We tried to come straight out, as Christians should, And bring away all of it that we could; But there were certain persons there to-day, Who, after church was over, clogged the way, And, standing 'round, with worldly nods and smiles, Held a week-day reception in the aisles. Now, when one's mind falls in celestial frame, He wants to get home safely with the same; And hates through jostling gossipers to walk, And stumble 'gainst the smallest kinds of talk, Intended, by some power, his mind to bring Down out of Heaven to every worldly thing-- From office, and good methods to ensure it, To rheumatism, and proper means to cure it. [_From Arthur Selwyn's Note-book._] These are the spires that were gleaming All through my juvenile dreaming; Here the high belfries are singing: Gold invitations they're winging, Asking man through the charmed portal, Where he is once more immortal; Where he may hide from his cares, Under a shelter of prayers. Why do these halls, high and broad, Under the same constant God, Vary in structure and style-- Differ, from chancel to aisle? Why forms and creeds so diverse? Why is my blessing your curse? Pondering here on the street, This is one reason I meet: Man's brain is devious and strange-- Differs, in form and in range; So that God's fervid love-sun, Falling the same on each one, Differs in form and in hue, (Not the less precious or true)! Body and brain and heart-- Temple of infinite art-- You had no power to control Hues of your windows of soul! [_From Farmer Harrington's Calendar._] OCTOBER 5, 18--. Sweet virtue, virtue, virtue!--what a start You've got here in this city's feverish heart! There isn't a thing to do that's square and right, But some one's here to teach it, day and night; No soothing balm soul may from soul demand, But some one has it ready to his hand! And then the churches--thick and rich of yield, As corn-shocks in a new-made prairie field, Where any one the golden fruit can find All ready cooked to suit his heart and mind; Great brick-and-mortar prayers! that never cease, And costing fifty good-sized farms apiece (Much too expensive, it might well be said, If _bodies only_ need be clothed and fed). And then the missions--regular district schools, Where transient men are taught eternal rules; Then the Salvation Army girls and boys, Who season their religion up with noise, And, when they get to Heaven, won't have the power To help keep silent even half an hour; But who take ragged wretches every day, Haul them into the straight and narrow way, Strip them of vain conceit soon as they show it, And get them saved--almost before they know it! It's something good to make these people good, Who never go to church, and never would!