p. 10 | The Altered Question

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D. C. · Nov 30, 1905

The Altered Question

VOICES, sad with sin and suffering, From the lands beyond the sea, Ever came in pleading accents, Till they seemed a call to me; But I strove to answer “No” As I questioned, “Must I go?”

Still I mused, till growing pity Touched and filled my inmost soul. I could tell the “old, old story” Of the Love that maketh whole; Yet I wavered to and fro, Pondering always, “Shall I go?”

Then I saw, as in a vision, One who stood with outstretched hands, And a face of tender yearning Turned toward those heathen lands; At His feet I bent me low, Whispering softly, “May I go?”

There I leave it—anxious questions Are for evermore at rest, Here or there, or work or waiting, His the choice, and that is best. For I know that, day by day, He himself will show the way.

—Quarterly Notes, of the Australian Board of Missions.