Poems

The truly free steadfastly challenge now Error's attempts to dominate mankind. The truly free in thought refuse to bow Before the false beliefs of mortal mind.

The pride of place and power Is nothing new; In Bible times men vied For honors, too. The treasure stored, the barns Piled high with grain; The seat beside the host, The goal to gain.

Will people—our neighbors— Talk of robbings and muggings, Of error and fear, of mayhem and sluggings? Will they twitter like sparrows? Will they parrot their fear? Or will they speak of the blessings That flow from us , here? Will they speak of our church As "a blessing from heaven"— Of the healings performed; Sins destroyed and forgiven, Of supply never failing, of devils cast out, Of spiritual riches and faith without doubt? So unbushel the candle and let your light shine! Let our church be a beacon, Let our light far outshine The mute trumpet of error That can play only nothings, Negation and terror. The love in our hearts can fill every pew, The joy from our lips Can "distil as the dew"; The strength of our smile Can welcome the stranger, The power of our Truth Can protect us from danger.

Until he touched the Saviour's side, of Thomas it is said he could not believe that the Lord had risen from the dead. But dream or doubt can never hide what Mary sensed in Soul: the evidence of Christ adored, and man forever whole.

Did faithful Abraham ask why? He simply answered, "Here am I!" No time he wasted to decide, Nor, like Adam, did he hide. Awaiting his commander's voice, Abraham had made his choice To obey the God he knew, Like a soldier brave and true.

Then suddenly the fact comes clear, and you no longer have to roam, asking: is it there—or here? You have come home. You have come face to face with Truth.

Come, while I rest, and sit at my right hand, And I will tell you of my journeying. It has been six days now since God's command, And I have seen Him do a wondrous thing.

"If thou wilt," said the leper. The reply came, "I will," And the leper was cleansed.

I plead God's allness. His are the robes I wear; If I may be lifted up, All good is mine to share.

"I .