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The Loss Is Gain

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Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Nov 19, 1914

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 91, No. 49.

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The Loss Is Gain

By HAROLD MAYER

HAROLD MAYER
He came unto the parting of the ways, Uncertain whether to go on or not; Ne’er seemed the world so bright with hope and cheer, Nor Fortune’s smiles so fair as on that day; While dark the path that duty bade him walk, Thorny and rough, and steep and dangerous. “Go not that way,” a smiling angel said; “That road leads but to darkness and despair.” Faith gently whispered, “Christian, follow on. The Master went that way. Some day you’ll know.”
His loved ones stopped him as he started on: “You are not leaving, son, your father’s house And friends, to go in that misguided way? Duty is here at home; the household gods Are all the creed that’s needed in this life. The world before you lies with prospects bright. Stay! Fools, fanatics, choose to go that way. You’re young and thoughtless; stop awhile and think.” A still, small voice: “I did far more for thee Than home and kindred; thou shouldst follow on.” “I’ll go,” he said, “if thou wilt walk with me, And I may see thy face and feel thine hand. The path is not too steep, the way too rough, The cross too heavy; I will follow on.” The Master only answered, “Follow me.”
The path grew rugged as he went along; Narrow and steep, and up a mountain led. Once glanced he at the near-by pleasant way, And saw the friend of youth he greatly loved Beckoning him to cross and take that road: “Come, let us walk together in this way, And share my honor and my hoards of gain.” The still, small voice in warning came to him: “I am thy Friend; walk thou along with me.”
The load grew heavier, harder still the way; His weary feet did ache for needed rest, His sad heart longed for human sympathy. A form stood in the path that well he knew: “Beloved, why hast thou wandered in this way? O, come with me! I’ll ease the aching feet, And bind the wounds, and rest the weary head.” As he reached forth her outstretched hand to take, The Saviour’s voice aroused him and he heard: “Beloved, mine is greater love. Go on.” Resigned, he said, “My Lord, I’ll follow thee, If I may see thy face and feel thine hand. The sacrifice is not too great to make.” The Master only answered, “Follow me.”
Now lighter grew his load, more smooth the way. There was a Presence walking by his side. He could discern Another’s kindly face, And clasped a hand that helped him gently on. O, it was worth it all — the price not great! “Why camest not before to smooth the way?” “Son, I’ve been walking all the way with thee; Thou sawest not, thine eyes were on this world. Here lay the burden down, there ends the way; Yon, thy reward. Thou seest the loss is gain.”
He looked, and saw his loved ones, and his friend, And her beloved that he had parted from: “Son, friend, and lover, we have waited here For thee, led by a Saviour’s matchless love!”