On the Brink of Mortality

ON THE BRINK OF MORTALITY 845 "Life, I've listened to thy message, Listened to thy words inviting. But a question haunts me — fills me Full of hateful doubts and wonderings. Is there but one path to follow Is the way laid straight before me, Are there no mysterious by-paths Where my feet may swerve, and lead me To some other destination Where I shall not find a mansion, Where my soul shall cry in anguish, And shall find no consolation?" "Timid one, why shouldst thou tremble, And be torn with fearful wonderings? Dost thou doubt thy Father's foresight When he sent thee forth to meet me? Knowst thou not he hath equipped thee With the mighty compass 'Wisdom', That shall point the way before thee, That sail lead thee ever onward Past the dark,' forbidding by-paths? And to aid this wondrous compass He hast given thee Faith unbounded, That shall keep thy soul, forever, All in tune with the Infinite: So that thou mayest ever travel Toward the mansion that is waiting. But before I cease my speaking These instructions I would give thee; Guard with care the compass Wisdom.' Keep it always — leave it never, Even for a single moment, That it may not lose its power. But, lest 'Wisdom's' power blind thee To the power thy Faith possesses, Let me warn thee, guard it always, Lest it wane, or die. or perish. Plant it deeply in thy bosom. That thy soul may be forever Bound in close, divine communion With thy Father, thy Creator." "Life, I come, no longer fearful, Gladly do I cross thy threshold. Eagerly I'll venture forward Press forever on and upward 'Til at last I reach the mansion That across thy span is waiting. Use me, Life, while I am with thee; Let my talents grow and flourish. That the world, when I'm departed, May be better from my living." Lula Williams Nelson.