The Ladder of Saint Augustine

A Poem by Pliny A. Wiley

In ancient Christian Carthage there was seen
A teacher loved, revered—St. Augustine.
His words of wisdom fell on listening ears.
They still come ringing o’er the changing years.

“The storm-tossed souls of men shall never rest
Until they rest in Thee; O, Heavenly Guest."
This rule he made, while still in early youth,
To help him to exemplify God’s truth.

His rule abides, it keeps his memory green,
‘Tis called the ladder of St. Augustine.
“I am,” “I know,” “I can,” “I ought,” “I will,"
His fivefold formula gives power still.

“I am,” I say, and to my being there is lent
A consciousness of mission heaven sent.
“I know,” I say, and to me comes the power
To choose for good or ill, as once in Eden’s bower.

“I can,” I say, co-worker I am sent
To work with God for human betterment.
“I ought,” I say, here conscience speaks her word,
Within my breast that monitor is heard.

“I will,” I say, and now I rise in pride
To live for Christ whatever may betide.
And thus my song of Augustine is sung,
E’en so he climbed faith’s ladder rung by rung.

In self-same manner we of present day
May scale this ladder on our heavenly way.