Poems

Instead of wishing for another sphere In which to work and live, Help me to know that Thou art always near, The heavenly vision give, Just where I am. Instead of hoping for some greater work On which to prove my skill, Help me to do each smallest menial task With consecrated will, Just where I am.

Show me the way, And I will walk in it. Teach me to pray, With all my thought in it.

The world says that I walk alone— How little does it know! The world keeps sounding in my ears Its own uncertain doubts and fears, Its dread of what the passing years May hold, as on I go. The world says that I walk alone— How little can it tell! Life points the shining, upward way, Truth guides and guards my path today, Love gently whispers, Come what may, He doeth all things well.

Not for more worldly gain, Lord, do I pray; But for more gratitude Ask I this day. Open my dullard eyes That I may see Only Thy truth is real, Witnessing Thee.

Again, the yearly feast— And students come from far To feed anew upon the well-loved truth; To drink, in happy fellowship, The wine of gratitude, Of inspiration, and of joy, And then return To waiting harvest fields With added strength, fresh courage, And a high resolve To follow closer where the Master trod; To strive more earnestly, to be, As he was, "one with God. ".

My Father, I would spend this day In quietude with Thee; Despite the thoughts of doubt and fear That in my heart seem to inhere, Thy voice alone shall win mine ear, Each prayerful hour today. And when the day is done, dear Lord, I shall be comforted; The priceless blessings of Thy Word Shall in my inmost heart be stored, The bounty I have gained, Lord, Of life-sustaining bread.

At even, when the sun did set— Let thought roll back the centuries, And lo, before a humble house A city gathers! Jesus sees No sin or pain, No suffering. Through Love he heals them, blind and sad, The crippled man, the ailing lad, Their faith their only offering.

As birds that breast the mist and rain And sing within the wood, So through each darkling cloud of ill I see eternal good. As carefree bird notes rise and call Once more their glad refrain, God's blessings circling all my steps Restore my soul again.

Still beautiful upon the height And peaceful on the crowded street Appears to the illumined sight The imprint of the Master's feet. The narrow way still parallels Our thoroughfare and country lane; Unseen, angelic sentinels Conduct the pilgrim home again.

As far as east is from the west! Oh, Father, can it be These words of David long ago Are meant for one like me? As far as east is from the west! The promise is to all Who, contrite, seek the Father's face, Upon His mercy call. As far as east is from the west, So far is sin removed From him who knows God's image, pure, By Love divine approved.