Poems

Not on our efforts does the truth depend. When we think truly, we ourselves defend From error's darkness.

Thus Moses in the law,—but what say'st thou? Derisively they asked who stood around; But Jesus answered nothing,—only stooped, And wrote upon the ground. He that is free from sin first cast the stone, The Master then replied; but none was found To stand such test,—the accusers fled: again, He wrote upon the ground, Wrote in the dust the tale of mortal sin, For sin is of the flesh, and flesh but dust, Hence doomed to perish; thus by symbol taught The holy and the just.

Out of the land of Moab Ruth came forth; Turned from each thought that urged her tarry still Among strange gods and clinging human ties. She chose the God of Israel for her own; Nor cast a saddened, lingering look behind, But ever journeyed on the road that seemed To lead her to a clearer sense of good.

A tired one stands alone upon life's shore, As having reached a weary journey's end. Behind, beside him, even as before, The seeming powers of evil still contend; But as he turns his face unto the light And with its perfect radiance is crowned, He knows himself full-armored for the fight, And well prepared all error to confound.

Did they come to thee, Lord Jesus, 'Mid the noises of the plane? When the saw creaked shrilly, shrilly, Shrieked and passed, .

What is Thy will for me, Father, to-day? What shall I do for Thee? What think? What say? Thine is my life, my wish, my will; Use me to-day, and Thy purpose fulfill. Guiding the stars through the heavens' great span, Guide Thou my life through Thy infinite plan.

Thy hand on mine, dear Lord, All through the day, Though jagged rock and breathless climb Shall mark my way. Through clouds of gloom and mists of fear Thou lead'st me to the summit clear; I cannot fail when Thou art near, Thy hand on mine.

I am content! Oh, priceless gift of God, to see Thy love and blessing all about; To know the joy of service sweet, With needed strength for all from Thee; How could it other be than that In serving Thee I be content? I am content! The earth is flooded with Thy love; Thy sunshine beams its warmth on all, And melts to tears the icicles; And so, the sunshine of Thy love Dissolves the grief within my heart, And gratitude o'erflows,—I am content. I am content! To know that underneath the snows Spring flowers waiting sweetly sleep; So 'neath the cold veneer of man The immortelles of friendship peep, Awaiting but the touch of love To blossom forth,—I am content.

If we but lived as Jesus lived, How high our life would be Above the mist and din of earth. In sweet security.

"Stand still," O restless one and tossed About by fears and tempest's roar. Stand still, and see salvation nigh And close at hand the open door Of Faith.