The daily morning Alaskan., 1901-05-30
THE FARMER IN THE CITY
 CHURCH

I'm going to tell you, Sally, What l saw while m the town Of the church that praised 80 highly By the people all around. For | went to hear the preaching Being of a piouS mood, And 1 felt the gospel teachings, Would be sure to do me good. | as usual. started earlX For YOU know I'm fond oi >ingin. And | stepped within the church house As the first bell was dons ingirg. As looked about the building, Everything was grand and neat From the carving on the ceiling To the cushions on the seat. Being poor. felt uneasy For my clothes were rather sccdY But depended on the gospel Come ye sinners. poor and needy. As my hearing was defective, T.. the pulpit went quite near, So | could the preachers language, Have a better chance to hear. There sat in solemn silence. Waiting for the bell Co ring. And the hymn Co be repeated. Which the people an. should sing But Co me came disappointment When the bell had ceased to toll. For the choir led of the singing,
 Twas a chant both slow and droll And they closed by oft repeating, In what seemed, horrid din, With the words. q may be mistakeD sounding Co me. like Amen.
 noticed an the women,
 Wore their silk and satin dresses, Which it seemed Co me they worship
 ped As they gave them such careSses Soon. the preacher took the puluii In hashy suit of clothes.
 lust a drop of water swallowed. Then he loudly blew his nose.
 And a hymn the choir selected.
 He most slowly did repeat | As a lady stepped beside me, Saving. Sir you have my seat | As the seat in front was vacant | Then to me it seemed quite strange, | But thought to please the lady.
 | myself would make the change. As | stepped out. she moved aside, 1 And made a grand display. In what seemed Co me at least | X naughty sort of way | wondered if it was the way. The rich an play their tricks, The seat she occupied at least. l Was big enough for six. | With the congregation standing. l Then the choir again did sing.
 But the organ drowned their voices. l Til I couldn't hear a thing. | And when they ceased the preacher l Calmly said Now let us pray" l As a naughty man come Co me.
 And in whispers he did say.
 This seat Co me is rented. l And belongs Co me alone.
 There's my name is plainly printed, Which you surely must have known ! | arose and begged his pardon,
 And [ started for the door,
 Feeling that was not wanted just because my clothes were peer. , | As passed each seat l noticed
 That in gilt they. 4GIse me Bsm
 Yes even passed the ushers.
 As ] went along the aisle.
 Bu, no seat by them was offered. l Though they met me with a smile
 As ] went. | saw around me.
 Vacant seats on every hand l That were rented by the people. | Who had wealth at their command
 But the preacher commenced prayinl l So ] waited near the door l While he prayed for his dear people. l Not a word came for the poor
 But it came Co me. dear sally l That ChriSt's blessings hal been rivor ! To the poor oi this vile earth.
 That they should inherit heaven.
 When the preacher had ceased prayius And l started for the street wondered ii in heaven.
 .Nhcr the pure in heart shall meet Could be found such selfish people. With their dress and grand display Sharing all the richest blessings. While the poor, were turned away. Yes l asked myself these questions. Would l there. rejected be, Win there be no welcome given. When its portals shall see. Would an the seats be rented. In that bright and happy land. To the men of wealth and station. And the poor be made Co Stand' Not SO my dearest Sally. Though poor. we'll be forgiven. And we shall be blessed forever, When we reach our home in heaven. Yes. beyond ihe gates of glory. Wen be equal, one and all. Such as choose the narrow pathway. And obey the Masters call No the seats will not be rented. In the mansions in the sky. Bu, be free for an of Gods people. When he reach their home on high. Blessed be the meek and lowly Is the words that come from God, L---- .L-.- -L = N-.---