The Republican journal., 1883-05-17
At the Door.

who's this at the door of Heaven that knocks 2
Let me in. am orthodox
What have you done for God and man
IL word or deed since your life began:'
why do you ask about my deed:
I've always preached the good old creed,
Stood for Calvin with soul and strength.
Naunted DEGREES and He'll at length,
Shut the door of Heaven on all
Who did not follow the word of Paul.
Ceased not to fast and loudly pray.
Never smiled on the Sabbath day.
lis no hereto stands and knocks.
Let me in | am orthodox"
THE door YOU have shut on anv man
Will not open for you a span.
Orthodoxy is not its key.
Nor Paul nor Calvin its warderS be.
BY one who sinned and bitterly wept.
\ pardoned sinner this door is kept.
such alone can enter in.
Only such to the Master VIM.
''Who is this at the outer door,"
"One who was ready long before.
Many year has passed away
Since | entered the holy way.
Many year no sinful thought
Hath in my chastened spirit wrought.
Spotle>s and pure to the keenest eye.
Perfect in word and deed am T.
mot As man seeth the Maker sees.
The words that answer thy call are these:
If any man say he hath no sin,
That man lacketh Ny truth within.
Here can enter no liar nor lie:
Heaven is not thy destiny.
lis gate swings wide to the humble soul:
For thee it will never backward roll
''Who is this:' '.Oh. let me in.
Well have fought with earth and sin.
For heather tribes have worked and prayed
Hitler and thither have begged for aid;
Gathered crowds to hear me tell
OF the pagan nations bound for HE'LL
Journeyed all the country DER.
Scattered leaves of printed lore:
Loudly preached and feryently prayed.
surely my place in Heaven is made:"
Where were the sinners at your side.
When you were wandering far and wide:
What of the humble souls you knew.
Help and comfort asked from YOU:
Where is the friend your bitter tongue
Turned to alien with cruel wrong:
Where is the humble heart YOU grieyed.
That once in your faith and truth believed:
Well You did the greater thing.
Which man could see and Your p9an sing.
But the little loves and dues of life.
The healing word for the daily strife,
The cup of water, the gentle deed.
The ready hand for a neighbor> need
Where are they: Behold. He saith:
This j he who denies the faith.
lie who provides not for his own.
And turns to his nearest face of stone,
Worse than an inhdel is he
Scarce shall the portals part for thee
open the door, Come in must.
DO YOU shut Your gate upon the just:
Many 4 year have | professed
TO walk the way Of heavenly rest;
Sat al the table Of the Lort.
Told His story. and read His Word
"lpo not Your children shrink with fear
~ the snar from your sneering lips they hear:
here i the sweet and smiling wife,
no faded out from her tortured life:
no looks glad at Your welcome face:
l>your home the dwelling of Peace and Grace
You. who talk Of the better part
And sci Your foot Oh a quiNering heart.
Trample on hope, and love. and trust.
Iill dead they lie in the drifting dust.
Taking upon you His name in vain.
Selling its glory with direst stain.
Go to yoar place where he was laid
Who first hi> Master and Lord betrayed.'
"Hark. Whose summons is this hear:
scarce 1t reaches my listening ear.
Faint and low i the faltering call"
&c an ever come in at all:
| am sinner; but He came
Along the way and called my name
Men looked down and passed me by.
Women >corned me with naughty eve;
lie alone my misery heard.
Raised me up with a healing word.
heard it. hear it. DER and o'er;
Nor do condemn thee. 60, sin no more =
|. the oucaSt of the street.
Washed with my tears His weary feet,
Struggled back to tell His tale
To other souls who falter and fail.
To bring some help and comforting
10 the haplc>> children of my King
The dust that praises. the grass that grows
Along the highway where He goes
such an |. Oh. may it be
Through the door a.iar that His face | see"
Wide they turned without a sound,
And the silent glory >treamed around
"Pcnitent sinner! contrite heart.
Come. He gives thee the better part.
Work and faith and humble love
Fashion the soul for its home above.
Priest and Leyite pass by no more:
CHRIST hath opened for thee the door,
Rose Terry Cooke.