Poems

Not through the valleys lies the road of patience, but over lofty peaks of right desire, on every hand the wonders of God's presence and Soul's serene and sun-bright atmosphere. Not through the slough of tedium and depression the road of patience runs, but on the hills of firm resolve and steadfast recognition that man expresses God and never fails.

Ah , to have rested then, On the vision, At point of revelation! To have leaned on the words flung From wall to wall of rock. But the commission? "Go quickly.

I moved with joy about the room Till all within was gleaming, fair; Then rested, waited patiently, And suddenly my guest was there! So let me cleanse this heart of mine, Free from all thought of self and sin. Then wait with joy and Love enthroned, So that the Christ may enter in.

Not without reason did the Master first Appear to her on resurrection day. Of those who followed him, none did more thirst For deeper knowledge of the Christly way.

Dear Father-Mother God, the service bless, That with the words Thy message shall be clear, Distinctly read that all the truth may hear! May burdened thought be freed from cares that press; Thy healing presence banish weariness; From fearful ones be lifted all their fear, As listeners feel the holy atmosphere. "Our only preachers" unselfed love express! Dear Father-Mother God, in silent prayer (Unspoken thought is not unknown to Thee) We now do ask for each one here this day Such comfort and such sureness of Thy care, Such respite from material sense, that he With joyful heart will journey on his way.

One Sabbath day, about ten years ago, My daughter's daughter took me by the hand And led me where the women used to go: The place of prayer down by the riverside. Assembled there I found a little band Of earnest people listening to Paul.

When Job sat desolate in his distress, No outer warmth relieved his inner cold. Each comforter had warned him to confess His sorrows were his secret sins grown bold.

God gives you your happiness. It is a secret thing Swelling into flower from the seed of gratitude.

Do I pray daily for release from self, Seeking to know no other will than Thine? Do I deny beliefs of fear and lack, Knowing my needs are met in Love divine? Oh, do I listen ere I take a step, Yielding the willful for the wiser way? Ceasing to outline, do I only seek To know not time, but God's unfolding day? When I might walk the world's more tempting path, Have I the courage for the narrow road? Does cold indifference stay the helping hand, Or pride the lifting of a brother's load? Have I the vision, do I know the real? When error falsely claims, then do I see Beyond illusive doubt, and humbly know Myself and fellow man as whole and free? No future, then, with glorious goal afar, But here and now attained hope's gleaming star. If thus obedient, I can truly say, Yea, I am in Thy service, Lord, today.

By God appointed, she revealed the laws Of Life and Truth and Love that govern man. She proved the only Principle and cause Is perfect God, sustaining perfect man Beyond the reach of death and sin and pain.