The Narrow Way

The Narrow Way
by James Y. Heckler

How many a path that leads astray,
Aside the one which Jesus trod,
Deceives the traveler on his way,
And leads him far away from God.

The narrow path which Jesus trod,
For followers of the Nazarene,
Is wide enough: it leads to God,
And in his word is clearly seen.

The prophet saw this narrow path,
This only way of holiness:
He viewed it with an eye of faith,
As leading through the wilderness.

The path no eagle's eye hath seen,
Is still clear as 'twas of old;
No lion's whelp can walk therein,
And none its pavement can behold.

How many traveler in this vale,
Beholds a path to suit his mind;
A way that leads him down to hell,
To which by nature he's inclined.

How few perceive the narrow way,
Or know the peace therein to find;
But choosing, rather go astray,
To suit the purpose of their mind.

How few compared with all mankind,
Are walking in this narrow path:
The meek and lowly of one mind,
One practice and one faith.