770 



AMERICAN FORESTRY 



4.5cotK 



'A migKty tree, lieir of the forest fair 

 Transported witn its grace and verdure rare. 



Star-crowned, it snone radiance divine 



And linked the name ot Christ with man in hearts ashine. 



From lightning, harnessed to the will of man. 



Came light and color to perfect the plan. 



With art and nature wed to make it fair 



The tree was bathed in beauty rich and rare; 



One moment shimmering in glorious white 



Then colors blending to the soul s delight. 



I stood and gazed, my senses filled with ]oy. 



No longer man, but in my heart a hoy. 



And then 1 turned, and from the darkness came 



A picture or the ^var and mankind s shame, 



I heard the cannonade, the clash of sword. 



The awful shrieks that cursed the very Lord, 



And then I cried, "O Christ of Shining Star 



xV hy IS Thy peace. Thy power. Thy reign so far? 



I turned again, and blended in the tree, 



I saw a vision of the world to be. 



1 sa^v the tree a ■wondrous tree of life 



And men torgot their anguish and their strife. 



The war no longer raged, and millions came 



To take the leaves of healing in Christ's name. 



Once more the sick were healed, the lame could dance 

 And weary men found solace in a glance." 



