January 14
Companions of the Way (Evening)What thou understandest not when thou readest that shalt thou know in the day of visitation.
THEREFORE He loves thee not, because He smites?
Ah, little know'st thou of thy Father's ways!
His children share not in the world's delights:
Long nights of grief He sends, and weary days,
When love grows weak, and faith decays.
Therefore He loves thee not? Nay, rather this,
His most sure sign, His most kind voice of call;
He will not have thee sleep in earthly bliss,
But bids thee gird thy loins, lest, after all,
Where some have fallen, thou too shouldst fall.
Let not thy fancied therefore dream of aid,
Just when thou wilt, whose time is always near;
Nor deem that love, nor call that help delayed,
Which came too soon if sooner it were here:
He will not cause one needless tear.
JOHN
MASON
NEALE
POVERTY