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Show Half shyly the Church approached the World, And gave him her hand of snow; The old World grasped it and walked along. Saying, in accents low, " Your dress is too simple to please my taste ; I will give you pearls to wear. Rich velvets and silks for your graceful form, And diamonds to rleok your hair." The Church looked down at her plain white robes, And then at the dazzling World, And blushed, as she saw; his handsome lip, W^ith a smile contemptuous curled. " I will change my dress for a costlier one," Said the Cliurch with a smile of grace; Then the pure white garments drifted away, And the World gave in their place, Beautiful satins and shining silks. And roses and gems arid pearls, And over her forehead her bright hair fell, Crisped in a thousand curls. " Your house is too plain," said the proud old World, " I'll build you one like mine; Carpets of Brussels, and curtains of lace. And furniture ever so fine." So he built her a costly and beautiful house; Splendid it was to behold; Her sons and her beautiful daughters dwelt there, Gleaming in purple and gold; And fairs and shows in the halls were held. And the World and his children were there. And laughter and music and feasts were heard In the place that was meant for prayer. She had cushioned pews for the rich and great. To sit in their pomp and pride; While the poor folks, clad in their shabby suits, Sat meekly down outside. The Angel of Mercy flew over the Church, And whispered. " I know thy sin ;" Then the Church looked back with a sigh, and longed To gatner her children in. But some were off at the midnight ball. And some were off at the play. And some were drinking in gay saloons; So she quietly went her way. Then the sly World gallantly said to her, " Your children mean no harm, |