Rich in Faith by MRS. JAMES LAUSTEN

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Feb 4, 1915

Rich in Faith

By MRS. JAMES LAUSTEN

MRS. JAMES LAUSTEN

O LUCIFER! in vain thou wouldst ensnare, With such great promise as this world so fair, The One who left such wealth as none hath known, And chose to die. Naught else could e’er atone Thou knewest well, and ever was prepared To thwart God’s purpose, thou who even dared To think within thine heart such vain design To stand on equal terms with the Divine.

And thus I would thy subtle mind expose To simple ones who dream in sweet repose, Unwary ones who seek earth’s brightest flowers, Not knowing serpents nestle ’neath its bowers. Yon path is most alluring, but beware! It leads to disappointment and despair; Earth’s pleasures are the weapons that control The foolish ones who choose to lose their soul.

And many will for gain be led astray, Unmindful of the poor along the way,— Life’s day is far too short to covet gold, For nothing will endure outside God’s fold,— And others are ambitious for a name, To sit on lofty pinnacles of fame; Thus holy messengers are held at bay, And grieve to see such pride and vain display.

O, rather choose a life that only knows Such humble happiness as grace bestows! A peaceful home, a body rich in health, And quiet pleasures,—these are more than wealth, For what will mortal man exchange his soul In the contending race to reach the goal. O, haste to find a place at Jesus’ feet, And learn of joys eternal and complete!

Knox, Ind.