THE CHURCH WALKING WITH THE WORLD

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVII, Issue 8612, 24 December 1913, Page 10

THE CHURCH WALKING WITH THE WORLD

Tho Chinch and the World walked far apart. On tho changing shore of time, Tho World v;as ringing a giddy song. And the Church a hymn t-üblimo. "Como, give mo your hand,” cried Ilia merry World, "And walk with me tins way.” l!ut tiro good Church hid her snowy lunch, And solemnly answered "May, 1 will not give you my hand at all, Ami 1 wiil not walk wnh you; Vour way is the way to endless death; Your words are are aJI untrue.” "Nay. walk with me but a little space,” Said tiie World, with a. kindly air; "The roqd I walk is a pleasant road. And the sun shines always there; Your path is thorny and rough and rude. And mine is broad and plain; My road its paved with flowers and dews, And yours with tears and pain; The sky aiiove is always blue; No want, no toil, I know; The sky above you is always dark; Your lot is a lot of woo; My path, you see. is a broad, fair one. And my gate is high and wide; There is room enough for you and for me To travel side by side.”

Half sbvlv tho Church approached the AVorld, And gave him her hand of enow; The old World grasped it and walked along. Saying in accents low, "Your dress is too simple to please my taste; I will give you pearls to wear. Rich velvets and silks for your graceful forin And diamonds to deck your hoar. ’ The Church looked down at her plain white robes. And then at the dazzling World, And blushed as she saw his handsome lip , With a smile contemptuous curled. . "I will change my dress for a costlier one,” Said the Church with a smile of grace; Thou her pure white garments drifted away. And tho World gave in their place Beautiful satins and shining silks. And roses and gems and pearls; And over her forehead her bright hair > fell Crisped in a thousand curls. “Your homo is too plain,” said the proud old World. "I'll build you one like mine; Carpets of Brussels and curtains of lace, And furniture over so fine." So he built her a costly and beautiful house; , , Splendid it was to behold; Her sons and her beautiful daughters dwelt there. Gleaming in purple and gold: And fairs and shows in. the halls were held, And the World and his children were tfa ere. And laughter and music and feasts were heard In the place that was meant for prayer. She had cushioned pews for the rich and great, , ~ To sit in their pomp and pride; While the poor folks, clad in their shabby suits. Sat meekly down outside. The Angel of Mercy flew over the Church, Arid whispered, "I know thy sin.” Then the Church looked back with a sigh, and longed To gather her children in. But some were oft ait .the midnight ball. And some were off at the play. And some were drinking in gay saloons: So she quietly went her way. Then the sly old World gallantly said to her. “Your children mean no harm. Merely indulging in innocent sports. So she leaned on his proffered arm. And smiled, and chatted, and gathered And she walked along with the World, While millions and'millions of precious souls ~ , , , To the horrible gulf were hurled. "Tour preachers are all too old and plain.” Said the gay World, with a sneer. "They frighten my cthjldren with dreadful tales. Which X like'them not to hear: They talk of brimstone and nro ana pain, . ~ ... And the horrors of endless night; They talk of a place which should not be Mentioned to oars • polite. I will send you some of the better saump. Brilliant and gay and fast. Who will tell them that people may live as thev list, And go to Heaven at LastThe Hauler is merciful, great and good. Tender and true and kind; X)o you think He would take, one child to Heaven And leave the rest behind? So ho filled her houso with gay divines. Gifted and great and learned; And the plain old men that preached the Cross , . Wore out of her pulpits turned. "YOn give too much to the poor,' said the World, "Tar more than you ought to do: If the poor need shelter and food and clothes, Why need it trouble you? Go, take your money and buy rich robes. And horses and coinages fine. And pearls and jewels and dainty food. And the rarest and costliest wine; My Children clote on ail such things. And if you their love would win. You must do as they do and walk in tho ways That they are walking in.” Then the Church held tightly the strings of her purse. And giaceiuiiy lowered her head. And simpered, "I’ve given 100 much away; I'll do. sir, as you have said." So the poor wc-ip turned from her door in scorn, And she heard not the orphan’s cry, And she drew her beautiful relies aside, ■As the widows went weeping by. And the sons of the World and the sons of the Church [Walked closely baud and heart. Ani only ihe Master who knoweth all Could tell tho two apart . Then the Church sat down at her ease and said,. "I am rich and in goods increased; I have need of nothing and naught to do But to laugh and dance ami feast; And the sly World heard her and laughed Tn his sleeve. And mockingly said aside, "The Church has fallen, the beautiful Church. And her shame is her boast and pride/' The angel drew near to the mercy-seat. And whispered in sighs her name. And the saints their anthems of rapture hushed, And covered tneir heads with shame; And a voice came down through tho hush of Heaven From Him who sat on the throne; "I know thy work and how thou hast said I am rich; and hast not known That thou are naked, poor and blind. Ami wretched before my face; ■ Therefore from my presence I oast time out. And blot thy name from its place.” ("The above poem is copied from a clipping in an old scrap-book. The author is triven as Airs Moo. hi a C. L Iwiireis, and" the poem credited to the Baltimore "Christian Advocate.” |