NEITHER is all wealth poor, nor all poverty rich. The widow who cast two mites into the treasury by so doing became rich, but had she kept them, she would have remained simply “a poor widow.” God then sat in the congregation of princes visibly; as Judge, still he sits invisibly; yet a little while, and again he will sit visibly. Now he sits as a refiner and purifier of silver; then he will acknowledge every gift he has purified and accepted. God will be no man’s debtor. Then will come to light, transfigured, every offering in righteousness—the gold, frankincense, myrrh, of wise men; the boats and nets of fishermen; the money of the exchangers; the loaves and small fishes of disciples, the ointment and alabaster box of loving women; houses, lands, a cup of cold water. All riches which have spread wings and flown away as eagles toward heaven shall then reappear as treasures in heaven. Beloved, yield thy time to God, for he
Will make eternity thy recompense;
Give all thy substance for his love, and
be
Beautified past earth’s experience.
— Christina Rossetti.