Poems

Such time as we are envious of others, Marking their forward steps with loveless gaze; Such time as we regard our brothers' efforts With wishful dreaming or idolatrous praise, Were rightly spent in our own elevation; Each ill, each fault surmounted has begun To win for us that blessed commendation Our Master told us of—the sweet, "Well done. ".

Why gather much and fear tomorrow's losses? Each day the manna falls. There is no lack.

Did you feel, dear pilgrim, you'd struggled long 'Gainst some hidden error, some entrenched wrong, But to find at last, with the victory won, The good fight finished, the straight race run, That another received earth's fickle praise, But for you new problems and care-filled days? Yet regret not the better part you chose, For the Searcher of hearts, He knows, He knows. Into His storehouse bring your tithes Of purer desires, uplifted lives, Of truer friendships, of thoughts redeemed, Sheaves from His waiting harvest gleaned; Gather them, garner them, wait not to see If praise or misjudgment your portion be.

So gentle is the influence of Love, Yet so pervasive and its sway so strong, That sinners yielding to its touch are healed And wayfarers, though fools, are saved from wrong. Sweet ministry it brings to wounded sense; On troubled thought it settles like the dove; While through the raging of the storm its peace In safety bears the pilgrim home to Love.

He whose thought is lifted ever To the perfect realm of Mind, In that secret place abiding Shall a full protection find. Safe beneath the Almighty's shade He shall dwell—all unafraid.

Sometimes a wall of mist drifts by, Blurring our view of sea and sky. Landscapes are faint; they mystify.

There is not one in all the world today But has the freedom, in his heart, to pray; There is not one but can the truth declare, That God is All, that God is everywhere; That God is good, nor cruel bondage made. There is not one but can be unafraid; Though there seems bond of sickness, sin, or woe, There is not one but can steadfastly know God's law of liberty remains supreme To break all bonds, claimed by the mortal dream.

I will pour out my heart to God. His love surrounds us all, He never fails to hear our prayer ; He answers ere we call.

As Thy great prophet of an age long past Prayed for his servant in a time of fear, So do we, Father, lift our hearts to Thee In the assurance Thou art ever near, Pray for discernment that we, too, may see Clearly the angels of Thy presence here. So, as Elisha saw the heavenly host Gathered about him to uphold the right, Truth ever watchful with the flaming sword, Love the unvanquished conquering carnal might, So do we also place our trust in Thee To guard and guide us through the troubled night.

Why should I ask that Love divine Supply unknown tomorrow's need? Sufficient for each day is mine, If I to Spirit's voice give heed; For omnipresent Love speaks peace To human fears, and bids them cease.