Two Views

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D. C. · Dec 15, 1904

“I’ve only one life here to live,” said a young man flippantly, and “I’m going to make the most of my time.” He was first in every pleasure; he visited every country in search of new delights, and at the age of forty had burned the candle of his life at both ends and drifted out into eternity. Having lived for self, he had few mourners, and ere the grass was green above his last resting-place, he was forgotten.

“I’ve only one life to live here,” said an earnest-faced young man, and his eyes looked out upon the world with all its needs, temptation, and suffering. “Only one life to live, so I must make the most of my time.” Up and down the earth he traveled. The friendless found in him a friend, the sorrowing ones a comforter. The weak and hopeless ones were cheered, the tempted were strengthened, and the degraded lifted up and encouraged to better living.

After fourscore years of kindly, useful deeds, he, one day, with a smile, closed his eyes upon this world’s scenes. His many friends came crowding round to take a last farewell. Through tearful eyes they looked, and saw God’s peace upon the quiet face; the same gentle smile rested upon the lips, and the willing, helpful hands were clasped across the quiet breast. How many loving words those lips had spoken! How many blessed deeds those hands had done!

And now, though many years have passed, his words and deeds are not forgotten, and over his grave fresh flowers bloom, planted by loving hands.

You and I have but one life to live here upon earth. What shall we make of it? The choice lies with us. Shall we live for self or for the Master? — Young People’s Weekly.