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MY TRUSTFUL OBEDIENCE

“Child of mine, I love thee;
Listen now to me
And make answer truly
While I question thee;
For I see that shadows
Do thy soul oppress
And they faith so weakens
That I cannot bless.

“Thou hast craved my power
And presence in thy soul;
Wilt thou yield thee wholly
Unto my control?
Wilt thou let me ever
With thee have my way?
Yield thyself in all things
Simply to obey?

“Though my presence ofttimes
Seems to be withdrawn—
Of my inward workings
Not a trace be shown—
Wilt thou count me present
Notwithstanding all?
Still believe I’m ever
Working in thy soul?

“When I give to others
What I to thee deny—
Fold them in my sunshine,
Seem to pass thee by—
Wilt thou still believe in
My strong love for thee;
Yield thee to my purpose
Whatsoe’er it be?

“When I to thy pleadings
Seem no heed to pay,
And thy foes grow bolder,
Claim thee as their prey;
Though towards thee I’m silent,
Wilt thou stand the test?
On my word of promise
Lay thee down to rest?

“If to all my questions
Thou canst answer, ‘Yes,’
Thou shalt be forever
One that I love best,
To the inner circle
Of my favored few
Thou shalt be admitted
And my glory view.”

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— May 1, 1910 —