p. 9 | Help the Living by ELIZABETH ROSSER

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jul 3, 1913

Help the Living

By ELIZABETH ROSSER

ELIZABETH ROSSER

LET us bring our precious boxes E’er our loved ones pass away; Let us fill their lives with odors While it still is called Today; Soon, ah! soon, the grave will open And embrace them in its arms; Then, too late, will we remember Their sweet graces and their charms. Then, too late, we’ll break our boxes And the precious ointment pour On the head and feet of loved ones Who will hear our words no more; Then, too late, we’ll chant the praises Which their dead ears cannot fill; Let us break our precious boxes While we have them with us still.

There are souls in deadly conflict With an unrelenting foe; There are hearts bowed down in sorrow Which those hearts alone can know; Now, while they are in the battle, Is the time for us to cheer; Now, while they are deep in sorrow, Shed with them the mourner’s tear. Soon their battles will be over, Whether they be lost or won; ’Tis for us to help them upward E’er the setting of the sun. Soon, ah! soon, will come the summons And our loved ones slip away; Let us bring our precious ointment While it still is called Today.