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AMERICAN FORESTRY 



'A mighty tree, heir of the forest fair 

 Transported with its grace ana verdure rare. 



Star-crowned, it shone radiance divine 

 And linked the name of Christ with man in hearts 

 From lightning, harnessed to the will of man. 

 Came light and color to perfect the plan, 

 ^/v 7 lth art and nature wed to make it fair 

 The tree was bathed in heauty rich and rare; 

 One moment shimmering in glorious white 

 Then colors blending to the soul s delight. 



shi 



ashine. 



I stood and gazed, my senses filled with joy. 



No longer man, but in my heart a boy; 



And then I turned, and from the darkness came 



A picture of the -war 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 



Vv 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. 



I saw the tree a wondrous tree of life 



And men forgot their anguish and their strife. 

 1 he -war no longer raged, and millions came 

 1 o 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." 



