I Shall Not Pass Again This Way
(The author of this poem was proprietor and editor of The Youth’s Companion, and after his death, the poem, much worn, was found in his desk.)
The bread that giveth strength I want to give;
The water pure that bids the thirsty live;
I want to help the fainting day by day—
I’m sure I shall not pass again this way.
I want to give the oil of joy for tears,
The faith to conquer cruel doubts and fears.
Beauty for ashes may I give alway—
I’m sure I shall not pass again this way.
I want to give good measure running o’er,
And into angry hearts I want to pour
The answer soft that turneth wrath away—
I’m sure I shall not pass again this way.
I want to give to others hope and faith;
I want to do all that* the Master saith;
I want to live aright from day to day—
I’m sure I shall not pass again this way.
—Daniel S. Ford.
The Need for Workers
Jesus went round all the towns and the villages, teaching in their Synagogues, proclaiming the Good News of the Kingdom, and curing every kind of disease and every kind of sickness.
But, when he saw the crowds, his heart was moved with compassion for them, because they were distressed and harassed, “like sheep without a shepherd”; and he said to his disciples:
“The harvest is abundant, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray to the Owner of the harvest to send laborers to gather in his harvest.”
—Luke.