Questions & Answers
A circle! Symbol of eternity, Of Life that ne'er began, nor ever ends. Round it we read in language clear and plain Our work, the test of our sincerity.
"For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls. "— I Peter 2:25.
The lowly grass we tread beneath our feet A quiet lesson gives, So selfless, so unchiding, gentle, sweet, It teaches as it lives. By dusty roads where many a weary drove Knows its refreshing worth, It finds its meek possession, shared in love, Its heritage of earth.
God made man free! O ringing words That lift my soul above the senses' sway And open wide to me the heavenly gates! There may I soar above beliefs Of trammeling flesh, And ever find My perfect self, forever one with Thee! God made man free! Fear cannot stand Before the mighty presence of His love. Fear is illusion.
Like bird on radiant wing in skyward flight, high soaring, My thought goes forth, unfettered, joyous, free; Higher and higher it reaches up, outpouring, In gift of gratitude, in wondrous melody. To Thee, dear Giver of all gifts, the perfect and the true, Father of lights, serene, unchanging, sure, I rise on wings of faith; with gratitude I view The heaven of Thy joy, where every thought is pure.
I took God's blessing with me to their home So new, so fresh, appointed with such care; And contemplating happiness to come I sensed its quick fulfillment everywhere. No casement barred the light from entering; No latch but yielded quickly to the touch; Harmony there, in every simple thing A beauty unadorned, adorning much.
He faced the light, and as he pressed ahead Saw only light upon his onward way; No wandering glance e'er filled his heart with dread, Since all about him shone the cheering day; No faltering he knew, nor threatening night, As with uplifted gaze he faced the light. Toward that same light I turned, and saw him pass, Unnoting me who trod the selfsame way; I marked the shadows darkling on the grass— Closely entwined about his feet they lay, And deepened as he went; but as he gained In nearness to the light, the shadows waned.
If Daniel had once faltered on that night When he kept faith's long watch within a den,— The crowning faith of lesser faiths,—what then? If he had lost his hold upon the light That girded him, that clothed him with its might,— A gentle mantle, yet a flaming sword To close the gates of death with potent word, Impenetrable armor of the right,— Then I would poorer be by one high deed. If his calm heart had not held true and fine, Knowing our God—both his and mine—in need To be omnipotent, his loss were mine.
It lies before him—valley of decision— Fateful between his wandering feet and home; He must go down, past lauding, through derision, Nor can he tarry when his hour is come. Strait is the gate, narrow the way assigned him, No room upon its path for more than one; So he who goes leaves kin and friend behind him, He cannot walk there till he walks alone.
And the silver-tongued impulse of charity, Shall presently waken earth's dreamers; And strengthened and heartened by Mind, They shall go forth contentedly, To walk in Truth through reflection; Thus can they lift and enlighten The earth-bound thought of humanity. Then shall they come in the evening, Bearing their sheaves on their shoulders; And in the enfoldment of Love They shall rest from their labors.