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.
by Barbara C. Ryberg