Classic Poem

Unto the calmly gathered thought
The innermost of truth is taught, —
The mystery, dimly understood,
That love of God is love of good;

That to be saved is only this, —
Salvation from our selfishness;
From sin itself, and not the pain
That warns us of its chafing chain:

That worship's deeper meaning lies
In mercy, and not sacrifice, —
Not proud humilities of sense,
But love's unforced obedience;

That God is near us now as when
He spake in old-time faith and men;
That the true Christ dwells not afar
The king of some remoter star, —

But here amid the poor and blind,
The bound and suffering of our kind,
In works we do, in prayers we pray,
Within our lives he lives to-day.