Meeting the Master --

I found these words on a piece of paper, now yellowed with age, that my Mother had written down many years ago.  They still speak to my heart today --

     "I had walked life's path with an easy tread,
And had followed where comfort and pleasures led.
      And then, by chance, in a quiet place--
I met the Master, face to face!

      With station, and rank, and wealth for my goal--
Much thought for the body -- but none for the soul.
      I had entered to win in life's mad race--
When I met the Master, face to face!

      I had built my castles and reared them high,
Until the towers had reached the blue of the sky.
      I had sworn to rule with iron mace,
When I met the Master, face to face!

      I met Him, and knew Him, and blushed to see
That His eyes, full of pity, were fixed on me.
      I faltered, and fell at His feet that day --
My castles all melted and vanished away,
      And in their place, I saw nothing else but my Master's face.
I cried aloud --'Oh, make me meet to follow the marks of Thy wounded feet!

      My thought is now for the souls of men --
I had lost my life to find it again,
      Since alone, in that hallowed place,
My Master and I stood face to face!"

And because I met the Master, and belong to Him, I have the blessed hope that one day --

                              "Face to face I shall behold Him,
                                       Far beyond the starry sky.
                               Face to face in all His glory,
                                       I shall see Him by and by!"