Untitled article by Fred Allison Howe

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Mar 11, 1889

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 15, No. 10.

FROM NATURE'S BOOK.

By Fred Allison Howe

BY FRED ALLISON HOWE.

ERE yonder glorious sun fades quite away, And dips his plumage in the western sea, From Nature's book, with his departing ray, Peruse the tale of human destiny. Bright orbs of hope! like yonder setting sun, Ye rise and briefly shine with golden light, Then, leaving but a shadow, one by one, 'Neath life's horizon, sink in deepest night.

Yet, e'en as sunlight sparkling on the sea, Directs and cheers the sailor all the day, So your fair beams are comforting, and ye Are guiding lights until ye pass away. God's loving promises bring sweet relief, And light the way where trembling feet must go; Bright gleaming stars to cheer the night of grief, That shine the brightest in the darkest woe.

Yon white and crimson clouds, like freighted craft With snowy sails, athwart the western dome, How peacefully the wandering breezes waft Away beyond their sand-girt ocean home! Yet, torn by gales, or weeping gentle rain, Swept on by mountain torrent fierce and free, Shall those bright clouds thro' endless change, again, Like truant children, hasten to the sea.

'Tis thus the weary spirit, worn with strife, Swept on by fate, torn by adversity, Some day shall lave in crystal streams of life Its tired, snowy pinions, and be free! He who is faithful to each sacred trust, Like yonder sun, shall rise beyond the night, With white-clad throngs of all the good and just, Shall shine forever in the realms of light.

Battle Creek, Mich.