The Surrendered Life by Mary L. Cummins

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D. C. · Apr 19, 1906

The Surrendered Life

By Mary L. Cummins

Is it hard for the flower when summer comes To turn its face to the sun? Is it hard for the flaming red orb to sink When its course for the day is run? Is it hard for the dew to moisten the earth When night’s dark shade doth fall? Is it hard for the bird to answer again The note of its mate’s sweet call?

Or merely for man is it hard to achieve The will of the Mind above— For man who both daily and hourly receives Fresh proof of the Father’s love? Is the only strong straining against God’s will To be on the part of his child? While everything, joyous, fulfils his behest, From mart of the tangled wild?

All life that is fully surrendered to God Sweeps on with a step serene, Moved by the bounding, unlimited force That throbs in the earth’s fresh green. Thus, as tree and flow’ret in forest and glade Adorn, without effort, the sod, The fragrance and power may be felt of a life Wholly surrendered to God.

— Mary L. Cummins.