The Transformation by WILLIAM BRICKEY

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jul 9, 1914

The Transformation

By WILLIAM BRICKEY

WILLIAM BRICKEY

A certain man once dwelt with me; A proud, deceitful man was he. He bore my name, but now I see     It was the old man, Adam. I loved him as I loved my life, And often told my loving wife That she it was who caused the strife,     And not the old man, Adam.

He was rebellious from the start; Hatred and envy filled his heart, His tongue was like a fiery dart,—     That spiteful old man, Adam. Ensconced beneath my sheltering wing, His poison venom he would sling At every disconcerting thing,—     That wrathful old man, Adam.

To appetites and passions strong He bound me with a brazen thong, To serve his purpose, right or wrong,—     That lustful old man, Adam,— Until I cried with all my breath: “Who shall deliver me from death, And tame this spirit from beneath,     This sinful old man, Adam?”

At once a stronger Man came in, And overthrew this man of sin: And since that time my guest has been     Jesus, the second Adam. To sin this old man, Adam, died, And with him envy, hate, and pride; To me the world was crucified     With Christ, the second Adam.

Now, though I wander north or south, Though seasons change, by flood or drought,     He puts a new song in my mouth,     This blessed new man, Adam; He teaches peace, good will to men, The end of sin, the end of pain, When Christ the Lord returns to reign     As King,—the new man, Adam.

Kamiah, Idaho.