AND now behold a lawyer rose With tempting question vain, And said: "Master, what must I do Eternal life to gain?"
Jesus addressed His questioner With manner frank and kind, And by a parable He taught His keen and doubting mind;
Told of the good Samaritan Who succored a poor Jew; Then, in conclusion, counseled him: "Go thou and like wise do."
AND as they went, He and the twelve, Along the public road, They entered into Bethany, Where Martha, kind, abode;
Who hospitably welcomed Him Into her house to rest, Then hastened to provide for Him Refreshments of the best.
Meanwhile her sister Mary, Who long had wished to meet The gracious Lord and hear His voice Sat meekly at His feet.
But Martha, cumbered and perplexed With anxious, household care, And wishing for her welcome Guest A banquet to prepare,
Entered the room where Jesus sat, And said: "Lord, dost Thou know My sister lets me serve alone? Bid her some help bestow."
And Jesus answered in a tone Of grace yet kind concern, "O, Martha, Martha, good and true, Thou something hast to learn.
"Thou careful art, and troubled much All good things to enjoy, And that thy friends may feast full well Thy time and means employ;
"And yet there's but one needful thing, Worthy thine utmost thought, And that good part is Mary's choice, Which from her take thou not."
AGAIN, did Jesus journey on, When, in a certain place, He lifted up His voice in prayer With unction, power and grace.
When He had ceased one of the twelve Said: "Lord, teach us to pray, As John taught those who followed him, "We wish to do as they."
He taught them then that form of prayer Which pure devotion is; Known as THE LORD'S PRAYER ever since, Because the words are His.
Then on He went, and preached the truth, Along each country road, And taught the people, high and low, The love and fear of God;
And told them how God answers prayer, If prayer be warm and true-- With far more loving, swift response Than earthly parents do.
NOW, in a synagogue, as He One Sabbath day did preach, Behold a woman, quite bowed down And listening to His speech,
A poor, afflicted sufferer, Who bore with groans and tears, A spirit of infirmity For fully eighteen years.
Upon her Jesus laid His hand, And, suddenly made straight, She rose and glorified her God, Whose mercies are so great.