Cast thy bread upon the waters

September 10

Cast thy bread upon the waters,
Ye who have but scant supply;
Angel eyes will watch above it,-
You shall find it by and by!
He who in His righteous balance
Doth each human action weigh,
Will your sacrifice remember,
Will your loving deeds repay.

Cast thy bread upon the waters,
Poor and weary, worn with care;
Often sitting in the shadow,
Have you not a crumb to spare?
Can you not to those around you
Sing some little song of hope,
As you look with longing vision
Thro’ faith’s mighty telescope?

Cast thy bread upon the waters,
Ye who have abundant store;
It may float on many a billow,
It may strand on many a shore;
You may think it lost forever,
But, as sure as God is true,
In this life or in the other,
It will yet return to you.

Cast thy bread upon the waters,
Far and wide your treasure strew;
Scatter it with willing fingers,
Shout for joy to see it go!
For if you do closely keep it,
It will only drag you down;
If you love it more than Jesus,
It will keep you from your crown.

Cast thy bread upon the waters,
Waft it on with praying breath;
In some distant, doubtful moment
It may save a soul from death.
When you sleep in solemn silence,
‘Neath the morn and evening dew,
Stranger hands, which you have strengthened,
May strew lilies over you.
     Phoebe J. Hanaford