Poems (Brown)/Our Christian Community
OUR CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY.
In a sly little nook, just over the way, A schoolhouse cosily stands,With trees so green, so leafy and tall, And planted by our hands;'Tis here we hold our meetings dear, In this quiet little place;'Tis here we meet, and always greet Our pastor's happy face.
Our little church was always full: To all the seats were free;But where they now do keep themselves Is quite unknown to me.There's brother B., so kind and good, Has left our place so small,And goes "up street" to hear the Word, Within our "beck and call."
He marches by with air so grand, Followed by wife so true,While all the neighbors stand, and gaze, And whisper, "There's for you!"But "brother B.," a man of sense, Cares not for scoffs or frowns;He marches on, with head up straight, Nor thinks of those who'd tread him down.
Next "brother R.," a large-souled man, With purse and house all readyTo welcome the rich, and grand, and proud, As well as the poor and needy:Within our church, so small and neat, His laughing face is always seen;He rarely or never stays at home; He's ripening for heaven, I ween.
Our little church, that used to be The scenes of quiet life,Has older grown, and now has scenes Of discontent and strife. The seed was sown on stony ground, The hope of Christians was in vain,For some have left, and e'en declare They won't come back again.
But birds in their little nests agree, And 'tis a shameful sight,When those of one community Fall out, and chide, and fight.So, fellow-citizens, change your mind, And backward come, I pray;Let every seat in the house be full, Nor heed what people say.