TRUER, BETTER, BRIGHTER.
By Jennie Thayer
[Suggested by a sermon on Evolution.] How much truer the inspired record fair
Of the dawning of the day,
When dark night did flee away,
And, in six brief days of labor,
Bird and beast and man were neighbor,
Than the million-year story, ending—where? How much sweeter ’tis to know He doth care
For the creatures of his hand,
Given life at his command,
Than that in remotest ages,
By obscure and doubtful stages,
Without plan, man evolved from—none know where! How much purer faith in the Gospel rare,
In the love of God’s own Son,
And the vict’ry he hath won
Over all the hosts of evil,
Over sin and death and devil,
Than to think ourselves to soar—how? and where? How much better humble, trustful prayer
For a heart refined and pure,
For a faith both tried and sure,
Than the wisdom of the sages,
Over which the whole world rages,
Leading on its followers—none know where! How much surer trust that in Christ we’ll heir
Life eternal in that land
Where is seen no fun’ral band,
Where with joy each glad heart raises
Through eternity his praises,
Than that we ourselves have life—how? and where? How much brighter is the hope soon to share
With our Saviour, Brother, Friend,
In a world that knows no end,
All the wonders of creation,
While we bow in adoration,
Than to pass from life away—none know where! O, how cheering is the thought, in the air
He’ll receive us home at last,
Trials, doubts, and fears all past;
Free from sin and made immortal,
We will enter heavenly portal,
Live with Jesus Christ for aye—we know where!