Questions & Answers
There was a time when I was all alone, and days were drear; When thoughts of self had bound my hands, and filled my heart with fear; So far seemed God away, 't were vain to pray that He would guide While I was sore afraid, nor knew that He was at my side. There came a day, while yet I seemed alone, I heard a voice; I knew not whence it came, I only knew it said: Rejoice; Away with every thought of self, and do some kindly deed, And joy to share if but a crust, to meet another's need! Love's voice it was I heard, 't was He that came and took my hand, And gave me strength to bear, and vision clear to understand That joy is just love's ripening grain, the precious priceless seeds Maturing in the human heart through tender, selfless deeds.
" Joseph , arise!—take the young child, and flee, Flee unto Egypt. " Joseph woke, and saw The angel of the Lord beside him—so He stayed not, but arose and wakened them— Dearer than all the world to him become, The babe and Mary.
Through darkest ages past Slowly the world saw light. Thus still it sees, And gropingly moves forward towards the goal.
To speak a word for Thee, O loving Father; And help to set a wandering step aright; Into the bitter wine of life's deep chalice To drop a pearl of thought imbued with healing might. 'T is all we ask of Thee, O loving Father; There is no self in this our humble plea, That Thou wilt use us in Thy service holy, To do Thy perfect will and turn some heart to Thee.
From olden story of three Hebrew youths Into a Babylonian furnace cast, The lesson clear of Science-lighted truths Gleams on our waiting thought to make steadfast Each right resolve, make waning courage strong. 'T was heated seven times, yet from that fire All scatheless they emerged, and mid the throng Of wondering courtiers stood serene.
Lord, cleanse my heart from ev'ry secret sin; The lure of self, whence sorrow enters in; False pleasure, dimming consciousness of Thee; And hurrying tasks that daily fetter me. Let me true selfhood seek in knowing Thee, And pleasure find in joy of being free To do Thy will.
When I behold the golden lamps of night Like high-swung censers smoldering in the depths Of darkness measureless, As if to light the way through endless space For spinning sister worlds to navigate Toward a destination felt, not seen, I marvel at the might of Him who guides. When I can feel beneath my burning feet The cool green of the tender springing grass, And in the chestnut buds Can see the armoured sheath and woolly nest Which guard th'incipient seed and spreading leaf, I marvel at the lowliness of Him Who stoops from stars to little blades of grass.
Since time began oft men have longed to know More of the truth, eternal, undefiled, The why of birth, the aftermath of death; And searching, were by mortal mind beguiled. Lo! here at last to fill with truth the void, Comes answer through a woman's travail brought By prayer and absorbing love of good Unselfed, divine, with Spirit's power fraught.
My hope grew faint, for faith was lost in doubt. A clamor filled my world, for mortal mind Was wrestling with each aspect of itself.
What power is this that rocks the world's foundation? Whose voice is this which stirs the troubled night? Whence shone yon star? And oh, what constellation Is half so bright? The battle line of heaven's host extending Its onward march, resistless as the sea— Is this the mighty force which now is rending Earth's lethargy? What is it rocks the insecure foundation? Whose accents those that stir the troubled night? It is the Christ, whose rays of inspiration Shed love and light! Awake in Christ! and oh what sure foundation Have all who follow in its wondrous love, Who know its power, and through its inspiration Hold fast and prove the power from above.