LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. "7^ Cliap\_^ - Copyright No.. H-<^^ UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. W. H. MOORK. COLLECTION OF JEWELS BY W. H* MOORE ^ JACKSON, TENN. PUBLISHED BY THE AUTHOR J900 i» 05T l-itifk^: X i>i «.Jc>'!- re??;s 1 v/0 Umii, hhiiv^iQ AUG 1 1900 Copyright eiviy SECOND COPY. Delivered to ORDER DIVISION, AUG 11 1900 , TO MY DAUGHTKR, MATTIE JOE MOORE, THIS VOI.UME IS I^as — the dreaded thing About which all preachers sing. You looked at me and I at you. And we both felt mean, as sinners do, 70 A Collection of Jewels. Until assured by tHe guide From us all fears to hide — That the devil had taken a week's vacation, To punish the sinners of another nation ; Then we looked back on Adam's race And the empty hell, and enjoyed the place. A pile of rock to every nation, And the good and bad of God's creation — Just one rock fervently I '11 fling To the honor of Dewey, of whom all sing. This is to lyincoln — Wilkes Booth's vie — May the devil around poor Boothy stick ; For he killed Lincoln in an evil way. And has paid the debt as sinners pay. As we approached the sausage hall. And seeing the Bolognas on the wall. Though the hour was only ten We got hungrier than any men ; But as we had with us no bread, We had to go out of there unfed. CRUCIFIXION. Deep, deep within the ground. The Lord of creation is all around ; Even nature, in its formations trace The resemblance of another's case. A Collection of Jewels. 71 LORD OF ALL. Just nine years ago — Pencil it I must — That was all love to me, Is mouldering in the dust. But sad and sweet memories Are flickering through my mind, As I retrospect the past. And seeing what God 's designed. There are many blasted hopes. And as many just renewed. There would be less and less regrets, Did we not on self intrude. Had we used the judgment given, By the one in whom we trust. But we swapped it off for others Covered up in bitter dust. We should keep our own counsel. Telling none the seed we are sowing — Telling none the direction Or the place that we are going ; Then there wouldn't be any tares 'Mid the grain that we shall reap, Then we'd reach the topmost summit Of the famous mountain steep. But we seldom miss the water 'Till the well is dry as a flint, 72 A Collection of Jewels. And the bucket, it is shackled, And the rope to age is lent. But, as we can't eat all honey, Or swallow all the gall, . 'Tis a lesson that He teaches, We shall ''Crown Him I,ord of all." And the road that he is blazing Out for us to travel through, We with patience should go onw^ard. Knowing He has been here too — And its sure to teach others, As He 's designed that it should do. Seeing that He and they have made it, We, I know, can do so to. So we'll drop this all behind us, And keep following up the line, Never looking back, but upward To the faces for us shine. They are those who've gone before us, To that bright and happy clime. And they've left along behind them, Foot-prints on the sands of time. A THOUGHT. Had I the wings of a dove, When life is really at is best, I'd be more than willing To fly aw^ay and be at rest. A Collection of Jewels. 73 SING. Sing, And Evil will duck his head and run ; Sing, And you will conquer 'thout a gun ; Sing, When in despondency, deep and grim ; Sing, And you will soon be in the swim. Sing, And the nets that 's woven for you — Sing, They will snap, and you'll get through ; Sino" And the one by whom they are wrought — Sing, 'Tis decreed that he'll be caught. Sing, When cursed by Evil, your mighty foe. Sing, And the echo back to him will go ; . Sing, And Evil v^^ill listen in deep chagrin — Sing, And he'll be convicted of his sin. Sing, The Enemy is lurking in every grove. 74 A Collection of Jewels. Sing, And the angelic host will thus improve, Sing, And they the victory to you will bring ; Sing If you can't do nothing else but sing. Sing, When you are trampled under foot by wrong. Sing, There is naught can raise you like a song ; Sing, When the assassin makes his bloody start. Sing And the dagger will pierce his bloody heart. Sing, And the sun behind a cloud won't stay, Sing, It's often better than to pray ; Sing, So when old Evil comes around — Sing, And sing, and sing him down. Sing, lyike Daniel in the lion's den, Sing, The lions could do naught else but grin ; Sing A Collection of Jewels. 75 As you to the battle go, Sing And you will conquer every foe. Sing, lyike when they marched around Jericho, Sing, And the city to the ground did go ; Sing, If any has the impudence to do you wrong, Sing- Send it off on the wings of song. Sing. BACK FROM THE IvONG AGO. Back to the long ago Memory will roam, Looking for the honey drops. Skipping o'er the comb. Now Memory is coming back To its good old home, Bringing nothing on its back But the soured comb. Whispering now into my ear : ' ' There is no honey there ! It must be further on, If not all up there." 76 A Collectio7i of Jewels. Back to the long ago, I'll send my muse — All things that it might see, And all things peruse. Now, muse is coming back Where we begin, Bringing nothing on its back But old Adam's sin. Now it takes me by the hand — ' ' Lend to me an ear : There isn't any at all back there, It must all be here !" Contemplation takes it up And whispers to me — "no, It is all further on, And after it must go. ' ' Contemplation 's not got back. It makes a pretty stay, Perhaps its found the honey drop, Or has it at bay. When we approached the spot Contem. was amazed. Looking at the honey drop All in glorious blaze. Back from the long ago, Memorj^, Muse and Con., A Collection of Jewels, 77 lyooking at what glitters so, Brighter than the sun. Not a word was spoken then, All in silence kept ; While gazing on its beauty there All for joy they wept. Patience, Charity, Faith and Hope, Pray now with us stay, Then we'll enjoy the honey drops All along the way. And when that day has come We'll receive the prize. Gathering up the honey drops Of the largest size. And wdthin the Golden Gate That's standing now ajar. We'll be standing in the midst Of glory seen afar. Glory, glory, to the King ! We will shout and sing, Glory, glory to the King, And our tribute bring. Yes, I see ! On the bank, Without turning society's crank. 78 A Collection of Jewels. Yes, I see ! On the road, Without peering like a toad. Yes, I see ! All behind — Enough to disgust mortal kind. Yes, I see ! On the right — It doesn't take the darkest night ! Yes, I see ! On the left, Many hearts by it bereft. Yes, I see ! On ahead, Many tears by it to shed. Yes, I vSee ! All along, Many people doing wrong. Yes, I see ! In the church They cloak themselves to do it much. Yes, I see ! With both eyes shut, In high places smutty smut. ^ A Collection of Jewels. 79 Yes, I see ! High, and low, And everywhere that I might go. Yes, I see ! I^ow and tall, Trying to make the good ones fall. Yes, I see ! The world is bad And makes the best sad, so sad — Yes, I see ! CRISIS. She saw when the close combat begun, And she thought I'd surrendered to the evil one ; And her heart was broken and her love did burn, And to another she quickly did turn. lyove for love, but misunderstood, I had to fight, as anyone would. To clear the obstruction from the way. Securing happiness for a future da}^ 'Twas a noble victory — I regret it not, He stole the crown, but the truth I got ; The queen was slain when the giant fell, But Glory for Israel I love so well. To hold a grudge, provided you see The Queen of Israel who would be, 80 A Collection of Jewels. He betrayed iny trust in financial way, Using his leisure it back to pay. If the Queen is from my house, he says, 'Twill cover up all of this debris, And murder and theft won't be exposed ; But who vnW be the Queen — who knows, who knows? I'll watch and see when he goes to the farm, And all I can I'll do him harm ; And when in the act to consummate I'll whisper him away to make it late. I know it's wrong to do him thus. But to cover up theft I must, I must ; And slander and my child's disgrace — I am in hell — I must make haste. I know next Saturday is the day They are to meet and forever stay ; I'll make it convenient to be on hand To keep them apart — I know I can. I have done it times more 'n ten. And compelled by evil to do again, As theft and murder always do Call for another to cover it too. I've done it as usual the same old way. And now down here no longer I'll stay ; I'll go home, as I have made my point. By knocking their happiness out of joint. A Collection of Jewels. 81 But he is staying so long, I am in suspense — I am afraid they will get there by providence ; But I will wait, may the devil help me. As I call on no other for help, you see. He's coming back, they couldn't agree, Now's your time — go him and see ; If he makes an effort, you can him kill, Or marry him, just as you will. Now, watch and see which place he goes. But be careful, for no one knows ; He went to her bower, the old refuge, Letting her know he's me refused. He came and talked with me to-day. But the real import I will not say ; For it was bitter 'gainst us, 'gainst us, But to keep them apart we must, we must. He shoved me a letter yesterday, And warned me of that wrathful day ; I will use it as though he was asking for you, And make her believe to her not true. She was in town the self -same day, Hoping that he might come that way ; The import of his stay could not understand, So she escaped to an unknown land. And, fearing she was left, she wouldn't stay, Pled and threw herself away ; 82 A Collectio7i of Jewels. And many on earth have done the same, Wearing the crown of another's name. But, oh, how the rashness their hearts do burn. They are in torment wherever they turn, As all those who sow unto the flesh Reap corruption in the mesh. Now, seeing that he is so bereft. Surely we will not get left. Now, Sallie, out and rake him in. Dead or alive, good or sin. Her abominable effort again she makes, She scours the country and wakes the snakes ; But, oh, what a failure ever§^ one knows ; She's published herself much more exposed. And with chagrin more wretched than dead, She packs her trunk and away she's fled ; Tired of hunting to murder Moore, Flees to the breezes of seashore. But, before she departed to the sea. She set some poison out to me ; That it might check him on his way So she might kill him another day. And seeing, as she thought, the poison a charm, Another chance to do him harm, So immediately she came back, That she might try him another whack. A Collection oj Jewels. 83 I saw him going out to the park, So now is the chance to make your lark ; So go right on and follow him up, Perhaps a chance to kill the pup. He hadn't been there more'n half an hour Till here she came, not sweet, but sour ; The pup dodged back behind the fence. For in early days he'd learned more sense. She tried to enjoy all things in sight. But all was to her the darkest night ; So she went home before the time. Feeling like not worth a dime. Those dollars he stole was awful heavy, But his evil intent couldn't replevy ; And before evil got her a grip He took her off on another trip. And we don't know how long they'll stay. Why, I saw her on the streets to-day ; Why, that to me is very funny — She is after name, blood or money. I wonder what move next she'll make — Kvery effort spoils the cake ; We shouldn't slander, no, not any. If they are few and we are many. Always be honest in the fight. Or else there will come the darkest night ; 84 A Collection of Jewels. Laugh today at the crucified One, And die tomorrow for what you've done. For the God of creation is sitting down, And the circle goes round and round ; How e'er you go — run, walk or creep, That which you sow you will also reap. By the dictates of a clear conscience And a wish to do the right, I wrote those verses to save others From the bitterness of the darkest night. 'T wasn't presumption on my part That prompted me to do The feeling for myself I had And the same I had for you. Knvy, like the wind that blows With cruel hate. Though the victim be not dead. It tries to seal his fate. 16 TO 1. Now I think that it is time, I'll write the government up in rhyme. Some think the government is all wrong- I 've heard it much like a wornout song. They say it makes cotton low in price — Corn, pork and wheat, as well as rice — A Collection of Jewels. 85 There isn't one in ten thousand knows About the government, Po. or Prose. They seem not to know it begins at home, But somewhere else, perhaps in Rome. If they would govern things of themselves, That much advancement layed on shelves. But in hot chase for the almighty dollar, They think the world to them is hollow. They wont raise naught but cotton in the chase, Which to the government a gross disgrace. They want to hear the dollar rattle. Instead of the bleat of hogs, sheep and cattle, Then peas, wheat, oats and corn, And other things to feed them on. They never to their duty goes, But in other's business keep their nose ; Then you often hear a lazy yell — ''I wish government was in . " They '11 go to town every Saturday eve. And everything drop and leave The gate wide open and the gears in the field. "I'm going to town if I have to steal !" And when he gets back that old cow Has got in the field sure, somehow: And that old mule — he beats old scratch, He 's over in the orchard in the oat patch. 86 A Collection of Jewels, And them old goats ! just don't it beat ! They are determined to eat up all that wheat. Well, I will just be- John- Browned, It's just that way when I go to towm. Well, I'll be dog-gone ! Look at that sow ! And confound if there aint that old muly cow ! If I had my gun with lead I'd fill her — Sick-'em ! sick-' em ! don't care if you kill her. And, darling ! oh how my heart does burn ! That plague-gone pig 's turned over the churn, And the children love butter, so, too ! so, too ! I am so vexed, boo ! hoo ! hoo ! And grandma: "Don't talk to me, That's what you git by going off you see ; If you had'er stayed home like I said. You'd had all these chickens fed !" The old mule, is then caught and beat. And the goats are run up out the wheat Panting and blowing and all out of breath — Scared out of twelve months growth to death. The old muly cow comes flying out the field. With the big brown dog barking at her heel, And Johnnie has the pig by the ear and the tail, Givirig him a beating for turning the pail. Grandma is in the back-yard, mad to die, She 's fell over a turning plow and hurt her eye ; A Collection of Jewels. 87 And that old scraper is right in the door — I never saw the like of that before. Such bellowing, and squealing, and cackling and bark. It 's carried on late,^all round in the dark, Until it's time for all in the bed ; But that's not the last words that was said: "This beats all I ever did see — It 's not like you said when you married me. You've got no money and will never have none, Until free coinage, 16 to 1." "Hold up, old lady, now you bet, You are sure to have some money yet. That fiddler we 've got is full of fun, And we are sure to get 16 to 1." "Darling, in your sleep, work or fun. You are always saying 16 to 1. I wish you 'd tell me what good 'twould do; Don't you think we could get 16 to 2 ?" "Ah! old lady, 5^ou just wait, And see our fiddler candidate ! He is a fine looking man and full of fun, And hear him say, '16 to 1.' " "You old crank, you go to groaning ! You got to 5'oke that cow in the morning 88 A Colledioyi of Jewels. And build a stye to put that pig, If you don't I '11 make him big." "And you got to go all 'round the field And brush the fence and them potatoes to peel , And you've got to milk that old cow — I aint going to do it if I do know how. ' ' "It 's nine o'clock and all in bed, And I haven't even got the horses fed. We '11 starve to death — that's no fun — But, oh ! when we get 16 to 1 !" So he goes to the lot in a jump and a run, Repeating the words: "16 to 1" — She squalls out, "Bring stove wood too, Don't I '11 give you 16 to 2 !" He squalls back to her, mad as v/hiz: "I wish 3''ou'd attend to your own biz. Don't that beat a thundering gun? Can't evensay, '16 to 1.' " And after breakfast here he goes, To plow or hoe., he hardlj^ knows. ' 'Wife, what w^as I doing Saturday morn ? Dogged if I know, sure as you're born." "I '11 tell you one thing, fix that stye, If you don^t do it that pig will die. Don't care if his name is bill or bilk, He shall not waste my butter-milk." A Collection of Jewels. 89 He finally gets off to his work, And goes along in a lazy jerk, e.'^And when he plows a row or two, He does just like the others do. Do you want me to tell you all just how ? He turns and sits down on his plow. Bill Jones comes along with his gun And they spend the day, 16 to 1. IN THE VORTEX. Caught in the vortex, As others before — leashed by the waves Or thrown on the shore. Pushed by the enemy, Hounded as a deer ; Caught in the vortex — Struck with a spear. Dodging the evil one, From right to the left — Caught in the vortex ; By all now bereft. Touched by Charity — Without it no go. Caught in the vortex ; A pity tis so. 90 A Collection of Jewels. With fear we proceed Our journey to go, Cauglit in the vortex, To relent or no. Encompassed by hell hounds, lyocated by men, Caught in the vortex. Thrown into sin. Caught by the Good One, Pardoner of sin — Caught in the vortex Others have been. Tis best to be in it. When out it we say, Caught in the vortex. When is the day. Fate strikes all men Early or late. Caught in the vortex We are only to wait. Tis Patience to exercise, Hope to renew — Caught in the vortex, He '11 carry you through. Watch for the billows. Be ready to ride A Collection of Jewels. 91 Out of the vortex, The waves shall not hide. For this is His promise: The waves they will roll, But only to separate The dross from the gold. THAT ONK-ARMED MAN. I Y^ill try and tell you, if I can, About that black-headed, black-eyed one-armed man. Some sa3^ he is certainly a fool, Because w^e can't altogether him rule ; But he smiles and looks up higher. For he knows we are in danger of hell-fire. They have brought all things on him to bear, To prevent the fool from getting there ; But they have almost given it up, Seeing he is drinking the sweetened cup. Don't wiggle like a worm, if you can, Whilst telling about the black-eyed, one-armed man. He sa3^s all things are for his good, According to the promise as it should, But don't you know that can't be. When he has but one arm, don't you see ? If our arms were cut off, why, We'd curse our own God and die. Been tried in every wa}^ think twice. 92 A Collection of Jewels. And he uses it as tho' 'twas merchandise ; We've prophesied he'd come to naught — He says he stands by Whom he's wrought. We are almost persuaded to believe, And follow God and the devil leave. But then we think we'd have no fun, Our plans and projects are just begun, So the dog won't leave his vomit for hire, And the sow turns back unto her mire ; And here they come together again, They've dug a pit to put the slain, We know he doesn't know v/here it is, We'll see him go in it co-whiz. It's the same old barrel, he's found the saucer. So in we go, oh, he's a bosser ; In a barrel of slop co-splash, co-splasher, Oh, he's a king ! oh, he's a masher ! If 3'-ou curse him, I'll bet you my hat He'll say : "Have you got any more like that ?" Or else he'll saj^ it's green as a gourd. Or use upon 3^ou some other sword ; And if you steal his money you'll rue the day. For he'll tackle 3^ou in any place and way. And you will feel much worse than shot. That two-edged sword, that grace he's got. You can't do him, for we've tried him — He's a big log — you can't stride him. A Collection of Jewels. 93 Just try to catch him in a joke And he'll make you wear the same old 37^oke. You can't beat him in walk or run, You can't beat him with his gun, If you go a-fishing he'll catch more fish, So without him there 'd be no dish. He says it's by whom he is wrought That enables him to win the battles fought^ You can't beat him by hooks or crooks, You can't beat him even in looks ; When he takes a notion he won't pull — We've tried every way to rope the bull, For he is determined the right shall rule, So against the wrong he's like a mule. I believe he's getting up out of reach, I believe he is called by the I^ord to preach ; Oh, he'll make a good one, no doubt of that, He'll know where to hit 'em right kerspat. He knows the holes the snakes are in. He'll rattle the stick and make them gin, And that old adder'll make like he's dead, But tickle him a little and how he'll spread. And draw his body through his mouth And over on his back and the frogs throw out ; For he has practiced e'er since a youth Snatching the veil from off the truth. 94 A Collection of Jewels. The thing to do with such a I^amb, Is to let him alone, don't we'll be damned ; For he's got the Word of God on us, And without it we are not worth a cuss. For the sword God gave him cuts like thunder. And without it any will make a blunder. So I believe I'll throw up the truth, I can't digest it for it is proof. So I wish him Godspeed, page after page, And wish him success upon the stage. So, don't you all in one agree. You can't help it, don't you see? But some have eyes, and see they not ; And have blinder, and blinder got. And some have ears and do not hear — We see them over there, and there, and there. And some understanding, but blunder along Don't care a cent for doing wrong. And some turn to digging pits again, To catch the children that have more brain ; And some are busy building a gallows. To hang old Haman, just for malice — Forgetting the table is sure to turn. But when it does, oh, what a burn. And some turn to be a witch. And the blind lead the blind into the ditch. And the rich man tries to lead by money, . A Collection of Jewels. 95 But the Spirit thinks its mighty funny ; While I^azarus in Abraham's bosom sung, The rich man was bothered with his tongue. To pay for the curses on lyazarus fell, To the bottomless pits in a seething hell. And, Saul after David continued to follow, lyik a bulldog that had broke his collar ; The angels in heaven were too proud to tell. When the murderer on his sword had fell. 'Tis said of poets, that they are born — But by the Spirit from the flesh, they are torn ; For before I knew there was a God, To make a rhyme to me v/as hard, But when I lodged in the spiritual ring, About his goodness, how I could sing. And now, when evil comes around, I sing, and sing, and sing him down — Just like David, Old Israel's king. In case of emergencies he would sing ; I'll introduce to you while I can. That black-headed, black-eyed, one-armed man. Shakespear was a poet, most complete, But not until he the Lord did meet. Then he grew deeper, deep, deep, deep, And swept the earth, and sea, and mountain steep. He took the earth like he, the boy, And used the stars as for a toy ; 96 A Collection of Jewels. He gloried in the moon, the sky, the sun, And adored the power of the Mighty One ; And lit up with knowledge the darkest places. With polished eloquence of His Christian graces ; And many were awakened from the darkest fall. And glorified God, the I^ord of all. I tell you, His power is too great to tell ; There is a heaven — there is a hell ; Don't experiment on his indulgence tender, For at either place, at will. He'll send you. So much better on the safest side. Than to float on the billows of the world's divide. Come this way ! your house and mine ! And get happiness of the sweetest kind, Wisdom, and knowledge, and grace divine, And all things essential to mortal kind. Come, the angels are singing and the heavens ring, Come join in this beautiful song and sing. He owns the cattle of a thousand hills, l^ach heart with happiness always fills ; Fret not yourselves of evil-doers, For all they make is His and yours. Your enemies for you He will rule, And make of them your footstool — For they are ladders to lift you higher, To the topmost pinnacle where you aspire. A Collectio7i of Jewels. 97 You may look down on them with a pitying eye, But do not yield, or else you die. Come out from among them and you'll be. Nearer, my God, to Thee — to Thee ! He sitteth on a circle, far and wide, And evil cannot from Him hide — He'll punish the wicked and reward the good. He'll do it children, for He said He would. For years I've been knowing Him, twenty, And the revelation of His word is plenty. Cast not your pearls before the swine, Or else they'll rend you — 'tis their design ! Beware of the dogs, do it, please, Or else you'll cover o'er with fleas. Walk in His precepts — don't make a breach, Your walk in life about him preach. When a glorious victory for Him we've won, Give glory to the Father and the Son, For there is no good that you can do, 'Tis the lyord Almighty that worketh through. Just feel as natural as you can be. Then the LHe shot, he shot, he shot a coon — He shot her late and he shot her soon, He shot, he shot, till he broke his gun — And he kept shooting as he run. TRUTH. Just watch the truth, day by day — Its never in debt more 'n it can pay— Kre my soul in sin would rot I'd pay to the truth all I've got. Its word, its bond, in any strife — Its word its bond, its real life. Though it be crushed to earth by sin, A matter of time 'twill rise again ; A Collection of Jewels. 121 Christ the emblem, the real truth, Though he be old, but still a youth ; And when it rises, as it will, It reveals old evil in the swill. So, honor the truth, do, oh, do, And its most sure to honor you. To swallow the truth, 'tis a bitter cup. You can't digest it, throw it up. The mighty whale tried truth a puff. But he really din't have gall enough. Are you waiting for truth to die ? Why, its sure to outlive you or I ! Why, you are dying day by day, And truth grows fatter, fatter, say ! Are you afraid truth will richer grow ? Why, it owns the whole world, don't you know ? Don't be silly, have some sense, Honor your Master and go hence ; For its far better than all the world. In your crown a polished pearl, And the angels in heaven will of you sing. And come in time your soul to bring. GOI^DKN GRAIN. When I fold my hands across my breast And enter into that sweet rest. My guardian angel, with my soul, 122 A Collection of Jewels. Will wend its way to the world of gold, And the Father will say, "Well done my boy, Enter into thy Father's joy." Could any thoughts more precious be, While I walk on earth, my God, with thee ? Could any foretaste be more sweet, Than the precious thought, my Savior greet ? I see that precious joy afar. My heavenly home, my beckoning star. All on earth that I have done, Was for the honor of the Father's Son ; What e'er I did, what e'er I said, I, by the Spirit of God was led, And what others couldn't understand. They'll find it right in the better land. As by the blood of the Lamb souls are bought. The prophecies of the wicked shall come to naught, When the righteous awake from disgusted slumber, Their prophecies will come according to number. As evil fell upon his sword, "I'll repay thee !" saith the Lord. SOFT. I know to publish what I wrote Would take the hair from a billy-goat ; So, I do not censure you at all, As you'll need your fur-coat for the fall. A Collection of Jewels. 123 But as in the pulpit I do not preach, There is no other channel by which to reach ; But the seed will scatter all around, There is no way possible to keep it down. As Christ said not of it to boast, The more 'twas fed unto the host, We oft make evil sing a song. And push the gospel cart along. So don't bother to put in print, I'ts sure of the mission for which 'tis sent. Just hand it to your baby boy And he'll make of it a toy, And as he tosses it about A friendly zephyr will take it out And hand it to the cruel breeze ; Some will frown and others please. But those who frown will soon convict, And into life will come it quick. So don't wear it, unless it fit. Or ask the hatter his work to quit. Those of God's who are realty so, lyove to hear the zephyrs blow, And those who are fed by evil's hand, Would kill the Savior at command. So, raise the banner to the skies, And see the simple confound the wise. I know the hole that they are in — The water is hot, I'll pour it in. 124 A Collection of Jewels. There comes the president looking swag, His own dignity has got his tag. Here comes the lawyer, dead to his knees, Covered with muck and filthy grease. Here comes general manager, he's a peeler, He looks indeed, like a ring-tail squeeler. Here comes stock holder, flunky punk, Is it a polecat or a skunk ? Another stock holder, isn't he a bird ? He looks indeed, like a rusty word. Just look at the stock holders, little and big, Coming out, coming out, riggledy-rig. Here comes second lawyer can't hardly spinit. He certainly wishes he hadn't been in it. Just look how they flounder and flout. Just give them time, they'll all come out. Hot water is a good thing to pour in a hole, As the truth is for any man's soul. Here comes the law-maker, I thought it was all, In a mighty mucky place to be so tall ; Here comes the banker and stock holder, too. What on earth does he look like to you ? Poor thing, he thought his influence grand, Was enough to conquer God's own man. But the monkeys used the cat's paw to pull out the nuts — Just look at the birds! A Collection of Jewels. 125 THE POOR ARTIST. When first I heard of my Savior dear 'Twas something sweet unto my ear ; But e' er since to me conscience came There was something sweeter than I could name ; And now, whenever I feel him so, There is no other place I wish to go — Perfectly calm, so sweet, so sweet, From the crown of my head to the sole of my feet. And when I heard of His promises grand, I took Him firmer by the hand ; Nothing on earth to compare Him to, I know one thing, He's brought me through. The flesh is weak, without Him I know, I to the bottomless pit would go. He's everything on earth to me, My life preserver on the sea. It makes me feel a little wrong To hunt for Him comparison ; He is the way, the truth, the life. And none can prevail against Him in strife. Let your body a temple be, Then, perhaps, you'll feel and see If we'd all do just like we should, We'd taste and see that the Lord is good. Don't doubt His promise. If you do. You certainly of that day will rue ; 126 A Collectioji of Jewels, Wisdom isn't at a jump — You'll have to start it from the stump. First seek His kingdom, He has said, Then all good things to you He'll shed ; Don't wish for vain things or easy place. But follow the Savior in the chase. Some will follow you with good wishes, And many for the five loaves and the fishes ; But pray on, always in the chase, There is no other way to grow in grace. Your Father, a King, in His own good time. Will bring back to you what He designed ; The fragments of what the robbers leave, The righteous crust do not grieve. To tell it in every straight and crook, I'd have to read you my whole book ; And that is the honey of many years, The drippings of doubts and many fears. Through every battle a victory crop, I find the truth will rise on top ; Just look it in the eye and see The portrait-painter of Calvary. THK GOLDKN EGG. To publish a sermon every day And throw your chaffy trash away, A Collection of Jewels. 127 Your paper in value would enhance, As patronage toward you'd advance. Profit by a scrub's advice, And always publish something nice. There is Brother Haywood, an orator, indeed, And there is Brother Matthews, for whom I also plead. And there is Brother Sullivan, to whom there is no peer. And there is Brother Harris, much to the people dear. And their Presiding Elder, who all do love to see. Why not push the word along, just for you and me? Just do this, and the gospel cart along the road will go, And the rising generation, boys, will be inspired to crow ; You don't have to publish, or even have to sing According to monopoly or the evil ring. You will do this — I know you can. Waive the royal banner, come out and be a man. So hang your hatchet on a peg, Don't kill the hen that laid the golden egg. MY GUEST. Gentle Savior be with me. Along life's journey on the sea ; Do gently touch the pilot wheel. And the ship will go both mast and keel. 128 A Collection of Jewels. Upon the sail thy gentle push Will send the ship where 'er thou'd wish ; Thy beautiful scenery all along, The rippling waves a pleasant song. When the angry waves are rolling high, Thy gentle whisper, "It is I," Will make the waves submissive be. All my journey on the sea. Thou knowest where the fishes stay. Thou knowest where the breakers lay ; We'll glide along in pleasant places. And enjoy Thy princely graces. We'll see our home prepared afar. In bold relief our beaconing star ; Just the thoughts of it so grand We're able to enjoy the border-land. When we reach the golden gate, Where the angels for us wait. Too grand, too grand to paint it here. Just the thoughts, so dear, so dear ! CONFIDKNCB. I^ead me over this, I pray, lycad me over night and day ; Over the gulf called Misunderstand, Though heart to heart and hand to hand. . A Collection of Jewels. 129 Hope for me and I for you, Hope for hope will carry us through. For I am convinced it's God's design, The fairest of all of womankind ; And when the old wheel rolls around, Solid to the truth I'll be found. TRIUMPH. Calvary's flag waves o 'er the land, Kvil trembles from head to hand, But aft awhile begins to sing, And waves the flag of Calvary's King, Calvary's King, Calvary's King, And waves the flag of Calvary's King. The flag's been trampled under foot, But now its raised, in place is put ; Come, all ye people, tribute bring. And wave the flag of Calvary's King, Calvary's King, Calvary's King, And raise the flag of Calvary's King. A gross disgrace upon your head. To those who won't by Christ be led ; Come with all instruments and sing. And wave the flag of Calvary's King, Calvary's King, Calvary's King, And wave the flag of Calvary's King. 130 A Collection of Jewels. Wliy would you smother His Word, so true ? He died for others, as well as you. Throw down your dagger, and palm leaves bring, And wave the flag of Calvary's King, Calvary's King, Calvary's King, And wave the flag of Calvary's King. Kvil never gets all its wish. But oft is thrown in Calvary's push ; And of his fall the angels sing. And wave the flag of Calvary's King, Calvary's King, Calvary's King, And wave the flag of Calvary's King. Calvary's King is all in all. And will raise up those who fall ; If you can't do naught but crawl and sing. And wave the flag of Calvary's King, Calvary's King, Calvary's King, And wave the flag of Calvary's King. You'll have to wave, we know it well. You '11 wish to wave when you 're in hell ; But now, indeed, is the time to sing. And wave the flag of Calvary's King, Calvary's King, Calvary's King, And wave the flag of Calvary's King. RKSOI.VK. The world is my trial. But God is my judge ; A CGllectio7i of Jewels. 131 My conscience is clear, From truth I '11 not budge. I '11 stand by the cannon, By the power of grace ; And the logs of the fortress I '11 see them misplaced. I '11 march through the rank Of the abominable foe, And wave the grand banner To the skies just so. TEMPTATION ON THE) MOUNT. When satan took the Savior, Christ, Upon the Mount to tease, He thought what fun that he would have And all the world would please. He asked him what of this or that. And repeated the rule of "tit-for-tat. " Christ said little, but what He said Almost killed old satan dead. But Christ knew satan was hard to kill. So let him kill himself at will. He turned it what he called a joke. When he saw that he couldn't Christ provoke. For forty days and forty nights He tried to rule Christ for his rights ; 132 A Collectio7i of Jewels. But after a while he hungry grew, And knew that Christ was hungry too. So in order that he himself be fed, He wished He'd turn the rock to bread ; But Christ is stubborn when He wishes, And pushed him over in the bushes. But Satan, a hard old lump of sin, Collected self and come again. It tickled him almost to die, The thought of seeing the Savior fly. He wished to see Christ jump and run, That he might have a little more fun. And offered Him, the world and all, If He would fly and never fall. Christ, to prove His power grand, Beckoned satan with His hand ; Satan jumped just like one shot. And his dignity all forgot. And trembled he from head to foot. And got back where the Savior put. The seed of the woman, as 'twas said, Will always bruise the serpent's head. And now, where'er the Christian goes, The devil sticks his smoky nose ; But just a look, he'll drop his head And feel that he was almost dead. A Collection of Jewels. 133 CHRISTMAS, 12-24-'99. This is the day, the eve of the birth Of the King of Kings, and the Lord of earth. Blessed be Mary, the mother of God, We'll sing her grand praises while on the sod. Thanks be to God for the prophets of old. Who really knew more than ever was told. But the grandest words and the sweetest refrain — When He said to His people, "I'm coming again." Christmas in spirit, the birth of a soul — They are born in youth as well as when old ; But the younger that's born have longer to live. And the fruits of their living to others to give — Will bring them more blessings and fit them to be Welcome with Jesus His grand company — To join in the chorus, the sweetest refrain — Just what He said. He was coming again. Just take His word for it shaketh the earth. And causes more souls in hearts to have birth. Be named in the list of His grand company, By prayers and repentance. His blood-bought fee ; Have an ear for His music and a conscience so sweet. Perfectly happy, thy brother to greet. And most happily join in the sweetest refrain — Just what He said, He was coming again. 134 A Collection of Jewels. THE STANDARD. Christ, indeed, is my measuring stick. And I, the world, too short ; Still I am trying to stretch myself, To deliver what He has bought. He paid the same price for you. Balled up all in a knot. Now begin to unroll yourself — A bundle of rags or not. He didn't buy hogs, sheep, cattle or dogs, But humble souls of men. Would you consider yourself as such, Continue to roll in sin. His agents are here to inspect His stock, And to judge if He is cheated; He expects the humble prayers of men, And to turn out those belated. Consider really what you are, I know I'm less than good. And would think better of myself, If I was as I should. DIFFERENT IDEAS. Some take religion as a romantic affair ; But it reaches really further than all of that. Some take religion as a money making scheme, A Collection of Jewels. 135 But that's where satan on it sat. I 'd get tired had I naught else to do, Than look upon this hollow world and all its hollow crew. Would you sell your Savior for romance or for gold, Who bled and died upon the tree of Calvary, of old? Look for the Spirit deeper than all of that you'll see, And all the good there is in it will come out unto thee. I'd get tired had I naught else to do. Than look upon this hollow world and all it's hollow crew. A WOUNDKD SPIRIT. Have I wounded a spirit that loved me, And one that I loved so dear ? She is perfectly welcome to vengeance. If it takes her more than a year. Though the time and the place was forgotten. To meet and consummate dear ; By the cares and doubts and other things. Been pressing for manj^ a year. 'Twas faintly whisped unto me. That a Spirit was wounded somewhere — Not knowing he was onto the mission, Or anything else in the air. 136 A Collection of Jewels. Reflecting back on to the discourse — When He left me to go on my way, The time of the meeting had vanished, And never 'd appointed a day. 'Twas bitter the life to live over, And fight the old battle again ; But God is in it, I know it ! And sweetens the bitter refrain. Time, friendly Time, and its mission, Bearing round on its sturdy old wheel. Will bring back bitter or sweetness, As the Spirit is willing to heal. So the stabs to my heart now are healing ; Though thrust by my own neglect — I '11 go on and live on in waiting, But God's own will to expect. The Oueen of Peace expected To meet at that proper time, But the grace of God is sufiicient To wait on what He has designed. Persecutions I have had. And the)^ often make me, dear Lord, sad ; But persecutions cannot last. As I my mind on Thee have fast. lycad me, lead me, All along the way. A Collection of Jewels. 137 A PRAYER. Dear Jesus, let me lay my soul on Thee Till I cross this stormy sea, And when the lightning and thunder is o'er I '11 be able to love Thee more, I know that Thou art in the storm, And naught can do me any harm ; While I neath Thy wings do hide, Thou will all my wants provide. NAME IT. 'Tis bitterness, dear God, to be Robbed of all on earth to me. Should he who hinders Thy cause on earth Perish where he had his birth. Or is it according to Thy decree For him to continue to persecute me ? Is it forgotten of Henry Clay, Who would have led us from the darkest day, Or evil who beat him in the race. And turned the world a grave disgrace. And feigned to the world to be as dead — But robbed the government half-million instead ? Will the Fayette county murderer of an early day Escape the prayers of those who pray ? We know full well that blood will tell — 138 A Collection of Jewels. "Vengeance is mine !" hear it well ! History teaches all the route — A matter of time — "murder will out." Bvil in the future will find his match, As evil from evil always hatch. And when it comes his time to pay A stab to his heart himself to slay, As Joshua upon God's word he stood, And saw the evil turn to good. He is waiting for me to make a break. To put out the fire or spoil the cake ; But I^azarus in heaven no doubt did sing: "You are buried behind an apron string — But that string is the chord that holds The jewels of honor more than gold. We speak of miracles now-a-days, There are miracles now that pays ; For I have escaped a killing fuss — Say that isn't miraculous ! No sanctification in the world so wide But there are some who are justified. Charity, the crown of the Righteous King, To whom for sensure's homage bring. We know He said it to whom he dined, Cast not your pearls before the swine. So when we find them brutes to be We'll handle them as such, you see. A Collection of Jewels. 139 I know the generation is not not so vile To allow God's cause to be defiled, For here is one walk, stand or lie, Who is perfectly willing for it to die. And there are others, better than he, Who wrote this piece and hand it to thee. A DREAM. I dreamed a dream ten months ago And the interpretation so Bore deeply on my mind. Who knoweth God's deaign? Though it be only a dream, As dreams never turn out what they seem. But this was one, a peculiar kind, Is why it bore so on my mind. At first I passed it off as naught, As though something by evil bought, But e'er the lapse of a week or two, It two-thirds came verbatim true. And since the ten months' lapse, each week Two-thirds of it again would speak, And 'twould leave another impress Of some poor creature in distress, As the blood of Abel on the ground After Cain continually hound. 140 A Collection of Jewels. But oft 'twas whispered in my ear — A small sweet voice, but I could hear : *'Weep not, w^eep not, my son ! It was another who fired the gun. Or kept his lying in the way And drove her off till another day." The dream right here to you I'll tell — I'll never forget, I know it well. I was walking through a field one day ; A hare jumped up and would not stay ; I didn't see till too far gone — If I had caught, it would it have been my own ? I went on then a few steps further And the very same way out ran another. I stepped right then behind a knoll And there lay two, but almost cold ; But their eyes were bright with joy a time — As heep of things are not a crime. They seeing me, began to shiver, Rolled off together in the river, Ten or twelve feet out my sight. They floated down to what but night? The interpretation to me is plain, As I began to dream again. The interpretation, hit or miss, I'll tell you here, my friends, was this : The first hare jumped was a girl, A Collection of Jewels. 141 That I might take her for my pearl ; The next hare jumped was a pearl, That I might take her for my girl. The two lying side by side Were the ones who went and married the while. And the representation of the 10 or 12 feet Was the time some day perhaps we'll meet. And e'er since, as I told before, Has been repeated o'er and o'er. Now the second dream to you I'll tell — I know it as the other, well — I was at a convent or elsewhere ; It might have been the World's Fair — Seated by a stranger friend. The one alluded to came in. I saw her pale and haggard be — I saw her but she didn't see me. I didn't speak a word to friend, My eyes to her I did attend. I heard him say to another by. Pale and haggard she was, why? There was to her then, in the grave, The only one whom God had gave, And what came thundering to my ear : Was he dead or he no more her dear. As things are not just as they seem, We'll consider it only a dream. 142 A Collection of Jewels. A SURRKNDKR. lyist how my ears do ring, The battle is. over, the angels sing ; lyist, the departing spirits who fell Are writhing in a flaming hell. Watch, the evil one again will try to rise And wipe damnation from his eyes. A calm it is, but this we know, That evil is mustering his arms so To strike where least expectant we. That they might drown us in the sea. Do they wish to surrender, is it so ? And know not how to approach hero ? A surrender, this we know they hate To meet the conqueror — their fate ; But all such we know will have to be After a famous victory. So get the bottle and the quill And sign the war a peace, be still. Are you sure of war, that you 're tired, And wish to flee from whom you 're hired ? Are you sure you have struck a fact ? Are your arms of rebellion already stacked ? In truth, a hero would lift his hat And present a sword just like that. A sword of peace, a sword of truth, Years nineteen hundred, but still a youth. A Collection of Jewels. 143 'Twill cut while lying in the shade, 'Twill cut keener than a two-edged blade ; The enemy will flee at just a shake, The devils in their hells will quake. He told the same to others before, Go in peace and sin no more ; And the lame who always balked, Took up his hated bed and walked. Any, it seems, to God would flee, lyift the heart and bend the knee. MY FORTE. I have no other refuge, I^ord, 'Tis Thee, and only Thee ; Were it not for Thee, dear I^ord, I 'd hang my harp upon the tree. My fingers no more its strings would wake, My voice in unison no more would take ; My heart so cold, so cold, would be. Could it not sing, my God, to Thee. Could I not write thy precious rhymes. That's lifted me so many times. Would life to others be worth giving ? Would my own be worth the living. No, to live would be a sigh, A stranger to charity would I ; 144 A Collection of Jewels. A brute, indeed, upon life's sea, Were it not, my God, for l^hee. But, as it is, that thou art mine. And to know that I am thine. Makes me hopeful and willing to wait, To meet Thee at the golden gate. Oppression, this we plainly see. Enables to learn much more of Thee ; And pleasure, in a worldly sense. Draws from us thy confidence. Wean us, L^ord, from all things vile, And point us upward all the while ; And when the battle here is fought. Gather in thy jewels bought. And praises be to Christ, our King, Let heaven with all its music ring ; Strike the harps on every string, Glory, glory to the King. Too bitter to be bitter. Too sweet to be sweet. In eighteen and ninety-six I thought evil was dead. And no more in my pathway through life he would tread ; I moved to a city to live at my ease, With plenty of money my fancies to please. A Collection of Jewels. 145 E*re I settled in the city, the place of my choice, The devils rose up, and all in a voice, Saying he has got money, the thing that we like. We '11 sharpen our spears, that him we may strike. We '11 set our net here and bait it so nice, With worldly provender the worldly would slice ; More flattering devices than any would think, A spider could weave or sweetest cup brink. The shepherds of the gospel knew there was a man Who could lead them from darkness at the beck of a hand ; They wished now to handle without drabbing his wing, That they might put him up where he could sing. The mode they adopted was one nice and fine. Most any would like of all mortal kind ; Not knowing the bird that he was then feeding, Their wishes for them to him they kept pleading. We needn 't wish anything any other way. When God 's at the helm to move or to stay ; There are many things transpire, we know not their meaning. Providence provides from the world to be weaning. 'Tis an unhappy life to live only by sight, The bright star of Faith is the lamp of the night ; Be calm in the battle, be armed with the truth. Though dead as with old age, still but a youth. 146 A Collection of Jewels. Though circled by evil's net for all you are worth, Remember the true God , from whom you have birth ; Know that your calling is to follow the truth, Be watchful and prayerful, for it is forsooth. Be strong in the faith — we know that you can. The devices of some will perish with man ; The prophecies of the wicked will melt back to naught, You '11 know what a victory when the battle is fought. The spirit is better than cannon or spear, A victory without blood, a victory so dear ; The battles I 've fought and won in this city Would make anyone strong, wise and witty. From the top to the bottom, from bottom to top. Rolling over in spirit, but throw them coflop ; I^awyers and stockholders, and witnesses no few. But conquered by one man as though they were but two. Stand like a lion that had shook out the world And crushed every missile that was e'er at him hurled ; Stand like the Christ, who would always forgive, And the most repentant devil would always let live. A Collection of Jewels. 147 PROVERBIAL. CHAPTER I. 1. It doen't take a sage to tell, That matrimony isn't heaven, Nor single blessedness hell. 2. Mortals on earth like chicks in a shell, At death they're hatched for Heaven or hell. 3. The prayerful judgment of jaybird To give him time, Better than the snap- judgement of a Judge — To make it rhyme. 4. The poor often wish rich people to greet — Fools make the feast And smart people eat. 5. It doesn't take a sage to tell That a gambler is sure of the inevitable hell, And I know we all should pray That they might quit it right away. 148 A Collection of Jewels. 6. A drunkard, though he be in the swim, Is robbed of everything, limb to limb. 7. Temperance is a thing of grace — Everything in its place. 8. I^ife, 'tis said, is what we tend. May the I^ord, our God, our lives defend. 9. By the fruits of men the same are known — Hither in growing up, or grown. 10. Let this your motto always be, For Christ, our God — victory. 11. Some will be laughing and some be crying, When the greatest men in the world are dying. 12. We should improve our precious time, And make to others our lives sublime. 13. Indeed, 'tis sweet to tell. That a man of God A Collection of Jewels. 149 Can't even dwell His mind on hell. 14. They wont move toward God to turn, But they will have to move, Or in hell to burn. 15. From off the truth we shouldn't budge, The prayerful judgment of a jaybird, To that of a Judge. 16. Because in truth no music humming, Is why He delays us in His coming. 17. Those who follow God's own plan, Will know why he repented He ever made man. 18. Man himself, dedicated to God, Is the grandest temple that ever stood upon the sod. 19. The devil, himself, is mighty smart, And always in the drama Will act his part, But when he strikes the heavenly air. See how ghastly his wild eyes stare ! 150 A Collediofi of Jeivels. To keep him in heaven, in jail he'd be Dying of utter depravity. Wouldn't it be nice to block him in heaven, A leaven to leaven the whole of heaven ? 20. E'er since existence drew its breath, A gambler has met a gambler's death. 21. A sermon in poetry we see, Would bear deeper on memory. 22. A girl that's caught within the mesh, Will have to sow unto the flesh. 2Z. We speak it thus, we know its true — ■ Christ was justifiable in all He'd do. 24. The prophecy of the prophets — think twice : The loyalty of David, The wisdom of Solomon — Was, and is Christ. 25. The fairest of the fair, The purest of the pure. The sweetest of the sweet, A Collection of Jewels. 151 The meekest of the meek — The best of all that's good, To teach us what we should ; Who is He ? think twice, think twice. It is your neighbor, Lord and Christ. 26. 'Tis best you learn a little sense, Honor your Master and go hence. CHAPTKR II. 1. There isn't any one perfectly sane, Who would take the name of his God in vain. 2. There isn't any but a crank, Who would take chance on faro-bank. 3. Not a clean man I ever saw yet. Who would indulge in any bet. 4. There isn't anyone but a fool. Who would make of himself a gambler's tool. 5. There isn't anything low, or higher, That's more abominable than a liar. 152 A Collection of Jewels. 6. There is none but a low down brute, Who would his neighbor persecute. 7. As low as hogs and cattle, Who would drag round and tattle. E'er since we were born experience rife, Eating and drinking essential to life. 8. The man that listens fills his jug, But the man that talketh empties his mug. 9. The brute who'd talk about an innocent girl, Isn't fit to live in the lower world. 10. Those who lust after the flesh, Are often caught into the mesh. 11. The lyord for his people will provide. As David in a cave did hide ; And as Saul came madly by A spider's web caught his eye ; He bet his shoulders, perhaps his hat, That David never entered that. Dave saw the hand of Providence, The spider around had build a fence. A Collection of Jewels. 153 Though Dave was glad to miss his fate — Was sorry to break the silver gate. When he took the old man's bottle of gin, He saw what a fix old Saul was in. And when he cut off the king's long skirt, He could have ground him in the dirt. And when the javelin, keen and sharp, Came whizzing by, kept playing his harp. And when they exclaimed : ' ' Why spareth he ? " Says Dave, "My God himself is charity !" And as He yet carry eth the mail, Over this deed I'll throw a veil. There isn't any but a knave. But what would say, hurrah for Dave ! 12. It's been proven in evolution, That Christians suffer persecution ; And also in this very book, In any direction you may look. But what would we do, tell me please, Were it not for the lovely these. 13. Few things more bitter than suspense — Waiting for others to learn some sense. Or putting in mortal's confidence. 15. To sum up all in the world and mash, All in the world but God is trash. 154 A Collection of Jewels. Nicodemus came to Christ by night, In order to learn the way of right. Though somewhat curious intent, By the others of his clan was sent — That he might learn, and teach them how, Whether to Christ they all might bow ? If their subjects knew of their going to Christ, To prevent a split — a cunning device ; Though Nicodemus wanted for himself some power, Knowing Christ had it every hour. His excuse for not coming in the day. He could not from his business stay. But Christ really knew everything, And knew wh}^ he didn't the others bring. In seeing any he would know they thought They hated to be by a Nazarene taught. Whenever he would pass they were struck with awe. And wondered whether to serve Him, or no ; His very presence was proof to tell, The devil trembled at sight and fell. A PRIVII.KGED CHARACTER. Dear God enable us to teach the young and grown. That religion doesn't exist only in being alone ; Or being in gloom and sorrow — But the same to-day, yesterday and tomorrow — A Collection of Jewels. 155 And doesn't bind itself to places, Among all localities and races. Believing on Jesus Christ, as all should, And considering naught within us good, That Jesus working in us to will and to do, Is the order of all things, good and true ; No place on earth but what Christ can go, For all on earth are His we know. Repenting and paying all through the strife. Perfectly essential to religious life. Things should not monotonous grow — We should carry the lamp wherever we go. Religion all our cups should fill, For it is the golden principle. The gospel is plain in fighting sin, So simple a child couldn't err therein — Repentance and prayer to cleanse the soul, As digging, and smelting, refining the gold ; Or washing one's hands of the foulest of stain. And going and doing the same work again. We know its essential with work we shall cope, The less foul hands, the less time and less soap ; The less evil done less conscience be muddy — So it pays to be honest and always be steady. Measure by no one — -go by him and see, And honor the one, sajdng, ''Come unto me." 156 A Collection of Jewels. WHO ARE MY BRETHREN ? We know He's turned from death unto life Because He loves tlie brethren ; Come all ye flesh upon two feet, And tell me, whose my brethren ? Do they bark like dog, or bray like an ass ? Or grunt like a hog, or hiss like a snake ? Shall I call such my brethren ? Is God's generation just such a fake ? The same man said, "Beware of the dogs !" So all such trash that howl and bray, To be called my brethren Will have to be born some other day. Would a brother rob his own, And in spite of brother's pitiful groan, Would list to hear say "brother," Fools seem to think that God is gone ! HOLY GHOST. God's baby God himself — Three in one in heart of self. Three in one, and one in three — God in three persons — blessed Trinity. We should acknowledge Him, God in His home, And keep His parlor swept, Eveiywhere we roam^ A Collection of Jewels, 157 SWKKT SUFFERING. He started on his ministry at thirty years, Without any learning, but without any peers ; He finished his ministry at thirty-three, And sends his wisdom now unto me — Wisdom to all who follow the truth, Nineteen hundred years, but still a youth. Respect His wisdom, why should I Quench the good spirit and let it die ? Cruel, cruel, too cruel to tell, To quench I 'd make my bed in hell. He 's allowed me to live for these forty years, A continual battle with egotistic peers. I 've followed him the forty years through, Throwing in my babyhood, too ; For Him every battle I 've won, Without catapult or gun ; But the two-edged sword, a grand defense. His way the power more wisdom than sense. I 've suffered almost as much as He, My persecuters can plainly see ; But the suffering was sweet, not hard, To know I was suffering for such a God — B 'en to the sweating of blood the same As in the Garden of Gethsemane. My enemies did contemplate arrest. But as oft fell back, faint, distressed ; 158 A Collection of Jewels. Though as oft as if to say I 'm he, Fainter still and a weaker knee. Though they did me crucify, Still I 'm living — why? why ? It does seem any who had any sense By all this would be convinced ; But they had Moses and the prophets and slew them, God's own Son, and slew they Him. I' 11 tell you, for I know it 's true. There is no telling what a dog will do. THE GRANDEST OF MJ, BABIES. If all that Christ did was written in a book To raise the top lid step ladder be took ; His mother well knew extra babe that she had — Not like others, always doing bad. While drawing His life from nature's sweet cup. With angelic spirit to mother look up. What musical coos did any mother hear ; Was any sweet baby to mother so dear ? And when His first step to walk that He took; How that sweet mother to Heaven did look — For she knew full well that the angels espied The Ivord of Creation taking first stride. After taking one step, for fear He would fall, Squatted like others beginning to crawl ; A Collection of Jewels. 159 And when it's sweet tongue begun it's first stutter, The first words said was Father and Mother. And as He grew up stronger and true, How proud was Joseph and mother too — His wisdom and power much stronger than sense, Parental parentage Joseph convinced — Prouder, and prouder, and prouder each day ; Perfectly willing with baby to stay. And Mary, dear wife, grew dearer and dearer, As the kingdom of God grew nearer and nearer. And when He grew up was Joseph's great joy. To see what mechanism just in a boy ; Could turn off more work in an hour or two Than any one on earth in week or more do ; And when out with others to play, In the lead, always romping all day — His playmates knew that He was a power ; And grander he grew each and every hour. He and the Baptist boy often did meet. And each to each brother was happy to greet. Of their mission on earth they often did talk. While sitting, or standing, or taking a walk. The less thoughtful boys often did say: Where has John and Christ been all of the day ? Yonder they come now, they've missed all their dinner. I wish to each other that they would grow thinner. 160 A Collection of Jewels. We are glad when they do come a little to stay, They are so pleasant and sweeter each day. The time has lapsed now 'bout thirty years — The beginning of ministry, battle and tears. Their plans they have laid, knowing full well their calling — 'Tis time that evil's kingdom was falling. John to go and collect Him a crowd — Telling He was coming in earnest, out loud. To collect the people should be a surprise. Therefore he said it, ' 'by water baptize. ' ' The people came flocking, baptizing to do. And anything else John wished for them to. The crowd being collected and all things prepared — Christ came up and baptism desired. John knew Jesus and His mission ahead And thought that he should be baptized instead. Christ said to John, "My brother, be it so. That all righteousness be fulfilled you know ;" So John baptized the Healer to heal — The prophecies were over, the lyord was revealed. And to show them that He was the lyord from above, I^it on Him from heaven a beautiful dove ; And in order that they shouldn't of him, John, boast Says, "He will baptize you with fire and the Ghost." So John from them was taken away. As many others that led up the way ; A Collection of Jewels. 161 So Jesus took up where John had left off, Continuing His mission at all sin to scoff, And opened the way bright, plain and clear, To the mansions of glory to Christians so dear. Not a grander baby on this earth could live. Than to lay down his life for others to live. OUT OF PI,ACK. We should school ourselves in heaven to stay. Ah, we couldn't enjoy it a single day, If we were allowed to enter therein. We'd be driven back by conscience again. For to look on that face that's shining so bright, 'Twould send us back to the darkest night. Did you ever see such an angelic hand ? Oh, me, I murdered that man. Did you ever see such angelic eyes ? Ah, me, I recognize — I hounded and persecuted him on earth, I can't stay here — hell's my berth. Oh, Christ, don't look at me, After thou wast dead I crucified thee. Ivook on the book, your record see — Oh, God, my conscience is enough for me. With angelic fingers strike this harp, Oh, God, my claws are too sharp. 162 A Collection of Jewels. Sit up here and sing this song, Oh, Lord, my tail is too long. Oh, I/Ord, its two pleasant up here — Hell, to me, oh, God, is dear. The music deafens me, I can't enjoy, Let me go back to the "old boy." I'd rather in hell always to burn. Than see my victims where e'er I turn. Let me see how this crown would fit — Oh, dear Lord, do pray quit. Its a pity, satan, you can't enjoy, A ball of fire instead of a toy. HUMBOLDT VS. JACKSON. I'll take my pencil and sit down And pen the trip to Humboldt town: — At nine-thirty, as you'd expect. The Jackson crowd began to collect — A motley crew of lads and lapses. Lawyers, doctors and "D. Ds. ," in masses, A splendid lot of Highland rooters. To boost the Jackson club — freebooters. The train drove up to the Union Pot To take on all who wished to go. The hour I think was just 'bout ten. To soothe the eagerness we all were in. A Collection of Jewels. 163 What a jamboree, push and split, To get a place that they might sit. There was'nt a seat to each command. Therefore some of us had to stand. As the train bell began to ring The motley crew began to sing. The train sped on at a fifty gate. Through lands of bramble bush and brake — ■ Hadn't it been for the lovely breeze A suffocation in such a squeeze. But as the train was swift to spin it, We found a plenty of sugar in it. The train arrived at the hour of eleven With a jolly crew multiplied by seven. As on pleasure we all were bent, I sha'nt tell you where we went To spend the time betv;een eleven and three ; But I might put it ubique. If some of us was of high type, We pulled some thinp that wasn't ripe. Our appetites would fret a sinner, They Vv^ere so long getting dinner ; But when they got it, it was good. The poor cook had such sorry wood. The viands were on polished platter. But in fun we had to tip the waiter Andja bald-headed lawyer with so many bunions We had to feed the bird on onions. 164 A Collection of Jewels. After we had licked the plate We went to see Humboldt meet her fate. The sky was cloudy and then 'twas fair, On our way while going there. The lightnings flashed and the thunder pealed Just as we entered the battle-field — We hadn't more 'n time to look around Before the rain came pattering down. Their umbrellas all did raise, And those without them almost did craze And to a cabin turn and split, Out the rain that they might get. It rained for about half an hour — A general pour down, splendid shower. After the rain they all came out To put Humboldt all to route The crowd got tired almost to die, While waiting for the ground to dry. But aft a while the ground got good. They began to do the best they could. The first ball thrown was hit co-whack By one of our gallant pack ; He knocked it high above the ground And gave a run, three-quarter round. The first stroke stunned the H't crew ; They didn't know what on earth to do. They wished the water would flood the place, So they'd escape the gross disgrace. A Collection of Jewels. 165 But the sun shone brightly to the end, And sweat and heat their steps attend. Well, bo3^s, don't pout and fret. For you may beat old Jackson yet. The game was ended a little late In favor of Jackson, 17 to 8. The crowd dispersed and went up town To see could anything else be found. We received a compliment on the v/ay — It seemed a bird to us did say: "Here they come, the ball is over," And then he said, "They are all sober." I said to myself, "That might be. But wait awhile and you will see. ' ' I wont tell you all we did ; You might think we backward slid. We had some music, you bet that. The song entitled, ^'In Pea-flat." We laughed, we laughed, we laughed out loud. We laughed, we laughed, what a jolly crowd. I believe the boys all night would stay If some of us hadn't pulled 'em away. But finally we got them to the train. And some then wanted to go back again, But the train pulled out and carried us away. With hopes to see you another day. Good-bye, good-bye, perhaps sometime We'll write up the Jackson boys in rhyme. 166 A Collection of Jewels. BROTHER'S EXPBRIKNCK. 'Twill be your experience e'er since you were born, Be temperate in all things the heart of the corn, Earnestly praying all the day long. Be busy with something — always in song; Take time to get power from the Giver of all ; He gladly will help you, doubt not Him at all. Get the whole armor, both buckles and shield ; Forget not the helmet you'll need in the field. Remember the sandals with spikes in the souls. While crowding the enemy your ground for to hold. A plenty of charity pack i-ito 3^our grip For the sea-sick soldiers while on the trip. Stand firm by your cannon and let ^^our bullets fly. Aim strictly at the devil and hit him 'tween the eye. Faith in God the powder, is the word of God the ball. Touch the fuse at the proper time and the tallest one will fall. Then a dose of charity to suit the patient give ; He'll revive immediately and look to God and live. EASTER. Christmas was the time He was born, And the evil angels all did mourn. Easter is the time to rise And greet the angels in the skies. V A Collection of Jewels. 167 CHORUS. Now sing the song, all ye host, Father, Son and Holy Ghost — Three in one and one in three — Kxtol to all eternity. He drew the sword, the scabbard rung. The tune angels in heaven sung Glory to the King of Peace, The King of Peace, the King of Peace ! CHORUS. Could any mortal whom now is made Doubt the plan that now is laid ? Quench not the Spirit, I pray you not, Or else in sin you'll be forgot, CHORUS. Pardon is for you and me — Your sins be drowned in the sea. Repent, repent ! I know you can ! Come out of sin and be a man. CHORUS. You can conquer just like He. I^ift the heart and bend the knee, To lead your enemies in the light — They cannot raise their hand to strike. CHORUS. 168 A Collection of Jewels. Paralyzed they'll be with fright When they are lead into the light. Strike with prayer where'er you go, It will bring dov/n every foe. CHORUS. KTBRNAI. IvlFE AND DEATH. A man of experience — Dear tuition paid All through life — The line of truth is laid, It is there. If it be out of sight You'll have to fight a battle To follow it aright. Enemies on the other side Will do their best The truth to hide, And when they think It's at their will It nauseates their stomachs still. To be driven like a herd of cattle By one man, oh, what a battle ! In order to keep selves off the grass, They release unto them Barrabas. But Barrabas will always die — You needn't ask us, brothers, why. A Collection of Jewels, 169 Nineteen hundred years ago And not dead yet, no, no, no ! And Judas, who betrayed the King, Hung himself, as the angels sing. THE FALIv AND RISK OF ADAM. I stood on the street and saw pass by, A cross of Cain with a fairer eye — Indeed I wished for a pen and ink. That I might mark the broken link. Man in God's own image made — The fall of Adam in a deeper shade. Not even a listen, not even a look. My way towards home forthwith I took, To paint the picture then in rhyme. Telling of another time Adam was tempted and did yield, And produced a seed to bruise his heel ; And upon the very offstart, A seed to bruise both heel and heart. It being scattered o'er the whole creation. Therefore came a perverse nation. A garden in which the devil might plow, And God, Himself, to show him how. So the devil came none too late To sow in the crop a variegate. By death from Abel, Cain was parted ; Therefore the cross to monk was started. 170 A Collectio7i of Jewels. So man to monk and monk again — The general mixture of blood and brain ; But in the kneading of the whole There was poured in a little soul. And in the Book we know 'twas said: The seed should bruise the serpent's head ; But still in bramble, bush and brake, We hear the hissing of the snake. We know the Book has all come true, The bruising with you, and you, and you. A chain is no stronger than its weakest link ; Which one is the weakest ; Think ! think ! We are all mortals, men, men. There is none of us rose higher than sin. THE SWEETEST ONE. I have a poem in my mind — The best of all — the sweetest kind. What an honor from above To work for such a Ivord of love. What a pleasure in all things see His gentle presence leading me. Though often wrapped in a cloud so dark- Behind it shines the lovely spark. To put his word where all can reach, To live a life about him preach, A Collection of Jewels. 171 To study through his path of peace A wretched sinner gets release. Though robbed of all on earth to me — Get honey from the robbery, Bereft on earth of all my friends — Good multiply and make amends. And those who evil against us do Turn around and love Him too. A living thus is better far, For God, for God a conqueror. IF. If Geniuses to God could look, Whisky their brains would never cook. If the dog hadn't stopped to gnaw the bone. He'd have caught the rabbit, for it was his own. If girls would be modest, as they should, They would be loved by all that's good. If people would oftener hold their tongue, lycss hearts in the world be wrung. If Judas hadn't betrayed the King, He wouldn't have swung at the end of a string. If Christ had have heeded to his friends request, No salvation or no rest. If David's rock had have missed its mark, Israel would have remained in the dark. If Saul had have yielded the kingdom to Dave, 172 A Collection of Jewels. He would have missed a suicide's grave. If Pharaoh had have treated old Israel well, He wouldn't have been frying in a seething hell. If the sea hadn't caught old Egypt's host, Pharaoh would have had more to boast. If Aaron hadn't made the calf of gold, The tale of the calf wouldn't have been so old. If Moses had have done exactly right, He'd have entered Canaan long 'fore night. If Miriam had kept singing her song, Moses would have entered with the throng. If is the word of all words hated, Were it not for if so many more mated. If knocks out many, you's and I's, And causes niany laughs and crys. If is little, but awful loud, And has caused many a birth and shroud. If is popular and can't be bought, At the head of almost every thought. If if could out be rooted, Some other word then be substituted. If is a power of expression stout, A million years and not worn out. Ifs are everywhere higher or lower. Are they too many in the world for W. H. Moore. A Collection of Jewels. 173 COI^IvISION. I came to the city, to rest to me dear, But swallowed by the sharks ere I settled here; I knew a battle I'd have to fight, To lead them from the darkest night. I knew it, but to me 'twas hard. That the dollar was their only god ; To get it they laid many a scheme. To get the dollar, but not the cream. But in it they saw they all were caught, And by evil all were bought. As a fish would swallow a shining minnow. They thought at first no more a dinner. But regardless of all of evil's request, Four years or longer to digest ; Now seeing they've swallowed a bitter cup, They are hunting an excuse to throw it up. What ere their excuses they find to be. Turns out nothing, don't you see ! To keep it covered against their will, Nauseates and burning still. Their bitterness of soul I know it well, Worse than the fiery flames of hell, If possible on earth to be. But when in hell they'll plainer see. They had no idea I'd live to-day. To cover their theft how they did pray. 174 A Collection of Jewels. That I might die or lose my mind, A splendid excuse that they might find ; But a stronger mind I never had — Don't you know it makes them sad? For his vesture they did cast lots, Regardless of the leprous spots. And didn't know that the Lord they sold Would walk again on the world so bold. What feelings do you think they had, Both judges, jurors, man and lad? Brutes they were, dog, hog and goat. He'd walk by seeing them wearing his coat? And the women all would sigh and cr}^. Regretting they ever saw him die. And wished they hadn't had a hand in such, To murder the one they loved so much. But envy in the hands of power, A long lifetime to rue the hour. And after death, we know it well, In the fiery flames, in a seething hell ; But the Lord did pity and love them all. And died to save them from the fall. I, a starved hero had rather be. Than a fat, low down coward,. see? I'd rather be a prince in rags. Than a hanged Judas and carry the bags. If a dog should steal my cake of butter. A Collection of Jezvels. 175 I'd recover and throw it in the gutter ; Or choke the brute on that he'd stole, Until he lay in death so cold. A judge to be just, like a dog. You could make bark at angel or hog. To be led by the devil's clan, Isn't fit to judge either dog or man. The very devil in hell of him ashamed. Would kick him in the hottest flame ; Perhaps its best this way to tell, Just make of him another hell. A PAUSE. God did use his influence And raised up another queen ; With garments spotless as the snow, Most beautiful, as was ever seen. She was my choice of six or eight, But to us both what a bitter fate ; The others perceiving on whom I'd settle. Their jealous hearts began to nettle, And to throw poison in the way That each to each from each might stay. She was timid and so was I, Therefore 'twas best to let it die. To be persistent in meeting a friend, As evil all our steps attend — 176 A Collection of Jewels. Presumption, though it wish to save, But oft instead it digs a grave. And presuming back on the other's part, Stabs the other to the heart ; And then society takes it up And rejoices in the bitter cup. An argument with friend or foe, Not worth a cent, no ! no ! no ! Ask of God to seal your lip. And you'll escape many a slip. Let this be to the St. Bernard, To live his life I know is hard ; Had I as much dog in me, I'd turn and bark up the other tree. I stand this so living see, Heart-whole yet and fancy free ; Let all this be right or wrong, I've made of all of it a song. The last of this book now I write. Though day is taking the place of night ; There is something still better than I have penned, But to conclude, call this the end. VUG 1 1900