p. 10 | SUNSHINE by M. J. COTTRELL

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jun 18, 1867

SUNSHINE.

By M. J. COTTRELL

BRIGHT gleams of cheerful sunshine, As ye flash into my room, Do ye know that from my spirit, Ye drive heavy clouds of gloom? I love thee, beauteous sunshine, Every tiny trembling ray; And I will praise our Father, For thy light upon my way.

These words sprang from my heart when after several dreary, rainy days, the sun suddenly broke forth from the dark, threatening sky, sent a few bright beams into my room, and then as suddenly disappeared. Those bright rays, tiny and trembling though they were, and though so soon withdrawn, sent new life and courage to my heart. They seemed to say, These dark and dreary days are only caused by clouds. Beyond the clouds the sun is shining just as bright as ever. These clouds have not diminished his brightness; they only hide it for a time. Soon they will break away and disappear, and the sun again shine forth in all his former splendor, bathing the earth in a flood of warm, enlivening sunlight.

’Tis thus with your trials, when all is darkness and the light from Heaven has ceased to shine upon you, if you are earnestly trying to do all for the honor and glory of God. The darkness is only caused by clouds, which perchance the all-wise and loving Father sends to try your faith, love and endurance. Beyond the clouds the heavenly light is still shining. Cling to your faith and trust in the Great Source of light, and soon the clouds will disperse.

Thus, those trembling rays of sunlight lifted my thoughts away from earth, and spoke to me of Heaven. How many bright, sunny, days come and go, and we think not that the sunshine is a blessing. It is only an every day matter-of-course. But when the cloudy days come, one after another, until two, three, or four, have worn drearily away, how many faces look cloudy and gloomy also, and dreary voices say, How I do wish the sun would shine once more.

Yes, the sunshine is a blessing, And a priceless blessing too, But at times the clouds must lower, Though we would not have it so. But there is a land of sunshine Where no dreary clouds can come; Weary wanderer ’mid earth’s shadows, That is thy sweet rest and home, And though clouds have long hung o’er thee, They but hide the light from thee, Still ’tis shining on before thee, Some day through the clouds thou’lt see, Let us praise God for the sunshine, Praying that when dark days come, He will help to bow submissive, Help to say, Thy will be done. M. J. COTTRELL. Rochester, N. Y.