THE CHANGED CROSS

Seventh-day Adventist Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Feb 24, 1881

THE CHANGED CROSS.

It was a time of sadness; and my heart, Although it knew and loved the better part, Felt wearied with the conflict and the strife, And all the needful discipline of life.

And while I thought on these as given to me— My trial, tests of faith and love to be— It seemed as if I never could be sure That faithful to the end I should endure.

And thus no longer trusting to his might, Who says "we walk by faith and not by sight," Doubting, and almost yielding to despair, The thought arose, my cross I cannot bear.

Far heavier its weight must surely be Than those of others which I daily see; Oh! if I might another burden choose, Methinks I should not fear my crown to lose.

A solemn silence fell on all around— E'en nature uttered not a sound; The evening shadows seemed of peace to tell, And sleep upon my wearied spirit fell.

A moment's pause, and then a heavenly light Beamed full upon my wondering, raptured sight; Angels on silvery wings seemed everywhere, And angel's music thrilled the balmy air.

The One more fair than all the rest to see— One to whom all others bowed the knee— Came gently to me as I trembling lay, And, "Follow me," he said; "I am the way."

Then speaking thus, he led me far above; And there, beneath a canopy of love, Crosses of divers shape and size were seen, Larger and smaller than my own had been.

And one there was most beauteous to behold— A little one, with jewels set in gold. "Ah! this," methought, "I can with comfort wear, For it will be an easy one to bear."

And so the little cross I quickly took, But all at once my frame beneath it shook; The sparkling jewels—fair were they to see, But far too heavy was their weight for me.

"This may not be," I cried, and looked again, To see if any here could ease my pain; But one by one I passed them slowly by, Till on a lovely one I cast my eye.

Fair flowers around its sculptured form entwined, And grace and beauty seemed in it combined; Wondering, I gazed and still I wondered more To think so many should have passed it o'er.

But, oh! that form so beautiful to see, Soon made its hidden sorrows known to me. Thorns lay beneath those flowers and colors fair; Sorrowing I said, "This cross I may not bear."

And so it was with each and all around— Not one to suit my need there could be found; Weeping, I laid each heavy burden down, As my guide gently said, "No cross, no crown."

At length to him I raised my saddened heart; He knew its sorrow, bade its doubts depart. "Be not afraid," he said, "but trust in me; My perfect love shall now be shown to thee."

And then, with lightening eyes and willing feet, Again I turned, my earthly cross to meet; With forward footsteps, turning not aside, For fear some hidden evil might betide.

And there, in the prepared, appointed way— Listening to hear, and ready to obey— A cross I quickly found of plainest form, With only words of love inscribed thereon.

With thankfulness I raised it from the rest, And joyfully understood it the best, The only one of the many there That I could feel was good for me to bear.

And, while I thus my chosen one confessed, I saw a heavenly brightness on it rest; And as I bent, my burden to sustain, I recognized my own old cross again.

But oh! how different it seemed to be, Now I had learned its preciousness to see! No longer could I unbelieving say, "Perhaps another is a better way."

Ah, no! henceforth my own desire shall be, That he who knows me best should choose for me, And so, whate'er his love sees good to send, I'll trust it's best, because he knows the end.