when our disrobed spirits
Soar to realms of light again,
We may say, "Dear Father, judge us
As we judged our fellow men."
Time to me this truth hath taught,
'Tis a truth that's worth revealing:
More offend from want of thought
Than from want of feeling.
If advice we would convey,
There's a time we should convey it;
If we've but a word to say,
There's a time in which to say it.
HONOR ALL MEN
Great Master! teach us how to hope in man:
We lift our eyes upon his works and ways,
And disappointment chills us as we gaze,
Our dream of him so far the truth outran,
So far his deeds are ever falling short.
And then we fold our graceful hands and say,
"The world is vulgar." Didst thou turn away,
O Sacred Spirit, delicately wrought,
Because the humble souls of Galilee
Were tuned not to the music of thine own
And chimed not to the pulsing undertone
Which swelled Thy loving bosom like the sea?
Shame thou our coldness, most benignant Friend,
When we so daintily do condescend.
--Martha Perry Howe.
BROTHERHOOD
That plenty but reproaches me
Which leaves my neighbor bare.
Not wholly glad my heart can be
While his is bowed with care.
If I go free, and sound, and stout,
While his poor fetters clank,
Unsated still, I'll still cry out,
And plead with Whom I thank.
Almighty, thou who Father be
Of him, of me, of all,
Draw us together, him and me,
That, whichsoever fall,
The other's hand may fail him not--
The other's strength decline
No task of succor that his lot
May claim from son of thine.
I would be fed. I would be clad.
I would be housed and dry.
But if so be my heart is sad--
What benefit have I?
Best he whose shoulders best endure
The load that brings relief;
And best shall be his joy secure
Who shares that joy with grief.
--Edward Sandford Martin.
THE LIFE I SEEK
Not in some cloistered cell
Dost thou, Lord, bid me dwell
My love to show,
But 'mid the busy marts,
Where men with burdened hearts
Do come and go.
Some tempted soul to cheer
When breath of ill is near
And foes annoy;
The sinning to restrain,
To ease the throb of pain--
Be such my joy.
Lord, make me qui
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