Poems

I have my place in Mind, A sure retreat. No hasting feet From out the byways of sin's arrogance, No discord from that alley blind Where, to and fro, ambition's thralls compete, My heavenly peace can find.

Can it be true the Master prayed for me? Dear God, how gracious are Thy mercies free! He, the Beloved, strong and unafraid, Facing the cross—yet with those seeing eyes Beholding, just beyond, the victory won— Stayed for a moment in his heavenward course To pray for those who followed him, e'en there, Then prayed for me. On through the ages does that prayer ascend To intercede for them ''which shall believe.

The Lord doth give His constant care; Therefore fear not the evil snare That may be placed before thy feet. God is a refuge sure and sweet Wherein His child may safely hide, And there in peace and love abide.

Whence cometh courage, but from thoughts of Thee? The earth mists cannot hide the truth from me; Who walks with God shall never go in fear, For him the vision shines forever clear. I will stand fast, and let my faith renew Communion with the good, the pure, and true.

"And an highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of holiness.

He suffered them to lead him to the cross, Upon his head a thorny crown to lay. And to the jeering crowds along the way He uttered not a word; he knew no loss Could come from trusting God.

'Twas early when the man of God, Elisha, and the lad arose To see the campfires spread abroad And hear the war songs of their foes. The gray wing of the dawn was laid Above the red encampment flare; Elisha, calm and unafraid, Was girt in steadfast strength of prayer.

While deep in valley tasks that war days bring, Sometimes a stream of Godlike thoughts will flow Much as the valley rivers gently go Their way among the rocks and roots, yet sing Low, restful melodies. And listening, I hear the angels of His presence speak To me, "Let not your heart be troubled"—"Seek, And ye shall find.

The healing came—it was not as I thought! No wondrous burst of glory, like the sun That suddenly parts angry clouds with light And banishes the storm—the victory won. It shone with gentler glow, more like the dawn That steals across the heavens tenderly.

They sought throughout the barren night The fruitage of the sea, Till dawning came with holy thought That set their efforts free— That set their efforts free to prove Love's guidance, patient, kind, To cast their nets upon the right And goodly harvest find. For lo, the Lord stood even by Upon the morning shore And hailed them with a gentle word, As oftentimes before.