Poems

Once more Love's wondrous power has conquered error's seeming And its sweet healing peace has come to me again. Once more my wakened thought has caught the brightness gleaming From Life that knows no death, no discord, fear, or pain.

O Christian , tortured by resentment's sting Because you drink the dregs of hatred's brew And bear a heavy cross alone, review The Saviour's life—it will be comforting. No condemnation that the world may bring Can stand before the Christliness that drew, "Forgive them; for they know not what they do From Jesus in unselfed petitioning.

At even when the sun was set the door Opened, and then the gracious Master came, Full of compassion for the sick and poor, The blind, the sorrowful, the halt and lame. Uplifted, eager faces, outstretched hands Besought his touch and loving, tender word; He saw them strain against the cruel bands That error had imposed.

As comes the dawn Gently through darkest night, So shines Truth's light. Perplexed, confused by fear, I ask of Thee, "Thy way be mine," in true humility.

Never a gallant feat is done, Never a noble deed, But the love and the selflessness live on To meet some brother's need. Never is unselfed effort made, Or a kind word spoken, But somewhere an evil spell is stayed, And a false claim broken.

When the eager people came To see the holy man Who showed to all the living truth, As only inspiration can, Lo, his potent precepts touched The seeker's inmost soul, And those who heard in honest faith Became, with joy, both strong and whole. Friends drew near with one who lay In fettered helplessness, To feel that tender ministry And prove its sovereignty to bless.

Oh , fear thou not! Oh, trust God's goodness Trust His tender, loving care! Oh, doubt not that His love enfolds thee, And now, with joy, receive thy share; Receive thy share—then share it gladly; Stint not, nor limit Love's supply. Yea, share with all alike Truth's blessings; God's goodness is forever nigh.

Take him lightly by the hand, Raise him up that he may stand Firmly, free and unafraid. In the great uncharted sphere Newly opened to his eyes Let Thy goodness now appear, Infinite, divinely wise.

I need not fear to face whate'er I meet— The briared path that clutches at my feet. Serene and safe, I pass beneath His rod.

Here in this quiet room a peace descends, Soft as the touch upon that fevered brow In Peter's house. No sudden sharp fear rends This friendly solitude, no doubts allow Marauding entrance to the claims of sense; But there is harmony, and sweet surcease From troubled thought, and a clear consciousness That God is here, establishing His peace.