"My child," came my soul-answer, "It is for you; but there are hard roads still to travel, hard battles to fight and win, privations, disappointments, losses, much more. 'Can thine heart endure, or can thine hands be strong, in the days that I shall deal with thee?' Ezek. 22:14."
"Lord, thou knowest," I answered.
Then came a desire to write. I took up tablet and pencil, always ready to my hand on the little stand by my couch, and spent the rest of the night writing the verses that you will find in our next chapter.
CHAPTER XXVIII.
GOD'S BEST.
_Child, did I hear you say you want my best?
With nothing less—will you be satisfied?
You add you'll follow where I choose to lead,
Though all forsake, e'en to be crucified.
You ask you know not what … Well, let it be
As you desire … And now, a little test:
Your social standing I shall first require;
A humble place must bring to you—my best.
It hurts? … Of course it hurts—the snubs, the slights,
From those whose favor you delighted in,
When they were told you'd found "The Priceless Pearl"
And willingly renounced this world for Him.
The step you've taken, they pronounce insane!
Wilt go a little further on this road?…
Your reputation. How you shrink! Too much to pay?
Child, I do only take you, at your word._
_Beloved one, still more I now desire;
Your worldly comforts — e'en your home which you enjoy.
Can't part with them? Step out, my child, and try;
I promise you I'll substitute — my joy.