IMMANUEL

WILLARD M. GRIMES.

Years had I toiled, yet toiling only seemed
To bring me failure, where I hoped success,
Bearing me farther from the prize I sought.
I grew discouraged, for each morning brought
New trouble, fresh despair; I could not press
Along the darkening way, when—lo, there beamed

Across my path a star that traveled on!
In wonderment I left my care and went
To mark its course, to watch where it should go.
It led me through a wilderness of woe,
But, as I faltered, all the firmament
Was kindled with its light, and then—'twas gone!

In fear I fled, but as I fled a voice,
Above the inward cry of self and sin,
Commanded strife and all confusion cease,
And wait the coming of the Prince of Peace,
The Comforter of God, that from within
Bids mortals ever to rejoice, rejoice!