TRUTH'S CALL

M. B. CROWE

Through long, long years I stumbled, deaf and blind
To all the truths thou camest to unfold:
Poor, blind, and self-imprisoned; with vain cries
And eyes perverse, looking afar to find
Blessings that groping hands, by taking hold,
Might more than overflowing fulness know.
Deaf to the Spirit's pleadings, cowed by fear,
I groped and stumbled; until, sweet and low,
A voice spoke to my opened ears, a glow
Pierced through the darkness of my blinded eyes,
And, face to face, thou saidst, Lo, I am here!

Ah! the long years of ignorance and fear,
Misspent in doubt and pain without surcease!
'Twas I who knew not thou art always here,
Waiting to give health, happiness, soul-cheer,
Life, love unmeasured, and God's perfect peace!