Poem July 10, 1948 Issue

"BLESSED ARE THE MERCIFUL"

Frank Hobden

How oft, asked Peter, shall I forgive the brother
who has sinned against me?
As many times as seven, he wondered.
How did the Master—he who later on the tree
Could say of those who cruelly nailed him there,
"Father, forgive them"—how did he reply?
Not seven times only, until seventy times seven; yea, always!
And so, dear God, Thou who art All-Love,
Help me to be forgiving, kind;
Judging not others, lest I too be judged;
Condemning not, for who am I to blame?
With Christlike charity may I be clad,
Treading with joy the royal way of Love,
With patience, meekness, and high purpose armed.
So shall my life be radiant with true love—
A tiny light maybe, but clear, that never fails to shine,
To guide, encourage, and to help my brother man.