Echo and the Tower

"The Echo of Christ’s Law"

An echo sounds of Christ: “turn thou the cheek,”
Balance comes first—uphold the Lord’s command.
Be never first to strike, but patient stand,
Forgive, seek peace, show mercy to the weak. 

Stand first with law, exhaust the rightful way, 
The second, and the third—still hold thy ground. 
When all is done, and justice is not found, 
Then lift thine arm in strength if foes still stay. 

Prove thou thy soul by Christ’s pure spirit led, 
If violence persists though peace was tried,
Protect thy life, thy home, thy loved ones’ side, 
Secure the gifts for which thy fathers bled. 

Thus patience rules till God reveals His sign: 
Forgive three times; beyond, His law is thine. 

"The Vineyard and the Tower"

The Nobleman prepared a choice estate, 
Twelve olive trees were planted by His hand.
A hedge He ordered, watchtower to command,
That watchmen guard the vineyard from its fate. 

But servants murmured: “What need have we now? 
The labor’s great, the time is not yet near.” 
Their tower stood unbuilt, with hearts in fear, 
And foes crept in, destroying every bough. 

The Lord wept sore: “What more could I have done? 
My vineyard wasted through neglect of mine.” 
Yet still He calls His people to align, 
To gather strength until the work is won.

Zion shall rise when saints obey the call;
Build up the tower, and God will guard it all. 

Content based upon D&C 98-101

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