And now that Soul hath entered into rest;
That Voice is silent, and that peerless Life
Hath crossed the threshold where the good and blest
Enter, and cease from sorrow, toil and strife.
O Life and Voice and Soul! O princely one!
Our loyal hearts send greeting to thee now;
Thy name has lighted near a century gone,—
'Twill brighten ages yet to come, Neal Dow.
["PARADISE WILL PAY FOR ALL"]
LAST WORDS OF SAMUEL A. PURDIE
From the charm of idle pleasure,
From Ambition's siren song,
From the rush for earthly treasure
Of the busy, careless throng;
In the dawn of life's fair morning
He had heard the Master's call;
"Yea, I come," his heart made answer,
"Paradise will pay for all."
On through years of toil and struggle
Walked he, faithful to his word;
Blameless life and kind entreaty
Leading many to the Lord.
Meeting dangers, bearing burdens
Well might stoutest heart appal;
But to every doubt replying,
"Paradise will pay for all."
Now at eve, toil-spent and weary,
Pierced with pain the pilgrim lay;
Watching still with faith triumphant
For the dawn of brighter day.
Then upon his ear there falleth
Once again the Master's call:
"Come up higher." "Yea," he answers,
"Paradise will pay for all."