Dear reader,

This note comes only to say what the lines were meant to hold: a hope that we might be a people who think upon the narrow way, who choose it, and who love it. Scripture gives the reasons. The way is narrow, and few find it, yet it leads to life (Matthew 7:13–14). The righteousness that fits us for that way is not our own; it is the righteousness of God that comes through faith in Christ (Philippians 3:9; Romans 3:21–22), the very righteousness in which He clothes those who are His (2 Corinthians 5:21). We are called to set our minds on things above (Colossians 3:2) and to choose, as Israel was charged to choose, the path of life rather than the path of death (Deuteronomy 30:19). The words were shaped as a prayer more than a display. If they help turn the mind toward Him, they have done what they were written to do.

The Poet

May we be souls who set their thoughts upon

the narrow way our Savior chose to tread,

who love the path His righteousness has won,

and choose the road where selfish hopes lie dead.

Not wide and smooth, where careless crowds may go,

but strait and steep beneath His guiding light,

a way whose stones His faithful mercies know,

whose turns are kept by cross and boundless might.

We fix our minds on Him who is the gate,

and clothe our days in what His blood has bought;

we leave the ease of every open state

to follow where His wounded feet have taught.

So may we think, and choose, and love this way,

till narrow paths give place to endless day.

**To God be the glory always and only.