If rightly clothed, according to God’s plan, We soon discover, ere it is too late, That cultivation makes the grander man Who finds a place within the Heavenly gate. * * * * * The dreamer woke; his roses, once so bright, Had drooped and faded in the heat of day; His rose thoughts had unfolded to the light To bless and help him all along life’s way. SEEKING AND STRIVING. The soul that seeks for Heavenly things, And mounts above on tireless wings, Shall find them by and by; The soul that strives to conquer wrong, And sings a happy trustful song, Shall live and never die. SOME DAY. Some day, not far away, In Heaven above, Both you and I, Who say the last good-bye, Shall meet and love. Some day, beyond life’s way Of cares and tears, Your soul and mine, With Christ, the Soul divine, Shall know no fears. Some day, when others pray With tear-stained eyes, You’ll take my hand And we shall understand In Paradise. Some day, when others stay To do life’s part, We’ll reach the goal Each standing soul to soul,— Not heart to heart. Some day, when others say:— “Their lot was sad,” We’ll know the why; In Heaven both you and I Shall be more glad. Some day, when earth is gay On land and sea, Beyond life’s shore We two, who patience bore, Shall thankful be. Some day,—some brighter day Than all the rest, Both you and I Shall say no more: “Good-bye,” But:—“God knows best.” THE AWAKENING. When Earth is waking from her winter dream, And Sunlight calls to life each sleeping stream; When songsters shall return on joyful wings, ’Tis then the mind awakes to grander things. Faith in our God becomes a mighty power,— Deep rooted in the soul it grows each hour. Hope springs to life and, like the budding rose, Admits the light, and thus diviner grows. Sweet Charity, the greatest of the three, Unlocks the dormant heart with magic key,— Then enters Joy, the ever welcomed guest, To quiet Sorrow, and to bid her rest. The waking Earth demands the watchful eye, While day by day new glories round her lie. No longer shall we sleep away the hours, But wake to life as wake the budding flowers,— Breathing to others, in our life’s brief day, Fragrance and beauty as they pass our way. No longer shall we wait for better days, But, like the bird, sing forth His endless praise, And in the hour new hope and pleasure bring To those who listen but care not to sing. No longer shall we rest and vainly dream, But wake as wakes again the living stream, Ever to broaden as we onward go, Bearing to thirsting souls the joys we know. LOVE-LETTERS.