Note from a workbook belonging to Johan O. Smith

1.
A way has through this world been made,
But naught with it doth share.
No worldly grandeur is displayed
For pilgrims traveling there.

2.
This way consists of holiness.
With laws of God it’s made.
And love divine—it’s paved with this;
With Ophir’s gold inlaid.

3.
All wisdom doth this way contain.
It’s valorous and strong,
And yet it doth in debt remain
To those who for it long.

4.
The learned of this world—they, too,
From this way insight get—
So they, for folk and land, can do
What is of benefit.

5.
This way goes straight through trials here—
Advancing, come what may.
This way is made by Jesus, dear—
He who is called “The Way.”

6.
Through time here, since those days of yore,
Have many found the way;
While in this world reproach they bore
As Christ did in His day.

7.
And you who read these lines, will you
Now for this way decide?
When all that’s of yourself falls through,
Then God each step will guide.

8.
The cowards ne’er have found the way—
Just pampered flesh instead.
They only thought—of truth I say—
’Bout clothes and wine and bread.

9.
They’ve gone astray and turned aside,
With unfulfilled desire.
They’ve searched about, unsatisfied.
They ended in the mire.

10.
Be set apart; the pathway go
That’s opened. There abide.
Abundant life you then will know—
Your yearnings, satisfied.

August 4, 1906