Questions & Answers
I thank Thee, Father, for the truth revealing Salvation sure, deliverance from sin, The freedom brought through Christian Science healing From error's subtlety; without, within. I thank Thee, Father, for the joy of knowing That strength for all depends on Thee alone; That faith and hope and trust more constant growing Bring daily proof of God and man at one.
The mischief of the drawn sword is effaced, The ear replaced; The three denials thrice repented of— Master, "thou knowest that I love Thee. " Tenderly, by slow degrees, the rough-hewn rock Is chipped and chiseled to the perfect block, The jagged points removed, The whole polished and approved.
I will place all my trust in Thee, dear Father; With confidence let faith in matter go, And look Thee in love and consecration, Feeling Thy holy presence; learn to know That Thou alone art all-encircling greatness, All power, protection, Principle divine, And in humility and divine, And in humility and adoration Receive Thy tender message: Thou art Mine. Yes, gladly, Father, will I thus surrender This earthly sense of unreality, With holy joy receive the revelation Of omnipresence, man at one with Thee.
This I can know—that even though I do Walk as in sleep, still God is ever true; Just as the day must always follow night, So shall my eyes be opened by the light. Then I shall see that God is Life and Love, Peaceful, harmonious.
Who would be strong, let him a strong watch keep upon such thoughts as steal into the mind—as one in sleep might dream of floating palaces of beauty— where these are images of wasted hours, that give not strength to him who holds them fast. Let him arise, cast off the dragging chains of careless ease, refuse the burdened clatter of a pride that no man cherisheth.
Deep in the dark abysmal hours of night, Depressed, discouraged with lost years of toil, There came an angel thought, with morning's light: Would'st learn God's plan, or ever till the soil? No loss, ingratitude, nor wasted years Can ever dim the light on Love's highway; Rejoice, thou wanderer, turn from those fears! And so, with grateful heart, I rise and pray: Dear God, I thank Thee now for Truth's clear day, Irradiant with the light of Life and Love. Give me illumination, that I may In this benighted world Thy goodness prove.
I will not leave you comfortless! No more your empty hands shall plead Through barren years. No more shall care Spread spurious lines upon your brow.
Oh , make me simple in my speech, That I may simply speak of Thee, When patient seekers for Thy love Shall come and ask of me. And let me simply live my life, And humbly walk my steps with Thee; Then may I lead the lame, the blind, Up in their thought to Thee.
Oh , grieve not—fear not! God who guided thee Doth call the wayward, wheresoe'er they roam. The truth that brake thy bonds will set them free, The love that tended thee will lead them home.
With eyes of shining gentleness And lustrous faith serene— With patience, courage, industry, The pioneers are seen! They break the yoke of dominance With love that conquers hate, And meekly on omnipotence With expectation wait. They see the ever-open door That to dull eyes is barred; With burning zeal their day illumed, Their night with faith is starred! They dare to tread the untrod path, To chart the unknown sea, To bring into the cleansing light The unholy mystery.