Questions & Answers
"Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. " Let me till my vineyard deep And warm its roots with love, Whose gentle rays shall far outshine The sunlight from above.
As flowers that lift their faces to the sun, So do Thy children turn toward the Light, Seeking the Life which they have just begun, Through truth applied, to understand aright. As Israel's singer lifted up his eyes And looked toward the everlasting hills, So in our hearts shall confidence arise In that which standeth steadfast through the years— The Word of God, the living Truth that heals, And all the wonder of His love reveals.
Our God exists, in spite of all the seeming; In spite of all the sorrow and the pain; In spite of all the dust and all the dreaming, Our Father hears us—we call not in vain! He hears us, and His answer comes in patience; His answer comes in silencing self-will; His answer comes in peace and calm assurance That He knows all, and all our needs will fill.
O Love, the votive candle of my heart I light for Thee alone, And though, sometimes, its eager flame be blown By error's gusts, I know Thy shining peace Will kindle it, and winds and darkness cease. O Life, the ripest offerings of my days I bring to Thee alone, And though, sometimes, these glowing gifts be sown With cold time's mortal dust, I do not fear, Knowing the breath of Being fans them clear.
There is a little flower that grows With tender golden heart, Despite the snows. There is a little lamp whose light Friendly and sacred burns Throughout the night.
O thou that hearest prayer! Make haste the day when sin shall cease, And sorrows chide no more: When understanding of Thy Word, Our fading joys restore. Make haste the day when falsehood, fear, The strife of tongues shall still; When hearts athirst for righteousness, Shall list the heavenly will.
How wilt thou tell it? How appeal To him who secret sins? Wilt make him one whom men deride, Rack him with agony of pride? Nay, he will grind thee 'neath his heel, The man who secret sins. It shall be as a story told, The sharp rebuke of love, The prophet pictured to the throng Disclosure of imagined wrong— Made throned David's self unfold The sharp rebuke of love.
What is it, friend, that thou wouldst hear? Not tales of trouble, sorrow, fear; But happy ones that bring the light Of heaven's radiance—visions bright. I'll tell thee then of Truth's release From earthly anguish, sin's surcease— Despair's glad turn to joy and peace.
Just as a quiet pool reflects The majesty of sky, Dear God, let me be still and let My will as quiet lie; So that in my unruffled calm, My attitude serene, My life becomes a mirror where Thy image may be seen.
We love to picture in our thought That scene on Galilee— The Master with them in the boat Upon the quiet sea. We feel the gentle breezes blow That fanned his sweet repose, As he upon the pillow slept At that day's happy close, And then the storm that swiftly came And filled their hearts with fear, And made them for a time forget That Love is always near! We hear the frightened call for help, And then with gladness thrill As through the centuries we hear That gentle, Peace, be still.