IF CHRIST CAME QUESTIONING

If Christ came questioning His world to-day, ( If Christ came questioning,) ‘ What hast thou done to glorify thy God, Since last My feet this lower earth plane trod?’

How could I answer Him; and in what way One evidence of my allegiance bring; If Christ came questioning. If Christ came questioning, to me alone,

( If Christ came questioning,) I could not point to any church or shrine And say,‘ I helped build up this house of Thine; Behold the altar, and the corner stone’;

I could not show one proof of such a thing; If Christ came questioning. If Christ came questioning, on His demand, ( If Christ came questioning,)

No pagan soul converted to His creed Could I proclaim; or say, that word or deed Of mine, had spread the faith in any land; Or sent it forth, to fly on stronger wing;

If Christ came questioning. If Christ came questioning the soul of me, ( If Christ came questioning,) I could but answer,‘ Lord, my little part

Has been to beat the metal of my heart, Into the shape I thought most fit for Thee; And at Thy feet, to cast the offering; Shouldst Thou come questioning.

‘ From out the earth-fed furnaces of desire, ( Ere Thou cam'st questioning,) This formless and unfinished gift I brought, And on life's anvil flung it down, white hot:

A glowing thing, of selfishness and fire, With blow on blow, I made the anvil ring; ( Ere Thou cam'st questioning ). ‘ The hammer, Self-Control, beat hard on it;

( Ere Thou cam'st questioning,) And with each blow, rose fiery sparks of pain; I bear their scars, on body, soul, and brain. Long, long I toiled; and yet, dear Lord, unfit,

And all unworthy, is the heart I bring, To meet Thy questioning.’