 | Matin Bells and Scarlet and Gold |  |
THE WALK OF FAITH.
The way seemed dark and lonely and the clouds a funeral wreath,
But as I went it only spread my footsteps flowers beneath;
The stocks with threatening gesture now uplifted me on thrones,
The shades grew shining vesture and the blocks were stepping stones;
The giants and the terrors dwindled to a harmless wraith,
And all my fears were errors—for I walked alone by faith.
But as I went it only spread my footsteps flowers beneath;
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The shades grew shining vesture and the blocks were stepping stones;
The giants and the terrors dwindled to a harmless wraith,
And all my fears were errors—for I walked alone by faith.
I looked below, it darkened, and a horror filled my breast,
I looked above and harkened and sweet tidings brought me rest;
I looked behind, the lion strode with progress grim as fate's,
I looked before and Sion flashed on me its pearly gates;
I looked within for leading and a voice of treason talked,
I looked without unheeding—for by faith alone I walked.
I looked above and harkened and sweet tidings brought me rest;
I looked behind, the lion strode with progress grim as fate's,
I looked before and Sion flashed on me its pearly gates;
I looked within for leading and a voice of treason talked,
I looked without unheeding—for by faith alone I walked.
The way was deep and narrow, bitter thorns about were spread,
Their teeth that were a harrow pierced my naked hands and head;
But yet the wounds were pleasant with a blessing of their own,
Because the One was present who as saving balm was sown;
In beauty burst the thistles just as spirits from their spathe,
And blossoms sprang from bristles—for I walked alone by faith.
Their teeth that were a harrow pierced my naked hands and head;
But yet the wounds were pleasant with a blessing of their own,
Because the One was present who as saving balm was sown;
In beauty burst the thistles just as spirits from their spathe,
And blossoms sprang from bristles—for I walked alone by faith.
O when in wrath and thunder clove the ground with earthquake shock,
And failed my feet, yet under all I felt the Eternal Rock;
The awful void seemed paven and the bars were helping hands,
The storm was quite a haven blowing me to heavenly lands;
And in the knell of danger I heard but the Bridegroom's tone,
While sin was still a stranger—for I walked by faith alone.
And failed my feet, yet under all I felt the Eternal Rock;
The awful void seemed paven and the bars were helping hands,
The storm was quite a haven blowing me to heavenly lands;
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While sin was still a stranger—for I walked by faith alone.
| Matin Bells and Scarlet and Gold | |