Questions & Answers
As down in the sunless retreats of the ocean Sweet flowers are springing no mortal can see, So, deep in my soul, the still prayer of devotion, Unheard by the world, rises silent to Thee. Moore.
When the clouds of sense seem darkest, All the waves of sin roll high, May we cling to Thee, our Life-boat, Till the storm thoughts droop and die. What a joy is ours who venture Out upon life's stormy sea, To look up through mists of matter Till we catch a glimpse of Thee.
When the blind suppliant in the way, By friendly hands to Jesus led, Prayed to behold the light of day, "Receive thy sight," the Saviour said. At once he saw the pleasant rays That lit the glorious firmament; And, with firm step and words of praise, He followed where the Master went.
Father, lead Thou me, hold fast my hand, Keep Thou my understanding lest I stray! Firm on the "Rock of Ages" may I stand, Nor faint, nor falter, on my heavenward way. For long, long years I knew Thee not, 'till now Life, Truth, and Love, I know Thee all and more Enfold me in Thy Truth, and teach me how To feel Thee always near amidst the tempest's roar.
One by one pure thoughts and holy Lift us out of self and sin; One by one bright gleams of glory Show the goal we all would win. One by one our trusts are strengthened, As our lives to God we give; One by one our days are lengthened, As in Love we move and live.
It matters not, What be thy lot, So Love doth guide; For storm or shine— Pure peace is thine— Whate'er betide. And of these stones; Or tyrant's thrones, God able is, To raise up seed— In thought and deed— To faithful His.
Sweet friendship, joy of hearts made white, Pure prelude of the Life divine, Thy sacred hallways we would tread, And in Thy Tabernacle of Love Would dwell in that security Which trust and faith alone can give, And giving, make the life we live At once divine, and sanctified.
Do you know that your thoughts rule your life, Be they pure or impure in the strife? As you think, so you are; And you make, or you mar Your success in the world, By your thoughts. Are your thoughts just and true every hour? Then your life will attest with great power.
The demon-haunted man, when Christ passed by, Cried with a piteous voice, "What can there be Of kinship, Son of God, for me and thee,— I the most low, and thou from the Most High?" Then by his lips the legion lusts made cry, "Before the time art come to torment me?" Then Jesus spake; and, from delusions free, In his right mind the man, redeemed, drew nigh. To-day's outcries proclaim the demon fears Lest Truth's flame touch the unfinished warp of lies Where malice hastes to weave in ill surmise: "Leave us alone! our malice-work of years If touched by Truth would pass to smoke wind-blown, And nothing leave for hate to call its own.
Teach us to reflect thy Love, Oh Saviour of the world; To grow in Truth and Righteousness, Thy banner to unfurl. We would be rid of mortal fear, And cleansed of sick belief; We would arise and follow Thee Who bringeth sweet relief.