I met the Master face to face

I had walked life’s way with an easy tread,

I’d followed where pleasures and comforts lead,

Until one day, in a quiet place,

I met the Master face to face.

With station and rank and wealth for my goal,

Much thought for my body but none for my soul,

I had entered to win in life’s big race,

When I met the Master face to face.

I had built my castles, reared them high,

Till their towers had pierced the blue of the sky;

I had sworn to rule with an iron mace

When I met my Master face to face.

I met him and knew him and blushed to see

That his eyes full of sorrow were fixed upon me.

I faltered and fell at his feet that day,

While my castles melted and vanished away;

Melted and vanished; and in their place

I saw naught else but my Master's face;

And 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 have lost my life to find it again,

E’er since that day in a quiet place

I met the Master face to face.

Author unknown