MY CREED by Alice Cary

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Dec 11, 1893

MY CREED.

By Alice Cary

I hold that Christian grace abounds Where charity is seen; that when We climb to heaven, 'tis on the rounds Of love to men.

I hold all else, named charity, A selfish scheme, a vain pretense. Where center is not can there be Circumference?

This I moreover hold and dare Affirm where'er my rhyme may go, Whatever things be sweet or fair, Love makes them so,

Whether it be the lullabies That charm to rest the nursling bird, Or that sweet confidence of sighs And blushes, without a word,

Whether the dazzling and the flush Of softly sumptuous garden bowers, Or by some cabin door a bush Of ragged flowers.

'Tis not the wide phylactery, Not stubborn fasts, nor stated prayers, That make us saints; we judge the tree By what it bears.

And when a man can live apart From work on theologic trust, I know the blood about his heart Is dry as dust. —Alice Cary.