Some human plant, perchance beneath thine eyes, Pierced through with hidden thorns of idle fears; Or drooping low for need of light from skies Obscured by doubt-clouds raining poison tears? Some bruised soul the balm of love would heal; Some timid spirit faith would courage give; Or maimed brother, who, though brave and leal, Still needeth thee, to rightly walk and live? O while one soul thou findest which hath not known The fullest help thy soul hath power to give, Sigh not for fields still broader than thine own, But, steadfast in thine own, more broadly live. --Julia Anna Wolcott. Be it health or be it leisure, Be it skill we have to give, Still in spending it for others Christians only really live. Not in having or receiving, But in giving, there is bliss; He who has no other pleasure Ever may rejoice in this. WHAT CHRIST SAID I said, "Let me walk in the fields." He said, "No, walk in the town." I said, "There are no flowers there." He said, "No flowers, but a crown." I said, "But the skies are black; There is nothing but noise and din." And He wept as he sent me back; "There is more," He said; "there is sin." I said, "But the air is thick, And fogs are veiling the sun." He answered, "Yet souls are sick, And souls in the dark undone." I said, "I shall miss the light, And friends will miss me, they say." He answered, "Choose to-night If _I_ am to miss you, or they." I pleaded for time to be given. He said, "Is it hard to decide? It will not seem hard in heaven To have followed the steps of your Guide." I cast one look at the fields, Then set my face to the town; He said, "My child, do you yield? Will you leave the flowers for the crown?" Then into His hand went mine, And into my heart came He; And I walk in a light divine The path I had feared to see. --George Macdonald. MY SERVICE I asked the Lord to let me do Some mighty work for Him; To fight amid His battle hosts, Then sing the victor's hymn. I longed my ardent love to show, But Jesus would not have it so. He placed me in a quiet home, Whose life was calm and still, And gave me little things to do, My daily round to fill; I could not think it good to be Just put aside so silently. Small duties gathered round my way, They seemed of earth alone; I, who had longed for conquests bright To lay before His throne, Had common things to do and bear, To watch and strive with daily care. So then I thought my prayer unheard, And asked the Lord once more That He would give me work for Him And open wide the door; Forgetting that my Master knew Just what was best for me to do.