The Christian’s Pattern

I fixed my eyes on a man I knew–

He was strong, and upright, pure, and true;

The light of Christ shone on His face,

His words were tender, full of grace.

“Ah, here,” thought I, “is a righteous man;

After his life my own I will plan.”

So his Christian life became my creed;

But alas, though he loved his Lord indeed,

He, too, was human; to my dismay

I saw him stumble and fall one day,

And groping along in stunned despair

I lost my creed, my pattern there.

But I fixed my eyes on the Son of God

As I gained my footing and onward trod;

And though joys abounded or griefs assailed

He has stood the test, He has never failed.

Now I stumble not at the saints who fall,

For I follow Christ as my all in all.