Poems

It matters not the way that Thou dost choose to lead: Though rough or smooth the road, Thou art my guide in every need; Though mountain height or valley deep before me lie, No doubt my thought shall fill, nor fear alarm, for Thou art nigh. Though storms may seem to gather on a troubled sea, Thy peace is ever near at hand my frightened sense to free; Thy healing touch brings surcease of all pain, all ill; Thy light a wondrous radiance is, my present need to fill; Thy truth, an ever present shield from error's dart; Thy life, a promise sure of life, where death can have no part; Thy love, an all-encircling presence, here and now, And heaven, a universal harmony, which all may know.

How our thoughts go back in reverence To that holy Christmas day, When in Bethlehem's lowly manger, The sweet infant Jesus lay. Blessed child, so pure and tender, Messenger of Love divine, Come to lift earth's heavy burdens, And bestow Life's bread and wine; Come to show us Love's dear presence Ever shining soft and clear, And to turn our eyes from gazing Into shadows dark and drear; Come to tell us that the Christ, Truth, Dwells in every heart for aye, And that every morn we waken To a new, glad Christmas day!

Dear Christ—'t is thee I seek, Not worldly power or fame; My prayer to breathe by daily deeds Thy blessed, holy name. To know the everlasting arms Enfold me close to-day, And guide each searching footstep Along Life's higher way.

When claims of sense, affrighting, clamorous call, Or by insistent subtlety alarm, Know then Christ's presence to protect from harm, Destroying every thought that would enthrall. "Lo, I am with you alway"—words that fall Compassionate and tender, fraught with calm Perpetual benediction, breathing balm Of reassurance of God's constant care for all.

God is my help, my sure defense; Why should I troubled be, Though seeming shadows close around And claim supremacy? God is my strength in every need; There is no alien power To turn the tide of boundless good that fills each passing hour. God is my Life, my confidence; Here stand I firm and free; The rock of Truth my vantage ground, And good the victory!

Hold Thou my hands, I will not fear to be Where'er Thy perfect wisdom leadeth me. E'en though the rushing torrent roars below, Thou art my strength, I will not fear to go.

Oh , the angels of His presence! How they cheer us in the gloom! How they raise us out of dullness And reveal to us the fullness Of His love! Make "radiant room" POEMS, by Mary Baker Eddy, page 75    For the angels of His presence! How the angels of His presence Hovered o'er the waiting earth, Bringing peace and joy and gladness, Banishing all fear and sadness, At the blessed Christ-child's birth— Holy angels of His presence! How the angels of His presence Guide us when our footsteps stray; Show us all the joy and beauty Lying in the path of duty; Keep us in the holy way, Blessed angels of His presence! Loving angels of His presence Teach us Christ is ever near; That, while Christmas chimes are pealing, Th' ever present Christ is healing As the truth dawns, full and clear, Through the angels of His presence.

"In this Science, we discover man in the image and likeness of God. We see that man has never lost his spiritual estate and his eternal harmony.

Life, Truth, and Love—O wondrous words! The synonyms of God! The great Jehovah now is known— Not One exalted on a throne, But Life, that is our life indeed, And Truth, by which mankind is freed, And Love, that meets our every need. Life, Truth, and Love—O wondrous words! Our Father-Mother God! (So came the revelation clear, To one whom multitudes revere.

Father, I come to Thee! Thou art my tower, My shaft of shade throughout the noonday hour, Guiding my footsteps to a safe abode, Afar from glaring heat and gleaming road. When fear and doubt are haunting their old prey, And try to pause, to hinder, or delay, I list the undertone of Love's behest: "Come unto me.