Poems (Curwen)/Creeds
Creeds.
Which is the false? and which the true? And who is wrong? and who is right? There are so many teachers who Condemn each other's chosen light—So many creeds to-day, that we Grow fearful lest we go astray, Yet Christ said simply —"Follow Me! I am the Light, the Truth, the Way."
"Lo! Christ is here!" Lo! Christ is there! The varied calls the soul confuse; And midst the devious paths we fear Lest we the one true path shall lose: That 'mong the 'wildering lights that blaze We shall not shape our course aright—But lose, in their deceptive rays The only one, true 'leading Light.'
Who follows Christ? Not he who turns His back upon the sinful soul; But he whose heart with pity yearns To make the wretched sinner whole. Not he who selfishly doth spend His days, in hoarding worthless pelf, But he, who for both foes and friends Unselfishly denies himself.
Who follows Christ? Not he who prays The loudest, and the oftenest—No!What is it, that the Master says? "Many call Lord! I do not know."But he who lightens loads of care Who binds the wounds that smart and bleed,His is the most effectual prayer, And his the highest, holiest creed.