How We Know

THERE are many things in this busy world that are hard to understand
Because of the counterfeits that "bud" near the flower close
     at hand;
But the genuine will prove as such, to the hand, the heart and
     soul
As has always been, and will always be, so long as the oceans
     roll.
In way of contrast the high and low are pronounced in a
     varied sphere
And the other's place could neither fill on probation's road
     down here,
Nor call it he done on the higher plane, to which we all
     aspire,
Because of the laws which God has fixed for the deeper
     thought and higher.

The tender story of Christ we read; we follow Him on through
     youth
And every page is indexed well with volumes of Sacred
     Truth;
And a Shepherd whose staff was a Hand Divine; the lambs
     had tender care
That He bore in His bosom, and who could claim the flock
      He was shielding there;

With wisdom as deep as His tender soul, He journeyed along
     the way
Where others trod, a craftsman too, for His life was a busy
     day;

Wise Men at wisdom's feast were stirred through this lad
     from friends apart
And deeply marveled, perplexed, engrossed at the Scriptural
     One of art.

On, on with the healing draft He came and He freely gave
     to all
Till the Roman king could see afar his temples of power fall;
Though He did no wrong, was doomed to die, by Pilate, no
     doubt through fear
Of losing perhaps his earthly sway and his scepter of power
      here.

The knell was sounded; the last sad rite was there with its
     stern decree,
As God designed for a sinful world; even to you and me.
And when we have read His Book of Life and in wisdom
     deeper grow
Through the parting clouds, from this life of shrouds is
     answer to how we know.