The Home Circle by E. G. Cheverton

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Jun 9, 1890

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 16, No. 22.

The Home Circle.

By E. G. Cheverton

LOVE IS LIGHT.

“AT EVENTIDE IT SHALL BE LIGHT.”

My little girl so brave by day Grows timid as the shadows fall— I cannot charm her fears away; My reasons have no force at all. She pleads, with all her childish might, That she may have a light.

I calm her fears, and stroke her hair; I tell her of the angels near— Of God, whose love is everywhere, And Christ, to whom each child is dear. She hears, but only clasps me tight, And begs me for a light.

But when I say it cannot be, And strive to make her understand Just why, she makes another plea— That I will stay and hold her hand. She whispers, as we kiss good-night, “That’s better than a light.”

And thus content, she falls asleep. My clasp grows closer on her hand— Musing, God doth his wisdom keep In childish lips. I understand That, in that other, darker night, ’Tis love that makes it light.

I, too, have shrunk in childish dread From that dumb darkness that doth creep And thicken round the dying bed, And, fearful, felt I could not sleep Without a light. I understand ’Tis light to hold Love’s hand. —E. G. Cheverton.