Frederick Ellis Barker's Scrapbook

We don't have Grandfather Barker's journal, but we have a copy of his "scrap book", as he called it, and we discovered it is a mini-life journal, for it contains his patriarchal blessings, and numerous poems and articles written over a lifetime. Many of them were published in various LDS magazines of the day. (Perhaps this is where his son, Clarence, got his interest in becoming a newspaper reporter.) Our grandfather is an excellent writer, and he showed through his writings that he was dedicated to the Lord and to his family, and it is wonderful to get to know him in this way.

Grandfather was born and raised on a farm in the Mound Fort area of Ogden, Utah. His father and mother, Simon and Jemima Barker, were both from England, and Simon was a pioneer of 1849. Young Fred caught the spirituality of his father, and he was called to be a recorder in the Logan Temple as a young man. But, he decided not to be a farmer like his father. Fred and his brother, George, aspired to higher paid employment. They bought a book on Isaac Pittman shorthand, and in the evenings and during the winters, they learned shorthand. They first traced the forms carefully, and then increasingly abbreviated their shorthand forms so they could write faster. (A & C)

Fred liked to report Sunday afternoon meetings in the Tabernacle, both because of his love of the Gospel and his desire to improve his speed writing shorthand. At conference time, before the days of tape recorders, several young people sat at a special table, listening and taking shorthand notes of each sermon. At the reporter's table, he met a young lady, Cecilia Sharp of Salt Lake City, who also was studying shorthand. (A & C) It wasn't long before they were courting, from a distance-Fred from Ogden, and Cecilia from Salt Lake.

Fred also met Heber J. Grant, who was then a Salt Lake City businessman, and later became an apostle and then the seventh President of the LDS Church. Brother Grant encouraged Fred to move to Salt Lake to work for him as his secretary, which he did. The fact that he could now see Cecilia more often had probably entered his mind. Even though Fred was excited about his new opportunity, he also felt lonely in this new city, and he wrote a poem about it, which you can read in the following pages. And, as most of us learn, time eases all things if we let it, and Salt Lake City became the place where Fred eventually married and raised his family.

After lots of practice, Grandfather Barker became expert enough in writing and transcribing shorthand to become a court reporter. He could write shorthand fast enough to record legal testimonies as they were spoken in the courtroom. (I wonder how many of his grandchildren have an interest in shorthand. I know of three of us who do.) Fred became a district court reporter and traveled between Ogden and Salt Lake to serve in the courts of the day. After his mission, Fred studied law and became a member of the Bar. He was widely read and spoke and wrote excellent English although he had only elementary school training. (A & C)

Fred and Cecilia married in the Logan temple where Fred had earlier served a mission as a clerk-recorder. Fred and Cecilia began to raise a family, and when they had four young children, Grandfather Barker was called to be the Mission President to Australia in 1897, leaving his wife and four little ones at home. What a sacrifice this must have been for the family! But, our grandmother, Cecilia Sharp Barker, and her mother, Margaret Condie Sharp, willingly shouldered the responsibility of the home and four young children, (Fred, 7; Lucile, 5; Gladys, 3; and Alma, 10 months) while Fred served his mission. (Their sons, Ira and Clarence, were born after their father came home from his mission.)

While on shipboard traveling to Australia, Fred wrote two loving poems about his wife and children. He missed his family greatly, but he also felt it was important to answer the Lord's call. He served a faithful mission in Australia, and was pleased that his homecoming journey with two other returning missionaries, took him through Egypt, the Holy Land and to Europe, and his journey completed his circle around the world.

In those days, one could request a patriarchal blessing any time it was especially needed, and with each big challenge in his life, Grandfather received a blessing from the patriarch. At the time of his mission call to Australia, the whole family received patriarchal blessings, and he recorded them all and put them together in his scrap book, as he called it, to read all during his life. Grandfather must have read his blessings often, for it looks like every talent was developed, and every promise in those blessings was granted to him during his life.

Grandfather Barker was a very religious man, and he wrote poems about the Savior and about Heavenly Father, and attributes in life that he felt were important, including chastity and being cheerful. He wrote poems about many of the characters in the Book of Mormon, good and bad. He wrote several poems about the prophet, Alma's, life, and he loved Alma so much that he named our father after him. What a wonderful blessing that is!

Grandfather also wrote a play, and for special occasions, he indicated that some of his poems should be sung, writing at the top of each poem which tune to use, just as Emma Smith did in her early hymn book for the Saints. Many of F. E. Barker's poems are included here, and they show his love for the gospel, his family, missionary work, and the temple.

Toward the end of his life, in 1920, when he was living in Salt Lake, Grandfather Barker was again called to be a temple worker, in the Salt Lake Temple this time. He lived close enough to the temple to walk there, and he gave many hours of devoted temple service.

Grandfather died at a fairly young age, 61, of a brain tumor. He was bothered by rheumatism, and toward the end, his sight failed him. At the time of their father's death, Lucile, Ira, and Clarence were still living at home. Al had just married a year before. Our grandmother, Cecilia, and her mother, Margaret Sharp, continued to raise the children to maturity, and their Uncles James Barker and Joseph Sharp always showed great interest and support to the family.

Notes and Comments:
In Grandfather's poems, the wording is his. [Some punctuation, like commas and exclamation marks have been added, plus some comments in brackets for greater clarity.]
It gives me great pleasure to discover what I can about our ancestors and share these accounts with our family. May you gain peace, happiness, joy, and increased faith from reading your Grandfather Barker's poems and writings. These can well be part of our family scriptures.

Lovingly,

Marjorie Cecilia Barker Sorensen

PATRIARCHAL BLESSINGS

Introduction: Grandfather Barker had many patriarchal blessings, as was the custom in those days. One could have a blessing whenever one needed it. Most of his first blessing is printed here. Thereafter, important parts not stated before, are included. These blessings are on record if one wishes to see them. Watch for the parts that talk about Grandfather's posterity. The great thing is, that any of these blessings are available to all of us!

1st blessing - December 8, 1880:
Mound Fort Ward, Ogden, Weber Co., U.T.

December 8th, 1880
A blessing given by John Smith, Patriarch, upon the head of Frederick E. Barker, son of Simon and Jemima Barker,
Born in Mound Fort, Ogden, Weber County, U.T., May 6, 1861.

In the margin, it reads: Ordained to the office of an Elder, March 12th, 1882, by M. H. Jones. Ordained to the office of a Seventy, July 13th, 1884, by Samuel Glasgow.

Ordained a President of Seventy (13th Quo), November 13, 1893.

Set apart as Pres., 124th Quorum of Seventy by J. G. Kimball ab. 1897.

. . . of Logan Temple by Robert A. . . Bain, Apr 1st, 1885, Confirmed by M. W.Merrill.

1st mission to labor in Logan Temple by Pres. C. J. Fjelsted. Returned and went to Salt Lake in employ of Apostle H. J. Grant (later, the prophet).

Set apart to a mission to Australia, December 23/97 and departed Jan. 5/98, arriving February 6th. Appointed to labor in and preside over Queensland Conference Apr 19. Rec'd letter of appointment by First Presidency (dated Mch 1898) to Presidency of Australian Mission.

Rec'd release Feb. 6, 1900.

Brother Frederick, in the Name of Jesus Christ, I place my hands upon thy head, and pronounce and seal a blessing upon thee as the Spirit may indite. Thou art of the House of Israel, numbered with the Sons of Zion, of whom much is expected. Therefore, prepare thyself, for events to come, for the day is not far distant when thou shalt be called to labor in the ministry. Love up to thy privilege, and thy voice shall be heard among the nations of the earth, declaring the words of life and salvation among the people. Listen to the . . .

2nd blessing: Logan Temple, 11th December 1885.

. . . the light of the Lord shall dwell within thee, and every organ of thy mind shall be filled with the inspiration of the Lord; for thou wast called and chosen of the Lord before the foundations of the earth were laid, to come forth in this dispensation to assist in building up a holy Zion upon the earth. And, thou shalt be enabled to go forth and preach the gospel, and the mighty power of Jehovah shall assist thee; and thy voice shall be as the voice of a trumpet proclaiming salvation to the children of men; and the angels of the Lord shall protect thee, and they shall go before thee, that no hand of any assassin shall have power to disturb thee; and thou shalt proclaim the gospel unto the kings and nobles of the earth; and in hearing thy voice, being filled with the power of the Almighty, the wicked shall tremble before thee; and thou shalt have power to do a great and a mighty work in the midst of this generation, and shalt assist in blessing the Israel of God.

And thou shalt have power to do a great and a mighty work upon the earth, and no miracle shall be too great for thee to do, when it shall be necessary for the children of men. And, thou shalt be enabled to attain to power over all the elements, and the winds and the waves of the sea shall obey thy voice; for thou shalt become a mighty man in the Israel of God, and shall have power to become the father of a mighty people, and the Holy Priesthood of God shall rest down upon them. And, thy sons shall become mighty men before the Lord, and many of them shall be proclaimers of the gospel, and shall receive all the power and authority of the Holy Priesthood and shall become kings and priests unto the Most High; and they shall become a mighty people, dwelling in the midst of the Zion of the Lord. And thy daughters shall become women of great renown, filled with the wisdom and the intelligence of the heavens; and their sons and daughters shall become mighty men and women, and shall dwell in the midst of the sanctified of the Most High. And their posterity shall be great upon the earth, even as the sands upon the sea shore; and they shall behold the Lord when He shall come in the clouds of heaven, and shall be numbered, many of them, with the One Hundred and Forty-four Thousand that shall be Kings and Priests unto the Most High; for the mighty power of Jehovah shall rest upon them, and upon all thy posterity dwelling upon the earth; and to thy generations, there shall be no end.

3rd blessing in Salt Lake City, Nov. 27th, 1888:

Thou wilt have much to do, in the due time of the Lord, in writing more than what thou hast, after a time, for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; for that will be thy gift, more promptly, and thy mind will be opened to it and receive it. Thou shalt have the spirit of revelation and the gift of prophecy, to write many things for the Church of Christ. I ask my Father to strengthen thy body, and they memory, and that every time [a] spirit that may try to hinder thee from progressing in the kingdom of God shall have no power from this day; and thou shalt be blessed with the spirit of the Lord and a bold testimony in the due time of the Lord. Thy life shall be spared, and then wilt go to a land, perhaps, which thou hast no knowledge of today, and preach the gospel of Jesus. . . thy mind has been timid, and thou hast been afraid to speak things which have been in thy mind; I ask my Father that it may waste away, so that thou mayst be strong and mighty in the God of Jacob. . . You have done well, you have not been over fast in your tongue, but there has been an inward monitor. Thou shalt come forth in the morning of the first resurrection with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, with thy posterity and many of thy father's house, and thy ancestors. I seal these blessings upon thee in the name of Jesus Christ, and seal thee from danger, seen and unseen. These are great blessings, and if you are faithful, they shall be all fulfilled. . . .

4th blessing in Salt Lake City, Utah, Dec. 5, 1897:

. . . " There is a work still before you, a great work, which you will have the privilege of accomplishing, and which you will accomplish, for God will be with you by His holy spirit, and your angel shall watch over you to warn you from dangers that might beset you while you may be on a mission. And, you will have the whisperings of the Spirit to say unto you, This is the Way, walk ye in it, and to warn you of dangers that perhaps might threaten you. And I say, Brother Barker, that God is pleased with you, and His spirit will attend you. . . .Your tongue will be loosed so that you will speak in a manner that will be pleasing to yourself, and will tell on those that hear you, that many, through your instruction and through the gospel that you shall preach, will listen to you and will receive the same and will be a blessing to you. . . .

The gifts of the gospel will be given to you, the gift of wisdom and understanding; and the power of language shall be given unto you so that you may be able to do a work that will be satisfactory to yourself. And I say, Brother Barker, exercise faith, faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, the faith that was once delivered to the saints, faith that has power with God to do mighty things: for this faith and this power will rest upon you.

You will see many things that you have very little idea of at the present time. You will see the power of God manifested in a way that you never have seen it; and I say, Brother Barker, that the Holy Spirit of Promise shall rest upon you, which I seal upon you in the name of Jesus, and I seal you up unto eternal life. . . .

Reported by myself, F. E. Barker

5th blessing at Salt Lake City, Dec. 22nd, 1897 by Pres. C. D. Fjeldsted.

Frederick Ellis Barker, we thy brethren, place our hands upon your head and set you apart for a mission to Australia, whereunto you have been called by the Servants of the Living God. . . Inasmuch as you will be humble, the Lord will bless and strengthen you, and give you a testimony stronger than you ever have experienced in your life. You shall be able to preach the Gospel with power and demonstration, even to the convincing of the honest in heart wherever you are sent. . . The Lord will raise up friends unto you that will feed you and give you a place of shelter. You shall have much joy and satisfaction in the labor that you shall be called upon to perform. Be subject to the Presidency of that mission, and you shall feel happy in your labor. . . When you are called upon to administer to the sick, do it with power and in the demonstration of the Holy Spirit, and in the name of Jesus, and they shall be healed, and many shall call you blessed.

Your health shall be good. We say unto you, dear brother, keep the Word of Wisdom and your health shall increase, and you shall be strengthened, and every part of your body shall feel the power of God, and you shall have joy and satisfaction in bringing the Gospel of life and salvation to the honest in heart. Do not fear, but lift up your voice and declare that the Lord has restored the Gospel, and that Joseph Smith was a Prophet of God in these the last days. . . go in peace; and be blessed in your journey, both by land and on the sea. No accident shall befall you, and you shall return home after filling a goodly mission to your own satisfaction. . . and to the pleasure of the Lord. You shall return in safety to your loved ones, and shall rejoice in your work. We bless you with every blessing your heart can desire in righteousness. . . and re-seal all your former blessings and ordinations, and in the name of Jesus. Amen

Letter from First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints - Salt Lake City, Utah - March 8, 1898

Elder Frederick E. Barker, Sydney [Australia]

Dear Brother: Elder Andrew Smith, Jr., having been honorably released to return home, with the blessing and approval of the General Authorities of the Church, you are hereby appointed to succeed him in the watchcare and presidency of the Churches comprising the Australian Mission. . . .We beseech God, our Eternal Father to endow you with power from on high, and to fill you with His Holy Spirit and all the gifts that pertain to your office and calling, that you may be a blessing and savior to the children of men in your ministry. . .

We shall be glad to hear from you concerning your labors and the situation of affairs in your field as often as it shall be convenient for you to write, and shall esteem it a pleasure, ourselves, to communicate frequently with you.

Praying God, the Eternal Father to bless you and qualify you for this work to which you are now called, and asking Him to preserve you and yours from the hands of all your enemies, and from every evil during your absence, and to bring you home in purity, peace and love, we remain your fellow servants in the Lord.

[Signed] Wilford Woodruff, Geo. Q. Cannon, Jos. F. Smith

Letter from the First Presidency. . . Salt Lake City, Utah, December 22nd, 1899

Prest. F. E. Barker, Australian Mission.

Dear Brother: We have appointed Elder George H. Islaub to succeed you in the Presidency of the Australian Mission. . . While thus releasing you from the many and varied responsibilities connected with this mission, we feel to say that your earnest and careful labors in the presidency have met with our hearty approval. . . Praying the Lord to bless you with a pleasant, safe and speedy journey both on the waters and on the land, we remain your brethren,

[Signed] Lorenzo Snow, Geo. Q. Cannon, Jos. F. Smith

6th blessing given Nov. 16th, 1908

. . . you have been held in reserve to labor in this dispensation, that you might do a mighty work in helping to bring to pass the purposes of the Lord. For this reason, I seal upon you renewed strength, life, vigor and vitality of body and of mind, and bless you with every needful blessing that you may be able yet in this life to do a great and a good work. You shall be appointed to an office and a calling which, as yet, you have not thought of, which shall enable you to live near to the Lord and which shall give you power and insight into the principles of the gospel, more than you have as yet been able to advance. You shall be filled with wisdom from on high, shall have mighty faith and trust in the Lord, your God, that nothing shall be able to withstand, and shall do a great work yet in this life in proclaiming the gospel to those who know it not.

In all your journeys, and in all your travels, you shall go in peace and safety. No hand raised against you shall prosper; no voice shall prosper, but shall be humbled in the dust. And, every power that is brought to bear against you shall crumble from before you. . . .You shall be blessed in your labors in your daily avocations. You shall be a very useful man in this kingdom, and in doing much writing that shall be needful in the records of the church. You shall have mighty power in healing and in blessing that the sick shall be healed, or the afflicted ones, inasmuch as they have faith, shall be raised up from death unto life. . . And, I bless you that you shall never be tempted more than you are able to withstand; therefore, you shall never turn away from the truth, but be firm and steadfast and faithful all of your days, that in the end, when you have finished your labors upon the earth, you may go on to an exaltation in the highest celestial glory, becoming a king and a priest unto God, to do as those have done who have gone before.

These, dear brother, are but a part of the blessings which are for you. Others shall be sealed upon your head, or shall come to you in answer to your prayers as they shall be needful, and especially the understanding of the Holy Spirit to be your constant guide and help in cases of doubt and of uncertainty. . . .

Patriarchal Blessing Pronounced by Howard Coray on the head of Cecilia Sharp Barker, daughter of Joseph and Margaret Condie Sharp, born in Salt Lake City, Utah, Sept. 21, 1863.

Salt Lake City, Utah, Dec. 5, 1897 [as her husband prepares for his mission].

Dear Sister. . . .I say, dear sister, that God looks upon you with favor and with compassion. He has beheld the troubles that you have had in your past life, the difficulties that you have passed through, and the sorrows that you have had, and the patience that you have exercised. In the various positions in which you shall be placed, God will bless you and confer upon you that which you will mostly desire; you shall have the desires of your heart in righteousness, and your life shall be lengthened out to a good old age.

You will live to see much of the changes that will take place with this people. You will see this people become the head of nations, even; not only the dominant power of the United States, but ultimately, the dominant power of the earth. The kingdom of God. . . will be established from the church of God. . . .You will see Zion arise. You will see this people become the joy of the whole earth, and the glory of God shall rest upon you; and, you will even see this people, a portion of them, come back to Jackson County, Missouri, and build a city, the City of Zion, there again, and the temple there, also; and you will have the privilege of participating in those blessings that appertain thereunto. . . .And, your children shall be a joy to you that will not faint or fail. They will stay with you; when they grow up, they will not leave you, but they will cling to you and be a great blessing to you. And I say, Take care of them, bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, and you will be greatly rewarded-rewarded according to your works. . . And, your husband will cling to you, and you shall have the privilege of enjoying his society, not only in this world, but in the world that is to come, that the union will be perpetual.

I say, dear sister, that this is your blessing, that God will watch over you, and your guardian angel will be on your right hand and on your left hand, to guide you that your feet will not slip, that you may not, no matter what the circumstances may be, go astray, that you will be preserved from the snares and the gins that which befall a great many.

God has blessed you with children. This is a great blessing for a mother, and for a woman, to be a mother in Israel; and your children shall rise up and call you blessed by virtue of the good instructions and the examples that you will set, in the way and manner in which you will train them. And, you will have the opportunity of doing many things that will be an honor to you in the church. Many will look to you, not only for advice, but for counsel, to become a counselor in Israel, a counselor to your sex. . . .Avoid the gossip that afflicts many, that disturbs and jostles their faith. Let nothing. . . .

Patriarchal Blessing to Frederick George Barker, [age 7], Salt Lake City, Utah, Dec. 5, 1897

Frederick. . . There is a great future before you, and great will be your opportunities. You live in an important age of the world, when you will have an opportunity of doing much good both to the living and the dead. . . .In your day, you will see great changes, great things are to be accomplished in this age of the world, which you will have the privilege and opportunity of participating in. In your day, the New Jerusalem will be built up in Jackson County, Missouri, and a temple will be built there, and a people will be prepared in that city as they were in the City of Enoch to meet the Savior when He shall come. You will be prepared for translation, that the Heaven and Earth may come together. This city will meet the one above in the clouds, and you will have the privilege of seeing all these things and being a participant in the same, which is a great blessing.

It is a great blessing to be born of parents that have received the gospel, parents that have faith. Without faith, it is impossible to please God; hence, if your parents bring you up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, that your faith may be fully established, you will have great power, power to do a great work upon the earth, that you will rejoice in, as well as your parents and your brothers and sisters. [If you are] teachable, willing to receive the truth and will cultivate those things which will prepare you for coming into the presence of God. . . I say unto you, in the name of Jesus Christ, and by virtue of the Priesthood which has been conferred upon me, that you shall live to see these things. . . .[Reported by F. E. Barker]

Patriarchal Blessing to Lucile Barker, [age 5], Salt Lake City, Utah, Dec. 5, 1897.

Lucile Barker, I have come here by invitation of your parents to confer upon you a patriarchal blessing. . . you will grow up a prudent, wise, and virtuous woman, to be not only an honor and a blessing to your parents, but also to the society with which you may associate. . . wisdom and understanding and make you prudent and discreet, so that you will avoid many difficulties and snares that many may fall into through the want of that spirit. . .

Reported by F. E. Barker

Patriarchal Blessing to Gladys Barker, [age 3], Salt Lake City, Utah, Dec. 5, 1897

My dear little daughter. . . .I ask God, in the name of Jesus Christ, to. . . look in mercy upon you and watch over you while you are traveling through the slippery paths of youth, that your feet may not slip, that you may step in sure places, in order that you may reach that goal that the saints of God have in view, which is eternal life. . . Reported by F. E. Barker

Patriarchal Blessing to Alma Sharp Barker, [age 10 months], Salt Lake City, Utah, Dec. 5, 1897.

My dear little child, I put my hand upon your head to bless you, for you are a nice little boy; and I ask God to bless you. . . you will be guided in such a way that you will grow up a plant of renown, that you will have an opportunity of doing a great work in the day you will live upon the earth. Your life will be prolonged upon the earth, and you shall be preserved from the evils and snares and gins and traps that are set for the feet of the children of men. . . .You shall see the kingdom of God become the dominant power upon the earth, and will have the privilege of participating in bringing this about.

You will have the privilege of living in the city of Zion, the New Jerusalem, [and] will be caught up when the Savior comes, to meet Him in the clouds. . . .I seal every blessing upon you that appertains to the church and kingdom of God or to the blessing of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. And, I seal you up unto eternal life; and I seal upon you the holy spirit of promise. This I do, in the name of Jesus of Nazareth. Even so, Amen.

7th - Blessing of Frederick Ellis Barker, Given by Elder George F. Richards (mouth) and Coun. Albert W. Davis, in Setting Him Apart as a Temple Worker.

Given at the Temple, Salt Lake City, Utah, Tuesday, April 26, 1921. (First engaged as a regular temple worker Dec. 2, 1920.)

Brother Frederick Ellis Barker, we lay our hands upon your head, having been duly authorized so to do, and set you apart a regular worker in this, the Salt Lake Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We bless you for the work which you have performed in this holy house up to the present time, and pray the Lord that He will richly bless you as a reward for all past faithfulness.

We bless you that the spirit of this Temple work may rest upon you, that you may anticipate your labors from day to day with great joy and satisfaction; that the way may be opened before you that you may be able to continue your labors in the future; and that you may be strong of body and vigorous of mind, and enjoy the richness of the Spirit of the Lord in the performance of all your work. . . .

We bless you that your memory may be strengthened, that you may remember the things which you have studied and learned and have use for, and that you may perform those sacred ordinances in all solemnity of spirit and with perfect accuracy, that your labors may be approved of the Lord, and may be sanctified for the everlasting blessing of those for whom you minister, both the living and the dead; and may the blessings of the Lord be upon you while you are here, engaged in this work.

May you love those with whom you are called to labor and with whom you are associated, and treat all men with due courtesy and respect, and uphold and sustain the hands of the authorities of this Temple and of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and be valiant in all things in life, and finally be saved and exalted in the kingdom of God.

We seal these blessings upon you, dear brother, and ask our Father to grant them unto you, with every blessing that would be for your good. We do it all by virtue of the holy priesthood and in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

LINES

Written in 1886, shortly after coming to Salt Lake City to live, suggested by having to pass by the old home, Ogden, and coming to a new one, in the employ of Apostle Heber J. Grant.

[Lonely in the new city, he is thinking of loved ones at home, and new relationships to come.]

[Salt Lake City is where he met his wife to be, Cecilia Sharp.]

Where my duty may call, where honor may say

My destiny feels 'tis my home,

And there I'll enjoy myself and be gay-

I'll reap all the blessings I've sown.

Associates, genial I'll cheer, and be glad;

From work I will gather some joys,

While innocent sport shall divert from the sad,

My heart and the hearts of the "boys" .

In crowds I will gather, and with them I'll feel

The life of the City I'm in;

On books I will ponder, to study I'll steal,

Its comforts and aids thus to win.

The friends I've just made, the truest and kind,

By freedom and cheer, I will make,

And with them I surely enjoyment will find,

And pleasure and comfort will take.

But still, when away from loved ones so dear

And mingling with strangers alone-

Though long midst my business and pleasures, nor near

To my heart shall a sad thought be known,

Yet off to myself I must wander betimes,

For a tendril that's strong and close-bound

Draws forth my reflections to what it entwines,

And feels for my heart till 'tis found.

For dear are the hearts that infancy knew,

The friends of my youth and my prime,

Who've proved to my heart and ever have shown

Affections the purest and fine!

To these will my mind in its longings return

(Perchance in my eye is a tear.)

While pleasures at hand, my feelings all spurn

T'commune with the absent so dear.

'Tis like a young bird that is lost from its nest,

And gone from its parents away,

Or one that is parted from truest and best,

A mate that was lovely and gay;

Although there's a bevy, all singing in glee,

And where the lone one may join in the song,

And tho' his voice, all attuned, may usually be

United with those of the throng-

Yet lonely, anon, he will wander alone,

And pipe to the absent and dear-

Though green be the tree, it is not his home,

Unless he can catch their fond cheer.

But, if he can hear an answering song,

His cage, or wherever he be,

Will still be his home, and cheery as long

As hope says: a meeting shall be.

F. E. Barker--Excerpt

SEA RHYMES

On board the "Moana" , Jan. 11-12, 1898 [On the way to his Australian mission, without his family]
[Loneliness changes to Gratitude for Today's Blessings]

I wonder what my boy would say if I had him here with me,

Gazing afar o'er the white sea foam

And the mountain waves of the briny sea.

I wonder what my girls would think, could they toddle this deck with me,

Be once again with their own papa

With the rollicking fun of their innocent glee.

I wonder how my wife would feel were she casting her eyes with mine

O'er the heaving sides of this quivering bark

Mid the varied scenes of the billowy brine.

I wonder what Grandma would do, with her medicine case along.

Seeing the tea and the powders and pills

Cast adrift to fish by the weak and the strong.

You wonder, do you, how I, too, feel as I'm driven before the wind

O'er the boundless waves of a trackless sea,

With the land, and home, and the loved behind?

I'm luckier now than the man right there who's just lost his hat in the sea;

It went to sail as a rival bark

While his head, uncrowned, it has left with me

I'm feeling much better than Fox, my friend, who is leaning over the rail;

His eyes look deep as if they'd peek out

The last morsel he had, which has taken a sail.

I feel much better with my three coats, two vests, two shirts and all,

To keep me warm in the cold sea breeze,

Not to speak of cover for legs-the "shawl" .

The dinner I've eat sits now first rate, but my stomach had felt more strong

Had I refused all that vile beef tea,

Which, when coaxed, I took-but, it's taken me wrong.

I now enjoy a scene like this: As the ship is plunging hard,

And scoops beneath in her forward throes

Till the water comes flowing in streams on board,

A sailor, cool, just counted his time through the vessel's sides to run,

But he mistook th' next smaller wave

For the heave and flow of the greater one.

As forth he ran and scaled the prow, the surging water rose;

It's covered him from head to toe-

It has wet his face, it has drenched his clothes.

I really enjoy the beautiful scenes of the sea, the waves, and sky,

E'er changing above and shifting beneath,

Like phantom shapes in the clouds on high.

That deep sea-green 'neath the froth and spray is the prettiest ever I've seen;

'Tis prettier far than the rainbow's tints,

Or the colors that float in the prism's gleam.

Those mountain waves that rear so high, crested sprays of snow-white foam

Seem grand to me as they toss aloof

Our gallant bark toward heaven's dome.

I do not fear the wind's deep moan or the vessel's rock and veer

For proof I seem to the seaman's bone * [sea sickness]

And I feel I'm safe on the ocean here.

Those birds that circle the ship around and alighting on the waves soirée

Are welcome as angels of comfort from heaven

As we're borne amain o'er the deep blue sea.

But, the cheeriest thing that we can feel is the sun's salubrious ray

As breaking forth through the clouds above

He disperses the gloom of a weary day.

THE MISSIONARY'S LETTER

Air: "Take This Letter to My Mother"

[A cheerful letter to his family from Australia]

Take this missive to my loved ones, Far across the briny sea:

They'll be thankful for the token When they get these lines from me.

Hand it to my darling mother, To my children dear, and wife,

Who I left to preach the Gospel, Dearer to me than my life.

Chorus:

Take this missive to my loved ones, Far across the briny sea:

They'll be thankful for the token When they get these lines from me.

When I left my home and dear ones, Left my friends and neighbors kind,

Left the scenes of love and childhood-All affections had entwined-

How those dear ones bore the parting, Though their hearts were filled with pain!

How they felt that, with God's blessing, I'd to them return again!

How they trusted in our Maker For my safety, sea and land!

How they said, and felt, "God bless you!" As we shook the parting hand-

Said they knew that God would bless me And would give me souls to save;

He would help me and deliver, Hearts would soften-make me brave.

True, their sacrifice is greater For the Gospel than is mine,

With a home without a papa, He across the billowy brine;

Theirs the trials and the labor Of the home and family tree,

They bereft and left so lonely While I travel here so free.

Chorus:

Then, take this message to my loved ones, "I am well and happy here;

I am prospered in my mission; Soon I'll come, you all to cheer."

F. E. Barker

THE MISSIONARY'S LETTER

Tune: "Madge"

[A missionary father misses his family and tries to be brave.]

While packing up my trunk to go

Upon my journey home-

'Twas after years that I had been away-

I stopped to shake the hand of one

In whom I recognized,

My partner in my travels till today.

"Oh, my dear boy" , I said to him-

He quickly turned away-his eye was wet,

"Wait now" , said I, "my friend,

You know, I am going back to see

Our loved ones, and I thought

Perhaps, a message you would like to send."

Chorus:

"Just tell them that I'm faithful"

He said, "They'll know the rest;

Tell them I am looking well, you know;

Just whisper, if you get a chance,

To the dear ones there, and say

I love them as I did long years ago."

"Your cheek is pale, you're feeling sad,

Just let me take a word

To that lone wife you hold so dear;

She's longing now for you;

A word from you will cheer her heart

As nothing else can cheer."

"I long to see her soon again,

But not just yet" , he said.

"Tis duty now that's keeping me away;

Just tell her not to worry,

For I'm all right, don't you know,

Tell darling I am coming home some day."

Chorus

"Your heart is warm, I know you feel

A thrill within your breast

At mention of your darling little boy.

Just let me bear those pretty pearls,

And kiss his brow, and say:

They're from your father, dear, and you're his joy."

"Just take the pearls" , he said to me,

And say: "A father's tear bedewed them each,

And kiss his infant brow, and tell him that

My anxious prayers for him do e'er ascend,

And some day papa'll kiss as you do now."

Chorus

"Those little girls you've fondled so

You'll send by me a toy,

And bid me dandle them upon my knee,

And tell them that their father'll come

When his mission's ended here,

And soon, their loving papa they will see."

"Don't make me weep for them" , he said,

"My darling little ones! Their mother, dear

Is ever with them there;

But, take a token from my heart,

And whisper, if you will,

Sometime again, they'll have a father's care.

MISSIONARY EXPERIENCES - DIRECT REVELATION - I

[Ministering Angels]

Juvenile Instructor, Jan. 1, 1901

The importance of receiving revelation directly from the Lord, both for comfort and for guidance, is often felt by those in charge of foreign missions where, though under great responsibilities, the Elders are many thousands of miles away from the heads of the Church, through whom they might, if nearer home, receive counsel or obtain the word of the Lord to direct them in their affairs. By request, I submit the following experiences in point:

On the sixth day of June 1898, while presiding over the Australian mission, I felt a heavy weight of gloom hanging over me. I was in the city of Sydney. It had been raining, almost without cessation, for several weeks, so that it was almost impossible for the Elders to get around among the people, and I could not travel. It also seemed, in that mission, a period of particular difficulty and slow progress. The press on every hand was arrayed against us, often publishing scurrilous articles to which they refused us any privilege of reply. Prejudice was rife, and it looked impossible to reach the hearts of the people. I now copy from my journal of the following day: "Before retiring to rest last evening (it being a wet, gloomy night), my mind was much weighed down, meditating upon the frailties and the bodily infirmities of myself and two companions (Elder John M. Ritchie, President of the New South Wales Conference, and Elder Alma C. Lambert). I had also been thinking of the difficulties and some of the discouraging aspects now confronting us in the mission, and the great responsibility resting upon me and the Elders laboring among this people. I had been reading, too, in the Deseret Weekly News of changed conditions in the Southern States and other parts of the Lord's vineyard, and thinking of the wave of better feeling which yet fell short of reaching this land. Being the last to retire, I knelt at my bedside in secret, solemn prayer, and asked the Lord to give me, by a vision of the night, a manifestation of His will concerning myself and co-laborers and the mission in this far land.

I had retired but a short time, as it seemed to me, when I was enwrapped in a most pleasant dream or vision. I seemed to be taken up from the load of mortal frailties and clothed in spirit, so that I felt an air of great freedom, activity and power, and I was given great power of discernment into the minds and feelings of the people and of my associates, the Elders. I seemed to be brought into the immediate company of all the Elders in the mission, not only all who are here now, but others yet to come; and we were all clothed in bright and beaming garments, our minds and countenances lit up with light and intelligence, so that we were most joyous and buoyantly pleasant, beyond expression, and seemed to be moving upon a higher plane, as it were, than those around us-a condition that was also shared very largely by the faithful members of the Church here in this land. I saw numerous heavenly beings hovering above and about us, clothed in garments of exquisite whiteness and their countenances lit up with inexpressible joy, and they looked upon us with beaming pleasure and appeared to be giving us their most anxious and interested solicitude. They were honoring us above all the rest of the people in the world around us, and showed by their actions and communications to me (for they conversed with me directly and frequently) their utmost desire and exceeding pleasure to lead and encourage us in the work in which we were engaged. I was also joyed beyond expression in discerning what appeared to be the perfect confidence reposed in me by the Elders, the perfect union among us, as also the systematic, concerted action with which we prosecuted our labors. I saw, met and overcame, with apparent ease, what to the natural eye appear great difficulties, for all of us seemed to have a spirit of power altogether more bright and powerful than is possessed by ordinary mortals. As the vision progressed, I noticed the trials of the Elders seemed to be short, and O, how meager when viewed in connection with the joy of the heavenly hosts at seeing us overcome them!

And so the work went on, the world generally oblivious to us, but it seemed the very heavenly hosts were watching us and rejoicing in our labors for good. Then, I saw a time when the people were coming to the Elders, treating them with respect and honor, and hearing their message gladly. I seemed for the time to be given much insight into the means by which great changes are to be wrought in the hearts of the people, and could penetrate and perceive the movements of the Elders among them. I saw myself and many of the Elders after we had returned to our homes in Zion; and it was the most gratifying, indeed, to behold how the Lord opened up our ways before us for the attainment of more light, knowledge and power, and more prosperity and happiness with our families and people. I spent much time beholding and contemplating with ecstasy how the Lord opened up the way before me after my return, as also what seemed to be a long and beautiful journey thither ([fulfilled upon my finishing my circuit of the earth and visiting Egypt, Palestine, etc.) I also saw many of the Saints from Australia enjoying, in course of time, a high degree of happiness, freedom and love after gathering with the people of God, and it seemed as if all that received the Gospel were lifted above the people of the world as much, almost, as the condition of the angels is above that of men. Upon our people in the valleys of the mountains, too, I discerned there was a special watchcare and interest, partaking of approbation and pleasure, by the immortal beings of heaven.

F. E. Barker

MISSIONARY EXPERIENCES. DIRECT REVELATION - II

Juvenile Instructor, Mar. 15, 1901

[Always follow the promptings of the Spirit.

The Lord knows what is important in His work.]

During the last half of 1899, a matter arising in the Tasmanian Conference of the Australian Mission weighed heavily upon my mind. Elders William Robison (of Morgan) and B. H. Bingham (of Wilson, Weber Co.,) had succeeded, without purse or scrip, in opening up a new and promising field in the Huon country, in southern Tasmania. At a town called Franklin, they had been very successful in making friends, their meetings were well attended, and a few seemed about ready for baptism. They could get food and sleeping accommodations without asking, in at least fifty families in the town, and were often treated to excellent fruit (which abounds there) and given many a shilling in money.

All at once, opposition arose. But, the owner of a little steamer (a Mr. Williams) came to their aid and proffered them free transportation whenever they desired it between Hobart and Franklin. This promise was accepted, and was kept good for six to eight months to my knowledge, and I have taken quite a number of journeys on the Amy Louise, during which we were given freely, food and bed as well as the ride of sixty miles each way; and, the last I heard, the Elders were still given the same privileges.

But, the ministers in and about Franklin combined against the Elders, busying themselves visiting among the people and slandering the Elders and those who were kind to them; and apparently all at once, a marked change came over the people of Franklin. The Elders were denied even common courtesies, and could hardly procure accommodations or food [with] a single family in the town. The work seemed to be effectually stopped there. Just about that time, however, an opening occurred a few miles further up the Huon River, at a place called Upper Huon. This was an isolated district, where people are found living on the tops of considerable and certainly very abrupt mountains, and little groups of houses are seen nestling in the hills, so far back that they still thresh their grain with the flail and grind it into flour by hand or horse power. A clergyman had told the people there that they might just as well expect to go into a public house and get a drink of beer or a meal of victuals and go away without paying for it as to expect to go to church without paying for it. The ministers not only demanded pay for preaching, but conveyance must be furnished to and from Franklin. The Elders, just at this time, appeared upon the scene with the Gospel message without money and without price; and many opened their houses to them. They began to do a good work, and baptisms were talked of.

The ministers, who a short time previous were unwilling to preach the truth without money, were now active in disseminating falsehood without price; and while the field on the one hand had looked the most promising in the mission, there was apprehension on the other, that Upper Huon would be another Franklin.

Elder Robison, who was a very worthy as well as experienced and able Elder, had been notified that he would be released to return home about the end of September. This was early in August. Yet, unsolicited by anyone, I had felt very strongly the gravity of the situation in southern Tasmania, and in a letter written to the president of that conference, I had told him that, owing to the peculiar conditions there and the fact that Elder Robison was so full of zeal and faith, where so much depended upon him, I felt inclined to extend his time in the field twelve weeks, although he had already been about two and a half years upon his mission, and had suffered a bereavement and many trials. I added, however, in my letter, that I would make it a matter of prayer and seek the mind of the Lord on the subject, and would inform him later. I did so immediately. I asked the Lord, that if it was His will that I should carry out my judgment and extend Elder Robison's mission that period of time, that he would cause my bosom to burn within me by the power of His Spirit. I felt no response for a whole day. I asked that it might be made known to me by a vision of the night. I received no manifestation. The following day, I asked the Lord if it was His will that Elder Robison should go home at the time previously appointed. I felt a warmth within my bosom that seemed convincing. But, my feelings had been so wrought up about the matter, and my judgment had become so strongly settled upon retaining Elder Robison in the field, that I persisted and importuned the Lord, at my bedside, that He would make known His will unto me by a vision of the night.

I awoke during the night, my spirit burning, as it were, within me, and my heart glad. I had received a beautiful vision. A heavenly personage had come to my bedside and communicated to me the will of the Lord on the subject about which I had inquired, and also much information in regard to associate matters. All this filled me with inexpressible pleasure, and furnished me material for long contemplation.

But, when I finally awoke again in the morning, although the impression of the vision was most strong upon my mind, and the information given me was retained most unequivocally, that Elder Robison should return according to the previous appointment, all the rest of the information had been taken from me, and I felt utterly incapable of recalling any of it. This seemed strange to my mind, but I accounted for it by the belief that the Lord intended I should benefit by my experience and the exercise of judgment, as well as to seek Him as time went on and new conditions arose.

I at once wrote the president of the Tasmanian conference, particulars of the manifestation, whereby it should be known that it was the will of the Lord that Elder Robison should sail for home at the date previously fixed. However, a few days before Elder Robison would have to leave his field of labor, and many weeks after writing as above, the President of the conference wrote me describing enthusiastically, a recent visit he had made to the Huon country. He was, indeed, much encouraged with the outlook, but felt greatly the importance of the best work possible being done where they were actually searching out Israel from the vastnesses of the mountains and hunting them from the holes in the rocks. He had, in fact, felt so much the gravity of the situation that he had told Elder Robison that he might consider his mission extended until the next following sailing of the Moana (twelve weeks), and wrote me hurriedly to confirm the same. He had felt so intensely enthused on the subject that he had apparently overlooked my previous communication; and Elder Robison had also volunteered his willingness to remain if counseled to do so. I answered this letter very briefly, stating the whole matter had been covered by a previous letter, receipt of which had been acknowledged, and I could say no more. The Lord had revealed His will on the subject, and although it seemed contrary to the judgment of man at the time, I did not doubt it. Nor did I, when I visited the field myself; and I feel now, more than ever, the wisdom of the same. My note reached Elder Robison just in time for him to catch the last boat, to commence his homeward journey

F. E. Barker

MISSIONARY EXPERIENCES - DO ANGELS HAVE WINGS?

Juvenile Instructor - May 1, 1901

[An amusing account wherein Elder Barker is guided to handle a confrontation well.]

In the course of my touring the Australian Mission during the years 1898, 1899, and 1900, I had many interesting experiences. In December 1899, in company with Elder William T. Rex, I visited, among other places in southern Tasmania, the Upper Huon. That section had then but recently been opened up, and there were many investigating. A few had been baptized, and others had indicated their intention to soon become members of the Church. Opposition, although not yet open, was strong, though in the way of an undercurrent, the strength of which had not yet developed. Among the most active, thinking spirits in that locality was a lady, of some attainments and a good deal of influence in the community, by the name of Mrs. Roberts. The Roberts family was well to do, and this lady was in the habit of entertaining ministers, Salvation Army officers and others who frequented that part. By these means, as well as by extensive reading, she kept in touch with the feelings of the clergy and other votaries and guardians of sectarian dogmas. In fact, she was quite adept in enforcing their arguments and keeping track of the religious and moral pulsations of the people. Elder Rex and I spent some time in the vicinity, calling upon the people and holding meetings. Among others, we called several times on the Roberts family, with whom he had been acquainted for some time. These people were very hospitable, and we never failed there of a good Gospel conversation, and always felt, too, that it was more far-reaching than the family itself.

The visit I now speak of was made one evening just as the family and a few acquaintances were being seated for supper. I had been giving a number of lectures in the meeting house near by, illustrated with stereopticon views, presenting the bringing forth of the Book of Mormon, the rise, progress and history of the Church, etc. Immediately after we had entered the house, and while in the act of sitting down to supper, the following conversation, reported with substantial accuracy, was precipitated:

Mrs. Roberts (warmly): Mr. Barker, I have something for you to explain this time. In fact, I know I have caught you now. True, I have to admit that I have thought I had you on many of your doctrines numbers of times before, but you or Mr. Rex, or some other of your Elders, have always been able to explain it away and make me appear inconsistent after all. But this time, I have no doubt about it: I can prove you are wrong by the Bible, and besides, it is something that is contrary to the received ideas of every Christian, now and all through the history of the past.

Elder Barker: Oh, I note you have been quite observing. I admire your interest; but truly, I am not conscious of having advocated any false or unscriptural doctrine, and I should certainly like very much to have you show wherein I have done so, if you are certain it has happened.

Mrs. R: Well, I am entirely certain of it; in fact, we spent some time last evening looking it up, and we have the place marked in the Bible that proves conclusively that you are wrong.

Indeed, nothing is so pleasant to me as to be met on Bible ground by the opponents of our doctrines. But will you kindly explain what the point is?

Mrs. R: Well, the other night, you told the people here, and illustrated it by your pictures, that angels haven't got wings.

B: Well, my friends, I am aware that the idea is almost generally entertained by the Christian world that angels have wings; but I fail to see that it is scriptural. It is true, I represented in my lecture, the visits of heavenly messengers declaring themselves to have come from the presence of God; and I said, at the same time, that it does not appear that any of them had wings; and, I believe, I stated that I did not know anything between the lids of the Bible that taught me the popular idea that angels have wings. And now, Mrs. Roberts, I should be very glad to have you point to anything in that sacred book showing that they have.

Mrs. R: Very well, you shall have it positively just as soon as my niece here can go into the parlor and bring the book. (To the niece.) Crissie, go and get the Bible and open at the place we found last night. (Crissie retires from the room.) But, Mr. Barker, you know that passage you often quote, "And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting Gospel to preach," etc. That represents an angel flying, and how could they fly without wings?

B: I admit, Mrs. Roberts, you have the semblance of an argument in that passage, probably the only one that I have ever found. I do not, however, admit that angels must have wings in order to soar or rise in the air. I believe from the Bible that Jesus ascended from earth to heaven without wings, and we might say that Elijah did likewise while in his physical body, even. But, let me ask you how far you can rely upon the figure couched in that word "fly" in the passage you have quoted. If you could found a perfect argument upon the implication of a word like that, you could prove from the Bible that the Lord has "wheels" . The other day, I saw a boy throw a stone very swiftly, and he said, "I just sent it flying through the air!" But, I didn't see that the stone had wings, nor did the expression employed prove it. You will not contend, will you, that your point is proved against me by that passage, or that the argument is very strong?

Mrs. R: No, I must admit that is not sufficient, though I had thought it much stronger than it now appears; but the passage we found last night is conclusive, and I know that I can prove it from the Bible. (To the niece.) Crissie! Do hurry and bring that book.

Crissie, (from the other room): I can't find the place yet, Auntie.

B: Well, while your passages are being searched out again, can you name one or two arguments you may have showing that angels have wings.

Mrs. R: Well, I thought I could. But what do you say, Mr. Barker; can all our ideas upon that subject possibly be wrong-

Mr. R: Impossible! No; angels have wings, of course they have!

General chorus: Of course they have; of course they have!

Mrs. R: Christendom has always pictured angels with wings. And where could the idea spring from if not from the Bible!

B: I agree with you, angels have very generally been represented as having wings, especially in modern times; but, I may say you can find paintings and sculpture in Palestine today, and even in Rome and other places, among the more ancient models, representing heavenly beings without wings. As to where the idea sprang from, I can only infer that it sprang from paganism. The pagans had their elfs, fairies, satyrs, sybils, etc., and from time immemorial, adopted the plan of representing them with wings, indicative of their flying about in the atmosphere; and during the dark ages, the seraphs, cherubs, angels, of the Christians, seem to be confounded with those mystic beings of paganism, and were soon pictured in the same manner. In fact, you can find many models of ancient art, dating far anterior to the time of our Savior, representing the mythological beings of paganism, such as I have named, that but for their known dates and origin, are just as applicable to the angels of the Christian people as to the objects they were meant to represent. I, therefore, cannot accept conventionalism as proof of your position. But, I believe you promised me conclusive evidence from the Bible.

Mrs. R. (loudly): Crissie! Crissie! Do bring that Bible!

Crissie, (From the other room): Auntie, I am having such a trouble to find that place!

B: I believe I stated during the course of my lecture that it appears from the Bible that angels or heavenly messengers have occasionally been called "men" , for instance, we read in Genesis of two messengers, called in the same chapter both "men" and "angels" who appeared to Lot, and three "men" appeared to Abraham with a very important message. Were angels not in the likeness of men, why the caution, "Be not forgetful to entertain strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares." (Heb. 13:2). We have an example in the 22nd chapter of Revelation, of the Apostle John falling down before an angel to worship him. This angel told him, "See that thou do it not, for I am thy fellow servant, and of thy brethren, the prophets." John, in describing the resurrection of our Savior, states there were two angels, one at the head and one at the foot of the sepulcher; while Luke, in describing the same scenes, says "There were seen two men in shining garments," and then adds that the women reported "They had seen a vision of angels which said that He was alive."

Mark also describes an angel as a man in white apparel; and you have a similar description in the Acts, of the angels that were seen when Jesus ascended. So, in all the Bible, I have found no indication that angels have wings. Does it not seem strange, too, that Christian artists seem always to represent angels as being of the female sex, while the Bible shows, probably without exception, quite the contrary? But now, here comes your niece, and let us have the positive proof which you have found.

Crissie, (Entering cautiously and whispering somewhat loudly to Mrs. Roberts): Say, Auntie, I did find the passage, but I couldn't believe my own eyes; it is locusts that have wings, not angels.

F. E. Barker

MISSIONARY EXPERIENCES

The Power of Faith - The Curse Being Removed

Published in the Juvenile Instructor, May 15, 1907

Among the few Australian Saints visited by myself and Elder John B. Mathias in a trip to Boulburn, New South Wales, in May 1899, was Sister Cragun, of that place, who had been baptized by Elders W. G. Parks and Alma Hubbard, a little over a year previously. Sister Cragun was originally from New Zealand. Her mother was a full-blood Maori, her father a Scotchman and a veteran of the Battle of Waterloo. She is a bright and unusually intellectual woman, in many ways; yet, her native simplicity shows she has inherited many of the characteristics of her mother. Particularly as to her complexion, she took after the Maori people, being nearly as dark as a full-blood Lamanite.

She took to the faith of the Gospel most naturally and devotedly. Such was the penetration with which she was inspired at the very first visit of an Elder at her door, that although prevented at the time from even getting a sight of him, her heart seemed to be touched by the very knock on the door, and the voice of that Elder still rings in her ears. The tract he left was about to be destroyed when she grasped it as something of priceless value, looked it over at the first opportunity, and waited and watched for the Elder's return. From that time, it required no persuasion or urging to get her to read our literature or listen to explanations of our principles. She read the Book of Mormon with great devotedness; and although her nearest friends all but repudiated her and the most influential people of the community, including the postmaster of the city, endeavored most assiduously to dissuade her from having anything to do with the "deluded Mormons" or their "Golden Bible" , it had no weight upon her mind whatever. She seems to be blessed with most implicit faith, and we were delighted to hear her narrate how many and wonderful were the direct answers to prayer she had received. Among other things, she had seen some very remarkable visions relating to the history and sacred places of our people and the glorious rewards of the righteous.

But, the most remarkable to our minds was that a miracle was being wrought upon her, for we were struck with the fact that Sister Cragun's skin and flesh were being renewed. This had begun immediately after her baptism. We noticed that a considerable portion of her face was already as white and the flesh apparently as soft and beautiful as that of an infant child. The skin of her hands had gradually peeled off and had been renewed deep down into the flesh, so that they had altogether changed from the brown, unbecoming complexion and rather rough appearance they had had before, to a skin and flesh of both softness and beauty. Her face, to the extent of about one-fourth to one-third of its surface, had been likewise renewed. The change seemed to have gone on in a singularly regular way, beginning, as to the face, at the mouth and following regular lines which were being gradually extended. She informed us that she was something about one-third renewed over her body. I promised her as a servant of God that she should live to see the power of God work a wonderful renovation and regeneration upon her until she should, as to these particulars, look more beautiful than she did in childhood. I told her that it was through her faith, and was a fulfillment of the words of the prophets, contained in the Book of Mormon, concerning her people, that they should "become a white and delightsome people" . She is now about fifty years of age. When I again saw her, sometime after I found she was becoming more and more white; and when, in March 1901, I met Elder Mathias, just then returned from Australia, I was gratified to learn that he had but recently visited Sister Cragun, and that the miraculous renovation of her whole system is still progressing, so that she looks as if she would soon be fully white.

F. E. Barker

* And the Gospel of Jesus Christ shall be declared among them. . . and then shall they rejoice; for they shall know that it is a blessing unto them from the hand of God; and their scales of darkness shall begin to fall from their eyes; and many generations shall not pass away among them save they shall be a white [pure] and delightsome people. (II Nephi 30:5, 6)

NATHAN, COME HOME!

By F. E. Barker

Published in the Sept Era, 1915

[Nathan made some wrong choices and later repented, like the prodigal son.]

"Nathan, come home!" These were the words of President Brigham Young, received in a brief letter by his nephew in about the year 1850. They were words indited with all the wisdom of a philosopher and the inspiration of a prophet. Obedience to them might have resulted to a promising young man in a life of honor, happiness and, perchance, of immortal fame and unfading glory. But, mark the sequel.

It was in a Hospital for Old Men, in the City of Parramatta, about 20 miles inland from Sydney, Australia, on the 24th day of July, 1899, these words were rehearsed, in pathetic sadness, by Nathan Young, addressing two or three Mormon Elders, for whom he had sent after learning they were in that vicinity. Nathan Young was then apparently a broken down old man, 72 years of age and having the appearance of being in the last lingering weeks of a wasted life. He was a nephew, he said, of President Brigham Young, the latter having married a Miss Angell, sister of [temple] architect Truman O. Angell, and a sister, also, of Nathan's own mother. Nathan had been baptized when 16 years old in the Mississippi River by Brigham Young, and was in Nauvoo at the time of the martyrdom of the Prophets Joseph and Hyrum Smith.

He started westward with his people in the great Exodus, and became a member of the Mormon Battalion. After the long march of that heroic band, he re-enlisted [in the army], in California, in July 1847, and after eight months' further service for his country, was mustered out in the midst of the gold excitement of those days. He went to the gold fields, and accumulated a nice lot of money.

It was then that he wrote to President Young: "Uncle, What shall I do?" The answer also was brief as it was fraught with prophetic wisdom, "Nathan, come home!"

But, Nathan loitered, and soon his money slipped through his fingers. He caught the gold fever of Australia, then coming to its height, and hastened to that far off land. When the writer saw him there, nearly fifty years afterward, he appeared to be the veriest wreck of his former self, dissipated, disappointed, and probably in the last lingering stages of disease. Good fortune had failed to attend him in that land; his life had been a varied and a hard one, full of trials and vicissitudes. He shed bitter tears, indeed, as he contemplated what he had lost compared with what had been achieved by his people.

Among other things, he gave vent to such thoughts as these: "Yes, if I had followed Uncle Brigham's counsel, no doubt, I would have lived and prospered with my people, my hopes would have been anchored, and I would have been happy. Instead, I have lived a life of dissipation, a wandering celebate, and have become an object of charity. I have reaped my harvest, and it means to me the depths, yea, the very dregs of disappointment and failure. Had I obeyed that short message, I would have been one with my people, married one of the fair daughters of Zion, and would have had a posterity to bear my name in honorable remembrance to future generations, and the name of Nathan Young would not, perchance, have been destined to be lost from the earth. But now, I am alone-no children, no home, and until I heard of you, I felt I had no people, no dear ones on earth."

As we talked to him, tears of joy filled his eyes at the thought of having been brought back into communication with his people. Then, I said: "Yes, brother, it has been a great disappointment to you, indeed, during a very long period, and now your Uncle Brigham has gone to the other side; but yet, you may picture, in your mind's eye, that he is still calling, beckoning from the realms of immortality, even in the world to come. Brigham Young says now to you, 'Nathan, come home!' [And], as the President of the Australian Mission, I will write him, and let him tell you himself."

Then, the old man's hopes seemed to return with great buoyancy, and he rejoiced beyond description as we blessed him as the servants of the Lord and promised to remember him in our prayers. In a few weeks, his health had, in a degree, returned, and I had befriended him by preparing application and proofs for a pension, which afterward resulted in his getting a nice sum from the American government. In due time, loving words came from his own sister, Rachel Frazer, of Wasnship, Utah; and from his cousin, Brigham, in Salt Lake City, came the message again: "Nathan, come home." In course of time, he was sent to Zion with emigrating Saints, and rejoiced with his relatives and his beloved people, and his bones were there laid to rest, after he had reached an advanced old age, by the tender hands of his loved ones.

But, all through his life, from the days of his early manhood, there rang through the ears of Nathan Young that message, so searching and full of meaning-"Nathan, come home!"

NATHAN, COME HOME!

Nathan, when youthful, was loyal and true,

And in ranks of true patriots stood,

And, he marched 'neath the flag; the red, white and blue,

In the cause of the just and the good.

But, temptation was strong that allured him to roam,

When a message from Brigham called-"Nathan, come home!"

The glint of fair fortune and gold in their gleam

Beckoned hard to his young heart to spurn

That voice of the Seer, and he followed his dream

Ere homeward again he would turn.

'Twas the voice of the Prophet-"Now, Nathan, come home!"

As he wandered afar 'neath the Cross of the South,

And fortune ne'er came to his hand,

Though his feet oft were blistered and thirst parched his mouth,

While vainly, he searched through the land,

There would come to his soul, like the wind in its moan,

"Uncle Brigham is calling-"Oh, Nathan, come home!"

His heart oft was faint, which he ne'er could gainsay,

While the seeds of his ruin were sown,

For sad was the gloom, the awful dismay,

To think of that message, and own

'Twas unheeded so long as he trod a strange loam

While his loved one, the Prophet, called-"Nathan, come home!"

But, a message from Brigham there came once again,

When Nathan was ag'd and infirm,

And his heart being softened, he gladdened that then

There was help, and he homeward could turn;

And, he roused and accepted that call o'er the foam

From Brigham, the younger-"Now, Nathan, come home!"

He came forth to Zion, his loved ones he met

And accomplished his mission before

He was bidden beyond by those words, ringing yet,

E'en that message repeated once more-

"O Nathan, now come, on the earth cease to roam" -

'Twas Brigham, the Prophet, called-"Nathan, come home!"

F. E. Barker - July 12, 1915

AN INCIDENT OF TRAVEL

[Wherein he was led to make the right choice.]

[Published]

I stood at the point in Port Said, Egypt, where the Suez Canal enters the Mediterranean, gazing at the magnificent statue of Ferdinand De Lesseps, the genius and builder of the great canal. Suddenly, I was accosted by the voice of some person on the opposite side of the boulevard. There was no mistaking it: I was recognized. In the party addressing me, I saw the troubled expression of a man past middle age, sprawled out in a resting, but woe-begone attitude. On closer inspection, I discerned the features of one of those typical old Syrians we had seen about the Holy Land. He bore the impression of having been greatly misused, and his first words were: "I been sheated, I been sheated!" My name be I. Backarat-Isaac Backarat. I t'ink you know Dr. Robison-O, I been sheated!" I been sheated!" His modulation and also his twang were very peculiar.

I could not help wondering at the salutation. What did it mean? Did he think I had cheated him? I had been led to think before I arrived at that point that one would do well if he made such a trip as I was taking without being cheated in some way. But, I am going to stop here and tell you a few facts which will bring together the parts of my story.

Some days prior to the above happening, our little party of three returning missionaries, in the course of our round-the-world trip, were proceeding on board a Russian steamer from Alexandria to Jaffa, the ancient Joppa and sea port constituting the gateway to Palestine. We had shared each other's company in travel by sea and land for many weeks, but owing to my companions having determined to take a considerably more extensive trip in Asia Minor and other eastern parts (which they later abandoned) we were about to separate. After a few more days together, to be spent in the Holy Land, we were to part, and I would have to pursue the rest of my journey alone.

It was very early in the morning. I had gone, the first of our party, upon deck, and by the first beams of the rising sun, could see the glittering spires and rounded roofs of the city of Jaffa. I was startled by the voice (so strange in those parts) of one who could speak good English. It came addressing me very courteously, announcing that the speaker was an Englishman of liberal culture and means, and an officer in the service of the Egyptian government under the English regime, and was then taking his vacation, which he expected to spend to the extent of six weeks or more in the Holy Land. He said his intention was to go right up to a certain hospice, the Carsinova, just outside the walls of the City of Jerusalem and present his credentials, when he would be furnished, entirely free to him, with everything he desired for a most extensive and enjoyable trip through Palestine and Syria, and that he could just as well take along a companion of his own choosing without any expense to either. He said he had picked me out as soon as he saw me as being a very desirable person to accompany him, and he was very solicitous that I would accept his rare offer.

All the details seemed to be most fitting my purpose at the time, and the whole looked nothing less than providential. I promised him an answer within an hour, which would be before disembarking at Jaffa. He had handed me his card, which bore the name of Charles Helfield, M.B. This, I took down to my companions, and asked their advice. The proposition, they said, looked very fine upon its face, but as to the genuineness of the character described, not having seen him, they could not conjecture. After retiring and spending a few moments privately, in supplicating the Throne of Grace for divine guidance, I set out, announcing that I was going to arrive at a conclusion after a very brief investigation.

I had noticed, and remarked, that the gentleman's card was apparently in his own handwriting, not printed or engraved, which gave it an air of cheapness. I also observed that he was found so early on deck, in the midst of Arabs and other Orientals who had spent the night under the open canopy of heaven, and during our voyage of several days' duration, we had not once seen him at the dining table in the ship's cabin. I approached one of the ship's officers, and asked him if he knew the gentleman whose card I exhibited. "Why," said he, "that is the fellow who applied yesterday for work. I am engaged in the government service, but I never heard of his being employed in any capacity by the Egyptian or the English government." My conclusion was formed at once, and when Mr. Helfield appeared, he got a straight refusal.

I heard no more of Mr. Helfield until, upon our return to Port Said, I met Mr. Backarat, as I have described. From this typically shrewd old Syrian dragoman [tour guide], I learned that he (Mr. Backarat), was at Jaffa when our party had disembarked for Jerusalem, and had been approached by a certain Dr. Robison, who enlisted his services as one of the dragomen or professional guides of the country. That this Dr. Robison had told him a beautiful story, got him to advance means to pay the doctor's transportation, Jaffa to Jerusalem, second class, which was worse than any third class I had ever seen on any railway before. That the doctor had applied at one of those fine charitable institutions just without the walls of the Holy City, and on presenting his papers, was immediately admitted and cared for. This, however, had not prevented his first putting up his story to his drogoman, that he, the doctor, had large deposits of money at Beirut and also at Cairo, but was just then temporarily short of funds. The dragoman loaned him what he seemed to need.

Presently, a message came to Mr. Backarat from the doctor. They met again, and soon a bargain was closed for the dragoman to conduct a party of thirty people over a long trip covering Jericho, Hebron, Galilee, Damascus, Beirut, etc. For this expedition, the drogoman proceeded to arrange all preliminaries, meanwhile making the necessary advances for hire of mules, camels, attendants and the most complete and modern equipment.

Then, came another message, responding to which the dragoman was told that the doctor needed at once, fourteen pounds in ready money, and that the dragoman should bear a telegraphic order on Damascus for the amount. The dragoman advanced the money, despite a hardship it entailed upon his family, and sent off the message. Within another day or two, he was called to dine sumptuously at the consulate at Jerusalem, with great dignitaries, which he did never surmise that it was all at his own expense.

Soon after, he was sent for by the doctor and entreated to go down to Suez, a distance of several hundred miles by land and sea, to meet the doctor's party and bring up his baggage. The dragoman responded, at his own expense, and it was when he reached Alexandria in the course of this journey that his suspicions were first aroused. Then, he went at once to the British consulate. He learned that the consul knew the doctor described, and said: "Why, yes, he is a thief, an embezzler, who has been scarce a fortnight out of jail." The consul at once dispatched a message, requesting the immediate arrest of the doctor. When this was being sent, the dragoman found a telegram had arrived for himself, dated at Jerusalem and reading: "Proceed quick, through Alexandria, awaiting letter, Suez." The message was unsigned, and was no doubt intended to hurry the dragoman on and prevent his making any inquiries in that port. Next, the dragoman learned that the consul had received a wire from Beirut, saying the doctor had left the country, having sailed from Beirut just the day before.

During our conversation, in which Mr. Backarat detailed these facts to me about his own experience, he showed me, among other papers, an "I O U" from Dr. Robison for fourteen pounds, several telegraphic orders for money, upon which nothing could be realized; and some high-sounding letters of recommendation, and assured me by the strongest kind of evidence that he was the loser to the extent of not less than sixty pounds ($300), besides his time, trouble, and further outstanding obligations for which he was responsible, all through this same Dr. Robison. It was a loss, too, that he could very ill afford, and he was correspondingly dejected, as his visage showed. He told me he was a Christian, living at Jerusalem, and had a large family to support. Then, he reiterated, in a most distracted way: "I be one d-n phool all the time-one d-n phool! I been sheated, I been sheated!"

I was already certain in my own mind of the identity of the "doctor" , but now I verified by conclusion by a few well-directed interrogatories, which Mr. Backarat answered in a saddened whine between his sobs. The Dr. Robison was no other than the gentlemanly Charles Helfield, M. B., who had so courteously made the proposition of pleasure and travel throughout the Holy Land, to the heart's full desire and without expense, to your humble servant. F. E. Barker - Salt Lake City, June 1915

TEMPLE HYMN

[Reflections on temple work] (For Tuesday Service)

Air: I Have Read of a Beautiful City

As we're laid in the beautiful water

For dear ones who've lived long ago

(True emblem of death and the rising,

As Jesus, in Jordan's clear flow),

May our hearts be all fit and rejoicing

While as saviors we act for the dead,

To whom there n'er came the true Gospel

Till their spirits from earth-life had sped.

Chorus:

For not half has ever been known,

To our hearts has ever been known

How Jesus' spilt blood bro't redemption,

To mortals has ever been known.

As saviors come up to Mount Zion,

And as shepherds come home to the fold,

Having searched out the names of our kindred

Who lived in the days now of old,

We, for them, are baptized in clear water,

As Jesus, laid down in the grave,

That thro' turning the keys of the Priesthood,

Our loved ones who're dead, He may save.

Chorus

And, as humbly, the hands of the Priesthood

On the faithful who're sick they shall lay,

May true faith in the love of our Savior

His Spirit with power convey,

Both to them who are sick and afflicted

And the brethren who fervently pray

And anoint with the oil, to the healing

Of all who are suffering today.

Chorus:

For not half has ever been known,

To our hearts has ever been known,

How, thro' faith, our dear Savior may heal us,

To mortals has ever been known.

Frederick E. Barker, Apr. 6/22

[The Savior's birthday]

TEMPLE HYMN OF PRAISE

Oh, how glorious is the Gospel!

As we hear its joyous sound

All our bosoms burn within us

And our hearts with joy abound,

For, it fills our deepest longing

In the Plan marked out for all

By our loving Lord and Savior

Who redeemed us from the fall.

In our day, the Lord has spoken,

And His priesthood has restored

So that all for our salvation

May be done in strict accord.

We may do it while we're living,

And, in Temples, for the dead,

Making us, upon Mount Zion,

Saviors, as the Prophet said.

We believed and true repented,

And in water were baptized,

Then, received the Spirit's sealing

Through one duly authorized;

Then, our washings and anointings

We received and were endowed,

Fitting us for heavenly mansions

As His righteousness we vowed.

In this Temple, Lord, be with us,

And approve our work on high,

As to this most glorious labor

We, our yearning hearts apply;

And, we praise the Great Redeemer

For the precious blood He shed,

All of Adam's seed redeeming,

Both the living and the dead.

F. E. Barker, Aug. 2, '19

LITTLE CHILDREN

[May we love our children as Christ does.]

Take heed ye despise not the little ones dear,

For in heaven, their angels do always behold

The face of my Father, said Jesus, where here

He taught his disciples and people of old.

O, suffer the children to come unto me,

Forbidding them now, was the Savior's dear call.

He took and he blessed, as he held on his knee,

The children they brought him, enfolding them all.

And Christ, when he here all the little ones blessed,

He found midst the Nephites on this western land,

He held and enfolded them each to his breast,

And prayed, as in turn they were brought to his hand.

He looked on those children he'd placed there apart-

As compassion he showed, e'en the depth of his love;

And, the heavens were opened as he prayed from his heart,

And angels descended from mansions above.

He wept! Then, he said: Your dear children behold!

And looking, they saw them encircled by fire,

And angels were ministering to them, we're told,

All shining in light, like a heavenly choir.

O, let us here nurture and mostly highly prize

The little ones sent, whose atonement Christ wrought,

All thanking him ever for gifts good and wise,

And love them as He does, then happy our lot.

E. Barker

Published in the Juvenile [Instructor], Nov. 1914.

PRE-MORTAL EXISTENCE AND WORSHIP

[Faith in The Father of our Spirits]

Father, divine! Be our worship sublime

Of the Father of Spirits of all men that live.

To Him will we raise our anthems of praise-

Of praise and of worship and love,

For long before earth or mortals had birth,

'Twas our lot to live and, in spirit, to give

All praise to the Father of Spirits that live.

When the morning stars sang, our voices, too, rang,

In rapturous joy that on earth we should live;

When all of God's sons, there, shouted for joy

At the promise of progress and growth,

In an infinite throng, we joined in the song

Of our birth on the earth and what Father would give,

E'en the Father of Spirits of all men that live.

Though our spirits were bright as the angels of light,

Yet we yearned in our longing on earth here to live,

For our Father, we knew, in His love was so true,

That to each of His children full measure He'd give,

And on earth, we should share the mercy and care

Of the Father of Spirits of all men that live.

Though we knew we'd be bound and fettered and ground,

While in weakness, as mortals, on earth we should live-

All our knowledge repressed and all we possessed

From the life of our spirits then past,

With the pleasures that memory and knowledge could give

All taken away, leaving faith for our stay

In the Father of Spirits of all men that live-

Yet, our souls were serene, as our faith was supreme

In the Father of Spirits of all men that live.

Our mission sublime was to rise and to climb

And ever progress in our sphere,

Till destiny reached, immortality give,

As we'd follow our God in the way that He trod,

E'en the Father of spirits of all men that live.

Nor had we a fear that the earth would be drear,

So drear when apart and as mortals we'd live,

That we'd pass with our breath to a sad, endless death

To death and oblivion of all,

Unredeemed and unransomed, no power to give

Release from the grave-Ah no, we were brave,

Having faith in the Father of Spirits that live.

Our redemption was planned where we had a stand

With the Father of spirits of all men that live,

And we had a voice, and we all made our choice

Of that plan and our Savior and God,

And that bodies we'd take which, raised up, would give

Full power to rise above earth and the skies

To the Father of Spirits of all men that live.

Oh, the wisdom sublime of our Father, divine,

In sending us forth on the earth, here to live!

Though inscrutable here, it then was made clear

By our Father, who thus has revealed it to us.

'Tis the infinite plan of perfection of man:

So, in faith, let us live, and our homage e'er give

To the Father of Spirits of all men that live.

F. E. Barker - Jan. 12, 1915

THANKS TO HEAVENLY FATHER

[A loving testimony of gratitude and faith.]

I thank Thee, Heavenly Father,

For my humble life on earth,

For my parents, in the Gospel,

Who nourished me from birth,

In an age of Light and Priesthood

Restored from Heaven anew,

And which old Israel's Prophets

Were ever pleased to view.

I thank Thee for my helpmeet

And our six children dear,

For sincere friends and kindred

And all our earthly cheer;

And for the humble missions

I've filled at home, abroad,

In preaching to the living

And in temples of our God.

I thank thee for communion

With Saints of Latter-day,

For Prophets and Apostles

To guide me in the way

Marked out by Christ, our Savior

To bring me back to Him,

And for His gifts and graces

And redemption from all sin.

I thank Thee for the knowledge,

Though meager yet it be,

That I've attained in this life,

Which will remain with me;

For faith in life eternal

And a rising from the tomb

To live in life supernal

And my destined course resume.

I thank Thee for assurance

I'll join my loved and dear,

And know, in the resurrection,

What I knew before and here;

And by means of sure progression,

Through ages yet to come,

I may attain perfection,

As the Father and the Son.

F. E. Barker, Salt Lake City

Feb. 1, 1920

THE STRAIGHT, NARROW WAY

[Taught by the Savior]

When Jesus, our Savior, was living on earth,

And set forth His precepts of infinite worth,

To guide us below as we live in the world,

He gave us a motto for banner unfurled,

And revealed it anew in this latter day:

That we ever should walk in His straight, narrow way.

He exemplified, too, His precepts all through,

In the life that He lived, which the truth brought to view.

Every word that He spoke, every act that He did,

Showed an action to follow or habit forbid.

As revealed in His life, and renewed in our day,

We ever should walk in His straight, narrow way.

He taught us to live, and proclaimed it abroad,

By each precious word from the mouth of our God.

In the Bible we find it, in Scripture yet new,

And the Record of Nephites to Gentile and Jew.

Then search them, ye children, in this latter day,

E'er learning to walk in His straight, narrow way.

When tempted to do what you'd wish none to view,

Or follow in paths that the wicked pursue,

Remember your Savior, and follow His lead;

Without failing a moment, be careful indeed

To tread in His footsteps, as every one may,

For, we ever should walk in His straight, narrow way.

In eating and drinking and thinking, we ought,

As in saying and doing-in action and thought,

To comply with the words of our Savior and God,

As we'd walk in the path that we know that He trod.

Then, let us e'er follow, as ever we may,

In the footsteps of Jesus-His straight, narrow way.

F. E. Barker - Jan. 11, 1915

THE PROPHET JOSEPH

[For the anniversary of his birth]

(Born December 23, 1805)

Of all whose worth has graced the earth,

In all its varied history through,

The memories of whose mortal birth

And missions great and true,

Next to the high, Exalted One,

E'en Jesus, God's Beloved Son,

Whom most of all, we should revere,

We have great cause in joy to raise

Our thanks to God in tuneful lays

For Joseph Smith our Modern Seer.

He made the span 'twixt God and man,

As Egypt's Joseph, in his day,

And plain revealed the heavenly plan

From God, to whom we pray.

or Truth sublime, best boon from God,

Through him revealed and preached abroad-

Through him restored again to earth-

And gifts and keys of Heaven's choice,

We praise his name, and e'er rejoice,

And celebrate our Prophet's birth.

How we should live and honor give,

Heartfelt, to God, and Truth, and man,

He showed with proof most positive

In God's all-perfect plan,

Of which he was, midst trials rife,

A true exemplar in his life;

His death, a martyr, proved his worth,

For precious blood sealed living truth.

So let us all, adult and youth,

Commemorate our Prophets birth.

The choicest ones of Israel's sons

And God's elect of every age,

To blaze the way till Jesus comes,

With prophet, seer, and sage,

Will all extol our Prophet's name,

Their leader in eternal fame,

For works of great and noble worth,

Then let all Israel join the lay

And celebrate with us for aye

The Prophet Joseph's name and birth.

F. E. Barker - December 8, 1914

PRESIDENT JOSEPH F. SMITH

Died November 19, 1918

List! A Prophet's passed from earth,

Most noble in his life and birth.

Again, the Church is called to mourn,

Tho' not without faith, the blow is borne.

Like Joseph, the Seer, the first to preside,

Will Joseph F. Smith in our mem'ry abide.

In youth, he was valiant, in manhood sublime,

His mission so lofty, his calling divine.

The son of a martyr and orphaned in youth,

He was staunch for the right and a bulwark of Truth.

His love for the people was never surpassed,

Extending to all, from the first to the last,

And the Saints loved him, too, beyond all compare,

And now in deep sorrow, bereavement they share.

The monuments left of his work are sublime,

As temples of God in each nation and clime.

His feelings he schooled and, though humble his mien,

His mind, e'er inspired, was searching and keen,

His affections, untrammeled, were tender and kind,

His love for his fellows, in mercy enshrined.

His friendship was true, and his word never failed,

Though error and pretense, he ever assailed.

He felt deep and strong, and spoke with a power

Of a Seer that is sent for the day and the hour.

His devotion and faith are known far and near,

For he spoke as a prophet, most forceful and clear.

His name and example, through all future time,

Will flow through the ages, a message divine,

And, we'll feel we are better and the earth greatly blest

Thro' the life he has lived, ere he passed to his rest.

F. E. Barker

Salt Lake City, Nov. 19, 1918

CHASTITY

[An important virtue for all]

Oh, is there a virtue that man must own

And woman must ever possess,

That nature demands, and God has shown

The hearts of the young should impress-

That man's very nature, and God, declare

Shall truly be pure and deep and rare,

As true as the diamond without impair?

Yes, surely: the virtue of Chastity.

And, is there one standard of virtue for all,

For man and for woman as well,

Or woman infracting, be hurled to her fall

While man in all freedom may dwell-

The man dragging woman, for lust, to her shame,

Besmirching her honor while honored his name-

He, deepest in guilt, yet not sharing the blame?

No, truly; one standard has Chastity.

Then, man should be pure and chaste as the snow,

With virtue the woman be crowned,

That both, as they live in probation below,

Fit subjects for heaven be found-

Unsullied in thought, and both undefiled,

As pure as angel or innocent child,

From Heaven's strict law being never beguiled,

An honor to God and to Chastity.

Then be, Oh, young men, as sturdy as oak,

e'er yielding to passion's red lure,

Your freedom is greater, and lighter your yoke,

While treading the path of the pure.

Most sternly resolve your life-blood you'll yield

In the conflict with vice (having truth for your shield),

Ere virtue surrender-yes, die in the field

Ere ever you sin against Chastity.

And, maidens so sweet, be your virtue your crown,

And modesty ever your grace;

To tempters be swift with your "no" and your frown-

A positive signal in place.

Unswerving in virtue, then make firm demand

hat man live thus strictly or seek not your hand,

That both in like honor most truly may stand

Deserving the bright crown of Chastity.

F. E. Barker - [Published, probably in the Era]

SHEREM [THE ANTI-CHRIST]

[And Jacob, Brother of Nephi - Jacob 7]

To Jacob, Nephi's saintly brother, came One Sherem, anti-Christ, who sought for fame

Through guile and flattering words and flowery speech, To win disciples and a cult to teach.

For true it is, and ever will be found, Apostates always strive to be renowned

By drawing forth disciples after them-In fighting truth, they'd leaders be, of men.

So, he persisted in his stubborn pride, Deriding truth, and Christ, the Lord, denied.

And Sherem said: "My brother, I regret That on a so-called Christ, your hopes you've set,

And falsely taught the people to expect A thing absurd, and thus, in fact, reject

Established ways, perverting Moses' law, And so, as well deserved, the pain you'll draw

Of retribution on your hoary head, For preaching but a myth of Christ, instead."

Then, stirred in spirit, Jacob straight replied: "On scripture truths, you say, you have relied;

Not so; for of the Christ they testify, That He will come, for us to die.

I know, without atonement man is lost, Forever bound in sin-by Satan tossed.

I say, no prophet ever spoke without He spoke concerning Christ, beyond a doubt;

And furthermore, I have most truly heard The voice of God declare to me His word;

By angels, too, that message came-The Holy Ghost has witnessed of His name."

And Sherem said: "If what you say is so, Then by the Holy Ghost I ask you'll show."

And Jacob, answering, said: "And what am I, that I should tempt the Lord, whom you defy,

To show a sign of what you truly know, But, through the devil's art, deny 'tis so.

Yet, this I'll say, that not my will be done, But if to show e'en you that Christ will come,

And God has mighty power; if you He'll smite, His will be done. 'Twill vindicate the

right."

* * * * * *

Then, stricken, Sherem fell to earth as dead. But, then arising up, e'er long, he said:

"O, let the people come before I die-(I die tomorrow)-then, I'll humbly try

To right the wrong; then, they who were deceived Came forth, and all their doubts he there

relieved.

Declaring now the truth he had denied, And struck with fear and penitence--he died.

[He crossed out this last verse.]

Wicked deride power divine to e'er defy, The truth, sublime, and Christ and God deny

When, if we but confess, the truth we know-It is within-our hearts proclaim it so.

Let him who tempts the Lord, a sign to give, Beware, he die-to show that God does live!

F. E. Barker - Aug. 3, 1914.

[Note: This poem had many corrections and notes. It was still in the state of "becoming" .]

BEAUTIFUL WATERS OF MORMON

[Alma pondered the words of Abinadi: Mosiah 17 and 18 in the Book of Mormon]

[He wrote poems about many prophets, and loved Alma so much, he wrote several poems about him.]

Hidden in a lovely bower,

Alma pondered o'er the words

Uttered in God's strength and power

By a prophet of the Lord.

There, he lay and wrote and listened

Where the crystal waters glistened-

Beautiful waters of Mormon.

Abinadi's words and strength and spirit

Wrought so on his soul and frame

That it seemed he e'er could hear it-

Hear that message o'er again.

There, he wrote beside that fountain

Flowing from God's holy mountain-

Beautiful waters of Mormon.

There, prepared he for his mission,

There, he preached God's holy word;

There, he laid the true foundation

Of a church unto the Lord.

There he did, by God's devising,

In those waters, his baptizing-

Beautiful waters of Mormon.

Alma there, presaged the naming

Of a great, inspired man

And a book that's clear, explaining

In our age, the gospel plan.

"Mormon" now, we're ever saying-

Tribute now we're ever paying-

Beautiful waters of Mormon.

Alma's work was full of beauty

As he set in sacred fame

Name of Mormon, and their duty

To God's saints made ever plain.

Let us all then, ever listen-

Let those waters ever glisten-

Beautiful waters of Mormon.

F. E. Barker - July 10, 1914

Pub'd in Liahona

O THAT I WERE AN ANGEL

Alma XXIX - [His feelings about missionary work.]

Improvement Era, June 1914.

Oh, that I were an angel and had my heart's desire,

That I might cry repentance as with a tongue of fire,

And with the trump of Jehovah, his mighty work proclaimIn the ears of all the living, for the

greatness of his name.

As with the livid Lightning, I'd touch each human heart,

Reprove the world of error, the gospel's truths impart.

I'd bring to all salvation in the great Jehovah's plan

To redeem our fellow mortals and exalt our fellow man.

And God should have the glory for all I e'er could do,

For he alone is perfect, and full of mercy, too.

And God, forgive the "sinning" if my present wish is so.

My "guilt" is in the yearning that all the world might know.

God giveth to all nations what seemeth fit to him,

To teach, in just proportion, his precious truths to men."

Oh, heed the gospel message, by an angel borne to men,

"To be preached unto all nations," restored from heaven again.

F. E. Barker

KORIHOR

[Alma confounds Korihor, the anti-Christ, who asks for a sign: - Alma 30 ]

In the days of righteous Alma, we are told, Came Korihor, an atheist, shrewd and bold,

Who, all the powers of heaven, defied, The righteous, scoffed, and Christ, denied.

"The prophets' words and sacred lore" , He said, "were vain traditions from before!

All sprang" , he said, "from frenzied minds deranged; The future, men can never know; all changed

So oft: How could men know of things to come? Therefore, no Christ-no Father, and no Son!"

"That, every person here in life will fare According to his management and care,

Or what his genius is, or strength may be; To do what pleases him, each man is free!

And, what one says or does is never crime For punishment in this, or future time;

As all you have in life shall end in death, So satiate desire, while you have breath!"

And, many followed his pernicious course, In scoffing God, and carnal ways, perforce.

And Korihor, before the judgment seat, Adventured his revilings to repeat,

And asked a sign from Heaven ere he'd confess There is a God to punish or to bless.

But, Alma was a man of God, who knew The Great Creator's voice; and angels, too,

He'd seen and heard, and nothing e'er could shake His certain knowledge, or could ever make

Him doubt. So, Korihor, he did confound By reasons strong, and evidence profound.

"Of signs, you've had enough, and now, beware!" Said Alma, "The Scriptures, do a God declare,

And so, the planets and the earth in all Their motions, and the seasons, what we call

All Nature, wherein doth perfect order move, Proclaim a God, and His existence prove!"

"Then, will you yet deny there is a God?" "I will, without a sign." "Then, fear the rod!

'Tis better one be lost in awful void Than, for your sake, that many be destroyed.

No more, with lies unto this people come-Deny again, and God shall smite thee dumb!"

*****

Then, Korihor greatly feared, and writing, said: "I know God's vengeance is upon my head.

God lives, I know, for nothing else could do What, trembling now, I here, confess is true-

I'm dumb. But, Satan came in angel's guise And said, 'Reclaim them from the awful lies

They're taught!' I, then, believed his words were true-And, much success I had, and favor, too;

So, proud became. But now, I beg you'll pray This judgment hence."

"As God may will; But you" , Said Alma, "would your evil ways, pursue."

So, Korihor, who both Christ and God denied, Was silenced thus, until, in shame, he died.

The people whom he had, by wiles, deceived, Repenting, were to grace again, received.

To mock and scoff, and Christ and God deny, What awful guilt! O, shun them all, would I!

F. E. Barker - Aug. 4, 1914.

FAITH

[Alma's great discourse on faith, growing like a seed - Alma 32]

Faith is not a perfect knowledge, but if faith you have, then you

Hope for things you yet have seen not, things desired which are true.

God to all, is full of mercy, who upon His name, believe-

If belief and hope but ripen into faith, you'll then receive.

At the first, you may not fully know the truth of what you hear,

Any more than faith is knowledge-but, belief may be sincere.

Even so, what God has spoken, or what words of truth convey,

If you'll rouse your inner nature; by experiment, you may

Try upon what thus is given, just a whit, to exercise

Faith as power through your being, then you'll find wherein it lies.

If at first, 'tis but desire to believe a thing is so,

Let it work and work within you, till in part you feel you know.

That, within your heart, a place is for such precious word of truth,

And at length, your faith develops, as to manhood grows the youth.

Then, you feel a strange enlargement, and undoubting sense you know

What at first was merely hoping, now to faith is found to grow.

And, it gives a sense of pleasure, centered in a power divine,

Springing from your inmost nature, yet a heavenly force sublime.

Just as seed that you have planted, faith's implanted in your heart-

Seed you've watered, tilled and nourished till you feel its sprouting start.

Then you say, and feel within you, good the seed is and alive;

You are pleased to feel it growing-for its fruit you yearn and strive.

When at length, its fruit you've tasted, and have found that it is sweet,

To your spirit most delicious, answering all your hope complete,

Then is not your faith much strengthened? Precious, is it not, to you?

Fruit that's white above all whiteness, pure and beautiful to view.

Then the Word, Oh, how you love it, feeling now that you can feast-

Fruit from Tree of Life is giv'n you, as in time your faith's increased.

As through faith, all power is given, faith, as seed, then cultivate,

Till through you, the powers of Heaven with your souls cooperate,

And, you know God's power's within you (you, conforming to His will),

And that God will make you perfect-all His glorious words fulfill.

F. E. Barker - Salt Lake City, Aug. 9, 1914

"THE TITLE OF LIBERTY" -THE FLAG OF THE PEOPLE OF NEPHI

[Captain Moroni - Alma 46]

'Twas when the Nephites, careless grown, through pride and worldly gain,

Forgot their prophets' warning voice of scourges and of pain,

Dissensions came and bitter strife; aspiring men arose

Who sought to wrest their freedom and betray them to their foes.

The bulwarks of their liberty seemed 'bout to be destroyed,

The church deprived of freedom and the law made null and void;

And men of saintly righteousness poured forth a loud lament-

They feared a reign of anarchy and vengeful red men sent.

Then, straightway, great Moroni came, the chieftain in command,

Girt in his glittering armor with a flag-pole in his hand.

He rent his coat of colors there, and in Jehovah's name,

Inscribed this motto on it clear, and loudly did proclaim:

"In Memory of our Freedom dear, our God, our Peace, our Lives,

The Church and our Religion true, our Children and our Wives.

"The Title of our Liberty I wave before you all;

Read, read the motto here inscribed, and shun the dangers' thrall;

Come, cov'nant with your God that you forever will abide

For truth and right and liberty, and stand on Freedom's side.

And, as the mighty chieftain went, and bore his flag on high,

The people each their garments rent, and ran and circled nigh.

And, at his feet their garments cast, as token then to show

That if they hence forsook their God that He should rend them so.

Moroni then addressed them thus: "Your father, Joseph's coat

Of many colors was preserved, in part, and let me not

What Jacob said, prophetic'ly: 'As part is undecayed

Of Joseph's coat his brethren rent, so is God's promise made

That part of Joseph's seed shall last, a power on earth to be

So long as men hereon shall dwell-God's witness unto me."

And so, the Nephite prophets say: "This promised land shall be

Preserved for freedom and for truth, a land of liberty."

*******

Then forth, Moroni bore on high, that banner through the land,

The Title of their Liberty, for truth and right to stand.

And myriads to his standard came; and God, his efforts crowned-

His battles were to victory, forevermore renowned.

So let us, when we think of him, his Title borne on high,

Make sure we keep such cov'nant true, for Liberty or Die.

F. E. Barker - Published, perhaps in the Era

Written, Salt Lake City, July 4, 1914.

THE TWO THOUSAND YOUNG MEN

[Helaman's Stripling Warriors - Alma 53]

Hear now, of two thousand striplings Helaman led forth in the fray,

Who he called his sons, and loved them-loved them as a father may.

They were sons of Ammon's people, who, their swords had buried low

To prevent their ever shedding blood of human, friend or foe;

Buried deep with solemn covenant, when the gospel they embraced,

Through the sons of King Mosiah, who the truth before them placed,

Men who each refused a kingship that they might the gospel preach

To benighted sons of Laman and their hearts with mercy reach.

Ammon's people at repenting, so sincerely had reformed,

And become so firm, devoted, they the slightest error scorned.

So, when foes fell on the Nephites, who'd so long protected both,

Threatened with complete destruction, yet they could not break their oath,

And, to aid them in the conflict, and relieve the common thrall,

Forth they sent those brave two thousand, who were free to heed the call.

Young men who thought more of freedom than they did to live on earth,

And were full of hope and courage, temperance, faith and deeds of worth;

They were trusty, true and valiant, strong in mind and nerve and limb,

And endured the hardest marches-fought in awfullest battles' din,

But, ne'er turned nor flinched nor faltered till the victory they had won;

While their brethren lost a thousand, dead or wounded, lost they none!

Yet, when told that men had never such miraculous strength displayed,

They ascribed it all to Heaven, through the faith with which they prayed.

Ere they ventured forth, their mothers taught them if they did not doubt,

They would surely be delivered, which the Lord had brought about.

Fondly, speaking of those mothers, and the love they bore them, too,

They confessed their faith implicit, doubting not, their mothers knew.

Power of faith to aid and shield us, all should ever bear in mind;

Teach it, mothers, to the young folks;--seize the morals here, we find.

F. E. Barker - Aug. 7, 1914.

FRUITS OF REPENTANCE

An Episode in the Life of the Sons of Helaman

[The faith of Nephi and Lehi in prison, and the still, small voice - Helaman 5]

The sons of Helaman, a prophet true, Nephi and Lehi, from early childhood grew

To love their righteous father, and revere Their great progenitors, whose namesakes dear

They were. To them, these thoughts, their father gave, And wrote them down, for future use to

save:

That they should lay their treasures up on high, Where nothing doth corrupt or ever die;

That they should build upon the sacred rock Of Christ; and this, the burden of their talk:

Repent; for God will never any one redeem While in his sins. And this, again, their theme:

That if the people truly would repent, They'd be redeemed from sin, which really meant

Return to God, all evil deeds eschew, For love of good, and righteous works pursue.

So, Nephi, straight, resigned the judgment seat And other honors, seeming quite replete

To be conferred on man, when he foresaw His people turn from paths of right and law;

And, with his brother, Lehi, forth he went To preach glad tidings which the Lord had sent.

They preached in power, to Nephites and to Lamanites, the hour of their deliverance,

Throughout the land. If they, indeed, would turn From ways of pride and wickedness, and spurn

The Tempter's wiles. And, thousands to them came, And were baptized unto the Savior's name,

Becoming very stalwart in the truth, And full of works of righteousness, in sooth.

At length, as they, their glorious works pursued, They were cast in prison, and even food,

For any days denied. (An army, strong, of Lamanites, surrounding them, ere long

They'd traveled forth). Then, on a certain day, On which the sons of Laman loved display,

A multitude came in the prison walls, Three thousand strong, within the dingy halls

And prison yard. And, they had come to see Those Nephites slain, a thing decreed to be.

And, as they went to bring those holy men Forth to their execution, there and then,

Behold, they saw them circled round with fire, Yet not consumed, not even their attire!

Then, came an awful shaking of the earth, As none had known since given mortal birth.

And all were trembling; and each prison wall Seemed about to rend in twain, and fall

Upon the multitude, and all of them destroy! And then (what did the people most annoy)

An awful cloud of darkness and of gloom Came o'er them all, as if their earthly doom

Was sure. Then, came a voice from out the cloud: "Repent, Repent!" Nor, did that voice seem loud;

'Twas not a voice of thunder, or a great Tumultuous voice, portentous of their fate;

It was a still, small voice, so soft, so mild, As if it had a whisper been, a child

Could know; and yet, it pierced them to the soul, And made them sense a strange and great control;

And said: "Repent, my kingdom is at hand! My servants' lives seek ye no more, nor stand

To hurt or stay. The earth then shook again, And that small voice spoke marvelous things to them,

Till, fallen to earth in fearful awe and dread, They could not move for gloom that overspread;

Yet, looking forth, they could those prophets view As if in fire-a scene resplendent, true!

The heavens opened, and to them, it seemed Those prophets talked, as in that light they gleamed,

With bright and holy beings from above, Who ministered to them in light and love!

And then, the people raised their voice and cried: "How long, in darkest gloom must we abide?"

How get removed, this dark and awful cloud That does our bodies and our souls enshroud?"

Then, came that still, small voice, and said again: "Repent, and call on Christ, until, as men,

Ye shall have faith." At which, aloud, they cried. They did repent, and would, in God, confide.

At once, the cloud dispersed; the Spirit came And filled them all; and then, they saw the same

Bright light, as fire, encircle them, And angels came and ministered again.

Such radiant light o'er all-from Heaven, a voice! And, O, the fruits that then, the labors crowned

Of those two men, for valiant faith renowned!

F. E. Barker - July 28, 1914.

PROPHET VINDICATED

[Nephi and the Gadianton Band - Helaman 7-9]

When, from a Northern mission just returned, To the Nephite center, Zarahemla grand,

Nephi, son of Helaman, quick discerned Dire ravages of the Gadianton Band.

He found a Robber on the judgment seat (Where once he'd sat, a man of God),

Who trampled truth and right beneath his feet, While all were galling 'neath his cruel rod.

Then, straightway, Nephi climbed upon his tower, And prayed aloud, in sorrow, to the Lord,

For light, for revelation, and for power To warn his people by God's holy word.

But, overhearing him, the people came, Demanding straight what cause he had to mourn,

And why, to them attribute all the blame, For wicked rule and bitter strife and scorn.

And Nephi, then, rehearsed to them the cause: Their greed, their wanton vanity and pride,

Forgetting all God's judgments and His laws-For worldly gain, so quickly turned aside.

He boldly said to all, "Repent, repent! Or surely, God would sweep them from the earth,

With all their treasures, by swift judgment sent-Nor should they spoil this land of precious

worth.

Chagrined, they tried to seize that man of God, And carry out on him their wicked rule,

By straight inflicting on him, at their nod, The sentence of a Robber, judge, and tool.

Then, he declared the awful wrath they heaped, Upon their heads most sin to fall-

That even then, a Robber's hands were reeked In blood of their chief judge, in Justice' hall;

Who then was murdered by his brother, bold, While proudly sitting on the judgment seat,

A robber brother seeking thus to hold That office proud, and justice there defeat.

Five messengers were sent in haste, and lo! On coming to stern Justice's temple door,

Amazed, they looked and found it even so-The great chief judge was weltering in his gore.

They then, at once, those messengers accused, And them imprisoned. Nephi, too, they took,

But he confounded them. They stood confused, With cringing shame and awful trembling.

Then, Nephi told how they might clearly know The wicked man who had his brother slain;

Who'd first deny, and then admit 'twas so-Confess his guilt, and then say 'twas

done for gain.

Whereat, they followed out the words he said, And straight, examining the man he named,

They found, indeed, the bloodstains on his head, And Nephi, Holy Prophet, true proclaimed!

F. E. Barker -July 26, 1914.

THE REDEEMER

[The Savior in the Old World and the New - 3rd Nephi]

We read of our Savior, in dear Palestine,

Of John, his forerunner, that Prophet divine,

Of shepherds and angels, the wise men, and all

Who, favored by God, knew His mission and call.

We rejoice in our knowledge of His perfect life,

Though reared, as he was, amidst labor and strife;

Beginning most lowly, an innocent child,

Exposed to temptation, but yet unbeguiled.

He felt all the sorrows and sensed all the pain

That men have to bear, in their regular train,

Yet grew and developed, as never had been,

To fullness of manhood, unblemished by sin.

We have read of the good that He did among men,

His actions of mercy and comfort, and then

To establish true faith in God as the head,

His miracles wrought, even raising the dead!

We know of His calling, his witness to bear,

Apostles and prophets, establishing there

His organized church, with the power divine

To act in His name, in a perfect design.

His Gospel we love, which He set forth so plain,

Obedience to which will for mortals obtain

A glory celestial-salvation from sin,

Returning to Father, and Heaven will win!

In teaching and preaching, unfolding His plan,

He lived it-a perfect exemplar to man.

He gave then, at length, on the terrible cross,

A life that was perfect, as gold without dross.

He suffered for evils he never had done,

To purchase for us what already, he'd won.

He wrought an atonement for all of mankind,

Of infinite value and mercy refined.

And, while His accusers still thought He was dead,

He lay in the tomb, but His spirit had sped

To open the door to the spirits of men

Who'd lived on the earth, but in prison were then.

Then, breaking the barriers of death and the grave,

He rose from the dead by His power to save;

Becoming first fruits of those who had died,

He ascended to God and remained by his side.

And Christ, to the Nephites, also appeared.

And taught them the Gospel that we have revered.

In Joseph's fair land, in the vales of the west,

He gathered choice sheep to His fold and His rest.

His coming and birth were by prophets foretold,

In words that were clearest, emphatic, and bold;

They looked for His coming as though He had come,

Observing the law of which He was the sum.

His offering free as a lamb that was slain,

(The sins of the people upon Him all lain)-

His atonement for all, they accepted with awe

As answering to types that were set in the law.

His taking upon Him the nature of men,

When born of a virgin in far Bethlehem,

Was shown by a night of continuous light

O'erlapping two days, the most perfectly bright.

And then, as predicted, all during the time

He yielded his life in that offering sublime,

While He hung on the cross, and lay in the tomb,

There came o'er the land a most terrible gloom.

Three days and the nights there, was darkness so dense

That naught could illumine; but, ere the suspense,

The tempests and earthquakes and thunders all roared,

Bespeaking the judgments that flowed from the Lord.

Great cities were buried, or sunk in the deep,

And many were burned, or left in a heap.

The wicked in wrath by God's judgments were hurled,

Impenitent still, from the face of the world.

And then, as the righteous were gathered, in fear,

A voice, still and pleasant, came soft to the ear;

Three times they all heard it, a small voice that stirred

Their hearts to the quick, ere they knew what they heard.

It was God, then proclaiming our Savior from heaven,

Who had died for our sins, but to glory had risen;

And, looking aloft, they beheld Him descend,

In glorious light, their Redeemer and friend.

He ministered to them in mercy and love,

Proclaiming His mission from Father above,

And chose twelve disciples, His witness to bear,

Baptizing to do and His word to declare.

Their children He blessed, the afflicted He healed,

Unfolded the future, and glory revealed.

He ascended to heaven, but again and again,

He returned, and He taught here, the children of men.

He gave them His priesthood, and here organized

His law and His church, with its members baptized,

Confirming them all with the gifts of His grace,

As their hearts were all gladdened by viewing His face.

F. E. Barker -July 17, 1914.

* * * * *

THE ADVENT, A Nephite Episode

[The Birth of Christ in the New World]

3rd Nephi

It was among the Nephites, the date was one B.C.,

In the city Zarahemla, magnificent and free,

There rose a great commotion which spread throughout the land

About the true Messiah, whose coming was at hand.

Their prophets had predicted the appearing of a sign

That would denote his advent-continuous light should shine

Throughout the night preceding the day the Christ was born

In noon-like rays of brightness, as on that sacred morn.

And, they had made it certain, the very year and all,

So none need be mistaken about the time 'twould fall.

But, some there groped in darkness, which so obscured their mind

They knew not truth from error, nor sought the truth to find.

They said, the time's expired, and now it is too late;

Your prophets uttered falsehood-no longer need we wait-

And, stirred up strife and anger; so, wickedness increased,

And all were in their power unless their clamor ceased.

They made a strict appointment that on a certain day,

Unless the sign was given, and in the certain way

The prophets had predicted that everyone should die

Who held to that tradition. Then, did the righteous sigh;

And, then the Prophet Nephi, the people thronged around,

And asked that he assure them-their enemies confound.

And, Nephi, bowed in trouble, besought the Lord in prayer,

That they might be enlightened, relieving their despair.

And, God was quick to hear him, and did this message give:

Rejoice and be ye cheerful-behold, you all shall live!

This night, there will be given the Prophet's promised sign,

Messiah born tomorrow, the Son of God, divine!

And, when the righteous heard it, it made them all rejoice,

And all that night of brightness, with one continued voice,

They praised the Lord for sending that sign beyond mistake-

But, all the wicked trembled as if their hearts would break.

They feared a mighty judgment, and fell to earth as dead,

Expecting God would smite them for what they'd done and said.

So, came their reformation-it led them to repent,

Believing in their Savior, who truly had been sent.

And, thus, it marked an era, and from that sacred morn,

They then began to reckon the years since Christ was born.

And, while their faith and power developed fast, and grew,

Rejoicing in their Savior, they prized His prophets, too.

F. E. Barker -Salt Lake City, July 24, 1914.

MAHONRI MORIANCUMER

The Brother of Jared [Sees the Lord]

[Book of Ether, Chapter 3]

Mahonri Moriancumer, O sacred name

Of earliest Patriarch (incomparable in fame),

Who, since the Flood of Noah receded from the earth,

Was first of all in time, in sacredness and birth,

To know America, and claim it for the free!

Thou wast a friend of God, and He had chosen thee.

Yet, modest was thy mien. Too silent, oft wast thou

Thy God to please, but with such super-strength could bow

In prayer, that nothing could the Lord from thee withhold.

So mighty was thy faith that e'en a mountain bold

Obeyed thy voice. Thou said, Remove, O mountain, hence,

And Zerin Mount gave place! Thou ledst thy people hence,

Their language unconfused, from plains of Babel's Tower,

As God directed thee, upholden by His power.

And half a world did colonize at His command,

A hemisphere preserved, a fair and promised land.

When barges were prepared, and fervent thou didst pray

He would thy people guide, illumine all their way,

And asked e'en God to touch presented stones, for light,

(That when submerged in waters, storm and gloom of night,

His light should shine), He condescended to extend

A finger forth, and lo! Thou saw that finger end!

Nor finger end alone: then prayed at that, He to thee

Would show Himself; then, thou the Lord, Himself, did see!

E'en great Jehovah, God! No wonder at the choice

He made of thee. God spoke, and lo! Thou heard his voice;

And, when He came to thee, thou didst behold His face,

And saw His body's form, so clear that thou could trace

That in His image, man was formed! O wondrous sight,

As, face to face thou talked with God, in glorious light!

And, wondrous, too, the lessons thou hast taught-

True attributes of God; what perfect faith hath wrought!

F. E. Barker - Salt Lake City, July 22, 1914.

CUMORAH

Entranced here I stand, and pause with awful thrill,

When thee I contemplate, Oh, great Cumorah Hill!

Two civilizations of a hemisphere

Have gasped and writhed and fallen and bled on thee,

As concentrations of their strength were here-

(Remnants of nations great, and good, and free)

All swept from thy fair face into eternity!

But, rapture fills my soul, up-raised from earth, forsooth,

When here, I sense the word, the God-inspired truth,

That, in this age, from thy great bosom came-

What those great nations knew and wrote and sealed,

By prophets true and men of sacred fame,

There, in thy silent keeping, long concealed,

Till, by an angel's voice to Prophet Boy revealed.

Oh, mighty Hill Cumorah, cherished Mount of God!

Thy stones are ever dear, and sacred is thy sod.

Did men rebel? And God, did nations spurn?

They, reeking, fell, laid low forever more

On thy fair sides. Did inspiration burn?

The truth concealed in thee, thy bosom bore

Till God, His angel sent, to open, here, the door.

In deepest wisdom, God inspired the sacred word,

On plates engraved, which holy men and prophets heard,

And here in thy great bosom did conceal.

God spoke! And righteousness from heaven looked down,

And, truth sprang out from earth-which all shall feel.

It must go forth, though Satan squirm and frown.

And sacredness, thy storied crest shall ever crown.

And, now, oh mighty world, to whom Cumorah gave

God's precious saving truth, as whispered from the grave!

Oh, listen all, and hear that message true,

And get, by prayer and faith, the Spirit's guide,

And Pearl of Greatest Price 'twill be to you;

And, if in that you truly will confide,

What great Cumorah gave, you'll love with sacred pride.

F. E. Barker -Salt Lake City, July 20, 1914.

CONSTANT LOVERS

[This is a funny, yet romantic and loving poem written about a couple named Marie and George. It may have been written for another dramatic purpose, but, since it comes from his heart, this poem shows his feelings for his wife, and our grandmother, Cecilia.]

[He] If you're the Marie who once called me lover,

Then where are those tresses of bright, auburn hair,

That crowned as a chaplet-that soft, silken cover-

A countenance bland, but bewitchingly fair,

Which was brightened by eyes that were beaming, yet shy,

When you were my sweetheart, and lover was I?

[She] I am the Marie, that loved a youth manly,

Who wore a fair crown of bright, sunny hair,

Whose eyes were as bright as the skies in their azure,

When love to my heart, I felt them declare.

But, your head, my dear George, shows of baldness, a trace,

As faded my beauty, departed my grace.

Your eyes yet are bright, you are loving and cheerful,

Though sprightly no longer, your manner is kind;

And, you've shared all my trials, though often most tearful,

Till out of afflictions, strong tendrils entwined,

As the vine to the oak; so we felt we were one-

Past parting, I deem, till life's labors are done.

[He] Yes, loving Marie, we have both seen great changes

Since first we were lovers, though met but as friends,

But, such is all earth-life, but nothing more strange is

Than that bloom of the parents to children descends;

And, for ours, Marie, our love is so true

The ties of our union they ever renew.

Though silvered your hair, and your cheeks' glow half faded,

And the light heart of youth, somewhat sobered in tone,

I see you yet young-I've my fancy persuaded-

As I love you for merit, and claim you my own.

Descending life's path that but ends in the tomb,

Hand in hand, we will walk as a bride and bridegroom.

And, when we have lain in our last bed, together,

Side by side, as in sleep, for a rest in the earth,

Eternally wedded, so nothing can sever,

Together, we'll rise in a glorious birth-

United our family, perpetual our bliss,

Yes, endless our joy from our first marriage kiss.

F. E. Barker - February 3, 1915

GRANDFATHER'S CHEER

[This shows his belief in a cheery disposition and his faith in the resurrection.]

When rounding the corner, I quickened my pace

To speak a kind word I had on my tongue

To Grandfather Goodwin, who led me a race,

Though he said just today, "I am eighty years young" .

I wished him good cheer, and grasping his hand,

I said, "I am glad you are hearty and hale" ,

When he asked me within, all smiling and bland,

And good-naturedly told me a bright, happy tale.

"Grandfather" , I said, "will you tell me, I pray,

How it is you're so jolly, contented and gay?"

I am jolly, my son, in my world full of fun,

And will be" , said he, "for many a day;

In the songs I have heard, I'm as blithe as a bird,

As also, I am in the songs I have sung;

And, in memory today, I enjoy them for aye-

In the life I have lived, I will ever be young."

"But, Grandpa" , I said, "How's your memory, your cheer,

(Though I grant for your age, it is good and well trained),

When, the dearest bright theme is gone as a dream

Ere scarce for a year it is ever retained.

Explain now, your saying that knowledge here gained,

With the good that we do, as mortals on earth,

Will count yet hereafter as 'vantage attained,

Enhancing our joy and of infinite worth."

He replied: "My dear son, infirmities come

From the prime of our life till its length it has run,

And memory, 'tis true, becomes treacherous too,

Till at length, we will silently sleep in the tomb.

But, why questions so rife? Resurrection and Life

Will restore all our lore, and our life we'll resume

In glory, celestial, with freshness of bloom."

F. E. Barker - Feb. 6, 1915

THE BLESSINGS WE ASK UPON YOU

To Elder and Mrs. Leo Sharp on the occasion of a Farewell tendered them on the eve of their departure on a mission to New Zealand:

As the chosen of God going forth in your youth

On a mission of peace with a message of truth,

Not counting the cost as a great sacrifice,

But with faith, you will find the ever-great prize

Bestowed by the Giver of all that is true-

These are the blessings we ask upon you.

May the glad words of friends and companions you love,

Make your parting feel good, like a balm from above,

May the din of the cars, the whir of the wheels

Deepen your joys, e'en as one when he feels

The thrill of new life as he sets out anew

On a mission of love-we wish now for you.

May the blessings of parents, both warm and unfeigned

From the home of your childhood wherever you've gained

The affection of loved ones, the deep love of kin

Who've tenderly watched you grow up without sin;

Be the memory of these, ever fond-ever true-

(All heightened by distance)-may these follow you.

May the rest from your worries and toils here at home

Serve to brace up your spirit as far you will roam;

May your health be renewed, increased be your joy;

May nothing e'er daunt you or even annoy,

As you sail o'er the ocean 'tween azure and blue,

Having peace in your heart-be these blessings on you.

May the bosom of ocean be calm as you sail,

And the winds blow but softly as if glad be the gale

That shall waft you but forward till in safety you stand

On the shores of New Zealand, that fair favored land,

That your hearts may be buoyant, your feelings ne'er blue

When pursuing your labors-we wish now for you.

May the friends you will meet and companions all dear

Greet you with welcome and handshakes of cheer;

May the elect of our Father, with hearts open wide

Receive your glad message, its spirit imbibe,

That the Gospel of Peace, their hearts may imbue

And they join with us-asking blessings on you.

May prejudice melt and indifference take wing

As the Gospel you preach and its praises you sing;

May the souls of the honest, your rich harvest be,

The trophies of love in the Gospel so free:

May you make the good better, and heighten the view

Of the weak and downtrodden-we now ask for you.

And when you have finished your labors abroad,

May your peaceful home coming be prospered of God,

Your hearts full of joy and full glad to be home,

Repaid for your efforts that caused you to roam.

Our wishes are these, and our prayers will renew

The manifold blessings we ask now for you.

F. E. Barker, May 22, 1921.

WE'RE ENGINEERS OF THE U. OF U.

[Probably written for his son, Ira, who graduated from the U of U as a mining engineer. Ira died as a young man, in a mining accident at the copper mines in Bingham, Utah.]

We're engineers of the U. of U.,

Clad in our corduroys,

We solve its problems, and love it, too,

And share its rarest joys.

Chorus:

We're proud of the U and it's colors, too,

And, bravely, carry them high;

Its praise we sing-'twill ever ring-

Our song shall never die.

Great works we plan, and mountains span

To open the precious mines;

We cleave the shales and align the rails,

And make the richest finds.

No other crew can be more true,

We have the spirit and vim;

We're engineers, and have no fears

Undaunted, we will win.

12/30/21

* * * * *

Air suggested, possibly the tune of "In praise of old De Praw" , by Chamberlain, p. 268 of "Songs of all the Colleges" , in City Library, which has same form and meter.

DOGGEREL JINKS

Favor me now, my roguish boy,

With a joyous, lightsome tune:

Play me an air so quick and bright

It would start the zephyrs at noon-

Quick as a fiddler can strike a note

Or a monkey can snatch a spoon.

What is a theme, you ask, would seem

To fit an air so bright,

All with a whoop and a hip-hurrah

And a movement so perfectly right

None in a wink could have time to think

It either heavy or light?

Once on a time, a boy had a dog

Whose color was yellow and brown;

Such a lank freak was that scrawny cur-

Everybody knew him in town-

Quick as a rat when chased by a cat

Right under a lady's gown.

Off with a sail made fast to his tail

That doggy lit out for a lark,

Along with the boy, who was full of joy,

He sped with a prankish bark-

Off for a noisy time and gay

In the midst of a crowded park.

Soon, a policeman made after the cur,

But he fell in a hole in a bog;

Screaming alarm, a foppish school-marm

Went sprawling right over a log.

Never a moment paused the boy,

And, quicker, flew by the dog.

Quick as a flash, too quick to be rash

That dog leaped over a table;

Hungry or not, he lit on the spot

Where the cook stirred the soup with a ladle.

Down in the mud went the dinner so rare

Which was ordered ready, by cable.

Off sprang the pup, and skipped clear up

Over the fence to the races,

Quickly upsetting the paint in a pail,

Which flew in the women's faces,

And, shying the horses against the rail,

And mixing the nags in their traces.

Jumping far down, he lit on a clown,

Then caught the elephant's trunk.

eaving a sigh, the beast threw high,

That cur, so he fell in a hunk-

Everyone thought 'twas a piece of meat-

'Twas more, 'twas a piece of spunk.

Losing his sail (when the boy went to jail),

The doggy leaped quick from the ground,

And grasping the end of a biplane's tail,

A flyer again was the hound.

Quick, to the tune of a martial band,

That cur an exit had found.

Ascended on high, did the dog leave peace?

Oh no, for descending in whirls,

The biplane's sail, bitten off at the tail,

Fell with the purp in the midst of the girls;

Quickly alighting, the cur found his legs,

And barking, ran off with their pearls.

Chancing to find where the Mayor dined,

As the height of his chase was o'er,

He caught the coat of His Honor behind,

Who clutched the cloth before,

Pulling the while, as the Mayor did,

All the dishes came down on the floor.

Grabbing a bone, he dodged a stone,

And bowed himself under the bed.

Then, with a wink that made them think,

He sprang through the door and fled,

Leaving them all to mourn his end,

For of course, they thought he was dead.

F. E. Barker

NOTE: The above was written by way of experiment to determine if the meter controls the flow or character of the verse. The meter chosen is that of a poem the most solemn ever written, the "Dead March", by Monkhouse, the first stanza of which reads-

Play me a march low-toned and slow,

A march for a silent tread,

Fit for the wandering feet of one

Who dreams of the silent dead.

Lonely-between the bones below

And the souls that are overhead.

The rest of the poem seems mostly doggerel, simply fitted to mark the slow movement and heavy tread.

SEND PEACE AGAIN

[Written during World War I and published in the Improvement Era, unknown date.]

Oh, Twentieth Century! Thou so young,

Whose glorious advent late was sung,

Midst all the charms that could array

The world for progress and fair play.

When peace to men was so endeared

A beauteous temple quick they reared

To Universal Peace, and earth

Seemed all to sense its deepest worth-

Must we, while still thou'rt in thy teens

Rouse quickly from those peaceful scenes,

And pray to God to send again,

"Peace on earth, good will to men?"

Oh, cruel monster, wicked War!

Thy craft that, like the eagles, soar

The upper strata of the air,

And kill and spy with awful glare;

Those stealthy craft that plow the main

'Neath fog and foam and hurricane,

And rise, and strike, and thrust below

The staunchest ships of every foe;

And all thy weapons, most refined

In dealing death-how they remind

That God, we pray to send again, "Peace on earth, good will to men."

Majestic Freedom! Rise-protest

When Civilization's mightiest, best,

In thy loved name, with carnage strew

The fairest lands man ever knew,

Who mock fair Peace, midst tyrants' sneers,

And deluge all in blood or tears;

Rebuke dire War, and justice claim;

Direct proud man, in Mercy's name,

To work for right, for peace, for God;

Hold brothers true, at home-abroad,

And pray the Lord to send again,

"Peace on earth, good will to men."

F. E. Barker

A WAR TRIBULATION

[F.E. Barker's thoughts of his son, Fred, who served a mission in Germany, just before World War I]

[Alma served in the army in France during the war soon to follow.]

Published in [Improvement] Era October 1914, p. 1162

Oh, dear to the hearts of the loved ones are ever

The thoughts of an absent and dutiful son,

Whom ocean and continents distantly sever

From hearts that are longing for tidings to come.

His work for the Master is our consolation

While preaching the gospel of peace to the world;

But, think of our heartaches as in that far nation

We learn that the war-bolts in terror are hurled.

So sadly he felt, in a hospital yearning,

When writing the last words that reached us at home;

With cables now cut and the mails not returning,

We languish for word from the awful war zone.

May patience and faith be now giv'n us to bear it,

Assuring our hearts of his safety abroad,

For, Father, we trust thee, and firmly declare it;

Thou'lt keep him and bring him in safety, O God.

F. E. Barker - Aug. 31, 1914

THE RADIANT GEM OF FREEDOM

[The God-given gift of freedom is hard to get, and hard to keep.]

Heavenward, soared a mighty eagle, Up to thin, ethereal air,

Whence a gem, far more than regal, Forth, he brought for men to share.

'Twas the radiant Gem of Freedom, Heaven sent to men below,

Who were glad that gem to welcome, And began to see its glow.

But, at first our fathers faltered, Failing to the gem discern,

For, it seemed their hearts were altered By the bands of slavery stern;

Till, by all their powers reviving, They, its luster could behold,

Though the foe was hard contriving, Lest that gem they should enfold.

Then, they grasped it, bravely fighting, Held it to their hearts' embrace,

Lest some traitor, stealth inciting, Wrest it from their noble race.

So, at length, our sires succeeded, Battling patient, hard and long,

Whilst men's sacred rights they heeded, Till the gem they set most strong.

Ere that gem to man descended, Men were galled by slavery's chain,

Right to will and act suspended, E'en the privilege to complain,

Which the conscience oft would smother At a captious tyrant's will,

So that men would hate each other Through the universal chill.

When the gem glowed forth once clearly, Men could, as in sunshine, see

Where another's hurt would merely Limit fullest liberty;

How just governments controlling, Free to act and free express,

Man with man, their hearts consoling, Could enjoy true happiness.

Many years, that gem we've treasured, Feeling deeply its rare worth,

While true liberty we've measured To mankind, where o'er their birth;

And our hearts are ever yearning We may keep it bright and pure

And, the fires of freedom burning, Make it in our hearts secure.

Erst that gem, by blood effusion, Was baptized in crimson gore,

But came forth, though wrongs' exclusion, Gleaming brighter than before.

We esteemed it then far dearer, And embraced it closer, too,

For we understood it clearer-Pressed it to our hearts anew.

Radium-like, it could elude us, If we live not in its gleams,

From sweet fruit of hope exclude us, Like we wake from idle dreams.

Carefully, then, we e'er should guard it, Lest a strong, insidious foe

Come with force, and fierce bombard it, In our hearts, bedim its glow.

Precious gem! How we should prize it, Seek to have it clear and bright,

Though the Heavens with fire baptize it And the foe renew the fight.

Let that gem be ever ours, Valued high o'er stifling wrong,

Cherished as perennial flowers, Ringing ever in our song.

And, as Christmas crowns the blessing Through our Savior we shall share,

May we still, that gem possessing, Right and Liberty declare;

While the good work of our Master, Through our virtues and our care,

Forth in strength extend the faster, And the Gem 'bide true and rare.

F. E. Barker, Nov. 22, '21

GUSTS OF AIR

[Musings on air rising in nature, and the soul ascending to heaven.]

I have felt pure breezes of mountain air,

Refreshingly cool, life-giving and free,

That seemed to take on their wings my care,

And all my troubles to waft from me.

I have felt light gales that quietly stirred

O'er the brook, the vale and the woodland glen,

Bearing the notes of the warbling bird

And murmurs of waters to hearts of men.

Soft zephyrs I've felt bestir the sir,

As smoothly I sailed o'er a tropical sea,

When I felt in my soul, O the world is fair!

For all seemed so buoyant and pleasant and free,

As if the spirit of heavenly peace

Were hovering over the waters of blue,

Calming their movement and giving surcease-

Their face, as a mirror, reflecting their hue.

I have felt soft breezes of balmy air

Coming from isles of spice and myrrh,

That filled the air with odors rare

And the feelings calmed with their stillest stir-

So soft, so calm, as if cherubim

Were gently wafting fragrance sweet

O'er waters reflecting the mellowest gleam,

The whole undisturbed by cold or heat.

I have felt the hot "wave" of the desert blast

As it blew o'er a landscape most beautifully green

And withered and burned all the leaves and grass

Till no vestige of verdure was left to be seen;

And I asked in my heart, "Some scourge do I feel,

Sent forth as a curse to erring man,

That he may feel after God, and appeal

For the wafting from earth of so cruel a ban?"

I have felt harsh winds from snowy peaks

Of mountains, lofty and hoar and cold,

When I shivered and shrank, with livid cheeks,

Though I stood and admired those mountains bold;

And, I felt as if the sprites of the air

Were riding forth to chill me dead,

And wondered if gales from those summits bare

Would waft my soul, as away they sped.

I have stood near the path of a hurricane blast

That swooped from the clouds swift over the land,

Bringing terror and death and destruction vast.

As it howled and shrieked like ghouls o'er the strand.

It seemed as if God, for a scourge to the earth,

Permitted the imps of Apolyon to ride

On the wings of the tempest, with Death stalking forth

Where the tender and puny of mortals abide.

I have felt the tempest sweep the main

When the billows angrily roared and tossed,

And the spray filled the air 'mid the lightning's glare,

And everyone feared that the bark was lost;

For the demons of air seemed a vengeance to bear,

And their shrieks o'er the waves seemed to be

Betokening a horde of those demons were there-

Of cloven-tongued demons that "troubled" the sea.

* * * * *

I've seen the whirlwind's spiral twirl

That, circling round and upward bound,

Once started to bear me aloft in its whirl,

And a fluffy leaflet it caught from the ground

It carried above, far out of my sight,

Though I searched the sky with an anxious eye,

For I felt 'twas a type of the spirit's flight,

Ascending from earth to heaven on high.

As once I withdrew from such a view,

I was lulled to sleep by breezes fair,

And dreamed a dream that was strange and new,

Though I dreamed all through of those gusts of air.

When I dreamed of the breezes soft and pure,

My heart was filled with joy serene,

For I felt in my soul, I am secure,

For such breezes come with a heavenly gleam.

When I dreamed of the blast of the hot "desert" wave,

And the sulfurous flare of the volcanic air

That rose from Visuvius' summit brave,

Then of gales from the poles and the iceberg's glare,

I first felt the beat of a withering heat

That would smother my life and consume my flesh;

Then, came the thrill of an awful chill,

As if freezing me through-O, so frigidly fresh!

But, then came a zephyr of mountain air,

Reviving my powers and setting me free,

And, the Redeemer's work and His loving care

Came straight to my soul-to the heart of me,

And, I felt His plan for the redemption of man,

As also the earth, of highest worth. . .

As air that is warmed, I said, will rise,

I'll ascend, by my faith, far above the skies.

His plan, I'll study with deepest care,

By his Power, I'll ascend to heaven above;

Through the lessons I've learned from gusts of air

I'll rise to realms of light and love.

* * * * *

When I thought in my dream, of the whirlwind scene,

I thought of Elijah, upward driven,

As with horses and chariot of fire and gleam,

He went up, by a whirlwind, into heaven.

F. E. Barker

THE SAINT'S LAST CALL

Or The Parting Sail

[Musings at the end of his life.]

Lo! I have calmly heard my call

To pass from mother earth!

Nor shall it now my heart appall-

I will have another birth.

I've stemmed the surging floods of life

For three score years and more,

That bore my bark through storms and strife-

Now, I must pull for shore.

The billowy seas have often tossed

Me roughly 'mid the foam;

But, faith retained, I ne'er was lost-

Now, Father beckons home.

Had I my choice to live again,

My life in this world o'er,

I would not take the chance, for then-

My foibles might be more

The flowers of earth I've so enjoyed,

The humblest floweret's blush-

Should I, by Father, be annoyed-

His call, my spirit crush?

Oh no, I will not cling to dust

Though called to life above,

But, in my Great Redeemer trust-

I know my Father's love.

Could I have had unfailing health,

Achievement had been more,

But I care not for worldly wealth-

From earthly things I'd soar.

So, I am ready now to go

Home to my last reward,

For God is good, His Way I know-

I long to meet my Lord.

But, when I tack the parting sail,

Released from sad good byes,

May my ship glide free and my faith prevail

Till I land in Paradise.

F. E. Barker, Salt Lake City, Feb. 3, 1920.

MEN ARE THAT THEY MIGHT HAVE JOY

Wisest philosophers, working with might,

Delve to the depths in the cause of the right,

(Like as they search for a wandering star),

Seeking to fathom just why men are.

Some say for happiness, sometime to be,

Some say for woe-thus, men disagree.

Lehi, the Prophet, stated the truth,

Coming from God through His spirit, forsooth,

Clear as bright gold without any alloy,

Saying, "Men are that they might have joy."

Happiness earthly? Oh, how incomplete!

Always, there's bitter in contrast to sweet;

Never is pleasure but followed by pain,

Moments of sunshine succeeded by rain;

Brightness but lingers till clouded by gloom,

Portals of birth are in sight of the tomb.

Happiness, is it? Not true to the name,

Moments ecstatic, though yet, we may claim.

Words of the Prophet, we therefore employ,

Saying, "Men are that they might have joy."

Are we not given the life we have here,

Learning by contrasts of sorrow and cheer,

Wisely to fit us for bliss yet to be,

Promised the righteous by Heaven's decree?

Laws of our beings, though, we must fulfill,

Choosing the good and rejecting the ill.

Brought forth immortal, by the grace of the Son,

Spirit and body inseparably one,

Bliss will then follow, which naught can destroy,

Flowing unto us: "A fullness of joy."

F. E. Barker - Feb. 14, 1915