The guiding hand

Contents

Page PROEM 1

SECTION I.— The birth of Sylvanus and Ruth, and

the meeting of their Guardian Angels 3

SECTION II.— The early training of Sylvanus and Ruth, and the removal of Sylvanus' parents from Old Virginia to Oklahoma, where they settle within twenty miles of the home of Ruth 19

SECTION III.— A great meeting of the Guardian Angels at the home of Sylvanus, and their discussion of the subject of matrimony 23

SECTION IV.— Sylvanus and Ruth in college— one in

Kansas, and the other in Oklahoma... 35

SECTION v.— The commencement 45

SECTION VI.— Sylvanus and Ruth at home 65

SECTION VII.— Sylvanus and Ruth meet for the first time at a Fourth of July celebration, where Sylvanus delivers the oration of the day, and Ruth leads the choir and sings an original solo 69

SECTION VIII.— The uneasiness of unassured love 108

SECTION IX.— Sylvanus and Ruth choose teaching in the public schools as their profession, and participate in a teachers' meeting 117

SECTION X.— The engagement of Sylvanus and Ruth, followed by a jubilant song of the Guardian Angels 132

SECTION XI.— Sylvanus and Ruth participating in the social, literary and religious work of the community— Sundry Poems and Songs 153

SECTION XII.— Sylvanus and Ruth, during the summer vacation of 1907, take part in the Oklahoma campaign for the constitution. Sylvanus does the speaking and Ruth leads the singing, throwing in an original solo now and then 184

SECTION XIII.— Sylvanus and Ruth finally decide to change their occupation, and enter the work of the Gospel Ministry, but conclude to teach one more year first, then wed, and in the autumn begin ^a course of special study in the University of Chicago and the Woman's Missionary Training School 223

SECTION XIV.— The passing of the seasons, the close of the second school year, the wedding of Svlvanus and Ruth, their departure for Chicago, and the Epilogue 244

PEOEM.

In the visions of the sages, In the movements of the ages, In the forms of sea and land May be seen the Guiding Hand.

When the war-clouds blaze and thunder, And the people gaze and wonder. Still the unseen mighty Hand Shapes events sublimely grand.

Through the mists of superstition; By the pitfalls of Perdition — Onward with unfailing might. It is guiding toward the right.

In the rise and fall of nations, And in social agitations.

It forestalls the wrath of man By its overruling plan.

In the progress of our nation, Eising from its lowly station. May be seen the Guiding Hand Pointing to the Promised Land.

THE GUIDING HAND.

By a pathway dark and gory, We have reached the stars of glory, And above them brightly shine "With benignity divine.

In pursuit of true religion. Though it be through shadows Styg'an, We behold the Shepherd^s rod In the Guiding Hand of God.

Not alone in world-wide movements. Nor alone in race improvements; But in ev'ry life, the Hand Has a purpose wisely planned.

In pursuit of life's true pleasures. Or in search of worldly treasures. There is seen the magic wand. Wielded by the Guiding Hand.

From a realm of matrimony.

Where the roads are never stony. Comes a vision of the Hand In a wedding that it planned.

It is such a lovely story.

That it fills my soul with glory. Calls my Muses out to sing Like the happy birds of spring.

THE GUIDING HAND.

So while in my psychic slumbers, I'll begin the metric numbers, Which the Muses bid me use With similitudes profuse.

Largely in iambic measures That are rich with metric treasures. Let us trace the Guiding Hand In this wedding which it planned.

SECTION L

The 'birth of Sylvanus and Ruth, and the meeting of their Guardian Angels.

In Old Virginia's grand domain.

Where valleys, rich with fruit and grain,

Lie down between the sloping hills

To drink from rivers, creeks and rills.

That crops may on their bosoms grow,

A child was born, not high nor low.

But like the creek between its banks.

He took his place in human ranks.

'Twas not in April, nor in May,

When nature looked sublime and gay.

And greeted man with smiling face.

And welcomed him with fond embrace;

But when cold Winter, bleak and bare.

With snowy feet and long white hair.

Stalked through the land with frosty breath.

THE GUIDING HAND.

To cover Autumn's work of death

In orchards, meadows, fields and woods,

With fleecy robes and downy hoods.

While verdant Nature soundly slept. And Winter still his vigil kept. The Guard'an angel came with joy, And took control the little boy. With quiet and prudential skill, He worked upon his parent's will Until he could, at length, proclaim, Sylvanus, as his given name. "Sylvanus Walden," now resounds Throughout the happy Muses' bounds. With rhythmic time it glides along In long or common meter song; And even in trochaic verse.

We may the measured name rehearse. With dactyl, too, and anapest. It may become a welcome guest. Iambic, though, the Muses say, Will give to it a greater sway. In this the Muses, then, shall sing, And make the realm of Hymen ring.

The angel, now, with loving heart. Begins at once to do his part In shaping this unfolding life. And finding for the boy a wife

THE GUIDING HAND.

When he shall reach the proper age,

And in the work of life engage.

He guarded him through infant days

From all the danger of his ways,

And followed him through coming years.

And wiped away his childish tears.

Then by and by with ways sedate,

He searched for him a future mate.

He left him in the safest care

Of other angels serving there.

And spread his wings and flew away.

Upon a pleasant day in May,

To look among the daughters fair

Of rosy cheeks and auburn hair.

For one who would a helpmate be.

And add to his felicity.

Throughout the boy's own native state.

He tried in vain to find his mate;

Then turning westward in his flight,

Kentucky's landscapes came in sight.

Enraptured by the splendid scene

Of verdant fields and forests green,

He sailed along without delay.

Admiring nature's grand display.

And singing grateful songs of praise

To Him who pointed out his ways:

And while he's sailing smooth and fast.

He meets another unsurpassed

In flowing robes of spotless white.

THE GUIDING HAND.

And face resplendent with delight. They both in salutation bend, And seem to fully comprehend The other's thought, and hope, and aim, And that their mission is the same. Then with one voice they both exclaim — Their hearts with heaven's love aflame — "Let us go down to yonder mount, And on its summit there recount Our work, our mission and our aims, And also learn each other's names." Then round and round and lower down — Each one with long white flowing gown — They circled to the round-top hill Which stood beside a gurgling rill. The mount was clothed with forest-trees That rustled in the gentle breeze. Adown they sat upon the ground, On top that lovely shady mound. And like two lovers, side by side. Described a future groom and bride. With happy hearts and sparkling eyes, They wisely talked of marriage ties. And told their names and stations, too ; Also the work they came to do.

Fidelia, was the name of one. Who had immortal glories won By leading girls in Wisdom's ways,

THE GUIDING HAND.

And guarding them through all their days And Eupert, was the other's name, A¥ho, too, had won distinguished fame By leading boys in paths of light. And crowning them with virtues bright.

While human sex does not belong To heaven's great angelic throng, Yet may we not, to suit our aim. Such qualities of them proclaim? Still other reasons might be named To keep the scribe from being blamed, But they will all appear in time, Expressed in story and in rhyme. But now the story must unfold. And all its facts be fully told.

The angel of the sterner kind Described the girl he hoped to find; And as he talked of this and that. The gentler angel raptly sat With smiling face and sparkling eyes. Expressive of a glad surprise; And ere the story was complete. She rose sublimely to her feet. And with her face with joy aflame. Exclaimed: ^'I know her, and her name. Though of an humble country birth, She's one among the best of earth.

THE GUIDING HAND.

Her eyes are dyed with heaven's blue;

Her hair is of an auburn hue,

And she's a most delightful blonde.

Of whom the neighbors all are fond.

Though yet a babe in mother's arms,

I see in her the future charms.

Which, like the lovely Kuth of old.

Will firmly and for ever hold

Her husband fast in love's embrace.

And pour sweet smiles into his face

Until relentless death shall break

The ties that purest love did make.

From heaven I was sent to earth

As guard'an angel from her birth,

To guide her through this world of sin.

And teach her how the crown to win

Of noble life and true success,

And everlasting happiness.

I left her in another's care.

So I would feel no doubt or fear,

And started out among the sons

To watch the course of life that runs

In sweeping currents through their veins,

Prom which the actions of their life

Spring forth in either peace or strife,

To see if I could find the youth

Prepared by God for little Euth.

'Euth Caldwell,' is the metric name

THE GUIDING HAND.

By which she shall be known to fame."

"Praise God, Fidelia/' Rupert said,

With crown of life raised from his head,

"The little boy I have in care.

Of ruddy face and ebon hair.

And brawn and muscle firm and strong.

And mind intent to shun the wrong,

I think must be the ordained youth

To mate your darling little Euth.

A faithful helpmate he will be.

And add to her felicity.

If you will come and go with me

To where the oak and poplar tree.

The sugar maple and the beech.

Whose graceful arms far outward reach.

And gently wave their vernal fans.

And beckon to the other clans

To join with them in glad refrain.

Because the spring has come again,

I'll show you where Sylvanus dwells

Among the joyful hills and dells."

"I will," Fidelia quickly said. Instinct with sure success ahead. "Then let us," Eupert said, "arise Up to the blue and tranquil skies. And through the lovely azure plain Sail o'er yon lofty mountain chain,

THE GUIDING HAND.

And toward Virginia haste away, As it is now the close of day."

Then from that lovely-shaded-hill,

Which stood beside the rippling rill,

They raised their wings and took their flight

In flowing robes of spotless white

That floated back beneath their feet

With heaven's loveliness complete.

With long extended glossy wings

All covered o'er with shining rings,

And crowns of beauty on their heads

Adorned with pearls on golden threads;

And faces brilliant as the sun

When he his course doth proudly run,

They sailed along with easy speed

O'er mountains tall and flowry mead,

Until they reached the humble dome

Where young Slyvanus made his home.

The sun had run his daily race. And hid his bright refulgent face. That other worlds might come in sight To beautify the vernal night; And Ebon, from his starry throne. With many blessings all his own. Had rocked the busy world to sleep, And from the heat of day did keep It resting in the gentle breeze

THE GUIDING HAND.

That played among the forest-trees, When these two angels ope'd the door, And softly walked across the floor With graceful and with noiseless tread, And found the boy asleep in bed. There bright Fidelia stood and gazed With heart in prayer to heaven raised For wisdom and for help divine To ascertain the Lord^s design. Her prayer was heard; the answer came, And lit the future with its flame. With miscroscopic sight she read Just how the little boy was bred. And saw his life in conduct flow Through all his journey here below. With pensive eyes she looked beyond. And saw his future as it dawned Into deportment, act and thought. And how he would be trained and taught. Her heart with joy began to swell, And sparkling eyes began to tell That she had found the precious prize. Of proper age and proper size. In that delightful blooming youth Prepared by God for little Euth; And, turning round, took Eupert's arm. And glided out without alarm. To have an earnest talk with him Upon a long and swinging limb, -11-

THE GUIDING HAND.

Which from a beech-tree reached afar. As if to see a shining star. Upon that limb they lightly sat, And talked of this, and then of that, Concerning young Slyvanns' life. And she who was to be his wife.

With cheerful voice, Fidelia said: "Your boy I've seen and fully read, And found in him the virtues true. Which will the life of Euth imbue With satisfaction, joy and love. Allied to that in realms above. And now, if you will go with me. We'll leave this most delightful tree. And this sublime ambrosial land Where Cupid waves his magic wand. And reigns supremely over all From his own gorgeous palace hall. And to the West we'll quickly go Where rivers through the prairies flow. And fertile plains, like oceans broad. To beautify the works of God, Spread out in grandeur like the sky When o'er its bosom no clouds fly; And there upon the prairie strand, Near where it joins a small woodland, I'll show you Euth's abiding-place, And let you read her lovely face."

THE GUIDING HAND.

'^ith pleasure, I will go with you/' Said Rupert, "For I must be true To him whose happiness I seek, And he of whom I love to speak/'

Then from the limb they rose aloft Upon the gentle breeze so soft, That even night-birds could not hear Their silent motions through the air; And tow'rd the West in rapid flight. They sailed on that delightful night To Oklahoma's goodly land — To which led forth the Guiding Hand.

The sky was clear, the air was calm, And filled with nature's soothing balm. The queen of night was on her throne. And with transcendent beauty shone With full round face of amber glow Upon the landscapes far below. Ten thousand worlds appeared in space Each with a bright and shining face — To beautify the lovely night On which they took their happy flight. The scenes below and scenes above. They passed between on wings of love, And sang with joy this glad refrain, While gliding through the azure plain:

THE GUIDING HAND.

"How bright the love of God doth shine Upon the earth below.

When all the stars of night combine His grace and pow'r to show !

"0 see the worlds in splendor roU Like flaming balls of fire, As God unfolds his shining scroll To let the earth admire!

"Let shining worlds His praises sing, Let angels join the choir.

Let all the earth its homage bring In Love's sublime attire.

"Sing on, sing on, universe — In endless praise sing on; And let your song God's love rehearse Through Jesus Christ His Son.'*

Thus on they go with flaming zeal. Their hearts aglow with heaven's weal. And songs of praise that far excel What Orpheus could write or tell; And conversation free and pure Concerning their great overture, Until they reach the cozy home Where guard'an angels love to roam To catch a glimpse of little Euth,

THE GUIDING HAND.

To see if she might be, for sooth, The girl they longed and hoped to find To mate the boy they left behind.

The weary world was still asleep. And resting like the silent Deep. The humble cottage snugly stood Near where the prairie joined the wood— Upon a gently sloping mound — With ornamental trees around. They entered it without a noise — Their hearts athrob with untold joys — And quickly stood beside the bed, On which the lovely Kuth was laid Between her parents, safe from harm. And sleeping on her mother's arm. There Eupert stood with gleaming eyes. Fixed on the girl and then the skies; For well he knew that from above. True "Wisdom, like the Holy Dove, Must come and give prophetic light To aid his judgment and his sight. The keen prophetic vision came And lit the future with its flame, The same as when Fidelia prayed. And young Sylvanus' life portrayed. He saw her life through ev'ry stage — From childhood down to ripe old age — And read her thoughts and motives, too,

THE GUIDING HAND.

From which he very quickly knew That he had found the girl he sought With all the female virtues fraught, Who would a faithful helpmate be, And bring his boy felicity.

With smiling face he turned about. And with Fidelia glided out To have a further talk with her About the things that should occur To cause the boy and girl to meet, When preparations were complete. So down upon the lawn they sat Beneath the starry skies to chat ; And there upon the lovely grass. They talked of what should come to pass- How boy and girl should both be led Until the time that they should wed. They wisely talked and wisely planned, But trusted to the Guiding Hand To shape events and blaze the way That they might meet some future day. The way began to open up, And gladness overflowed their cup. When plans, at length, were settled on. Then Eupert said : "I must be gone ; But let us, first, before we part, In prayer and praise lift up each heart To Him whose will we love to do. Whose shining face we love to view,

THE GUIDING HAND.

And who has blessed us with success, And filled our cups with happiness/^

Then down they dropped upon their knees With costumes waving in the breeze, And offered up a grateful prayer For further guidance and for care. They gently rose from off their knees. And talked awhile beneath the trees Like friends before they separate Wlien one's about to emigrate. At length their conversation closed, And Eupert, first, farewells proposed.

Rupert : —

"Farewell Fidelia, fare thee well; May heaven's joys thy bosom swell; And may you crown the life of Euth With peace and joy and love and truth."

"Dear Eupert, I shall ne'er forget The time when yesterday we met, And talked about our little pets. And crowned them with such epithets. That we without a doubt believed Our undertaking was achieved. And then our supermundane flight On this delightful vernal night,

THE GUIDING HAND.

Has been so full of peace and joy Because we've found our girl and boy, That I must say, my heart doth sing More gladly than the birds of spring. And now we part to meet again Upon this lovely western plain. When you and young Sylvanus come. And locate near Euth's happy home. So fare thee well with my best cheer; And as we visit twice a year, We can our pleasant work review. And thus our well-laid plans pursue."

Eupert : —

'^ell said, Fidelia, fare thee well ; The joy I feel no tongue can tell ; But now I can no longer stay; For long before the break of day, I must Sylvanus' dwelling reach Among the maples and the beech.''

Then Eupert spread his glossy wings. Which moved by unseen motor-springs. And like a brilliant lightning-flash Without its roaring thunder-clash, Or like a meteoric stone From out the upper regions thrown, He went a sailing through the air With such a splendid heav'nly glare,

THE GUIDING HAND.

That bright Fidelia stood and gazed Until the earth between was raised Above the line he sailed upon, And he below the sky was gone.

SECTION 11.

The early training of the toy and girl, and the removal of Sylvanus' parents to Oklahoma.

The moon was still upon her throne,

When faithful Eupert, all unknown

To those within the house asleep,

Passed through the door with gentle sweep.

And took control his boy again

To lead him through this world of sin.

Both fam'lies rose at break of day

Unconscious of the grand display

Of holy angels in the room

With happy faces all abloom

With heaven's bright, immortal youth.

And love and wisdom, joy and truth.

The morning birds began to sing And make the woods with music ring. The sun arose with smiling face. Expressive of benignant grace, Poured forth his glory on the earth. And to another day gave birth.

THE GUIDING HAND.

The busy world, renewed by rest, Again its muscles put to test. The wheels of commerce rolled along With rattling, clanging, ringing song.

And thus the world, from day to day, Rolled onward in its destined way. Imparting poverty and wealth, Disease and sorrow, joy and health, According to the higher plan. Which man can only partly scan.

Amid these scenes of grief and joy. The angels raised their girl and boy. And led them in the ordained way To meet on God's appointed day.

In early youth they sought the Lord, Believed in Christ and in His Word, Obtained the pardon of their sin. And started out the crown to win Of human worth and true success, And everlasting happiness.

To public school they both were sent. And there their time was partly spent While passing through the early stage Of happy youth's florescent age.

THE GUIDING HAND.

The earth rolled on around the sun To where it first its race begun, And then again it took its flight Around the central orb of light; And so continued once a year — Completing its ordained career — Producing seasons richly fraught With blessings which it daily sought In regions of celestial heights, For man, the object of its flights.

A few such revolutions past, The boy and girl arrive, at last. To that important stage of life When thoughts of husband and of wife Become the silent motor-force Propelling them along the course That leads to Hymen's blest abode Where reigns the highest social code. Unconscious of the other's name. And knowing not the other's aim, Nor what the country or the place. Nor what the visage of the face. They both, at length, arise and start. Though many hundred miles apart. Upon the Hymenean route With secret purpose fixed and mute. To seek the partner of their life — The husband true, and faithful wife.

THE GUIDING HAND.

They thought, sometimes, that they had found

The one to whom they could be bound.

But something always interfered

And all their present prospects seared.

They calmly bore the consequence.

Believing that God's Providence

Was guiding them along the way.

And that He would, some future day,

Eeveal the one they hoped to find.

Alike in ways, alike in mind.

Eeflection soon revealed the fact,

That they the age and wisdom lacked

To fit them for the marriage state.

Which they too soon did meditate;

For 'tis a fact by age well-known.

That love, when first upon the throne.

Is like a vascillating queen

Who changes with the changing scene.

The days in quick succession fly.

The weeks and months grow old and die.

And ere another year rolls round,

A. happy fam'ly westward bound.

Is seen on upland and on plain

With young Sylvanus in the train.

The Fast Express now rolls along,

Conveying its exultant throng

To homes within the growing West —

That country so divinely blessed

THE GUIDING HAND.

"With such great opportunities, To meet the East's deficiencies. Our hero's fam'ly, glad with hope. Admire the country's splendid scope. At length they reach the destined place, Tow'rd which they long had set their face. And settle near to Abalooth, Not more than twenty miles from Euth — Whose home is in a lovely dale. About a mile from Pleasant Vale.

Section III

As soon as Sylvanus' parents are well located in their new home, Fidelia visits Rupert, welcomes him to the West, and, together, they discuss the subject of Matrimony.

The angels twice a year bad met Without a failure to regret; And now they are again to meet According to their plans discreet. Fidelia comes to be the guest, And welcome Eupert to the West.

'Twas on a dark and stormy night. When all the stars were hid from sight Behind a raging thunder-cloud, Whose cannonading was so loud

THE GUIDING HAND.

That some awoke in great dismay, And some began to fear and pray. Its darting flames the heavens rent, As if they devastation meant. But yet the angels did not fear The rushing wind nor lightning spear, Nor all the shafts from heaven thrown; For danger was to them unknown. Sylvanus' parents seized with fright. Arose in haste the lamp to light, But Eupert whispered in their ear : "Lie down in peace and do not fear, Nor wake the children from their sleep. For God is near their souls to keep. He guides the lightning in its course. Controls the wind's tremendous force; So trust in His Almighty Arm, And He will shield you from all harm.''

Ere long Fidelia came and knocked. To whom the door at once unlocked As Eupert quickly turned the key. And welcomed her most cheerfully. With joy each did the other greet In tones with melody replete; And then they talked of Providence In lofty strains of eloquence. Which poets, should they all combine And call upon the Muses nine,

THE GUIDING HAND.

Could only poorly imitate, And only partially relate.

'^Vith yonder storm, I came to-night. To see the bright electric light By atmospheric force displayed, And by dynamic force conveyed In zigzag streams of forked fire Disporting with Euterpes' choir Across the heavens with a noise Expressive of transporting joys. Above, below and all around, I heard the praise of God resound. And saw His glory flashing forth From east to west, from south to north. And as I came on through the storm Beholding nature's laws perform The will of Him who reigns supreme. And who devised the wondrous scheme. My admiration grew so great That I began to celebrate With demonstrations of delight, His goodness, glory, and His might. And chant 'The music of the spheres,' Which fell so sweetly on my ears."

Eupert : —

"I'm glad, Fidelia, that you've come

THE GUIDING HAND.

To see me in my western home. I saw you coming in the cloud, And heard your voice resounding loud. In tune with nature's 'Tempest Song,' When mighty forces move along With grandeur through the upper plains To bless the earth with needed rains. But now, Fidelia, while I love To talk about those scenes above. And how the loving God controls The storm that frightens human souls. But fills the angels with delight As they behold the wondrous sight, I must our conversation turn To something that doth more concern Our mission to this mundane sphere — To guide a boy's and girl's career Until their eartlhy race is run, And they ascend above the sun."

"For this, dear Eupert, I have come

To see you in your western home.

The scenes through which I came to-night

Were so inspiring to my sight,

And so suggestive to my mind.

That I was for awhile inclined

To first adore our mighty King,

And of His wondrous power sing;

THE GUIDING HAND.

And then to show that He controls.

Not only storms, but human souls. When they are seeking for a mate. Though some men call it luck and fate; But yet the fact remains the same. And God will glorify His name In each divine unfolding plan. Concerning each and ev'ry man. The first man, Adam, found a mate, But not by chance, or luck, or fate; For God prepared her for the man According to His ordained plan. This same eternal purpose runs Down through his multitude of sons — That God, with wisdom and with care. Doth for each one a mate prepare — That in the sacred marriage rite Most men and women shall unite. And if they seek with cautious care, They^ll find that God is always near To give direction to their feet, So all affinities shall meet.^^

Eupert : —

" 'Tis true, Fidelia," Eupert said, ''That men and women are to wed; And if they wed with proper care. They'll have no cause to shed a tear. Nor to regret their marriage vow;

THE GUIDING HAND.

For love will be the fruitful bough That yields a true domestic bliss, And pardons ev'ry word amiss. Like two converging streams they'll meet. And gladly each the other greet, Embrace, entwine, caress and praise, And journey on through all their days As one great river formed of twain. Which never can be two again. Thus will their lives flow into one Beneath the warm refulgent sun Of sweet domestic-Christian-love — The greatest gift from heav'n above. Their peace will like a river flow Through all their journey here below. Enlarging as it flows along Through realms of sorrow or of song. We have a match like this to make. Which naught but death can ever break — A match that God Himself hath planned, As they shall some day understand.'^

"Yes, Rupert, what you say is true;

Such cautious people never rue

The vow they made to love and share

The other's joy and grief and care.

Those matches made alone by self

For social gain or paltry pelf,

THE GUIDING HAND.

And those made, too, with undue haste,