WHAT IS WEALTH?

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jan 19, 1869

WEALTH is something more than gold, More than luxury and ease; Treasures never to be told, May be found apart from these. Men who great possessions own, May be needy none the less; They are rich, and they alone, Who have stores of nobleness.

Palaces are dreary domes; Fair demesnes, but deserts wild; If there be not happy homes, Gentle thoughts, and manners mild. Trust me, though his lot be small, And he makes but slight pretense, He who lives in peace with all, Dwells in true magnificence.

If you'd prove of noble birth, Oh! beware of judgments rash; Scorn to measure human worth By the sordid rule of cash. Gold and silver may depart, Proudest dynasties may fall; HE WHO HAS THE TRUEST HEART IS THE RICHEST OF US ALL.

—Harper’s Weekly.