is quiet in the bay. Not yours the trouble or the care ; Dear heart, the Boatman knows the way; Lie still and sleep without a fear. 1 1 is not long, for home is near. Be not afraid of hurt or loss. It is a peaceful way you take ; The night will see you safe across. And when you land the day will break. Then — ah ! the dear ones gone before, What welcomes wait along the shore ! Farewell ! you vanish from my sight. And into shadow softly glide. Oh, friend of mine, bound for the light, They watch you from the other side. All joy and blessing go with you Who go to God, farewell, adieu ! SONGS OF LIFE. Songs of Life. THE CITY SEA. He stilleth the noise of the seas and the tumult of the people." The city is the sea, Its waves go to and fro, And the thunder of its waters Rolls in the depths below. And night is in its hollow caves, And men go down beneath its waves. The city is the sea, It has its lightsome mood, Its days of air and sunshine, Its sweet May-time of good. And children dance and men's hearts sing ; Even the sea is touched by spring. Yet restless is the sea. Fierce passions stir its deeps, The storm is in its dreaming When for a time it sleeps. Ah, treacherous sea ! the swell beneath Its surface calm is often death. Christ walks upon the sea, Men shrink away in fear, " Who is it on the waters ? " It is a Saviour near. And when He whispers, " Peace, be still," The obedient sea can work no ill. God of the city sea, Oh, quell its power of wrong, Gladden it with Thy sunshine, And turn its roar to song. Dear Lord, the city has a soul. How great it grows in Thy control ! 72 II UEtVESI I rLBANINOS. AN OFT-REPEATED PRAYER. I 1 1 k< - in ti it > iii the desert the Bweetesl thought La that of the fold."— Rl'SKIN. Good Shefhkbd, lead me, for I 'I" not know Where day by day the fresh rich pastures grow, Xm where the quiet restful waters flow. Left to myself I wander far astray Into a desolate and dangerous way, And solemn night comes after wilful day. And then in hunger, loneliness, and cold, I long for some strong hand myself to hold, And for the peace of the forsaken fold. I have not always loved Thy staff and rod, Nor Thy restraints; yet pity me, God; Think of the weary ways that 1 have trod. I look abroad for Thee through eyes forlorn. Out of the thickets of the piercing thorn. Weary and wounded, terrified and torn. Strong, tender Shepherd ! Thou at any cost Wilt bring into Thy calms the I em pest-tost, For Thou didst come to seek and save the lost. Into the valleys, where the shadows lie. And where are breathed the prayers of those who die. The sweet dawn comes when Thou art drawing nigh. Great Shepherd, take me from the night, the rain. To discipline, command, compel, restrain, In the dear safety of the fold again. And I will no more fret me to be free, For there Thy rod and staff shall comfort me ; Let me but dwell within Thy house with Thee. Harvest Gleanings. 73 OUR FATHER CARES. Give me some word to say for Thee, I prayed. The world needs charity ; Its sorrows are so great to bear, And men bow down 'neath loads of care ; Fain would I bring them some relief And comfort for their hours of grief. May I not tell them something ? Go, A voice replied, and let them know Their Father loves them. His blessing touches every head, He knows the path their tired feet tread. He pities them when they are sad, It is His goodwill makes them glad. Let no one doubt Him ; every child — The good, the bad, the meek, the wild, Is to the Father's heart most dear. He sends His Son to bring them near Because He loves them. Receive the good, glad news again, O heavy-laden sons of men ; Our Father will your burdens bear, Our Father will your sorrows share, Because He loves you. Cold of heart Are you to others ? Do your part, And thank Him thus. To your heart take Earth's sad ones, for your Father's sake, Because He loves you. Oh, happy messenger am I ! And ever on the star-lit sky, And on the white waves of the sea, As well as where the people be, The grand, sure truth in lines of light Is written large in all men's sight. Let it be passed from age to age, Though clouds be black and wild storms rage, God loves the people. Harvest Gleanings. THE AFTERWARDS. 'I'm i: kiss of \ e : The best of all the earth can give, The best of heaven above. But Be, whose love La more than mine. Lives not what I most crave; But gives the hliss that cannot die, The help that best can save. l>i when in lowly tni-t Tie' heart pray- forth this plea — I know not what i- beet to a-k : I >■ ide, 1 1 I. ird, foi me." Harvest Gleanings. 77 IN THE MORNING. In the morning, who wakes early Finds the world prepared for him ; Light of life from out the eastward Chases all the shadows grim; Flowers lift eyes of gladdest welcome, There are anthems in the breeze, Merry birds in hawthorn hedges, Dancing leaves on all the trees. Then sweet human love makes ready. And the table is well spread With the fruits of purest passion, And the store of living bread ; And the man prepares for action, While the sun lights up his way, And grave Duty on the threshold Waits to perfect the whole day. In the daybreak of some morning, When I wake upon the strand Of the great mysterious country Which is yet my Fatherland, I shall find that all is ready, And take up my life again, With no break except the sleep time, And no loss except of pain. I shall read the signs of welcome In all new things I may see, And, perhaps, familiar faces, In the place reserved for me ; I shall greet my old friend Duty In whatever change of guise — When at last I see my Saviour In His home beyond the skies. 7^ II \i.\ EST GlJ INTKGS. WHY? Wii n i .11 1 \ I lii w 11 burden I >av i>\ day '.' Why through the tbickesl shadows I kke thy way ! \ Saviour is beside thee, A lo\ ing Friend would guide thee ; Therefore, pray. Why art tlu.u made s.i bopeli My thy -in I The Lamb of < ""1 baa borne it : Lei 1 1 i 1 1 1 win Thy faith in His Bah ation. Thy ti ii-i in Hi- oblation. !'■ m e within. Why are 'hi- days so shadowed By thy care ': Why 'In thy fears pursue thee Everywhere '.' The dread "t each to-morrow The |>rc»urt- nt all sorrow. Let Christ bear. Why ait thou so forgetful CM His mighl v Hast thnii not learnt love's lesson Of delighl I Thy sin and care and sadn- Will vanish in the gladness CH His light THE GREATEST OF THESE. Look not thou dimly through hot tears Down tin- dark vistas of the years, Nor break thy bearl with weary sighs For all that dies ! Bui turn thy back upon the night: Thou hast three friends, with faces bright, W'hn yet shall lead thee into light. Harvest Gleanings. 79 Some needs must go. Speak thy farewell To him who, in his hermit cell, Searches the depths for mysteries And prophecies. Nor cling to him who gives thee pain With showers of words that beat like rain. Dismiss hiru. Better friends remain. Walk by his side, whose brow, thought-lined, Bends to thee ever, sternly kind, Things wonderful has he to show And make thee know. But Knowledge, though he lead thee far. From height to height, and star to star, Is not thy friend, as others are. They shall all vanish — these abide. Faith, lofty-browed and eagle-eyed, Looks into the invisible Where deep things dwell. Open thy heart, and give her place ! Faith sees, through mists, God's shining face, And crowns thee with an angel's grace. And Hope, fair Hope, has ever been A comforter, with voice serene, Who holds thee close, and in the storm Keeps thy heart warm. Wouldst thou be strong, and brave, and free ? In weal or woe keep her with thee, The very light of day is she ! But greatest, loveliest of the three, Is tender, grand-eyed Charity. The heart that finds her ends its quest In perfect rest. Oh ! hold her, keep her in thy care, For earth, like heaven, is rich and fair, If Love be with thee everywhere. gO II \i:\ B81 < •!! \mm.-. COMPANIONS. M\ i .m- with me everywhere. The broken tights upon the - The Btar lamps Bhining Lustrously, i ;,„i white world of field and moor, The lofty cliffa thai guard the Bhore I turn from all to meel tin- I i >i one \\li" Bhowa me little graoe, Poi care Is with me everywhere. And pain. A guesl thai "ill remain, Site with me in the house al night, Ainl oomee to me with morning liglit. Making a home within my breast, my work, and breaks my rest* And makes me weary vigils keep, Nor lets me for my Bowing reap, For pain Sleeps but t<> wake again But hope Eelps mi- with these t>> cope, And cheery comrades fair to see, And Btrong to comfort, live with me: Faith bears me upward on its wing And sings to m'- until I .sing : <• touches me with tender grace And bids pain take a lower place : While I. 11 and will mil move. And One Whose light is as the sun. Whose pi'y uever comes t..> late, Whose pardon, like Himself, is great, Knows mi- unworthy, ye1 no less lingers in His Bweel gentleness — Harvest Gleanings. 81 Jesus, my Saviour, takes my care, And He is with me everywhere, For He In life and death abides with me. THE PATIENCE OF HOPE. Oh ! sad heart, waken hope again ; Nor fear to walk through darkening ways ; Some tender lights do still remain To mingle with November greys, And cheer these too pathetic days. Nature will never teach despair. Look at the old gold on the trees, And dream of young leaves shimmering there, And listen to the vigorous breeze, It tells of better days than these. Winter is linked fast to the spring, Nor storm, nor calm, nor frost, nor snow Can long delay the angel's wing That bears God's blessings to and fro — How surely, swiftly, thou shalt know. Beneath the heaps of faded leaves The next year's crocuses grow strong, The robin sings where stood the sheaves, The blackbird has commenced his song. Hope lights the dark ways all along. Do thou but wait God's little while, And all these clouds shall clear away, The child shall see the Father's smile That was but hidden for a day, And praise where now he can but pray. Summon thy courage. Test thy strength, Let faith bring patience for its pain. Rest, peace and joy shall come at length, And these are guests that will remain. Oh ! sad heart, waken hope again ! 82 N \i;\ ii I 'ii- lninos. MORNING PERILS. Cause mi to hear Tbj loving-kindin'-s m tin- nmrnmi!. A i» wi.i.k. 11 - time is the morning ' There is nothing to fear at nighl ; < a m are the eyee in closing, Tired of the urgenl lighl ; Ti e body is healed in Bleeping, Trouble and labour c< i The soul is in God's Bafe keeping, The hearl is in perfe t |>' a Bui who can Bay in t h< • morriin<_' How fierce will the trials be ? What difficull paths may !"■ trodden, What griefs may encompass me I The great, wide world is Bunlighted; But I Bee nol an hour before What mw. strange sorrows or dangn- The future may have in Btore. Oh. speak to me in the morning, Lord of my every day ! Thou art my great Director As I pass to the bidden way: I I hear Thy voice in the morning I open the day with aong, I ill .-hall I L"> In <"IH|il.T. Thy presi n< ■ Bhall make me strong. I think of another morning After a long, long Bleep — Bui why should I fear the awaking Since Thou wilt my spirit keep '.' Ob, speak to me in thai morning, Jesus, in Thy Bweel grace, And I Bhall have found my heaven In the Sighl of my Saviour's face. Harvest Gleanings. 83 May there be no cloud on that morning ; The clouds are for mornings here ; In the brightness of that great glory- All darkness will disappear. O sunrise that has no setting, O day of supreme delight — God give me the joy of that morning After a restful night. TEACH ME THY WAY. The dark comes down ere it be late : I stand amid the shades and wait, Not knowing whether left or right Will bring me to the open gate Where I can pass to home and light. O C4od, with whom is endless day, Guide Thou my steps ; teach me Thy way. I am alone. But, onward borne, With weary feet, and banners torn. What hosts have travelled where I go, Laden and lonely, weak and worn, Whom Thou hast made Thy will to know ! Lord, be thus merciful to me : For as they cried, I cry to Thee. Bid the light shine ; and call me where Thy presence fills the strengthening air, And wisdom, justice, love, and peace Make all Thy world serene and fair, And righteousness and joy increase. This is the goal. But far I stray ; Oh, bring me back. Teach me Thy way. The distant lights like beacons shine ; The city they illumine is mine ; The friends I love are gathered there. Give me Thy help, O Guide Divine, For hope and faith are in my prayer ; And morn will break, and I shall stand At daybreak in my Fatherland. SONGS OF OUT=OF=DOORS. 85 Songs of Out=of=Doors. THE SABBATH OF THE YEAR Mother Nature has put to sleep All her little ones snug and warm. Old Nurse Earth will the children keep Tucked in carefully out of the storm ; Rocked a little by winter wind, Washed by rains that were always kind, They were ready for anything — Even to sleep till awoke by Spring. Nature, the mother, has told the trees That this is the time for the Sabbath rest ; The green grass whispers it in the breeze, And in all the fields it is manifest. And, ah ! the long sleep under the snow. And the plants too sleepy to stretch and grow, And the cosy coverlet over all. Till the March sun shines and the throstles call. Low are the psalms of the woodland aisles, Soft are the airs which are played to-day ; The skies are tender with quiet smiles, But the glow comes with the flowers of May. And all the works of the summer days, Glad with beauty and sweet with praise, Will be done by Earth at her very best, Because of the calm of this Sabbath rest. 87 88 H \i;\ B8T Gl BANEKGS. FIRST FLOWERS. >\id tin- Spring to the Bleeping plants one day, When the fresh winds blew from the Bea, Win. will go forth i" ill'- waiting world And prepare my way for mi Tin- crocuses lifted their yellow lights, While the snowdrops' beads were bent, The bright Lent lilies came ill crowds, And tin- violets shed their scent. The daisies opened their eyes to see If the skies were blue above, And a flower host whispered under t tie earth, " Send me, send mo, for love." But the brave old gorse waved a Hag of gold Aloft on the mountain-side, And flashed the news of the coming joy To the whole land far and wide. My lamp has been burning through all the dark To lighten her way," he said, " And a crown has been ready at any tine To circle my fair queen's head." S i the Spring came firsl to the nigged gorse, " For you are my friend most dear," She said as she kissed him, " because you keep The thought of me all the year." Harvest Gleanings. 89 A ROBINS SONG A robin comes and sings to me Matins and evensong ; My little garden is a church Open the whole day long, And God is worshipped day and night In gladdest, happiest ways, While he comes in and lifts his voice In psalms and hymns of praise. No winter forecasts trouble him, The fewer lighted hours, The silences of other birds, The fading of the flowers. He takes the seasons as they come, In loyal love and trust, And in the shadow or the sun He sings because he must. I go to church sometimes with him. And if I cannot sing I say " Amen " to all he does, My bird of folded wing. My cares are many more than his. Yet have I, too, no days In which it is not very good To trust, and give God praise. MARCH VIOLETS. Who forgets March violets ? Not the wild winds at their play On the glad spring holiday, For they stoop to snatch the sweets From the lowliest retreats, And with rollicking intent Steal and bear away the scent. There is no wind that forgets March violets. 90 Harvest Gli lntnos. \\ bo foi gets Mil oh violets ? Nol the children. How they Bhoul When they seek and find them out By their tell-tale fragrance ! Then, Filling ohubby I tgain With the fan asuree of the Bpring, They are proud a> any king. Not a boy or girl forgets Mar h \ iolets. Who forgi March \ iolets J Nol the lovers. In the dale Violets tell bo Bweel a tale That two heads bend low to listen. And fond eyes with pleasure glisten, Vt*v the world is full of love When the Bkies are blue aboA e. No fond lover e'er forgets March violets. Who forgets March \ inlets ? Not the old folks, who remember In the time of their December All the thrill of life's glad Spring At the \ inlets' blossoming ! Like an unforgotten kiss They tell talcs of youth and bliss. No one who has loved forgets March violets. Who forgets March violets '.' Nol the God who made them. He Looks Mis lit tie flowers to Bee, Gives them sunshine, air, and rain, Ulesses tin in. to bless again As Be I'l esses us, who share All the Father's love and care. Nol a year that < !ot' the early apple-blossoms That wrere carried by the breeze, We have changed spring's vanishing For the Bummer's plenishing, Orchards now are no! flower- garde ns, Bui the homes of fruitful trees. Harvest Gleanings. 93 What a duty-loving host Are the things we love the most ! After clouds and storms of winter They were bidden to be gay, But they let the blossoms fade, And were glad and unafraid When their flowery-times were ended With the passing of the May. Now how silently they grow ! Every tree and plant must know How success attends endeavour In the nurture of the fruit : Light and sunshine, rain and air, Take the young life in their care, And the trees and plants are happy, Twig and bough, and stem and root. Little hard things, green and sour, They have yet the growing power, They will gain in size and beauty Toward perfection every day : Rich and ripe, they will fulfil To the end their Maker's will, And the orchards will be lovely Though the flowers have died away. We must also bloom and fade, But the fruitage shall be made All the richer for the passing Spring and summer of our days. Rain and air, and the hot sun, Do but give us harvests won, And the Gardener shall gather Fruit and beauty to His praise. It I II \i:\ ES I I'll ININGS. A LITTLE STREAM I \m in> river to carry go< »ds, I onlj wander among the n I- ; M>'ii try to use all things, but nol me, I dance along burdenless down to the And only the bird or the butterfly I tree '" come and linger where I pa-- by, ! 1 bey are of ii" more use than I. I have greal Eon with t'>e stone.- anf all tin- cruel deeds thai they have done, Ami ask i" be forgiven ? Yet, is it prayer ? . ii is praise. " < Slory to God I they cry. II. is our Maker and ' lontroller ! He Blesses all things thai He has made I Be glad, < ) heai ts ol nun. and -in:_ r His ] too ! " THE CORN. Rains have watered it. dews have kissed it. Bli rings i >1 breezes have cheered it ever. All things smile on it. all things love it. The good corn-food thai will tail us never. Every morning the larks Bang over it. *" < 'urn. grew higher, come nearer heaven ' : Every evening the sofl clouds covered it. Every nighl was some impulse given. Little children with eyes of wonder, Have |>e.\. The flowing wii'. . i .-ong of glee, Sunbeams men ily dance and play, And the « ind blows in from the Bea. Bountiful hlcssinus the brave wind brings O'er leagues of water and flashing foam ; Man often wonders what angel il is That fans his face and Bweetens his home. It travels afar to the crowded town-. And weary workers grow strong and free, For weakness passes and Btrengtb returns When the wind blows in from the Be i. The boats are out, and the fisher fleets Are skimming the waters in the baj ; And ah ! it is well for the wives of men, And the little children are glad at play, When the boats are turned to the landward lights. And thought Bees the home, where the men would be : The sails are Bpread to the helpful breeze, And the wind blowB in from the When I am out on the ocean wild. And the home I lon<_r foi is hard to gain; When the Bummer sunshine bas passed to night, And life is a winter of Btorm and rain ; When the dark spreads over my trackless way. And far is the haven where I would \»-. granl thai the billows may speed me home, And the wind blow in from the sea. Harvest Gleanings. 101 A SUMMER SHOWER. The earth was loved too fervently : the sun Pressed burning kisses on her upturned face, Till she grew weary, though 'twas only noon ; The earth was dry, and all the gifts she held And nourished served to drain the life from her, Her children were so many : the green grass Turned white and faint ; the great corn family In all its vigorous life was much athirst ; The ripening fruits lifted their rosy lips For water, the sweet flowers held down their heads, And the trees whispered of their common need. The brave earth did her best for all of them. But she herself was spent in the fierce heat, And could but teach them patience languidly. But then a wave of pity swept the skies ; A great black host came up against the sun, Steadily, slowly, till at last it passed Between him and the earth. Next the soft clouds Melted in blessing drops. Ample and swift Was the refreshment brought to the faint earth, And all her children. Rosy lips and white Drank eagerly alike. A million plants In every field, and every famished wood. Received new life and health ; and a great hush Of grateful happiness gave thanks to God, While the glad earth looked up with smiling eyes To tell the sun that rest is more than joy. A PARABLE. Ix a large field, where grass was green, And soil was deep, and space was wide, A little stunted tree was seen With nothing by its side. 102 Harvest Gleanings. It seemed t" have greal Nature's wealth All to itself, this little tree ; X i ■ 1 1 ' ■ Bhared ite riches or it- health, ( >r sought its company. I',.i it moons Bhone, and Bhowera wer< Eai ill made t I n adj for its mouth, The kind sun beckoned it aloft, Winds kissed it from the Smith. None begged ol it for love or pelf, None craved its service a i or la! ••■u as it to please itself In solitary stale. And yel it was the puniesl thi Thai ever called itself a ti And lived, for all its plenishing, A life oi poverty. Cnsightlv, premal urely old, |t met, at last, the planter's eye-. And he could read the tale it told, For love had made him h ise. II" planted round the mournful tree A group of saplings, strong and fair, A young and merry company, In all its wealth to shai-. They laughed and danced, they Btretched and throve, And tales were whispered in sweel s.>ng, I ntil the old tree learned to love, And Aid and strong. And it was rich, although it gave, With generous joy and social grace, Whate'er the other tree- mighl crave i H succour, hmd. or s] i And when the planter came to Behold, the scene was fair as .May ; The trees were lovely, and this tree As beautiful as they ; Harvest Gleanings. 103 AT CHURCH IN THE OPEN. All Thy works praise Thee, O Lord, Trees and waters chant Thy name, Rocks and mountains Thy great word In harmonious song proclaim ; And I come to worship Thee. Lord, reveal Thyself to me. Make Thy chosen people glad, Peace in our time grant, O Lord, Be Thy priests in white robes clad, And, according to Thy word, To the truly penitent Be the absolution sent. Lord, my kindred worship Thee, As on every Sabbath day ; Let them all Thy glory see, But forget not me, away From the old familiar place ; Let me also share Thy grace. Here I wait in Thy green aisles, While Thy choristers declare How the great world shares Thy smiles, And Thou hearest every prayer ; Speak to me by tree and fern Until I Thy precepts learn. Preachers on these flower-clad slopes Tell me that I want to know ; Upward draw my thoughts and hopes That my heart may find God so ; Seeking things that are above, Wholly satisfied with love. May my Sabbath service rise From this church of birds and flowers Higher than the deep-blue skies, And these consecrated hours Be to me a fount of strength When my work -day dawns at length. \n\ II \ !; \ B81 < rLEANINGS. THE COOL OF THE DAY. ( 'd mi-: ..Ht. < > L'i-nt If stars. In the grey Bky ; Wake, healing winds, and let Tin lu'iit die. ( live to the world, < > night, Whal it 1"\ ee I »1 : Thy kiss at eventide, And then sweet r« Whispers among the tret is in the corn, And t Inn deep silences Before the mom. These comfort weary heads, And eyes that weep, And hush the throbbing heart To tranquil sleep. Theref <> day. be kind, And pass away, With kindly cooling touch For all who praj . And Thou, O gracious eace. Harvest Gleanings. 105 "NO MORE SEA." When days were long and nights were white, And all things panted with the heat, And shadeless glare was in the street, And the head ached with too much light, Then with a sigh you sometimes said, " Oh for the breezy sea instead ! " Through snatches of glad holidays, When skies were blue and seas were calm, And softly sang the waves a psalm, And every sound was sweet with praise, You thought, while resting on the shore, " Would this might last for evermore ! " But when the storm-wind swept in wrath Across the waters, till they rose Like mighty armies of grim foes, To sweep opponents from their path, You learnt how good the truth can be, " In heaven there is no more sea." God's " No more sea " means no more care, No more suspense, and no more tears, No growing older with the years, Or sadder with the need of prayer ; It means no sorrow nor decay, Since former things have passed away. No more the waters that divide Hearts that would fain be always near, No pain for those we hold most dear, No shrinking from the rising tide, No fear nor grief nor pain shall be When you are where is no more sea. There is a river whose cool streams Make glad the city of our God, And weary feet that earth have trod Are resting where that water gleams ; God guide in safety you and me To that dear land of no more sea. |im, Qabvesi Glbanini THE LINGERING SUMMER. ■ ' 1 1\ i. more kiss before we part," Suiil the Summer to the Earth ; " Thy ii< • x t lover will I"- -'• i a, Plenl \ w ill L r ivc place t< i dearth. ( !old his smilee, but mine are h>\ ing, Hold hi.- closely to thine beat t, We have both been "lad together, i me more kiss before we cart. The Earth lifted a warm face, ing, "• Do ii"t leave me yet. I. 7e like ours should burn and 1 a 'Tis ii'. i eas\ to forgel '■ The embraces of the winter Are not what my ln-art desiri Stay with me, untired, my lover. Light for me the sunset fires. Then the Summer laughed aloud, With a merry, well-pleased shout. And the flowers blazed forth anew. And the birds again sang out. All the trees put on new colours, All the grass was vivid green : "Our laat days shall he our best days," Summer said to the Earth Queen. Ah : the feasl ot beauty spread Like a banquet everywhere ; Ulessinjjs brightened : the Bhort days Were most bounteously' fair ; And the Summer, Bmiling, said : " We are glad though death be nigh j Love lasts on though life be faint ; All best things can never die : Harvest Gleanings. 107 CUT CORN. Poor fields so plundered, Late wealthy with gold ! Poor smitten corn, Grown suddenly old ! Where is their beauty ? Ruthlessly slain : Low on the earth Lie the fair heads of grain. Tall, bright and graceful The corn yesterday, Now it is borne From its birthplace away. Yet are no mourners, For nobody grieves ; Songs, and not tears, Are for harvests of sheaves. Ah, it is better To die for men's aid Than to smile and look lovely In forest or glade. Not beauty, but usefulness, Reaches God's test ; The fields are for harvests, And cut corn is best. A LESSON FROM THE BECK. The little beck runs singing to the sea, Wooed by the welcome chorus of the waves, But casts a helpful shower of blessing forth On golden rod and bramble, which peep down And nod their glad "bon voyage'" in return. But why such haste ? I ask the rushing beck, Why run away and lose thy little self In the great waters of the plenteous sea, Which does not need the sacrifice ? Ins II \i : \ bst I ; i i LKIN08 The beck Laughs merrily, and does no! stay its course, Bui singB to me a little, pleasant boi ( »i jnM.li> servioe, all foi love's "«n Bake, And tells me, what I might have known before, Thai be who low - life gains fuller life, Who blesses never lacks the power t<> bless, And who gives all In- ~i>mething 1 « - 1 1 t" L'ive. SEPTEMBER. Who dare call Queen September old '.' Her face is t;iir. She does 1 1< >t Btoop, Bhe is not cold, Bui debonair. She claims, 'tis true, a longer night For reel and Bleep, Nor will Bhe, who respects ner sight. Late vigils keep. But her blue eyes are clear as youth When day returns. And her cheek glows with love and truth When evening burns. Rich, jovial, clothed in gayest dress, She spends the day, And, with large-hearted lavishness, She gives away < told for the gleaner, for the thrush Harvests of food, An«l for world-weary men the hush Of quiet wood. ghe ares for children in ner prime, And with them plaj - The merry games of nutting time On royal days. V.-t wears her golden crown of state On brow Berene, And hears herself erect, elate, A charming Queen ! Harvest Gleanings. 109 BLACKBERRIES. Ah ! the joy of the blackberry bushes Scrambling over the hedges and banks ! A psalm is sung through the autumn glory Thrilling with beauty, giving God thanks. This is the fruit-harvest, free for the garnering, Ready and ripe for the children's hands ; Hurrah for the days that are bright and merry ! Come out from the cities and over the lands. The scarlet haws are alive on the hedges, Each acorn is filling its chaste, traced cup ; Red hips have taken the place of the roses, The forests are lifting their treasures up. In the golden gleam of the wild crab apples, In the purple bloom of damson and sloe, In the plentiful, generous, free blackberries, The harvest joy is for all to know. What fun and frolic — do you remember ? — We had with the berries when we were young ; When prophecies shone in the distant landscapes, And love was a dream and its songs unsung ! Now the distances he behind us, Our feet have traversed much of the way, But never was autumn more fair and peaceful, Nor blackberries lovelier than to-day. Cheery lessons of faith and fealty Come to all through blackberry vines ; God seems the nearer, His love more gracious, When summer is gone and the year declines. Who is afraid of the storm and tempest ? This is the season for trust and thanks ; And hey ! for the joy of the bonnie blackberries And the glory of God on hedges and banks ! 9 110 Harvest Gleanings. IN WINTF.K. Tin: L r "i -<■ i- golden on the hill, In sheltered Bpote are \ iol And I can see on grassy slop - The daisies, with their eyes like h To chilli- the spirit that forgets, Because it is iniil-winter still. In some sweet places of our land There never is a barren time In hidden nooks the flowers grow, Unkillcd by winds, unhurt by snow, And birds and trees like some sweet chime .Make even slow hearts understand. And never is so sad a day That grief is present everywhere ; God's mercy is a constant thing In winter always as in spring, And no one's life is full of care, For love and goodness ever stay. So look for blessing yet again ! The clouds awhile ma}- hide the sun, But lovely tilings do not depart From any day. Therefore take heart; The spring through winter shall be won. And joy shall follow nignts of pain. SONGS OF EXPERIENCE. in Songs of Experience. what is IT? In the fairest of our weather. 'Mid the bracken and the heather, When the fields are white for harvest And fair Nature seems most glad, Is it something we inherit ? Some dark shadow of the spirit That comes over us so often With the power to make us sad ? It is not that life is dreary. Nor that pain has made us weary, For we all have friends to love us, And some comfort, and some health, And the light of home shines ever, And delight attends endeavour. Then why does sorrow reach us, And joy pass as if by stealth ? Ah ! the soul that is immortal Soars perhaps to heaven's portal Through the beautiful in Nature, And it hungers all the more For the good that is undying, And a love all-satisfying ; Because through lights and sunsets It can see that open door. Oh ! be sure if love and duty, And the joy of summer beauty, And the gladness of the child -heart That knows itself forgiven Cannot chase away all sorrow. It will vanish with the morrow, For 'tis but the spirit's longing After God, and home, and heaven. 113 114 Harvest Gleanings. TESTIMONY. " Return to thino own house bag! show how grout tilings God hath done unto theo." — Jw "On. tell thy friends," the Master said. My longing was to stay In the new heaven of His pe 1 And watoh my Lord alway ; But Be commands me to proclaim A (Juspel of glad news; To my own people am I sent* And how could Love refuse? And this is what the Lord has done In His strange love of me: The evil spirits Ho cast out, H<- hi-aled mo, set me free : He touched my heart and madj it strong. With rhythmic joy to beat, He laid His hand upon my hea 1, And all my thoughts grew BWeet. This, too. is what my Lord has done : He saw my mad, fierce sin, And cleansed me from it wondrous ly, Making me clean within. I am a child, born to new life, Redeemed, restored, forgiven ; Eenceforth I walk through ways of peace, To light, and home, and heav< n. For I have seen the Lord. My eyes Have gazed into His face. And oh ! my people, if you knew The wonder of His grace ! Who has once felt His touch of love Can never l»- tin- same; Life broadens into pnfectness I'.y power of His great name. Oh, let me take you to my Lord ! The way is never long. i'ln very Bkiea look down and smile, The winds sing hope's glad song ; Harvest Gleanings. 115 And when He looks at you and speaks, Sorrow is not, nor care ; All the world's sin is borne away. And heaven is everywhere. NOT FOR ME. Blessings I cannot count, a host, About my path I see ; Yet some things that I wish for most Are not for me. Shall I, then, sigh away my days In fretful discontent ? Nay, but resigned in happy praise Shall they be spent. Youth's vivid hopes and thrilling dreams Its springtide and its glee, Its merry mounts, and rushing streams, Are not for me. But I will love the quiet vales And slopes of sunny lands, And to the duty that prevails Will put my hands. Wealth brings no treasures to my feet For me to use and give ; But air and light and flowers are sweet For those who live. And fame and influence and power, High service, noble deeds, Are not for me ; yet I each hour Can sow good seeds. And- while strong faith and love are mine, To God I leave the rest; He chooses where His light shall shine, And He knows best. 110 Earvxst Ci.i.vm- WHAT TIME 1 AM AFRAID. Now the myBteriee of life < lather round me ; \ )M it- problems are nnsoh ed, And c( 'tit' iund me ; Now I am luit like a child, And the mountain way La wild: But what time I am afraid I will trust. God, whose mighty love is strong For me ever ; Chri-t. with pity watching .still My endeavour: I am very much afraid; Hasten, therefore, to my aid; Strengthen, quiet, succour me, Trusting Thee. " BE NOT ANXIOUS." As one who hears the trains at night Go thundering outward through the aii, Set, undisturbed, dreams on because Driver and pointsman know the laws. And. dark or light, will do the right, Not his hut theirs the care, — So do thou take thy rest ami Bleep ; The world's great load is ii"t for thee, No1 thine to start tin- trains of life. Or choose for men, or quell their Btrife ; The Father will His children keep, Trust Him. and happy he. Harvest Gleanings. 117 A GREY DAY BY THE 5EA. There are no colours like these silver greys, Nor days so lovely as these grey days are ! The sea and sky mingle in close embrace, Tender as passion could not be, and soft As tranquil love, so strong it casts out fear. The gentle waves creep slowly to the shore With low- voiced greetings that are scarcely heard Above a whisper ; all the winds are faint Since they have lost their power of buffeting, And do not dare intrude with any force Upon the notice of a world at rest. The mountains are all veiled in soft-hued mists, And the bare cliffs put dresses on to hide Their rugged outlines. There is mystery In every wood ; and the long shore of sand Is but a path that leads to silent ways Where hidden secrets are. This deep repose, In which all Nature lies, is like the rest Of God's first Sabbath, and the waiting world, Expectant, hushes all its eagerness, And is content to live, and leave all else To God. I love, indeed, all sunny days, But dearer than the brilliance and the glare Is this soft greyness, which enfolds the world And fills me with the restfulness of love. And the near presence, and the still small voice Of Him who comes to me in these soft calms As never in the noises of the world. 1 Is II \l:\ B8T ( .1 EANINQS. AN OVERHEEARI) SERMON. ■ \ bs, it we oared to take it. they would give In any of their ohurohee for one night A Beat, nor charge till the collection came; Hut I can preach to you here in the Btreel A bettei sermon than the best of them, And give yon a text too. Chapter and verse? 1 am not snr.'. bul look it out yourseh "I'is in the Bible, mates, lie sure of that. And 'tis a text that all ran understand. Work out your own Salvation. That is it. And this .-.hall be the Bermon. Firstly, Feet Must wmk it out by foreimr ymi to pass Tin- glare that lures you to the drinking place And lights the way to boll. Secondly. Hands Must work it out, by giving without grudge A good day's work for a fair wage ; and third, The Head must work it out by keeping clear For any sense we have to lead us right ; Fourthly, the Eeart must work it out in love To wife, and little ones, and friendliness With one another, and no cheating, mates, Nor besting, don't you see ? Now drive this home, And you will find it every working day A \i-ry good salvation. For the rest, Tiny Bay that Jesus was a working man. And that He really has some care for us ; An(• M \i:\ B87 G] BAKINGS. WHAT TO BELIEVE. • 1- tln-P' anyiliiiiL' i" these days nf cliiince mill doubt that one can boliovo ? " — A l-i i i in. II i has in* joy w ho has ao trust ! The gi faith brings greatest pleasure, And I believe because I musi : And would believe in perfeol measure. Therefore I send To you, my friend, This key to open mines of treasure — Whatevei else your hand restrain, Let faith be free, and trusl remain. Believe in Bummer's sun and shade. Although to-day the snow be tailing; Expect glad voices in the glade, Though now the winds alone are calling; Have eyes to see How fair things lie ; Lei bope, ool fear, be most enthralling; And skies that shine will oftenest be Stretched lovingly o'er thine and thee. Have loyal faith in all thy kin, Believe the best of one another; One Father's heart takes all men in. Be not suspicious of thy brother. If one deceive, Why disbelieve The rest, and so all kindness smother ? Who t he most looks for love will find .Must certainly that hearts are kind. Regard the age with hopeful thought, Not it. bu1 thou thyself art debtor ; Behold what wonders have been wrought, Believe the world is getting better. ( )h, be thou brave To help and save, And free men's bands from every fetter, Y>-t know that cheery hopefuln( I- the great factor in success. Harvest Gleanings. 121 Above all things, in God believe, And in His love that lasts for ever ; No changeful friend thy heart to grieve Is He, who will forsake thee never. In shine or shower, His blessings dower The souls that trust with strong endeavour. Believe, believe, for faith is best; Believe and find unbroken rest. EACH ONE. In the thronged and crowded street What am I ? But a little unit speck Men pass by. Nothing worth to those I meet, Yet with space for my own feet, And the right to choose my way, Claiming for my life God's day 'Neath His sky. And the world is all for me, Though but one; Ail the best of earth is free, God's will done : Air and space, and rain and shine, God has given to be mine; A'l His good things I may take, Since He gives for love's dear sake Every one. Oh ! my brother, in the throng Have no fear ; Love is never absent long, God is near. All His children have their share In the loving Father's care ; You and I are never lost In the crowd. Love counts no cost, And holds each dear. L22 Harvest Gleanings. WHEN EVENING COMES. \Vih:n evening oomee I shall be tired enough ; The work may be unfinished, The hour late, And since tlir storms were li( I The waves were rough, I may nol land \\ it 1] ecstasy elate ; Sol shall 1 drop the oars And hasten home, Glad that at last The eventide has come. When the light fails. And I can do no more Than lift my weary eyes To one dear face, I shall forget The perils off the shore, And find my comfort In that resting-place ; And if no " Well done ! " Steal upon my ears, Lips that forgive .May kiss away my tears. Though the night darken, I am not afraid ; The dangers are all over, I at rest; The arms of love around .Meet undismayed ; Whatever God may send. It is the be i And I in quiet peace Will wait and pray, Till the day break And shadows flee away Harvest Gleanings. 123 WHAT CHEER? Who wants to know what the old folks say ? Not always the young. They ask the watchman, " What of the day ? What songs will be sung ? What pleasures lie in the future years ? What gold is for me?" Their faces turn to the sunrise gifts Of the land and sea. But the sunset faces, wistful, grave, Seek each other most, And, " Watchman, what of the night ? " they ask, " And what have we lost ? What is behind the gathering mists For you and for me ? " They watch the dark as it glooms and grows On the land and sea. And hey ! for the cheer the old men raise, How it thrills the heart ! " There is nought to fear, and the way is clear As at the start. The harvest comes at the summer's end : Have we lost the flowers ? But golden wheat is our guerdon now, And restful hours." Who wants to know what the old folks say ? Those who are old. Ah ! prophet lips be not silent yet — All is not told. Send a word of cheer to the comrades near On the shortening road. For sweet is the old man's psalm when he sings Of the love of God. 124 H uh 1-1 Gl bakings. A SERENE MIND. •• Thou wilt keep In in in perfect ptact II host mind is stayi d on Th\ < . Lord, what a bush Falls on nr$ soul When these words comfoi t me ! For I am often tossed about, And like the restless s< a So many cares, so many pains Come to me day by day; How can I keep a mind serene Along earth's troubled way'.' How hold my soul in quietness, And let Thy pea<-e have sway '.' I am not strong nor brave enough, I am with those 'who weep, I cannot sing a song of hope, Nor bid life's sorrow sleep ; Dear Lord, I am Thy little child For Thee to love and keep. I cannot stay my mind on Thee Unless Thou make me calm ; Lead Thou me where -till waters are, And by the restful palm, Until 1 change my discontenl Into a trustful psalm. Lord, Thou canst make serenity, And bid the -tonus to cease; Thou only canst give quietness, And give me faith's increase ; I I Lord, I stay my heart on Thee, Keep me in perfect peace. Harvest Gleanings. 125 A RETURNED LES50N. I thought I knew it well, But when I tried to tell The words and meanings of the lesson learned My heart sank low for shame ; I bore the scholar's name, But the true lesson I had not discerned. Through mazes of swift doubt I sought to find it out, And bring it back into my vacant brain ; I played a useless part, I had it not by heart, And therefore my poor efforts were in vain. I think my Teacher's face For all its tender grace Grew stern and sad : I dare not meet His eyes. No angry word He said As I bent low my head And sobbed for sorrow that I was not wise. I know the grace I lack : I have my lesson back, And in humility and bitter pain, Yet with a hopeful heart, Resolved to do my part, I set myself unto my task again. But — oh, my Master, hear ! Be not Thou far, but near, Teach me Thyself my lesson, or I fail ; 1 am so weak, dear Lord, Give it me word by word ; That which Thyself hast spoken must prevail. 10 126 II kRVEST < r] i: LNINGS. THE SCHOOL OF LOVE. " Ho thut mi; tn our Bchool, Where Love is the teacher, Where Love La companion, And Love the great preacher. Love has her scholars, All apt and discerning ; Love makes her lessons I e sweetest for learning. Love would have pupils IV happy and restful: Difficult tasks Should nut make them distressful; They aeed not mourn That they do nut rise faster. If they arc Learning The will of the .Master. Knowledge is not the test, Here, of promotion : Love and obedience Guide every motion. They take the highest place Who, nut delaying, Haste at the Master's word, Gladly obeying. Yes, there is much to learn In God's school, ever. Doctrine and precept, And wisdom's endeavour. We must be diligent, Aiming, pursuing. But the best way of all I- to learn through Love's doing. Harvest Gleanings. 127 THE SONG OF THE DOORKEEPER (Psalm Ixxxiv.) I sit at the threshold. Not for me The place where the singers are ; The voice of the reader comes to me Down the sacred aisles from afar. Not mine are the prayers that lead the throng- To the throne of God on high, No thrilling message is given to me That shall draw the people nigh. I wait at the threshold — only that — While the rest pass up the floor ; But I thank my God who has honoured me As a keeper of the door. I long, I faint for the sacred courts, I thirst for the living God ; Fair paths lead up to Thy blessed House; They are ways that my feet have trod. So deep is the peace of Thine altars, Lord.. That a sparrow may make her nest Where all the weary and sad of heart Have a deep, unbroken rest. Blessed are they that dwell in Thy house,. They ever are praising Thee ; I with the others, O God my King, For Thou givest Thy joys to me. I pass through the valley of tears and find A well in the wilderness ; The pilgrims to Zion, how strong they grow As the onward way they press. Nearer and nearer, from strength to strength, They come and in Zion meet, And blessed are they whose strength is in Thee, Who gather about Thy feet. Thou art a Sun and a Shield to all Whose hope and trust are in Thee. O Lord, give ear to my prayer, and pour Thy glory and grace on me. 128 Harvest Gleantk i ■ mi I mii the threshold and keep tl Ah ' hi 'if iured indee I - 1 1 1 1 I . For I watch the tribes as they all :_"■ up Aim! Mm' .1- i !i.'\ 1. 1— up- by. Le1 tin- place be filled with Thy glory, Lord, While the crowds around Thee wail ; \n I a glimpse will '"in'' through ill'' courts t.i me \- I faithfully keep the gate. Solemn and deep are i be people's praj ere, And glad Lb the people's prai \ day thai is spenl in Thy bouse, Lord, Has the joy of a thousand days ! SO HE KRINGETH THEM" nil in the wilderni -- Wandering wearilj . Hungering, shelter! i i ying so drearily, .Making no progress Toward Homeland and rest, Often we question Can this way be best ? Are we forsaken I Or is there a guide ? ( 'an it be true That the Lord will pro's ide ! Ah. but the answer Shall come before long, And lips that are sighing Break forth into song. Ruddei less, anchorless, How are we driven I Winds sweep the ocean, ( louds cover the beaven, Wild is the tempest, And Ion;.' is the ni<_'ht. I be daw n .-till d'-lays, Though the prayer is for light. Harvest Gleanings. 129 Tossed by the billows, Cast into the deep, Frail is the barque, Where we struggle and weep. How can the voyagers Reach home at last ? But the haven is ours, And the danger is past. No one is fatherless, No one is left, No one is utterly Crushed and bereft. We are God's children, Though out on the wild ; He who redeems us Is watching each child. Though in the wilderness, Though on the sea, Not far is the haven Where each would fain be ; And He, if in tempest Or danger we roam, By the right way, the best way, Is bringing us home. TOO LATE? " Sing unto the Lord a new song." " But I have lost my voice," he said. " I once was in the choir, I could have sung the whole day long Of praise and love's desire ; No urging needed I to sing, It was my constant choice, But now the years have left me weak, I cannot raise my voice." 130 Eabvest Gleanings. ■■ Sing in the lower tones," Bhe said . " Low tones are Bofl and Bweet, young \ oi( ee reach the higher n When they the morning gn et Bui Bonga thai thrill al eventide Are tender, low and calm ; Sing of the mercy ol your God In Borne glad pilgi im pealm." " I have quite losl the pitch," he said. " And ha\ b i onfused the key : Why Bhould I break upon the chords, And Bpoil tin- hannonj ! All mine are old, forgotten .songs, The Bongs of other daj - ; I lod wants good \ oicee in His choir, 1 can but falter praise." -■ I'.ui yet your heart still sings." she said. " And heart-songs are I he besl ; And who should sing if not the old, W'tm pass from work to rest '.' j. that those nearest yon may hear, \nd their faith grow more strong ; Have you no thankful hymn to raise, Who prove Clod's love lasts long!" •• Ah ! Be has taught me this," he said. •• And 1 will sing again, The singer, though bis voice be weak, In song forgets his pain ; Perhaps e'en to my trembling voice The honour may be given Still to take part in His greal choir On earth, and then in heaven." Harvest Gleanings. 131 AFTER DARK. " So long Thy power hath blessed me, sure it still Will lead me on." Through the sunny hours of day Happy hearts may well be singing ! Little children at their play, And old men their praises bringing Fill the noontide with their song As in homes and streets they throng. But at night, amid the gloom, When no star is seen to glisten, And the earth is like a tomb, They may hear who wait and listen, Sweet low songs of peace and love Sent by human lips above. 'Tis not strange that man and lark Sing because the day is cheery, But the singers in the dark, When the way they take is dreary, Must be strangely glad to raise Then the song of joy and praise. Where do they who sing at night Gain their hope and inspiration ? They have walked with God in light, And they rest in His salvation ; So they sing because they trust, Sing because from joy they must. They have come along a way Chequered, dangerous and hidden, But they had a Guide alway, And have gone where He has bidden, And they sing because they know He is with them where they go. L32 II LB\ ESI I rLBANINOS. Safely, tenderly, with bands Like a Father's, all caressing, Hi- has led them tin- nigh the lands, Crowning them with joy and blessing; Shall they cease to Bing to Bim \'..w ' the lighl i- > I u'avr liim a long - 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 - 1 t i 1 1 1 . ■ . And kepi his lit''- year in it- prime, Till, late, the Greenleaf fell the I ih Of Autumn's breath, and loving much, Dropped gently Erom i li< ■ world, and went Eome to his Lord with great content. RUSKIN " Lb w bs of w ild olive, cool and grey "' Around his brow, peace in his breast, Out of the twilighl into day He passed, for he had won his rest, And saw the gates through Bunset burn — "Gates of the Hills whence none return." Teacher and Preacher, Prophet, Seer, He gave to us new sight, new love ; He made all life shine brave and clear, And lights of earth as lights above. The world of thought, the minds of men. He lifted up to God again. He gave us gold of heart and brain, He made us love the truest best. His lesson-legacies remain Hopes " of grey honour and sweet rest."' Is Ruskin dead ? He cannot die, God gave him immortality. My master he, whose words of light < ailed me through life, from stage to stage, l'l> many a far and breezy heighl To claim my soul's true heritage. I, one disciple, give God praise For lore he taught in all my days. }\i-. on the glorious mountain slopes. And where the dead stones throb with life, I praised a people's dreams and hopes, And made us choose the nobler strife; We know him now that he is gone — " .Man sent from God, whose name was John." Harvest Gleanings. 139 JOHN BUNYAN. A star on the night had arisen — A prophet — and men bade him cease. He " must speak " ! Then they shut him in prison, But " the name of the chamber was Peace." Did the angels laugh out in their pleasure ? We cannot but share in the mirth ; A sentence of Silence and Leisure, boon of ineffable worth ! A vision from God came to cheer him — He could not be lonely or sad, While his little blind daughter sat near him, And faith made his heart to be glad. He climbed the Delectable Mountains, He breathed the soft flower-scented air, And Immanuel's Land, with its fountains, Lay before him entrancingly fair. He was dressed in whole armour by Graces, And he was the victor in fight, And brotherly, love-lighted faces Smiled forth in the darkness of night. From the Valley of Humiliation He rose to the tasks that remained. Until, with a shout of salvation, The Gate of the City was gained. As to John in far Patmos was given, So to him — the commandment to " Write ! " Are Johns best beloved of Heaven ? Both wrote that the world might have light. And he, whom men silenced, has spoken In tones that the whole world has heard ; He was one sent from God by the token That the hearts of all nations were stirred. Now in palace and cabin his pages Arc treasured as if they were gold ; And his words shall be heard through all ages. Thank God for John Bunyan of old. 140 11 \i:\ ESI I rLE LNINOS. THE QUElzN'S CORONATIONS. We crowned her first, long years ago, In her fair girlhood's daj 9, When all tin- vistas nf t lie years ( Opened in Bunny wa-. And all her people Bang her name In pseans of glad praise. I. m.wii.-i| ln-r with tin- Bweetesl crown Evei a Qi □ could war. And dear became her p yal si Because her love might share. And life was radiant with high hi And I x-autiful tli ough prayer. Then Sorrow crowned her, all too soon, And bade her work and wait. While I >uty took the place of Joy, And Care moved with her Btate. But it was Sorrow's crown, perhaps, .Made her most truly great. More heavy grew the royal crown With added weight of years; She always wore it bravely, though Oft sad through loss and fears. J iut the love of all her people made Her comfort in her tears. We crowned her with the noblest crown Along the dolorous way, When all the peoples of the world Mourned with us night and day — Ah. Queen revered, for ever Queen, How mighty is thy sway ! And God has crowned her. victor now. < »n high, amoiiL' the blest ; Bis hand has placed upon her brow The dearest and the best — The crown of life that will not fade, Hi- crown of peace and re-t. Harvest Gleanings. 141 HAMPDEN'S MOTTO: NO FOOTPRINTS BACKWARD. Rise and go forward ! At that word Hope marshals all her troops to-day. Men lift their heads in swift accord, Ready for the impending fray. The times are urgent. Once again England reviews her marching men. We have had heroes, have we yet ? Let them come forth ! No men mean-souled Can do the task before us set. These peoples will not be controlled Except by real men, and strong. Let the true freemen lead the throng. Whither ? The desert lies behind. Cleared ? Nay, not quite ; some shifting sand Still clogs the feet, but the free mind Looks forward to the promised land, And upward to the beckoning heights, And follows no uncertain lights. The cry is Forward ! We leave trace Of steps for other feet to take. The best traditions of our race Impel us onward. Let us make A good advance. Is it not time ? Surely the age is in its prime ! See where the flowers bedeck the sod. Oh ! if our England knew at length The will of Christ, the voice of God, And the true secret of her strength, Aid the foundations of her state, She would at last dare to be great. We hear, if through some dissonance, The steady, rhythmic march of men Who vow to conquer circumstance And open Eden's gates again. Ah ! Leaders, have you found the key ? Bring it into the light and see ! 11 14J II \i:\ BST < rLE LNINOS. Love, patienoe, honour, fortitude, Humility and revereni These raise us to the altitude Which <:<><1 baa made our place, and thenco Alone can runic the life and health Of a great, noble Commonwealth. EVENING PRAYER IN WESTMINSTER ABBEY. So deep the hush we cannot even hear The heart-throbs of the city. All is still As if we feared to waken those who Bleep Here in the House of Rest for the great dead. The soft caressing light comes warmly in And makes the marble faces flush like life, And seems to waken even those who sleep. Bidding them live again. They are alive ! We feel the presences of living men. Chaucer and Browning, poet sires and sons, Addison, Tennyson the well-beloved. Handel and Livingstone — they all are here, Whose voices grow not silent with the years, But join us in the great Magnificat, And in their songs do magnify the Lord, Who hath put down the mighty from their seat, And hath exalted them of low degree. It cannot be the white-robed choir alone Which thrills with triumph the Apostles' Creed, But surely the departed swell the song. The Holy Catholic Church throughout the world Is represented here ; and we and they, The Church below and glorious Church above. Unite to worship Christ upon the throne, And sing our Alleluias unto Him Who has redeemed our souls and made them His, Whose royal gift is everlasting life. Harvest Gleanings. 143 GEVE THANKS TO GOD ALWAIES." (An Inscription on a Church Bell.) For more than thrice a hundred years Of dark or sunny days This bell has pealed its message forth, Geve thanks to God alwaies ; And village folk from age to age The legend held for heritage. The old church tower has drawn all eyes, Young eyes with glad hopes bright, And eyes of old men dull with toil, And faces turned t'ward night; And the great bell through all the days Has called, " Geve thanks to God alwaies. j? In fruitful seasons when the trees With crimson fruits were crowned, When golden corn enriched the fields And harvest wreathed the ground; And in the days of drought or rain, " Geve thanks to God " was the refrain. Some heard, gave heed, and understood The message of the bell, And they have lived their lives of joy By valley, field, and fell. For light has shone on all their days Who have given thanks to God always. To-day the bell peals as of yore, Day breaks, and evening glooms, And birds sing out their songs of joy Above the orchard blooms, And happy are those sons of men Who heed the legend once again. Ill II LRVBST < ^l i: ININOS. THE THAMES. Oub river Sings for gladness every day; Our river Is the world's great waterway; 1 1. Ti- the ships of all the world Have their countri< •>' liases unfurled, For the Eome and Outward-hound Hero ha vi' equal welcome found, And our river binds together Sons and strangers in all weather. Great and small. Brothers all. Our river Grows true men upon its hanks ; Our river Laughs to scorn the pride of ranks. But it keeps the sacred nanus. And the bright untarnished tames Of its Cromwell. .Milton. Drake, Shakespeare. Gordon, all who make For our righteousnrss and peace, And their glory shall not cease While the Thames Keeps her gems. Our river Bears a burden of great cares ; Our river Hears tlw sounds of many prayers, ('arries many a sinful freight, Flows with many a gleam of light. Safely keeps a world of treasure. Plays its part in song and pleasure. - May the great God aye fulfil By the waters His good will. And for ever Bless our river ! Harvest Gleanings. 145 AN EASTER CUSTOM AT CAPRI. Lovelier far than any dream Is that island in the bay, When the sunbeams dance and gleam On the blessed Easter Day. And the orange groves are sweet, And the flowers are in the street, While the waters flash and play. All the people's hearts are glad When the bells ring out for prayer ; And they would that none were sad On their isle, or anywhere. For the dear Christ, who is risen, Has set free the souls in prison, And His joy is in the air. So they bring all captive birds To their church above the sea, And, when sound the holy words, The sweet singers are set free. Outward, upward, into light, Flashing wings and colours bright, Fly the birds in merry glee. Then the people are content, For their joy has made them kind. Surely Christ, the Master, meant That all things be unconfined, Since on Easter morning He, From the power of death set free, Left the dreary grave behind ! So from Capri we discern That our Easter gift should be Freedom, given in return For our prized liberty. Let us free some captive thing, Let us make some heart to sing, Because Christ has made us free ! 14G II \i:\ EST « -I EANINi CANTERBURY. I stand in the ivy-oovered church, While a young voice Binge in the choir •• Reel m the Lord, and wail for Him, Be will give thee thy bear! - desire." And the words are read from the sacred Book, Tin- beet-beloved, the best •" ( !ome unto Me, ye labouring ones. And I will give yon r< St." Then a long procession of bygone days Passes before my thought. And I see the wonders, in pictured scenes. Which faith and prayer have wrought. Green were the fields and the sloping hills, And the city of Kent was fair. When Ethelbert met the stranger-monk \. .11 this little place of prayer ; And how could he close his generous heart To the message of peace that came, When he knew that Bertha, in passionate love, Was calling on Jesu's name ? Oh ! never a brighter day has dawned In this ancient, sunny shire. Than that when Ethelbert's faith grew bright, And the Queen had her heart's desire. Loyally, lovingly, one by one, The beautiful stones were placed. Till the grand cathedral, our noblest church, The town of the " Kent men " graced. Ah ! many a longing, many a prayer, That they might not labour in vain. Year after year went up to God From the builders of this fane ! And He has given their heart's desire, For the weary have ceased their quest. And found a home in the Father's house, When they came in faith for rest. Harvest Gleanings. 147 And ever since, through the long, long years, The song that I hear to-day Has been sung to many a pilgrim band, And has cheered their lonely way. " Rest in the Lord, and wait for Him." Such is the sweet refrain ; It has quieted turbulent hearts always, It has peace for me again. " The Lord will give thee thy heart's desires." Then why should I be distrest ? I will patiently wait and hope for Him, Growing strong through faith and rest. "BENLEDI." The old Scotch mountain, towering high, Received its title long ago — The " Hill of God " : and men drew nigh And (as 'twas given to them to know) They sacrificed and worshipped there, Amid the sunlight and the air. What was it gave to them the thought To choose a mountain for their rites, And far from earth and nearer heaven, To seek God in those early lights ? They could not know ; they only guessed That the high places were the best ! Yet, surely, He who called the men To Sinai, Ebal, Gerizim, Who willed from Zion's height to take The temple sacrifice and hymn, Inspired the Gaelic heart to rise A little nearer to the skies. And here, far from Jerusalem, They tried to satisfy the heart By climbing upward to the heights. And going from the world apart. So in all ages, everywhere, The liill has wooed the worshipper. 1 1^ H \i;\ EST < rLEANlNGS. And uow in these our modern times, When tlir earth holds as all too Cast, "I'is good to leave the lower lands, And heed t Ik- lessons <>t tin- past, \nd (..mi- where only few have trod, To rest upon tin- hills of « tod. Hi- peace is in these summer days, lie moves among tin- fields "t corn, His Bmile shines through the woodland ways, His voice awakes the world at morn ; Hut best we know Him in tin- lights Thai touch His own grand mountain heights. A GRAVE IN FLORENCE. Elizabeth Barrett Browning is buried in the Protestant Cemetery at Florence. There is no inscription on the tomb but the lettcis E. B. B. Ob. 1861. It is a nameless grave. The marble white Bears only three initials and a date ; Xn (me was left who worthily could write An epitaph for her, so good, so great. The flowers creep near her grave, and over her The nightingales arc singing all night long ; But Florence at her loveliesl cannot stir A^'ain our singer, nor awake her song. "Our singer?" Yes, our own, not Italy's; She loved both countries, but we loved her best, And evermore the English heart it is That throbs witli sorrow near her place of rest. She dignified her womanhood, and earned. By grace and strength and s« eetness, t be h orld's praise • But best to her the truths her mind discerned. And her great gladness in the working days And is the work all finished ? the song stilled ? It is not thus that God His servant- pays ! Who faithfully small duties has fulfilled Has greater work to do on longer davs. Harvest Gleanings. 149 And so I hope that in the world of light Our singer uses still her powers, God-given, And that which helped to make the earth -world bright Still helps in all the gladness of His heaven. KYNANCE COVE, CORNWALL. A place of palaces not made with hands, Of rocky walls, with golden sanded floor ! And are they fays or angels that all day Fill the cool rooms with music ? The sweet lyre And the majestic organ can be heard, Though none can see the fingers that thereon Make melody. It is a place of dreams : The world is far away — the dull old world — And this is fairyland. A touch, a sound. And the great past is summoned to these coves, Where sweet hopes come, and lovers tell fond tales, And little children play their merry games — For who can think of sin, or want, or woe Within the Cove of Kynance ? The grand sea Loves every rock and crevice. For awhile He wanders off that he may come again In passionate desire to kiss the feet Of the tall, graceful rocks whose brows are crowned With sunlight ; and he sings, and laughs, and cries, While in their stately beauty they remain Unmoved for ever, smiling and serene. Oh that all weary men might rest awhile Hei J in the great recesses. World-worn brows Would clearer grow ; sad eyes would smile again ; And lips, long silent, sing a song of praise For the sweet beauty of the sea and sands, And the strong rocks that evermore proclaim The glory, power, and majesty of God. L50 M .\l;\ ESI Gl BAKINGS. AN OLD CITY. I'm: wonder Lb thai ii baa Btood Through centuries oi wind and flood! Ilnw much it had of what appalfl, Suoh storms have beaten on it- walls Such plague and pestilence and fear, In forms of terror have drawn near, And threatened it with cruel bands And yet it stands ! Mi-n's agonies and women's b Tlu' city saw through all the years, Ficnc deeds of darkness dune in night, Unrighteous victories won in ti^rl it . Unhappy lives lived all in vain Because of hate and greed of gain. And brothers slain by brothers' hands — And yet it stands ! But many comforts it has known. And has their record kept in stone ! It has been strengthened by pure airs, Made musical by songs and prayers, And it has looked on noble deeds, Se.n flowers and fruits instead of needs, And faithful hearts and loving hands — And so it stand- ! God loved the city and its men (Although few loved Him back again). He gave it all things that are best- Joy, sorrow, labour, love and rest. The summer's heat, the winter's cold, Some loss, some gain, some dross, some gold, And blessed it with His generous hands — Therefore it stands Harvest Gleanings. 151 THE ANSWERING SONG. The Adriatic sea is fair With light and shade at close of day, When men go bravely forth to dare The perils of the watery way. They speak their farewells merrily. And glean the harvests of the sea With patient care upon the deep, While children sleep, and winds are free. But when into the night they go, The fishers' wives come to the shore, And, with their faces all aglow, With love that shines for evermore, They, standing at the water's rim, Sing the first stanza of a hymn In voices that are sweet and clear For them to hear, when lights are dim. They listen. Then the kind waves toss Their husbands' answer through the night. The second stanza floats across To them ; and then, with glad delight, The women smile and go their way In restfulness till break of day ; They know the men are comforted And quieted, and so are they. And thus, perhaps, our loved ones hear On heavenly shores the hymns we raise, And o'er the distance, dim or clear, They send an answering note of praise. Let not our songs in silence cease ! If we in storm, and they in peace, Both praise the Christ they see above, We yet may make their joy increase. L52 M \i:\ BST < r] BAKINGS. LOST NAME5. "Those women which laboured with me in the Gospel, and other my fellow-labourers whose names are written in the Book oi Life." Thky lived, and they were useful ; tin's we know, And ooughl beside ; No record of their names is Left to show Bov. soon they died ; They did their work, and then they passed away, An unknown band, I took their places with t lie greater host h, the higher land And were they young, or were they growing old, ( lr ill. or well, i ii lived in poverty, or had much gold, No one can tell ; One only thing is known of thern : they were Faithful and true. Disciples of the Lord, and strong through prayer To save and do. But what avails the gift of empty fame ? They lived to God. They loved the sweetness of another Name, And gladly trod The rugged ways of earth, that they might be Helper or friend, And in the joy of this their ministry lie spi ni and spend. No glory clusters round their names on earth. But in Gi id's heaven I- kept a book of names of greatest worth. And there i~ given A place tor all who did the .Master please, Although unknown. And these lost names shine forth in brightest rays I !i tore the throne. Harvest Gleanings. 153 Oh ! take who will the boon of fading fame ! But give to me A place among the workers though my name Forgotten be ; And if within the Book of Life is found My lowly place, Honour and glory unto God redound For all His grace ! LAKE NEUCHATEL. A pretty child asleep in Nature's arms, And dreaming happy dreams that make it smile, So lies the lake ; and all that ruffles it Are such soft, zephyr kisses on its face As make it smile the more. The parent hills Stand ever watching and protecting it In satisfied content and proudest love, As if they joyed for ever in their child. Around its slopes the green vines and young grapes Strive to be beautiful, to shame it not ; And all the joyous people of the hills Turn their strained eyes from Jura's dazzling height, And the far-distant sight of fair Mont Blanc, To look upon its loveliness again With glad home-resting eyes. So we thank God As well for quiet beauties, as for those We cannot but admire, and yet love less ! 154 II \i;\ BST < ■! i. \nt IN THE FIELDS OF BETHLEHEM. This morning world, hew fair it seems I The glad sun bosses its brighi face, The hills rejoice, the white stone gleams, The young corn dances in its place, And all the fields are clothed with grace. Ah. fields ! there is not on the earth Ground hallowed with Buch memorii Whose heart swells not with tender mirth And prayerful praise in scenes like this, Where the past more than preeenl is ? Here in these fields, one harvest-time. (.leaned gentle Ruth aiinm^ the corn, And heard again love's thrillin g chime; And here Naomi, sad. forlorn. Saw Sorrow wait on Hope new horn. In the calm beauty of these slopes The shepherd-poet's heart grew strong, And all the heavens were gleaming hopes, That urged his passionate soul along The Godward way of light and song. His young heart, full of meek amaze, Received the Prophet's strange command ; He bent his head in awe and praise At touch of the anointing hand That made him king of all the land. Then, sunny fields, how glad yon were I But gladder still that wondrous night When some strange music filled the air. And the new star shone clear and bright, And the ( 'hrist-i 'hild came down in light. Peace and goodwill to men ! The word Flashed on the world like starry gem ; Nor sweeter music earth has heard. To comfort men and strengthen them. Than that which came from Bethlehem. Harvest Gleanings. 155 Ah, fair green fields, live on ! The song You heard that night rings evermore, And bears its mighty hope along. Life-giving, until every shore Glows in God's light, and night is o'er ! JUNGFRAU. None can describe thy graceful dignity, Fair lady of the mountains. Evermore Thou wearest bridal robes of dazzling white, Although the years have made thee motherly. Fit to be held in reverence thou art, And yet thy life is full of ministries, As the green valleys lying in the sun Do testify. All men look up to thee And smile to see thy crown of diamonds, Queen of the Alps. Thou holdest every eye As only beauty can ; and the great heights, The Silberhorn, Schneehorn, and Wengernalp, Seem all to do thee homage, as they may, So far art thou above them. What a world Of wondrous beauty dost thou look upon ! Fair Lauterbrunnen is below thee spread, And matchless Grindelwald. The Staubbach fall Sings to thee all the day. The swift Lutschine Carries thy praises forward. Miirren courts Thy favour day and night ; and the Breithorn, Thy white-snow sister, turns her face to thee. But thou dost draw all faces to thy face, Yet nothing makes thee vain. Thou shinest on, Giving the good thou canst, and taking all — Calm, dignified, unsullied, unelate — Because thou art, Queen Jungfrau, really great. 150 II \i:\ ESI « rJ l. tNINQS. A MEMORY OF LAKE COMO. Ai i ii: the heal of cil tee That quiet on the lake Was like a dream i >1 hea> en < .i\ en for comfoi t'a Bake. We Bailed o'er Bun-kissed waters, And blue skies Btretched above ; And all the wide ureen world around Was l'i ighl « iili peace and Love. The towns had fascinations — Rome, ever fair and great, And laughter-loving Naples, And Pompeii's dead stal Flowery, artistic Florence, And Venice in the sea, But neither was more beautiful Than (.'omo was, to inc. The mighty hills stretched heavenward ; The \ Lnes upon the slopes Were young, and green and vigorous, Like a strong heart's best hopes ; The waterfalls flashed downward, Their eager leaps to take, And nought of perfecl beauty Was absenl from the lake. There were the soft-browed mountains Bedecked with myriad flowers, And green-bright hills that must have caughl All of heaven's gentlesl Bhowera ; And dark and rugyed elilTs, that kepi Through all the Minuner's glow, Like heads made stern by stress of life, The cold white crown of snow. The clear blue lake reflected The heaven's light and calm ; The larks and waves together Were singing some sweet psalm ; Harvest Gleanings. 157 And painful care and troub'.e Seemed very far away,- For the boat that skimmed the water Bore thankful hearts that day. My wish, in stormy futures, May be for such an ark, When other pilots take the helm, And steer through waters dark. But God be thanked for memories That cannot fade away, And blessings that He makes to last Through many a cloudy day. THE TRUMMELBACH WATERFALL. The modern spirit doth possess this fall. It will get on, whatever may oppose, Nor stays, though getting on means getting down. It flings aside all weak things in its way, And forces even rocks to let it through. The snow and melting glaciers do but make Its race more heated and determined. On It comes down cleft, through rock, o'er everything, More rapid than the swift bird in its flight, Or the fierce winds that try to overtake And do but make it hasten on the more. It rushes, races, panting, breathless down, — And all for what ? It gains the place it sought, Enters the river, and is thenceforth lost And no one sees or hears of it again. 12 1")S H.\l;\l>T <;i EANTNG8. LAKE BRIENZ AND THE QIESSBACH WATERFALLS. You say 'tis not as line as some lakes are '.' Perhaps; ami yel the Lofty wooded rocks, The pretty orchard trees, tin- underwood That guard its rides and deck its gentle Blop -. And the high mountains looking down on all. With snow-clad Susten keeping evermore Far in the background, as it may, because All eyes will look for it — these an- enough To make the Lake Brienz most beautiful. But Brienz has a multitude of friends — The company of Giessbach. They are born High on the mountain, in a deep ravine, And with them, in them all is bum the love, Urgent, impassioned, for the passive lake Waiting for them below. Every one Of the great family arrays himself In robes of dazzling silver, so to be More worthy of his love ; then hurries down. Caring for nothing but to throw himself Upon her bosom, and there die in peace. But as he dies a million more are born. Each one content to be a silver drop To lose itself in Brienz, till she grows So rich that all the silver mines of earth Could not add anything to her great wealth. Her duty is to feed her sister, Thun, But she has always plenty from the store That comes down leaping, laughing, to her heart From all the hearts of Giessbach. She may well Be calm and trustful, as who would not be With such a multitude of silver friends ? SONGS OF ENDEAVOUR. 159 Songs of Endeavour. CHRIST'S KNIGHT. He kneels before the King, His young head bent ; His flashing eyes lid-veiled, His heart intent. He vows to spend his life In true endeavour, And he will serve the Christ His King for ever. A touch is on his head And on his heart, " Arise my knight," Christ says, " And do thy part." Who kneels before the King In true surrender, May lift his loyal head A brave defender ! Ah, faithful heart, be glad, Christ calls to thee ; Kneel thou before the King — Young, strong and free. Go forth, and do not quail Where battle rages. Christ will knight noblemen Through all the ages. 1G1 162 Harvest Gleajntngs. WHO FOLLOWS CHRIST? He calls not where the diver light Lies on the wavel Where idly rock the pleasure-boata, And Bummer winds move merrily. His course is o'er the stormy deep, He calls to stress and strain. Who mans the lifeboat for his sake Must toil all night the wreck to gain. Where wild winds rage and billows roar, And death is waiting nigh, The Christ calls, " Who will follow Me ? " He must be brave who answers " I." Yet round about the Master stands A group of hero souls, And he is in good company Who in that list his name enrolls. No coward hearts, no wavering wills, Are in that matchless crowd, But those who lift the Cross on high, And serve their Master, meekly proud. Is it too much to ask of thee The labour and the loss ? They must be brave who follow Him. Heroes alone can bear His Cross. Harvest Gleanings. 163 PATHFINDERS. What is it calls ? A voice they do not know, Urgent and deep ; And they arise and go, Pushing their way Through forest and by moor, In hidden ways Men never knew before. A look of anxious care, A burdened heart, These are for pioneers Who thus depart ; And lonely is their quest, And rough their way, While nights are long and drear, And dawns delay. Who cheers them ? None ! A mocking cry, " Come back ! Assails them when they leave The beaten track ; Sneers are the guerdon Of the men who dare, There is no pity for them In despair. Why do they go ? They cannot help but peer With wistful eyes Into the far and near ; Because they must they go. And clear a way That shall be crowded On a better day. ir,4 Habvest Gleanings. Uuwii into depths of thought, l'|) starry heights, Through the dark mazee Int.. steadfast lights ; Thoy go on Cod's own errands, And on thine : Peai nut to follow Where they lead, and shine. TO MEET THE DAY. " Lord, here am I, send me." Thy will I know. It is Thine errand upon which I go, And I will gladly hasten south or north When Thou hast said, " Behold, I send thee forth." Send me Thyself. If for my dear Lord's sake Over the rugged road my way I take. The path will smoother grow, fair be the day, And I shall walk within a sure, safe way. Give mo Thine orders, Master. What are they V .My heart is glad when I Thy word obey ; Thou only canst direct my steps aright, Thou only canst equip me for the tight. Send me, dear Master. Lo ! Thy workers stand In eager hosts awaiting Thy command ; Yet hast Thou kept for me some useful task. Hast not Thou trained me ? Therefore, grace I ask. I go to take Thy message, and for me There is a wondrous light on earth and sea ; Thou givest to Thy workers strength and skill. Nought have I of mine own ; teach me Thy will. Harvest Gleanings. 165 STEPS UPWARD. Take the Guide's strong hand, and go ! If his name is Sorrow, Do not fear to climb -with liim To a clearer morrow. He can take thee where the night Passes to divinest light. Pain holds out a hand to thee, Take it, never shrinking ; Lift thy feet and rise with him Higher than thy thinking. He who follows Pain's behest Has at length most perfect rest. It is God's hand all the time Urging upward ever ; Oh, be brave through faith and trust, Rising by endeavour. Are the steps dark ? Yet go on, Every step is victory won. God has heard thy prayers. Be glad, Thou art in His keeping. Morning songs may sweetest be After nights of weeping. Sad one, thou shalt sing again In the sunshine after rain. Does the mist bewilder thee ? Climbing make thee weary ? Yet go forward braced by hope, Confident and cheery. To thy many guides is given Power to lead thee up to heaven. 160 II \|;\ BST » -I I WINGS. ENDURE AND HOPE. "Behold, \re call them blessed which endured." — James. Stand firmly. Do not yield nor quail ! Force back the cry, lei Bope prevail; Or brace thyself the worst t<> meet, Even defeat. The victor is not always bl Thou canst lie down and take thy n-st, A nobleman, though disposs< .Meet the fierce onslaught. See it comes With flashing swords and roll of drums ; Summon thy courage and thy faith For life or death. This is no time to faint or fear, See how the foemen-hosts appear ; Knight of Christ, be valiant here. Lose not thy faith in mists of night, Keep thy face forward to the light, The soldier must not fearful be — < 'hrist is for thee ! A little while be brave, stand fast, Day breaks, the trouble soon is past ; Those who endure are crowned at last. AMPLIUS! AMPLIUS! Before the painter's work the Master stood, And with His own keen, comprehending eyes He scanned the picture and pronounced it good. Yet did the Master see, for He was wise, One fault that, unimproved, would spoil the whole. Tbe painter needed breadth of touch and soul. Harvest Gleanings. 167 Across the canvas with his firm, kind hand The Master for the scholar's guidance wrote, " Amplius ! Amplius/" He would understand, And taking home the lesson, humbly note The narrow lines, and urged by greater hope, ^'ould give his brush, henceforth, entended scope. We have been painting pictures ; and to-day Our Master looks upon them. Does not He, Seeing our small, cramped efforts, also say, " Wider and larger let the picture be " ? We are so little, and He is so great, Oh, let us learn the lesson ere too late. We work in petty lines, in meagre space ; So circumscribed our vision and our love ; We do not see in what a fair, large place, With broadening fields around, the skies above, The Father makes our home. Those who shut in Themselves to narrow limits, theirs the sin ! " Amplius ! Amplius ! " Let the startling cry Sound through our little hearts till they expand. And we our love and service amplify, And paint our life-lines with courageous hand. Not for ourselves, our party, kept in thrall, Let us live henceforth, but reach out to all. Let us have larger hopes, pray larger prayers ; Not in the valleys live, but on the heights ; Rising above the mists of our small cares, Press upward till we five among the lights ; So let us love and work, for there we stand Within the ample space of God's own hand. Large, ample is the Eden of desire, The Paradise with gate set open wide, To which the noblest sons of God aspire, Where there is room for all men to abide. Oh, let us find it : who that picture see Will long amid its ampler joys to be. 168 II \i:\ BIST I rLE LNINGS. THINK ON THESE THINGS. W'irii 1 x the realm of Thoughl are Lin Whose will can bind the eagle's wii And by imperious power and might ( iompel their subjects to the right, Ami lead them whereso'er they please — Be thou of these. Within the realm of Thought are Blavi Cast here and there as l.y tin- waves; I instable they and weak of will To form high purpose, or fulfil. They are like leaves borne by the breeze — Be not of these. But rule with autocratic Bway Thy subject-thoughts till they obey Thy dictum faithfully, and bend Whichever way thy will shall tend. Be thou the master of thy tin night As a king ought. And for companions bid thoughts take Things which for righteousness shall make. Those which are strong and shall endure Those which are clean and sweet and pure. Those which ascend on upborne wings — Think on these things. Search for the flowers that dick the earth. Listen for songs of joy and mirth ; Be swift to see the stars at night, Forget the darkness, love the light : Give welcome to all thought thai brings The fairest things. In the high kingdom of good thought Life's noblest deeds are nobly wrought ; Christ sanctifies the world Be trod, And hearts of men rejoice in God ; And trust in Him great gladness brings— Think on these tilings. Harvest Gleanings. 169 KEEP HEART. " Thou hast patience, and didst bear for My Name's sake, and hast not grown •weary." — Rev. ii. 3. Days came, clays went, but thine endurance tarried, A strenuous youth strove into middle age, Thou, not impatient of the burden carried, Took'st toil and turmoil for thy heritage. Thou hast wrought nobly, nobly borne, and now Keep thy heart strong ; let others fail, not thou. Thou hast not lost the sweetness of That Name Which made the music of thy childhood's hours. Thy rapture was the broadening of His fame, Thy weakness loved the testing of His powers. Let not thy faith fail now, nor thine endeavour ; No past suffices. Knights are true for ever. So long thou hast been patient, nor grown weary, Pain could not force a cry from thee, nor hate Compel thy love to cease. Are days so dreary That life at last has made thee desolate ? Dear heart, call hope to thee once more, nor fret Thy faith away ; God lives, and loves thee yet. There is a sound of warfare in the air, And thou wilt answer to the trumpet-call. Thou hast worn armour often, yet prepare Again ; Christ summons thee ; art thou not all His own, to serve Him, live for Him, or die ? servant of the King, do well thy part Once more. A victor thou ! Keep heart, keep heart ! 170 II \i;\ BST < rLE win-.-. THEY REIGN. "Thou didst purchase unto God with Thy blood men ol everj tribe, and tongne, ana people, and nation, and madeet them to be unto our Qod a kingdom of prieete : ami they reign upon the earth." Who an- the kings and princes That hold undoubted -way ! The -a\ ed, the meek, the pure in heart, The men of Chris! arc they : Called to be kings and priests by <;<>d. Theirs is unstained renow n. They rule, and lead the hearts of men, And none may take their crown. These sons of God. joint heirs with Christ, They are of royal birth. Their might is in their gentleness. Their heritage the earth ; They need no heralds to proclaim Their titles or their right, Their names are in the book of God, Their deeds inscribed in light. They have no armies for defence, No panoply of state, N<> regal splendour decks their brows, No pomp proclaims them great : Their triumphs come so silently. The world can never know How large their empire has become, How their possessions grow. But in the crises of the world. Its most august affairs, It is these autocrats of good Who rule men unawares ; And for their sakes, and in Christ's Name Are bloodless victories won : The crowd thinks otherwise ; but thus The will of God is done. Harvest Gleanings. 171 " HIM THAT OVERCOMETH." *' To him that overcometh Will I give the tree of life In the Paradise of God," Said the Spirit. And the soldiers of the Cross Meekly bear the pain and loss, That high guerdon by His grace To inherit. . " To him that overcometh Will I give the rule of nations And the bright and morning star," Said the Christ. And the battle that is long Does not still the triumph song Of the victors who with Him Keep the tryst. " And he that overcometh, I will make of him a pillar In the temple of my God," Said the Lord. " And my new name I will write, In the city of the light, On the brow that he uplifts At My word." " And he that overcometh I will give to sit with Me And my Father on My throne," Said the King. But the saints pray in the Name Of the Christ who overcame: '' Unto Him be all the glory," So they sing. l ,-j II \k\ est Gleanings. GOODNESS AND MERCY SHALL FOLLOW. Pass over the mountains before thee, I ir not, for God's kindness Lb o'er thee, Though the path may be rough His strength La enough. I. i-t.ii not to a coward heart's pleading, I*.e sure of the Spirit's wise leading, Do thy duty, and be at thy beet, For God will take rare of the rest, And goodness and mercy shall follow. Take the task that heside thee is lying, It waits for thy strenuous trying; Though it tax all thy skill It will yield to thy will. The brave heart is conqueror ever, Then"make but an earnest endeavour, And do what the Master commands With leal heart and diligent hands, And goodness and mercy shall follow. Speak the word that God gives to be spoken, Break the bonds that God says shall be broken, Xor shrink from the fight To be fought for the right. Obey Him with true loyal meekness, But hinder no cause by thy weakness. Have faith, and work on to the last, Let all doubtings remain with the pa And goodness and mercy shall follow. So often His help has been given, - near is the present to heaven. That no space for fears Has been Left by the years. So, cheerily facing the morrow, 1 i forward to joy or to sorrow. The God who has blest all thy days, Will be with thee in all the new ways, And goodness and mercy shall follow. Harvest Gleanings. 173 CHRIST'S MAN. " He endured as seeing Him who is invisible." He bends his head before the blast, The winds are wild and chill ; He does not wait till they are past, But climbs the hill. The ruthless rains beat on his head, They cannot stay his feet ; He scales the path that he must tread In cold or heat. Through the fierce gale, with all its roar, Those who have passed away Come nearer to him than before On this lone day. They kiss his face and hearten him, He knows that God is sure, And, though the skies above are dim, He will endure. His soldier sons lie on the field, But sorrow makes him strong ; The fight is fierce, he will not yield The whole night long. Through stress and storm he does his part, With pain he keeps his tryst ; A solemn joy is in his heart, For he sees Christ. Th' Invisible is manifest To him, faith's eyes are clear ; He will not fail in any test Who knows Christ near. 13 171 Harvest Gleanings. PROGRESS. I r ia on earth a growing time '. Il.iw do things gro^i I We cannot tell In silence as the rosea olimb, Or the mists rise above the dell, Ab tiers their leafy garments wcivc. As the clays grow from morn to eve. Slowly and silently they grow ; It is no use to watch all night To lind the way the life-streams flow, Or plants increase in girth and height : Yet hour by hour, from strength to strength, The life is perfected at length. O saddened one, take heart again. Thou, knowing not, dost grow and rise Through rest or work, by joy and pain, Till thou art gracious, strong and wise : What if thou canst no progress Bee '.' Thy growth depends on God, not thee. GOD'S ANSWER. Does God scorn our little cares ? Does He turn from our crude prayers ? He is wiser than our longings, And He makes us strong to wait. But His answers are not given As we ask them, straight from heaven, Though His tenderness is wonderful. His pity passing great. Do we long to reach the heights, And amid the sunset lights Look beneath on scenes of beauty. And upon all things sublime ? Ee will bring the heights no nearer, But He makes the visions clean >r, And He gives us, as His answer, Strength enough to toil and climb. Harvest Gleanings. 175 He would have His sailors strong, Prompt and ready. Fierce and long Is their struggle with the waters, As they work with rapid oar. Once a storm at sea was stilled, But the God of storm has willed That 'tis oftener through the tempest We shall reach the safe home-shore. Hear the tumult and the rattle Of a fiercely urgent battle, Hear the ringing war-prayer sounding Its alarum in the night : "Win it for us ! Hear our thanks ! " But the private in the ranks Has another prayer to offer, " God of battles, give me might ! " God, in answer, sends the best. Not the easily-won rest, But the power to strive and conquer To His greatest comes at length ; Where the fires are, and the pains, He His bravest servants trains. Be thou glad when He has heard thee, And endues thy soul with strength. THE LEARNER. " He wakeneth morning by morning; He wakeneth mine ear to hear." — Isa. l. i. If thou for God wouldst speak, Be the discerner, Docile, attentive, meek, Be thou a learner. Who trusts in self for love, Guilty of treason, Waits not to hear from God Good words in season. 176 Harvest Gleanings. Who trusts in ( rod alone, Messenger oheery, Takes as from Him to men Words for the wary. Oh ! tliou for service hasl Master most royal ! Thou of the happy lot Be not disloyal. Turn thy whole thoughts to Him, All others scorning ; He will B waken thee Morning by morning. Live all thy life for Him, Listen intently ; Thou shalt be wise to speak When He has sent thee. Hope thou in God ; be not Timid or dreary ; Wait ; He will give to Thee Words for the weary. Sit at Christ's feet and learn, Patient, meek, lowly, Then go thou forth and take Ministries holy ! Who is true teacher Is the discerner ; Tongue of the learned is Tongue of the learner. SONGS OF ONE=ANOTHER. ir; Songs of One=Another. FEAR NO EVIL. Thou art with God beloved : Yield not to fear, Through the night's dark or storm He will be near : Whatever clouds may lower, What thunders roll, Evil shall not befall, He keeps control. Thou art with God beloved : Seek thou His face, Dread not the danger-signs, Rest in His grace : Where'er the path shall turn His lights will shine, His love shall comfort thee, His strength be thine. Thou art with God beloved, Safe as are they Who in the Father's house See Him all day : Sing, then, the homeland songs, Soon will you meet, Thou art as truly kept Here at His feet. Thou art with God beloved, Ay, there or here : Live thou a joyous life, Have not a fear ; Safe in so great a love, Peaceful and calm, Shall not thy life become One trustful psalm ? 179 Imi Babvest Gleanings. ON THT: MARCH. Tin: lii.ii thing orders oome to all. Anil we arise and atari together, For Done may plead bis feebleness, Or halt for stress of weather; And none may bide bimself away. Eloping bis nam • shall be passed over: The roll-call summons everyone From every kind of cover. And old men's feet, whose Btepa are slow. And feet of children light and ready, People with quick and eager tread, Or steps sen in and steady, All fain must march along the road And keep the way with stern insistence, For young and aged every day .Must traverse the same distance. Rough ways there are, and valleys dark, And need enough of comrades cheery, And hills that are so steep to climb That climbers soon grow weary. Yet flowers, for those with (yes to see, And many pleasant resting-places, Are found along the line of march To shorten dreary spaces. If hand to hand and heart to heart We with our fellows took these marches. Earth-ways would be as beautiful As heaven that o'er us arches. It would be summer all the year. With blooming hopes and joyous singing : And feet that now lag heavily Would learn the art of springing. Harvest Gleanings. 1S1 We, travellers on the great high-road, So near and yet so little blending, Must all pass through one narrow gate And find the self-same ending. Why not be comrades all the way, And hail the nearest friend and brother ? The road leads to the Father's house, And there they love each other ! IN A CROWD. Round me, before me, behind me, People I do not know ! We meet and touch for a moment, Then apart for ever we go. And what can we have in common Who glance in each other's face, And wait in the world together For only so short a space ? Ah ! really we are not strangers, Though our homes he far apart, But children of one great Father, Who keeps us all in His heart ! And have we not much in common To do, and perhaps to bear ? Regret for the years that are over, Sorrow, and pain, and care ? I know you have had to suffer, And oftener still to be glad, For trouble is not for ever, And no one is always sad. But I know that the days have been dark enough, For mine have been darkened too, And a thought of neighbourly sympathy Has stirred in my heart for you. L82 II LRVEST < Ileamncs. There are marks in moel of your faces, And I BOB tli'- siu'n of a cross That is given to yon to carry, But life is cot meant for loss. And I hear the Bonnd of your laughter. And Bee the light in yonr eyes, And perhaps there are little children To make yon tender and wise. There is Burely some joy in the world for all. And to each is given some love, For gentle hearts are in every place, And the blessing comes from above. So we wish God-speed to each other. Though Ave utter it not aloud ; We are brothers and sisters together, Though we only meet in a crowd. Do we not work for the same good end. Loyal to truth and the right ? And look for a glorious future, And try to walk in the light ? What though we know not each other, Since the Father knows us all ? Perhaps we shall meet in the same dear home When the shades of evening fall ! Harvest Gleanings. 1H3 A MAN OF PRAYER. He has the wise and merry heart, His laugh is real, his jest is glad, In quietness he does his part, If gay or sad. He walks beside you in the street, His watchful eyes look out on men, And all whom he may chance to meet Love him again. He does not talk of that he feels, But in his secret soul he knows How powerful is the faith that heals And brings repose. He does not spend a day alone, For God is with him everywhere, And by his spirit he is known A man of prayer. The storms may beat above his head, And the thick darkness shroud his way, But he is not uncomforted, For he can pray. He has two lives ; and one he gives To daily duties as they come ; The other tranquilly he lives With God at home. And he is happy every day, Although the world is full of care, Because his heart, through all life's way, Finds rest in prayer. "FOR WHOM CHRIST DIED.'' He walks beside you in the street, The crowded street of commonplace, And does but glance into your face A moment when you chance to meet ; I M II \l:\ EST < ILEANINUS. I'.ut i \ i s made w ise by love can Bee, Bowever swift bia steps may l»-. He oarriee with bin everywhere A weight of care. Y"ii have your burden, too; but yel 1 1 does not press at all sometimes, Ami you ran hear the heavenly chimes, And BO the weary way forget ; Sou have a Friend your griefs to share, And listen t<> your softest prayer. You know how Bafely they abide, For whom Christ died. But he has found it hard to trust, For life is hard and rough to him ; The skies above his head are dim, And his work lies among the dust. Small hope has he to cheer his way, Xor light of love to make his day, No heavenly music meets his ears Through all the years. He is your brother, give him love ! ' Destroy not him for whom Christ died ' By tyranny, neglect, or pride. Within the Father's house above Is room for him and you ; and here Y T ou well may hold your brother dear, Nor make the space between you wide, For whom Christ died. Oh greet your brother in the street With friendly smile and helping hand; Give him his portion in the land, Be good to him whene'er you meet. It may be through your care that he The Father's love and care may see ; Then win and keep him by your side, For whom Christ died. Harvest Gleanings. 1 85 FAITH AND FIDELITY. " Around this temple, let the merchant's law be just, his weights true, and his contracts guileless." — Discovered by Mr. Ruskin in the first church of Venice. Not far the Father's house is set From any one of us, and yet How oft its meaning we forget ! "lis sweet to join the sacred psalm, And fill the soul with Sabbath calm. And feel God's touch on brow and palm. But when the holy words are said, And the world comes to us instead, Who keeps for God the hand and head ? We put our houses round the place Where we have sought and seen His face, And hoped to bear away His grace. But who will, for His honour's sake, Into the world the same laws take, And never God's commandments break ? Who does his business day by day As if to sell were but to pray, And walks with God his whole fife's way ? Who does not show real piety By dealing with true equity, He cannot worship worthily. But if because of God's great peace All self and evil henceforth cease, Then shall the joy in Him increase. The life of highest, purest tone Is the religious life alone ; And by their works are Christians known. 186 ll\i:\i>T 6LBANIN08. "THY BURDEN.'' To everyone on earth i gives u burden to bo oarried down The road thai lies between the doss and crown. No lot is wholly free ; Me L'iveth one to thee. Some carry it aloft, Open and visible to any eyes, And all may sec its form, and weight, and size. Some bide it in their breast, And deem it thus unguessed. The burden is God's gift, And it will make the bearer calm and strong, Vet, lest it press too heavily and long, He says, Cast it on Me, And it shall easy be. And those who heed His voice, And seek to give it back in trustful prayer, Have quiet hearts that never can despair ; And Hope lights up the way Upon the darkest day. Take thou thy burden thus Into thy hands, and lay it at His feet, And whether it be sorrow or defeat. Or pain, or sin, or care. It will grow lighter there. It is the lonely load That crushes out the life and light of heaven ; But, borne with Him, the soul, restored, forgiven, Sings out through all the days Her joy, and God's high praise. Harvest Gleanings. 187 LOVE THE REVEALER. " As water showeth face to face, so the heart showeth man to man. -Prov. xxvii. 19 (R.V.). It is when the heart is barren, Nor the waters of love are near, That the man knows not his neighbour, And is moved by hate and fear. The city is dreary desert When love is slain by drought, And it is not the evil spirit But the good that is cast out. By the river of living water, When streams in the desert flow, The eyes grow bright for seeing, And the heart is swift to know. And, ah ! how glad is the sunlight, How fair are the skies above, For the freight brought over the water Is the golden dust of love. Hatred is like a demon That dwells in the gloom of night, But love is a beautiful angel Clad in a robe of light. And not in the dark, but in daylight, Do we see each other's face, And the knowledge is born of affection That shows us the form of grace. A brother is but a stranger When the heart has nought to say, But a stranger may be a brother When love has had its way. For love is the great revealer Alike in age and in youth — It is not the head that teaches, But the heart that knows the truth. 188 M U&VB3T < rLB LNING8. CHRIST'S FRIEND AND THE PEOPLE'S. II 1 1 nit loseth his hi.- for M luill And it." — Jesus. Not yean but boitowb mual have made you <>1 ii worked riot as you ought. And now. with !>ut a span to live, Sour bear! cries out, " Foi _i\ e ! Foi gii e I ' If von are old you stand aside, And watch the fight and Eray, While other-, pass you in their pride, Who once were brave as tiny. four part it is to cry "Well done:" When others bave the victory won; Your part it is to pray That all the strong young men may light Better than you did for the right. If you are old your prayer is heard For quiet and for rest ; More gently now the winds are stirred, The sun is in the west ; And silent lips, and folded hands, And waves that die upon the sands In perfect calm are best : And One come3 near to stand beside And comfort you at eventide. If you are old, you have this word 'Thine eyes >hall see the King." The sweetest promise ever heard Even in gladdest spring. And it your heart has any doubt. The love of God shall east it out, And cause your lips to sing. Lift up your bead and look on high, For your redemption draweth nigh!" Harvest Gleanings. 193 LENT. Are there no Lenten fasts for me to keep ? Yea, though thou hallow not the special days, Thou hast thy sorrows, for thou hast thy sins. Lent brings thee pause before the summer-time, Therefore bethink thee how the weeds have grown Through the long winter of thy heedlessness, Within the fertile garden of thy heart. Which should have been a garden of the Lord. Search, too, thy memory, and it shall bring Reason for self-denying penances For all the duties thou hast left undone, For all thy pride and selfishness and sloth. And the unloving hardness of the life That should have blossomed into warmth of love, And brought forth fruits of service to God's praise. Remember all the days kept for thyself. And the few hurried minutes given to Him Who should have filled thy years from birth to death. Be shamed to think of all the poverty Of even thy best ministries to men, And how nor heart nor hand is generous Because thou art disloyal to thy faith In Him who suffered for thee on the cross. Aye, there is need for thee to fast and pray ! Yet in the sun that diamonds the snow There is a message for thee. Peace and joy And holiness and love are Christ's to give. And Easter shall be bright with flowers of hope. Lift up thy heart to Him, the Risen One, And leave thy sins and sorrows at the cross. i«u Harvest Gleanings. THE MARCH OH THE YEARS. I*,, you liear the rhythmic l> Oi the firm ami Forward feel i u the years ? White with frosl and red with heat, Charged with gifts to all they meel i >n desolate wold, in crowded Btn et, March the years. You may watch them as they go Through life's stages, as they grow Into might. First in Spring's imperial glow, NY\t the Summer's flash and flow, Lastly, age and Winter's Bnow, And long night. Steady, regular the pace, Every movement full of gra< ■> ■. March the years. Yet he runs a breathless race, And his forces he must brace, Wlm keeps step by step through space With these yea;-. They are charged with gifts for man. Lei him wrest the best who can From the mass. Shadow, substance, deed and plan. Honour's gold, dream's talisman. You may seize — but for a span — A- they pass. They can heal your heart, or break : They can mock your thirst, or slake ; Smiles or tears They can give and you must take ; Yet they come for love's own sake. And true servants you may make Of these year-. Harvest Gleanings. 195 Of their marchings to and fro The eternal God doth know ; He is King. Let them come and let them go, God is in each one, and so All is well. Come weal or woe, God is King. THE CERTAINTIES OF A NEW YEAR. A New Year has a smiling face, But tells no tales of what may be ; In silent power he takes his place, And wraps him in uncertainty. And yet some things I count upon Which he must give ere he be gone. I count upon some real advance ; This slow old world a stage will move, And call from out its dissonance A new, sweet melody of love ; And something will compel the year To bring all good a step more near. I count upon some Godward growth Among the peoples of the earth ; They lose their way and break their trot'i. Forgetful of their heavenly birth ; But ever shorter grows the night, And clearer, every year, the light. I count upon a large increase Of those who love their fellow-men, Who feel the angel's touch of peace, And hear the Bethlehem song again, And spend themselves in ministries, And wake forgotten harmonies. 19G BaBVEST rliildivn iin-il m>t he afraid. I count upon Borne tears to Bhed, Some Bleeplesa nights, Borne weary days, Some heaviness of heart and head, Some thorny paths, some stony ways: These, more or less, for everyone, But joy and rest when all is done. The love of God I count upon As "ii the mountains in their strength; It has not failed in the years gone, It will last on through all life's length ; I cannot count on my own love, But His is sure as heaven above. Has the New Year a secret face ? There are some things he cannot hide : Welcome him all, and give him place, Long as he can he may abide ! He has surprises for us ? Well, We trust him — he the rest shall tell ! A PSALM OF AGE5. "Lord, Thou hast been our dwelling-place," One sang, but who knows when ? Far back among the earliest years God gave this faith to men ; And this strong psalm of trust was sung By one who rough ways trod : "From everlasting Thou art CJod, To everlasting God." Harvest Gleanings. 197 And ever since, through all the years, Souls that were near despair Have voiced their helplessness and hope In this most ancient prayer : " Man's life is like a sleep ; like grass He withereth away. everlasting God, be Thou Our dwelling-place to-day." Ah ! in what crisis, through what strain, These solemn words are said ! In storm and stress, in loss and wreck, This prayer is heavenward sped. We have no other dweling-place When the heart breaks with grief ; The everlasting life of God Gives even death relief. What hosts of martyr heroes fall, With hearts and faces calm, Because the music of their lives Passes in this brave psalm ! From China, Congo, Turkey, list ! Sweetly the echoes come, " Our God, our help in ages past, And our eternal home ! " And you and I, whose passing years Are like a short tale told, Who see through mists of memory The things that make us old — We can take up the song to-day. The triumph song of grace — Thou art the everlasting God, Thou art our dwelling-place. L98 II \i;\ EST < r] l IN1N0S. THE NOONTIDE PRAYER. All members of the Wi rid' Women' Christian Temperance I offer simultaneous intercessory prayer .it noon. I 'ri.ni' the \\ istful pleading eyea, Fi 'Id into real I tie band . Join tin- Bofl voices heavenward senl From near and distant lands. <) women of a thousand cares. Take pause, and join your Bisters' prayers. No rest is like the bush that fall- Amidst the stress and strain. When the thronged soul withdraws herself And finds her God again. Let the world's whirl of work go by While the heart worships silently. Swift, helpful hands and busy brains, Eager to do God's will, Sou till with work the morning hours — At noon take rest, be still. Brave-hearted, you are sometimes weak. Speak now to Him, and hear Him speak. Women, who love and give yourselves, As Jesus gave His life, Know that faith has its mountain heights. Even amid the strife ; Come home to God a little while. And know the sweetness of His smile The world has its bewildering ways, But in devotion's calm The strenuous will may be controlled. The glad heart sing its psalm : And love that cannot do enough Find rest in prayer, though times are rough. Therefore, take time at noon to pray, For God may fill this hour With blessings past your dreams, and show His love, and His great power. For you, and those for whom you pray — Bring Him the golden noon of day. Harvest Gleanings. 199 THE NEWS OF PEACE. Never was summer so glad as this, June came in with an angel's kiss ; It is joy not sorrow, life not death. That speaks through a people's sobbing breath Thank God ! Sweet is the song of the laughing morn, Gay is the dance of the graceful corn, In the woodland ways and the fertile vales Sing larks and thrushes and nightingales. Thank God ! And ah ! for the thankful hearts that beat In the million homes, or the crowded street, For the joy that thrills in the soul of June Is a psalm that is set to a heavenly tune. Thank God ! Sing with us, other lands than ours: Italy covered with sweetest flowers, Switzerland under a crown of snows, France and Germany, friends not foes Thank God ! Ye who late were our foemen brave, Send us a message under the wave ; Brothers, forgive us, as we forgive, Love us, we love you ; so let us live. Thank God ! Alas ! for the harvest of war ! Not yet Can hearts that are broken with grief forget The awful cost of the victory ; But the angel of comfort is standing by; Thank God ! Now let sorrow and discord cease, For this is the beautiful time of peace ; June came in with an angel's kiss, And never was summer so glad as this. Thank God ! Italy, June 5, 1902. 200 Harvest Gleanings. THE YEARS. The years thai climb uphill Are very b1oh . And yet they are young years Thai linger bo : The years thai race downhill Are short of breath, And cannot Btop themselves Till Btopped by death. Each young year gaily bears A Bun-kissed face, A lifted brow to meet A world of grace, A heart by bope kept brave, Feel swift and stront'. A voice that sings to heaven Faith's gladsome song. The old years are serene With quiet rest, Not theirs to spend themselves In eager quest. And yet their faces turn Toward the heights, Where golden colours glow- In evening lights. Some years are never old, They always climb, From youth to age they rise To things Bublime ; Their path is toward the stars, Their steps are stairs, And presently they gain Heaven unawares. Go thou with years that climb, Whate'er thine age, The lifted eyes can see Fair heritage ; Go with them nearer God, From doubts and fears. And may lb- make thee rich With wealth of years. EVENSONGS. 201 Evensongs. THE "CITY OF PAUSE." In the " City of Pause " the walls are thick, No sound can break through the stone and brick ; But a deep hush lies on the outside earth, And the solemn moorlands are brown and dark ; Within there is silence instead of mirth, And without, no song of the spring-glad lark, And far away is a sea that sighs As if for the mournful thoughts that arise. In the " City of Pause " there is nothing to do, No noisy duty to cry " Pursue ! " But with folded hands the workers wait, And look at each other in mute appeal, And little they care that the hour is late, So great are the loss and the pain they feel ; But they wonder a little, " How long will it last ? And what will follow when this is past ? " From the " City of Pause " some pass away To the unknown land and the cloudless day, And they leave the scenes of the waiting place, The toil and sorrow, the care and pain, And they are missed for a little space, And none may summon them back again. And those who love them can only know That God takes care of them where they go From the " City of Pause " some pass away CJ To the common light of the working-day ; And lo ! the old hard tasks and the care, And the dear familiar toiling place, Have grown transfigured and strangely fair, And even the unloved things have grace ; So they thank their God for the sweet new laws That are learnt in the silent " City of Pause." 203 204 II \i;\ i. IT < 'ii INDfGS. WHEN I QO HOME. W'iikn I go home it will be evening, Ami I Bhall bear my own dear people >ing, Ami see the lighted rooms, and take my pie As one with them, in thai sweel time of gra When I \in liomr I shall be very tired Of struggling for the things thai I desired, Bui I shall be content to end my quest, Gaining the besl things, peace ami love and rest. When 1 •_" ' In mil" how sorry I shall be Xot to have brought more treasures hack with me! Yet. though I be a failure, worn and poor. They will not turn me from my Father's door. When I go home I shall be travel-stained, For winds have beaten me, and storms have rained. And earth has clung to me by vale and hill. But they will take me in, and love me still. When I go home — oh, will it not he heaven To be restored, accepted, loved, forgiven ? Sorrow and sighing are for those who roam; I shall have found my bliss when I go home. THE PLACE PREPARED. WHERE does it lie, that land of rest, To which the overwearied pass ? Where are tin- ways which they have pressed. Or the soft meadows, green with grass, Through which they go into the shade Of the home-place the Lord has made .' Harvest Gleanings. 205 Perhaps it is not far away, Nor is the lonely journey long ; Swiftly the night yields to the day, And silence passes into song. But where ? It matters not. Their place Is where at last they see His face. So close the door shuts after them, Nor sight nor sound can reach us here ; Faintly we speak the requiem, And still it seems that they are near. We cannot tell, we only know That Christ receives them where they go. But that is surely heaven enough : Where Jesus is, their home shall be, The storms have ceased which once were rough, And gently, o'er a tranquil sea, Knowing no care because He cared, They reach the home He has prepared. Love made it ready. Love is wise. Oh, happy they who safe at home Have had the tears wiped from their eyes, Assured that no more grief shall come. For Christ has borne away their cares, And He has answered all their prayers. Safely to that Abiding-Place, O Christ, guide Thou our pilgrim feet ; We also long to see Thy face, And be with them. Oh, make us meet Within our Father's house to be, Where'er it is, at home with Thee. 15 206 II LRVEST GLEANINGS WHERE THE-. MOTHERS 00. That is surely home Where the mothers go. In thai Eoubc can come Neither sin nor woe. They have found Bomewhere Scenes for praise and prayer, And all peace ifl there, Where the mothers go. Sweetly do they I Where the mothers stay ; All that is the bes< In God's heaven have they. And at set of sun, Christ's approval won, Hear they His " Well done "- Happy, happy they ! Listen how they sing Where the mothers are ! They have found the King, Following His star. Glad are they to meet At their Saviour's feet. All their joy complete, Near, who once were far. God, when earth is past, Where the mothers wait, Bring us safe at last Through the open gate ! All unworthy we, Yet we long to be Where Thy face we see, And our mothers wait. Harvest Gleanings. 207 WHERE THE CHILDREN ARE. " Jesus called a little child unto Him." All the year was as merry as spring, When the home was filled with the children's laughter Gay were the songs they used to sing, And none cared to wonder what came after. Every day was a time of glee When the children were here, love, with you and me This is the summer they loved so well. These are the paths we trod together, And oh, for the tales we used to tell, When kept indoors by the wind and weather. Never were blessings so plentiful, Never were children so beautiful. Where are they now ? You told them, dear, Of One who lived in a lovely city, But made His dwelling with poor folk here, For His heart was filled with love and pity. You talked to the children of Jesus so That they were not afraid when He bade them go. They heard His voice in the midst of play, And grew more quiet to Him to listen ; He spoke their names, and away, away, They went where they saw His kind eyes glisten. We could not follow, so fast they flew ; But wait, the Master will call us too. I do not know where heaven can be ! Sometimes, when the western skies are golden With light and glory, it seems to me That there our darlings are safely folden ; But this I know, that to God's own home Christ called the children, and they have come. L'US II \i:\ KST < ILBANINOS. Life without them is sad and drear, But our bve foi them than ouraelvea was stronger. Darkness, trouble, and pain are here, And aright have been theirs bad they lingered Longer. This is our comfort. Unit we can Bee They are better with Christ than with you or me. A DREAM. I dreamed I met again my dead : And to the first who came I said, " I have not mourned my loss, but this That thy life had so little bliss : I prayed my God by day and night To make thy way a path of light. But He led on through storm and dark, He guided through rough seas thy barque, He gave thee failure for success, He multiplied for thee distress. He dashed the cup of joy from thee, And left me this sad memory Of all thy burden, all thy care, And sorrow of unanswered prayer." But he replied, " And was it so ? Did care its shadow fling ? My sorrows ended long ago, For I have seen the King" And then I thought another came, And spoke in old sweet tones my name, But I could only look through tears On the dear face I loved for years ; And, " Ah." I said, " my heart is sore For all the suffering thy heart bore: Thy anguish was so very meat, From early morn till midnight late ; Harvest Gleanings. 209 And through such awful stress and strife Thou fought'st the battle of thy life, That when I think upon it all, Grief falls upon me like a pall. Why was it that through seas of pain God let thee go His rest to gain ? " But she replied, " That pain of mine Was but a transient thing, I have a joy that is divine, Mine eyes have seen the King." And then it seemed a little crowd Of friends, half hidden in the cloud, Echoed the words for me to hear — " All things are well ; be of good cheer ; The night dies out before the day, The sun smiles all the clouds away; Who sees the King in glory clad Forgets that he was ever sad, And we have seen the Master's grace, And we have gazed upon His face, Therefore it is that grief is not, For every sorrow is forgot. And only blessing, love and mirth Do we remember of the earth. Be glad." they said, " for us and^thee, Nor grieve for anything. Soon shall thy day of rapture be, Thine eyes shall see the King." 210 Harvest Gleanings. TOO SOON? God sometimes rails those servants borne Whose years are in their prime, Bui He has better measures than The pendulum of time : Some workers (jui-klv their task Of service and of love. So their promotion early comes To higher work above. God loves them, and He spares them much; Not theirs to wait alone, And feel the ache of useless years, With strength and vigour gone ; They are not stranded derelicts While tides go rushing by; They do their part, and win the race, And then they gently die. Not theirs to lift their fading eyes And find no comrades left; Xot theirs to dwell among the graves, Forsaken and berefl : They pass from work to better work. And rest before the noon. Ah! God is very uood to them. They do not die ton soon. Harvest Gleanings. 211 SWIFT TRAVELLERS. Otjb dead — they travel fast ! Who sees them hurry past ? Scarce is the farewell said, Than — where are they, our dead ? Out of our touch and reach, Out of our sight and speech. As swift as thought they go, Past weariness and woe. Yet, are they far away ? We meet, at break of day. Not far from love and prayer, But into higher care ; Far from earth's pain and strife Into abundant life ; Far from the land of tears, To where their Lord appears. He bids all discords cease, And takes them into peace. Our dead — they travel fast, And rest with God at last. _ ) 1_ ) II \KVKST < ill: VNIMiS. "WHENCE CAME THEY?" Behold ! a Btately company, The nobly great of every land, Heroes of earth's l>cst chivalry. The hosts before the throne who stain 1. Angels, and elders of renown. With browB bent low for Ood to crown. "They stand within the .shining day" — But these in whit( robes, who art they P See, here are prophets, poets, sect-. Who bore the names that cannot fade ; And captains these who led the years, And these great hearts were not dismayed ; These did the deeds that ages praise, These ruled the Empire of the days ; Therefore, they stand in brave array — But these in white robes, whence are they ? Ah. these, the dearest to the Christ, These are the Lamb's own comrades true With Him and pain they kept the tryst, And for His sake great sorrows knew. They, loyal ever to His Name, Out of much tribulation came, And in His blood, and in heaven's light, Tiny washed their robes and made them white. Therefore are they before the throne ; The light of love is in their eyes ; He has great honours for His own, Oh, happy they whom love made wise ! They are at home with Him; His grace Makes their glad heaven : they see His I And serve Him ever, day and night, For these are they whose robes are white. Harvest Gleanings. 213 AT EVENING. " And they constrained Him, saying, Abide with us, for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent : and He went in to abide with them." We, too, constrain Thee, Christ, who bears our sorrows ! This short, swift day of ours is so far spent, And so uncertain are the misty morrows, That when we try to sing we but lament. Thou didst walk with us through the sunny meadows, When the birds sang, and flowers were gay and bright ; Oh, leave us not amid these gathering shadows, The awful black-winged heralds of the night. We have been left alone by many others ; Our dear companions in the morning hours, The gentle sisters, and the merry brothers — We cannot find them now the darkness lowers. Yet go not Thou ! Alas ! we used to leave Thee ! Forgive the sins of our too busy morn ; We do repent that we could ever grieve Thee, Yet now Thou wilt not let us be forlorn. But Thou dost come when we are slowly walking Through dreary paths, o'er desolate dead leaves, And Thou dost listen to our pensive talking About the little good our life achieves. Thou knowest all our questionings together, When we are standing still and looking sad ; And Thou dost speak of suffering, and whether For Thee or Thine the earth can aye be glad. And our hearts burn within us while we listen, And we regret no more the waning day ; The breeze brings music, and the clear stars glisten, And all that comes is right and best, we say. 1C 214 II \l\ BST < rLBANINl Come and abide with us, then, gracious blast Deign i" sit down with as, and give as pea Within Thy Presence can be no disaster, Trouble will pa--, and every fear will ■•••ase. Little it matters though no light be given, And though all earthly treasures absent be; There is no night where Thou dost make our heaven, And we miss nothing while we talk to Th< THE SINGER'S CLOSING SONG. "Let the whole earth be filled with Hia (.'lory. Amen, and Amen. Tlio prayers of David the son of Jesse are ended." Wii \t was left for him to say ': What remained to sing or pray, When that grand finale trembled through the Temple in it- glory ? Should not after silence fall On the lips that uttered all The great hymn of heaven and earth in that song of sacred story '.' He had sung of many then For to him the pleasant gleams Of the sun upon the valley, or the starlights in the Bky, Were the signs of holy calm. And inspired the praisefd psalm That up-carried hearts of men to the Father's heart on high. As a simple shepherd-boy He had carolled forth his joy, When he rested by still waters in the pastures God had spread. As a fugitive afraid, He had sung of ready aid In the refuge and the fortress of the God to whom he fled. Harvest Gleanestgs. 215 And in golden days the king Could not help but gladly sing Of the goodness and the mercy that had made his heart rejoice : In the sunshine of his life, In the shadows and the strife, The Psalmist's heart made music to the rapture in his voice. Of the noise of waves and seas, Of the flocks upon the leas, Of the rock's refreshing shelter, of the mountain high and strong ; Of the fields in verdure clad, Of the river making glad, Of the morning and the evening, had the singer made his song? But the lay was still unfinished, Till the glory undiminished Of the Son of God was shown him, and he saw the joy before ; Then the greatness of His name And the honour of His fame Filled the singer's heart with rapture, and he knew his singing o'er. Blessed be His name for ever, Prayers and praise to Him cease never, All the earth shall call Him blessed, and in Him be blest all men. Let the nations tell the story, And the whole earth know the glory Of His reign that lasts for ever. Blessed be His Name. Amen. O happy, happy singer ! Joy-inspiring, pleasure-bringer ! Greatest honour for thy guerdon was the publishing His fame ! We, whose songs are weak and lowly, Fain would sing of Jesus solely, And be hushed to death's last silence by the sweetness of His Name. I 0SD05: BFEAIGHT AND SONS, PRINTERS, HI 1 BB LAN i , University of California SOUTHERN REGIONAL LIBRARY FACILITY 405 Hllgard Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90024-1388 Return this material to the library from which It was borrowed. NON-RE ol DEC 3 1098 DUE 2 WKS FROM DA" JAN o E RECEIVED SEP DUE 2 MS - I OS ru £ s a-^ 5 SEHVi- r, Lib. I^^ CAUro "W* '•OS ANGELES UC SOUTHERN REGIONAL LIBRARY FACILITY AA 000 376 502 1