A SERMON IN RHYME.




IF you have a friend worth loving, 

Love him. Yes, and let him know

That you love him, ere life's evening 

Tinge his brow with sunset glow.

Why should good words ne'er be said

Of a friend till he is dead?

If you hear a song that thrills you,

Sung by any child of song, 

Praise it. Do not let the singer

Wait deserved praises long. 

Why should one who thrills your heart 

Lack the joy you may impart?

If you hear a prayer that moves you 

By its humble, pleading tone,

Join it. Do not let the seeker 

Bow before his God alone.

Why should not your brother share

The strength of "two or three" in prayer?

If you see the hot tears falling 

From a loving brother's eyes,

Share them, and, by sharing,

Own your kinship with the skies.

Why should any one be glad,

When his brother's heart is sad?

If a silver laugh goes rippling 

Through the sunshine on his face,

Share it. 'Tis the wise man's saying, 

For both grief and joy a place.

There's health and goodness in the mirth

In which an honest laugh has birth.

If your work is made more easy

By a friendly, helping hand, 

Say so. Speak out brave and truly,

Ere the darkness veil the land. 

Should a brother workman dear 

Falter for a word of cheer?

Scatter thus your seeds of kindness,

All enriching as you go 

Leave them, trust the Harvest-giver;

He will make each seed to grow. 

So, until its happy end, 

Your life shall never lack a friend.