The Lord made answer unto Peter, "Nay, Thy Father, when the poor assists the poorer, Will keep her cot, and her reward assure her. She went at once, and wisely did in that."
And Jesus, having finished speaking, sat Down on a bench was in the humble place, And with His blest hands for a moment's space, He touched the distaff, rocked the little one. Rose, signed to Peter, and they gat them gone.
When she to whom the Lord had given this proof Of good-will came back to her humble roof, She found, nor knew what Friend the deed had done, The baby sleeping and the flax all spun!
"I cannot do much," said a little star, "To make the dark world bright; My silver beams cannot struggle far Through the folding gloom of night: But I am a part of God's great plan, And I'll cheerfully do the best that I can."
"What is the use," said a fleecy cloud, "Of these dew-drops that I hold? They will hardly bend the lily proud, Though caught in her cup of gold; Yet I am a part of God's great plan, My treasures I'll give as well as I can."
A child went merrily forth to play, But a thought, like a silver thread, Kept winding in and out all day Through the happy, busy head, "Mother said, 'Darling, do all you can, For you are a part of God's great plan.'"
So she helped a younger child along, When the road was rough to the feet; And she sang from her heart a little song, A song that was passing sweet; And her father, a weary, toil-worn man, Said, "I too will do the best that I can."
Just where you stand in the conflict, There is your place! Just where you think you are useless Hide not your face! God placed you there for a purpose, Whate'er it be; Think He has chosen you for it-- Work loyally.
Gird on your armor! Be faithful At toil or rest, Whiche'er it be, never doubting God's way is best. Out in the fight, or on picket, Stand firm and true; This is the work which your Master Gives you to do.
Who does the best his circumstance allows, Does well, acts nobly; angels could no more.
When courage fails and faith burns low, And men are timid grown, Hold fast thy loyalty and know That Truth still moveth on.
For unseen messengers she hath, To work her will and ways, And even human scorn and wrath God turneth to her praise.