Musings . . . . in Verse THE LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES MUSINGS IN VERSE USINGS IN VERSE BY FRANK TAYLOR, J.P PRINTED FOR PRIVATE CIRCULATION. BOLTON : A. BLACKSHAW & SONS, SCHOOL HILL MILLS. 1898. CONTENTS PAGE In Memoriam — William Ewart Gladstone I Dedication Hymn for a Christian Church 5 Divine Guidance.. 7 Evening Hymn 9 Morning Hymn ii Switzerland 13 The Alpine Flower 16 The Alpine Stream 18 Birthday Thoughts 22 Good Bye 25 Little Mary 27 Hope 29 Trust 31 The Forget-me-not 33 Flowers 36 The Mountain Violet 39 Spring 41 A Robin's Message 44 viii CONTENTS PAGE My Garden Thrush 47 The Year's Last Night 51 A New Year's Thought .. 54 Sunday 57 Sunday Evening .. 59 The Close of Day 61 Rain 64 Catch the Sunshine 66 Light at Eventide 68 Without Haste, Without Rest .. 7i Only a Little 75 Daily Service 79 Take up the Cross 81 Follow Me 83 Rest • 85 Not Dead 87 Patience 89 The Lifted Cloud 92 The Voice of God 94 My Baby Boy 97 Ronald (i) 99 My Cat Tiny 102 My Dog Don 105 Ronald (2) 109 The International Conference, Buda •Pest 112 CONTENTS ix PAGE Bl-CENTENARY, BANK STREET CHAPEL 114 Memories of the Past Il6 The Eastern Question, 1897 I20 The Diamond Jubilee, 1897 122 God Leads 125 The Cloud with the Lining I27 Who is My Friend ? 130 Mary's Gift 133 The Other Shore 157 The Race of Life I40 The Quiet Hour.. I44 Durham Cathedral I46 The Quiet Bay 151 Bolton Abbey •• 154 HUBBERHOLME CHURCH 157 The Lighthouse l6o Whitby Head .. 163 Port Erin 166 Potzlingberg 169 Morning 176 Saturday Night I78 Evening .. l8l Sunday Evening .. 183 The Heart's Yearn for God .. 185 Not Always 187 x CONTENTS PAGE The Search for God l8g Divine Guidance.. 194 God Speaks to us I96 A Safe Anchor 199 The Rest and Peace of Christ .. 202 The Divine Will 205 Clouds .. 207 Another Birthday 211 May •• 215 The Skylark 217 Falling Leaves 219 The Bird's Autumnal Song 223 Autumn .. 226 The Shortest Day 23O fax gtemoriam. WILLIAM EWART GLADSTONE. Born December 29th, 1809. Died May 19th, 1898. Again the reaper Death has passed along Upon his ceaseless journey through the earth, And claimed the aged statesman for his own Towards whom for many weeks all eyes have turned. Ye busy men, immersed in daily cares, Ye anxious mothers, toiling through each hour, Lay down your duties for a little while, And bend the head, in reverent silence bend, For an immortal soul has passed from earth Whose like we scarce can hope to see again. B 2 WILLIAM EWART GLADSTONE To-day a nation sorrows for his loss, Without respect of party, church, or creed, For it is felt he was her noblest son : And yet we should not mourn, but thankful be For all that he has been and done for men. Still can we stay the tears which perforce flow ; — It is but human, we will let them fall. And yet to him it cannot but be gain, For his full years had brought him sorest pain. He waited patiently for his great change, And so at length Death called him as a friend. He gently, sweetly, softly fell asleep. His work was done. His life had been well spent In noblest service for the human race. Where'er English is spoken through the world, Nay, in each clime beneath the setting sun Gladstone was honoured as the Grand Old Man, As statesman, scholar, orator, divine. Hero he was of many a well-fought fight, — Not on the battlefield where blood is shed ; — On platform, and within the nation's hall W T here laws are made to guide the nation's course. WILLIAM EWART GLADSTONE 3 He laboured hard throughout his long career For the Empire he ever loved so well, For righteous laws, for peace, for justice too, — To break the tyrant's yoke throughout the world, And let the oppressed in every clime go free. Howe'er unpopular a cause might be He shrank not from it if he deemed it just. Noble in triumph, not less so in defeat, A life of spotless honour he e'er lived, So full of courtly dignity, of truth And duty ; so fresh and buoyant ever. No love of ease, or selfish interest E'er made him swerve from what he deemed the right, Nor could one point finger of scorn at him Who wore white flower of a blameless life. And now his long and honoured course is run, Life's burden of full years he has laid down ; Like the old general who has sheathed his sword, He rests from labours he has loved so well, Heaven's crown has gained and entered into rest. But, Gladstone, we shall sorrow long for you, For without you the earth much poorer seems. 4 WILLIAM EWART GLADSTONE The nation mourns her grandest, noblest son, While the whole world vibrates with sympathy. Inscribed on history's page, throughout all time Your name shall live within the hearts of men. We hear no more your wondrous speech and voice ; But Heaven has gained what we on earth have lost. A silent tear we'll shed around your tomb, Within our hearts your memory we'll keep green, Nor shall it fade so long as time remains. Rest now in peace. Your victory is won. DEDICATION HYMN FOR A CHRISTIAN CHURCH. Oh God ! this Church to Thee we've raised, Within its walls Thy name be praised ; May this be always hallowed ground, Where rest and peace shall e'er be found. Oft as we come with burdened heart, Here may we learn the better part ; And gain from prayer light, strength, and hope, More bravely with life's claims to cope. Here may our path become more clear, Here to our hearts may faith bring cheer, Here may our souls, on wings of prayer, Rise into a serener air. DEDICATION HYMN Here may we learn from Christ Thy Son More faithfully our course to run ; Here may his love our hearts inspire, And glow within, — a heavenly fire. Here may we climb the heavenly hill, Gain clearer glimpses of Thy will ; And, strengthened thus by prayer and praise, Go forth renewed to tread life's ways. Oh God ! in love to Thee we raise This earthly temple for Thy praise ; Oft as we meet to worship Thee, May we to Thee still nearer be. DIVINE GUIDANCE. Lead, Kindly One ! lead Thou me on O'er life's tumultuous sea ; This earth is not my final home, Lead my frail barque to Thee. Life's path ofttimes seems dark and drear, And lone as if 'twere night ; So many rocks and shoals appear To hide Thee from my sight. If Thou be near all darkness flies, All doubts and fears are gone ; Begone these dull and lowering skies If my soul be Thy home. DIVINE GUIDANCE Duty oft calls, but I am weak, And prone to halt and stray ; Give Thou me strength that I may seek Obedience to its lay. Be Thou my cloud, e'er near by day, My pillar of fire by night, To guide me on life's rugged way, Help me towards duty's height. Strengthen my heart in virtue's way, My steps do Thou direct, In fiery trials be Thou my stay, To keep my head erect. Then, when at length my life is o'er, I still will trust in Thee ; As I draw near the heavenly shore, My thanks ceaseless shall be. EVENING HYMN. Another day has passed away, Once more the evening hour has come, The little child has ceased to play, The busy man now seeks his home. What offerings can we bring to Thee, Oh God ! from whom all blessings come ? For all we are, and have, and see, Are ceaseless gifts from Thy great throne. Yet Thou would'st have us come to Thee E'en if our gifts be only small, As children to their dearest friend ; Thou knowest each, Thou lovest all. io EVENING HYMN Each brings to Thee a wayward heart With all its sorrows, sins, and cares, Longing to act the better part, Oft led astray by many snares. Dear Father ! we look up to Thee, Oh breathe Thou into us fresh life, That, when we from Thy presence flee, We stronger feel for duty's strife. Be with us through the coming night ; If storm without bring calm within, Give us Thy strength, Thy peace, Thy light, To keep us brave and free from sin. Then send us forth, oh God ! once more, Anew with duty to contend, With freshened strength and increased store, Wherein faith, hope, and love do blend. MORNING HYMN. Another night has passed away, Once more the morning hour is here ; That Thou hast brought us to this day We thank Thee, oh Thou Father dear. For rest, and sleep, and quiet thought, For visions of the far-off time, We're glad that these to us Thou'st brought, To give us strength life's hill to climb. For memories of friends most dear — Who once with us life's pathway trod — Which fade not with the circling year, We thank Thee, O Thou Blessed God. For thoughts of places we have seen, Of kindly deeds we may have done, Which came to cheer us in our dream, We bless Thee, ere the day's begun. 12 MORNING HYMN Be with us through this new-born day, Lead us through darkness into light, Help us to serve Thee every way By being faithful in life's fight. Amid the ceaseless toil and strife By which we are surrounded here Help us to purer, nobler life, To truer service, sight more clear. Uphold us when our strength grows weak, Direct us when our path seems dim ; Throughout each hour Thy will we seek, That each may lead us nearer Heaven. To daily task once more we go, Give us Thy blessing on our way ; In all our goings to and fro Be Thou our Guide, our Strength, our Stay. SWITZERLAND. Dear Land of mountains towering high, Of winding lake and flowing river, Of fertile vale and wooded slope, Of torrent wild and rocky steep, Of glacier green and glistening snow Where foot of man but seldom treads ; Of simple, lovely flowers that grow In meadow sweet, on mountain slope ; Of graceful fern in rocky cleft, Of stately and majestic trees. Land of warm sunshine and of storm, Of glowing sunset, brightening dawn, Of rainbow promise and thick mist — A welcome new I give to thee. Not as a stranger do I come, For many times I've roamed o'er thee : Oft have I climbed thy mountain sides, Oft have I sailed upon thy lakes, i 4 SWITZERLAND Oft have I tramped thy narrow vales In search of beauty, grandeur, strength- Yet art thou ever fresh to me, And with great joy I come to thee. Within thy borders weary man Oft comes for rest and change of scene, And there lays down his many cares : So much hast thou to offer him, To make him wonder and adore, To raise his thoughts from earth below To God on high who made all things. If all the beauties he there sees, And all the wonders they reveal Are thoughts of God who reigns o'er all, His ways of working, everywhere, How wondrous must Our Father be In beauty, wisdom, glory, strength. Dear Land ! thou hast so much to teach To restless, struggling human kind. Thy love of freedom and of truth, Thy struggles keen for liberty, Have made thy people pure and brave, SWITZERLAND 15 Simple and honest, more than most. Thy contests too for equal laws, That each may have an equal share, And feel he has a voice in thee, Should teach us faith in brother man. Can we forget those of thy sons — Not great, perchance, in worldly store, But, what's far better, heavenly love — Men who e'er strove throughout their life To make more clear to us God's thoughts. Calvin, Servetus, Zwingli, Huss, And others, perhaps less known to us ; These, though they differed, were God's saints To lead us nearer unto Him. Dear Land ! I wish thee all of good ; Act well thy part upon life's stage. Long may men roam thy country o'er And find fresh thought, and hope, and strength ! Oft as they come to thee for change May they return renewed again. Long may thy sons be brave and free ! Long be thou loved of men and heaven ! THE ALPINE FLOWER. Thou little flower of brightest hue That grows on mountain slope and height, Oft out of reach of human view, Yet art Thou nearer Heaven's light. Think not that there thou art alone, Or that thy life is spent in vain, For thou hast many friends near home, To share thy lonely life they're fain. Many a bird soars near thy home, Near thee the merry streamlet's found, The sun shines out from his great dome, And nature's glory's all around. In quiet nooks thou oft dost grow Where neither man nor beast do tread ; It may be wisely ordered so, Yet thou of God art seen and fed. THE ALPINE FLOWER 17 From sun and stream thou drinkest in The beauty which does colour thee ; That beauty is the smile of Him To whom we all do bend the knee. The busy bee in thee finds food, The birds gaze on thee as they fly, The little stream says thou art good, Man loves to climb towards thee on high. Sweet Alpine flower, bloom ever on, Where'er thou art, whate'er thou be, This glorious earth thou growest on More beautiful is made by thee. And when I climb the mountain slope, Or find thee in some quiet place, I'll gaze upon thee with fresh hope, Who liv'st thy life with sweetest grace. Thou bonny flower, on lonely height, Who blooms where oft unseen by men, God's fingers paint thy petals bright, Bloom on, thou'rt ne'er beyond His ken. c THE ALPINE STREAM. Thou little, merry stream That runs so sweetly by ; How cheery thou dost seem, Descending from on high. What message dost thou bring From thy far-distant home ? I'll stay to hear thee sing, I will not from thee roam. High up the mountain side Thou spring'st, we scarce know when, Man seeks, but thou dost hide, Thou'rt modest, from his ken. Yet from eternal snow And ice thou dost e'er come ; The warm sun makes thee flow, But cold must be thy home. THE ALPINE STREAM 19 Then bounding on thy way Thou mak'st thyself a course ; Nothing thy leaps can stay, Thou runn'st with greatening force. Thy destined goal's the sea, To it thy steps e'er tend, Where'er thy pathway be, Nought turns thee from this end. Thou art so frolicsome, Yet of fixed purpose full, Welcome where thou dost roam, Weary hearts thou dost lull. Thou makest many a friend : The tender grass and fern And flowers without end Some blessing from thee earn. Thou help'st to feed the flowers, To give them colours bright ; Thou coolest sunny hours, And bring'st to all delight. 2 o THE ALPINE STREAM Thou hast a work to do None else can do so well, So onwards thou must go ; Still, do thy story tell. Thou com'st the earth to freshen, To gladden, beautify, To be of use to men, To serve the God on high. Of many a lovely flower Companion on thy way : Thou giv'st me joy each hour, While I near thee can stay. Rush on from day to day Thou merry mountain stream ; Long may thy welcome lay Make man more joyous seem. Leave blessings as you flow, Give freshness, beauty, zest, And friends round thee will grow, Man, too, near thee find rest. THE ALPINE STREAM 21 On thee I love to look, Thy voice I joy to hear ; The flowers within each nook Make thee to me more dear. Thou bringest me fresh strength. For future thought, fresh food ; By thee I'll stretch full length While I gain some new good. And as thou onwards flow'st, Fresh force thou gatherest ; Richer blessings bestow'st, And still thou hast no rest. Leaping, splashing, babbling, From early dawn till night, Thou teachest, unresting, Be constant in the right. Then go I on my way — Like thee, my work's ne'er done — Nor linger nor delay Until life's goal be won. BIRTHDAY THOUGHTS. Another year ! another year ! How quickly it has passed away, — Gone like the shedding of a tear ; Gone like the acting of a play. It only seems a little while Since last a birthday came to me ; Yet I have marched another mile Along the path which leads to Thee. What use I've made of this Thy gift Thou knowest fully, oh my God ! My soul to Thee I will uplift, As I review the course I've trod. Another year of brightening dawn, Another year of setting sun, Of ceaseless mercy Thou hast shown, Of many duties left undone. BIRTHDAY THOUGHTS 23 And now, O Lord, I bring to Thee My story, varied as the year ; Thou know'st it all, Thou all canst see, But still Thou lov'st it all to hear. Bright hopes that filled the morning hour Have faded ere the noonday came, And left me stranded on life's shore, To feel it's an uncertain game. How often I've forgotten Thee, How oft Thy finger failed to trace ; Yet Thou hast not forgotten me, But led me on with sweetest grace. Forgive my broken promises. Accept my penitential tears ; Duties stern path I so oft miss, Give me fresh hope for coming years. If still Thou hast in store for me More years of active service here, O give me vision clear to see, And strength to serve Thee year by year. 24 BIRTHDAY THOUGHTS Lead Thou me on from day to day, From rosy morn to evening shade ; That at each birthday I can say — ' I'm nearer God, I've Him obeyed.' Whate'er this year may be to me, Give me new strength, faith, hope, and love; Let all my days be spent for Thee, To lift men's lives towards Heaven above. Once more I'll give myself to Thee, Make use of me in Thine own way ; I wish Thy faithful son to be, Nearer Thee draw me day by day. GOOD BYE. Good bye, good bye, a sweet good bye, A warm hand clasp, a tender look, A trembling whisper, gentle sigh, — To say ' Farewell ' 'tis hard to brook. We little know what may befall, The future is to us unknown ; How much these simple words recall, ' Good bye, good bye ' — then we're alone. The little child sets out for school With lightsome heart, without a fear, Yet ere he leaves to act his role He says ' Good Bye ' to Mother dear. The young man to the world goes forth With hope, his future name to make, And, ere he leaves the dear old hearth, Says sweet ' Good Bye ' for parents' sake. 26 GOOD BYE The Daughter, who her troth has sworn To leave her home, one more to make, With fond caress, on wedding morn, Says ' Good Bye,' ere the step she take. The anxious Father too, as well, Goes forth each morn his pait to take, As home he leaves, his heart doth swell, Says ' Good Bye ' to his loved Helpmate. Ah ! little as ' Good Bye ' we say, We think what may to us befall ; 'Tis well we do not see our way, But trust it's good for each, for all. Whene'er from our dear friends we part With tenderness we'll clasp the hand, And say ' Good Bye,' from heart to heart, As travellers in an unknown land. If 'tis the last time on life's way, We've still the trust of Heaven born, The farewells that on earth we say Will always lead to Heaven's ' Good Morn.' LITTLE MARY. One day a little maid drew near And placed in mine her tiny hand ; She prattled on without a fear, Soothed me as if with magic wand. And as I felt her warm hand clasp, And listened to her simple talk ; I felt a thrill which made me grasp Her hand more firmly on our walk. Oh sweet, confiding, loving trust That for the morrow has no fear, Content to walk e'er onwards, just As if no danger could be near. Can I but learn from you, young friend, To catch the sunshine on my way, 'Twould through my heart fresh cheer oft send And make life brighter every day. 28 LITTLE MARY Could I my Father's hand but clasp, And walk with Him from day to day, As, little maid, you mine did grasp As on we went our pleasant way ; — Could I but have the same bright cheer, Unshaken trust, and simple faith, Life might become still far more dear, And choicest flowers spring on my path. Yet this is what our Father asks From all who are His children dear, In childlike trust to do life's tasks, E'er reaching forth to light more clear. My little maid, still clasp my hand If you such lessons me can teach, For as I journey through the land You'll help me nearer God to reach. HOPE. Sweet Hope, sweet Hope, so dear to me, Which brightens e'en the saddest heart, What would our life be without thee ? How could we act the better part ? Thou makest glad many a morn, Thou givest cheer 'mid noonday heat, At set of sun new joy is born, With thee we never know defeat. Upon our path how oft we find There are steep hills which tax our strength ; Thou lur'st us on our upward climb By thoughts of what we'll see at length. How often dark clouds intervene To dim the view we fain would see, The goal that in our dreams we've seen Fast fades : we're lost upon life's sea. 3 o HOPE Thy presence gilds the darkest sky, And through the storm casts rainbow tints, Before thee seeming dangers fly, Thou giv'st new strength, new thoughts, new hints. * Dear Star of Hope ! shine on our way, Be with us e'er life's journey through, Speak in sweet whispers day by day, Inspire and guide in all we do. And as the little birds oft sing When skies are dark, and wild the storm, So Hope, thy sweetest message bring When most we're weary and forlorn. Bid us arise, and give us sight Behind the clouds to trace the sun, Through darkness lead us up to light, Bring strength and cheer life's race to run. TRUST. * We cannot see our future way, It lies all hidden from our sight ; Still press we forward day by day, And trust that all things will come right. As o'er the past we cast our eyes And see the path that we have trodden, The foes that made our fears arise Have failed before fresh strength from Heaven. The doubts our spirits oft have fret And made our life feel insecure Vanished, when they were boldly met, And gave place unto faith more sure. Difficulties, which too have come To try our patience and our strength, Like mist before the morning sun Have lifted silently at length. 32 TRUST And when there loomed upon our path Grim danger to make us despair, It wanted only courage, faith, To meet it calmly, without fear. So Trust will gently lift the veil As day by day we journey on O'er moor and fen, o'er hill and dale, Until the setting of each sun. Let not to-morrow's toil and care Make dim the brightness of to-day ; But do our duty without fear, And catch the sunshine on our way. Thus let us onwards press again, And trust that God is with us still, That through all darkness and all pain He'll lead us to His Heavenly Hill. THE FORGET-ME-NOT. Thou little flower of daintiest blue, In hedgerow found and garden too, A priceless messenger thou art From many a holy, loving heart. From year to year thou comest near, Dying not with the passing year ; The winter cold may shed thy bloom, With Spring again we see thee come. Oft as I gaze upon thy face When passing by with quickened pace, Thou bring'st from out the hallowed past Sweet memories, which for long do last. Memories of some dear ones who Once walked near me life's valley through, But now have passed beyond the veil, Leaving my sunlit path more pale. D 34 THE FORGET-ME-NOT With tender hand they smoothed my way, And smiled upon me day by day ; They guarded rne from many snares, And tried to help me with their prayers. But now, alas ! it is too late, Since they have passed the Heavenly Gate ; Yet can I think of them as dead, Though they no longer life's road tread ? Oh no, not so, they cannot die, Their spirits live with God on high ; In many a quiet, holy hour They speak to me with quickening power. Is it not well they thus can come To hallow care, and bless the home ? That when the most alone we seem, They whisper to us o'er the stream. If such the thoughts which thou canst bear, Bloom on, sweet flower, from year to year, Remind me of the sacred past, Its loved ones, long as life shall last. THE FORGET-ME-NOT 35 Oft as I gaze upon thy face May tender thoughts in me find place Of those who have been kind to me, Whoe'er they are, where'er they be. And as I pluck thy welcome bloom To give to those who near me roam, I'll always sweetly muse on thee, Forget-me-not, think too of me. FLOWERS. Ye flowers sweet that spring Along my earthly way, What message do you bring From the unknown, I pray? E'en though you have no speech, And grow so silently, You many lessons teach, Have we but eyes to see ? O'er all the earth you bloom ; On mountain slope and height, In fertile vale and combe, Our gardens you make bright. In meadow and hedgerow, By winding river bank, In forest wild you grow ; Of ever varying rank. FLOWERS 37 Of varying size and shape, And many-coloured hue, Our lovely earth you drape, And make it ever new. Without your colours bright, Without your scent so sweet, How little of delight Along our path we meet. However great or small, Where'er your lot is cast, You're faithful to your call So long as life does last. Where'er your place may be In this fair world of ours, You fill it gracefully, Oh, sweet and precious flowers. For self you do not live, You live for all mankind, To all you pleasure give, In this your mission find. 3 8 FLOWERS You make the earth more bright, More sweet, more beautiful, This is your purpose right ; What good from you we cull ! However dark it be, You turn your petals bright, And stretch forth constantly Towards fuller, clearer light. Sweet flowers, may we like you Be faithful through life's day, Brightness and sweetness strew Around our earthly way. And when our work is done, And earth's last course we take, Like you, at set of sun, We'll sleep again to wake. THE MOUNTAIN VIOLET. Besides a rushing, mountain stream A little violet quietly grew, So modest it could scarce be seen, Yet all around it sweetness strew. Upon its brightly-coloured face The glorious sun did often shine ; With sun and shower it grew apace, Nor did it midst its quiet pine. The little birds sang o'er its head, The busy insects round it flew, Few footsteps sauntered near its bed, Its dwelling place not many knew. At morn it lift its gentle face, Made lovelier still by early dew ; At night it kept its lonely place, Shielded by ferns which near it grew. 4 o THE MOUNTAIN VIOLET Yes, there it lived its quiet life, Content to grow, and bloom, and die ; Far, far away from worldly strife, It looked up sweetly towards the sky. Oh, modest flower, like you may I My daily life untiring live ; And, as the time goes swiftly bye, True pleasure all around me give. In darkest as in brightest hour Still let me turn to God my face As to the sun, you, bonny flower, Your petals turn with sweetest grace. Though lowly here my lot may be, Oh, let me beautify ray place, In all my ways God's guidance see, And serve Him e'er with lowliest grace. SPRING. The winter days have come and gone With snow, and hail, and biting frost ; Again we see the glorious sun That almost seemed as if 'twere lost. The short days are lengthening out, A balmier breeze blows o'er the land, The merry birds now fly about And sing for joy on every hand. The gentle rain falls on the ground And wakes to life what once seemed dead, And linked with sun these go their round, Nature b)^ them is onwards led. The tender grass begins to grow, The ferns their tiny fronds unfold, And through creation there does flow A stream of new life, manifold. 42 SPRING The trees which round my garden grow, How many a fierce gale withstand ; Each branch some bursting life does show, We see new growth on every hand. And through the cold and hardened soil The lovely flowers begin to peep, They bring us joy amid earth's toil, From them we always good can reap. Oh, beautiful and joyous Spring ! That comes again so full of glee, Of flowers sweet, and birds that sing ; How gladly do I welcome thee. All things seem instinct with new life, A different feel pervades the air, There's now no time for hateful strife, But work which lighteneth life's care. From tiny seed and leafless tree There cometh beauteous growth and flowers ; Yet, though we cannot fathom thee, We'll commune with thee many hours. SPRING 43 Oh, Giver of the gladsome Spring That breathest into all fresh life ; Once more the ceaseless seasons bring Spring round again with blessings rife. So as thy healthful breezes blow, Destroy in us low aim and care, And help us tiny seeds to sow, To bloom in faith, hope, love, and prayer. And though the rolling seasons be Expressive of the Father's ways, In joyous Springtide do we see Some prophecy of brighter days. But while we muse we cannot tell What name God's fulness can declare ; Within His sight we know we dwell, And feel He has us in His care. A ROBIN'S MESSAGE. It was upon a wintry day When all around seemed cold and bleak The snow across my garden lay, The warm fireside I wished to seek. Above, the sky was dull and gray, The biting winds did blow around, E'en sunny nature lost her play, We heard from her no joyful sound. But, gazing on a leafless tree, I saw a tiny robin there Singing away right cheerily, As if it knew no fear, no care. Sometimes it flew upon the ground, Picked up a tiny crumb or seed, Again the leafless branch it found, It was too busv me to heed. A ROBIN'S MESSAGE 45 It had supplied its simple needs, What cared it now if earth were sad ? It could not show its thanks by deeds, But sing it must, it felt so glad. ' Oh, little bird, why have you come Upon this dull and dreary day ? Why have you left your secret home ? Have you some message, say, I pray ? ' ' Yes, I am but a tiny bird, Of fewest wants and low degree, Yet have you not my message heard ? It is "the dear God cares for me." He blesses me with parents kind, He gives a nest to keep me warm, He gives me wings that I may find My food, and shields me from all harm. I soon supply my simple wants, And then I hop about and fly, I warble forth my warmest thanks, So do I praise the God on high. 46 A ROBIN'S MESSAGE Oh, restless man ! learn this from me, If you would always happy be, Your wants be few, your thanks many, And duty's path strive e'er to see. Since the dear God thus cares for me, A little bird of but few days, Will He to you not much more be A Father true in all His ways ? Then come what may of cloud or sun, Each day your simple duty do, And when at night your work is done, Your evensong of thanks rise too.' MY GARDEN THRUSH. My little feathered friend I gladly welcome you, 'Tis long since you did wend Your flight across the blue. When days are dark and drear, And biting winds do blow, And snow and frost appear, Away from sight you go. 'Tis not for winter bleak Your tender frame is given, Bright sunshine you must seek, From here you then are driven. God calls you then away, Perchance to warmer skies, To serve Him still each day Your merry songs arise. 4 8 MY GARDEN THRUSH Without your sweet, clear note, How dull my garden's seemed ; On you so much I dote, Of you sometimes I've dreamed. I've wondered where you've been Throughout the cold dark days ; But truly God has seen You safe, so Him e'er praise. But once again you've come Into my garden sweet, The same tree is your home, You cheerily me greet. Have you some message clear Brought from a sunnier sky ? To us what do you bear As o'er the earth you fly ? Though but a tiny bird, You still by God are led ; Some whisper you have heard From Him, let it be said. MY GARDEN THRUSH 49 You speak to me of Spring, Of brighter, warmer days ; To me fresh hopes you bring To help to tread life's ways. At early morn I hear You come your thanks to sing ; At sunset you appear Your evening song to bring. How oft throughout each day Your merry notes you fling, And with your ceaseless lay You make my garden ring. From you, my little friend, Can I some lessons learn : With duty thanks to blend, And so God's blessing earn. At morn, ere I begin My daily tasks to do, Let me rejoicing sing My thanks for blessings true. 5Q MY GARDEN THRUSH At nightly set of sun, Ere slumber close my eyes, With thoughts of duty done, My songs of thanks shall rise. And as you fold your wing, Then rest without a fear, May evening to me bring Sweet sleep, without a care. Oh, little merry thrush ! My garden make your home, From leafy tree or bush Sing on, I'll near thee come. Keep near me through the year, Make melody each day, And, if when cold appear, You can no longer stay, With sorrow we will part ; But hope when winters o'er That you'll make glad my heart With sweet songs, as of yore. THE YEAR'S LAST NIGHT. The Old Year's dying in the night, How soon the new one will be born ; What takes the old one from our sight ? Brings in the new a brighter morn ? Have we lost many loving friends ? Do health, or faith, or courage fail ? Are we, as the year's journey ends, On upland slope, low down in vale ? Each day that Thou hast to us given Came laden with fresh thought and hope ; In each have we drawn nearer Heaven, With daily duty learned to cope. Oh God ! as we look up to Thee, And in Thy sight review the past, Our many failures we can see As darkened shadows they each cast. 5 2 THE YEAR'S LAST NIGHT Yet patient with us hast Thou been Though we've so oit forgotten Thee, And when we've failed 'mid struggle keen, New strength has come on bended knee. Though we the past cannot erase, Its many scars not wholly heal, Let freshened hopes in us find place As in Thy sight 'fore Thee we kneel. What this New Year may have in store We do not know, we dare not say, Still may we trust Thee more and more As on we journey day by day. Our path to see we will not pine, Content in faith each step to take, In trust we'll place our hands in Thine, Lead Thou us on for love's sweet sake. Before, we see the loftier height Made radiant by heavenly glow, Towards it we'll climb with armour bright, With faithful, plodding step, though slow. THE YEAR'S LAST NIGHT 53 Once more we journey towards the sun, To warmer skies and lengthening days ; Be it to duties nobly done, To higher truth, and holier praise. Be it as well towards purer laws, Towards sweeter manners, tenderer love ; In pressing onwards know no pause In marching towards Heaven above. 'O As a new friend then comes this year, A gift fresh from the Father's hand ; Each day may His voice seem more clear To guide us through this wondrous land. A NEW YEAR'S THOUGHT. The night was very still and clear, And, as the hour of twelve did chime, I opened wide a window near To hear the bells ring in new time. The merry bells ! how sweet they sound As floating through the midnight air They tell in no uncertain sound The long-expected New Year's here. Oh, New Y r ear ! strange to us thou art, Yet gladly we will welcome thee, From old friends we must sometime part, We hope a new friend thou wilt be. What message do you bring to us From out the secret and unknown ? Is ir too much to question thus ? Let us know it ere thou hast flown. A NEW YEAR'S THOUGHT 55 We feel like children wandering Along a dim and mystic way ; Can't you some light unto us bring To make more clear life's little day. Thou com'st to us so fresh and young, So full of vigour and of glee ; Then sing to us some hopeful song To help us on our onward way. We know not what thou hast in store, Nor where thy devious steps may lead ; But we must trust thee more and more, Through stormy seas or flowery mead. What marvel or surprise thou hast, What hills to climb, what cross to bear ; Each day e'er seems to fly so fast, God takes our hand. We will not fear. New joys to make us glad are sent, Like flowers, they spring up on our way ; Some talents, too, to us are lent That we may use them faithfully. 56 A NEW YEAR'S THOUGHT New thoughts to think, new words to speak, New hopes to brighten as we go, New ideals that we must seek, New seeds of truth and love to sow. And if we cannot trace the path Our trembling feet oft have to tread, We'll journey on in trust and faith That we shall e'er be safely led. So, New-born Year, friends let us be — We'll travel forward without fear, And day by day more clearly see Our Father guides us through the year. SUNDAY. What means this solemn silence round ? What mean these sweetly-sounding bells ? A holier stillness too is found, Which in the heart all tumult quells. They tell another week has gone, With all its anxious toil and care ; Another blessed halt has come To give us strength to do and dare. Sweet day of holy, gracious calm, From earthly bondage glad release, That brings to sorrow, healing balm, That brings the weary, soothing peace. Sweet day of quiet, reverent thought, Of precious memories of the past, Of soul upliftings which are fraught With richest good, which long may last. 58 SUNDAY This day be angry passions stilled ; And through its quickly passing hours With thoughts of peace our hearts be filled, With faith, hope, love, life's sweetest flowers. Oh God ! we'll leave this narrow vale Wherein we spend so many days, And climb aloft till strength does fail, Breathe purer air, sing sweeter praise. So as we toil 'long life's rough way, Sweet resting day, we'll welcome thee, To lead us from low self away, That more of God and Heaven we see. SUNDAY EVENING. Evening shadows gather round, Stilled is every earthly sound ; Father ! in this silent hour Speak to us with quickening power. Lay we down each worldly care In this quiet hour of prayer ; Hush we every anxious fear, Feeling that Our Father's near. Father ! take away all doubt, Give us peace within, without, To our spirits bring sweet rest, Give us visions of the blest. Give unto us sight more clear, Help us now Thy voice to hear ; In this solemn eventide Let us near to Thee abide. 60 SUNDAY EVENING Then when from this House of Prayer We go forth to meet life's care, May we feel this holy hour Touched us with God's quickening power. THE CLOSE OF DAY. Over the busy world The shades of night have come, The sounds of pleasant mirth We hear not in the home. Where once were toil and thought, And speech and laughter free, The darksome night has brought A stillness glad, holy. Without, though it be dark, Within, Heaven's light have sway, Let peace and quiet mark The ending of the day. Ye anxious cares begone, Which fill us through the day, Father, at set of sun In us have Thine own way. 62 THE CLOSE OF DAY If from stern duty's call This day we've gone astray, Father, Thou know'st it all, Why we did not obey. We wish Thy will to do But often are too weak, We wander to and fro, We should near Thee e'er keep. Did we but turn to Thee As flowers turn to the sun We should more clearly see The path to Heaven's well done. As we lie down to sleep Surround us by Thy care, Give us sweet peace, and keep Us free from every fear. Renew our strength and will, Our sight make Thou more clear Life's duties to fulfil, So daily Thee draw near. THE CLOSE OF DAY 63 Father of love Thou art, Thou know'st we would love Thee, With this thought in our heart We'll sweetly rest in Thee. So as the little bird Its cheery song first sings, Making its sweet notes heard, Then folds its tiny wings ; Thus at our close of day Thankful we'll look above, For constant guidance pray, Then shelter in God's love. And when we rise from sleep We joyfully will say God doth us safely keep, And gladly go His way. So Father ! at Thy feet This closing day we lay, As, through its storm and heat, Be with us now we pray. RAIN. Pitter, patter, falling rain, Right against my window pane, Drawing me from self away, There to watch thy merry play. In whatever form thou art There is still for thee some part, Copious shower, gentle rain, Never fall on earth in vain. Stagnant waters to renew, Oceans, rivers, lakes, springs too, Drink refreshing to provide Lowing cattle by their side. Thou dost purify the air, Make the parched earth more fair, Wake to life the dormant seed Which to glorious growth doth lead. RAIN 65 At thy magic touch the earth Is renewed as by new birth, Stately trees fresh beauty show, Sweetest flowers more fragrant grow. After gentle rain the sun, So is nature's work best done, Near each other ever stay, Scattering blessings by the way. Thus we know the freshening rain Never falls on earth in vain, So may Heaven's perennial grace In each find sweet resting place. As then on you, gentle rain, I gaze through my window pane, I will think of you for e'er As a Heaven-sent messenger. CATCH THE SUNSHINE. Oh catch the sunshine while you may, It cannot always last, The sky may become cold and grey Before the day is past. Not always can we hope to see The sun shine bright and clear, So let us ever thankful be When he shines on us here. Beneath his constant glare and heat We soon should faint and tire, And need sometimes a cool retreat To shield us from his fire. Yet when he shines upon our way How glad we always feel, The little birds sing merrily, The flowers their cups unveil. CATCH THE SUNSHINE 67 The little stream more gladsome seems, Its murmur's full of mirth, The air with busy insects teems, Of joy there seems no dearth. Only by sunshine and by shade Can earth its best produce, Without each all things soon would fade, Life be of little use. We'll gladly welcome then the sun, So full of warmth and cheer, And if sometimes the shade must come It will not last for e'er. It passeth silently away, But yet it seems to tell There will soon come a brighter day ; Why not your murmurings quell ? So treasure up the bright sun's rays Upon your earthly way, To fill your heart with cheer and praise When comes a cloudy day. LIGHT AT EVENTIDE. Once more the evening hour has come, The daylight slowly fades away, Yet as we look towards setting sun It seems more bright than through the day. And as he dips 'neath western sky A glorious light he leaves behind Of many tints ; too soon they die, And then 'tis darksome night we find. The glare and heat of day are gone, Our toils and cares we lay aside, How beautiful to see the sun Set with bright light at eventide. And while his glowing tints remain To clothe the earth with beauteous light, A strange calm fills the world we'd fain Keep with us through life's day and night. LIGHT AT EVENTIDE 69 Yet as the sun goes from our sight On other lands he shines again, And bears once more both heat and light, And many a blessing in his train. So Father ! when life's day is o'er, And evening shadows gather round, Lead us to the Eternal Shore, At eventide let light abound. And as we cross the Unknown Sea Oh be Thou near our steps to guide, Do Thou our Strength and Stay e'er be, We'll in Thy sheltering love abide. So ever as from setting sun Some radiant glories we do find, God grant that when our life work's done We too may leave some light behind. Seme light to brighten earth's dark days, To cheer the lonely, weary soul. Some light to guide the wanderer's ways As on he treads towards distant goal. 7 o LIGHT AT EVENTIDE So as each passing day goes bye, And darkening shades with us abide, We'll lift our grateful songs on high, That God gives light at eventide. WITHOUT HASTE, WITHOUT REST. Without haste and without rest, Motto meet for noblest man, If we wish to reap the best This the spirit of life's plan. 'Tis not often greatest speed Makes most progress on the road, Some things take much time to heed, Hurry lightens not life's load. It's not always wise to say Let us ever hasten on, We may miss from day to day Something only known when gone. If we look around our path As we slowly journey on There is much that each day hath To teach us ere set of sun. 72 WITHOUT HASTE, WITHOUT REST Little duties we may do That will make our life more full, Little acts of kindness too, That will brighten lives too dull. Little peeps through hedgerow high O'er the landscape bright and fair, Glimpse of higher life e'er nigh That we miss 'mid haste and care. Quiet nooks where we might rest From the heat and glare of sun, Send us forth with freshened zest Till the whole day's work is done. Many pleasures thus would come On our way to make us glad, But we ever hurry on Passing by them, then we're sad. Thus we see its not all gain That we win with quickening pace, Much we lose that we would fain Have kept with us through life's race. WITHOUT HASTE, WITHOUT REST 73 If we wish to climb a hill Up its steep slopes we must mount Slowly, step by step until Summit gained our steps we count. Slowly, ceaseless, nature's plan, First the blade and then the ear, Large trees spring not o'er the land, They grow slowly year by year. We must e'er remember too Idlers never find a place, The)' oft sleep while others sow, Slow but constant wins the race. Great men reached not with one bound Lofty heights on which they stand, Ceaseless toiled they on life's round, While we rested with clasped hand. Little know we of their pain, How they often longed for rest, But they felt their height to gain They must ever do their best. 74 WITHOUT HASTE, WITHOUT REST Often through the mist and cloud, O'er the torrent wild, and crag, Wind and waters murmur loud Still their spirits never flag. And when they look back and see All the path which they once trod, Weariness and doubt now flee, Since they feel they're nearer God. So if we would make the best Of the life which God has given. Without haste and without rest Is the surest way to Heaven. ONLY A LITTLE. It's only a little leak In the mighty vessel's sides, Yet through it the waters break, She no longer proudly rides. Only a little raindrop Alights on the parched ground, It helps to a richer crop, And freshens the earth all round. Only a little hard seed To cast in some silent earth, So small as to scarcely heed, To what may it not give birth. A tree which upwards shall climb, A flower with beauty or scent May rise in its own due time ; To earth some fresh charm is lent. 76 ONLY A LITTLE Only a little sunbeam Which pierces through the thick haze, Yet sheds o'er the earth some gleam Of brightness where'er we gaze. Only a tiny streamlet Rushing down steep mountain side, On its way by others met It becomes a river wide. Only a little flower, Yet it may gladden some heart, Bring comfort in some dark hour, Give new cheer to do our part. Only a shy little bird That sings on some quivering tree, Yet its merry note is heard, And it gladdens you and me. Only a little sly sin, So little that it's scarce seen, It hardens the heart within, And makes us become more mean. ONLY A LITTLE 77 Only a little habit, Its pressure so gently begins, Yet slowly winds its coils tight Till it binds us firm and wins. Only a sweet little smile, At the time of little cost, Has lightened many a trial In some life sorely crossed. Only a kind little word, A tender clasp of the hand, Has helped when the tempest roared Some tired pilgrim through the land. Only a moist little tear Unbidden flows down the cheek, May help hard sorrow to bear, Give fresh cheer unto the weak. Only a little do you say, Yet that little may grow strong, It may bless in many a way. It may lead us to the wrong. 78 ONLY A LITTLE Each little that leads to life More full, and bright, and fair, Let us hold 'mid keenest strife, Though heavy the load to bear. Each little that leads to light To guide us along our way Let us seize with all our might, Let us keep from day to day. Life's littles do not despise, We know not where they may lead, Let us strive through them to rise To the noblest life and deed. DAILY SERVICE. Not on this day alone would we Oh Father ! thus draw near to Thee, With uplift thought, and heart, and will, That so Thou may'st our spirit fill. Not only in the House of Prayer When we escape from daily care, And thankfully our voices raise In solemn strains of prayer and praise. But often on life's ceaseless round We'd strive to find some hallowed ground, Where sometimes, 'mid the din and strife Our thoughts soar towards the higher life. Not always on the mount can we Thus serve Thee most acceptably, in common duty, daily round, Thy service may be truly found. 8o DAILY SERVICE So Father ! help us every day To serve Thee on life's lowly way, That so before each set of sun More Christ-like we may each have grown. TAKE UP THE CROSS. Take up your cross and follow me Would you my true disciples be, From day to day it must be borne, Though you be weary, faint, and worn. This was the Master's dear command To members of his chosen band, If we his name wish still to bear This too must be our constant care. Take up the cross at break of day, Though steep the path and dim the way, Still bear it bravely, without fear, Remembering that the Father's near. And if amid the noonday glare We sink beneath our load of care, Think then of what the Master bore, Yet fainted not in darkest hour. G 82 TAKE UP THE CROSS When eventide at last has come, We yearn for comfort and for home, Then to the Master turn the heart And learn from him the nobler part. Think how he suffered and was strong. Think how he triumphed over wrong, How he denied himself that we Might learn his followers to be. No Calvary will us await, No dark Gethsemane's sad fate, Still we shall have some cross and care Which sometimes will be hard to bear. Take up the cross and journey on, Nor lay it down till set of sun, If we would hope Heaven's crown to wear From Jesus learn Earth's cross to bear. FOLLOW ME. Oh Master ! we would follow thee However steep the path may be, But on our way clouds oft arise To hide thy footsteps from our eyes. We cannot always hope to see The sun shine forth most gloriously, Nor that our course shall always lie Where quiet waters murmur bye. Not always through green pastures will Our rambling footsteps linger still, Nor will the merry birds prolong Throughout the day their cheerful song. If duty's call we would obey O'er mountain steep may be our way, O'er rushing torrent, dangerous crag, Our weary steps we oft must drag. 84 FOLLOW ME Still wheresoe'er its voice may lead To its stern call we must give heed, Remembering 'twas our Master's way From morning dawn till evening gray. So when the narrow path we tread, And dangers hover round our head, Then Master will we think of thee, And strive like thee faithful to be. We'll ever keep thy cross in view, Symbol of noblest victory too, Thy path with thorns was often strewn, Without some cross there'll be no crown. So Master we will follow thee If thou wilt still our Leader be, In thought we'll place our hands in thine, Let some light from thy cross e'er shine. REST. Oh tell me where shall rest be found ? Rest for the weary and the worn, Those tired with life's daily round, And longing for a brighter morn. Rest for the heavy laden soul Oppressed with burdens and with care, Yet far away from hoped for goal, And feeling life is hard to bear. Is it in standing idly bye ? While others pass us on the way, Is it in selfish plaint and sigh ? Amid the duties of each day. Is it in folding of the hand ? In idle musing, thoughtless aim ; In sauntering idly through the land We ne'er shall gain true rest or fame. 86 REST In change of work, and toil, and care, In loving deeds for others' weal, In noble thoughts and earnest prayer, These will bring with them rest most real. To bring to God our daily task, Howe'er imperfect it may be, And in His sunshine then to bask, And gain fresh light our way to see. And when we are most weak and worn To feel that He is then most near, Will bring us to a brighter morn, And give unto us rest most dear. Oh blessed rest, oh rest most sweet, Come thou to help us day by day, When we most need thee then us greet, And help us on our forward way. NOT DEAD. How sad the hour which cotnes to all When those we love pass on from earth, Beyond our reach, beyond our call, Life seems to us of much less worth. Without their sweet companionship Our lonely way we have to tread, No more we feel their friendly grip, No longer are we by them led. The vacant place by the fireside, The voice now silent as the grave, The pleasant smile, they still abide, And help us often to be brave. We cannot think of them as lost Though now beyond our mortal sight, They've only joined the heavenly host, And ever live in Heaven's own light. NOT DEAD And often to us do they come In holy thought, in quiet hour, To make more sacred still the home, And speak to us with quickening power. We cannot think of them as dead Who still live on in deed and thought, God grant us in their steps to tread, Till we His perfect will have wrought. PATIENCE. We ask for patience, Father dear ! Throughout the daily round of life, To help us when our way's not clear, To keep us calm 'mid angry strife. Not always will stern duty's path Through pastures green our footsteps lead, Sometimes we must walk on in faith Though spirits faint, and feet may bleed. Bright hopes that lighted morning hour May sometimes fade ere noonday glare, Too much we boasted of our power, And then we're filled with anxious fear. How often as at set of sun We ponder o'er the day then past, We feel how little we have done And that its hours have fled too fast. go PATIENCE At every step upon our road Sweet patience ! we have need of thee To help us bravely bear our load, And faith's bright lining clearly see. Compared with God's eternal calm How fitful are our feverish ways, Sweet patience bring us healing balm, More peaceful make our passing days. We patience need to sow our seed, And then to wait for harvest time, To faithful be to lowly deed, When steep our path, to upward climb. God's mills oft seem so slow to grind To our expectant eager soul, Yet in the end we e'er shall find It leads most surely to His goal. Calm patience ! come our brow to cool, To lay to rest our anxious fears, Within us have most perfect rule, And turn to smiles our flowing tears. PATIENCE 91 And when our journey through the land Most tedious seems, each step we take Stretch out a gentle, helping hand To lead us for sweet pity's sake. So lowly virtue with us go Throughout our daily, weekly round, Help us to conquer every foe, That faith, hope, love in us abound. THE LIFTED CLOUD. Over the vale a thick mist lay Which hid the landscape from my sight, Through its dim light all things looked gray, There seemed no gleam of heavenly light. Yet as I gently went along The clouds seemed silently to lift, The birds sang merrily their song, My path looked brighter through the rift. So is it on the earthly way The future is unknown, unseen, Yet as I journey day by day Some kind hand gently lifts the screen. However rough my path may be Still onwards God e'er safely leads O'er mountain height, or stormy sea ; His ceaseless love supplies my needs. THE LIFTED CLOUD 93 It's well that I can never see What lies before me on the way, The future's all a mystery That I unravel day by day. That it has ever in its hand Something of marvel or surprise To lure me through this wondrous land, To help towards nobler heights to rise. So trustfully I journey on, Nor ask what lies before to see, But strive that God's will may be done, Yes, step by step's enough for me. Thus fleeting cloud that dims my way You too may have some use for me, You will not always round me stay But lift that I my way may see. THE VOICE OF GOD. What is this stern, clear voice That often speaks within, Bidding me to rejoice Whene'er I pass bye sin. When dangers hover nigh That bids me look above, And feel my Father nigh With His strong arms of love. Whene'er my path is dim, I scarce know where to tread, It bids me draw near Him, And so by Him be led. When duties I have done That sorely taxed my strength It whispers then " well done," That rest shall come at length. THE VOICE OF GOD 95 When steep the way of life And I am faint and worn, Amid conflicting strife It speaks of brighter morn. When dear friends leave my side, And I feel very lone, It says, though sorely tried, God loves me as His own. It is the voice of Heaven Which speaks within my heart, And has to me been given That I may choose God's part. At morn, at noon, it speaks To point out duty's way, At eventide it makes Me peaceful, after day. I cannot from it roam Where'er I go or stay, It makes in me its home, And must have perfect sway. 96 THE VOICE OF GOD Oh Voice of God e'er speak In accents strong and clear, Make me the good to seek, Make me to God draw near. MY BABY BOY. Jesus took a little child and set him in the midst of them. Across the ages ever comes This blessed saying of the Christ Within these earthly homes of ours A little child shall oft be placed To teach, to lead us, and to guide, And closer to each other bind. And so, to-day, within this home, In fulfilment of ancient word, A little child has gently come From out the vast and deep unknown As token of Our Father's love. So sweet, so helpless, and so weak, A type of purest innocence. H 98 MY BABY BOY This precious one to us is sent To bind more close the ties of love And consecrate this earthly home With love most sacred and divine. Oh little one to us now lent As pledge of our united love And make more glad this earthly home, Be thou a link in chain divine To knit us closer on life's way. Make us mere loving, tender, true, And lead us gently day by day Up, up the mystic stairs of Time. RONALD. I Hwi-; a Baby Boy And Ronald is his name. He is so very small That some him Tiny call. Yet it is passing strange His appetite's so great That oft it's difficult His needs to sati t> . A little timepiece too He seems to have within, Which seldom is too slow, But often is too fast ; And if one minute late Ili.s foi id docs si cm to be I le so soon lets us know 111 in ut not he forgot. Some roguish ways has he ioo RONALD For such a tiny boy Which often make me smile, E'en when the}- try me most. In early morn he wakes Always at the same time When I incline for sleep. "With his great wondering eyes He ever looks around And cries that we may know Attention must be given. Then in his childish way, By speech we do not know, Some little tales he tells. Oh baby, baby dear, Whence have they come to you ? Are they some little dream Out of the vast unknown Which came to you in sleep ? Has your brain been at work When it should restful be ? All this you cannot tell. Only this do I know RONALD ior I like to hear your tales When you choose them to tell, E'en though in early morn When I asleep should be. And soon the time will come When, through the livelong day, Your prattle I shall hear Rejoicing me alway. MY CAT TINY. My bonnie cat Tiny I name, Yet if you e'er saw him You'ld wonder how his name first came, It must have been a whim. But when it was to him first given He was so very small, 'Twas a mistake, to own I'm driven, He now has grown so tall. Under a basket we put him To see what he would do, To tease him so now seems a sin, He did so scratch and mew. But now he's grown so big and sleek, He seems not the same pet That was a kitten small and weak, His ways are now so set. MY CAT TINY 103 How soft and silken is his coat, How beautiful his fur, We cannot help but on him dote Whenever he does pur. In early morn he oft goes out To see what he can catch, He likes to hear the birds about, But they're for him a match. For as he waits, and watches too, And thinks he'll them surprise, Oh then there is a great to do As upwards the birds rise. They fly about from bush to bush And chirp their little song, Oh he would like at them to rush But still he knows it's wrong. And then throughout the quiet day He likes to lie and sleep, It matters little what you say On hearth or chair he'll keep. io 4 MY CAT TINY. And when at last he does awake He loves to stretch full length, Oh what a fuss he then does make, So full of joy and strength. A glad life Tiny 'tis for you, So free from anxious care, When hungry, thirsty, if you mew, You're fed with fondness rare. A pet you always will remain, I love to have you near, So long as you with us will deign To live, you will be dear. So daily as I homeward come Still wait in hall for me, And when at night I cease to roam Come say good night to me. MY DOG DON. I have a dog whose name is Don, So fond is he of play He's always ready for a run, And sometimes runs away. His coat is of a tawny brown Mingled with sable black, So soft it is, like silken down, Whene'er you stroke his back. His eyes so quick they are of sight, His legs so swift to run, To me he's ever a delight, He is so full of fun. His bushy tail he holds upright As he speeds on his way, But if he should receive a fright It hangs down all the way. 106 MY DOG DON He's of a very social turn, And many friends has, that Whene'er he meets them he does yearn To stop and have a chat. It matters not what be the breed, Or colour e'en, or size, Of these he takes but little heed, He sniffs, and barks, then flies. With some he may most friendly seem, He stops and says ' Good Morn,' And then his countenance fair beams As to the manner born. With others he just merely stays, And curtly sniffs and looks, ' You're not my sort,' he promptly says, Then runs to other nooks. One morning on the usual way He met so many friends, I had not time with him to stay, And thought he'd make amends. MY DOG DON 107 But very much to my surprise He did not o'ertake me, And on my homeward path my eyes Nowhere could doggie see. When many, many hours had passed Two boys then came to say That Don had reached the mill at last, And at its door now lay. So the poor dog knew all the way That I wished him to take, He thought I in the mill would stay, He'd watch there for my sake. Oh doggie ! though you oft have brought Me trouble with some trick, Your watching has me something taught, It touched me to the quick. Oh naughty Don ! I tried to say, But still my heart did fail, His faithfulness had won its way As he now wagged his tail. 108 MY DOG DON And so I hope for many a day Don still will be my friend, And follow me upon my way Until his journey's end. RONALD. I wonder what the path will be His tiny feet will have to tread, For life is full of mystery, And we can never see ahead. For like a pilgrim he is here, With sandals and with staff in hand, To journey whether far or near, Across a wondrous, unknown land. What blessings line his onward way, What sorrows come to make him sad, What burdens bear from day to day, How many joys will make him glad. What sweet surprises come to him As patiently he goes his way, From out the great unseen, so dim, We do not know, we cannot say. no RONALD Where will the path of duty lead ? Will it be rugged, hard, and steep ? Whate'er it be 'twill patience need, His wandering feet to steadfast keep. Will success shine upon his way, Or failure grim his courage cool, Will flowers sweet brighten each day, Will duty, love, his actions rule ? Oh God ! the future is unknown, We see not what its path may be, But through life's course we Thee would own, And leave the future all to Thee. This life is such a wondrous gift, For which we owe all thanks to Thee, For all we would our souls uplift, And strive to live most worthily. Be with this little one, we pray, A precious gift unto us given, Oh lead him safely day by day Along life's mystic way to Heaven. RONALD in And grant that he in grace may grow, In sweetness and in virtue too, So long as he remains below To stern duty may he be true. THE INTERNATIONAL UNITARIAN CONFERENCE, BUDA-PEST, SEPTEMBER 6. 1896. Lines suggested by the Service in the Unitarian Church, Buda-Pest, Sunday, September 6th. From differing lands we gather here To voice Our Father's love and praise, To feel His Spirit still more near, In thankfulness our hearts to raise. In varying speech we worship now, Yet to each other we are bound, From heart to heart love's currents flow, Which makes us feel it's holy ground. THE INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE 113 Father ! be with us as we meet, Touch Thou our hearts with sacred fire, And as we one another greet To holier heights may we aspire. Our fathers Thou hast safely brought Through many a trying fiery hour, Still by their children be Thou sought, Still speak to them with quickening power. Now as our spirits soar above May we oh God in Thee be one, One in the fellowship of love, One in the following of Thy Son. THE BI-CENTENARY of BANK STREET CHAPEL, BOLTON, OCTOBER 17 and 20, 1896. Lines suggested and read as a Second Lesson at the Morning Service, on Sunday, October 17, 1896. Two hundred years have come and gone Since first our fathers worshipped here, And though their life work's long since done, Their memory still we hold most dear. To earnest search for Light and Truth, To service pure of God and man, For highest thoughts unfettered growth, This was their spirit through life's span. No grievous fetters they impose On those who after them shall come, The better part we think they chose To leave truth free to find its home. BI-CENTENARY 115 For this their fathers' church they leave, To duty, conscience to be true, Practise they must what they believe, No other course could they pursue. And as to-day we here do meet Before this sacred shrine most dear, We'll pray Heaven's blessing may us greet As now we shed the grateful tear. The sacred trusts to us once given May we still keep unbroken, free, To freedom, truth, to God and Heaven Our noblest powers devoted be. So on this bi-centenary day Upon the hallowed past we'll muse, Father ! be with us now we pray, And help us e'er Thy will to choose. By thought of faithful men and true Who loved and served their Master here May we be stirred God's work to do, And to Heaven's spirit to draw near. MEMORIES OF THE PAST. Ye memories of the sacred past That often haunt me through the day, Beneath your spell time flies so fast, Yet hallow you life's common way. Sweet memories of the hallowed place Where we were born, or went to school, And many a dear and tender face Who strove our wayward wills to rule. Memories too of the place where we First learned we had some work to do In this wide world, wherein we see To self and God each must be true. And forth we went with spirits bold, Not fearing then to stand alone, But trusting we the world might mould, And make its glories all our own. MEMORIES OF THE PAST 117 Memories of many a lovely spot 'Mid Nature's beauties where we strayed, Which happier made our daily lot, And foolish fears to rest oft laid. Memories too of the place where we First learned to stand or walk alone, And longed the wondrous world to see, And felt we had a work our own. Memories of the sacred fane Where, on the rest day of the week, We went in search of heavenly gain, But oft alas it failed to seek. Memories of many a friend most dear Whose tender helpfulness and love Oft made us feel that Heaven was here, Rather than in some realm above. Memories of Mother, Father too, Who gently led us by the hand, And longed that we God's work might do ; A happy, joyous pilgrim band. Il8 MEMORIES OF THE PAST But now their place is vacant here, While we a little longer stay, Their memories make this earth more dear, And help us on our heavenward way. Memories of heights that we have won With aching hearts and bleeding feet, Of loving deeds that we have done, Of friends we can no longer greet. Of ideals once born within And fondly hoped that we might reach, Alas ! how fruitless was our aim, They lie as ruins on life's beach. Sometimes we saw the higher truth, The nobler duty, loftier aim, And went forth with the strength of youth Hoping that we might gain some fame. But life's cares often pressed so sore That 'mid its ceaseless toil and strife This loftier vision clouded o'er, And then we chose the lower life. MEMORIES OF THE PAST 119 The sun sinks in the golden west, And through the night is lost to sight, Oft seems its afterglow the best As we gaze on the westering light. So golden memories of the past Be near to hallow every day, A tender radiance o'er life cast, And glorify life's common way. THE EASTERN QUESTION, 1897. What means this thunder in the air ? This clang of arms and fire ot gun. Why hangs the war cloud heavily ? Is the war fiend at large again, And flows its hideous stream of blood ? Do men's worst passions riot run ? Do they lie stricken on the field ? And thousand homes now mourn the loss Of husbands, fathers, and of sons. Oh ! Mighty God ! stretch forth Thine arm And lay the fiendish warriors low. Avenge Thine own, and strive to make Thy purposes to ripen fast, For lo, Thy thoughts are thoughts of peace. Teach men to feel they are not here To slaughter fellowmen like beasts. Ye boasted concert of the Powers, THE EASTERN QUESTION, 1897 121 Why halt ye so long on your course, ? While barbarous hordes of Turkish rule Run riot o'er the plains of Greece, E'er spreading ruin in their train. 'Tis not for selfish ease and pomp, Nor yet for vain glory and greed Your greatness now has come to you. Stay then at once these barbarous hordes. Bring peace where only strife prevails, Speak firm the word and it is done, Turkey will surely sheathe the sword. And you mighty Powers so proud Teach barbarous nations that by peace, And peace alone true greatness comes. All sheathe your swords and strive for peace, And in one glorious brotherhood Unite for peace, and peace will reign, And bring therewith happy content. So will God's holy will be done, And His Son's Kingdom nearer come. THE DIAMOND JUBILEE, JUNE, 1897. In every Briton's heart be joy To-day throughout this sea-girt land, From east to west, from north to south, For all of every rank and class, Both old and young, both rich and poor Think well of our Beloved Queen. So on her Diamond Jubilee We'll lay aside our work, and play. In varying festive ways we'll meet And pray God's blessing on her rest, And on the land o'er which she reigns. Victoria we will think of you, So full of wisdom and of years, Of sympathy with all that's good. Full sixty years have you been spared To reign o'er this our native land THE DIAMOND JUBILEE, 1897 123 In righteousness, beneficence. You share our joys and sorrows too, And oft from out your royal heart There flows the sympathetic tear. 'Tis said uneasy lies the head That's called upon to wear a crown. Victoria our Empress Queen Can say that she is happy still Since faithful e'er to duty's call. She reigneth not by point of sword But by affection's loyal sway. Unique in English history's page A royal reign so long and good. What changes therein have been wrought ? What all-round progress has been made ! History alone can clearly tell Of sweeter manners, purer laws, Of right that's triumphed over wrong, Of evil conquered, good enthroned, Of wider knowledge, kindlier will Which help to make one brotherhood. So on this Diamond Jubilee i2 4 THE DIAMOND JUBILEE, 1897 We'll lay aside all weary toil. We'll sheathe the sword and sigh for peace. With all throughout the land we'll join And wish our Queen the highest good. And for God's blessing we will pray Upon our country and our Queen. GOD LEADS. God leads us on from day to day, Though rough our path and steep our way, Yes it is He who leads us on Along life's way. Sometimes it's where green pastures lie, Or where the still waters glide bye, Still it is He who leads us on Along life's way. Sometimes o'er moor, and fen, and crag, O'er mountains steep where our steps drag, Still He does safely lead us on His chosen way. Sometimes our way is bright and clear, And sweet flowers on each side appear, Then its His smile that leads us on, And smoothes our way. 126 GOD LEADS Or dark clouds gather overhead, And we scarce know where we must tread, Still through the cloud God leads us on The upward way. Oh Father ! we will trust in Thee, And quiet, hopeful, thankful be, Since Thou wilt safely lead us on The way to Thee. And when our work on earth is done, There comes to us the set of sun, Still near us be to lead us on Safe home to Thee. THE CLOUD WITH THE LINING. It was a calm and peaceful night, The sun was setting in the west, I saw no more his brilliant light, All nature wished to go to rest. A quiet seemed to hover round As nightly shadows o'er me spread, No more I heard earth's busy sound, No longer saw man's hurrying tread. And as I gazed towards western sky A great dark cloud seemed to stand out Just like a mountain towering high, So real it was hard to doubt. In fancy I did try to climb Its grassy slopes and rocky sides, To raise myself to purer clime Where nothing the wide prospect hides. 128 THE CLOUD WITH THE LINING Then as the night breeze blew so loud There came a change of form and light, Reminding me it was but cloud Which merged in darkness of the night. But still behind this towering height A radiant fire could yet be found Which, 'mid the gathering shades of night, Lighted the mountain sides all round. Such glowing tints of red and gold Which artist brush could scarce portray, These made the outlines still more bold Than e'en the clear light of the day. And so this mighty cloud it seems Was clearly lighted from behind, The glowing tints of the sun's beams Impressed its beauty on my mind. How oft upon our earthly way Dark clouds arise we fear to face, Yet as we meet them day by day We pass them bye with quickening pace. THE CLOUD WITH THE LINING 129 At last we find there are but few But have some shining light behind, For every cloud we feel, 'tis true, Has some bright lining we must find. So though weeping be through the night We'll trust that joy will come at morn, That God will give fresh strength and light, That new hopes will in us be born. WHO IS MY FRIEND? Who is my friend ? It is not he That ever seeks to flatter me By honeyed word, or pleasant smile Which he believes not all the while. Who is my friend ? It cannot be He whose heart's full of jealousy, And watches every step I take Lest I more progress than he make. Nor can it even the rich be Who aim to make much use of me, And only care lor me so far As I will help their course to steer. He is my friend my faults does know, And courage has them me to show, Who sees my weakness, yea my sin, And strengthens me without, within. WHO IS MY FRIEND ? 131 Who, full of love, yet sternness too, Helps me my course to start anew, Bids me my cherished sin forsake, To duty's noblest call awake. Who, when success shines on my way, And I grow prosperous day by day, Shields me amid temptation's hour, Reminds me of the Higher Power. Who joys with me when I am glad, And comforts me when I am sad, And when I sink beneath life's load E'er helps me on my onward road. Who points me to the higher truth Which men profess to love, forsooth, Who leads me on the heavenward road Which brings me glimpses of my God. Who watches me with loving gaze However devious be my ways, With tender hand-clasp, pleasant smile, Helps me safe over many a stile. i 3 2 WHO IS MY FRIEND ? Who wipes the tear-drops from my eyes Which from grim sorrows oft arise, And cares for me in all my care, Helps me too many a burden bear. My Father ! such friends give to me, May I of them more worthy be, And oh ! be Thou my constant Friend, To do Thy will be my chief end. MARY'S GIFT. Oh loving soul that bring'st thy gift And lays it at thy Master's feet, Does it seem small ? Only a box That is with spikenard ointment filled. 'Tis all. But thou canst give no more, Yet this how gladly thou dost bring To him who is so dear to thee. And he accepts it graciously As if worth more on that account, For in his sight the widow's mite Is worth more than king's richest gift Because she gives to him her all. The box thou break'st, the ointment pours So lovingly upon his feet, And lo ! its fragrance fills the place. Ah foolish one ! some of them said, How great the waste which thou hast made. i 3 4 MARY'S GIFT Three hundred pence this might have brought Which to the poor could have been given. Oh hard of heart and weak of faith. Why speak you thus to me, I pray ? The gift thou bringest to a friend Should not be worthless to thyself, Else it be not a gift of grace, And is not worth the name of gift Unless thy heart be in it too. And so the Master also thought And Mary's gift immortal made. Let her alone, the Master said, In this hath she done what she could. Yes, Mary, now we understand What brought thee to thy Master's feet With wish to look into his face, And listen to his every word. Some subtle influence went forth Into his nearest followers' hearts Which made them feel that they would give All that they had, their life lor him. We sometimes wish we then had lived MARY'S GIFT And listened to his wondrous words, And felt his touch upon our head Laid tenderly with blessings deep. We cannot bring our gift of love, Like Mary, lay it at his feet. We cannot break the ointment box And pour it tenderly o'er him. We cannot look up in his face Or listen to his helpful words. But still he lives, though beyond sight. His words yet linger in our ears, His name we can take on our lips, His memory cherish in our hearts, The cause for which he lived and died We can still try to make our own. If in his spirit we e'er live, And his disciples strive to be, 'Twill be an offering unto him Worth more than all else we could give. So as we read this tale of old, How Mary served her Master well, How she the box of ointment brake 135 136 MARY'S GIFT And poured its treasures on his feet, Thus precious comfort to him brought And showed her faith and trust in him By pouring out her heart's true love, Its spirit shall sink in our hearts And teach how we can love and serve. THE OTHER SHORE. At night I stood on the sea shore And saw the sun set in the west, And when I could see him no more The busy world seemed all at rest. But still I knew he had not gone ; On other lands he shone again, And though his work might then seem done Those other lands had waiting lain. Yet as I looked across the sea A crimson band of light did stretch, Which seemed to link him still to me As I then stood upon the beach. I stood upon the busy pier And saw the waters ebb and flow, I watched the people gather there To see the vessels come and go. 138 THE OTHER SHORE There was one seemed about to sail For a far distant land and shore, And some watched- there whose hearts did fail As she took friends they'd see no more. For long they stood upon the pier, And watched the vessel from them sail, And then there came the silent tear As from their sight she now did fail. Too often on the earthly way These partings come from those we love, Reminding us how short life's day, And that our true home is above. Yet might it not be though they left Dear friends behind they see no more, In the new land towards which they drift Old friends would greet them on the shore. Some who in those days long gone bye Have left the old world for the new, To found another home to try Round which some new-born hopes might grow. THE OTHER SHORE 139 So thus these voyagers might be A link between the new and old, Those left would oft look 'o'er the sea, Those gone before think of the old. And so when our dear friends are called To pass o'er death's mysterious sea, We think that they have only sailed To some new land we hope to see. They've simply journeyed on before ; When the call comes for us to sail They're watching, waiting on the shore, In trust that we shall not them fail. So thus we see there is some link Which binds the two worlds into one, And though our hearts may sometimes sink Whene'er we feel we're left alone, Yet when we reach the other shore It will not very lonely seem, Since some loved ones have gone before, And we've oft been there in our dream. THE RACE OF LIFE. We've all a race to run From morn till set of sun, E'en from our day of birth Until we leave the earth. Each day with renewed strength We start another length. We must not idly lie, Nor linger with a sigh, Lest some one take our place And so we lose our race. The course is short with some, Soon seems the end to come, Others still longer run Before their work is done. Though short or long it be Most ever come to see There's some work still undone When they their course have run. THE RACE OF LIFE 141 Sometimes the way is steep, Our steps we must plant deep That we slip not again, And thus no fresh ground gain. Sometimes the way is dark, Faint light seems it to mark, Yet still must we press on For fear of set of sun. If smooth the path may be And very clear to see, And flowers spring on its banks, Then heartfelt be our thanks. But loiter we must not Though easy be our lot. E'er onwards must we press And strive the world to bless. Our goal still forward lies, We must there turn our eyes. Aside each burden lay That hinders on the way, Each weight that holds us down, Each sin ere it has grown. 142 THE RA.CE OF LIFE That we more surely run Our race ere day is done. With patience must it be, Then we more clearly see Where we each foot must place, Our path more clearly trace. And as we forwards go Strive e"er good seed to sow. Alone we are not here So we've no cause to fear, Sweet voices lure us on From those who've the race run, For we are compassed round By witnesses. They've found The path of duty best, It leads to heavenly rest. And one there is we know Who ran this race below. He -tarried not, but went Straight on, to duty bent. Naught could turn him aside, A martyr's death he died, THE RACE OF LIFE 143 And from his heavenly home He bids us onwards come. His words like music sound, His spirit hovers round. Jesus can we forget How great to thee our debt. God's well-beloved Son Faithful the race hath run, And shown to us the way To Heaven's more perfect day. Leader on life's highway, To follow thee we'll pray, And as we run our race Towards thee will turn our face. We'll ever think of thee And strive like thee to be. Thus guide us, lead us on, Until our race is run, And comes the dawn of day When shadows flee away. At home we then shall be, More of Our Father see. THE QUIET HOUR. Blest hour of holy, quiet thought, That sometimes comes upon life's way, How sweet when we've some battle fought To shelter 'neath your gentle sway. You visit us at early morn When we from silent night have come, New hopes within us then are born As we go forth life's ways to roam. Sometimes 'mid noonday glare and heat You come to us with soothing power, Awhile we shelter on our beat, Refreshed march on till sunset hour. You come to us at close of day When work is done, ere sleep is nigh, That we may ponder o'er our way, Our penitential tears dry. THE QUIET HOUR 145 Oh sacred hour ! whene'er you come, At morn, at noon, or eventide, A welcome guest be in our home, And leave some blessing to abide. Bring unto us fresh faith and hope, Bright visions of a better time, Then strengthened with life's claims to cope We higher rise towards sunnier clime. Oh quiet, peaceful resting space, A holy Sabbath in the soul, Through you may we some pathway trace To lead us nearer Heaven's goal. DURHAM CATHEDRAL. Upon a steep and rocky height Against which storms for long have beat This old Cathedral proudly stands, Object of interest far and near. Around its base flows River Wear Through wooded slopes of graceful trees On which Autumn her seal had set With many a rich and radiant hue. Oft round this stately pile we walk With measured tread and thoughtful mien. We scan the tombstones which e'er tell The common frailty of mankind. Some venerable now with age, The name and age we can't depict ; Some modern too as yesterday. Bishop and clergy, scholar too Here lie at rest, their work now done. DURHAM CATHEDRAL 147 By Norman arch we enter now Through large and truly ancient door, With antique knocker weird and grim Which criminals oft used to sound That asylum they here might find As they from justice sought to flee. Tradition states, by night and day Two monks e'er watched and slept in turn That one the door could then unlock Whene'er the well-known sound was heard. As at the western end we stand And gaze full length through nave and choir, At east windows with glass so rich, And roof so lofty and so bold, With massive Norman pillars too, At marble pulpit, lectern, screen, In wondering rapture we are lost. Behind the choir then do we stand On ancient shrine, now hollow worn By pilgrim feet, which here have come To worship at St. Cuthbert's shrine. Here too we look upon the place 148 DURHAM CATHEDRAL Where formerly nine altars stood Above which stained glass windows rose Before which men oft paid their vows. Oh ancient, stately, lordly pile ! So massive, grand, yet graceful too, What mighty changes have been wrought Since William of Saint Carilef Built you seven centuries ago ; And venerable Bede was laid In Cuthbert's coffin 'neath your roof. Generations in their turn have come, As surely too have passed away, Yet 'mid so much that fleeting is You still remain, so firm and strong, E'er gathering grace with added years. Throughout the circling year each day Your bell tolls twice for worship here. The swelling organ too is played, And hymn and chant and anthem sung, And praise is heard and prayer intoned. The old have come that they may gain Some peace 'mid lengthening shadows dim DURHAM CATHEDRAL i 49 To comfort them on their lone way. And here the young have gathered too That so God's grace they may receive To consecrate their coming days, And so their path more clearly see. And toiling men and women too Have here their heavy burdens brought, And touched by holy hymn and prayer, And thought of God, and Christ, and man, With memories of the hallowed past, And bright hopes for the coming time, Have felt their burdens lightened, and Once more gone forth with strengthened faith To common round and daily task. So sacred pile, still surely stand, Whatever changes yet may come, To point men's thoughts from earth to heaven, Symbol of faith, and hope, and love. 'Tis true the creeds that men here say I can't repeat or understand. When name of Christ is glibly said To eastern shrine I cannot bow. i 5 o DURHAM CATHEDRAL Some simpler thought of God I want, Of Christ and duty, earth and heaven To help me on my daily course. Still what to me perplexing is May wake in other hearts the seed Of noble effort, holy thought ; To tasks of noblest duty lead. I will not stay to mock or scoff The creed I feel I do not need. So peace to all who come to you To worship in sincerity. While winter storms around you blow And summer suns upon you shine, And you remain still, men to lure To holy and to reverent thought, Heaven's richest blessing you surround. THE QUIET BAY. I stood upon the wave-beat shore Which lay within a quiet bay, I heard man's bus)' voice no more, 'Twas far from his oft crowded way. Above the sun was shining bright, The clouds were floating gently bye, Some merry birds took to their flight Singing so sweetly in the sky. No sound of spindle or of loom Disturbed the quiet of this place, Here holy thoughts had ample room, And seemed to speak with sweetest grace. I watched the placid waters move As wave by wave they nearer drew, E'er ruled by some Great Power above, So full of speech and music too. i 5 2 THE QUIET BAY The little waves came rolling in, Then peacefully they drew away, How surely their way they e'er win, Some certain law they must obey. And yet it is not always so If the wind sweeps across the sea, The waves now softly come and go, Then lashed in fury they will be. With fearful strength they gather near And burst in anger on the shore, They fill the heart with anxious fear Which listens to their awful roar. So thus it seems in nature's plan Both storm and calm alike are found ; But over all is One who can Alter the storm make calm abound. And so it is in daily life, There come sometimes calm resting days When we are free from anxious strife, And it seems easy to give praise. THE QUIET BAY 153 The call of duty leads us on Gently along some pleasant way, Upon us shines the cheery sun, We wish life was one such long day. And then some sudden storm may spring Which calls us from our peaceful way ; There will come storms and angry strife, The sun too shine on many a day. But after winter comes the spring When all is fresh, and bright, and clear, So it may be life's storms will bring A calm most sweet, a peace most dear. So come to us from day to day Some storm or calm, whate'er it be, We'll feel God leads us on our way, And strive in all His will to see. BOLTON A15BEY. In quiet spot 'mid lovely dale Where peaceful Wharf e goes murmuring bye The Abbey still in ruins stands. Seven centuries have passed away Since Augustinian monks came here To make their home, and live their life Of holy worship, thought, and deed, Then left behind their stately home, Their quiet church, and resting-ground Wherein those who their race had run So peacefully at rest were laid. And as we stand and gaze around On beauty rich of hill and dale, Of flowing river, lowing kine, Of lofty tree and graceful fern ; As we inhale the fragrant air And feast on beauty all around, BOLTON ABBEY 155 No more we wonder monks came here That they might plant their much-loved home. Here, far away from busy world, They lived their simple, holy life, By which they thought their God to serve. Now time has left some trace behind In open roof and crumbling wall, And tell-tale tombstone here and there Which speak of those whose course is run And now have crossed the mystic stream Whence no wayfarer can return. Still week by week, within some part Roofed o'er by loving hand of man, Have men gathered to worship God Through the centuries ceaselessly. The monks long since have passed away, Nor left their name on history's page, But the home which was dear to them In ruins stands. Men leave their toil To ramble to this quiet spot And muse upon the distant past. Oh lovely ruin ! still remain i 5 6 BOLTON ABBEY To lure men from life's busy way. May reverent souls still guard o'er thee To keep thee from the spoiler's hand. Oft may men ramble round thy ruins With reverent thought and wondering gaze, And from the quiet, peaceful air, And sylvan beauties spread around Gather fresh thought, and hope, and cheer, To help them on their onward way. HUBBERHOLME CHURCH, WHARFEDA.LE. In lovely Wharfedale, near its head, Far, far removed from busy world There stands a lonely, ancient church. The lofty moors their steep sides rear And almost shade it from our view. Two rough steep roads to lonely dales Pass near, not often travelled o'er. Not distant far from mountain source The little Wharfe goes rippling bye. 'Tis all alone, this moorland church, Save for the parsonage close bye, A farmer's home, and country inn Where, on their steep and rugged way Both man and beast often do stop To quench their thirst and rest their limbs. Since early Saxon, Norman time, i 5 8 HUBBERHOLME CHURCH Through winter storm and summer heat This little church has been a shrine To lead men's thoughts from earth to heaven. O'er moorland height, down lonely vale Have, week by week, hale farmers come To pay their homage unto God. Within, the Norman arches bring Some message from the distant past. Without, its many tombstones tell Of those now gone from earth to heaven. How can we gaze upon its walls, Or even tread its moss-grown graves Without our thoughts being drawn towards God. What changes have been wrought since it First reared its steeple heavenwards ? What generations come and gone Who brought some tale of joy or woe, Unburdened their full heart to God, And asked of Him strength, peace, and joy. Oh lonely, ancient, moorland church ! With all my heart I bid thee speed In thy great work of helping men. HUBBERHOLME CHURCH 159 As the weeks go so swiftly bye May men still gather in thy walls, And feel that God there speaks to them, And throws fresh light upon their way To lead them nearer still to Heaven. THE LIGHTHOUSE. Far, far removed from busy throng. Upon the lonely rock or isle, Or stern and rugged sea-girt coast The lighthouse stands, so firm and sure. For ages past against its base The sea has beat with ceaseless force, Yet still undaunted there it stands. No crowded marts, no noisy streets Discharge their living cargoes near. Not oft is heard the tread of feet ; Only the music of the waves Disturbs the quiet of this place, Now gentle, peaceful as can be And playful as a little child, Then full of stern and awful rage When the rough winds sweep o'er their face And drive them hurriedly before. THE LIGHTHOUSE 161 The lonely bird oft flies about With plaintive cry for daily food, Or builds its nest in rocky cleft. The mighty vessels as they pass Upon their wanderings to and fro, Look to this lighthouse thankfully To guide them in their hour of need. Within this landmark by the sea There lives the trusty keeper too, With weathered face and tawny hands. So far removed from busy world, And thoughts of pleasure and of ease His chief companion is the sea. From day to day through hours of light Some watch is kept o'er neighbouring seas, And when the sun in west has set And night's dark mantle veils the skies The keeper lights the beacon lamp. Through every night throughout the year Steadily shines this beacon light, Flashing its rays across the sea To guide and warn each passing ship. M i62 THE LIGHTHOUSE And was not Christ a beacon light ? To guide men safely on life's way O'er crag and torrent, moor and fen. The music of his words still lives. They bring us comfort give us peace. The beauty of his life still shines And makes more bright stern duty's path. He marked for us the truest road, And still he points the way to God. And cannot we be beacon lights ? Yes, we can shed some little rays O'er earth's dark places as we go, And help to make the world more bright. Oh God ! be this our wish, our aim, Our constant effort and our prayer. Give Thou us strength it e'er to do, That like Thy Christ in olden time We may be well beloved of Thee. WHITBY HEAD. Upon a headland steep and bold Which overlooks the mighty deep I met a woman with her child Walking along with serious air, Then looking steadfast towards the sea. Near at hand an old church stood Surrounded by large burial ground In which men worshipped week by week. Its tombstones told of many a life Which in the ocean had been lost And here had found a resting-place. With her I chatted for a while About the dangers of the sea. Upon its surface wild we looked As many a ship was passing bye ; And gazing anxiously she said, Pointing with hand across the main, i6 4 WHITBY READ ' My sailor boy's bound on that ship From Hartlepool to busy Thames. While his vessel has been repaired He has been home for nigh four weeks, The only time since he first went To sea, now near three years ago. And now once more he's gone away But if and when he may return I do not know. I cannot say. For seven and thirty years I've had To do with sailors and the sea, And now I feel it is enough.' The vessel was far out at sea But still the mother knew 'twas his. She waved her hand across the sea With anxious thought and tender heart As if to waft him a God-speed, Her sailor boy upon the sea. Oh mother heart that yearneth so After her boy, her sailor boy, Now disappearing fast from sight. Who caused thy heart to yearn for him WHITBY HEAD 165 If not thy God who gave him thee ? Do we not then in this behold A spark from the Eternal One Which links us to the Deity. For as the mother loves her child And follows him with yearning heart, So God is Father, Mother too, And all are children whom He loves. Each journeys o'er the sea of life Through storm and sunshine, mist and cloud, But still God watches over us With anxious thought and yearning love. In Heaven there always beats for us A tender, loving parent's heart As mother for her sailor boy. PORT ERIN. Oh lovely bay in sunny isle To which men come for peaceful change, Here near thy shore I'll rest awhile, And o'er thy rocky headlands range. The restless waves with joy I'll watch Advancing on the sandy shore, And strive some healthful breeze to catch While listening to their ceaseless roar. Upon the tower-capped Bradda Head, Which ever keeps strict guard o'er thee, I'll roam about with wondering tread, Then sit, and muse, and restful be. The hardy, golden gorse so bright A flowery halo spreads around, The purple heather's my delight, Nature's wild beauties here abound. PORT ERIN rfj And as I gaze deep down below The waters move with quickening pace, By day they ceaseless ebb and flow, And many a boat glides o'er their face. Far, far away from busy world, so full Of cares and worries here I lie, I hear the cry of plaintive gull, On beauty feast of sea and sky. • Against thy cliffs, so rough and steep How long the maddening seas have beat, A buttress firm against the deep Which passing ships are glad to greet. While man has lived his little life, And generations passed away, Thou seem'st the same beneath time's strife, And restless ones still o'er thee stray. So lovely bay and headland bold That greet me on this sunny isle, Be still a refuge from the world Where weary souls may rest awhile. [68 PORT ERIN May tired limbs and aching heart Weighed down by earthly toil and care Here find new strength for life's stern part, New hopes each day's burden to bear. POTZLINGBERG. Behind the town of Linz in Austria, situated on the two banks of the River Danube, rises a hill on whose summit is a large pilgrimage church. Thither resort large crowds on Saints' days. It was the 16th of August when I was there, the Festival of the Assumption of the Virgin. One of the most important Festivals of the Catholic Church, it is kept as a public holiday; the morning being devoted to religious services, the afternoon to social enjoyment. Upon a steep and lofty hill That rises high behind Linz town By which the mighty Danube flows, There stands a large pilgrimage church Which can be seen for miles around. It was a warm and sunny day In mellow Autumn's August month, To pretty Linz we came to halt A day or two, our tired limbs 170 POTZLINGBERG To rest, its peacefulness to breathe. For we had rambled far and wide And were now on our homeward way. It chanced to be a festive day, A holy saints' day of the church, When busy workers ceased to toil And all seemed filled with other thoughts. From many a village far and near The peasants came in best attire. They thronged the church's sacred floor, Thus did their holier duty first, Then spent their time in festive mirth. It was a calm and mellow day As only Autumn brings to us, And all the country seemed to be As if arrayed in festive garb, So beautiful were trees and flowers, The flowing river, sun and sky. A richness, beauty seemed to fill The earth as at no other time. The peaceful afternoon had come. The sun's first flush had sobered down. POTZL1NGBERG 171 Methought I'd climb this hoiy hill And visit this old pilgrim church. As step by step I slowly rose Upon the steep and toilsome path At stated intervals I came To cross of wood, most roughly hewn, Or sacred shrine with pictures decked, And seat near bye, where one could rest With some thought from the Master's life, And gaze on beauty all around. These were the stations of the Cross At which the pilgrims always stopped To rest, and have a thought of him To whom they felt they owed so much, Then mount again with holier strength. At last when summit I had gained With reverent step I then entered The church, quietly took my place Amongst the solemn worshippers. In awful stillness there I sate, And almost feared to gaze around Lest I some silent prayer should check. 172 POTZLINGBERG My heart was touched by what I saw. How many knelt in solemn prayer, To make confession of some sin, To lift some burden from the soul And ask for pardon and for grace, Then rose and to the altar went And placed some offering on the plate And walked away with softened heart, With holy and with reverent soul That spoke of peace and pardon found. On every hand around I saw Symbols of strange mysterious faith. I could not say the prayers they said. I could not bow before their shrine, Yet would I not the faith despise Which comforted so many souls, And lighted up the path of life With holier thought and brighter hope. Perchance the faith which I held not Might lead in them to sweeter love, And tasks of noblest duty too. In spite that all was sadly strange POTZLINGBERG A deeper reverence filled my heart. I lelt it was good to be there, And hoped that God would hear the prayer Which could not but rise from my heart. As out I came with conscience touched Then on a rough-hewn seat I sate And gazed upon the scene around. And what a glorious scene it was. Below the mighty Danube flowed On its long journey towards the sea, For many a mile through fertile plain, By many a town and village too, By lordly castle, humble cot, By monastery, nunnery too Where life is spent far from the world, By vine-clad slope and golden grain. And as I saw each pilgrim's steps Turn slowly towards the downward path Which led them towards the busy world I thought, oh holy pilgrim church ! What strength and blessing you have given To many a faint and weary soul i73 174 POTZLINGBERG Oft tempest tossed and sorely tried. For many, many centuries Upon this summit you have stood, Perpetual witness unto God, Perpetual beckoner to man To call him from low-lying care And bid him live a life of prayer: And through the ages yet to be This be your constant mission still. Within your walls may peace be brought To many a sad and weary heart, And comfort too and healing balm Come unto many a sorrowing one. May many, many heavy loads Be lifted from the downcast soul, And many a darkened cloud be rent And lit behind with rainbow tints. New thoughts of God within be born, New views of duty, hopes of Heaven. As from Potzlingberg height we gaze Upon a larger, fairer world, So from its church may many see POTZLINGBERG i 75 Some visions bright of days to be ; Feel stirrings of diviner life. Such were my thoughts as I went down Into the vale with measured step, Thankful that to this church I'd been, Thankful for all I'd felt and seen. And as my wandering steps turned home The sun was setting in the west Making the earth more hallowed seem, Touching my heart with holier thought. MORNING. A new-born day is here, The gift of love divine, We thank Thee, Father dear, Help us to make it Thine. Through the dark, silent night Thou hast watched us, and brought Once more the morning light, With countless mercies fraught. A day in which to do Some work for God and man, To prove more faithful too To life's ideal plan. In which some seed to sow Of kindness, truth, and love, Which hour by hour may grow, And lead to Heaven above. MORNING Some purer thought make strong Now struggling towards the light, Some noble hope keep young To make our life more bright. A day in which to drive Away too anxious care, Our Master's will to strive To do, our cross to bear. Stern duty's voice to hear, And better still obey, Some lonely one to cheer, And make more glad earth's way. Through this day's circling round Be near us, oh our God ! May we ever be found Upon the heavenward road. 177 N SATURDAY NIGHT. Once more has come the quiet eve That ends the busy week, All anxious care behind we'll leave ; Our Father's blessing seek. We hear not now the busy hum Of spindle and of loom, The voice of buyer, seller's dumb, For higher thoughts we've room. Amid conflicting noise and strife Of daily toil and care We oft forget that higher life We think of in our prayer. But now our tools we lay aside At ending of the week, In God's near presence to abide, And learn His will to seek. SATURDAY NIGHT 179 We lay our offering at His feet To Whom we owe our all, In trust He gladly will us greet, And hear us as we call. We know it is an offering small, So oft we've gone astray, Though poor we bring to Thee our all, Oh ! turn us not away. And now throughout the darksome night We trust ourselves to Thee, Though dark without within be light, May our sleep restful be. And be the morrow to us given Let it be free from care, And filled with sweetest thoughts of Heaven, Of duty, love, and prayer. Be it a day of happy thought, Of sacred memories too, Whereby fresh strength to us is brought To help us be more true. !8o SATURDAY NIGHT A day to climb some lofty height Above low-lying vale, And catch some glimpse of vision bright Whose glories will not pale. We know not where to-morrow's path May lead us on our way, But trust that it may strengthen faith, And prove a restful day. So Father now we close this week In love, and trust, and pray That if another on us break, 'Twill lead us on Heaven's way. EVENING. Oh Father ! o'er the weary world The falling darkness softly comes, The little birds their wings have furled, And busy bee no longer hums. A peaceful stillness seems to reign O'er what were scenes of toil and care, And anxious toilers seek to gain New strength and hope life's cross to bear. So, at the ending of the day Our daily tasks we lay aside, That we may halt upon life's way, And ask Our Father us to guide. We've oft been deaf to duty's call, Forgotten what is Heaven's will, Yet ceaseless bounties on us fall, Our Heavenly Father loves us still. i8 2 EVENING Be with us through the coming night, Father give restful slumber too, And if again we see the light May we Thy will more gladly do. Be near us too throughout our life, In joy our crown, in grief our stay, Oh hold us safe 'mid keenest strife, Tenderly guide us day by day, And when at last life's curfew bell Shall call us from our home belov, Help us to feel that all is well, Since by Our Father's will we go. SUNDAY EVENING. Once more has come the quiet hour At ending of the Sabbath-day, With thankful hearts we'll bless that Power Whose love has crowned us all its way. For freedom from all earthly care, For holy memories the day brought, Uplifting thoughts and visions rare, Glimpses of Heaven we have caught. For every ray of sunny light Which seemed more bright on this good day, For every throb of pure delight That helped us on our onward way. For sacred hours of praise and prayer In Temple raised in God's dear name, Which brought to us some visions rare Of Him from Whom all blessings came. 184 SUNDAY EVENING For peace and rest which seem to come With healing to the weary soul, For quiet in the earthly home, For promptings towards some higher goal. For new-born faith, and cheer, and power, For brighter hopes of coming time That came throughout each passing hour To help us life's steep hill to climb. Dear Father ! at close of this day We lay our offering before Thee, Give us Thy blessing new, we pray, Through night's dark hours still near us be. And if another day we see, Then call us to Thy service true, Help us more faithful still to be, Help us Thy blessed will to do. THE HEART'S YEARN FOR GOD. Oh Thou Unseen One ! yet how near, Our hearts yearn so for Thee, Do Thou our simple prattlings hear As we draw near to Thee. Encircling us throughout the day, Yet oft we feel Thee not, Oh touch us, Father, now we pray, And sanctify our lot. Thou'rt with us in the early morn When we awake from sleep, New hopes within us then are born, New vows which we must keep. Amid the haste and stress of life We wish thee with us still, To cheer and guide us 'mid its strife, To help us do Thy will. 186 THE HEARTS YEARN FOR GOD When eventide at last has come Daily tasks we lay down, And hushed is the world's busy hum, With sweet peace then us crown. In Thy near presence we would live At morning, noon, and night, To Thee our noblest powers give, And struggle for the right. Throughout each busy, circling day Our hearts would yearn for Thee, Then send us not empty away, Let us Thy glory see. Oh Father ! let us ever feel Thy presence round our way, And as before Thee we now kneel Oh hear us now we pray. NOT ALWAYS. Not always can we trace Thy hand Oh Father ! on our daily way, But as we journey through the land We'll find in Thee our surest stay. Not always can we see Thy smile, Sometimes dark clouds shadow our head, We patiently then wait awhile And soon they pass, so onwards tread. Not always can we Thy voice hear Amid the clash and din of earth, Still we'll go forward without fear, And strive to make our life more worth. Not always can we trace the thread Of Heaven's purpose through our life, Still Father we'll by Thee be led, Thou'lt bring us safely through life's strife. 1 88 NOT ALWAYS So Father, if dark be our way, Thou seemest hidden from our sight, We trust that Thou wilt clear our way And lead us on to Heaven's light. Oh take us gently by the hand And speak to us in accents clear, E'er lead us upwards till we stand In Thy near presence, Father dear. THE SEARCH FOR GOD. Where shall we find Thee ? oh our God Who dwellest all around, Both Heaven and Earth are Thy abode, Yet how canst Thou be found ? Throughout our daily, weekly round We feel the need of Thee, That earth may seem as holy ground, And we Thy will may see. We need Thy strength to hold us up When we often feel weak, Some joys from Thee to fill our cup When life seems rough and bleak. To guide us safe we need Thy hand When we know not our way, Thy voice to lure us through the land, Oh God ! our Guide and Stay. igo THE SEARCH EOR GOD We need Thy smile to bring us cheer When we are sad and lone, Thy peace to help our cross to bear When we to faint are prone. Where then oh God ! shall we find Thee Whom our hearts so much need, 'Tis not in ancient lore that we Only Thy face can see. We see Thee in the mighty sun Which gives us light by day, And all the stars and paler moon From Thee give forth some ray. We see Thee in this wondrous earth Of beauty, grandeur full, Which in the reverent soul gives birth To thoughts, hopes, wonderful. We see Thee through the circling year ; Each season in its train Brings to us all some message clear From which of God we learn. THE SEARCH FOR GOD 191 We see Thee in morn's dawning light Which calls us forth from sleep, We see Thee too at peaceful night, Thou o'er us watch dost keep. We see Thee too at mid-day hour When sun is high in air, Reminding us of Thy great power ; It cheers us 'mid our care. In love of parent, child, and friend We have some spark from Thee, The truest love on earth may tend To bring us nearer Thee. But still, on God ! 'tis not enough To know Thou art around, Our life path is so often rough, Still nearer be Thou found. Oh yes, we know this is not all, We feel Thee in our heart, We hear Thy voice in conscience's call When we have done our part. i 9 2 THE SEARCH FOR GOD In every joy we see Thee too That makes more bright our way, And when we fail Thy will to do Still speak within, we pray. We always need Thy hand to feel To hallow all our life. Our many wounds and scars to heal ; We need Thee 'mid life's strife. We need to trust Thou wilt teach each As we go on our way, That all Thy children Thee can reach If they love, work, and pray. Thy will we'll do, Thy voice we'll hear, Thy hand through life we'll clasp, Our path will then become more clear As we Heaven's purpose grasp. So, Father, may we ever feel Thou art within, around, That we reach to Thee when we kneel In prayer. Then Thou art found. THE SEARCH FOR GOD 193 Oh happy faith to feel God near Along our daily walk, And that He will our lispings hear, And let us with Him talk. That even when our path is dim He's not so far away, But as we strive to reach towards Him He'll meet us on the way. Then as we reach death's silent shore And venture out to sea, Oh may we feel Thee still the more As home we sail to Thee. At home, at home, oh blessed thought, No more to lose our way, Oh with what comfort this is fraught, We're with God night and day. DIVINE GUIDANCE. Father ! beneath Thy searching gaze No act escapes unseen, Thy piercing eyes search all our ways Our hearts from vice to wean. Our thoughts, and words, and secret sighs Are known before their birth, Oh may Thine ever-watchful eyes Rest on us while on earth. In all the varied scenes of life Thy tender care we see, Oh guard us 'mid stern duty's strife, For help we come to Thee. Oh give us grace that we may seek Thy will in all to do, And grant us strength that we may keep To all that's good and true. DIVINE GUIDANCE 195 To duty's path with steadfast heed May we devote our power, To life's great work, by word and deed, Prove faithful every hour. And when alas ! our strength decays, Our feet then halt and stray, Be near to guide us through earth's haze To Heaven's eternal day. GOD SPEAKS TO US. God speaks to us upon life's way Would we but hear His voice, He speaks to us from day to day, Ought we not to rejoice. He speaks to us through sun and shower, Through storm as well as calm, Through singing bird, sweet-smelling flower, All bring sweet, healing balm. God speaks to us through whispering trees With foliage bright and green, And in the wild, tempestuous seas His presence can be seen. From mountains high and valleys low, And gently-winding streams, Some message from Him seems to flow, Each with His goodness teems. GOD SPEAKS TO US 197 God speaks to us in thunder loud, In lightning swift and clear, We think of Him behind each cloud, He is both far and near. Through success which e'er seems to be His smile upon our way, Through failure in which we may see He has something to say. God speaks to us at early morn When we arise from sleep, To say another day is born In which His will to keep. God speaks to us at mid-day hour, Amid life's heat and glare, And when the storm clouds round us lower He bids us not to fear. God speaks to us at setting sun When day is past recall, To ask if we His will have done, Ere we asleep do fall. 1 98 GOD SPEAKS TO US God speaks to us throughout our life, Would we but strive to hear 'Twould calm us 'mid life's angry strife, And hallow every care. God speaks to us within our heart, So near He seems to be, Oh let us never from Him part, In all Him hear and see. A SAFE ANCHOR. It was a rough and stormy day, The wind was blowing strong, I stood and looked across the bay Amid an anxious throng. Across the sky the clouds did chase Each other very fast, They seemed to move with quickening pace As if time could not last. The waters very angry were, The waves were mountains high, They gave to all much cause for fear O'er vessels lying bye. Some boats were driven here and there, I thought they soon must sink, While some rode proudly without fear, Why, I began to think. aoo A SAFE ANCHOR It was that some no anchor had But simply rode at will, The raging tempest drove them mad, They could not remain still. The others let an anchor down Into the mighty deep, It held them safe till storm had flown, Though waves might o'er them leap. While thus I mused, in this I saw A parable of life, From which some lesson I could draw 'Mid earthly toil and strife. For in our common daily round The storms sometimes will come, One day sweet calm alone is found, Our blessings then we sum. And then storm clouds may gather o'er When we scarce know our way, W r e're lost amid the tempest's roar, For guidance then we pray. A SAFE ANCHOR 201 We must our anchor then let down And take of God firm hold, Until our hearts in Him have grown And we are firm and bold. And if within dwell faith and hope, And love e'er reigns supreme, Through darkness we can safely grope, And feel life's not a dream. Around the wildest storms may blow, With God we're anchored sure, 'Tis His sweet will it should be so, His will must e'er endure. Then come what may of storm or shower Our hands in God's we'll clasp, Since sure that His sustaining power Will not let go our grasp. THE REST AND PEACE OF CHRIST. Come unto me all ye who ate weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest. My peace I leave with you. My peace I give unto you. Yes Master we will come That we may have your rest, No longer will we roam, But find your way the best. Weary of toil and strife, With heavy burdens pressed, Throughout our daily life We oft long for your rest. 'Tis not release from care For which you bid us seek, But strength each cross to bear, And duty's path to keep. THE REST AND PEACE OF CHRIST 203 Faith head erect to hold Though dark may be the way, Hope when the outlook's cold To look for brighter day. The rest that you will give Comes from duty well done, It helps us so to live That we life's crown may win. Not outward rest and peace, Not these the Master gave, His struggles did not cease, Himself he did not save. But rest from anxious thought Which comes with inward peace, With calm of soul 'tis brought, And stormy passions cease. Oh rest and peace most sweet, The Master's promise sure, These truly will us greet If only we endure. 2o 4 THE REST AND PEACE OF CHRIST Blest solace of the sad And helper of the weak, Christ's promise makes all glad, And lures us him to seek. When faint, and worn, and weak To Jesus we will turn, His rest and peace to seek, And strive from him to learn. Master hold thou our hand, Give us thy rest and peace, Guide us safe o'er life's strand Until our journey cease. THE DIVINE WILL. Father ! help us Thy will to seek Throughout each quickly passing day, May we Thy laws e'er strive to keep Along life's hard and toilsome way. How weak we are Thou knovvest well, How soon our cruse of strength is spent, Yet Thy voice speaks within to tell Of guidance, strength to suppliants sent. When darkness gathers round our way, Or sorrow dims the light of hope, Then, Holy Father, near us stay To help us with life's tasks to cope. When steep the path we have to tread And we stand trembling at its base By Thee we'll trustfully be led, And do Thy will with sweetest grace. 206 THE DIVINE WILL When dangers seem to hover near, Or on some rocky crag we stand Dim Thou our vision lest we fear, And safely guide us by Thy hand. In all the blessings we receive May we Thy love and goodness trace, In trials which our spirits grieve Still strive to see some angel face. Amid our common daily round Oh help our thoughts towards Thee to soar In prayer, that strength may e'er be found, And faith to trust Thee more and more. CLOUDS. I lay upon the mountain top And watched the clouds pass bye, What message, thought I, do you drop, As here at peace I lie. I know you are not sent in vain, Though short may be your life, You oft are charged with precious rain Which falls with blessings rife. How varied too your colours are From morn till close of day, The sun illumines you from far, Then scatters you away. Sometimes so large, and stern, and dark, So full of awe and fear, Then bright and joyous as a lark With notes so sweet and clear. 208 CLOUDS Sometimes you swiftly cross the sky In ever-varying shape, Sometimes in stately majesty The firmament you drape. Sometimes like mountains high you stand Whose sides, in thought, I climb, You hint of some more glorious land Beyond this world and time. At early morn and close of da)' Your outlines are so bold With many a glowing, gorgeous ray Of crimson and of gold. You sometimes shade the path I take That I scarce see my way, In faith a fresh track I must make, And hope for brighter day. But when you cast your shade around, And make my path more dim 'Tis that when dangers stern surround I'm safely led through them. CLOUDS 209 Beneath the full glare of the sun I soon should faint and tire And sink before the day was done, In vain could I mount higher. I know behind the darkest shades The sun somewhere still shines, And when you pass the dimness fades, With good my path God lines. Oh clouds ! in mercy are you sent To lure me on my way, You seem to come as blessings lent, However brief your stay. So as on mountain height I rest There cometh clouds and sun, It's hard to choose which is the best, God's will by each is done. In trust I'll fix my gaze on high For I feel God is there, And gather strength, as here I lie, For cloud or the sun's glare, p 210 CLOUDS Thus, passing clouds, speed on your way, More varied make the sky, Fulfil your mission day by day, And lead my thoughts on high. ANOTHER BIRTHDAY. Another birthday, Father dear, This morning greets me on my way, Thy sweetest whisper let me hear, And feel Thee near me through this day. So often 'mid the strife and din Of daily conflict, toil, and care, I strive my selfish way to win, And lose myself amid earth's glare. I need some special day and time To lead me from low self away, That I some secret mount may climb And learn to watch, and wait, and pray. And such a day has come at length Which summons me to serious thought, When I may halt and gather strength, And think of battles I have fought. 212 ANOTHER BIRTHDAY As on this quiet height I stay And see the path that I have trod, How many joys have crowned each day, How safely I've been led of God. Strength has been given my work to do, Duties to fill the passing hours, Joys have sprung up on my path too, And lined it as with wayside flowers. Yet, sometimes too, the clouds have come, And made my path seem dark and drear, God's mercies then I try to sum, His whisperings I try to hear. And then the clouds have rolled away, The bright sun has once more been seen, I found the darkness did not stay, That joys spring up where sorrow's been. How often I my vows forgot, How often wandered from Thy sight, Yet Thou hast me forgotten not, But led me on towards clearer light. ANOTHER BIRTHDAY 213 Another year I bring to Thee With every failure and mistake, Oh Father ! pity, pardon me, If only for sweet pity's sake. I lay it sadly at Thy feet Since I its course can ne'er retrace, How much of chaff instead of wheat, Look down on me with tenderest grace. So as upon the past I muse And see where I have missed my way, Help me anew the right to choose, Still lead me onwards day by day. If I should try to see before The path Thou wishest me to tread, I know it's wisely clouded o'er, That step by step by Thee I'm led. So Father, take me by the hand, And lead me nearer day by day, Though rough and stony be the land, And I grow weary by the way. 2i 4 ANOTHER BIRTHDAY Yet keep me ever by Thy side, Nor suffer me from Thee to roam, In Thy near presence I'll abide Until at last Thou lead'st me home. For this new year that's dawned on me I thank Thee, oh Thou Father dear, I'll strive more faithful still to be, Still more to feel Thee ever near. What it may have for me in stoie I do not know, I cannot see, But let me trust Thee more and more, And strive Thy faithful son to be. And if more days on earth are given Let me devote them Lord to Thee, That stepping-stones they be towards Heaven, Where all at last will gathered be. Another year of opening morn, Another year of setting sun, With each new hopes in me be born, In each Thy will more fully done. MAY. The sweet May days have come again, So full of sun and showers, We'll strive to forget every pain Amid the springing flowers. The air more pure and bracing seems Before the summer's glare, The hedgerow too with flowers teems So homely, sweet, and fair. How voiceful too the birds e'er sound As they fly through the air, The cuckoo's call does now abound, And larks sing free from care. How beautiful are all the trees Decked in their new-born green, As through the gently passing breeze Their foliage can be seen. 2i6 MAY The busy bees too, how they hum, As they fly on their way, Reminding us as near they come Of flowers sweet and gay. Oh merry month we e'er love thee, Thou art so bright and fair, So full of freshness and of glee, So free from anxious care. But beyond this we look to thee As to a gateway fair Through which thou leadest us to see The glories of the year. So as we wander through thy days Begone too anxious care, We'll learn from thee how best to praise While we life's burdens bear. THE SKYLARK. Oh merry bird that sings so sweet From out the deep blue sky, I gladly your sweet song e'er greet As the warm days draw nigh. Throughout the long dark winter days I know not where you've been, I'm. glad you've come again to praise, And that once more you're seen. I like to hear your cheerful song Though you do fly so high, Far, far away from busy throng Your course e'er seems to lie. In many a quiet country place I often sit and gaze To see if I your course can trace As your clear voice you raise. 218 THE SKYLARK It's very difficult I own, So very small you are, You move so quickly, you have flown From where I thought you were. Yet often through the clear bright air Your merry notes are heard, So free you seem from every care, My little warbling bird. I wish I could with you oft rise Above low-lying earth, And 'mid the bright and sunny skies Catch something of your mirth. And then amid my toil and care Remember oft my song, And strengthened by some vision rare Be faithful in life's throng. From year to year dear skylark sing, Your songs I love to hear, O'er earth let your sweet warblings ring, They seem to bring good cheer. FALLING LEAVES. Ye falling leaves that strew The path on which I tread I'm sorry to lose you, You surely are not dead. Of every size and shape, And varying color too, The landscape you well drape With glories ever new. A little while ago Upon the trees you hung, The wind did round you blow, The birds around you sung. You made the trees so gay With tints of green and brown, And now they're bare and grey, And all their beauty's flown. 220 FALLING LEAVES As now the time has come For you to pass away I feel I cannot sum The good you've done each day. You tell me winter's near With cold, and frost, and snow, When it is hard to bear The winds which oft do blow. Though withered, brown, and sere, And dead you seem to be, Still you've done your work here. And so away you flee. Yet not in vain has been The time you spent on earth, You gladdened many a scene With beauty since your birth. On you the sun did shine, The rain fell on you too, Through veins, cells, tubes so fine You helped the trees to grow. FALLING LEAVES 221 And when your work was done A richer glory came With setting of your sun Which made you all aflame. And now you scattered lie, By wind tossed to and fro, And as you hasten bye You seem to murmur so. Of you sometimes we'il think Through the long winter days, And with our thoughts we'll link Some tender, grateful praise. On many a summer day You've made my heart so glad, And brightened too life's way That I could not feel sad. The birds your death now mourn And fly away from here To seek some other bourn Where leaves will still be near. 222 FALLING LEAVES Oh rustling leaves that lie Upon my path all round, Since you, alas ! must die More rich you make the ground. And when at set of sun The summons comes to me May I, my work well done, Like you, still glorious be. THE BIRD'S AUTUMNAL SONG. You merry little bird Whose cheerful notes are heard On this dull autumn day, Accept my thanks, I pray. Your friends have flown away To spend their winter day 'Mid brighter, clearer skies, Where the sun still will rise. But you still linger here As if you scarce knew fear, And if I'm lone and sad Your song will make me glad. You fly from tree to tree So quickly, I scarce see, And your glad notes still ring E'en while you're on the wing. I stand to look at you, You oft elude my view, Yet your clear notes I hear, They sound as if quite near. 224 THE BIRDS AUTUMNAL SONG The leaves now soon will fall, The flowers wither, all, Come winter's frost and snow When the cold winds will blow. Then all will seem so dull, Of dreariness so full, 'Mid this depressing gloom For you there's always room. So little friend still stay, Oh do not go away, But sing your cheerful song Throughout the winter long. And when for food you want E'en though my store be scant Some crumbs for you I'll place, Take them and sing your grace. Whene'er its very cold I pray you then, make bold Within my greenhouse fly, Amongst my flowers pry. THE BIRD'S AUTUMNAL SONG 225 Then perch upon some plant, And little songster grant To me some song to raise, Some joyous notes of praise. Safe shelter from alarm, To you shall come no harm, At morn, noon, eventide Sweet singer, there abide. Oh can I from you learn When life seems cold and stern To ever thankful be, In all my God e'er see. For though the earth seem drear You sing to me good cheer, And as I go my way I'm safely led each day. So on this autumn day Sweet messenger still stay, While all around looks drear Sing me a song of cheer. Q AUTUMN. The mellow autumn time is here With luscious fruit and golden grain, The richest season of the year, When earth yields man so much of grain. How lovely looks the golden grain As it waves in the passing breeze, It's grown apace 'neath sun and rain ; How glorious too are all the trees. The summer freshness may have gone Which clothed the trees in brightest green, But still more lovely they have grown With autumn's tints, than we've e'er seen. With what a charm the earth is filled Of sweetest scent and glowing tint, All anxious thought should now be stilled Since of earth's riches there's no stint. AUTUMN 227 A beauty gilds the waning year We in no other season see, Of sunset tints and balmy air, Of flowers, fruit, and ruddy tree. Oh God ! Thou lead'st us through the year From early spring to autumn brown, Thy laws are sure, why need we fear, Since needful crops once more have grown. 'Tis true the days are shortening fast, And warbling birds scarce more are heard, Rich autumn's glories will not last, Yet still we know Our Father's near. But glorious autumn we love thee, Thy fruits and flowers, tints and scent, And in thy beauties we can see God has some message to us sent. What cheery message do you bring ? Sweet harvest season of the year, For time is ever on the wing, And we now face the waning year. 228 AUTUMN We know your leaves are falling fast, And now your flowers so soon decay, Oft comes along the stormy blast And blows them hurriedly away. You tell us of a Father's love Which does each child of earth surround, That though He dwells in Heaven above He on the earth too can be found. You tell us of a Father's care, A Father's ceaseless bounty too, Which ever bring us blessings rare And strength our daily tasks to do. And as in early days of spring The farmer sows his tiny seeds Which, in the autumn, surely bring Rich harvesting for human needs ; So if each day we sow some seed Of kindness, goodness, truth, and love, They'll blossom into fruitful deed, And make earth more like Heaven above. AUTUMN 229 And as we gaze o'er earth's fair face Throughout this lovely autumn time God's love of beauty we can trace Helping our thoughts higher to climb. So gladly with each circling year The harvest song we e'er will raise, As home the golden sheaves we bear Our Father's bounty we will praise. THE SHORTEST DAY. The shortest day once more is here That tells the waning of the year, The darkest hours we leave behind In trust still brighter ones to find. The dying year now soon will pass, How quickly time now flies, alas ! It seems but yesterday since we First hoped this year a friend might be. But some dear friends have passed away, Bright hopes have faded many a day, Heights we had hoped to climb at length Have proved too much for our scant strength. Yet Father we will not despond Nor look too eagerly beyond, But thankfully receive each day, And trust Thou'lt guide us on our way. THE SHORTEST DAY 231 Behind we'll leave the cloud, the shade, And fleeting fancies that soon fade, We'll journey onwards towards the sun, With patience strive our race to run. Before us lie the lengthening days Wherein Our Father's name to praise, His glorious will fulfil anew, And strive to be more faithful, true. The future may be all unknown, And sometimes we feel all alone, Our Father will not let us stray, But bless us on our onward way. Then come what may with the new year We'll go to meet it without fear, E'er hoping, working for the best, And trust Our Father for the rest. So hail we now the shortest day However dark may be our way, Though frost and snow, though ice and hail, And winter's cold may now prevail, 232 1HE SHORTEST DAY Once more will come the summer sun And joyfully his course will run, Make the earth blossom 'neath his sway, Make glad man's heart from day to day. The glorious season is at hand When joy prevails throughout the land, When peace and good will should abound, And more of Christ in us be found. S welcome, welcome shortest day, That brings the parting of the way, We'll forward look with gladsome cheer, Knowing Our Father's ever near Alfkku Blackshaw and Sons, Printers. Bolton. UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LIBRARY Los Angeles This book is DUE on the last date stamped below. Form L9-40m-7,'56(C790s4)444 PR 5548 T79m