Class PSS^S l Book ' '^f 2 C<5 ' Copyright N^ COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT. C})e ^nfatl)omable ^orrotD tCjje ^nf atjjomaWe giorrotD A Sonnet Sequence from The Passion and other Scriptural Sonnets By OLIVER OPP-DYKE Y^-'-^ Author of The Omar Sonnets, The Lefra Lyrics, etc. ^^ Behold, and see if there be any sorronv like unto my sorrow.** New York Chicago Toronto Fleming H. Revel I Company London and Edinburgh ^^\ Copyright, 1905, 1910, by FLEMING H. REVELL COMPANY (gCi A35n7 INSCRIBED 19 DR. G. CAMPBELL MORGAN Westminster Chapel London Accept this book as token, small but true, Of gratefulness and admiration due From only one of all the flock that you Have led to See and Hear and Feel anew. preface ^^|5|0THING by way of originality is jlj^ claimed for the verse in the following pages, unless it be the use of the son- net form as an appropriate vehicle of expres- sion for certain Scriptural passages. Most of the lines have been deliberately copied from the text of the Authorized Version. In many cases the author's task has been little more than that of transposition and rhyme. Ehythm abounds throughout the Scriptures and very often it is the rhythm of iambic pen- tameter. The rhyme of course had to be sup- plied in order to slip the content into the sonnet mold. But there is no doubt whatever in the minds of those who have given the matter thought, that The Beatitudes, The Lord's Prayer, The Commandments, most of The Psalms, and many paragraphs in the four Gospels are sonnet in spirit and all but sonnet in form. Indeed, there are many pas- sages which have the exact number of verses and the distinctly marked ebb and flow of the sonnet. Nor are the above-named portions 7 Preface of Holy Writ by any means the only ones of which this is true. The author believes that there are a sufficient number of sonnet units from Genesis to Eevelation to make a ^'Son- net Bible'* easily possible. And he believes the time will come when such a version will be accomplished, set to a musical cycle per- haps by some modern Wagner, and climaxing all previous theatric presentation of the sacred stories. On the other hand, there are chapters, par- ticularly in the Psalms, where much abridg- ment or much elaboration has been necessary in order to comply with the limitation of the sonnet. In every such instance, however, the aim has been to express the core of the thought. This has not always been easy. It has sometimes been the cause of what may seem almost forbidden license, since the theme in many chapters is by no means a constant value. Furthermore, some of the texts chosen for sonnetizing have seemed to demand a special or ** hybrid" form, so to speak. Petrarchian, Spenserian, Shaksper- 8 ean, and Omar forms predominate, but fre- quently by its own natural arrangement a Psalm or other passage has required a rever- sion of couplet and quatrain, sestet and oc- tave, and so on. All of ^^The Scriptural Sonnets,'* except those from The Passion, have appeared pre- viously in various religious periodicals, and the commendation they received justifies their presentation in collected form. The sonnet sequence from The Passion is entirely new. While the author is aware, that there is much divergence of opinion regarding the harmonization of the Gospels, he believes that the chronology of Holy Week with the period following it, as outlined in The Anno- tated Bible, has the widest acceptance and it is therefore the one he has most uniformly followed. In almost every sonnet of this group verbatim quotations will be found from Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Mar- ginal references are not given, however, be- cause it is taken for granted that most read- ers of this little book are sufficiently convers- 9 ant with the Great Book which inspired it, to recognize and locate from memory the many quotations. If this assumption is er- roneous, and if any one desires to compare and verify the text, then the best means is to ** search the Scriptures.'^ And the longer the search, probably the more appreciated and the more valuable the truth will be, when found. In fact, no just criticism of the pres- ent work can be made unless parallel reading of sonnets and texts be done. But reading for pleasure, it is universally agreed, is more or less marred by marginal annotations of any kind. The student of the sonnet will here again be impressed with the easy adapt- ability of that stanza form for the story of the Christ's last experiences on earth, — ex- periences, each one of which stands out alone in its terrible and isolated significance, and yet, which combines sequentially with every other to make one of the most beautiful and most impressive stories ever penned by lyri- cist, epicist, or dramatist. OLIVEE OPP-DYKE. New York, January 1, 1910, 10 Contents The Passion 1^ The Beatitudes ^^ The Commandments ^^ The Psalms '^^ The Lord's Prayer 253 11 %\)t 0aggton I PEOLOGUE JftEA, other Christs have been, — their ^ teaching told To loyal lovers ; other worship) sent To God-ward hath, in beauty reverent, Been borne, and with their majesties enrolled. And other honor hath been bought for gold. And other Saviours been betrayed, — intent Have monarchs all their subtle cunning spent To curb a power which their fate controlled. But none beside hath such a love bestowed, Nor ever hath such holiness been seen. Such precious blood for man hath never flowed. From none can all such heavenly wisdom glean, None e'er before such beauty could afford. As Jesus Christ, Our Saviour and Our Lord ! 15 II JESUS AND MAEY nx ND Martha served the Lord, but Mary sat And gazed upon Him as He ate and drank, Then at His feet in loving worship sank, Anointing them with precious oil thereat. And tenderly she wiped them with her hair ; The flavor of the ointment filled the air, And some began in anger to declare, That such a waste was to the poor unfair. But Jesus said: '*A good work hath she wrought, — She hath done this against my burial day; The poor are always with you, give thought To them when ye may lighten their dark way ; But me ye have not always ; — of her deed Throughout the world forever men shall read. ^ ' Palm Sunday Eve 16 III THE CHEIST AT JEKUSALEM "JUgrtJITH palm trees and with branches ^^^ forth they went To meet Him and to greet Him as He came ; The multitudes their joyous voices lent To swell His praise and celebrate His fame, — '^Hosanna to the Son of David, blest! Hosannas in the highest be addrest To Him who in the name of God is guest! All praise and glory now make manifest !'* But when He saw the city, Jesus wept, And of its fated future prophesied. Then some who saw, but sacred distance kept. Asked who He was. — The multitude replied, **Why, this is Jesus, King of Israel, He, — The Prophet Nazarene of Galilee ! ' ' 17 Palm Sunday IV THE CHRIST IN THE TEMPLE ^ ETURNING to Jerusalem at morn, The Christ upon the fig-tree wreaked His scorn, — Then entering the temple of His God, Amongst the evil bargainers He trod, — ' ' My house shall be for all a house of prayer, But ye have made it as a den of thieves ! ^ ' And daily doth He greater truths declare. The blind that come, He heals ; the maimed, relieves. The priests and scribes seek daily to ensnare The man who such a following receives, — **0, dost thou hear the children as th3y sing?'' They ask, displeased. And Jesus answers, '^Yea, Have ye ne'er heard that babes and suck- lings bring Perfected praise ! ' ' And then He went away. Monday 18 V THE CHRIST AND THE PRIESTS ♦ ♦TffF ye have faith and doubt not, ye shall do What things so e'er your believing hearts aspire ; If when in prayer, ye trust it shall come true. Ye shall receive whatever ye desire. And when ye pray, Forgive, if ye have aught Against another, that your Father may Forgive the trespasses that ye have wrought. ' ' Unto Jerusalem He turned His way, And there the priests asked His authority: But Jesus such a question did propound As all their fickle senses to confound. And they confessed inferiority. Yet never did He cease to preach the word, However much His efforts were deterred. 19 Tuesday VI THE CHRIST AND THE CONSPIRATORS ^H, bitter day! Of all the seven, worst, And yet of all the seven proved the best, — Temptations futile but the most accurst, — Unto the tempters holiest words addressed. No trick so low it could not be applied To danm the One whom God had glorified, — No thought of love too sacred to withhold From those who blasphemed when by Him 'twas told ! And when His parables were all expressed, When all the subtleties of sin had failed, With what divinity He bore the test, — With what a calmness was His fate de- tailed ! — **Ye know that two days hence the feast is laid. And that the Son of man will be betrayed!*' Tuesday 20 VII THE BARGAIN WITH JUDAS T^EFORE the Passover ^s unleavened feast Came all the scribes and every noted priest Unto the palace, to discuss a way Whereby the Lord with cleverness to slay. They feared to do the deed at sacrament Lest uproar from the people should prevent. Then Judas — he who had deplored the waste Of oil which on the feet of Christ was placed, — Indignant still, — consented to betray The One who with discipleship had graced! Some silver for the promise did they pay, Their guilt of conscience somewhat to defray. Forthwith the willing hireling in retreat Contrived a telling time for the deceit. 21 Wednesday vni THE HOLY SUPPEE ^ND Jesus took the bread, and blest and brake : *'This is my body: Take and eat,''— said He; He took the cup, and giving thanks. He spake, ^'This is my blood: Drink all that ye may be Eemitted of your sins in purity; But verily no more will I partake Till I the Kingdom of my Father see, And there anew the Holy Supper make.*' The Passover was done. — Then solemnly He washed the feet of all the twelve, and taught Humility by act and word and plea, — Yet said betrayal would by one be wrought. And Judas, by satanic impulse led. Asked: **Is it I?''— Christ answered: *'Thou hast said!'' TKursday 22 IX THE LORD'S LAST DISCOURSES ♦ ♦jrET not your heart be troubled: ye be- lieve In God the Father, believe also in me ; His house hath many mansions, to receive, If 'twere not so, I would have told it thee. I go, a place for each one to prepare, And if I go, I yet again will come And take you all unto myself, that where I am, ye may be also taken home. I am the way, the truth, the life, and none Unto the Father come except by me ; Whatever ye ask in my name shall be done. What I do, that shall ye do, verily. Not of myself these words to thee I tell, — The Father speaketh, who within doth dwell.'' 23 Thursday %it Pa!Si0ion THE LORD'S LAST DISCOURSES 44 ^ND if ye love me, my commandments keep, For he that loveth me my God doth love, — I will not leave you comfortless to weep, But manifest to you myself, above. And love ye one another ; as I, you ; A greater love no man can have than this : That he will give his life for friendship true, — You have I chosen — be ye not amiss. Ye are the branches, — I am the true vine. And as the branch is by the vine supplied, Abide in me, and I in you, that thine May be much fruit, and God be glorified. But if a man abideth not in me. As branch, cast off and withered, shall he be.'' Thursday 24 ^6e Pa00ion THE LOED'S INTEECESSION **|lpHE hour is come, Father! — Glorify Thy son that he may glory bring to Thee — That life eternal he may full supply, As Thou hast given him abundantly. Thy name have I to men made manifest, — For them I pray, for they, O God, are thine ! — Keep them from ill, let them by truth be blest. And sanctify them by Thy love divine. Eighteous Father, fervently I pray For all who believe in me because of these, — Let them be made as one with Thee, that they May know the glory which Thy servant sees. Thy name again I will to them declare. That they the love Thou lov'st me with, may share. ' * 25 Thursday XII THE AGONY IN GETHSEMANE ^fpHEN to the garden of Gethsemane, Soul-sorrowful and sad, the Saviour came ; He fell upon His face in agony — A prayer unto His Father to exclaim : ^^All things are possible, O God, to Thee, This cup, I pray, take Thou away from me If Thou be willing, — Thine the will to be, Not mine. — Father, if it may not pass Except I drink, — yea — still Thy will be done ! ' ' And when a third time He had prayed, alas ! To His disciples spoke The Blessed One : **It is enough. — The hour is come. — 'Tis planned. — Behold, the Son of man! — Eise up, and stand, — For he who would betray me is at hand. ' ^ Thursday 26 XIII THE BETRAYAL ♦ ♦JjkAIL, Master, Master!'^ — Greeting such ^ as this Did Judas use when, with his weaponed band, He met Him and betrayed Him with a kiss, — The most atrocious treason ever planned ! They questioned Christ, and when He said that He Was Jesus whom they sought, they fell aghast. But later took Him by the priest's decree. Which was through treachery fulfilled at last. And then — damned sacrilege! — their hands they laid Upon the Son of man to lead away. And loyal Peter drew his sword to aid. But Christ with noble pathos quelled the fray. The trusted twelve disciples from Him fled, — Denied, deceived, forsaken, was He led! 27 Thursday XIV PETER ^S DENIAL 4ft loyalty more ardently expressed, '^ Abject allegiance never stronger sworn, No love to God or man more oft confessed, — Than that of Peter unto Jesus borne. No prophecy was e'er more surely told Than when the Christ, beset by worldly woe, Declared that he would thrice deny Him bold, Before the cock could twice a warning crow. ** Woman, I know Him not!'' — The first! — And then Three times the thrice in anger he denied Ere cock crowed twice, to evil-questioning men, — Forgetting Him and what He prophesied. And Jesus turned and looked at the adept, And Peter from His presence went, and wept ! Thursday 28 XV THE TRIAL OF JESUS ^ND Peter followed Jesus from afar As He was brought before the judgment bar, To Annas and to Caiaphas, that they Might prove His teachings were irregular. And calmly to their questions did He say : *'I have not taught the truth in secret way, But openly. Behold, ask them that heard What I have said to them in former day.'^ A guard then smote Him for defiant word. And priests and elders ardently conferred,— False witness sought, that death might be de- creed, Though none they found who with their plot concurred. Two came at last to meet the evil need, But all their testimonies disagreed ! 29 Thursday XVI THE TRIAL OF JESUS ^*^RT thou the Christ!— I do adjure thee now To tell us whether thou be'st God's own son ! ' ' Loud spoke the priest, with danger-threaten- ing brow, But softly answered. He, The Holy One, — **I am. — Thou well hast said, and thou shalt see Hereafter in the clouds of Heaven free The Son of God and man, and He shall be On power's right hand sitting peacefully!" Black blasphemies and condemnations broke From all who heard j and blinding Him, they cried, * ^ Now prophesy who struck the sinful stroke, Who buffeted, who cursed thee, who denied!" And more vituperation did they vent. Ere He was to a sterner judgment sent. Thursday 30 XVII THE CHRIST BEFORE PILATE .0, after questions, purposed to confound, Into the hall of judgment, fetter-bound, They took the Christ, that Pilate might decree A punishment for prisoner renowned. **If he were not a malefactor, we Would never have delivered him to thee. ' ' Such was the answer when the ruler sought The accusation 'gainst Divinity. And when the Man a second time was brought To Pontius Pilate, evidence of naught Against Him could be found, whatever the plan Of shrewd examination, evil-wrought. Then spoke the governor to the cunning clan Of priests,— ** No fault do I find in this man!'' 31 Friday XVIII THE CHRIST BEFORE PILATE Qt ND all the priests and elders loud accused, The Son of man unceasing they abused; But not a word of answer did He make ; And Pontius Pilate marveled much, and mused. Till fiercer did the taunting passion break: ^^All Jewry do his cursed preachments shake — Unto this place from out of Galilee/' And when the governor heard this name, he spake And said that Herod should the victim see, That in his jurisdiction He should be ; Forthwith he sent Him, glad to shift the weight Of sentencing without authority. And in the pomp of oriental state When Jesus came, the mighty monarch sate. Friday 32 XIX THE CHRIST BEFORE HEROD 4ft OW Herod was exceeding glad when lie '^ Beheld the Christ in sweet humility Before him with His keepers, for the King Had long desired the Nazarene to see, Some miracle before his court to bring. But when he pressed Him with much ques- tioning, The Son who, through His Father, knew the end. Unto the monarch answered not a thing. Such silence did the kingly pride offend. And priests and scribes and soldiers did con- tend; In royal robes by them was Jesus dressed, And back to Pilate, taunting, did they send. Thenceforth the rulers friendship true pro- fessed, "Who oft before had enmity expressed. 33 Friday XX THE EELEASE OF BARABBAS ^IJ^HE Nazarene again to Pilate came, And thus the governor spoke at royal feast : *^This man shall be chastised and then re- leased, Nor Juda's King nor I find aught to blame." A disapproval loud did men proclaim, — For every petty elder, scribe, and priest Of all the multitude — down to the least — By chiefs had been persuaded to defame. The custom was, a prisoner should go free Upon the festal day, and now the choice Between Barabbas and the Christ must be, — So Pilate asked the people for a voice : '* Release to us Barabbas!" — one, cried they, '*But with this other man — away, away!" Friday 3i XXI THE PEESECUTION OF THE CHRIST 'Hfflf^HEN Pilate saw that he could not pre- vail, Though oft he asked what guilt in Christ could be, The murderer Barabbas was set free. But still the people did their vengeance rail, And ^^ Crucify him! Crucify him!'^ — hail. And after he had scourged the Saviour, he Unto the taunters gave Him, knowingly. And washed his hands of blood that might en- tail. They led Him to the judgment hall with scorns, In scarlet and in purple was He dressed. Upon His head they placed a crown of thorns, — Then on their knees more mockeries ex- pressed, — They spat upon Him, smote Him, vilified, And * * Crucify him ! Crucify him ! ' ' cried. 35 Friday XXII THE CHRIST AND PILATE 1^ |ET once again is Pilate face to face With Jesus Christ, his Saviour and his Lord, — And once again conviction doth record That naught of evil in Him could they trace. **Dost thou not know,'' he asked, **I can erase The sentence which the priests and scribes award r* And Jesus said, ^*No help canst thou afford Unless it cometh by my Father's grace!" Thenceforth to save the Christ the ruler tried. Yet menace from his subjects did he dread, — *^Thou art not friend of Caesar!" loud they cried, — So forth he brought the Nazarene, and said, ** Behold, your King!" — The passioned crowd replied, *^Away! Away! Let Him be crucified!" Friday 36 XXIII THE REMORSE OF JUDAS ^ff^HEN Judas, who betrayed Him, when he saw He was condemned, repented and returned The thirty pieces to the men at law — Confessed that he the Innocent had spurned, And therefore sinned against The Holy One. '^See thou to that!" — the evil-doers scorned. He cast the silver down, by guilt undone. And forth he went and hanged himself, un- mourned. About the money then came to confer The priests and scribes, scarce knowing what to say, — They bought a place where strangers could inter, — The field of blood 'tis called unto this day. Thus came to pass the ancient prophesy, And treason's price was paid to charity. 37 Friday XXIV THE WAY TO CALVAEY Q[ company of faithful followers tread The steps of Him whose life is forfeited, Lamenting loud the crucifixion dread, — Most tragical procession ever trod Bound to assassinate a living God ! — *^0 daughters of Jerusalem,'* said He, * ' Weep not for me, but for your children weep And for yourselves. ' ' — He then made proph- esy Of future ills which wofully would sweep. They gave Him gall and vinegar to drink, And myrrh and wine, but nobly did He shrink From taking aught to bridge the dreadful brink. How, Golgotha, couldst thou bear the weight Of cross that killed a Christ so consecrate! Friday 38 XXV THE CEUCIFIXION ^ title for the cross did Pilate choose, Inscribed in Hebrew, Latin, and the Greek, — ** Jesus of Nazareth, the King of Jews." But some a change, to show Him false, did seek. **What I have written, I have written," said The placid Pilate. — Then they crucified The Christ, with thorns upon His bleeding head And wounds upon His hands and feet and side! ** Others he saved, himself then let him save ! * ' ** Descend from off the cross, if thou be King, Or son of God ! ' ' The mockers loud did rave, Revile, and rail, and bitter curses fling. What wonder that the temple's veil was rent, — That thunders shook the earth and firma- ment! 39 Friday XXVI THE SEVEN WOEDS OF CHRIST UPON THE CEOSS ^ Y, on the cross the Son of man was nailed, And Heaven and Earth the tragedy be- wailed, While at His feet the anguished mother quailed. ' * My Father, why hast Thou forsaken me ! ' ^ — ** Forgive them for they know not what they do.'^ To one He spake who naught of comfort knew, — *^ To-day with me thou shalt in Heaven be.*' * ^ Woman, Behold thy son ! * ' — The Crucified Intrusted her to him that stood beside, And then, ^^I thirst,'* in agony He cried; Eelief in loving tenderness applied — A moment's calm — the thorned brow doth bend ! — "Into Thy hands, my Father, I commend My spirit." — "It is finished!" — Tragic end! Friday 40 XXVII THE WATER AND THE BLOOD Q[ S bodies should not on the cross remain Upon the Sabbath day, consent was given To take them down and break their legs in twain ; The limbs of both the others thus were riven, But when they came to Jesus, He was dead, So such a profanation was He spared ; Yet one did pierce His side until it bled. And water flowed — Life's Sacrament forth- fared ! And he that saw it bore the record true. That ye might believe; and such dire deeds were done, That all the former Scripture be fulfilled : A bone of Him shall not be torn into, — And they shall weep as for a first-bom son, — And they shall see the blood that they have spilled. 41 Friday XXVIII THE DISPOSAL OF THE BODY ^ND Joseph came, a good man and a just, Before the ruler. Boldly did he stand, And firmly crave the monarch to intrust The body of the Christ into his hand. But Pontius Pilate, — marveling much, non- plussed, — First verified the death, then — verdict grand ! — The safe deliverance of the sacred dust Unto the honored counselor did command. In finest linen was the body wound, — Within the Holy Sepulchre interred, — And by a heavy stone the door was bound , That safety sure be on the tomb conferred. And those that followed Him from Galilee Beheld the place in lonely misery. Friday 42 XXIX THE GUARD ijXEFORE the governor now the Pharisees, Chief priests, and elders came with loud uproar, — ^ ^ Sir, we remember, if your honor please, That this deceiver said, ere people bore Him to the cross, ^In three days I shall rise.' We pray thee, thus, demand the sepulchre Be made quite firm, lest his disciples wise Steal him away, his rising to aver. 11 And Pontius Pilate answered them, and said — **Ye have a watch, so go ye all your way. Make sure the place that doth contain the dead.'^ And so they went to where the body lay And set a watch and sealed the stone se- cure, — To such a deed did fear and hate allure ! 43 Easier Eve XXX THE RESUERECTION ifiiUT on the Sabbath morn, before ^twas ^ light, The faithful women came to where He lay — The Marys and Salome — that they might Anoint the dead with spices sweet, and pray ; And solemnly did each to other say — The sacred tomb appearing to their sight, — **0 who for us will roll the stone awayT' But ere they could reflect the fancied plight They looked, and lo ! — an angel, snowy white, Sat at the open door, — and entering, they Saw not the Man! Then stricken with af- fright. They cried that thieves had stolen the cher- ished clay. **Fear not, for Christ is risen from the dead, — Go ye and spread the news, ' ' the angel said. Easter Sunday 44 XXXI THE EESURRECTION ^IpHE passion o 'er — the calumny complete — The sepulchre all silent in defeat, — And Mary mourning where the Christ had been: < < Why weepest thou ? Whom seekest thou 1 ' ' He said, While round about the Holy Light was shed, — The mother knew that He had risen again ! Divine direction, evidence discreet, The loving eyes of loyalty did greet. To all He showed His hands and side and feet. The Scriptures with His wisdom He adorned, They gave Him food, — He took it and did eat, — Yet doubters still the Resurrection scorned ! And some were terrified and brought to grief, But He reproached them for their unbelief. 45 Easter Sunday XXXII THE CHEIST AND THOMAS ^AINT THOMAS, one who yet had never ^"^ seen The risen Lord, said he would not believe Until his fingers he could place between The nail-prints which the Christ did, dying, receive. And thrust his hand into the wounded side, Whence sacred blood and water had ap- peared. But soon his wicked wish was satisfied, For Jesus came and damning doubt was cleared : '^Thy fingers now reach hither and behold My hands and side, and faithless be no more, But believe of me what mj disciples told ; My coming doth thy faith to thee restore, — Not till thou see'st dost thou the truth re- ceive, More blest are they that have not seen, but believe. ' ' Second Sunday after Easter 46 xxxin THE INSTITUTION OF HOLY BAPTISM ^ff^HEY came into a mount in Galilee, Where Jesus had appointed them to be ; And some there were that doubted still, but He Said unto them, in sweet simplicity, **A11 power in heaven and earth is given to me; Throughout the nations of the world, go ye To every creature of whate 'er degree. The gospel preach that all the truth may see. And then baptize them in the Sacred Name Of Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Proclaim Afar the glory, power, kingdom, fame Of him who unto you in meekness came. Behold me, I am with you alway, — yea — E 'en to the end of all the world, for aye ! ' ' 47 Easter Tide XXXIV THE ASCENSION CONVINCINGLY the risen Christ ap- peared, His followers with sacred wisdom cheered ; A knowledge of the Scripture He instilled, Taught how the Law of Moses was fulfilled, — How Psalms and Prophets had the Passion told. How God would all the faithful thus enfold. At last He led them out to Bethany, And there, with hands in benedicite. Their Lord's divine Ascension did they see. A voice there came, — * ^ Ye men of Galilee, Upon His Father's right hand sitteth He, But He shall come again to you and me. ' ' Then in the temple did the faithful meet. To offer praise around His mercy seat. Ascension Day 48 XXXV EPILOGUE ^'JT'IS done — the Apprehension, Fall and Else!— The bleeding sweat hath on the cross been shed, Into captivity, the Master led, — And into victory which never dies ! The death and burial mortal part implies. The blessed Eesurrection from the dead And true Ascension to the great God-Head Supremely and forever deifies ! then, let all their praises gladly bring, Let all the Heavens with Hallelujahs ring. Shout loud Hosannas for the New Born King, And Gloria in Excelsis ever sing ! From Bethlehem unto Calvary hath He trod And intercession makes for us with God ! 49 CJje mtatitutits; GENEEAL A^ blest are they that are in spirit poor For theirs is Heaven's Kingdom ever- more; And blest are they that mourn for love secure For they of comfort shall have Godly store; Blest are the meek for theirs shall be the earth, And blest are they that thirst for righteous- ness; Blest are the merciful, whose holy worth Shall cause them plenteous mercy to possess. Blest are the pure in heart — they shall see Light, The makers of the peace are truly blest, And those that are afflicted for the right. Or who of false report have stood the test. Eejoice, therefore, and be exceeding glad, — In ninefold Christly armor are ye clad. 53 ^f)e 3taiitMt0 THE POOR IN SPIEIT 'JlgllHOEVER doth the Holy Word re- spect, Though poverty of soul be his estate, The Christ shall providentially protect, — Divine provision for his cause create ; The riches He on feeble soul bestows, The last reward He offers in His grace Are greater gifts than earthy monarch knows, — Are constant 'gainst time 's power to efface. O blest assurance from the Sacred Mount, What peaceful promise in thy words doth live ! Thou art of life a never-failing fount, — Thou dost to man eternal solace give. The poor in spirit blessed are fore'er And Heaven's peaceful kingdom shall they share. 54 II THEY THAT MOURN ^ft E not cast down with earthly grief or pain, It worketh death and giveth nought se- cure ; But if thou woulds 't God ^s exaltation gain Be humble in His sight, and true, and pure. Whoever Godly sorrow doth endure Shall also Godly peace and comfort find ; For all that truly mourn, His help is sure, And garlands for their ashes are assigned. In heaviness of spirit and of mind The oil of joy shall consolation be, Eepentant heart that is to Christ inclined, Shall feel His soothing balm eternally. O blest are those that for salvation mourn. To them has heaven's comfort been fore- sworn. 55 III THE MEEK ^IJ^AKE ye My yoke upon ye, saith the Lord, For it is easy and the burden light, And be ye meek and lowly in my sight, As I am even so in heart and word ; Then rest unto your souls shall I afford, Abundant peace shall bless ye, if contrite, Inheritance supreme be your delight. And every tender mercy your reward. For not alone to Abraham or his seed Was promise made that Christ should be the heir Of all the world, nor did the law declare. But righteousness of faith brought forth the meed. Then be ye humble, strive for holy worth. The meek are blest, they shall inherit earth. 56 THEY THAT HUNGER AND THIRST ^JIJTIJHY spend your gold for that which is ^^^ not bread? Your work for that which doth not bring con- tent? Why not let hungry soul be amply fed With priceless food which is divinely sent? Hath Christ not said with merciful intent, **If any thirst among ye come to me And drink? '^ Relief from every languish- ment Is found in Him if ye His guest will be. Seek ye His righteousness and purity With those that on the Lord sincerely call ; Find love and peace, the youthful follies flee And heavenly blessings shall upon ye fall. For those that thirst and hunger for the right Are filled, and blest by God's most holy light. 57 ^jge £eatftutie0 THE MERCIFUL ^Jir^HE small forgettings all along the way Which make a man for self seem most concerned, Which cause a neighbor ofttimes to be spurned, Or wound a friend and set his love astray, — Are passing clouds which come to darken day, And though the sun above be not discerned We know that bright and constant it has burned. Despite apparent loss of every ray. The Lord will fully his good deeds repay Who to the poor his energies hath turned. Who when his servant hath for mercy yearned, Hath given, just as Christ doth wound allay. The merciful are blest with Godly gain, Who, giving mercy, likewise do obtain. 58 %it 15eatittttie0 VI THE PURE IN HEART /IfJ AKE clean your soul and youthful long- * ings flee, Pursue the love, the righteousness divine. Allow your mind with Godly thoughts to shine. And call upon the Lord in purity. Obey the truth, and love thou fervently Thy brethren one and all ; thy heart incline To charity, to His clear power resign. And at His sacred altar bend thy knee. For He whose hands are clean, whose heart is pure. Who hath not lifted up his soul to pride, Or hath not sworn deceitfully or lied. Shall to the Lord with proper right ascend. Blest are the pure in heart, they rest se- cure, — They shall see God and at His throne attend. 59 Ctie £eatituDt«( VII THE PEACEMAKEES # let the peace of God rule in thy heart, — The peace of God which passeth all ac- count, — Eschew the wrong, from evil ways depart, And purify thyself at holy fount. Whose mind on God is staid hath perfect peace ; Seek thou with men the harmony divine, From enmity thy struggling heart release And peace shall be increased to thee and thine. In peace the fruit of righteousness is sown, For those who are its faithful advocates, Great love hath God, the Father, to us shown That He upon our waywardness awaits. blest are those who peaceful paths have trod, — Forever are they called the sons of God. 60 ^it 15tatitn\>t0 VIII THEY THAT HAVE BEEN PERSE- CUTED 'JjKgWiHEN suffering for righteousness is ^^^"^ sent, And pain for Christ 's sweet sake ye must en- dure, When tactful evil threatens to allure Your constant faith, its comfort to prevent ; When trials beset, and troubles sore torment Because ye seek the holy and the pure And keep your hearts from wickedness im- mure. When such the pathway of your discontent, — Then fear ye not; with patience bear the cross, And ye shall with the Lord forever reign, — Deny, and He will evermore disdain. blest are they whom He doth persecute For sake of righteousness ; theirs is not loss. But Heaven's kingdom whole and absolute! 61 IX WHEN MEN SHALL REPROACH YOU Tf F for the name of Christ ye be abhorred, Then in your state content and happy be ; God's holy spirit hath your souls adored, And ye are blessed with sacred purity. If men reproach and spurn ye with their hate, And as an evil outward cast your name, — If from your company they separate For sake of Christ, then glorious be your fame! To stand alone for Him be not afraid, To sing aloud His praise be not ashamed, He loves ye most when men do most upbraid. He pities most when ye are most defamed. So blest be ye when men do persecute. And bring ye falsely into ill repute. 62 Z\tt Commandments %it Commanliment^ GENERAL jftO other gods before Me shall obtain; ^ No graven image shalt thou serve or make, Lest great Jehovah all thy line forsake; Nor shalt thou take His holy name in vain. From work upon the Sabbath day refrain, — Nor child, nor servant shall its purpose break ; To father and to mother honor take. That length of days in God's land thou mayst gain. No murder, no adultery must oppress Thy soul ; thou shalt not steal, nor shalt thou bear False witness 'gainst thy neighbor, nor en- snare Through covetousness, aught he doth possess. Such is the Law which all men must obey, To realize within, the fuller day. 65 Tl^t CommantimnitiSi Thou slialt have no other gods before me, /fit ACH man contains within himself a shrine Where dwells a god whom he must needs revere ; The mystery of his being doth incline His heart to worship false gods or sincere. Perhaps ^tis Moloch, Deity austere Of all the realm of awful cruelty, To whom he bows in homage and in fear ; Or bestial Baal may his choice idol be. If in possession he may think to see That power which seems true happiness to give. To Mammon will he turn submissively, — For god of gold, devotedly to live. But mark ye, men, as each one onward plods, — *^ Before Me thou shalt have none other gods!'* 66 %it Commandments II Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, ^pHE spiritual can never be advanced By things material ; the gaudy priest And ritual theatric are the least Of aids by which the truth may be enhanced. For God is limitless, not circumstanced By any graven image, man or beast; Let not His power through ignorance be de- creased. Nor reverence to idols countenanced. But worship Him in spirit and in truth, — Commune directly, that thy seed may keep Thy wisdom, and His loving kindness reap. The way is clear, at first hand mayst thou know His goodness and His love in very sooth, — In thee He dwells, though nought there be to show. 67 %it Commanummt^ III TJiou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain, TJTHE name of God thou shalt not take in vain: Be guilty ne^er of utterance unclean Which may the mark of purity demean; Associate it not with words profane, Nor with frivolity its lustre stain By mingling it with false speech and obscene ; Be not like hypocrites who subtly screen With prayer their guile and blasphemous dis- dain. Man^s moral attitude must stand the test Of judgment stern. Twere better not to speak God^s name, than mention it with feigning dressed : For all are true or untrue, strong or weak, According as they follow this behest, And strict observance of its meaning seek. . 68 %it Commanlinunt0 IV Remember the Sahhath day to Jceep it holy, ^IpHE Sabbath day is God's! Eemember thou To keep it holy, undefiled, and pure. For worship and for rest did He endow This period divine; the tempting lure Of idle pleasure thou shalt not allow To thwart its aim, its sanctity obscure. To cease from work must thou make solemn vow; The day's great purpose must be made secure And when in prayer dost bow To all thine own. Upon this sacred festival, make sure Thy meditation then may teach thee how The six days ' work with virtue to mature. For note the two-fold sense of this com- mand, — Six days of work for one of rest is planned ! 69 Ulbt Commantmtent^ Honor thy father and thy mother, ^LL other laws with good or evil fare According as this one each man obeys : If thou wouldst have a glorious length of days, To father and to mother honor bear. For them then have the holiest of care Not only in thy youth, but thou shouldst raise To them throughout thy life, respect and praise And thus thy attitude to God declare. For thee. His sacred place should parents share, — This chief command hath reference to all. The young and old are both within its call. Let parents to their children honor show. And all men be most sacredly aware That, being children, honor do they owe. 70 ^jbe Commantimentjef VI Thou shalt not kill. itlflAN^S first relationship is with his i*^ God,- To Him he finally goes, from Him he came. The link between the seed and seasoned clod Connects mankind and Deity the same. God^s spirit animates each human frame, It dwells within, unites, relates us all, Though we be slow its power to proclaim And oft from universal Oneness fall. Thou shalt not murder, therefore. Every man / Is part of God and part of thee beside; By killing thou dost thwart His holy plan And wound Him, and thine own life's blood divide. 'Gainst every form of slaying is the ban, — Oppression, gallows, war, or suicide. 71 %tt Commantiment0 / VII Thou shalt not commit adultery, 'jJ^NCHASTITY its penalty impends,— The law of Karma never works so sure, As when for lust its punishment it sends ; The first command of Nature is, ' ' Be pure ! ' ' Upon the strength of purity doth rest A nation's greatness. Greece and Eome — yea, France Have put the dictum to its evil test And suffered for their lewd intemperance. The law of birth and growth is Godly love. And sexual sin is its most deadly blight, — From beast and bird to human kind above The latter rends, the former doth unite. Commit ye not, therefore, adultery, For sake of God, self, nation, family! 72 **c- %^t Commanliment0 VIII Thou shall not steal. 'HOU shalt not steal!'' The law is sternly plain ; Be it not narrowly interpreted,— All forms of theft it covers, truly read; To shield behind another name were vain. Through work or gift our property we gain, All other ownership of fraud is bred; Not ''How muchr' should we ask when man is dead, But better surely, ''How did he obtain!" Who would employ and pay an unfair wage,— Who works unworthily for honest hire, — Must, like the gambler, reap the heritage Of the transgressor. Yea, those who engage In worldly strife and selfishly acquire. Must help the weak or suffer anguish dire. 73 %^t Commanliment0 IX Thou shalt not hear false witness.