Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1878-02-27
sMnrai and ReIigions.
THE ouuRoH AND THE WORLD.


by MRS NJ. G. EDWARDS.
The Church and the World walked far hpari
On the changing shore Of tImei
The world was singing gddy song,
And the church hymn sublime.
" Come, give me your hand" cried the merry World
"And walk with me this way"
But the good Church hid her snowy hand,
And soiemnly answered, Nay
will not give you my hand at all,
And will moi walk with you,
Your way Is the way to endless death'
Your words are all untrue
"Nay, walk with me but little space"
Said the world with kindly air,
"The road walk Ia pleasant road.
And the sun shines always there.
My path, you see, is a broad, fair one,
And my gate Is high and widei
There is room enough for you and for me
To travel side by side"
Half shyly the Church approached the World
And gave him her hand Of snow.
The old World grasped H. and walked along,
Saying In accents low;
"Your dress is too simple to please my taste
will givey you pearls to wear,
Rich vevets and siks for your graceful form
And diamonds to deck your hair"
The Church looked down at her plain white robe
And then at the dazzling World
And bushed as she saw his handsome lip
with smile contemptuous curled.
"I will change my dress for n oostller one,"
Said the Church with smile Of grace.
Then her pure white garments drfted away.
And the world gave in their place
Beautiful satin and shining silks.
And roses. and gems, and pearls;
And over her forehead her bright hair fell
Crisped in thousand curls.
Your house Is too plain said the proud old World.
am build you one like mine
Carpets Of Brussels. and curtains Of lace,
And furniture ever so fine"
So he built her a costly and beautiful house,
Splendid it was to behold
Her sons and her beautiful daughters dwelt there
Cleaning in purple and gold.
The angel Of mercy few over the Church
To gather the children In;
But some were off at the midnight ball,
And some were of at the play.
And some were drinking In gay saloons.
So she quietly went her way.
Then the sly world gaantly said to her,
"Your children mean no HARM
Merely ndulgng In innocent sports"
So she leaned on his profered arm
And smiled and chatted and gathered flowers,
As she walked along with the World
While millions and millions Of deathess souls
To the horrible gulf were hurled
you give too much to the poor" said the World;
Far more than you ough, to do.
II the poor need shelter and food and clothes.
why need 1t trouble you?
Co, take your money and buy rich robes.
And horses and carriages fine,
And pearls and jewels and dainty food,
And the rarest and costliest vine
My children they dote all such things;
Andif you their love would win.
You must do as they do, and walk In the ways
That they are walking In"
Then the Church held tightly the strings Of her purse,
Aud gracefully lowered her head
And smpered, " I've given too much away;
III do, sir, as you have said"
SO the poor were turned from her door in scorn;
And she heard not the orphans cry;
And she drew her beautiful robes aside
As the widows went weeping by.
And the OF the World and the of the Church
Walked closely hand and heart,
And only the Master, who knoweth all,
Could tell the two apart.
Then the Church sat down at her ease. and said
"I am rich, and in goods increased.
have need OF nothing, and naught to do
But to laugh and dance and feast"
And the sly World heard her and laughed in his sleeve
And mockingly said aside,
The Church is 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 their heads with shame.
And voice came down through the hush OF heaven,
From him VINO sat the throne,
81 know thy works, and how thou hast said
am rich; and hast not known
That thou art naked. poor and blind,
And wretched before my face;
Therefore, from my presence cast thee out.
And blot thy name from Its place"