If I could see A brother languishing in sore distress, And I should turn and leave him comfortless, When I might be A messenger of hope and happiness-- How could I ask to have that I denied In my own hour of bitterness supplied? If I might share A brother's load along the dusty way, And I should turn and walk alone that day, How could I dare-- When in the evening watch I kneel to pray-- To ask for help to bear my pain and loss, If I had heeded not my brother's cross? SHARED I said it in the meadow path, I say it on the mountain-stairs: The best things any mortal hath Are those which every mortal shares. The air we breathe--the sky--the breeze-- The light without us and within-- Life with its unlocked treasuries-- God's riches, are for all to win. The grass is softer to my tread For rest it yields unnumbered feet; Sweeter to me the wild-rose red Because she makes the whole world sweet. Into your heavenly loneliness Ye welcomed me, O solemn peaks! And me in every guest you bless Who reverently your mystery seeks. And up the radiant peopled way That opens into worlds unknown It will be life's delight to say, "Heaven is not heaven for me alone." Rich through my brethren's poverty! Such wealth were hideous! I am blest Only in what they share with me, In what I share with all the rest. --Lucy Larcom. UNCHARITABLENESS NOT CHRISTIAN I know not if 'twas wise or well To give all heathens up to hell-- Hadrian--Aurelius--Socrates-- And others wise and good as these; I know not if it is forbid, But this I know--Christ never did. May every soul that touches mine-- Be it the slightest contact--get therefrom some good, Some little grace, one kindly thought, One inspiration yet unfelt, one bit of courage For the darkening sky, one gleam of faith To brave the thickening ills of life, One glimpse of brighter skies beyond the gathering mists, To make this life worth while, And heaven a surer heritage. SOCIAL CHRISTIANITY O for a closer walk with man! Sweet fellowship of soul, Where each is to the other bound, Parts of one living whole. Our Father, God, help us to see That all in thee are one; O warm our hearts with thy pure love, Strong as your glorious sun. Pride, envy, selfishness will melt Beneath that kindling fire; Our brother's faults we scarce shall see, But good in all admire. No bitter cry of misery Shall ever pass unheard; But gentle sympathy spring forth In smile and strengthening word. And when our brother's voice shall call From lands beyond the sea, Our hearts in glad response will say, "Here, Lord, am I, send me."