The Home Circle | AdventAI

Seventh-day Adventist Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Jul 21, 1881

The Home Circle.

TWO CHRISTIANS.

Two Christians traveled down a road, Who viewed the world with different eyes; The one was pleased with earth's abode, The other, longing for the skies. For one, the heavens were so blue, They filled his mind with fancies fond; The other's eyes kept piercing through Only for that which lies beyond.

For one, enchanting were the trees, The distance was divinely dim, The birds that fluttered on the breeze Nodded their pretty heads for him. The other scarcely saw the flowers, And never knew the trees were grand; He did but count the days and hours, Till he might reach the promised land.

And one a little kind caress Would to a tender rapture move; He only oped his lips to bless The God who gave him things to love. The other journeyed on his way, Afraid to handle or to touch; He only oped his lips to pray He might not love a thing too much.

Which was the best? Decide who can; Yet why should we decide 'twixt them? We may approve the mournful man, Nor yet the joyful man condemn. He is a Christian who has found That earth, as well as heaven, is sweet, Nor less is he who, heaven-bound, Has spurned the earth beneath his feet.