Poem January 27, 1940 Issue

True Gratitude

CHARLES W. TOWNSEND

My sorrows have been turned to joy,
My wants supplied with good,
My health restored; I would return
To God my gratitude.

But gratitude is more than speech,
Than thanks for good received,
Having no will to criticize,
Praising for want relieved.

I know I must express a love
Like to the Love divine,
Endeavoring, as God's own child,
To show His love in mine.

I must unsee my neighbor's faults:
Reflecting love to one
Who does not seem to merit love,
Who little good has done.

Denying error thus, my heart,
Devoid of hate and strife,
With joy the precious truth proclaims,
"I have eternal life."

Error is nothing now, I see,
God's allness comprehend.
On Truth, whose knowing makes me free,
Henceforth I shall depend.

Spirit and His ideas are real,
While matter nothing is.
In Him is my complete supply;
I walk, my hand in His.

The fatherhood of God makes men
All of one brotherhood.
Conscious of Him, my heart wells forth
Its song of gratitude.

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