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Mountain Spring and Other Poems

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<h2>MINISTERING WOMEN</h2> And Joanna, the wife of Chuza, Herod's steward, and Susanna and many others who ministered unto him of their substance.—Luke 8:3. Mark 14:3-9. John 12:3-8. Matthew 26:6-13. Luke 7:37-50. John 11:3. <div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> Those women who their Christ and Lord Aided by gentle ministry, Have gained their race a rich reward, Treasured in sacred history. </div> <div class="stanza"> Joanna is unknown at court, Although entitled to be there; The record of her life's report In fadeless glory has its share. </div> <div class="stanza"> Susanna's name is intertwined, A gem as sparkling and as clear As those with which it is enshrined; And this is all we know of her. </div> <div class="stanza"> And those whose names have not been given Are now in realms of light and love, Praising him mid the choirs of heaven, Crowned with his joy and peace and love. </div> <div class="stanza"> Mary of Magdala was brought From mysteries strange and dark and drear To heights with joy and gladness fraught; She radiates a luster clear. </div> <div class="stanza"> Those chimes from Bethany will ring With power that will not, cannot die; Martha's and Mary's names will sing Long as the flitting centuries fly. </div> <div class="stanza"> That spikenard, which 'twas wholly meet Mary should pour upon his head, Has filled with fragrance rare and sweet Succeeding ages as they've fled. </div> <div class="stanza"> And when a critic standing near Censured her act, misunderstood, Christ spoke so that the world might hear; He said, "She hath done what she could." </div> <div class="stanza"> This her memorial while the sun Traverses the blue dome of heaven, Fulfilling while time's cycles run Christ's prophecy which then was given. </div> <div class="stanza"> Unto the end these faithful few, Regardless of all pain and loss, Did what their hearts and hands could do, Though bowed with wonder at the cross. </div> <div class="stanza"> Such love they could not understand, Such love unto his latest breath; That love had our redemption planned Both in his life and in his death. </div> <div class="stanza"> They haunt the tomb in which he lay, Grief-stricken, desolate, and lone; But Magdalene at break of day Found that her precious charge was gone. </div> <div class="stanza"> Two angels said, "Why weepest thou?" The angels knew ere they inquired. They knew her heart could triumph now, These sinless ones by love inspired. </div> <div class="stanza"> She, weeping, told her loss and woe, Then answered thus a questioner near: "Sir, if thou dost his refuge know, Tell me. I seek him vainly here." </div> <div class="stanza"> "Mary!" She listened to her name Uttered by Christ, her risen Lord. "Master?" her trembling lips exclaim, Then wondered, worshipped, and adored. </div> <div class="stanza"> Her joy is ours! Oh, may we see That joy more plainly every day! Christ lives and loves eternally,— Swift feet such tidings should convey. </div> <div class="stanza"> Eternal life and heavenly rest He purchased by death's agony, That whosoever will be blest With glorious immortality. </div> <div class="stanza"> May we our sisters of the past In life and character revere, Like them be faithful to the last, Like them be loving and sincere. </div> <div class="stanza"> First must the gospel plan of love To every land and tribe be given, Ere He'll return who from above Is God's best gift to earth from heaven. </div> </div> <hr style="width: 65%;" /> <div style="break-after:column;"></div>

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