Compiled by Martin C. Mitchell

Designed by Bonnie Gaunt

"Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls."-Jer 6:16

Preface

In deciding on a name for our poem book of religious verse, it seemed appropriate to relate the poems to "The Way" titling it, POEMS OF THE WAY. The early followers of Jesus were thus known as of "The Way,"-both among themselves and by others.

This was previous too the time they were called Christians, which was later, after the founding of the church at Antioch, when they were first called Christians Acts 11:26

Brethren of THE WAY, must have enjoyed the name, relating as it does to Christ himself, for he who opened for them a "a new and living way" identified himself to Thomas as "The Way, the Truth, and the Life." Paul in his early life, seeking earnestly to obliterate this new religion that threatened the traditional ways of worship, is described as searching for "any belonging to The Way." Acts 9:2 RSV

But later, in the strength of his own conversion, we find Paul defending the new faith against those who were "speaking evil of The Way." Acts 19:9

RSV The turmoil existing between Paganism and Christ erupted in Ephesus as "no small stir about The Way." And so "The Way" which the early disciples found so personally satisfying was "The Way" which some labelled as heresy. Acts 24:14

In the persecutions and trials that followed, one of the Judges at least was deferential to their cause, since, as it was recorded in Acts 24:22, "Felix had a more perfect knowledge of "THE WAY."

The selected name, "The Way," was appropriate indeed. The Christian course was a radically different "way" than that which had gone before. Thus it was an often misunderstood "way."

The solace and comfort of those who trod "The Way" come from constant communion with each other, from the deep conviction that they were indeed right, and from a thorough acquaintance with the Scriptures. They comforted each other with Psalms, Hymns, and Spiritual Songs.

And as it is to the modern "Brethren of the Way," that this book, POEMS OF THE WAY, is dedicated. It has been compiled with the fervent hope that the thoughts herein, clothed in the beautiful and forceful language of poetry, may cheer the hearts of those who would follow Christ now.

The design and color of our text has been especially selected so as to enhance the beauty of the poetic word-the better to lift the hearts and minds of those burdened by difficulties of "The Way."

IN that poem books are seldom read consecutively, it has been suggested that a mark against each poem as read would show when all had been read. And so, we send this book with the prayer that it may be of real value in cheering and making lighter the burden of "The Way."

With grateful acknowledgement to Gilbert Rice for his typesetting, to Bonnie Gaunt for her art work, and to Jim Zbik for his help with photography; we send forth these poems to "The Brethren of the Way," and all who may enjoy them.

Martin C. Mitchell