Things We Can Not Afford

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jan 4, 1912

Things We Can Not Afford

We can't afford to win the gain That means another's loss; We can't afford to miss the crown By stumbling at the cross. We can't afford the heedless jest That robs us of a friend; We can't afford the laugh that finds In bitter tears an end. We can't afford the feast to-day That brings to-morrow's fast; We can't afford the farce that comes To tragedy at last. We can't afford to play with fire, Or tempt a serpent's bite; We can't afford to think that sin Brings any true delight. We can't afford with serious heed To treat the cynic's sneer; We can't afford the wise men's words To turn a careless ear. We can't afford for hate to give Like hatred in return; We can't afford to feed a flame And make it fiercer burn. We can't afford to lose the soul For this world's fleeting breath; We can't afford to barter life In mad exchange for death. But blind to good are we apart From thee, all-seeing Lord; O, grant us light that we may know The things we can't afford!

— United Presbyterian.