 | Coffin's Poems with Ajax' Ordeals |  |
137
II. PART II.
Children's Corner.
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Children's Corner.
“Little Children Love One Another.”
—Bible.
I wish that I had the power
To dedicate this chapter,
There's not a single hour,
My soul it don't enrapture.
To dedicate this chapter,
There's not a single hour,
My soul it don't enrapture.
I wish I knew just what to say,
To introduce this part;
Its on my mind both night and day,
It penetrates my heart.
To introduce this part;
Its on my mind both night and day,
It penetrates my heart.
I wish I had the children here,
Well, then I couldn't write;
My mind would be in such a cheer,
My heart in such a flight—
That I would not believe my eyes,
That I was not in Paradise.
Well, then I couldn't write;
My mind would be in such a cheer,
My heart in such a flight—
That I would not believe my eyes,
That I was not in Paradise.
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Children's Kisses.
I John, 3:7.
Sometimes we kiss for passion's sake,
Sometimes we kiss through love;
Sometimes we kiss and make mistakes,
Our kisses should be gloved.
Sometimes we kiss through love;
Sometimes we kiss and make mistakes,
Our kisses should be gloved.
We never know when lips impart,
If it is false or true;
But if its from the children's heart,
Just rest assured its pure.
If it is false or true;
But if its from the children's heart,
Just rest assured its pure.
We ne'er have thoughts unsatisfied,
Which children's kisses bring;
No tearful eyes for hope denied,
Nor taste of bitter things.
Which children's kisses bring;
No tearful eyes for hope denied,
Nor taste of bitter things.
We ne'er have sense of fallen pride,
No reason for resentment;
No thoughts of wicked Lethe's tide,
The child's kiss brings contentment.
No reason for resentment;
No thoughts of wicked Lethe's tide,
The child's kiss brings contentment.
The hope of endless better things,
The kiss of children wakes,
And stirs our hearts, till conscience sings
And hearts with gladness break.
The kiss of children wakes,
And stirs our hearts, till conscience sings
And hearts with gladness break.
If all the kisses on the earth,
Were pure as little children's,
And I could get my conscience's worth,
My kisses would be millions.
Were pure as little children's,
And I could get my conscience's worth,
My kisses would be millions.
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“The Time of the Singing of Birds is Come.”
Solomon's Song, 2:12.
I sought the sanctum of a bird,
I wanted information;
I simply asked for just one word,
To help in dedication.
I wanted information;
I simply asked for just one word,
To help in dedication.
Chirped the birdie, “Its an honor,
If it is for the children;
For their holy, sacred corner,
I'll give you half a million.”
If it is for the children;
For their holy, sacred corner,
I'll give you half a million.”
“Little sisters, little brothers,
I've a message from above;
Told to me to tell to others,
Its a heart brim full of love.”
I've a message from above;
Told to me to tell to others,
Its a heart brim full of love.”
“While time is fresh and hope is new,
While youth is lingering nigh,
Keep noble things within thy view,
Look up toward the sky.”
While youth is lingering nigh,
Keep noble things within thy view,
Look up toward the sky.”
“I often think how the angels
Are near us both night and day,
Let us prevent evil passions,
From driving them far away.”
Are near us both night and day,
Let us prevent evil passions,
From driving them far away.”
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“Just like dear, good little children,
Let's try to obedient stay,
Of the sins and strifes of this world,
And we'll hear what angels say.”
Let's try to obedient stay,
Of the sins and strifes of this world,
And we'll hear what angels say.”
Heart Thieves.
I John, 3:18.
There is a band of little thieves,
That often 'round me dart,
And like the wind that takes the leaves,
They steal away my heart.
That often 'round me dart,
And like the wind that takes the leaves,
They steal away my heart.
Sometimes they catch me unawares,
And e'er I get my breath,
The heart is gone, I know not where,
But still I'm not bereft.
And e'er I get my breath,
The heart is gone, I know not where,
But still I'm not bereft.
Sometimes they come when both my eyes,
Are fixed upon them straight,
And all at once to my surprise,
The precious heart they take.
Are fixed upon them straight,
And all at once to my surprise,
The precious heart they take.
Sometimes they come in regiments,
By tens, by fives, by twos,
And sometimes even only one,
But yet the heart is due.
By tens, by fives, by twos,
And sometimes even only one,
But yet the heart is due.
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No matter when or how they come,
Though I know they are thieves.
The heart's door is always open,
And gladly does receive.
Though I know they are thieves.
The heart's door is always open,
And gladly does receive.
And if they fail to steal my heart,
The heart is sadly grieved;
And nothing save those little rogues,
Such sadness can relieve.
The heart is sadly grieved;
And nothing save those little rogues,
Such sadness can relieve.
Sometimes at home, sometimes at school,
Sometimes upon the street;
No matter where, it is the rule,
The heart gives them a greet.
Sometimes upon the street;
No matter where, it is the rule,
The heart gives them a greet.
Sometimes it catches one of them,
And when its not amiss,
The heart turns thief itself—what then?
It quickly steals a kiss.
And when its not amiss,
The heart turns thief itself—what then?
It quickly steals a kiss.
And when the heart is so bereft,
O'er wicked ways of men,
It receives new strength from the thought
“These little ones don't sin.”
O'er wicked ways of men,
It receives new strength from the thought
“These little ones don't sin.”
And all the influence that I have,
Which to these thieves is given,
Is pointing out the way that leads
Their little souls to heaven.
Which to these thieves is given,
Is pointing out the way that leads
Their little souls to heaven.
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They take the heart at early dawn
Way off to Paradise,
And show it to the blood-bought throne,
Around the living Christ.
Way off to Paradise,
And show it to the blood-bought throne,
Around the living Christ.
They take the heart at sultry noon,
Into a cooling breeze,
Where all of life's hardships make room
For what we call “heartsease,”
Into a cooling breeze,
Where all of life's hardships make room
For what we call “heartsease,”
They take the heart at eventide,
When daily toil is ended;
They take it where the stars abide
And have its tissues mended.
When daily toil is ended;
They take it where the stars abide
And have its tissues mended.
And when the heart lays down to sleep,
While in a pensive dream,
These little thieves around it creep,
And makes the rest serene.
While in a pensive dream,
These little thieves around it creep,
And makes the rest serene.
They take the heart at dark midnight,
And wander far away,
Into the land of pure delight,
Where midnight is as day.
And wander far away,
Into the land of pure delight,
Where midnight is as day.
My friends, I guess you know by now,
Who these thieves are in part;
The Savior loves the little rogues,
The children steal my heart.
Who these thieves are in part;
The Savior loves the little rogues,
The children steal my heart.
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God Sees.
When I rise at early morn,
Need I fear of any harm—
God sees.
Need I fear of any harm—
God sees.
When I run about and play,
If I 'tempt to go astray—
God sees.
If I 'tempt to go astray—
God sees.
When my mama whispers low,
“Baby you do so and so”—
God sees.
“Baby you do so and so”—
God sees.
If I disobey her rule,
Or if I am rude at school—
God sees.
Or if I am rude at school—
God sees.
If I do the thing that's right,
Whether it be day or night—
God sees.
Whether it be day or night—
God sees.
If I do a thing that's wrong,
Even though I hide it long—
God sees.
Even though I hide it long—
God sees.
When I'm through with all the day,
And I kneel at night to pray—
God sees.
And I kneel at night to pray—
God sees.
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After I am gone to bed,
If I cover up my head—
God sees.
If I cover up my head—
God sees.
Even when I'm sound asleep,
While the angels 'round me creep—
God sees.
While the angels 'round me creep—
God sees.
So you see I never fear,
God's protection's ever near—
God sees.
God's protection's ever near—
God sees.
Children and Mother.
I John, 1:4.
Isn't it noble children dear,To have a mother's voice to hear,
A mother to honor and to love,
And watch that you the right way rove?
Once 'pon a time, I was a child,
And I enjoyed a mother's smile,
Since she's gone to a happy home,
I have felt at times all alone,
But your influence now I feel
Gently across my senses steal,
And undefined, resistless spells,
Bring to me thoughts I cannot tell.
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And from your letters hear her speak.
Seraphic sounds, more sweetly dear,
Than when from her they met my ear.
Dreams of you, dear children, keep
Your vigils 'round me while I sleep,
And wiping off the sorrowing tears,
Bring back the thoughts of other years.
Bright are the joys your spells create,
They place our minds in happy state,
For music's charm is weak and faint,
To that which children's love can paint.
But now I will not take your time,
For thou art mine, and mine are thine;
Thine by creation's mystic skill,
Which formed and doth sustain us still,
Thine by the more endearing love,
Which sent a Savior from above,
Our souls to save, our lives to bless
With hopes of untold happiness.
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Santa Claus on New Years Eve.
It seems to me that all of xmas had gone,
And the new year would be in the coming morn,
And it seems to me 'twas Santa Claus that said:
“I know that the children are safely in bed,
I'll just leave my reindeer and slily steal out,
And take a good peep at the gifts strewn about.”
The first place he went to dwelt six reckless boys,
And in a sad plight did he find all their toys,
The drums, it was awful, each one of the six,
Was riddled with holes—there was not a drum stick.
A dog with his tail gone, a horse with no head,
A wagon wheel tied to the wagon with thread,
And Santa Claus, you know he felt awful bad,
He stood there and looked disappointed and sad.
And then Santa went where dwelt three tiny girls.
All sweet little maidens, with cute dangling curls.
He said: “They're not boys with such rough, careless ways,
For girls can be happy in much quieter plays,”
But O he was shocked when he entered in there,
A doll with both legs off lay under the chair.
A little bird, eyeless, with feathers pulled out,
Reposed on a bed with its tongue in a pout,
The tea sets so scattered that Santa Claus said:
“I feel very sick—I'll go home and to bed.”
But some one then asked him to sit in a chair,
And things were explained to him while he was there.
They told him that toys wrecked and broken but rise
To take on new value in little folk's eyes,
Those drums—'twas a pity—it can't be denied,
The boys longed to see all the noises inside;
The boys found out that they were hollow, no doubt,
We all pay big prices some things to find out,
So, Santa, don't plan any vengeance next year,
These toys, worn and broken, are none the less dear,
And Santa, all children are not that way,
For some have their toys on the next xmas day.
Then Santa said: “Yes, I'd forgot childish days,
I now feel hop'd up, you've explained childish plays.”
Then Santa Claus was asked to give them a speech,
And this is the way that the old man did preach.
And the new year would be in the coming morn,
And it seems to me 'twas Santa Claus that said:
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I'll just leave my reindeer and slily steal out,
And take a good peep at the gifts strewn about.”
The first place he went to dwelt six reckless boys,
And in a sad plight did he find all their toys,
The drums, it was awful, each one of the six,
Was riddled with holes—there was not a drum stick.
A dog with his tail gone, a horse with no head,
A wagon wheel tied to the wagon with thread,
And Santa Claus, you know he felt awful bad,
He stood there and looked disappointed and sad.
And then Santa went where dwelt three tiny girls.
All sweet little maidens, with cute dangling curls.
He said: “They're not boys with such rough, careless ways,
For girls can be happy in much quieter plays,”
But O he was shocked when he entered in there,
A doll with both legs off lay under the chair.
A little bird, eyeless, with feathers pulled out,
Reposed on a bed with its tongue in a pout,
The tea sets so scattered that Santa Claus said:
“I feel very sick—I'll go home and to bed.”
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And things were explained to him while he was there.
They told him that toys wrecked and broken but rise
To take on new value in little folk's eyes,
Those drums—'twas a pity—it can't be denied,
The boys longed to see all the noises inside;
The boys found out that they were hollow, no doubt,
We all pay big prices some things to find out,
So, Santa, don't plan any vengeance next year,
These toys, worn and broken, are none the less dear,
And Santa, all children are not that way,
For some have their toys on the next xmas day.
Then Santa said: “Yes, I'd forgot childish days,
I now feel hop'd up, you've explained childish plays.”
Then Santa Claus was asked to give them a speech,
And this is the way that the old man did preach.
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“We can hear the muffled tread of noiseless years,
And they bear the stream of both our smiles and tears,
They are loaded down with hopes and dreams sublime,
As they come stealing up the scope of time,
We are near the threshold of the open door,
We are treading where we've never trod before
And our days are on a loom and their chimes,
And their warp and woof are past and future times.
We are near where the old year is at an end,
And we know that the new will soon begin.
The year that is leaving may be blotted,
But the new one is clear, its page unspotted.
Let us make each day a record page clear,
Then we'll have a clean volume for the year.
Let us grasp now the key of inspiration,
And wind our lives with new determination.
That through the year now coming clear and bright,
We'll trust in God and advocate for right.”
Then Santa Claus, he nicely bowed his head,
And said the thought of speaking he did dread.
And they bear the stream of both our smiles and tears,
They are loaded down with hopes and dreams sublime,
As they come stealing up the scope of time,
We are near the threshold of the open door,
We are treading where we've never trod before
And our days are on a loom and their chimes,
And their warp and woof are past and future times.
We are near where the old year is at an end,
And we know that the new will soon begin.
The year that is leaving may be blotted,
But the new one is clear, its page unspotted.
Let us make each day a record page clear,
Then we'll have a clean volume for the year.
Let us grasp now the key of inspiration,
And wind our lives with new determination.
That through the year now coming clear and bright,
We'll trust in God and advocate for right.”
Then Santa Claus, he nicely bowed his head,
And said the thought of speaking he did dread.
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A Chat With the Boys.
I've been a boy myself,
And with boys I play,
But I'm for solemn chat
With the boys today.
And with boys I play,
But I'm for solemn chat
With the boys today.
You are just in prime, boys,
Life is on ahead,
Its responsibilities
Never learn to dread.
Life is on ahead,
Its responsibilities
Never learn to dread.
Never look behind, boys,
Up and on's the way;
Time enough to look back
On some future day.
Up and on's the way;
Time enough to look back
On some future day.
Though the way be long, boys.
Fight it with a will;
Never stop to look behind
When climbing up a hill.
Fight it with a will;
Never stop to look behind
When climbing up a hill.
First be sure you're right, boys,
Then with courage strong
Strap your determinations
And move right along.
Then with courage strong
Strap your determinations
And move right along.
You are not always boys,
Some day you'll be men.
But now is the time, boys
For you to begin.
Some day you'll be men.
But now is the time, boys
For you to begin.
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When you're near the top, boys,
Of the rugged way,
Do not stop to look around,
But climb, climb away.
Of the rugged way,
Do not stop to look around,
But climb, climb away.
Shoot above the crowd, boys,
Brace yourself and go,
When you meet obstacles
Strike them with a blow.
Brace yourself and go,
When you meet obstacles
Strike them with a blow.
Success is at the top, boys,
Waiting there until
Brain, and pluck, and self respect,
Have mounted up the hill.
Waiting there until
Brain, and pluck, and self respect,
Have mounted up the hill.
He Knoweth and Loveth You.
Can you count the stars that glimmer
In the azure of the sky?
Do you know how many cloudlets
O'er the world go fleeting by?
God, the Lord, has each one numbered,
Not a star or cloud so small
But His watchful eye has noted,
God, the Father, knows them all.
In the azure of the sky?
Do you know how many cloudlets
O'er the world go fleeting by?
God, the Lord, has each one numbered,
Not a star or cloud so small
But His watchful eye has noted,
God, the Father, knows them all.
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Do you know how many children
From bright morn to close of day,
Free from sorrow, toil and trouble.
Merry hearted, laugh and play?
God in heaven knows and loves them,
Cares for all they say or do—
Guards them in his tender keeping
And he knows and loveth you.
From bright morn to close of day,
Free from sorrow, toil and trouble.
Merry hearted, laugh and play?
God in heaven knows and loves them,
Cares for all they say or do—
Guards them in his tender keeping
And he knows and loveth you.
Industry in Children.
Proverb 22:6.
There's enough, dear children,
To do in the house,
To keep you as busy
As a little mouse.
To do in the house,
To keep you as busy
As a little mouse.
There's enough, dear children,
To do all about,
And if you will try, you will
Soon find it out.
To do all about,
And if you will try, you will
Soon find it out.
There's enough, dear children,
To do anywhere,
So hurry around and
Do your full share.
To do anywhere,
So hurry around and
Do your full share.
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And children, whatever you
Do, do it well,
People always, in looking it
Over, can tell.
Do, do it well,
People always, in looking it
Over, can tell.
If mama and papa desire
You should work,
Go at it cheerfully, don't
Grow up a shirk.
You should work,
Go at it cheerfully, don't
Grow up a shirk.
When you are out with your
Playmates at play,
Make it as merry as
Bird songs in May.
Playmates at play,
Make it as merry as
Bird songs in May.
And when you grow up to be
Women and men,
You'll know how to overcome
Evil and sin.
Women and men,
You'll know how to overcome
Evil and sin.
The future, the future just
Over the way,
Is patiently looking for
A better day.
Over the way,
Is patiently looking for
A better day.
Its hanging, dear children,
Upon your hand,
And is ready to march
At your command.
Upon your hand,
And is ready to march
At your command.
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Therefore you are soldiers,
Captains and guards,
Lead your playmates and be
Led by your God.
Captains and guards,
Lead your playmates and be
Led by your God.
Vacation's Ending.
I John, 5:21.
Dear children, the hour is near,
Look 'round in every nook,
And get your slate and pencil,
And find that absent book.
Look 'round in every nook,
And get your slate and pencil,
And find that absent book.
The summer's sun is sinking
The nights are getting cool,
Vacation's disappearing,
It's almost time for school.
The nights are getting cool,
Vacation's disappearing,
It's almost time for school.
A few more days, then Monday,
You'll hear the ringing bells,
Then you will all be coming
Vacation news to tell.
You'll hear the ringing bells,
Then you will all be coming
Vacation news to tell.
You have had lots of play time,
Lots of recreation;
Take hold of your studies now
With new determination.
Lots of recreation;
Take hold of your studies now
With new determination.
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It's very grand, dear children,
That you can go to school.
Study well each lesson and
Obey your teacher's rule.
That you can go to school.
Study well each lesson and
Obey your teacher's rule.
A dear little girl is she,
Who likes to go to school;
A very naughty boy is he,
Who daily breaks the rule.
Who likes to go to school;
A very naughty boy is he,
Who daily breaks the rule.
You'll have by day and by night,
Mama and teacher say:
“Be good my child, do things right,
And thorough be always.”
Mama and teacher say:
“Be good my child, do things right,
And thorough be always.”
These words on my ear doth fall,
And these words I must tell:
“Whatever is done at all,
Is worth the doing well.”
And these words I must tell:
“Whatever is done at all,
Is worth the doing well.”
Love your mother and your teacher,
Love your instruction too,
Love your God who rules above,
And to yourself be true.
Love your instruction too,
Love your God who rules above,
And to yourself be true.
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Telephone to Heaven.
A little child with her aunty came
Into a certain store,
But the merchant was busy waiting
On those who came before;
The child asked many questions and her
Aunty would reply:
“That's so and so. You must be quiet,”
And then she'd give a sigh.
Into a certain store,
But the merchant was busy waiting
On those who came before;
The child asked many questions and her
Aunty would reply:
“That's so and so. You must be quiet,”
And then she'd give a sigh.
“Well, aunty, wat is dat nittle box wid
All dem strings tummin down?”
“Why, baby, that's a telephone where they
Talk all over town.”
“I want to talk dat telephone.” “No
Darling, not today.”
“Well, net dat man tum talk for me
I tell him wat to say.”
All dem strings tummin down?”
“Why, baby, that's a telephone where they
Talk all over town.”
“I want to talk dat telephone.” “No
Darling, not today.”
“Well, net dat man tum talk for me
I tell him wat to say.”
The merchant overheard all this and
With a pleasant smile,
He thought within himself what he
Would say to please the child.
And the child had concentrated
All its thoughts upon the 'phone,
'Till the merchant and the woman
And the child were all alone.
With a pleasant smile,
He thought within himself what he
Would say to please the child.
And the child had concentrated
All its thoughts upon the 'phone,
'Till the merchant and the woman
And the child were all alone.
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“Now I can wait on baby,” the
Smiling merchant said,
As he stooped and softly toyed with
The curly little head.
“I want oo to tall up mama,” came
The answer full and free,
“Wif zo telephone and ast her when
She's tummin back to me.”
Smiling merchant said,
As he stooped and softly toyed with
The curly little head.
“I want oo to tall up mama,” came
The answer full and free,
“Wif zo telephone and ast her when
She's tummin back to me.”
“Tell her I so lonesome 'at I don't know
What to do,
And papa cries so much I dess he must
Be lonesome too.
Tell her to tum dis eve'ing, tause at night
I dit so fraid.
Wif no mama here to take me when the
Night dins to fade.
What to do,
And papa cries so much I dess he must
Be lonesome too.
Tell her to tum dis eve'ing, tause at night
I dit so fraid.
Wif no mama here to take me when the
Night dins to fade.
And ebry day I want her, for my
Dolly's dot so tored,
From the awful punchen buddy give it
Wif his little sword,
And aint no body to fix it since
Mama went away,
And poor little lonesome kittie's ditten
Thinner every day.”
Dolly's dot so tored,
From the awful punchen buddy give it
Wif his little sword,
And aint no body to fix it since
Mama went away,
And poor little lonesome kittie's ditten
Thinner every day.”
160
“Sweet child,” the merchant murmured as
He touched its anxious brow,
There's no telephone connection where
Your mama's living now.”
“Aint no telephone in heaven?” and
Tears came to her eyes,
“I fought dat God had everthing wif
Him up in the skies.”
He touched its anxious brow,
There's no telephone connection where
Your mama's living now.”
“Aint no telephone in heaven?” and
Tears came to her eyes,
“I fought dat God had everthing wif
Him up in the skies.”
The woman with a heavy sigh, and
Child walked out the door,
And the merchant he was puzzled as
He'd never been before,
And he said, I'll ever strive to make
Myself a telephone,
Through which the little children can
All “know as they are known.”
Child walked out the door,
And the merchant he was puzzled as
He'd never been before,
And he said, I'll ever strive to make
Myself a telephone,
Through which the little children can
All “know as they are known.”
Excelsior.
Rev. 21:11. 19:1.
(To the memory of Alma, a little niece, born September
12th, 1888, died May 30th, 1891. An angel.)
'Twas in the bleak September,
The flowers were gone;
When our loving flower,
Dear Alma was born.
The flowers were gone;
When our loving flower,
Dear Alma was born.
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The flowers came and went,
And came and left once more;
But when they came again,
Alma thought she'd go.
And came and left once more;
But when they came again,
Alma thought she'd go.
I asked myself the question,
“Why take one so dear?”
Spoke my heart full sadly,
“The answer is not here.”
“Why take one so dear?”
Spoke my heart full sadly,
“The answer is not here.”
God hath his mysteries,
Ways that we cannot tell;
He hides them deep like a sleep,
Of them he loves so well.
Ways that we cannot tell;
He hides them deep like a sleep,
Of them he loves so well.
She had played, and needed
A little wayside rest;
Could she have found a better place
Than her dear Savior's breast?
A little wayside rest;
Could she have found a better place
Than her dear Savior's breast?
Her earthly mission was love
To and from ev'ry one,
She's gone to be rewarded,
In lands beyond the sun.
To and from ev'ry one,
She's gone to be rewarded,
In lands beyond the sun.
Sleep on, precious Alma,
Take your eternal rest,
Mama and papa're coming
To take you to their breast.
Take your eternal rest,
Mama and papa're coming
To take you to their breast.
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Weep not beloved parents,
The Lord, He knoweth best,
Your child's not dead but sleeping
In God's angelic nest.
The Lord, He knoweth best,
Your child's not dead but sleeping
In God's angelic nest.
She was radiant in beauty,
Perfect, glorious, bright,
God wanted her for a setting
In His crown of light.
Perfect, glorious, bright,
God wanted her for a setting
In His crown of light.
When the dead now sleep in Jesus,
Rise in forms that are fair,
Then shall we meet our jewel,
Our treasure rich and rare.
Rise in forms that are fair,
Then shall we meet our jewel,
Our treasure rich and rare.
Our diamond, sapphire, our ruby,
Our dear little opal of love,
Our pearl, most precious jewel,
We'll meet her in heaven above.
Our dear little opal of love,
Our pearl, most precious jewel,
We'll meet her in heaven above.
Where are the Boys.
A question I would like to ask,
To answer it may be a task.
But the thought cannot be masked,
Where are the boys?
To answer it may be a task.
But the thought cannot be masked,
Where are the boys?
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Congregations' service of song,
Thou who workest against all wrong,
Canst thou help us find the throng?
Where the boys are?
Thou who workest against all wrong,
Canst thou help us find the throng?
Where the boys are?
Young People's Club at Baptist church,
Thou who for the boys doeth much,
Canst thou answer for us on such?
Where are the boys?
Thou who for the boys doeth much,
Canst thou answer for us on such?
Where are the boys?
Epworth League at Wesley chapel,
Thou who for the boys doth battle,
Canst thou just one answer grapple?
Where are the boys?
Thou who for the boys doth battle,
Canst thou just one answer grapple?
Where are the boys?
These reply to us in sadness,
We throw out our wings in gladness,
But the boys go by in sadness,
No boys are here.
We throw out our wings in gladness,
But the boys go by in sadness,
No boys are here.
Pastors, while at morning service,
Telling men of God's own mercies,
Baffling all these earthly curses,
Where are the boys?
Telling men of God's own mercies,
Baffling all these earthly curses,
Where are the boys?
Pastors reply with saddened heart,
The true answer we cannot start,
When the truth we try to impart,
No boys are there.
The true answer we cannot start,
When the truth we try to impart,
No boys are there.
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Mothers! thou who hast all power,
To begin these human towers,
Canst thou tell at this late hour,
Where the boys are?
To begin these human towers,
Canst thou tell at this late hour,
Where the boys are?
Mothers with the fashions and styles,
Have not time to lose with the child,
Hence the answer comes with a smile,
The boy's all right.
Have not time to lose with the child,
Hence the answer comes with a smile,
The boy's all right.
At half past nine o'clock at night,
Up and down the streets in a flight,
Some at play and others in fights,
There are the boys.
Up and down the streets in a flight,
Some at play and others in fights,
There are the boys.
On the corners they congregate,
In wicked oaths they conversate,
With a cigarette puff they state,
We are not boys.
In wicked oaths they conversate,
With a cigarette puff they state,
We are not boys.
Thus they are moving down life's stream,
Grasping all things low and mean,
Soon we will hear a mother scream
Where is my boy?
Grasping all things low and mean,
Soon we will hear a mother scream
Where is my boy?
This is the way they get their start,
The county farms will get their part,
Then we hear mother's broken heart.
Where is my boy?
The county farms will get their part,
Then we hear mother's broken heart.
Where is my boy?
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Then they wish time in its flight
Could make him a child for one night,
O! on what a different plight,
They'd start their boy.
Could make him a child for one night,
O! on what a different plight,
They'd start their boy.
Too late, too late, will come the cry,
Neglected days have hastened by.
Hence we will hear both sobs and sighs—
Where is my boy?
Neglected days have hastened by.
Hence we will hear both sobs and sighs—
Where is my boy?
In the year of nineteen ten,
There'll be a mighty call for men,
What can we give as answer then?
Where were the boys?
There'll be a mighty call for men,
What can we give as answer then?
Where were the boys?
The nation's cancer makes a dust,
And moral virtue calls out thus,
Mothers, thou who hast all the trust,
Where are the boys?
And moral virtue calls out thus,
Mothers, thou who hast all the trust,
Where are the boys?
Mothers! You have power to save,
Down life's long stream you start the wave,
Mothers! keep not our minds enslaved.
Where are the boys?
Down life's long stream you start the wave,
Mothers! keep not our minds enslaved.
Where are the boys?
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Children's Day.
I John, 4:4.
Children, when you read that sweet story of old,
When Jesus was here among men,
How he called little children as lambs to his fold,
Wouldn't you liked to have been with him then?
When Jesus was here among men,
How he called little children as lambs to his fold,
Wouldn't you liked to have been with him then?
Though you could not see His kind look when he spoke,
You can only read the story
You are greater today while under his yoke,
Than all of Solomon's glory.
You can only read the story
You are greater today while under his yoke,
Than all of Solomon's glory.
Though before our time death frost came to lie
Upon his warm and mighty heart,
And it quenched His bold and tender eye,
His spirit did not all depart.
Upon his warm and mighty heart,
And it quenched His bold and tender eye,
His spirit did not all depart.
That spirit now from thousands of pens,
Is thrown upon the lucid page,
It's moving, it shakes the heart of men,
In this golden, yet sinful age.
Is thrown upon the lucid page,
It's moving, it shakes the heart of men,
In this golden, yet sinful age.
It's showing the children how to go,
To witness a part of His love,
And if we will seek Him here below,
We will see Him and hear Him above.
To witness a part of His love,
And if we will seek Him here below,
We will see Him and hear Him above.
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He's gone away, only to prepare,
For those whose sins are forgiven,
And many children have gathered there,
For such is the kingdom of Heaven.
For those whose sins are forgiven,
And many children have gathered there,
For such is the kingdom of Heaven.
Come, look in my eyes little children,
And tell me through all the long day,
Have you thought of your God and your Savior,
Who keepeth from sin all your ways?
And tell me through all the long day,
Have you thought of your God and your Savior,
Who keepeth from sin all your ways?
When you go to rest little children,
Right over your innocent sleep,
Unseen by your vision, His angels
Their watch through the darkness doth keep.
Right over your innocent sleep,
Unseen by your vision, His angels
Their watch through the darkness doth keep.
They heareth e'en the cry of the sparrows,
They careth for great and for small;
In life and in death, little children,
Their love is the truest of all.
They careth for great and for small;
In life and in death, little children,
Their love is the truest of all.
Then we'll pray that the love which guideth,
The lambs that they loveth so well,
May lead you that in life's bright morning,
Beside the still waters you'll dwell.
The lambs that they loveth so well,
May lead you that in life's bright morning,
Beside the still waters you'll dwell.
Since there's a world that's beyond the grave,
And children are all hastening there;
While you are in your youthful strength,
Incline your dear hearts to prayer.
And children are all hastening there;
While you are in your youthful strength,
Incline your dear hearts to prayer.
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Put your trust not in this world, children,
Which has for you thousands of charms,
Though they catch the fancy a moment,
To the soul they all doeth harm.
Which has for you thousands of charms,
Though they catch the fancy a moment,
To the soul they all doeth harm.
We are faced by sinful influences,
But our Savior was crucified;
For your sins and my sins dear children,
He suffered, He languished, He died.
But our Savior was crucified;
For your sins and my sins dear children,
He suffered, He languished, He died.
But He went and buried His sorrows,
Knowing that we all had our share;
And He opened a crystal fountain,
And bid children enter there.
Knowing that we all had our share;
And He opened a crystal fountain,
And bid children enter there.
You children were made for life's battle,
And God's sword is girt on your thigh;
And the purpose of God is overthrown,
If you only linger and sigh.
And God's sword is girt on your thigh;
And the purpose of God is overthrown,
If you only linger and sigh.
For our lives are coinages of heaven,
To be spent in a coinage of love;
'Till all the realms of earth below,
Are as pure as the realms above.
To be spent in a coinage of love;
'Till all the realms of earth below,
Are as pure as the realms above.
We are strangers, we are pilgrims,
But Christ our eternal brother,
Whispers from out His blood-bought throne,
“Little children, love one another.”
But Christ our eternal brother,
Whispers from out His blood-bought throne,
“Little children, love one another.”
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I wish that your thoughts so heavenly were,
And your hearts to Christ so given;
That all our toils, our love, our care,
Might lead us nearer to heaven.
And your hearts to Christ so given;
That all our toils, our love, our care,
Might lead us nearer to heaven.
Were it in my power dear children,
To set all of sin's pinions free;
Your paths should be paved more smoothly,
Throughout time to eternity.
To set all of sin's pinions free;
Your paths should be paved more smoothly,
Throughout time to eternity.
Let us all try-daily to forge a key,
To open the gates of heaven,
If we make that key the hearts of men,
The bolt will be backward driven.
To open the gates of heaven,
If we make that key the hearts of men,
The bolt will be backward driven.
The Simple Reason.
III John, 1:4.
The sweet month of May was drawing to a close,
The month of hope and promise, of leaves
And sunshine that clothes the earth
With smiles, but fills many hearts with tears,
By calling the victims of consumption to its
Green gloom. It was the evening of the
Holy Sabbath. The public worship was near
Over, and never since has my heart been
So deeply touched as by the songs they sang.
The children's voices sounded above all others.
The month of hope and promise, of leaves
And sunshine that clothes the earth
With smiles, but fills many hearts with tears,
By calling the victims of consumption to its
Green gloom. It was the evening of the
Holy Sabbath. The public worship was near
Over, and never since has my heart been
So deeply touched as by the songs they sang.
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They were singing, sweetly singing,
It was a lovely Sabbath day,
And the evening air was ringing,
About the little child, Angel May.
They sang of her stately sadness,
How 'twas whispered in heaven afar,
How she asked the watchman one favor.
To set the beautiful gates ajar,
“Only a little, I pray thee,
Set the beautiful gates ajar.”
“I can hear my mother weeping,”
Said the child in a trembling tone,
Feeling that heaven she couldn't enjoy,
With mother on earth alone,
She felt that when the gate was closed,
Her mother couldn't see her so far;
So she cried, “O angel give me the key,
And I'll set the gate ajar,
Only a little I pray thee,
Set the beautiful gate ajar.”
It was a lovely Sabbath day,
And the evening air was ringing,
About the little child, Angel May.
They sang of her stately sadness,
How 'twas whispered in heaven afar,
How she asked the watchman one favor.
To set the beautiful gates ajar,
“Only a little, I pray thee,
Set the beautiful gates ajar.”
“I can hear my mother weeping,”
Said the child in a trembling tone,
Feeling that heaven she couldn't enjoy,
With mother on earth alone,
She felt that when the gate was closed,
Her mother couldn't see her so far;
So she cried, “O angel give me the key,
And I'll set the gate ajar,
Only a little I pray thee,
Set the beautiful gate ajar.”
The warden knew not a mother's worth,
Hence could not feel for the child,
And prompted by heavenly duty,
He answered her with a smile.
And when the child impressed it,
Speaking of mother afar,
The warden answered “I dare not
Set the beautiful gates ajar,”
In a low calm way I dare not,
“Set the beautiful gate ajar.”
Then up rose Mary the blessed,
The mother of the Savior of men,
Who knew the child's young feelings,
Who had motherly feelings within,
She laid her hand on the angel,
Whose feelings were just at par,
The warden, seeing her expression,
Set the beautiful gate ajar—
Just for the sake of the mother,
Set the beautiful gate ajar.
Hence could not feel for the child,
And prompted by heavenly duty,
He answered her with a smile.
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Speaking of mother afar,
The warden answered “I dare not
Set the beautiful gates ajar,”
In a low calm way I dare not,
“Set the beautiful gate ajar.”
Then up rose Mary the blessed,
The mother of the Savior of men,
Who knew the child's young feelings,
Who had motherly feelings within,
She laid her hand on the angel,
Whose feelings were just at par,
The warden, seeing her expression,
Set the beautiful gate ajar—
Just for the sake of the mother,
Set the beautiful gate ajar.
Turned was the key in the portal,
Fell ringing the golden bar,
And, lo, in the little child's fingers,
Stood the beautiful gate ajar.
Fell ringing the golden bar,
And, lo, in the little child's fingers,
Stood the beautiful gate ajar.
With exultation I was about to rise when
A stir was made, and a man rose whom
I can never forget. He was an old man
Upon whose frame the years of a
Century had left their traces; while
As snow his white beard hung upon his
Breast; and although the lower part of his
Face was sunken by extreme age, his eyes
Beamed with a fadeless benevolence and his
Brow had scarcely a wrinkle. They told me
Afterward, that he was the most loved
Companion of Christ and in sweetness of tem-
Per most like the children.
A stir was made, and a man rose whom
I can never forget. He was an old man
Upon whose frame the years of a
Century had left their traces; while
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Breast; and although the lower part of his
Face was sunken by extreme age, his eyes
Beamed with a fadeless benevolence and his
Brow had scarcely a wrinkle. They told me
Afterward, that he was the most loved
Companion of Christ and in sweetness of tem-
Per most like the children.
Unable to support himself, he was carried
Forward in the arms of his friends to the
Little rostrum at the end of the room.
All rose to greet him, and even little children
Looking up into his face with affectionate
Joy, as he whispered “Bless the children.”
Having reached the stand, he attempted to
Speak, but failing, sunk into the arms
Of friends.
Eyes swam in tears,
Hearts melted in sorrow.
After a little, he revived. They raised
Him up again. He looked around like a
Father taking his last farewell, then
Stretched forth his hands above the group,
And, while tears ran down his cheeks,
He cried with tremulous voice,
“Little children love one another.”
Forward in the arms of his friends to the
Little rostrum at the end of the room.
All rose to greet him, and even little children
Looking up into his face with affectionate
Joy, as he whispered “Bless the children.”
Having reached the stand, he attempted to
Speak, but failing, sunk into the arms
Of friends.
Eyes swam in tears,
Hearts melted in sorrow.
After a little, he revived. They raised
Him up again. He looked around like a
Father taking his last farewell, then
Stretched forth his hands above the group,
And, while tears ran down his cheeks,
He cried with tremulous voice,
“Little children love one another.”
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He could say no more. It was his last
Sermon. He looked around upom them again
With a smile of divine sweetness and
His lips moved, but we heard nothing. His
Eyes fell upon me and with a feeble gesture
He beckoned me to him and seemed to read
My countenance. “Sir,” said I, “You and
The children almost persuadest me to
Be a Christian. You are fixing to
Leave me. The children will be with me,
We are to battle life for each other. I
Pray thee leave me thy grace.”
Grasping my hand he said, “I leave
You seven words, give them to the
Children, they are Faith, Hope, Charity,
Peace, Joy, Truth and Love.”
“Father,” said I, “can't you tell me what is faith?”
He whispered distinctly—
“Faith is that which you see descending
Down from the realms of celestial light,
Something that's on the cross depending
Guiding children through this life aright.”
And what is hope?
“Hope has a sight which nerves the weary,
And all of its brightness in luster shines,
It lights the path when all life seems dreary,
It cheers when all our strength declines.”
And what is charity?
“Charity comes in and helps soothe the dying,
Its ears are open to the orphan's wail,
It hears the voice of the homeless crying,
It feeds the hungry and protects the frail.”
And what is peace?
“Peace is a calm, meek, tender glory,
That fills our souls with the pride of life,
It helps the youth and the age when hoary,
It is free from passion, from war, and strife.”
And what is joy?
Joy comes pure as a fragrant flower,
Its blossoms are scattered along life's stream,
It cheers the heart in its youthful hours,
And lulls men's cares like a merry dream.”
And what is truth?
“Truth comes in a majestic splendor,
And its light shines in all honest souls,
It makes men just, in their nature tender,
It gives all strength to character it holds.”
Sermon. He looked around upom them again
With a smile of divine sweetness and
His lips moved, but we heard nothing. His
Eyes fell upon me and with a feeble gesture
He beckoned me to him and seemed to read
My countenance. “Sir,” said I, “You and
The children almost persuadest me to
Be a Christian. You are fixing to
Leave me. The children will be with me,
We are to battle life for each other. I
Pray thee leave me thy grace.”
Grasping my hand he said, “I leave
You seven words, give them to the
Children, they are Faith, Hope, Charity,
Peace, Joy, Truth and Love.”
“Father,” said I, “can't you tell me what is faith?”
He whispered distinctly—
“Faith is that which you see descending
Down from the realms of celestial light,
Something that's on the cross depending
Guiding children through this life aright.”
And what is hope?
“Hope has a sight which nerves the weary,
And all of its brightness in luster shines,
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It cheers when all our strength declines.”
And what is charity?
“Charity comes in and helps soothe the dying,
Its ears are open to the orphan's wail,
It hears the voice of the homeless crying,
It feeds the hungry and protects the frail.”
And what is peace?
“Peace is a calm, meek, tender glory,
That fills our souls with the pride of life,
It helps the youth and the age when hoary,
It is free from passion, from war, and strife.”
And what is joy?
Joy comes pure as a fragrant flower,
Its blossoms are scattered along life's stream,
It cheers the heart in its youthful hours,
And lulls men's cares like a merry dream.”
And what is truth?
“Truth comes in a majestic splendor,
And its light shines in all honest souls,
It makes men just, in their nature tender,
It gives all strength to character it holds.”
I will not ask you what is love, for I believe
That is a combination of these six.
The mortal spasm now grasped him. Once
More he spake, but it was with the energy
Of strong health, “Even so, Lord Jesus take
Me”—he was asleep in death. I
Turned to leave and
That is a combination of these six.
The mortal spasm now grasped him. Once
More he spake, but it was with the energy
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Me”—he was asleep in death. I
Turned to leave and
A poor wayfaring man of grief
Was standing by my side,
Who sued my conscience for relief,
His wounded side I eyed.
Was standing by my side,
Who sued my conscience for relief,
His wounded side I eyed.
He uttered not a single word,
But showed his nail'd print hand;
He saw my heart was so bestir'd,
He said “You understand.”
But showed his nail'd print hand;
He saw my heart was so bestir'd,
He said “You understand.”
He said “go to some mountain,
And call the children near;
You dip them in a fountain,
And teach their heart to fear.”
And call the children near;
You dip them in a fountain,
And teach their heart to fear.”
He then left me. I am now a
Christian. Children I have many things to
Tell you, and through grace I intend
To tell them yet.
A week passed and one of the blandest
Mornings in June that ever the sun rose
Upon, I visited his library and found
On a tablet these words: “Jesus is very
Precious to my soul, my all in all, and I
Expect to be saved by free grace through
His atoning blood. This is my testimony.”
I left the room resolving within
Myself to make his testimony my
Testimony and to
Christian. Children I have many things to
Tell you, and through grace I intend
To tell them yet.
A week passed and one of the blandest
Mornings in June that ever the sun rose
Upon, I visited his library and found
On a tablet these words: “Jesus is very
Precious to my soul, my all in all, and I
Expect to be saved by free grace through
His atoning blood. This is my testimony.”
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Myself to make his testimony my
Testimony and to
Love the children just as he did,
Who for love once sweetly pleaded;
Trust and guide, and never doubt
Build a wall of love about.
Who for love once sweetly pleaded;
Trust and guide, and never doubt
Build a wall of love about.
But I've always loved the jewels,
Always thought that it was cruel,
To efface their youthful beauty
It has been a life-time duty.
Always thought that it was cruel,
To efface their youthful beauty
It has been a life-time duty.
Yes, I love them, I remember,
May is not like cold December.
If I've words of rage and madness,
Always check it from their gladness.
May is not like cold December.
If I've words of rage and madness,
Always check it from their gladness.
When my heart is filled with kindness,
And to evil shows its blindness;
Then it's time to turn my whole heart
Into the porte called children's mart.
And to evil shows its blindness;
Then it's time to turn my whole heart
Into the porte called children's mart.
When I'm thinking of my Savior,
When I'm seeking good behavior;
When I look for earthly angels,
Then I with the children mingle.
When I'm seeking good behavior;
When I look for earthly angels,
Then I with the children mingle.
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When the general roll is thunder'd,
If among the saints I'm number'd,
I will search that place of honor,
'Till I find the children's corner.
If among the saints I'm number'd,
I will search that place of honor,
'Till I find the children's corner.
“And now little children, abide in him;
that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence,
and not be ashamed before him at his
coming.”
—I John, 2:28.
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