FAITH

I believe in the world and its bigness and splendor:

That most of the hearts beating round us are tender;

That days are but footsteps and years are but miles

That lead us to beauty and singing and smiles:

That roses that blossom and toilers that plod

Are filled with the glorious spirit of God.

I believe in the purpose of everything living:

That taking is but the forerunner of giving;

That strangers are friends that we some day may meet;

And not all the bitter can equal the sweet;

That creeds are but colors, and no man has said

That God loves the yellow rose more than the red.

I believe in the path that to-day I am treading,

That I shall come safe through the dangers I'm dreading;

That even the scoffer shall turn from his ways

And some day be won back to trust and to praise;

That the leaf on the tree and the thing we call Man

Are sharing alike in His infinite plan.

I believe that all things that are living and breathing

Some richness of beauty to earth are bequeathing;

That all that goes out of this world leaves behind

Some duty accomplished for mortals to find;

That the humblest of creatures our praise is deserving,

For it, with the wisest, the Master is serving.