Classic Poem

'Twas spoken long ago and far away;
But, hark! it vibrates in our hearts to-day,
That word of Jesus Christ of Nazareth:
That strange persuasive word, “The Master saith.”

As once beside the lake of Galilee
He passes by and whispers, “Follow Me;”
Seems it to many but an idle breath?
There are who answer, “'Tis the Master saith.”

What is it that He asks? Thy soul, thy heart,
Yea, brother, all thou hast and all thou art:
He claims it for His own, in life and death,
And after death for ever so He saith.

Thou wilt not say Him nay; but can it be
He asks some dearer than thyself of thee?
One word the costly offering halloweth,
One only—'tis enough—the Master saith.

Wait but a little while, of thee and them
The Lord hath need in His Jerusalem.
Press on: who in His footsteps followeth
Shall know in glory all the Master saith.