1 Only a sunbeam, yet how it brightens
Some shady corner, bringing it cheer;
Only a kindness, O how it lightens
Some darkened pathway, lonely and drear.
Refrain:
Only a smile, only a word,
Only a kindness, rendered in love;
Jesus on high saw it and heard;
Wonderful blessing comes from above.
2 Only a flow’ret, modestly growing,
Giving its fragrance freely to all;
Only a greeting, pleasure bestowing,
Some grateful heart will sweetness recall. [Refrain]
3 Only a star, but steadily gleaming,
Guiding the sailor over the sea;
Only a life, with love ever beaming,
Leading the wand’rer, Saviour, to Thee. [Refrain]
Source: Worship and Service #166
Pseudonym: Lidie H. Edmunds.
Eliza Edmunds Hewitt was born in Philadelphia 28 June 1851. She was educated in the public schools and after graduation from high school became a teacher. However, she developed a spinal malady which cut short her career and made her a shut-in for many years. During her convalescence, she studied English literature. She felt a need to be useful to her church and began writing poems for the primary department. she went on to teach Sunday school, take an active part in the Philadelphia Elementary Union and become Superintendent of the primary department of Calvin Presbyterian Church.
Dianne Shapiro, from "The Singers and Their Songs: sketches of living gospel hymn writers" by Charles Hutchinson Gabriel (… Go to person page >
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