Peace Fetters

216 IMPROVEMENT ERA. splendor, blazing in the light of God, triumphant in the power of Love, an inspiration to all the universe. PEACE FETTERS. FOR THE ERA, BY BERTHA E. ANDERSON. Further searching out man's mightiness than test of kingly stand, Deeper rooted in his godliness than powers to command, Or than triumph over empire that may languish in a day, Is a furrow, narrow planted, deepened oft with rain of tears, Reaching straightway onward, upward to the summit of the years,. Where the watchword, overhanging 'mid the rock-domes, is Obey! There are criers after liberty—defiers of restraint, Who smother out the watch-note with the turmoil of their plaint, And deep along the furrow, their swords have thrust their scars; But a liberty defiant to the peace decreed to earth Is the answer crushing back upon the souls that yield it birth— And, sublime above the tumult, gleam the fetters of the stars. Children of the Law's vast order—yielding—they alone are free, As the pines that crown the summits, and the sands that stay the sea; Whilst the earth-worm grovels blindly in the freedom of decay;— Free as are the planet-monarchs—symbols of celestial heirs— For the pathway of obedience hath its orbit linked with theirs, And the peace of Him who measures, hides the bonds in priestly sway; Peace—there is no peace disrupted from the bondage of His will; E'en the waves and winds ebb silent 'neath the solemn, "Peace, be still !" And the worlds that rule the ages plow but one eternal field. Freedom hath their chaff and stubble, borne to chaos on its wings;. Fetters have their sons of promise, raised to leadership of kings, And the triumph of the Master crowned in mightiness to yield.