“PIETY WITH CONTENTMENT”

H. Gill

‘Mid nature’s realm I cast my wand’ring eye

(In autumn grand, when all is ripe and mellow)

Where, growing in profusion, I espy

Huge stalks of green, with flowers large and yellow.

The giant sunflower with his golden face

Turned t’ward the sun (reflecting thus his glory)

Fills in the flowery world his ordered place

And forms a background for my simple story.

Yet the frail lily or the violet sweet

Upturn their faces to the same sun’s splendour,

And from the hidden nook of their retreat

The tribute of their perfume gladly render.

Why should I then breathe out a single sigh

Because my place amongst God’s saints is humble?

If I may walk beneath the Saviour’s eye

And make straight paths that none o’er me may stumble.

This humble lot for Him I’ll gladly fill,

Who came from heaven and won my heart by dying;

My glory be—the doing of His will;

My perfume—to His love in love replying.

1914

After reading ‘Fragrance for Christ’ in the May 1985 issue, a reader suggested the publication of the above verses on a similar theme—Ed.