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The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · January 7, 1868

FromReview and Herald, Vol. XXXI, No. 4

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A RETROSPECT.

By M. M. Stowell

Another year is numbered with the past, And who can tell but it may be the last, That ere on them its parting ray will shed, Ere they are numbered with the silent dead.
Another year fraught with temptations sore Has passed away beyond this mortal shore, What record will it bear on pinions bright, For me, as now it takes its upward flight?
How have I borne the trials that were giv'n To purify, and make me fit for Heav'n? Have they been meekly borne, or have I felt That God has not in mercy with me dealt?
Another year! how quick its hours have flown! Another year of tender mercies shown, Mercies to us who so unfaithful prove, To Him who never chastens but in love.
Another year! nor yet probation ends. But still the invitation wide extends, To come to Christ, who shed his precious blood, To reconcile poor fallen man to God.
Another year which, in its onward roll, Has hurried thousands to their final goal. Has sowed destruction, both on sea and land, And brought distress to many a household band.
Many who were, one year ago to-night, Buoyant with hope and expectations bright, Have bid adieu to all they loved so well, And to the monster death have victims fell.
Perhaps before another year shall close, As many more in death will find repose, Some without peace in Christ, while some will be, Resting in hope of immortality.
Another year! and still my life is spared, How many blessings I this year have shared. Have I at any time unthankful been, Or have I in them all God's goodness seen?
O heavenly Father, give me grace to bear, The ills which I the coming year must share. Should I be spared its closing hours to see, More like my blessed Saviour may I be.
M. M. STOWELL.