Questions & Answers
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.
So brightly burns Love's holy glow, So constant shines its light, That none may claim they do not know The pathway through the night. For see, 'tis lit by Love divine, To trace for us His wise design.
Blest, sacred wilderness, no more forlorn! In your embosomed majesty Is held the glory of a risen morn, Joyous, divine, sublimely free! Darkling, yet beautiful; what fruitage springs From fertile fields of loneliness! For here divine Love angel-comfort brings To feed man's higher self, and bless. No progress Spiritward can mortals make Until your blessings they have sought, Rejoicing as from Love supreme they take The lessons that seem dearly bought! In loneliness the glories of God's day Take form; and thus it is mankind Becomes enlightened, as the shadows gray Dissolve before the power of Mind! Blest wilderness! Your promise is fulfilled; Love's dayspring glorious is here; All grief and pain and selfishness is stilled.