At His Gate

"Blessed is the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors." Prov. 8:34.

"They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; they shall walk, and not faint." Isa. 40:31.

"Thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left" Isa. 30:21.

I AM watching at Thy gateway

Master, speak "a word," I pray!

Life's journey lies before me,

A lonely, rugged way.

Oh, speak a word of power,

Which my soul will gladly own

Was just the word I needed,

And meant for me alone!

Some, more richly, grandly gifted,

'Midst the throng of hurrying feet,

Sound the tidings - Thou art "coming,"

In the busy, crowded street.

Souls arrested stand to listen,

Wooed and won for heaven above

By that tale of matchless sorrow,

And that tale of wondrous love!

But more humble is my service

Can I give it such a name

While my heart is filled with sorrow,

And my head is bowed in shame?

Few to speak to, few to listen

As I point them up above;

For the words are faint and faltering,

And my only "gift" is love.

But I'm watching at Thy gateway

For "a word" of sympathy

To some broken heart to whisper,

A message straight from Thee!

That blest acquaintanceship with grief

Which Thou didst learn below,

Has fitted Thee to minister

To every child of woe.

And give "a word" to keep me

From snares which lie around;

A melody to charm me

From every earthly sound.

A message - by Thy Spirit

Brought home in power - I pray,

Of guidance, cheer, or warning;

A message for today! A. S. Oliphant.