The Mission of Our Master: A Poem

THE MISSION OF OUR MASTER. (For the Improvement Era.) [Read by the author, at the Latter-day Saints' Easter services, Park City, 1907.] In Bethlehem long years ago, there came unto this earth, A child of light, a child of love, a babe of lowly birth. A star appeared in heaven so bright, and shepherds, watching flocks at nigl t, Heard heav'nly angels' songs. They sang a song of love and praise, proclaiming peace and joy; Salvation free to all the earth, through the mission of the boy. The wise men gathered from afar; they traveled, guided by the star, To see the promised child. 'Twas he the prophets said would come, a wicked world to save, And he that ere his work was done, won victory o'er the grave. As Savior of the world he came, among his own he had no claim, No place to lay his head. His life on earth was free from sin, he marked the sacred way, That all may gain eternal life who do his laws obey. His mission was of peace and love; he taught us all to look above; He taught us how to pray. With scoffs and scorns and ridicule, the wicked men of «arth Did crucify our Lord and King; they did not know his worth. A crown of thorns upon his head; a cruel spear-thrust in his side, And thus the Christ he died. His mission ended here on earth, he went to other spheres, And taught the gospel plan to those who lived in former years. In Paradise, he made it plain, repentant sinners still may gain The boon of endless life. And this his mission, briefly told: peace, sacrifice and love; That through his labors here below, we gain a heaven above. For Adam fell that man might be; then Jesus died and set us free, To live eternally. David E. Seamons. Park City, Utah.