The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1884-12-30


And will not walk with you;
Your way is the way that leads to death;
Your words are all untrue"
may, walk with me but littla space"
Said the World, with kindly air;
.The road Iwalk is "a pleasant road,
And the sun shines always there;
Your path is thorny and rough AMI rude.
But mine is broad and plain;
The sky to me is always blue;
No want, no toll know;
The sky above you is always dark;
Your lot is a lot of woe;
There's room enough for you and me
To travel side by side."
Half shyly the Uhurck approached the World
And gave him her hand of snow;
And the old World grasped it and waike'
along.
Saying in accents low,
"Your dress is too simple t, please my taste;
| will give you pearls to wear,
Rich yelvets and silks for your graceful form,
And diamonds to deck your hair"
The Church looked down at her plain whit
| robes,
And then at the dazzling World.
And blushed as she saw his handsome lip
| With smile contemptnous cu-led.
II will change my dress for costlier one,"
Said tho Church, with a smile of grace;
Then her pure white garments drifted away
And the World gave, in their place,
Beautiful satins and shining silks,
Roses and gems and costly pearls;
While over her forehead her bright hair fell
Crisped in Thousand curls.
Your house is too plain aaid the proud OLE
World,
I'll build you one like mine;
Carpets Of Brussels and curtains of lace,
And furniture ever so fne.'
So he built her costly and beautiful house;
Most splendid it was to behold;
Her sons and her beautiful daughters dwell
there. :.
Gieaming IN purple ana gold,
Rich fairs and shows in the halls were held.
And the World and his children were there
Laughter and music and feasts were heard
In the place that was meant for prayer.
There were cushioned pews for the rich and
the gay.
To sit in their pomp and pride;
But the poor, clad in shabby array,
Set meekly down outside.
You give too much to the poor said the
World.
Far more than you ought to do;
If they are in need of shelter and food.
Why need it trouble you?
Go take your money and buy rich robes;
Buy horses and carriages fine;
Buy pearls and jewels and dainty food;
Buy the rarest and costliest wine;
Ny children they dote on all these things,
And if 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 fast the strings of her
purse.
And modestly lowered her head.
And simpered: Without doubt you are right.
sir;
Henceforth will do as you've said
So the poor were turned from her door in scorn
And she heard not the orphans cry;
But she drew her beautiful robes asids.
As the widows went weeping by.
Then the sons of the World and the sons of the
Church
Walked closely hand and heart.
And only the Master, who knoweth all,
Gould tell the two apart.
Then the Church sat down at her ease and said
i am rich, and my goods increase;
I have need of nothing. nor aught to d,
But to laugh. and dance and FEAST
The sly World heard, and he laughed in his
sleeve.
And mocking said, aside
The Church ia fallen, the beautiful Church,
And her shame is her boast and PRIDE
The angel drew near to the mercy-seat,
And whispered in signs her name.
Then the loud anthems of rapture were hushed,
And heads were covered with shame.
And voice was heard at last by tha Church
From Him who sat on the Throne.
4 know thy works. and how thu hast said,
am rich; and hast not known
That thou art naked, poor and blind,
And wrt tched before Ny face;
Therefore, from Ny presence 1 cast thee cut,
And blot thy name irom it's place.