Walls of Salvation and Gates of Praise

LYDIA B. MC KINLEY-HAY

O ye who are stones in the temple of God,
Who much of the way have so faithfully trod,
What dost thou think when there enters its gates
One called a sinner, whom every one hates,—
To purity stranger, to thanksgiving dumb,—
Dost thou hold out thy hand, though so late he doth come?
Dost say the kind word, for he needeth it much,
Or dost thou give praise that thou art not as such?
Dost think in this temple, by thee cleansed each day,
That he has no place—should be out of the way?
Rejecting the brother with swift condemnation,—
What thou shouldst remember is praise and salvation!

And ye who are laboring the sinner to save,
Who, loyal and loving, are humble and brave,
Say, what dost thou think when within hallowed walls
Thou sittest, the while Love's behest ever calls
For tributes of praise to His goodness and care,
Which saveth from sin, from disease, and the snare?
Dost e'er feel disheartened—the way seems so long,
Reward seems to loiter, and silent is song?
Remember the joy 'tis to save and to heal;
Teach the fallen to rise and the proud one to kneel.
Rejoice! Then defer not thy voice to upraise,
Unite in Love's temple salvation and praise!

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