Questions & Answers
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.
To-day the truth is shining bright Dispelling clouds of error. To-day my eye has caught its gleam; Banished are night and terror.
My thought is stayed on Thee, O God; I cannot be dismayed. Though dark, perplexing, seems the way, Thy child is unafraid.
Father, as little ones we come to Thee; As tender lambs unto the shepherd who, Filled with compassion for their halting steps. Doth stay his own.
Oh , Father, in my heart set firmly There is a hope that Thou art All. Somewhere a "still small voice" is saying, Wilt thou not heed My loving call? This hope brings faith into my bosom, The faith that trusts my all to Thee.
At midnight I will rise to give Thee thanks! Rousing from sleep's deep-sunken lethargy, I grope in darkness, seeking for some light Whose gleam Thy presence shall reveal to me. At midnight—but my flickering lamp I fill With oil of heavenly inspiration, prayer;* And gratitude shall be the incense sweet That permeates with fragrance all the air.
The mirrored glory of the sunlight's sheen Within a dewdrop's crystal cup is seen; My prayer that, pure in heart, I thus may be For Truth and Love a clear transparency.
Be still, O heart, and cease thy sorrowing! Dost thou not know that God is near? Dost thou not know His love enfolds thee tenderly? Oh, dry thy tear! Why weepest thou before the tomb of earthly joys? Dost thou not see, An angel stands And beckons thee And saith, Come sup with me, Then will thy weeping cease? Oh, lift thine eyes and heed this visitant! Dost thou not catch a heav'n-sent strain That gently speaks to thee of bliss before unknown? Oh, glad refrain! Oh, blessed comfort from the Mother-heart of God, That whispers low Of unselfed love! Thou first must sow To find True bliss doth grow, As self is lost in love.