TEACH ME TO LOVE There was a time when in my daily prayer I asked for all the things I deemed most fair, And necessary to my life— success, Riches, of course, and ease, and happiness; A host of friends, a home without alloy; A primrose path of luxury and joy, Social distinction, and enough of fame To leave behind a well remembered name. Ambition ruled my life. I longed to do Great things ,that all my little world might view And whisper, "Wonderful!" Ah, pa tient God, How blind we are, until Thy Shep herd's rod Of tender chastening gently leads us on To better things. Today I have but one petition, Lord— teach me to love. Indeed it is my greatest and my only need. Teach me to' love, not those who first love me, But all the world, with that rare purity Of broad, outreaching thought which bears no trace Of earthly taint, but holds in its embrace Humanity, and only seems to see The good in all, reflected, Lord from Thee. And teach me Father how to love the most Those who most stand in need of the love— That host of people who are sick and poor and bad, Whose tired faces show their loves are sad. Who toil along the road with foot steps slow. And hearts more heavy than the world can know. People whom others pass discreetly by, Or fail to hear the pleading of that cry For help, amid the tumult of the crowd;
Whose very anguish makes them cold and proud, Resentful, stubborn, bitter in their grief— I want to bring them comfort and relief; To put my hand in theirs, and at their side Walk softly on, a faithful, fearless guide. 0 Saviour, thou the Christ — truth, ever near, Help me to feel these sad ones doubly dear Because they need so much! Help me to seek And find that which they thought was lost; To speak such words of cheer that as they pass along, The wilderness shall blossom into song. Ah, love divine, how empty was that prayer Of other days! That which was once so fair— Those flimsy baubles which the world calls joys Are nothing to me now but broken toys, Outlived, outgrown, I thank Thee that I know Those much desired dreams of long ago, Like butterflys, have had their sum mer's day Of brief enchantment, and have gone. 1 pray for better things, Thou knowest, God above, my one desire now— Teach me to LOVE! A LOVE FOR SOULS You say you love the flowers? But do you love them so You'll till the soil With patient toil That lovely flowers may grow? You say you love the souls of men? But do you love them so You'll sow the seed And till the soil With prayers and tears and toil, Until within those souls of men The Lord Christ is unveiled?
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