Poem January 17, 1948 Issue

THE CHRISTIAN HEALER

Elisabeth H. Tolman

"Stand upright on thy feet!"
What Love—renewing, irresistible—
Inspired Paul's words at Lystra to the one born lame;
And flamed in those of Peter to the man
Who, daily at the temple gate, sat begging alms,
Not yet aware that he might enter in
And claim his God-bestowed dominion for himself.
"Such as I have, I give thee! Rise and walk!
Rise up and walk in Jesus' name—the Christ!"

The Christ—the true idea—
Healer and teacher, Comforter and friend,
Speaks to the humbly waiting heart anew today
Through the enlightened, selfless prayer of those
Who single-mindedly discern, beyond the veil
Of matter-mist, God's man—Soul's clear, pure ray.
Bearing true witness to the fact that God is All,
And man the image of His infinite love,
They keep the Christ-commandment, "Freely give."
Not as the world gives
Tribute to mammon or a sop to sense,
But, honoring the source of all true blessedness,
These faithful servants let their light so shine
That all may likewise comprehend, and thenceforth prove,
Each for himself, the holy Principle
That is man's very Life, his Father-Mother Love;
And, confidence uplifted, faith confirmed
In grateful understanding, worship God.