SUNRISE by L. C. Hutchins

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Sep 25, 1860

SUNRISE.

By L. C. Hutchins

He maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good. Matt. v, 45.

SLOWLY up the orb of day, Showers blessings on his way, Comes to shine upon the poor, On the good and evil doer.

All alike the blessings share, Hindoo devotee at prayer, Christian in his home of love, Atheist scorning all above.

Jesuit chanting Greek at mass, Priest-deluded "lower class," Moslem at the crescent shrine— For the whole the sun doth shine.

Princess in her palace fair, Beggar-boy with uncombed hair, Saint and sinner, all the same, Share the sunshine and the rain.

Hill, and dell, and forest tree, River, lake, and boundless sea,— Crowded mart and prairie fair, All alike the blessing share.

Summer's stream and winter's snow, In the sunbeam sparkle, glow; Beast and bird and humble flower, Join to praise their Maker's power.

Let us from the rising sun, Learn the Christian race to run, Scatter blessings in the way, As we labor day by day.

Labor meekly for the poor, Mercy show the evil doer, Old, or young, or middle age, Peasant, yeoman, child or sage.

Mendicant with stooping form, And maniac we may not scorn, For the sunshine and the rain, Fall on all mankind the same.

Lo! the God that reigns above, On his throne enshrined in love, Looks upon thee all the while, Works of love will meet his smile.

Falls the sparrow to the ground? Quick his ear discerns the sound, Bread upon the waters cast, Shall be gathered at the last.

Never effort made for good, But this promise sure has stood: Thy reward a glad well done, With at last a heavenly home.

Toiler sad with downcast eyes, Hope for thee shall soon arise, Sun of righteousness who brings, Blessed healing in his wings. L. C. HUTCHINS. Ganges, Mich.