Untitled article by Mary M. Cook

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Third-day, August 6, 1867

ALL IS VANITY.

By Mary M. Cook

As I look back o’er the transitory scenes of life, I can but exclaim, What an empty bubble! Truly, “How vain are all things here below.” In thus looking over the past, I can see that I have had true happiness only in God. All my solid comfort has come from Heaven where the compassionate Saviour dwells. Often I’ve sought for earthly joys. I seemingly found them; but how soon they faded, and left a sting behind. Yes, I have found that my dearest friends, those I thought I could confide in, have sometimes proved untrue. But, happy thought! I learned that God was true. And again, how often I’ve taken the parting hand with those I loved most dearly. Fond recollection often wanders in search of them, but returns more lonely, having learned another lesson of the frailty of all earthly treasures. And I would speak of loved ones, from the honored parents to the little rose bud that we have laid beneath the silent clods of the valley. But ah! amid the storms of earth there is a calm, a heavenly serenity of mind that tells me I may have peace, though friends forsake, or dear ones be far away. Though all be vanity around, I know where I can safely place my fondest affection, and have it constantly and kindly returned. Oh! yes, how comforting the thought! Jesus loves me, even me, and bids me love him with all my heart. Oh! may I love him. Then I shall ever find it a pleasure to keep his holy commandments. The language of my heart is, Praise the Lord, O my soul. O praise his holy name.

“Oh! I have come to this late hour, Have seen my fondest hopes decay, There’s nothing real but heavenly power, Here’s bliss that ne’er can fade away. “By faith I see enduring joys, Spring up on earth from light above, Away life’s gilded forms and toys; I’ll rest in God; for God is love.”

MARY M. COOK. Kansas.